Hotter and drier weather in the Pacific Northwest this summer could set the stage for a long and intense summer wildfire season, according to the Washington State Department of Health. More wildfires create the potential for more smoke to drift into our region, increasing health risks for people of all ages. As of last week of […]
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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
What Every Parent of Young Children Should Know about Plastics
Plastics is not a subject that most of us go to sleep obsessing over or wake up consumed by. But when you are writing a report for EARTHDAY.ORG titled “Babies vs. Plastics,” plastics literally become your life. Plastic is an omnipresent material in our lives. Made from oil and a selection of other, often toxic chemicals, plastics […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Avoid Being Tricked by a Familiar Voice in a ‘Grandparent Scam’
You may have heard about older adults being tricked into sending money to someone they think is a grandchild or other relative in trouble and thought to yourself, “How could anyone fall for that?” But the truth is, today’s advanced technology makes it easier than ever for scammers to trick their unsuspecting and well-meaning victims. […]
Posted inAround West Sound
Help Keep Washington (and Kitsap) Litter Free
Even though 75% of Washington residents never litter, a new statewide study commissioned by the Washington Department of Ecology finds that more than 26 million pounds (13,096 tons) of waste accumulates along Washington roads every year. And despite our state spending approximately $12 million annually on cleanup efforts, only a small fraction ever gets picked […]
Posted inAt Home
Beware of ‘Free Genetic Testing’ Medicare Scam
Over the past few years, DNA tests have become more popular across the country. However, unscrupulous people are taking advantage of the buzz around these tests to scam Medicare beneficiaries. Scammers target Medicare beneficiaries through telemarketing calls, booths at public events, health fairs and door-to-door visits. They offer “free” genetic testing to help recipients avoid […]
Posted inAt Home
Save Lives and Money by Calling 811 to Locate Utility Lines for Free
Did you know that if you plan to dig into the ground, it’s the law to call 811? Whether you’re looking to install a fence or mailbox, build a deck, plant a tree or start any other project below the surface, calling 811 provides a free utility locate service so you can avoid damaging utility […]
Posted inAt Home
6 Tips for Avoiding Charity Scams
Charitable giving is a significant part of many people’s lives and budgets, especially during the holiday season, and individuals are often eager to give back and lend a helping hand to those in need. Unfortunately, not every organization seeking a donation is exactly what it claims to be. If you’re not careful, you could wind […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Fire Smoke Stretches Across the Northwest — How to Stay Safe
Just as we thought the haze and smoke in the air was due to clear out last week, a fresh wave enveloped us this week. It’s not just a problem in the Puget Sound region — the entire Pacific Northwest and much of the West is experiencing unhealthy air quality. That means you may have […]