How many paper towels do you use to dry your hands? Two? Three? More? What if you could complete the task and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time? Just use Shake & Fold! Here’s what to do: Paper towels contribute to climate change at each stage of their life cycle. It takes fossil-fueled machines to harvest trees, then process, manufacture, package, and deliver paper towels. Then after one use, trucks pick up the waste and drive to the landfill, where they decompose, releasing methane. Sadly, Americans send over six billion tons of paper towels to the landfill each year. You can share Shake & Fold by placing stickers…
-
-
Water Conservation 101: A Guide For Consumers
Nowadays, being wise with how much water you use is essential. As a finite resource, this precious and all-important feature of life here on Earth must be protected. Whether you live in a drought-susceptible locale like California, or by the Great Lakes where fresh water is abundant, each and every one of us needs to do our part to help the planet. Why is water conservation so important? Although it may seem there is plenty of water to go around, that simply isn’t the case. In fact, a mere 3% of Earth’s water is freshwater, and only half a percent is considered available for human consumption. The rest — saltwater…
-
See No Evil
Fossil fuels dominate our lives We occasionally receive letters from readers calling our attention to the fact that wind turbines are not green because they kill birds, are an eyesore, and make noise. We also had a President that claimed windmills cause cancer and destroys the value of homes. And there have been many articles written claiming electric cars (EVs) are more damaging to the environment than gas-fueled cars. The claim is that the manufacturing processes used to build EVs and their batteries produce more CO2 and other side effects than are ever offset over their lifetime of use. This same issue is used against solar panels and wind turbines,…
-
The Joys of Laundry
Want to harvest some solar energy without having to apply for government subsidies or understanding what it means to make your electric meter run backward? Try hanging your laundry.
-
Tips to Adopt a Zero Waste Lifestyle
Zero-waste living is when you strive to reduce your trash output by choosing reusable over disposable products, composting organic waste, and recycling materials.
-
An Exercise in Futility?
We can all hope Americans will accept personal responsibility for climate change and get on board with the electrification movement.
-
What You Should Know About Microfiber Pollution
Scientists estimate that over 8 million plastic tons enter our oceans yearly. Many studies suggest that washing clothes is one major source.
-
Can I Recycle This?
Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. This Act is a system-wide update that will make recycling easier for the public, expand access to recycling services, create a single statewide recycling list, and upgrade the facilities that sort recyclables.
-
The Letter C
These days, two C words I think a lot about are Climate and Change. Betty Shelley Does that remind you of Sesame Street? I loved watching it with our son when he was little; it was a good way to have some quiet time with him while learning interesting things. One of the things they did on the show was highlighting a particular letter, explaining how to use it in spelling various words like Cat and Cow and Cup and COOKIE! And they would use the words in sentences to make sure the children Comprehended the meaning of the word. These days, two C words I think a lot about are Climate and Change. Other C words that come to…
-
Nut-tritious Foods Rebranded in Mason Jars
Dedicated to being Vegan, Non-GMO, sold in reusable mason jars. The mission at Nut-Tritious Foods is to provide delicious, nutrient-dense nut and seed butters to be used as a daily ingredient for healthy eating in our homes and communities. Fresh roasting brings out a fantastic flavor that customers have loved for years. They are differentiated through their choices not to include salt, palm oils, fillers, or sweeteners (except the chocolate) and their dedication to being vegan and non-GMO. This year, they have rebranded the products into 12oz recyclable/reusable mason jars. Nut-tritiuos Foods is currently at 12 markets and several farmer’s markets such as Lake Oswego, Portland State, Beaverton, Vancouver, Camas,…
