Tag Archives: eco-friendly tips

10 Ways to Start Living Zero Waste

by BrigittWhitting Posted on November 15, 2016

The Zero Waste lifestyle has a reputation for being staunchly minimalisticno exceptions. People hear the word “zero” and instantly react with all sorts of questions, wondering how in the world my husband andIcan possibly operate in themodern world without creating trash.

Going Zero Waste sounds incredibly complicated. In fact, when I first came across the movement, I was very skeptical. “These people must be doing this for attention,” I thought. “There’s just no way this is possible. Do they live self-sustained in a cabin in the woods? Do they ever go shopping?!”

So, I decided to try it.

Truth is, Zero Waste is not nearly as complex as it seems from the outside. I’ve been sincerely amazed by the impact a few simple changes (such as making my own chicken stock, or shopping secondhand) has had on the amount of garbage my household produces. We haven’t yet reached “zero,” but I am confident in what we have accomplished thus far.

The Zero Waste lifestyle has a way of “lightening your load” in innumerable ways. It’s more than justthe liftingof that landfill guilt off ourshoulders; going Zero Waste is making us healthier, happier, more fulfilled people because it is shifting our mindset from selfishness to a holistic, community way of thinking.

Since we stopped using processed, packaged, plastic-y, toxic products in our home, we both get sick far less than we used to, I spend way less time picking up the clutter in our house and I cookbetter meals that are seasonal to where we live. We contribute to the “circle of life” by composting, and we spend more quality time with friends. It’s really true!

I am a believer that we don’t all need to go full-on Zero Waste to solve our environmental problems. But can you imagine what could happen if we and our families made the intentional decision to reduce our waste? What about our friends? Our friends’ friends?

Toxic, poorly made single-use plastics (SUPs) would no longer benecessary to us. We could do away with all sorts of product packaging all together. We could use all the money we save on disposables to invest in better, more sustainable materials. We could strengthen local business and local agriculture and become more in touch with the Earth and its seasons. We could significantly reduce the number of people fighting cancers caused by chemical toxins, clean up our cities from garbage and debris, and cultivate endless creativity in our lives.

I’m all for that.

Lesseningyour environmental impact and finding better ways to live lightly on the Earth is trulyas simple as changing your habitsopting for solutions to your daily challengesthat are sustainable and healthful, rather than purely convenient and ultimately damaging.

Ready to get started making a difference? Start with these ten tips! I promise you, this is doable:

1) Start bringing cloth bags to the grocery store.

You’ll never have to answer that pesky “Paper or plastic?” question again. To eliminate all possibility of forgetting your totes, keep one in each of your family vehicles and one at the front door. Make sure you do this several times in a row and before you know it you’ll have established a new, wonderful habit!

2) Go paperless in the kitchen.

Paper towels serve no real purpose once you’ve replaced them with reusable cleaning cloths. In fact, I think cloths work much better to clean surfaces. Keep a drawer or basket in your kitchen nice and full of freshly laundered rags, preferably in a dark color to hide stains. We choose to keep a small laundry basket in our kitchen to collect dirty rags before they make their way to the laundry. It’s very easy to do!

3) Start usinga reusable travel mug and water bottle.

I am a big fan of bringing a beautiful, unique travel mug to coffee shops, rather than accepting single use waxed paper cups. Most places will even give you a discount if you bring your own cup for your beverage! I personally choose to keep a ceramic one in my car so that I never forget it. Bonus: These will keep your drink warmer for longer!

4) Get an under-the-sink food waste container and compost.

Food waste is one of America’s greatest faults. Huge amounts of scraps, expired foods and other extras end up in landfills when they could have been used to make delicious soups or to feed our local poor and needy people. Search out recipes that make use of leftovers and scraps (think a breakfast hash made from dinner extras, or a vegetable broth simmered from carrot shavings) and compost anything that serves no future purpose. Keep a small or medium-sized container with a tight-fitting lid underneath your sink to collect these genuine extras and compost in the backyard (if you’re allowed insidecity limits) or keep a worm bin in the kitchen or garage.

5) Get aggressive with junk mail.

Just say NO. Grab a cup of coffee and your phone and hunker down on the couch to call as many contributors to the junk mail problem as you can. If you’re happy with your cable provider but you keep getting promotions, get rid of them. If you never use coupons but they just keep getting printed, get rid of them. Never use the phone book? Cancel it. The tail end of what’s left of your junk mail can usually be recycled. You can start to cancel them here: DMAchoice, Opt Out Prescreen, and Catalog Choice.

6) Start making some of your own toiletries.

Making your own toothpaste or deodorant might sound ridiculous, but it’s actually a pretty great way to reduce your garbagein the bathroom! For this recipe, all you need is a little coconut oil, baking soda and some peppermint essential oil to form a paste. It’s that simple. I can vouch for this recipe: my teeth have never been whiter and my dentist hasn’t found a single issue!

7) Refuse single-use plastics (SUPs).

Whether you’re out to eat or at a barbecue, stop accepting the use of SUPs like plastic utensils, straws, snack baggies, or garbage bags. There is always an alternative! Keep a set of real or bamboo silverware in your purse or vehicle, wrap your snacks in reusable cloth sacks or tea towels and use leftover newspaper to line your small garbage bins.

8) Start grocery shopping in bulk stores.

Shopping out of bulk bins cuts out a great deal of waste from food packaging. Rather than buying a new unrecyclable bagof kidney beansevery week, fill a large pantry jar with beansstraight from a bulk bin and refill when you’re finished with it. No waste!

9) Simplify your cleaning products.

You’d be amazed what you can accomplish in your home with white distilled vinegar, baking soda and a little bulk castilesoap. There is truly no need for any sort of chemical cleaning product! Stock your pantry with these ingredients and you’ll never need to purchase surface cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, window washing fluid, dish soap, face wash or bleach again.

10) Replace plastics with long-lasting or compostable alternatives.

We are lucky to live in a time in which more and more sustainable alternatives to plastic products are arising. Bamboo and hemp are just a couple of examples that have made this possible! Stop purchasing plastic cleaning utensils and toothbrushes and look for compostable alternatives instead. Great places to do this are with your: dish scrubber, sponges, toilet bowl brush, toothbrush, loofahs, vegetable scrubbers, etc.

How do you think you can reduce your environmental impact by starting some Zero Waste habits? Let us know in the comments!

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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10 Ways to Start Living Zero Waste

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How to Build a Pull-Out Trash, Recycling and Compost System

by RitaLima7772 Posted on November 10, 2016

The dilemma of how to deal with three separate avenues for trashrecyclables, compost and everything elsehas vexed me for nearly two years now, ever since we moved in to our new home, which had no built-in system. Then last month we found the perfect solutionone that wouldnt cost us several hundred dollars. We built our own pull-out trash, compost and recycling system under our sink.

This system has completely transformed my kitchen. Not only is it now cleaner, less cluttered and easier to work in, but the system has helped my family compost and recycle more and throw away less.

The inspiration

I had always looked at other peoples ingenious hidden trash systems with envy. Being able to hide the trash away, plus having everything in easy access from the prep/cleaning area seemed like a perfect solution. No more carrying dripping items from the sink across the kitchen to the bin, or sorting trash from compost treasure over the bin, then traipsing back to the sink to deposit in my countertop compost bin.

However, when I investigated buying a purpose built system to install, I balked at the price tag: anywhere from $200 to $800 depending on the type of containers and hardware you used. But I was determined, so I cleared out the area under our sink and assessed how much room we had to create a DIY solution for our needs.

Once we sat down to really think about how to do this, and after researching the more expensive options and how they worked, my husband determined he could build a small drawer in the cupboard to fit the trash can and compost bin, then attach it to the cabinet door so that when we opened the cupboard the drawer with the trash cans in it would pull out too. Simple, inexpensive and truly useful!

Heres how we built our under-the-sink trash/compost/recycling station for under $100.

Supplies

One 4 x 2 x 4 pine plank
One 61 x 6 pine common board
Small pine shelving panel
2 shelf brackets
Soft-close drawer slide
7-gallon trash can
Enviro Handy Bin
Small over the door container

Tools

Kreg jig
Drill
Paint brush
Miter saw (but any saw will do)

Our under-sink area before we built the system

First, we cleared out all the under the sink clutter that had accumulated. A lot of people might think they cant possibly put a trash can under the sink because they have so much stuff under there already. But have a good look through it and ask yourself, how handy does this stuff really need to be? What you use every day will probably fit in a small container that can tuck away at the back and be easily accessible when you pull out the recycle bin. What you dont use regularly can go in an out-of-the-way cabinet, like the one over the fridge.

Because of our garbage disposal, there wasnt enough room to have two pull-out systems as I had originally hoped. So instead, we decided to do a pull-out drawer for trash and compost on one side and put a sturdy container for the recycling in the other spot. After a lot of research and measuring, I found this awesome Enviro Handy Bin. Its lightweight and the perfect size. Plus, the handles make it easy to take out and empty.

Next we cut our pine plank to size and, using pocket holes created with a Kreg jig, 2.5-inch screws and a drill, attached it to the inside of the cabinet to give us supports for the drawer slides. Then we cleaned up the area with a coat of semi-gloss interior paint.

We then measured the distance between our new side supports and used that for the width of the drawer we needed to build to hold the trash can. We used the length of the side supports, minus a few inches due to the plumbing, for the depth of the drawer.

The next step was to build a three-sided drawer (the cabinet door being the fourth side), using 1 in. x 6 in. pine for the sides and back and a pine shelf for the bottom. We joined it together with pocket holes and 1.25-inch screws.

Next, we attached the drawer to the cabinet door, again with pocket holes and 1.25-inch screws. We also attached two shelf brackets for added support for the door, so there was no danger of the cabinet toppling over.

Finally, we took the soft-close drawer assembly and attached the inside drawer slides to the side of our drawer using a drill and screws. The outside rail went into the cabinet. It is crucial to triple-check your measurements and use a level when installing the drawer assembly, as the slightest variation will cause your drawer to bind.

Then all we needed to do was pop the drawer with attached cabinet door into the drawer slide. A little paint touch-up where the original cabinet hardware was, and the bones of the project was complete.

Next we popped in a seven-gallon trash can and hung a small container with a compost bin liner inserted in it on the inside of the cabinet door for our compost. (We dont need a large compost bin, as we have chickens and most of our food scraps go to them.) The Enviro Bin went on the left-hand side for the recycling, and we had a complete under-the-sink system.

Having all three trash avenues in close proximity to one another and, most crucially the sink, has made us much more efficient at trash disposal. Its easy to give recyclables a quick wash before going in the bin, and having the trash and compost bin right next to each other makes it a snap to separate the good from the bad. As a reminder for the family, Ive also put a sign explaining what cant go into the recycle and compost bins on the inside of the cabinet door.

So far it has worked wonderfully, and while we do have to take out the trash a little more frequently than we did when we had a 20-gallon bin in the middle of the kitchen, its not as often as Id thought. The convenience of the system means far less ends up in the bin destined for the landfill!

Written by Jennifer Tuohy

Jennifer Tuohy is an avid recycler and an energy efficiency advocate who lives in Charleston, S.C. Jennifer writes on all her home projects for The Home Depot. To review storage bins which could be utilized in your own home recycling system, you can visitHome Depot.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Tuohy

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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The Most Environmentally Friendly Ways to Dispose of Dog Poo

by UCNMatthia Posted on September 24, 2016

If youre a dog parent, you know that cleaning up after your pup is a must. The big question, though, is how to dispose of your dogs poop. At first, it might sound like a no-brainer. Since poop is completely natural and biodegradable, you probably assume that throwing it in the garbage (usually wrapped in a biodegradable doggie bag) is no big deal. Unfortunately, thats not actually the case. Read on to discover why this tactic isnt great for the environment, and what you should do instead.

The Problem with Biodegrading

The truth is, even completely compostable items do not biodegrade when they are placed in landfills, as theres no oxygen present to kickstart the process. So, neither your dogs droppings nor the biodegradable doggie bag are going to break down completely if theyre relegated to the garbage.

Another issuewhen poop breaks down (if it gets the chance to do so at all), it releases methane gas. This is precisely why (well, one reason why) factory farms are such a huge burden for the environment.

What About Flushing?

The EPA, on the other hand, recommends flushing your dogs poo down the toilet. However, this comes with some pretty big problems, too. Water isnt exactly an expendable resource, and with water waste being a huge problem, most of us dont want to waste the 1.6 gallons of water we use every time we flush the toilet.

Additionally, many states here in the U.S. (especially California) are currently in a state of drought. Water conservation is an important practice, and flushing the toilet every time your dog poops is hardly environmentally friendly.

What You Should Do Instead

If you have a small dog and can conceptually use the toilet to dispose of his or her droppings, Grist recommends doing to in one swoop. Wait until youve used the toilet yourself, close the lid, head out to the yard to gather some waste, and flush it all together (provided there isnt way too much stuff in the toilet!).

Another option is to set up a pet waste digester. The Bark recommends punching holes in an old garbage can, cutting off the bottom and positioning it in your yard away from areas where you generally spend time (so as to eliminate the presence of unpleasant smells). Add a septic starter and a little water to the concoction, and throw doggie do in as needed. The holes poked into the bin will allow oxygen to degrade the matter, and eventually, itll provide a nice layer of compost for the yard area around it. Just make sure not to use this compost in your veggie garden!

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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The Most Environmentally Friendly Ways to Dispose of Dog Poo

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3 Easy DIY Repairs for Broken Zippers

by AdalberMartinov Posted on August 27, 2016

You go to pull up the zipper andoh dear. The slider part is attached to only one side; or you think you’ve zipped but then the thing unzips from the bottom. Or even worse, the whole zipper slider slides off entirely. What to do? I have always relied on the fidget-and-force-until-frustration-sets-in method and then tried fixing things with safety pins and generally end up shelving the garment until I am ready to frustrate myself again or take it to the tailors. How shortsighted I have been! I fancy myself as Lady MacGyver, I relish in fixing things, but somehow I have let zippers slide. Or not slide, as the case may be.

But then I met the zipper whisperer. Well actually I didn’t really meet him and as far as I know I’m the only one who has called him the zipper whisperer, but I stumbled into the YouTube channel for zipper manufacturersUCAN Zippersand I’m a changed woman. Said zipper whisperer, Hyrum Mai, is one of the two brothers who run this LA-based zipper emporium and in the video series “Everyone Loves Zippers” he showshow to repair everythingfrom a broken sweater zipper to a malfunctioning cosmetic bag zipper. The following are three of the most common problems (and the ones that this now-zipper-master can tackle).

1. A zipper that doesn’t close correctly

You pull the zipper up, and it splits open from the bottom. Over and over. Embarrassing.

2. A zipper with a slider that has come off

When you zip up and the sliding mechanism and tab zip right on off! This may seem unfixable, but nope.

3. A zipper with the slider on one side

With enough jimmying you might be able to kind of imperfectly repair this, but the faux fix is generally temporary and can lead to a repetitive case of XYZ.

Written by Melissa Breyer. Reposted with permission from TreeHugger.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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3 Easy DIY Repairs for Broken Zippers

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5 Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Feel More Spacious

by DanutaSievwrigh Posted on August 16, 2016

How to make a tiny kitchen look huge was the original idea for this post. Why did we reject it? Simple. Theres already a ton of articles on how to change your kitchens appearance cluttering up the blogosphere. Tile the floor diagonally, install open shelves, put up lots of mirrors, and yada yada yada.

Well I dont know about you, people, but I spend a heck of a lot less timelookingat my kitchen than I do actuallyworkingin it. (Thats not to mention dodging my son and my Jack Russell rescue as I scurry around my cozy 75-square foot space.) Its about time for some new tips on how to make your minuscule kitchenfeelmore spacious, practical and comfortable.

Work with your kitchen traffic patterns

Yes, its an inevitable fact of life. Someone near and dear to you will be seized by an uncontrollable urge to grab a drink or a snack from the fridge just when youre frantically putting a few final touches on the piece de resistance for tonights dinner party. Dont sweat it. One very helpful DIY hack to help you cope with your households traffic flow:reverse your refrigerator door, so that it no longer opens right into the middle of your limited work area.

Maximize cabinets

Get rid of kitchen clutter and keep your essentials close at hand so that you can work effectively. Extend your storage all the way to the ceiling withcustom cabinetryor your own DIY containers. If your kitchen is truly microscopic, make sure that youll have enough room to open a ladder or stepstool when you need to access this area. In the corner spot, install a lazy Susan or even better! pull-out shelving or drawers, for easier access and cleaning. Use those skinny slices of space next to the refrigerator and under your base cabinets; install a sliding storage tower and toe-kick drawers, respectively. Save an inch or two more of precious kitchen real estate with integrated drawer pulls.

Go vertical

Dont overlook the square footage available on your walls. Hang up a magnetic strip to mount a prized set ofchefs knives well above floor level; this will keep them safely out of reach of small children, yet close enough for your own convenience while youre busy taking care of kitchen tasks. In a similar vein, make use of utensil hooks and perhaps a case for storing wine. And why not cast a vote in favor of bringing back the oh-so-handy-but-no-longer-trendy pot rack?

Choose efficient furnishings

Any furniture that you absolutely must squeeze into your kitchens petite footprint should be scaled down and simple to stow away when its not needed. The perfect example is your seating folding chairs and stacking stools rule! In place of a kitchen island, try the flexible solution of a fold-down table or shelf, or a butcher block-topped cart on wheels.

Ventilate

A small kitchen can turn into an awfully stuffy, unpleasantly humid and generally claustrophobia-inducing place to beunless its well ventilated. If you do a fair amount of cooking, dont forego a range hood in order to save space; however, do opt for a slim line, low-profile style. In addition, you might consider installing a ceiling-mounted electric fan. This is an energy-smart way to improve air circulation and supplement (or replace) your air conditioning. To clean and cool the atmosphere in your kitchen, grow half a dozengreen plantsin hanging pots.

By Laura Firszt,Networx.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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5 Ways to Make a Small Kitchen Feel More Spacious

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How to Prep Your Dog for Camping

by Mellisa28Y Posted on August 11, 2016

Is it a good idea to take your dog camping?

On the plus side, when you take your dog along on a camping trip, you don’t have to board her in a kennel or leave her alone with just an occasional dog sitter dropping by. She may really enjoy the outdoors, so the trip could be a lot of fun for her. And dogs are pretty good for security, so especially if you’re going by yourself, a dog could make it a lot safer for you.

On the other hand, not all kinds of camping trips are good for dogs. If you’re planning on backpacking over very steep terrain that might involve some technical rock climbing, leave your dog home. The same goes for camping in harsh cold conditions where you might be able to dress for the weather, but your dog can’t. Winter camping in snow and maybe ice might sound like fun to you, but your dog probably won’t love it.

If your trip does seem like it’s safe for your pet, here are several other issues to take into consideration:

Rabies

Make sure your dog’s rabies shots are up to date. You could encounter rabid foxes, raccoons, squirrelsor other animals.

Ticks and Heartworm

Many dogs have gotten Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick. If your dog is likely to be crashing around through woods, chances are she’ll encounter these nasty insects. Lyme disease can be as debilitating for dogs as it is for people, so please make sure that your pet’s flea and tick treatments are up-to-date. Comb outyour dog’s fur regularlywith a flea comb while on your trip. Make sure your dog’s heartworm treatments are also up to date.

Water

Take an unbreakable water bowl for your dog and give her water regularly so she won’t be tempted to drink standing water. When you calculate how much water you’ll need overall for your trip, include what your dog will need and remember, the hotter it is outside, the more H2O you’ll both need. When you filter water for yourself, filter some for your dog, too.

Food and Treats

You might be able to eat reconstituted, freeze-dried food, but not your dog. Your dog needs to stick to her regular diet, so pack inthe same amount of food she’d consume at home. Don’t be tempted to give your dog a piece of a s’more; a chocolate marshmallow sandwich is guaranteed to make your dog sick. If you cook meat or fish over a campfire, your dog could probably eat some morsels, as long as there are no fine fish bones. But otherwise, be good to your dog and feed her regular dog food. Keep treats handy in your pocket or in a reusable bag so you can reward your dog when she comes when she is called or obeys other commands.

Microchip

If your dog isn’t already microchipped, consider getting a chip implanted under her skin. Dogs can get lost in the wilderness just like people can; the microchip contains your contact information, which a veterinarian or animal control agency can use to contact you when they find your pooch.

Collar and Leash

Make sure your dog’s collar is secure and the tags with contact info and the dates of the last rabies vaccination are attached. Always have a leash with you in the event you need to restrain your dog.

Raincoat or Vest

Pack lightweight protection against rain or snow to keep your dog warm and as dry as possible if the weather turns foul.

Pador mat

If possible, have your pet sleep inside your tent with you. Bring a mat or pad for the dog to lie on, especially if the ground is cold.

Spade

Your dog will pee along the trail, and that’s fine. When she poops, if it is unrealistic for you to pick up the poop in a plastic bag and dispose of it at a later point, dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and bury it. The same goes for your feces. Here’s exactly what you should do.

Related:

What Camping Gear Can You Buy Used, and What Needs to be New?
10 Tips to Keep You Safe from Bears When You Go Camping this Summer

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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How to Prep Your Dog for Camping

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What Camping Gear Can You Buy Used, and What Needs to Be New?

by QuintonZhp Posted on August 1, 2016

Camping can be expensive — especially camping comfortably. What can you buy used to save a little money and keep stuff out of the landfill? What should you absolutely buy new? Here’s a rundown of gear that falls into each category.

Buy These Used

Cookware – Pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups and eating utensils all make sense to buy used, as long as they’re not charred or so beat-up that they won’t cook evenly. Cast iron is especially good to buy used, because it lasts forever (and it’s much cheaper used). If you find an old and rusty cast iron, you can bring it back to life with these instructions.
Cookstove – As long as the used cookstove works and operates safely, it’s fine to buy used. If you’re not backpacking and need something like a Coleman stove, you can get a used one inexpensively. It’s not too difficult to repair if needed, either.
Backpack – Backpacks can be expensive, and buying a used one could save you a lot of money. However, a backpack really needs to fit your own back, so don’t buy a used pack without trying it on first. Also, examine zippers, the frame, and the belt if there is one. If the zipper is rusted or the pull doesn’t work, you should probably skip it. Repairing a broken zipper can be expensive in and of itself. If the frame is bent, the pack won’t fit you properly, so pass on that as well.
Flashlights, Tables, Stools – As long as this equipment is in good working order, buy it used and save some money!

Buy These New

Sleeping bag – Most folks might feel comfortable buying a used sleeping bag. But I have friends who did that right before a big trek, only to discover when it was too late that the bag was full of bed bugs. I prefer to buy a new bag if I need one, even if it’s expensive.
Jacket and Hats– I prefer to buy a new jacket and hats rather than used primarily for hygiene reasons. If I need a new jacket and don’t have the money for full price, I shop at outlet stores or wait until end-of-season sales.
Water Bottle – This might be a personal preference, but I prefer a new water bottle over a used one.They’re generally inexpensive new, but if you want to buy used one,make sure to thoroughly clean it first.

Possibly BuyThese Used

Tent – If you’re considering buying a used tent, check to make sure it has no holes, has a rainfly, and has all the stakes, ties, and other pieces it needs to provide adequate protection against the elements. The reason I put it in the “possible” column is because tents can get very mildewy if they’re not dried out properly in between uses. Before you buy a used tent, give it the sniff test. If you pick up a whiff of mildew, don’t buy it. Once mildew gets into a tent, it’s very hard if not impossible to get it out.
Camelbak – A Camelbak is a backpack that contains a “reservoir” with a long straw so that it’s easy to drink water as you hike or bike. It’s fine to buy the backpack used. But the reservoirs can get mildewed if they’re not kept clean. If you come across a used Camelbak you like, still replace the reservoir.

To find used gear, check out Craigslist, eBay or any of these online used equipment sites recommended by GearGuy.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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What Camping Gear Can You Buy Used, and What Needs to Be New?

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New Documentary Gives the Facts About Climate Change but Few Solutions

by BonitaDeloach Posted on July 10, 2016

Is it too late to stopclimate change? Almost.

Polar ice caps are melting. The Amazon is being clear cut. Wildlifefrom orangutans to migrating birds are losing their habitat and suffering under the ability to evolve quickly enough to tolerate the hothouse their world has become.

“By the end of this century we could trigger runaway climate change that is … beyond our control,” says Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist and the former Secretary of Energy for the Obama Administration, in the new documentary “Time to Choose.”

Why are we in this predicament? And really, are there any choices we can make at this point to save the planet?

The chief causes of this calamity, narrates actor Oscar Isaac in the film, have to do with what we use for energy, where we live and what we eat:

Burning coal, oil and natural gas emitcarbon dioxide and other pollutants, turningthe atmosphere into a greenhouse that is causing temperatures on Earth to heat up beyond what Naturecan tolerate.
Urban sprawl forces millions of people to live far away from their jobs and the infrastructure they need to go about daily lifecreating more demand for fossil fuels.
Deforestation, primarily to produce soybeans to feed to livestock, is destroying the forests that help moderate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing sustaining oxygen back into the air.
Industrial agriculture demands land and petrochemical-based fertilizers and insecticides to produce food for the animals we raise on the land we’ve deforested. Talk about a vicious cycle.

Here’s just one of the many startling statistics the film cites to make its point, delivered by sustainable food guru Michael Pollan: “It takes up to ten times more land to feed ourselves with meat than with vegetables.”

In just one state, Mato Grosso, Brazil, over 20,000 square miles have been deforested just to grow soybeans for animal feed. In fact, soybeans are the most prominent driver of deforestation in South America, while 30 percent of Earth’s land is being used to produce livestock which by the way, belch methane gas, another potent contributor to climate change.

That loss of forests has shrunk drinking water supplies in Brazil. Forests both create rain and protect groundwater, so when forests are cut down, precipitation drops drastically and drinkingwater supplies literally evaporate. Footage in “Time to Choose” shows an expanse of cracked land as arid as a desert. The caption on the screen reveals that this wasteland is a reservoir.

Meanwhile, as the southern hemisphere’s forests are chopped downand the planet heats up, frozen water thousands of miles away in the northern hemisphere is equally affected. Greenland’s ice shield is contracting under Earth’s hotter temperatures, raising sea levels as the region’s enormous glaciers literally melt into the oceans surrounding them.

Climate scientist Dr. James Hansen predicts sea levels will rise 23 feet, threatening more than 600 million people living in San Francisco, Istanbul, Mumbai, London, Singapore, Amsterdam, Bangladesh, Miami and many other coastal communities. Meanwhile, extreme temperature shifts are triggering devastating cyclones and hurricanes. Remember SuperstormSandy? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.

After persuasively presenting the evidencethatclimate change is happening and why, the film doesn’t make nearly as compelling a case for the choices we can maketo solve the problems. It highlights the need to transition to electric cars and to build more self-contained communities so that people don’t need to drive to jobs or social services, but that’s hardly enough to make a dent in the problem. And besides, how many of us can buy a Tesla?

Michael Pollan reminds viewers that they’ll be healthier as well as shrink their carbon footprint if they eat more plants and less meat. But he doesn’t suggest the best choices to make to get started. The Sierra Club’s Michael Brune, another prominent expertin this film, says that renewable technologies offer a “huge opportunity,” but how is the viewer supposed to take advantage of it?

The “Time to Choose” website could be more helpful by providing specific suggestions to enablethe public take the next step. Its “Paths to Change” section is too vague to get people to actually choose a wind-based provider for their local utility, for example, while the “Resources” section contains promotional material for the film, rather than useful resources to help viewers choose among the generic options provided.

These flaws can be easily fixed by adding links to some of the excellent “how to” information organizations, like Brune’s own Sierra Club offers or how to take a stand in your own community with online petitions, like Care2′s.

Related:
10 Simple Things You Can Do to Save Money & Energy
5 Ways to Make Your Car More Eco-Friendly
Not a Vegetarian Yet? 13 Ways to Get Started

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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New Documentary Gives the Facts About Climate Change but Few Solutions

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9 Easy Garden Plants for Hardworking People

by RemonaNecaise Posted on June 30, 2016

It’s a common dilemma you love the looks of a flourishing garden, but don’t have a lot of time or energy to put into keeping it up. You’re too busy with the demands of job, caretaking, and just plain living. The good news is that gardening can be a lot simpler than you think. It’s mainly a question of choosing the right type of plants. Here are 9 shrubs, flowers, and vegetables that will require minimal care.

Green Plants

Image credit: katerha via Flickr

Shrubs

Busy peopletend to be impatient people, so you may wonder why we mention shrubs. Truth be told, you can find some very fast-growing varieties. Buy small potted shrubs from your local nursery or online to transplant at home. Then the bulk of your work is already done. These plants need little watering once they’re established in their new location, and they deliver so much! In addition to good looks, they double as a green privacy fence. A hedge will also shelter your house from the elements, reducing your need for heating and cooling.

Vines

Vines are another choice which will provide you with both privacyandbeauty. Species such as ivy or clematis grow rapidly and need very little upkeep. They do need something to climb on, but that can actually be one of their virtues, especially if you’re looking to disguise an unattractive chain link fence or brick wall.

Succulents

Succulents are beloved of busy indoor gardeners, due to their appealing appearance, low maintenance, and limited need for water. Now try them outside as well. If you live inHardiness Zone8 or warmer, you can overwinter succulents in your garden. Otherwise, plant them in containers which you can easily bring into the house before the first frost comes along.

Flowers

Image credit: botheredbybees via Flickr

Bulbs

Plant bulbs in the fall and fugeddabout ‘em. Then get ready to enjoy the sweet surprise of blooms early next spring. Daffodils, tulips, iris, or my personal fave, delightfully scented hyacinth (pictured above), are generous plants which take very little care, yet put on a great colorful show. One note: Bulbs used to be replantable but newer varieties should be treated as annuals. Even if they do sprout for another year, they are likely to produce frail and scraggly results.

Perennials(Day Lilies)

If you’re looking for a hardy perennial, the day lily is for you. Unlike true lilies, day lilies grow from roots rather than bulbs. Available in a wide range of charming colors as well as the traditional orange — they thrive almost anywhere in the US (Zones 3-11). Wet soil, dry soil, even the salty soil in your beach house garden not much fazes the vibrant day lily. Another plus: Many varieties are a favorite perch forhummingbirdsand butterflies.

Annuals (Marigolds)

Growing marigolds is child’s play literally. These bright and cheerful quick-growing annuals are a perfect choice for your kids’ early experiments in gardening. Marigolds offer bright yellow, copper, and russet blossoms, and can reach a height of anywhere from 6 inches to an impressive 5 feet tall in a single season.

Edibles

Image credit: blurdom via Flickr

Herbs

Whether you have substantial yard space or 2 or 3 little pots perched on your balcony rail, herbs are simple to grow, yet very rewarding. Snip a few leaves to add zest to that super speedy 15-minute dinner recipe. You’ll save time (and money) on shopping for seasonings, and your homegrown herbs are guaranteedorganic.

Garlic

Garlic is a snap to grow. You don’t even need to shop for seeds. Just break off a few healthy, good-sized cloves and pop them in the ground. Cut the scapes (garlic shoots) in the spring to steam as a delicately flavored vegetable, and leave the garlic bulbs to pick in July and August.

Related: How to Grow and Harvest Garlic

Zucchini

Zucchini has a well-deserved rep as the easiest vegetable ever. In fact, your main problem will be figuring out what to do with your bumper harvest. Maybe send out invites for a zucchini-picking block party?

By Laura Firszt,Networx.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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9 Easy Garden Plants for Hardworking People

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This Company Turns Recycled Plastic Bags into Something Pretty

by WallyFair135676 Posted on June 17, 2016

Plastic shopping bags, as useful as they are for the 12 minutes when they’re in use, are a curse on our planet. While it can be simple enough to avoid them by bringing our own reusable shopping bags with us, the fact that millions of them are made each day, to be used only briefly and to then spend years afterward contaminating our shared resources, is enough to make even the staunchest treehugger throw their hands up in defeat.

Of course, we’re not all so easily swayed into giving up on finding alternatives and solutions for this plastic menace, and some innovative designers are coming up with ways to upcycle plastic bags into products that not only make us feel good about them, but that also look good as well.

One such initiative comes from Reform Studio, which has developed a rather ingenious solution to our plastic bag epidemic, in which the bags become the feedstock for a traditional, yet disappearing, industry in Egypt – handweaving.

Reform Studio is the brainchild of two designers, Mariam Hazem and Hend Riad, who came up with the original concept as their project for the Faculty of Applied Arts at the German University in Cairo two years ago, in which they followed their belief that “design can solve stubborn problems.”

“It all started with a plastic bag. We believe that design can solve stubborn problems and thus we started from a major issue in Egypt: waste. One experiment after another, and after many design proposals, we came up with our first product Plastex. Plastex is a new eco-friendly material made by weaving discarded plastic bags.” – Reform Studio

Plastexstarts with used plastic bags collected by friends, family, and the public, as well as with flawed bags that can’t be sold or used as-is, which are then converted into long plastic strips. These strips, or ‘threads’ are strung on a handloom and manually woven into a fabric that retains the original colors of the threads, which adds to the unique look of the upcycled material. The company claims that the material has proven to be “durable, strong, washable and tolerant to sand and dust.”

By turning what was once waste into a valuable resource, this process can help reduce the negative impacts of single-use plastic bags, as the material is not only a colorful and useful material, but one that can also spur further conversations about waste and plastic and reuse.

Reform Studio

“Plastex is designed to raise awareness about how we define waste and the possibilities behind reusing what was once destined to become trash.”

Currently, Reform Studio offers two types of chairs, theAhwa(coffee) collection, and the Grammys collection(named after grandma, not the music award), both upholstered with Plastex, along with a variety of other goods made with the material, at six stores in Cairo and one in London.

According toFuturePerfect, Reform Studio employs mostly women (70%) in its upcycling workshop, and the company offers job opportunities for untrained workers, either at the facility or working from home, through referrals from charitable organizations.

Find out more atReform Studio’s website.

Written by Derek Markham. Reposted with permission from TreeHugger.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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This Company Turns Recycled Plastic Bags into Something Pretty

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