Green Leaf

From what food to buy to how to access your medical records, here are the practical matters to consider before a pandemic strikes. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2wWyyNT https://ift.tt/3cnhUHB

Troy Rank's new e-bike was worth the wait. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2POdkbJ https://ift.tt/3a9RSFu

The GHSA blames the switch to light trucks, bad road design, distraction and even climate change. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/3ch4sF6 https://ift.tt/2VugPrl

They're using the Flashfood app to give customers steep discounts and divert food from landfill. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2Vtb1y6 https://ift.tt/2PywEJC

Our photo of the day comes all the way from Panama. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/3ahqiWT https://ift.tt/3c9PxfE

It's safe as long as you teach them some basic guidelines. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/398Ngj2 https://ift.tt/2Tm4UsV

Considered to be the highest award a restaurant can receive, the Michelin Guide's 2020 French edition now gives a nod to environmentally minded restaurants. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/38aRs09 https://ift.tt/3ccSBaW

This week’s quote is from Peter M. Hoffman, professor, researcher, and author. In his book, Life’s Rachet: How Molecular Machines Extract Order from Chaos , he wrote, “Life chooses the middle road: By stayng away from equilibrium, we stay alive. By staying close to equilibrium, we increase efficiency.” Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click to get a larger image. Share your favorite nature and sustainability quotes in the Earth911 Earthling Forum . We’ll use your suggestions in future posters! You Might Also Like… Earth911 Inspiration: Peter M. Hoffmann on Choosing the Middle Road February 28, 2020 Guide to Healthy Sweeteners February 28, 2020 4 Clever Ways to Encourage Your Children to Recycle February 27, 2020 The post Earth911 Inspiration: Peter M. Hoffmann on Choosing the Middle Road appeared first on Earth911.com . from Earth911.com https://ift.tt/2veCZmQ https://ift...

If you’ve been swimming in a sea of mass confusion when it comes to choosing the best sweetener, you’re not alone. With obesity and diabetes on the rise, reducing sugar consumption is key, but there is light on the horizon with healthy alternatives. This guide will help you navigate the high sugar-seas and enjoy the sweeter life more safely. Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners If you are still using artificial sweeteners, don’t. The petite pastel packets may look innocent, but they’re shrouded in sweet deception. The most widely recognized artificial sweeteners include aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal), sucralose (Splenda), and saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low). Consumption of these artificial sweeteners contributes to certain health risks . Saccharin, for example, has been linked to bladder cancer . Sucralose is an organochlorine; organochlorines are not compatible with human metabolism and are known to cause genetic and reproductive damage. Aspartame is an excitotoxin, which...

I tasked myself with buying no plastic bottles for the year; here's how it's going so far. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2vl72ZO https://ift.tt/32ziehM

The political football that is the third runway gets kicked down again. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2Tp1y8o https://ift.tt/3a4LHTc

Our photo of the day comes from the City of Angels. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2wdIzpG https://ift.tt/3cftILS

The Climate Crisis and Peak oil demand is making expensive projects like Alberta's Teck Frontier look like bad investments. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/32vqU8V https://ift.tt/2I2TbtT

This reduces demand on animals, diverts waste, and minimizes environmental impact. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/394DBK5 https://ift.tt/2I6cORL

In this current age where sustainability is a major perspective sweeping across the world, clothing made out of organic cotton is gaining increasing significance. Look at any of the top… The post What Are the Benefits of Wearing Organic Cotton Garments? appeared first on Ecofriend . from Ecofriend https://ift.tt/393FyXx https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

As we all know, recycling is crucial when it comes to caring for our planet — and instilling this responsibility in children when they are young is a surefire way to encourage them to do it for years to come. But how can we encourage kids to recycle without reducing it to an unpleasant chore? As a former preschool teacher, I’ve found that one of the easiest ways to get children excited about cleanup is to turn it into a game. As luck would have it, there are plenty of ways to transform something seemingly mundane like recycling into a fun pastime. Sort-the-Recycling Game To get kids started in the world of recycling, you first have to teach them how to sort. Allison McDonald of No Time for Flash Cards created a wonderful little game for her son to do just that. With nothing more than cardstock, magazines, berry containers, scissors, and double-stick tape, you can create a delightful game that allows your little ones to use their problem-solving skills and develop a love for sorting...

Do you know the steps for recycling these common household and automotive products? Test your recycling how-to knowledge in this week’s quiz. Earth911 Quiz #63: How-to recycle challenge! Your day is filled with recycling opportunities but are you making the decisions to recycle successfully? In this quiz, we’ll test our familiarity with how to recycle typical household goods and materials. Are you ready to handle your responsibility in the kitchen, yard, and workplace?   Every week, Earth911.com challenges you with quizzes that test your sustainability savvy and help you make environmentally friendly choices when you shop, use products, and dispose of unwanted items. Why is recycling cooking oil better than pouring it down the drain? Cooking oil, whether it comes from meats you cook or cans of vegetable oil you buy, is a frequently recycled substance in homes and restaurants. Why is it a better idea to recycle spent cooking oil than pouring it down your drain? Can a...

This is the kind of gentle density we need. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2HVfphB https://ift.tt/2Pvy5Zw

After weekly ping pong sessions, participants in a pilot study had significant improvements in speech, handwriting, getting dressed, getting out of bed, and walking. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/3938cb1 https://ift.tt/2wSMnNr

"Naked wine," "raw wine," "biodynamic wine" have reached a feverish peak among trend-setting oenophiles. But what do all these labels mean, and are they actually better for the environment? from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2vk5pvp https://ift.tt/32w29Ju

We reached out to the TreePeople community in search of stories that remind us what it means to feel connected with the trees around us. We were not disappointed with the amazing responses we received! Those included a group of 4th to 8th graders at Manzanita School in Topanga. We loved these stories so much that we decided to share them with the world! Paloma, 5th Grade: Chirping birds, crunchy oak leaves and small plastic swing, swinging, fill my ears and head with amazing thoughts and sounds.… Read more >> from TreePeople Blog https://ift.tt/32ys5nV https://ift.tt/2uxr7M9

One little trip can blow you right out of the water. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2HWRYEr https://ift.tt/2SZDES4

Some moth species have evolved noise-cancelling abilities that are more efficient than today's sound engineering technology. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2va1u4y https://ift.tt/3ceiMya

Our photo of the day comes from Ontario, Canada. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/3a8b32I https://ift.tt/32tngfx

They offer a special glimpse into local life – and they always have good snacks. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2Tni6Om https://ift.tt/3aaDJb5

Cleaning up the environment is a big task, but one place that you can start to make a big impact is another type of cleaning — laundry. Laundry detergent comes in three primary forms: liquid, powder, or pods. Each of these has its benefits and drawbacks in utility and cost, and there are also environmental factors to consider. Checking for the Safer Choice label is a  good place to start. Safer Choice is an EPA program that reviews all chemical ingredients in a product against a set of standards for low environmental and toxicological impact. You can check if specific products meet their standards on the EPA website . However, there is more to the impact of detergents than just the chemicals they’re made of. The form of the detergent, price, and packaging are additional factors to consider. Powdered Detergent Powdered detergents are generally low cost and sold in recyclable packaging — usually cardboard boxes or a plastic tub. There are some drawbacks to powdered detergent. I...

Mom made good use of her freezer. She purchased food in bulk, which saved her money. Any food she didn’t immediately use, she wrapped up and popped in the freezer for future meals. And even without labels, Mom always knew exactly what was in those frozen packets. Even as I got older and moved away from home,  Mom always made a lot of food. I would say, “Mom! You make too much!” Her response, “How can you make a little soup?” And she was right! When you cook a large quantity, you have leftovers for another dinner or to bring to work. And you only scrub the pot once! These days, I really appreciate her wisdom about being frugal and feeding myself. On weekend mornings, I love to cook a big pot of soup or stew. Or, I roast a whole chicken. After an hour or two, I have a nice meal and plenty of leftovers to freeze into meal-sized portions for that week’s meals. Another way I use the freezer helps me avoid unrecyclable food packaging. I used to buy frozen veggies in a bag because, I ...

What is Node JS? Branching out from the traditional frontend tool that is Javascript, Node.js is a runtime environment used to adopt and implement Javascript in server-side programming. Node.js is… The post Why to Use Node.Js: Pros and Cons of Choosing Js Developers for Your Business appeared first on Ecofriend . from Ecofriend https://ift.tt/2Tg1JTp https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The poetic and ephemeral fifth basic taste, umami, is the talk of the town; you can find it in these all-natural ingredients. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2Vo4Sn4 https://ift.tt/2HU2tbR

Through trial and error, these are the indoor plants that have taken well to living in my bathroom. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/32orKEr https://ift.tt/2vfz3lB

The KISS principle applies to everything, including building design. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2PlRwDJ https://ift.tt/3cdwjGf

A growing number of homeowners are taking steps to make their homes more sustainable. Some are adding solar panels for clean energy, upgrading windows to energy-efficient double-or triple-pane windows, or even modifying their roof into a green roof . But if building a new house is in your future, you might want to consider an earth sheltered home. Earth sheltered homes incorporate the surrounding environment into their structure — whether built into a hillside or underground. Their unique structure helps preserve the surrounding landscape and  protect against inclement weather . The earth’s insulation helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, provides soundproofing, and reduces energy consumption — offering long-term savings. Want to learn more? The following infographic from BigRentz explores the features of different types of earth sheltered homes. Discover the benefits they offer to the environment and your comfort. Infographic courtesy of BigRentz . Feature...

Climate Caretakers offers a 7-week guide to reducing your carbon footprint. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2SXBt1n https://ift.tt/2uxIxZa

Our photo of the day comes from beautiful California. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2SVpkKj https://ift.tt/2TetQm3

You're more likely to eat certain foods if your friends post pictures of them. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/3a2HOy5 https://ift.tt/2HQcFC6

You can complement your enterprise’s mission to promote wellness by promoting your brand as a business that does social good. Corporate social responsibility matters (CSR). If your wellness brand is… The post How to Use Social Media to Scale Your Eco Brand appeared first on Ecofriend . from Ecofriend https://ift.tt/2T6Uddq https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Did you know that recycling just one pound of plastic #1 (also labeled PET or PETE ) saves 22.9 kilowatt hours of energy and 47.4 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over producing the same amount of plastic from virgin materials? Plastic #1 may be best known for its use in the production of soda and water bottles, a common source of litter in the U.S. Yet the U.S. recycled just 29.1 percent of plastic #1 bottles and jars in 2017, and only 8.4 percent of plastics overall. Our planet is covered in plastic pollution . It’s past time to step up recycling efforts worldwide. Print or share We Earthling posters to inspire others with your stories.   Would you like to share a photo and story?   Drop by the Earthling Forum   to contribute your photos and ideas. Data sources: “Eco-profiles of the European plastics industry,” a report by I Boustead for Plastics Europe (March 2005) and How Much CO2 Emissions Per kWh of Electricity? You Might Also Like… We Earthlings...

You can bolster your community standing by aligning your company mission to do good for the betterment of society. Any size business can benefit by creating an eco-friendly corporate social… The post How to Plan a Corporate Social Responsibility Plan that is Eco-Friendly appeared first on Ecofriend . from Ecofriend https://ift.tt/2v5SYn8 https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

The start of a new year brings motivation to do bigger and better things than the previous year. If getting in shape is one of your resolutions, why not take… The post How to Make Your Fitness Lifestyle More Eco-Friendly appeared first on Ecofriend . from Ecofriend https://ift.tt/3c4gYYg https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Crystals are more than glimmering stones. These minerals can provide its owner with several benefits. Specific crystals are excellent for enhancing relationships, whereas others offer crystal-bearers with inner peace. Perhaps,… The post Gift Ideas: What Are the Best Crystals for Gifts? appeared first on Ecofriend . from Ecofriend https://ift.tt/2PlDv9m https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

There is now enough installed solar energy capacity in the U.S. to power 13.5 million homes, and this amount is expected to double in the next five years. The solar energy industry is part of a very dynamic market. Many factors — including government policies, fossil fuel costs, solar energy technology advances, commodity prices, and even public awareness of the climate crisis — impact solar energy deployment across the globe. What’s in store for the year ahead? Let’s explore some trends in solar energy to better understand what is on tap for 2020. Solar Battery Prices Are Falling Solar energy is an intermittent energy source. This means that solar panels produce power when the sun is shining and not when it isn’t. Energy storage allows the solar system to supply power when the sun has set or in cloudy weather, expanding the capabilities of solar energy systems. There are two main types of solar batteries: lead-acid batteries (like you have in your car) and lithium-ion batteries. ...

Researchers tested the calming effect of music for kitties during vet visits; 'cat-specific' music was the winner. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2w1g91Q https://ift.tt/32p0oxU

Over 80 countries have signed up to make our roads safer. Only one dissented. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2Ta4tBT https://ift.tt/2T9nwfH

These 6 initiatives can build community, combat loneliness, and stretch resources. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/37W3KcX https://ift.tt/3c0kG5n

Forget drones and self-driving cars; this is the future of deliveries, whether goods or kids. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2HNfKmr https://ift.tt/2PmoCU9

Our photo of the day comes from Yellowstone National Park. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/2HSwokE https://ift.tt/2SUOVmI

Letting kids venture out alone could be the best thing you do for them. from Latest Items from TreeHugger https://ift.tt/38WDhwW https://ift.tt/2w4PocL

Whether or not you are concerned about the safety and nutritional effects of pesticide use on food crops, it is hard to ignore the environmental impacts. Buying organic foods is an important step in avoiding pesticides, but when it comes to packaged foods, organic versions are not always available. Ideally, we would like to support companies that are actively working to reduce their pesticide use. But identifying those companies has been virtually impossible. As You Sow , a nonprofit shareholder activism group, produced a report called Pesticides in the Pantry: Transparency & Risk in Food Supply Chains . It encourages food manufacturers to consider the growing risks of synthetic pesticides in their agricultural supply chains. The report provides a first step to creating performance benchmarks and encouraging corporate transparency regarding pesticide use. The Study Pesticides in the Pantry scores 14 major U.S. food manufacturers on 30 performance indicators for supply chain ...