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We believe that simple and joyful changes made by many individuals will result in positive and joyful changes for many and for the planet. Our posts are focused on topics related to how we can improve our quality of life and protect the planet. One Planet Life is dedicated to you, me, we and our living planet.
OPL Spotlight: A Love of Nature Sparked a Focus on Sustainability for Yvonne Dwyer
For Master Naturalist Yvonne Dwyer, a focus on sustainability has become an extension of a lifestyle immersed in nature. Learn her story.
OPL Spotlight: Lorie Buckingham’s Sustainability Journey Began with a Craving to Learn More
Decades before founding One Planet Life, Lorie Buckingham had already embarked on her own sustainability journey.
Packing It Out: Learning More About “Leave No Trace”
Leave No Trace brings attention to the conservation, preservation, and protection of our parks and ecosystems.
What to Pack: How to Prepare for a Great Outdoor Adventure
The key to making any outdoor adventure enjoyable is to be prepared before you head outside. Pack these 10 essential items in your daypack.
What to Wear: How to Prepare For a Winter Outdoor Adventure
Your winter outdoor adventure requires the right clothing, sturdy boots, a daypack filled with essentials, and a positive attitude.
Tofu 101: How to Master this Versatile Protein
If you’ve been disappointed or intimidated by tofu, you’re not alone. Follow these tips to master versatile tofu.
Make Simple Changes to Drastically Cut Waste Generated in Your Kitchen
Do you use paper towels or plastic wrap more often than not? Try these useful eco-friendly alternatives to cut waste in your kitchen.
New Year, New You, Renewed Planet: One Planet Life Can Help You Live Sustainably
Resolve to live sustainably in 2023 and track your journey of joyful changes in the One Planet Life App. Measure your impact.
New Year | New You 15-Day Sustainability Kickstart Challenge
Join our 15-day sustainability kickstart challenge. Consider it a warmup to a year of joyful changes that benefit you and the planet.
Joy for the World: Have a Sustainable Holiday Celebration!
The holiday season is notoriously consumptive and wasteful – but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips for a more sustainable holiday.
How to Shop Smart and Save the Planet This Holiday Season
One Planet Life’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide is here to help you find the perfect gifts for your friends and family that also align with your sustainability goals.
America’s Recycling Programs are in Disarray, You Can Help
It’s no secret that the state of recycling in America needs to be improved. Individuals have huge opportunity to make a difference.
Save the Planet from Plastic Pollution, One Refill at a Time
Reducing and reusing are real solutions to the planet’s plastic pollution problem since most plastic ends up in landfills and oceans.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and REFILL to Benefit the Planet
Refill your containers with package-free products and reduce the amount of plastic you send to the landfill to benefit the planet.
My Journey to Reduce My Carbon Footprint Started With Trash
The journey to reducing my carbon footprint has evolved over several years. It began by reducing the amount of rubbish in our trash.
How will we Face Climate Change, Sharknado, or Ministry For the Future?
Fiction is a window into our future. These two climate crisis stories take vastly different approaches to how we will face climate change.
Slay the Energy Vampires in Your Home and Save
Your home consumes lots of energy, but you can make an impact in a few easy steps, slay your energy vampires and save.
Now is the Time to Soak Up the Wonders of Our Forests
The wonders of our forests are calling us to benefit from their glory this fall season. The colorful autumn splendor, smells, and sounds serve as elixirs for our well-being.
Preserve Fresh Produce to Enjoy in Winter
Preserving fresh produce need not be complicated. Here are three tips and recipes for preserving tomatoes, sweet corn, and green beans.
Going Green: Wedding Celebration With a Helpful Twist
How does an environmentally conscientious couple create an excellent vision for their bohemian fairy garden wedding celebration and follow through?
Movement of the Monarch: The Importance of Pollinators
The monarch butterflies migration is a natural pollination route, sustaining life of ecosystems. Pollinators are very important in ecosystem health.
Wildflowers are Essential to a Healthy Ecosystem
We love wildflowers for many reasons. Wildflowers are beautiful and colorful and are essential to a healthy ecosystem.
Saratoga Springs Stoked My Love Affair with Water
A visit to Saratoga Springs and the area’s natural mineral springs stoked my longtime fascination with water.
Environmental Conservation of Our Waterways is Key to Sustainability
The French Creek Valley Conservancy is playing a vital role in the environmental conservation of waterways in Pennsylvania.
We Should Never Take Water for Granted. Especially Now.
Water sustains all life. It can harm when there is too much, too little, or when it is polluted. Yet, we take water for granted.
It is time to Love, Care for, and Share Our Water
We are utterly dependent on water. It is time to remember our love for water – to care for it, and share it. We give you ways to get started.
Aquatic Macroinvertebrates are Signallers of Water Quality
Aquatic macro-invertebrates signal to us the quality of our waterways. They play a large part in our freshwater ecosystem.
Why are Vernal Pools so Important to Ecology?
Vernal pools are unlike other freshwater wetlands due to what happens in late winter and early spring. They play a critical role in ecology.
A Bioblitz is a Great Way to Learn What is Living Near You
Want to know more about plants, insects, animals, birds, fungi, or trees near you? A Bioblitz is fun way to identify life around you.
Biodiversity is Life and Extinction is Accelerating
Biodiversity is the amazing living web of organisms on earth. If a species becomes extinct, it can cause cascading harm to the ecosystem.
Spotlight on McConnells’ Farm and Market in Southwestern PA
McConnells’ Farm and Market, located in the Aliquippa area, is one of several CSAs in southwestern Pennsylvania. It’s one of our favorites.
Community Supported Agriculture A Win For Farmers and Families
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a growing, mutually-beneficial partnership between local farmers and their community.
The Time is Now for Plastic to Be Gone
Reducing plastic is a triple play. It reduces climate change, nature loss, and pollution. The Time is now for plastic to be gone.
An Insider’s Guide to Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the most inspiring landscapes in the US. It overwhelms our senses with its geologic beauty.
National Park Ranger Programs are Fun for All Ages
Whether you are 4 or 94, the National Park Service Ranger Programs are an exploratory, educational, and fun experience for the whole family.
An Insider’s Guide to North Cascades National Park
If you love vast native wilderness, turquoise water, and majestic trees, add North Cascades National Park to the top of your bucket list.
An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Arches National Park
Arches National Park is breathtaking, featuring sculptured red rock sceneries created from 100 million years of erosion and weathering.
An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Mesa National Park
The cliff palaces, tools, pottery, family life, and topography of Mesa Verde National Park will spark your curiosity to discover more.
An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Zion National Park
Our Naturalist Yvonne Dwyer shares tips for what to explore at Zion National Park and for getting the most out of your visit.
USA to Increase Protected Land for Our Future
In the United States, we have 63 natural parks and other protected land. We also have large tracts of natural habitats in private ownership. Privately owned land can be used in a variety of ways without regard for the impact on natural habitats.
Where is the Climate-resilient Corridor Near You?
Protecting biodiversity by providing safe places for nature to thrive also benefits people with clean drinking water, carbon storage that fights climate change, and safeguarding beautiful landscapes to soothe the soul.
Birds are Calling it Spring! Time to Go Outside
Spring is in the air and we can feel and hear it as the birds are singing, chirping, and pecking making beautiful music.
Now is the Time to Prepare for the Growing Season
It may be hard to imagine containers or gardens filled with vegetables and fruit but now is the time to prepare for the growing season.
Tips for Local Produce Shopping in Winter
Shopping locally for fresh produce in winter can be a challenge. Many farmers harvest root vegetables that can make a winter menu delicious.
Catch a Wave to a More Sustainable Life
The One Planet Life app helps you dial into what you can to live a more sustainable life. The actions you take will make a difference.
Urban Community Gardens Enhance City Life
Urban areas around the country are being enriched through community gardens. Urban gardens sustain the gardeners and add green space.
Living Buildings Around the World
People thrive in nature, not concrete jungles. How do we balance city living with nature? By developing living buildings.
We Need to Focus Sustainability on Cities
Rural areas seem better positioned to be in balance with nature and achieve sustainability. Not true. We need to focus sustainability on cities.
A Good Book is a Gift that Keeps on Giving
Consider a good book when thinking about gifts for your loved ones this Holiday season. Gifting a book is like giving three gifts in one.
The Secret Power of Shopping
Your shopping has a secret power. How and where you spend your money can drive change. Let’s make some impactful changes for your loved ones and the planet.
My Journey to a More Sustainable Lifestyle
My journey to a more sustainable lifestyle started by realizing I have a lot to learn! Becoming aware of what impacts the planet was key.
Veggie-forward Party Menu for 8 People
At our recent OPL Summit, we had a three-course, veggie-forward potluck dinner for eight people, and it was a party for the senses. Get our recipes.
Frick Park is a Green Gem in Pittsburgh
Frick Park, located in Pittsburgh, PA, is a beautiful flourishing park and helps to improve the everyday lives of those who live in the city and surrounding areas.
Commitment to Sustainability on Display in Asheville, NC
Asheville, North Carolina’s commitment to sustainability is on display as it proactively addresses topics including climate change.
The Beautiful and Complex World of Honey Bees
Our appreciation of the benefits of the complex world of honey bees was greatly heightened after a visit to Bedillion Honey Bee Farm.
You’ll Be Amazed By These Wildlife Bridges
Wildlife bridges or “green” bridges are reducing the number of wildlife-related traffic incidents and providing safe pathways for animals.
Get to Know the Amazing World of Birds at the National Aviary
The National Aviary is home to over 500 birds and 150 species from all over the world. Many of these birds are threatened or endangered. Let us take you on a journey through this amazing world of birds.
Why is Plastic a Problem?
The world has become a plastic dumping ground. Plastic is pervasive such that we hardly pay attention. We do this to the detriment of our planet and our lives.
Switching to Reusable K-cups Saves Money and the Planet
If you are a fan of single-cup brewing systems, a simple switch to replacing single-use, pre-filled plastic pods with washable and reusable k-cups will save you money and put less plastic on our planet as well.
Make Your Own Infused Water
With nature’s help, water is now my favorite drink and it’s nearly calorie free. I make simple and delicious infused water.
Urban Composting is Possible!
In the United States approximately 100 million tons of food waste are generated each year. Food waste seems senseless when nature has such a great way to regenerate the waste into nutrients for the soil. My urban composting journey began with a couple of clicks.
A Food Waste Recycling Solution that Changed a Nation
Food systems have a high environmental cost — more than 820 million people go hungry every day and many producers struggle to stay afloat. In high-income countries, 35% of the food is thrown out by consumers. Let’s look at South Korea for inspiration on a food waste recycling solution.
There’s a lot to know about Bees on World Bee Day
Bees provide more to us than honey. Bees contribute to the mitigation of climate change and environmental conservation. May 20th is World Bee Day.
An Easy Guide to Backyard Composting
Turn food scapes into rich soil. Here is an easy guide to backyard composting to help you on your journey to live more sustainably.
My Octopus Teacher is Mesmerizing
How can an octopus be a teacher? While it might not seem possible, relax and let this gentle documentary change your mind.
Simple Habit Change Results in Two Big Wins
Over the past few years, I’ve made a simple habit change that resulted in big wins for me and the planet. That made it a simple and joyful change — a double win!
For the Love of Maple Syrup
Spring is the season for maple syrup production. Did you know that maple syrup is one of the oldest agricultural commodities produced in the U.S.?
Birdwatching is fun for the whole family
Birdwatching is such a great way to get out in nature, appreciate the beauty of our natural world with minimal impact on our environment, while at the same time rejuvenating ourselves.
Five Questions for Our Naturalist
Yvonne Dwyer is our resident naturalist and we are honored to have her on our team. Yvonne brings a nature-centric perspective to OPL and will share her insights, experiences, and recommended back-to-nature excursions with the OPL community.
The Fruit Pearl of Fungi: Blue Oyster Mushrooms
Mushrooms are the fruit body of fungi and the various shapes, sizes, colors, and how they grow intrigue me. There is an element of mystery around mushrooms. Introducing the Blue Oyster mushroom.
Who Cares About Birds and Bees, Flowers and Trees?
What’s the big deal about birds and bees, flowers and trees? More than you may realize. In fact, it’s ‘life or death’ important. Nature and its balance are essential for human existence.
Our Visit to One World Zero Waste
One Planet Life travels around the world to learn more about people and places dedicated to making a difference. Each OPL Spotlight shines a light on impressive efforts being made toward living and operating more sustainably and in harmony with nature.
A Plant-rich Diet is Good for You and the Planet
Did you know that our eating habits are increasing greenhouse gases and harming our health? You hold the key. It is time to open this door. Changing to a plant-rich diet can change you and the planet for the better!
5 Benefits of Eating More Fruits and Vegetables
Eat Better Food and You'll Feel Better. We've all heard the old adage, "You are what you eat." It actually dates back to the 1800s and it means if you eat good food you have better health. Sounds simple, right? Actually it is. You just have to make joyful changes...
Now is the Time to Adopt the Flexible and Healthy Planetary Diet
The Planetary Diet is an eating approach symbolized by a plate that is half full of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is very different from our food consumption today and will require us to make a series of joyful changes.
Rebel Chef Inspires Delicious Veggie-forward Recipes
In Dominique Crenn’s book, Rebel Chef In Search of What Mattered Most, I was drawn deeply to her chapter on “The Ethical Kitchen.” It is impressive how this honored chef who sees food as poetry makes vegetables the center of her elegant dishes. While she is not a...
What Future Do You Choose?
This is a pivotal moment when we can make a difference for our future. As global citizens we change our focus and act differently. We live in exciting and scary times. It is impossible to avoid the fact that we have been on a path that is not sustainable. Ours is a...
Let’s Start Really Thinking About Our Trash
In the United States, we throw a lot of things into the trash without giving much thought to where our garbage goes after it gets picked up from our curb. Let’s take a deeper look at the waste system in the US and gain a better understanding of how it works.Let's...
A Closer Look: Your State’s Report Card
Last summer, we debuted the first addition to our Your State and the Environment dashboard with the State Report Card. In it, we brought together data from several high-quality sources to create comparative graphs of the ranking of each state in six environmental...
Mindfulness and Meditation are Gifts for Yourself
Mindfulness and meditation are gifts for yourself. It goes beyond relaxation and is the path to your center of joy, peace and a clear mind.
Choose Kindness for Yourself, Others and the Planet
We need to double down on kindness. Choosing kindness for yourself, others and the planet is good for the health and wellness of all. We are living in extraordinary times with a pandemic that is escalating around the world and impacting our medical and economic...
Enjoy Your Coffee and Make a Difference
As we enter the winter months, a good cup of coffee or tea is warm and invigorating. It's even more satisfying when you buy your coffee or tea from a company dedicated to making a difference. If you live in North America where you cannot grow coffee or tea, then the...
The Gift Guide You Need to Make A Big Impact
A Holiday Shopping Guide for the coolest gifts that keep on giving through their positive impact on people and the planet.
Shopping to Make a Difference
Buying gifts for friends and family is a big part of our Holiday traditions. It's a way to show those closest to us know how grateful we are to have them in our lives. Make this season even better by shopping to make a difference. The way to make our gift buying and...
Social Enterprises and B-Corporations Make A Difference
In today’s society, it's not only about what you purchase but who you purchase from that makes a difference in our world. Social enterprises and B-Corporations believe in the social responsibility of business. We have many, many choices for how we spend our money. ...
World Mental Health Day
Let’s take a few minutes to think about mental health on this day designated, World Mental Health Day. Even before the pandemic affected billions of people around the world, a large number of people have been affected by mental disorders. Consider a few sobering...
Let’s Hear it for the Birds!
As the leaves change color and temperatures begin to drop in North America, birds begin to fly south for the winter. October 10th then is the perfect time to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. Created in 1933 by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Campaign, the day...
World Habitat Day – Housing for All
On the first Monday of October, we reflect on the basic right of all to adequate shelter on World Habitat Day, and to remind the world that we all have the power and responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.
It’s Impressive What Can Be Done When We Work Together
September 16th is World Ozone Day. Today, let’s take a moment to thank all of those who in 1985 raised the alarm concerning the importance of protecting the ozone layer.
Reading of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss for the Child in All of Us
I am an avid reader of books on climate change and nature. I enjoy turning to a children's book for insights. Written in 1971, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a whimsical gem. The Lorax is desperately trying to stop the senseless cutting down of trees. As the story unfolds...
Climate Change From Top-Down and Bottom-Up
If you read Greta Thunberg’s book, No One is Too Small to Make a Difference, you’ll notice a common thread amongst the collection of speeches, which she’s delivered in front of audiences across the world, from Capitol Hill to the United Nations. Start treating the...
Roadtrip to Meet the Longest Living Trees
We’re moving towards the peak of summer here in the United States, and what better way to celebrate the trees that provide us with so much than to take some time to see the oldest ones in the country? Although there are a couple of East Coast outliers rounding out the...
International Day of Friendship
On this International Day of Friendship we have an opportunity to think about how we can increase our tolerance of differing points of views and cultures.
Let’s Plant One Trillion Trees
We are losing 18.7 million acres of forests annually. This is equivalent to 27 soccer fields every minute. We need to dramatically increase trees and forest coverage.
World Population Day
The UN World Population Day seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population in our world.
Planting Trees to Mitigate Climate Change
The restoration of trees remains among the most effective strategies for climate change mitigation.
Time to Give Trees the Love They Deserve
Research shows that being around trees and green space lowers your blood pressure, slows your heart rate and reduces stress
Reducing Plastic for Water’s Sake
We all know intuitively that water and all the living things that depend on it are precious. At the same time, we create tremendous waste in the form of single-use plastic which harms the planet. Reducing our use of single-use plastic aligns our actions with...
The World of Dolphins
Humans have had a kinship with dolphins since we met a long time ago. For example, excavations of ancient cities bring to light that on the island of Crete, the Minoan civilization lived in harmony with dolphins. I love standing on the beach watching their joyful...
World Bicycle Day, June 3rd
June 3rd is World Bicycle Day. The bicycle has been in use for about two centuries and it is a reliable and sustainable means of transportation. Physical activity of moderate intensity such as biking or walking is good for your health and fun. Some countries are known...
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