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5 Steps to Zero Waste Back-to-School
It’s hard to believe, but back-to-school season is here! As with any time of transition, it’s a perfect opportunity to review our usual ways of doing things and identify areas we may be able to incorporate more environmentally conscious choices. In this blog post, I’m going to explore practical steps for zero waste back-to-school preparation that will not only benefit the environment but also help guide discussions with my kids about the importance of sustainability. As a bonus, some of these actions help to keep down the costs of back-to-school, too! Before embarking on your zero waste back-to-school journey, take inventory of what you already have. Check through your previous…
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Climate Change Collective: Changing temperatures and forest fires
Introduction Climate change is an undeniable reality with far-reaching consequences, and one of its most devastating manifestations is the increasing incidence and severity of forest fires. These catastrophic events have not only taken a toll on our natural landscapes but also pose significant threats to human lives, wildlife habitats, and the overall stability of ecosystems. I remember forest fires happening only rarely as a kid, a bit more often as a young adult, and then in the mid 2010’s it seemed like something changed. Several times we were camping and the forest fires were so close and huge, the air so smoky, that it felt like we were breathing air…
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Plastic Free July: Gardening
Today I’m sharing about how to reduce plastic use in our garden – gardening containers, packaging, and garden accessories are all areas where plastics can sneak up on us. In this post, we will explore the concept of plastic free gardening and discover practical tips to create an eco-friendly garden that nurtures both plants and the planet. Starting seeds Traditional seed starting often involves the use of plastic pots or trays, but there are several eco-friendly alternatives. Opt for biodegradable options such as peat pots, coconut coir pots, or even homemade seedling pots made from recycled newspaper, or even eggshells! These alternatives can be directly planted into the ground, reducing…
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Plastic Free July: Homemade Ice Cream
Celebrating Plastic Free July with…Homemade Ice Cream! As we strive to reduce our environmental impact and eliminate single-use plastics from our lives, Plastic Free July has become a global movement encouraging individuals to make conscious choices for a more sustainable future. This summer, why not cool down and indulge in a sweet treat while minimizing plastic waste? Say goodbye to store-bought ice cream tubs wrapped in plastic and hello to homemade, plastic-free ice cream creations! We’re exploring how you can enjoy delicious homemade ice cream, while also reducing your ecological footprint. Why Homemade Ice Cream There’s something wonderful about making your own ice cream. It allows you to control the…
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4 Reasons to choose an emissions-free vehicle
Introduction As our world is faced with the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the transition to a more sustainable future must accelerate. One significant step we can take is to embrace emissions-free vehicles, such as electric and hydrogen-powered cars. When faced with the need for a new car last year, my family opted for used a Toyota Prius, a plug-in hybrid. It was exciting to take such a big step to make my life more sustainable. But it was the day-to-day impact I wasn’t expecting…I didn’t realize how often I looked around and thought uncomfortably about the emissions I and the drivers around me…
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Project DIY: Painting my way to a carport refresh
We love a good DIY project! Not only is it fun to give new life to old things, it is a great way to keep items out of the landfill. Part of a sustainability mindset is finding ways to use what we already have and therefore purchase less. The DIY Project: My tired carport! Why I Love It I live in an older house that my husband and I (with much help from friends and family!) have renovated as over the past 8 years or so. The big things are done but there are a few smaller, though impactful, projects remaining and the carport is one of the items on…