Plastics are no longer just an environmental issue — they are a direct threat to human health. Whether in homes, workplaces or schools, scientists are increasingly finding plastics inside our bodies. Microplastics and toxic chemicals have been detected in human blood, feces, lungs, breast milk, placentas, stomachs and even brains — and babies are exposed […]
green living
Posted inAt Home
How to Make Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
Making your own all-purpose household cleaner is an easy alternative to store-bought chemicals. This version of a homemade cleaner is environmentally friendly and less likely to cause irritation. You can also control the strength of the cleaner by rationing the ingredients while knowing exactly what’s in your DIY concoction. Adding essential oils provides natural fragrance […]
Posted inAt Home
Is Compostable Plastic Too Good to be True?
In recent years, there has been a global movement to pressure corporations into becoming more eco-friendly. One of the most frequent measures taken by these companies is limiting the use of single-use plastics and replacing them with so-called compostable plastics. Compostable plastics are frequently confused with biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics are defined by their ability […]
Posted inAt Home
Why Email Spam Is Bad News for the Planet
Editor’s note: This EarthTalk column is provided courtesy of E – The Environmental Magazine and published with permission. Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that spam email takes a huge toll on the environment? – P.L., Bern, NC If you are among the 92 percent of Americans who use email as a means of communication, you […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Control Your Asthma When Outdoor Air Quality is Bad
Asthma, a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for over 24 million Americans, is often exacerbated by air pollution and the effects of climate change. However, understanding how the environment impacts asthma can help you minimize your exposure to air pollutants and prepare for extreme weather events. As part of its Promoting Asthma Friendly Environments […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
The Ultimate Guide to Water-Wise Gardening
The importance of making water-wise choices has become very apparent with the spread of climate change. It’s becoming more difficult to grow certain crops, maintain landscapes and enjoy various recreational activities as water availability wavers and heat threatens popular crop growing. Across the country, people continue to make garden choices that can help conserve water. […]
Posted inAt Home
Three Product Labels that Help You Do Good While Shopping
Did you know your dollars have the power to support positive change? Spending your money in ways that align with your values makes a difference for yourself and the causes close to your heart, while staying within your budget. The new year is the ideal time to think about how you can make a difference, […]
Posted inAt Home
Keeping Mold at Bay During Summer
Between the pool, beach, lake and the various other ways to stay cool, plus the stifling humidity and warm weather storms, summer is one of the top moisture-filled times of the year. This season brings a few extra problems that may not be on your mind as you’re soaking up those rays of sunshine. The […]
Posted inAt Home
5 Reasons Composting is Essential and Key Tips for Success
Approximately one-third of food worldwide is thrown away, with the vast majority ending up in the landfill. One way we can fix this issue, beyond only buying what we need, is to start composting food waste and other organic matter. While many think compost is simply a soil add-in used to create bountiful gardens, it’s […]