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Emissions from windshield washer fluid

2/23/2024

Windshield washer fluid accounts for a surprisingly large percentage of toxic vehicle emissions.

A startling new study by the American Chemical Society spotlights an underestimated source of vehicular emissions: windshield washer fluid. The researchers argue that even as more and more drivers switch from gasoline to electric vehicles, the emission levels of these non-fuel-derived gases will likely remain consistent.

Read more here.

Draft snakes save energy

2/16/2024

Draft snakes are a quick and simple solution to blocking leaks at the bottom of doors and windows.

Draft snakes were a fixture in Depression-era America--a quick and simple energy-saving tool. Laid across cracks under doors or windows, they prevent cold air and draft from blowing in and warm air from escaping.

Read more here.

Watch nature documentaries on plants

2/9/2024

Here’s a wild reason to watch TV--Annals of Botany reports that watching nature documentaries makes children and adults more interested in plants. While humans are generally concerned with endangered animals, threats to plants are harder to recognize.

A new paper in Annals of Botany indicates that watching nature documentaries makes people more interested in plants. Some 40% of plant species are under threat of extinction. Plants that are not directly useful to humans are particularly vulnerable. In the United States, for example, plants receive less than 4% of federal funding for endangered species, despite comprising 57% of the endangered species list.
Read more here.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Sustainable dental floss

2/2/2024

There are now sustainable options for dental floss: recyclable paperboard containers and compostable silk floss.

Dental floss is typically packaged in a one-time use plastic box which may also be covered in additional plastic packaging. Floss itself is made of synthetic material that is hard to recycle and takes decades to break down.* There are now alternatives on the market that are recyclable, reusable, and compostable. Silk is a compostable alternative to synthetic floss. Recyclable paperboard packaging is used by some brands, and there are also refillable options. This Treehugger article** lists a number of brands that offer compostable silk floss and refillable containers. Locally, Martindale’s in Springfield carries Radius dental floss packaged in a paperboard box.

*according to Colgate website
**Starre Vartan, November 18, 2022, "The 9 Best Biodegradable Dental Flosses," Treehugger.com

Emissions from windshield washer fluid

Draft snakes save energy

Watch nature documentaries on plants

Sustainable dental floss

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