Charting a Course for Cleaner Oceans Through Innovation and Collaboration

Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, posing a significant threat to our planet’s ecosystems and human well-being. Despite the challenges, innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies are emerging to combat this global crisis.  They offer hope for cleaner oceans and waterways and a more sustainable future.

Ocean cleanup projects, improved waste infrastructure, and biodegradable plastics are making strides toward mitigating plastic pollution in water bodies. Our most promising solution to tackling such a monumental problem is by working in tandem to combat the crisis on several fronts.

Breakthrough Technologies for Cleaner Oceans and Waterways

The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization, is just one group working to organize voluteer efforts and develop and scale technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. Their goal is to rid the ocean of 90% of the five trillion pieces of plastic that currently litter our seas. There are many innovative efforts underway, such as creating artificial coastlines to concentrate, collect, and properly dispose of plastic are currently underway. 

Catching plastic within major waterways before it ends up in the ocean is another popular approach. Rivers are the main sources of ocean plastic pollution and are considered by The Ocean Cleanup to be “arteries that carry waste from land to the ocean.”

The Interceptor Original is The Ocean Cleanup’s first river cleanup technology. This 100% solar-powered barge extracts plastic autonomously. Trash is collected through a conveyor belt and shuttled into a dumpster for proper disposal. 

The most Mr. Trash Wheel has ever collected in a single day is 38,000 lbs. On average, the Baltimore trash fleet family collects 500 tons of trash from the harbor each year.  Wow!  More trash wheels are planned for Texas, California, and Panama.

One of the most promising approaches to reducing plastic pollution is the development of biodegradable alternatives.

Innovators across the globe are working to create sustainable materials that can replace conventional plastics without compromising functionality. 

Biodegradable plastics are a dream solution to a major problem. Plastic bags, utensils, and cup lids don’t break down during typical composting and contaminate other recyclable plastics.  This creates headaches for recyclers. Most compostable plastics, made primarily of the polyester known as polylactic acid, or PLA, end up in landfills and last as long as forever plastics.  

But scientists are on to a solution to make compostable plastics break down more easily. 

By embedding polyester-eating enzymes into the plastic when it is produced, heat and water would be able to break down the product within weeks, solving a major problem that has confounded the plastics industry and environmentalists for decades.

Ting Xu, UC Berkeley professor of materials science and engineering and of chemistry, said that programmed degradation could be the key to recycling many objects, the article noted. “Imagine,” she said, “using biodegradable glue to assemble computer circuits or even entire phones or electronics, then, when you’re done with them, dissolving the glue so that the devices fall apart and all the pieces can be reused.”

Together, we can make a difference.

Empowering communities to take action against plastic pollution is crucial.

 Engaging individuals, schools, businesses, and local organizations through education, awareness campaigns, and grassroots initiatives can make a huge difference over time. These efforts encourage behavioral change, promote responsible consumption and waste management, and foster a sense of collective responsibility in tackling plastic pollution. Community-led initiatives play a vital role in driving long-term change and creating a sustainable future.

Grassroots movements and organizations are instrumental in championing the cause, driving policy changes, and pushing for regulations that prioritize waste reduction and sustainable practices. 

Companies Making an Impact with Ocean-Friendly Practices:

• Sea2See: This B Corporation became pioneers in the eyewear and watch sectors, using recycled marine polymer in their products and developing a sustainable solution to reduce marine plastic and improve the lives of marginalized coastal communities.
• 4Ocean: Another certified B Corporation, 4Ocean sells reusable alternatives to common single-use plastic items (like bottles and cups), cleanup kits, and sustainable accessories. Their bracelets, made with stainless steel and certified recycled 4Ocean plastic, are a symbol of the fight against ocean pollution. With every 4Ocean product, you will also get a One Pound Promise, which ensures that one pound of trash will be pulled from the ocean, rivers, and coastlines.

Looking to Make a Direct Impact? Become a Volunteer!

• Clean Ocean Action: This organization offers various volunteer opportunities, including beach cleanups, water quality monitoring, and educational programs.
• Pacific Beach Coalition: Volunteers can participate in monthly beach cleanups or other events, become student liaisons, spread the word over social media, or join the coalition itself and become full-fledged members.
• Surfrider Foundation: This organization sees beach cleanups as a multi-part way to solve a global problem. Not only do these events help clean up the beach, but they also raise awareness about the issue of plastic pollution. 
• Ocean Blue Project: This organization encourages individuals to organize their own beach cleanups in their community. They provide resources and educational materials to help individuals understand how pollution flows from our own backyards, streets, and local waterways into our drinking water and into our one-world ocean.  They educate the community on how pollution is harming our health and marine organisms.
• Ocean Cleanup Group: This non-profit runs a free search engine that uses advertising revenue to fund ocean cleanup projects. Over 450,000 pounds of plastic have been removed from the ocean with the help of over 10 million searches.
• The Lonely Whale: Started by Entourage star Adrian Grenier and producer Lucy Sumner, this organization was inspired by the sad story of 52 Blue, the world’s loneliest whale. Though the organization does engage in cleanups, the main tenet behind its activism is addressing the system itself and stopping the pervasive use and promotion of single-use plastics.
• GoEco: Recognized as the Top Volunteer Abroad Organization in 2018 by GoAbroad, GoEco specializes in affordable, ethical community and conservation projects around the world. Founded in 2006, GoEco has placed more than 17,000 volunteers in programs abroad.

Charting the Course to Cleaner Oceans

Cleaning up our oceans shouldn’t be a task left only to coastal communities. Governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and individuals worldwide must unite to tackle this global challenge.  We can make a difference through comprehensive strategies that prioritize waste reduction, proper waste management, recycling initiatives, and the development of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

As the magnitude of plastic pollution becomes increasingly evident, so does the need for innovative solutions and technologies to mitigate its impact. We can collectively work towards a plastic-free future by embracing these advancements, supporting research and development, and fostering collaboration between industries, governments, and individuals. 

Cities and states across America have recognized that diverting organic waste from landfills can have massive climate benefits.  Discover the composting champs near you that are taking a bite out of food waste.

Americans are the biggest trash producers in the world, creating almost twice as much waste as Germany, Italy, and other major European nations.  Incredibly, each American produces more than 5 pounds of garbage per day, about 1 ton of trash a year per person.  The majority of this trash is dumped into landfills or burned in incinerators.

“In the past decade,” the New Hampshire Bulletin noted, “many U.S. communities of different sizes and political leanings have created mostly voluntary composting programs, with mandatory programs concentrated in large cities and a handful of blue states. Supporters say these programs reduce emissions, free up landfill space, create jobs, and produce soil free of harmful fertilizers that pollute water sources.”

San Francisco was the pioneer in food waste reallocation.

San Fran partnered with Recology in the late 1990s to accomplish its zero waste goal.  Today, it  diverts about 600 tons of compostable material a day (150,000 tons annually).  A recent press release shared that the city has met its goal to divert 80% of waste from landfills. Since then, over 200 cities across the country have started their own organic waste projects in an attempt to go greener.

• California. The Golden State’s progressive Mandatory Organic Waste Collection law requires all residents, businesses, and other public and private entities to separate their green waste.
• Connecticut. Connecticut’s Commercial Organics Recycling law was the first to require commercial organics recycling from businesses such as supermarkets, hotels, resorts, and food retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. 
• Maryland. This state’s New Food Residuals Diversion Regulation mandates that any resident or business producing over 2 tons of organic waste a week must separate their green waste and divert it from landfills.
• Massachusetts. The Bay State’s Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban requires businesses producing over half a ton of food waste per week to separate their organic materials.
• New Jersey. This state’s Food Waste Recycling and Food Waste-to-Energy Production Law mandates that all commercial businesses producing over 52 tons of food waste per year must separate their green waste and divert it to designated food waste recycling plants.
• Rhode Island. Small but mighty, the state of Rhode Island has a Food Waste Ban that requires educational institutions generating over 30 tons of organic waste per year to send food scraps to recycling facilities.
• Vermont. Not to be outdone by its neighboring states, Vermont’s progressive Universal Recycling Law applies to both households and businesses.  Organic refuse can be donated for human or animal consumption, composted, or sent to organic waste recycling centers.
• Washington. This state’s Food Waste Reduction Act maps out incremental changes that will result in a 50% reduction of organic waste.  They intend to meet this goal through food waste prevention, modified energy production, composting, diverting edible food to hunger relief, repurposing inedible food for livestock, and other organic recycling programs.

Getting an organic waste removal program started certainly has its challenges. 

Creating a new waste management stream has steep up-front costs, including buying new organic waste bins for the community, securing composting facilities, and maintaining essential infrastructure.  Such an endeavor also requires significant public education efforts to ensure the community understands what can and cannot be composted. However, communities across America are finding that these hurdles are worth it and can have a significant impact on the future of our planet.

Even if your city isn’t yet participating, you can still divert your food waste from landfills. If you have access to a backyard, you can create your own outdoor compost pile with the help of Yvonne Dwyer’s tips and tricks!  With the right mix of brown and green matter, you can turn those scraps into nutrient-rich compost that can provide significant benefits for your plants and vegetable garden.  

You can also research if composting services like CompostNow are available in your community.

These composting services will pick up your residential or business-created food scraps and deliver compost to you or its partners. Or check out composting sites by city to find a composting site near you.

Composting is an excellent example of how small changes can make a big difference!  Support your community efforts and rethink your waste today.

Learn more about food waste management and recycling:

• Tackling the Food Emissions Crisis
• OPL Insight: Food Waste by Category and Sector
• America’s Recycling Programs are in Disarray, You Can Help.
• A Food Waste Recycling Solution that Changed a Nation

Backyard composting is rewarding and beneficial for the planet.

Backyard composting makes me feel really good, as I know I am reducing the amount of trash my household sends to the landfill.  While it may seem like a small Joyful Change, composting can have a huge impact for our gardens and the planet.  

When food waste begins to rot in a landfill, it creates methane emissions, which are more potent than carbon dioxide.  When food waste naturally rots under the right conditions, it creates a powerful compost material that can enhance your soil’s nutrients.  I use nourishing compostable materials to fertilize my garden, which also boosts the nutritional benefits of the produce I grow.  

Imagine the impact we could have if we all committed to composting our food waste!  We could reduce the trash in our landfills and grow amazing flowers and gardens for all to enjoy. Here is an easy guide to backyard composting to help you on your journey to live more sustainably.

Food scraps and yard waste make up more than 30 percent of what we throw away.  They could be composted instead.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Making compost keeps these materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.” Peelings from vegetables and fruit, coffee grounds, leaves and grass — plus water — makes a wonderful concoction that replenishes the soil.  It is economical and easy to do.

Learn more about how our trash is handled.

What is composting?

Composting is the process of recycling decomposing (rotting, decaying, disintegrated) matter back into soil.  Food scraps break down amongst dried leaves, grass, discarded plant-based and cellulose fiber materials into nutrient rich dirt.  Composting speeds up the process by helping bacteria and fungi grow.  Other microorganisms, earthworms, and insects aid in the decomposing work.  As Janine M. Benyus writes in The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States, “There are entire worlds to explore in every teaspoon of soil.”  Once the cycle is complete you will have what gardeners call “black gold.”

All that is required to transform compost into a nutrient-rich humus is nitrogen, carbon, water, and air. 

Composting is very beneficial in breaking down matter into a nutrient-rich soil that smells incredibly good. You may have noticed when taking a hike in the woods an earthy or woodsy smell.  What you are smelling is the breakdown of organic material, also known as humus.  Seeds, root fragments, and plants thrive in this material.

Composting has many benefits:

• Saves energy
• Reduces pollution
• Reduces the amount of waste that is sent to landfills and Waste to Energy (WTE) facilities
• Fosters an environmental ethic among citizens
• Increases carbon sequestration of natural resources

The History of Composting

According to Stu Campbell, decomposition is at least as old as the soil itself.  Long before people were around to observe it, natural composting has been going on in every forest, meadow, swamp, bog, prairie, and grasslands around our planet.  Campbell acknowledges poet Walt Whitman who stated, ‘The earth itself is something of a compost pile. It gives such divine materials to men, and accepts such leavings from them at last.”  Our ancestors were the true discoverers of organic gardening, writes Campbell.  “Only by trial and error were they able to learn what worked when it came to making synthetic manure. They didn’t have anyone to guide them or give them good advice because there was nobody around who knew very much.”

My Composting Experience

I have been composting since 1988 when my husband and I purchased our first home in Central New York.  We had about 1.25 acres of land with fields and forests beyond our property line.  We inherited an asparagus and strawberry patch on the property, which really piqued my interest in gardening.  Composting is something I did all year long, although at the time I saw it as a way to lessen the trash we sent to the landfill.  I did not realize until later how nutrient-rich and beneficial it was to our soil.  In that same year of 1988, the New York State Legislature established our State Solid Waste Management Policy which enlightened me more about the benefits of reducing our own solid waste materials.

My Backyard Composting Journey

In my early days of home ownership, my backyard compost pile certainly did heat up but sadly went unused.  The only ones who used that compost pile were the reptiles who loved to bask in the warmth on top of it.  I did not realize until later how beneficial that “black gold” is.  The by-product of all of those carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials would have been such a great addition to my garden’s soil.

One day, I was invited to visit an organic farm and my eyes were opened to the benefits of composting.  I learned how to mix different types of soil amendments along with composting to boost my garden without the use of pesticides and herbicides.  As I planted several garden beds over the years, each time I would have to dig down into the shale rock and clay.  It was hard work but I enjoyed it.  Composting is a great way of organically helping to break up the clay matter as it helps to drain and aerate.

The formula for a successful compost is to mix two parts green to one part brown material.

Nitrogen (N)-rich plants (green) such as grass clippings, fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and ground up rinsed egg shells.

Carbon (C)-rich plants (brown) such as small twigs, dried leaves, and shredded newspaper/brown paper bags.

Potassium (K)-rich organic sources such as coffee grounds and potash (wood ashes from leftover wood fires from a fireplace or stove).  Ashes from banana skins, lemon skins, cucumbers, and cocoa shells are also good sources.  I usually just chop them up and add without burning.  Potassium is also a component in fertilizer.

You can choose whether to layer these materials periodically or chop them up together with a lawn mower.  Breaking the materials down into smaller pieces will help them decompose more quickly.

You may find that you need to adjust this formula if your compost is smelling or attracting flies.  If it is not decomposing quickly, simply add more green material.  If your compost looks mucky or has a bad odor, add more brown material.

Very Important! Never add bones, dog/cat waste, cooked kitchen scraps, dairy products, diseased plants, treated grass clippings, weeds with seeds, or meat to your compost pile. This spells disaster as they will attract animals like mice to your compost.

There are several ways to compost depending on how involved you want to be.

• FoodCycler electric composter
• At-home composting using the Bokashi composting, worm composting, garden compost, and chickens to use up all of our food scraps and eventually return those nutrients to the soil.
• Compost rotary bins
• Mixing municipal pick up and a compost bin at home
• Composting on a small urban garden plot
• Community compost pick up programs

I personally use several composting methods. 

I have a small stainless steel countertop container which is filled with kitchen plant-based scraps, ground coffee, and crushed egg shells mixed with a little water. Once it is filled, the scraps are taken to two to four pallet bins in the backyard, in a partially sunny area where the compost can heat up. The left side of the first pallet has the old compost ready to go into the garden while the second one has the newer material that needs to break down.  These are rotated as I use them.  I try to make sure that the compost is moist but not saturated.  I aerate it by tossing it occasionally with a pitch fork.  This “pile up” or “lasagna” method was how I first began composting.  It takes a while to decompose when left on its own, as it takes longer to heat up, but it’s still an effective method.

For Mother’s Day one year, I received a rotary composting bin from my son. Similar to a garbage barrel, this tumbler is really convenient and is portable. I simply add collected raw materials into the bin and them mix and aerate them by sealing the bin and turning the tumbler. 

If your interest has piqued, I would highly recommend, Let It Rot, The Gardener’s Guide to Composting by Stu Campbell or No Waste Composting by Michelle Balz.  They are very informative books on all aspects of composting.

An easy way to start composting is by using a service near you. Find a composting site near you.

Reduce Waste in Your Kitchen with These Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Small changes make a difference. Here are some simple tips to help you reduce waste in your kitchen and live more sustainably.

Do you find yourself pulling several paper towel sheets off the roll for every mess? Do you reach for single-use plastics like water bottles and plastic wrap often? Is your trash overflowing with smelly food scraps? Start living more sustainably with these eco-friendly alternatives.

Ditch Paper Towels for Good

Americans use 13 billion pounds of paper towels a year, nearly two rolls of paper towels a week, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. A whopping 110 million trees are felled annually to produce paper towels. Thankfully, there are many eco-friendly alternatives to help clean up messes in the kitchen and beyond.

Swedish Dishcloths are super absorbent, compact to store, and easy to keep clean for everyday use.  “Invented by a Swedish engineer in 1949, the rags are made of 100 percent naturally biodegradable cellulose or a combination of wood pulp and renewable cotton,” writer Ashlea Halpern noted. “They are superabsorbent, able to soak up 20 times their own weight in liquid. They are soft and pliable when wet but dry quickly in between uses.”

Cut your old bath towels and cotton t-shirts into squares for a cheap and simple solution to replace paper towels.  Give your fabrics a second life with this completely cost-free solution you can implement immediately.

Say “Bye Bye” to Plastic Wrap

Sticky, flimsy plastic wrap cannot be recycled because it contains PVC.  Once it reaches a landfill, it takes about 450 years to decompose. Reduce waste by trying beeswax wraps, which are fabric squares (often organic cotton) that are coated in naturally produced beeswax to create a seal and protect the food within.  Rinse them off and use them over and over again!

Replace Plastic Water Bottles and Single-use Cutlery with Greener Options

Plastic water bottles and single-use cutlery items are notorious for overloading landfills and aren’t easily recycled. Instead, encourage your household to use a water filtration system and reusable water bottles for that same fresh taste that stays colder longer. To cut down on single-use cutlery, try substituting a sustainable set.  There are lots of different designs and styles online.              

Replace Disposable Plastic K-Cups with Reusable Single-Cup Brew Pods

Disposable plastic k-cups may be convenient, but they’re terrible for the environment and your wallet.  Single-use coffee pods account for 576,000 tons of waste globally.  In addition, disposable pods are five times more expensive than drip coffee beans.  Reduce waste in your kitchen by replacing single-use k-cups with washable, reusable k-cup pods for a greener, more sustainable cup of joe.               

Give Composting a Try

Despite our efforts to combat the food waste problem, we inevitably end up with bits and pieces of food that get tossed into the trash can.  Decomposing food waste in landfills produces methane gas, which is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. Before you toss food waste into the trash can, consider composting it. 

Starting your composting journey may seem daunting, but there are a lot of resources out there to help.  We recommend the book No-Waste Composting by Michelle Balz for a comprehensive guide to composting.  Or try vermicomposting, a type of composting that uses earthworms to speed up the decomposition process.

If you have space, consider setting up a compost pit in your backyard. And if you live in an urban area, check out our helpful map to locate composting services in your area.  Many states are investing in infrastructure to divert unnecessary food waste from landfills. Learn more about which states are leading the way. 

Other Ways to Reduce Waste and Save Energy in Your Kitchen

• Upgrade Old Appliances with Energy-Saving Ones. If you’re in the market for a new kitchen appliance, look for the blue “Energy Star” designation for energy-efficient models. The United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have created a free online resource to make it easy to search for efficient models.
• Use Specialty Appliances. When possible, utilize specialty appliances like rice cookers, slow cookers, and electric kettles to cook your food.  They are generally more efficient than ovens and stovetops.
• Prepare Meals More Efficiently. The Energy Saving Trust has a list of tips to help you maximize your energy savings while cooking. Covering your pots while you cook and avoiding opening the oven door can add up!

These tips are just a few simple ways your family can reduce waste and be more sustainable in the kitchen. Track and measure your efforts today with the One Planet Life app!

Enjoy these OPL recommended reads!

Discover South Korea’s Inspiring Food Waste Recycling Solution

Food systems have a high environmental cost.  More than 820 million people go hungry every day and many food producers are struggling to stay afloat. In contrast, it’s estimated that 30-40% of food is thrown out by consumers in high-income countries.

The World Economic Forum set a global sustainable development goal to reduce food system waste by 20 million tons by 2030. Let’s explore how South Korea’s food waste recycling program is leading the way to a greener future.

South Korea had a big food waste problem, with 130 kg of food waste produced by an average adult every year.

In comparison, the average food waste produced by a European or American is around 95-115 kg of food per year. Why was waste in South Korea so high to begin with? In the late 90s, the standard of living in the country rose, leading to more single-occupant households and an increase in dining out.

Additionally, meals in South Korea are traditionally served with banchan, which are multiple side dishes that accompany a main dish.  Some meals in South Korea come with as many as 20 banchan.  Side dishes like kimchi, seasoned soybean sprouts, and radish salad are delicious, but eating them all can be challenging.  Uneaten banchan, unfortunately, was a contributing factor that led to excess food waste in South Korea.

Dumping food waste in landfills in South Korea was banned in 2005.  A food waste recycling program was later introduced in 2013.

Because so much food was going to waste, the South Korean government stepped in to save food from going to landfills.  This, in turn, changed the behavior of South Korean citizens. South Koreans now purchase special biodegradable food waste bags at local supermarkets and convenience stores at a cost of around $6/month.

Food waste scraps are placed into special biodegradable food waste bags, which are then placed into designated collection buckets.

The rate of recycled food waste in South Korea has increased from 2% to 95% today.

Collected dry food scraps are then recycled into fertilizer for use in urban gardens.  Any remaining moisture squeezed out of the bags is turned into bio gasses and oils. And although the system isn’t perfect – South Korea has created more fertilizer than can realistically be used – these changes prove how much of a difference small changes can make.

Does your city or town compost? Have you ever tried composting? Check out our Easy Guide to Backyard Composting to learn more about starting a home composting system.  Or find a composting service near you that would be happy to do the dirty work for you.

Learn more about food waste management and recycling in America:

• Tackling the Food Emissions Crisis
• OPL Insight: U.S. Food Waste by Category and Sector
• Composting Champs: US Cities and States Leading the Way
• An Easy Guide to Backyard Composting
• Learn About the Crucial Pillars of a Sustainable Food System
• Urban Composting is Possible
• America’s Recycling Programs are in Disarray, You Can Help

We love wildflowers for a variety of reasons. There’s nothing lovelier than a colorful meadow in the countryside.  Forests, wetlands, and seascapes all feel elevated with the presence of wildflowers.  Even those pops of vibrant color stubbornly thriving in vacant lots in the city paint a beautiful scene. However, there is so much more to these tiny flowers besides their beauty. Wildflowers are an essential part of our ecosystem. 

Wildflowers Essential Role in Healthy Ecosystems

Colorful wildflowers attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. They enjoy the nectar and collect pollen on their bodies as they move from one plant to another. The pollen dust transfers to new plants as the insects continue on their way, pollinating new plants and allowing them to flourish. Pollination is essential for plant production in fruits, vegetables, and nuts.  Without it, our human food supply would be greatly diminished.

Wildflowers provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and other animals. Birds use wildflower foliage as nesting areas.  Small mammals, insects, and amphibians also utilize the foliage as protection from other animals.

Humanity’s Connection with Wildflowers

For centuries, native wildflowers (plants here before European settlement) have been used in many ways.  Indiginous and early settlers alike foraged wildflowers for use in tea and food recipes, as well as medicinal purposes and ceremonies.  Wildflowers are also symbolic, used as both ink and as subject in stories and lore. They’ve even been used as a currency!

In A Naturalist’s Book of Wildflowers, author Laura C. Martin states, “The indigenous people of North America found medicines in the woods and fields, plains, and deserts where they lived.” Amid our days of modern medicine, several wildflowers have been shown in studies to be complementary health resources found in teas, essential oils, and tinctures. Always do your research with these resources before experimenting.

Non-native invasive species (also known as exotics) are wild plants brought to North America for their beauty or by accident. Unfortunately, many of these non-native species are out-competing and smothering our native wildflowers.  Invasive plants also secrete chemicals into the ground, prohibiting the growth of native wildflowers. Plants such as Japanese knotweed, oriental bittersweet, and garlic mustard are just a few to mention.

How can I support wildflower growth?

Wildflowers are, well, wild! But there are things you can do to promote wildflower growth on your property.  You can find wildflower seeds for purchase online or through your local conservation resources. When choosing backyard plants, look for native, local varieties that will attract pollinators.

Creating a pollinator garden is an easy way to entice wildlife to your backyard and rebalance your yard’s natural ecosystem.  And think twice before you scoop up fall’s leaf litter! It plays an essential role in your backyard’s ecology.  Find out more about the importance of leaf litter.

Let’s do our part to protect wildflowers by creating unique wildflower gardens this season! 

Get inspired and transform your backyard with these insightful recommended reads:

Greenwashing can cloud a company’s sustainable and ethical business practices.

Not all companies that claim to prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are truly committed to sustainable and ethical business practices. “Greenwashing” makes it difficult for consumers to know the difference between marketing and action.

The term “greenwashing” was coined by environmentalist Jay Westerveld.  In 1986, he wrote an essay in which he criticized the irony of the “save the towel” movement in hotels at the time, according to Earth.org.

“He noticed the vast amount of waste he had come across throughout the rest of the hotel, where there were no visible signs of efforts being made to become more sustainable,” writer Deena Robinson explained. “He said that instead, the hotel was simply trying to reduce costs by not having to wash towels as much but while trying to market it as being eco-friendly.”

Greenwashing today refers to the practice of making exaggerated or misleading claims about a company’s environmental, social, or governance practices to appeal to consumers concerned about sustainability and ethics.

Greenwashing can take many forms: from using vague or meaningless terms like “eco-friendly” or “natural,” to making outright false claims about a product’s environmental impact.

For example, a company might market a product as “biodegradable.” And while that product might biodegrade, it may do so at such an extremely slow rate that it still contributes to long-term pollution. Similarly, organizations may highlight a single eco-friendly aspect of their operations while neglecting other unsustainable practices that add up to more harm overall. This selective disclosure misleads consumers, preventing them from making informed decisions and effectively addressing environmental challenges. By misrepresenting practices, companies can divert attention from their actual environmental footprint.  Greenwashing makes it difficult for consumers to assess the true sustainability of that company’s business operations. 

Overstated Sustainability Efforts

In a 2022 Harris Poll for Google Cloud survey of 1,491 executives across 16 countries, 58% agreed that “green hypocrisy” exists and their organization has “overstated their sustainability efforts.”

Executives in the study did report that they wanted more transparency and opportunity to overcome their top barriers. 87% agreed that “if business leaders can be more honest about the issues they face with becoming more environmentally sustainable, they can make meaningful progress.”

Technological advancements are being considered a priority investment alongside sustainability.  Companies can streamline operations, socialize initiatives to appease consumers and encourage other companies to make impactful changes.  They can also measure and report on the impact of their efforts to encourage future progress.

Here’s how consumers can exercise their purchasing power effectively:

• Do your own research. Take the time to read about a company’s ESG practices and investigate any claims they make about their sustainability and ethics. Look for credible sources of information, such as independent sustainability rating agencies or reports from reputable NGOs. 
• Look for third-party certifications and labels. There are many certifications and designations that can indicate a product’s environmental or social credentials.  Examples include the Forest Stewardship Council certification for sustainable forestry or the Fair Trade mark for ethical labor practices.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If a company makes a claim about its sustainability or ethics that seems too good to be true, ask for more information. A truly committed, sustainable, or ethical company should be happy to provide detailed information about its ESG practices.
• Vote with your wallet. Use your purchasing power to support companies that align with your values and avoid those that engage in greenwashing. Avoid fast fashion: cheap, low-quality clothing that pollutes our planet. When consumers collectively favor sustainable options, it sends a clear message to businesses that sustainability is a priority and influences their strategic decisions.

The concept of greenwashing can undermine the efforts of truly committed, sustainable, and ethical companies and mislead eco-conscious consumers.

By being knowledgeable about the products and brands you purchase and support, you can make informed decisions that align with your own sustainable goals of lowering your carbon footprint.

There are many companies taking steps to have a positive impact, however, and these companies should be applauded. Read our blog to learn more about ESG criteria and how it is helping companies reduce their carbon footprints.

Additional Resources for Consumers

One Planet Life understands that it takes time to research sustainable brands to support.  We’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly brands we love to help make your buying decisions easier.  

• The Market section on our website shares a list of sustainable brands, products, and services.  These can also be found in the Market section of the One Planet Life app.
• We love businesses that balance purpose and profit. There are thousands of Certified B Corporations who are committed to doing better for the planet. These businesses consider the impact they have on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
• Rethink holiday gift giving by choosing to purchase products from planet-friendly brands.  We also highly recommend philanthropic giving!
• Take charge of your consumer power by reading our blog: Your Dollar Is Powerful. Be a Conscious Consumer.

Let’s Take a Deeper Dive into How Companies Are Striving to Make a Positive Impact.

A carbon footprint is a collection of data that shows how actions and choices made in an individual’s daily life equates to carbon emissions. You may already be familiar with this concept. But are you aware that many companies are focused on making a positive impact by reducing their carbon footprints?

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) refers to a set of criteria that investors and companies use to assess the sustainability and ethical impact of their investments and business practices. ESG factors can be used to evaluate a wide range of companies, including those in the manufacturing, energy, finance, and consumer goods sectors.

The impact of ESG factors can be far-reaching.

Environmentally, ESG criteria can help companies reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable resource use. Socially, ESG factors can help companies ensure that their operations respect human rights and labor laws, support diversity and inclusion, and contribute positively to the communities in which they operate. In governance, ESG criteria include compliance, the internal corporate culture, pay ratios, the company ethos, and transparency and accountability in leadership, CIO writer Sarah White explains.

How do B Corps Fit into the Mix?

While they are distinct concepts, there is an undeniable connection between ESGs and B Corps, as they both revolve around the idea of businesses operating with a greater purpose beyond profit.

The connection between ESG and B Corps lies in the shared objective of promoting sustainable and responsible business practices.

While ESG is a broader framework used to evaluate the sustainability performance of any company, B Corps are specifically structured to embody those principles.

B Corps often score well on ESG assessments due to their holistic approach to business operations. They focus on creating positive social and environmental impacts while maintaining strong governance practices. B Corps are held to high standards of transparency and are required to report regularly on their social and environmental performance.

Find a list of Certified B Corporations here.  

As investors and consumers demand greater transparency and accountability from companies, ESG criteria are sure to grow and evolve.

However, the concept of greenwashing can undermine the efforts of truly committed sustainable and ethical companies and mislead eco-conscious consumers. Read our article, Getting to the Root of Greenwashing, to learn more about what that term means and how you can spot it. 

Raising chickens has picked up steam as a popular hobby in recent years, with big benefits including fresh eggs and a better environment.

Taking a stroll through many neighborhoods, it’s becoming more likely you’ll see a flock of hens exploring suburban – or even urban – backyards. Raising chickens has picked up steam as a popular hobby in recent years, especially among millennials and Gen Z. Since the pandemic, many have started to explore backyard farming not only as an enjoyable pastime but a way to feed their families and make a positive impact on the planet.

In its 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, the American Pet Product Association (APPA) estimated an increase in ownership of backyard chickens from 8% of American households in 2018 to 13% in 2020. It’s no surprise that when people start their own backyard coop, it’s usually because they want fresh eggs.

Eating Locally Reduces Environmental Impact

When keeping your own coop, you can easily produce 200-300 eggs per year. These eggs are coming from chickens that have room to stretch, forage, and socialize (chickens are surprisingly communal!). Both eggs and chicken meat bought from the supermarket are often sourced from industrial farms. These farms, built with profit in mind, usually keep chickens in cramped cages. In a lot of these operations, a chicken might go through its entire life without ever exploring the world beyond its cage.

Humane animal conditions aren’t the only concern. These massive operations are substantial environmental polluters – of waterways in particular. 

According to a report from the Pew Environment Group, the Chesapeake Bay is suffering from the roughly 523 million chickens produced a year in just Maryland and Delaware alone.

“The environmental consequences of the broiler business’ explosive growth are especially profound in the Chesapeake Bay, one of the nation’s most important, scenic and threatened bodies of water,” said Robert Martin, an expert on industrial animal agriculture reform at the Pew Environment Group. “Instead of working to limit the effects of all this chicken waste, the industry has fought to avoid responsibility for cleaning up one of our national treasures.”

And don’t forget – when you can walk out to your backyard for eggs instead of driving to the store to buy a dozen that’s been shipped on diesel-guzzling trucks for hundreds of miles, it’s most certainly a win for the environment. 

Chickens and Gardens Go Hand-in-Hand

When my husband and I started our own flock this summer, one of the benefits we were most excited for was experiencing the harmony between chickens and our garden. 

We’ve been buying chicken compost for years, as it’s one of the best natural fertilizers for a garden. Now, instead of buying expensive bags of compost, we can take the waste product from our flock to boost our crop yield.

Don’t add it directly to your garden though, the Chicago Botanic Garden warns. High in ammonia, it needs time to break down. Mix it into your compost pit, give it about six months, and you’ll have the perfect, nitrogen-rich soil to add to your garden.

In addition, chickens can drastically reduce your tilling time. Let them loose on a new garden bed, and they’ll use their feet and beaks to tear up the soil looking for tasty treats.

A Safe Way to Control Pests

Stop using insecticides in your yard that can have devastating effects on the local ecosystem. Instead, opt for a flock. Chickens love roaming around the yard looking for slugs, snails, beetles, and more. In fact, just the other day I observed one of our hens pluck a mosquito right out of thin air!

Insect pests can become a nightmare for a gardener or anyone trying to make the most out of their outdoor space. Not only will this trick cut down on pests, but is also a beneficial addition to a healthy chicken’s diet.

If all these reasons aren’t enough to convince you to start your own backyard chicken coop, here’s one more – chickens are great pets! There’s nothing like watching your chicks grow into healthy, egg-producing chickens. Not only are they a great source of entertainment, but also create a rewarding experience that stems from a self-sufficient, eco-friendly lifestyle.

Interested in getting started with your own backyard coop? Check out this step-by-step guide on raising chicks.

One Planet Life Spotlights a Local Farm in Southwestern Pennsylvania and Making an Impact in Their Community 

McConnell’s Farm and Market, located in the Aliquippa area, is one of several CSAs in southwestern Pennsylvania. It’s one of our favorites, and is making a big impact in the lives of their community members.

According to Calvin McConnell, the history of this family’s multi-generational and sustainable 180-acre farm goes back as far as 1787. McConnells’ Farm and Market has participated in the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model for the last eight years. The CSA model provides much-needed committed funds to the local farm and delivery of high-quality fresh farm produce for CSA participants.

Better Farming, Better Quality Food

According to McConnell, the farm is not certified organic.  However, their growing practices range from non-certified organic to integrated pest management (IPM). IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on common-sense practices.

The McConnells are involved in every stage of crop production. Their home is on the farm. They drink the well and spring water and consume what they grow. This makes them highly aware and conscientious of safety precautions for their family and clientele. The farmers rely on crop rotation, planting ground covers to regenerate soil naturally rather than depleting it, drip irrigation, hand picking in place of herbicides, as well other sustainable techniques.

Several years ago, they built a barn, adding much-needed space to showcase the variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers grown on the farm. A large CSA chalkboard informs customers what is available and defines mandatory and value-added items weekly. Local artisan products such as soap, candles, pottery, and canned goods are also available for sale, along with canning supplies and canned goods.

To learn more about CSAs, read our blog: Community Supported Agriculture A Win For Farmers and Families.

Other articles you may be interested in:

• Farmers Markets and CSAs Positively Impact Communities
• One Vermont Farm Chose Regenerative Farming and Created a Ripple Effect
• Shop Local and Support Your Community

Find local farmers’ markets, CSAs, and agritourism near you.

Visit the USDA’s Local Food Directories