Blog Archives

Avoid airplane travel

3/29/2024

As you start to plan your vacations, consider how you travel. Skipping even one airplane flight greatly reduces your carbon footprint.

This 2017 article in Environmental Research Letters* evaluated several individual actions for their relative impact on greenhouse gas emissions. One lifestyle choice that they identified as having a disproportionately large contribution was traveling by plane. They estimate that avoiding one transatlantic flight per year reduces an individual’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by 700–2800 kg CO2e, depending on the length of the flight. Consider the impact of your mode of travel as you plan your vacations this year. Plan a trip that does not require airplane travel or take a “staycation” by just taking day trips from home to explore nearby attractions.

*Seth Wynes and Kimberly A Nicholas. 2017. The climate mitigation gap: education and government recommendations miss the most effective individual actions. Environ. Res. Lett. 12 074024. DOI 10.1088/1748-9326/aa7541

Photo by V.L., Flickr

Take out invasive English ivy

3/22/2024

Remove English ivy from trees and landscaping: ivy smothers other plants and adds weight to tree branches making them more likely to fall.

English ivy is an aggressive, invasive vine that is native to Europe, but is now commonly found in gardens and woodlands in the United States. As an introduced plant, it offers little benefit to native wildlife and is highly detrimental to native plants. Although it is sold as an ornamental plant, it is crucial to keep it as an indoor plant only. It grows quickly and smothers other plants with its dense leaves on long, trailing vines. It climbs into shrubs and trees, making trees likely to fall or drop large branches. Most of its roots do not extend deeply, making it easy to pull out when the soil is soft after it rains. However, if even a small piece remains, it will eventually regrow, so persistence is needed to keep it at bay.

For more information, visit the Missouri Botanical Garden and Clemson Cooperative Extension websites. This green tip has advice for removing ivy from trees.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Install a rain barrel

3/15/2024

Install a rain barrel to reduce storm runoff and to use as a water supply for outdoor watering needs.

During a rainstorm, rainwater seeps into the ground until the ground is saturated and the remaining water runs off into drains and ultimately streams and rivers. With the increase in impervious surfaces in cities, less water infiltrates during storms. The increase in runoff can overwhelm the storm sewer system and cause local flooding. Harvesting rainwater using a rain barrel reduces the harmful effects of runoff, and on-site use of captured rainwater reduces water treatment needs and reduces the use of potable water for residential uses.

Rain barrels are not difficult to install. Either cut a downspout to direct water through a screened opening on the top or install a diverter into a downspout that directs water through a tube to the barrel and allows overflow to continue through the downspout once the barrel is full. Make sure any openings are covered with screen to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water. You can even install a series of barrels, the next one filling when the previous one is full. A spigot near the bottom of the barrel allows you to fill a watering can or attach a hose. Placing the barrel on top of cement blocks or stand makes room for filling a watering can. This water should only be used for watering plants and is not safe for drinking without being treated first.

For more information, see this fact sheet.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Store fresh herbs in water

3/8/2024

Store fresh herbs upright in a jar or vase of water, like a bouquet of flowers, and enjoy them on your countertop.

Parsley, basil, mint, and other fresh herbs can be stored at room temperature with their stems in a jar of water. Basil in particular prefers room temperature. Instant uplift to your kitchen and spirits!

Read more here.
Photo by Alan Levine, Flickr

Choose an antique or vintage rug to save resources

3/1/2024

An antique or vintage carpet is unique, more sustainable than a new one, and shoppable online from trusted retailers.

An antique or vintage rug will become part of your family heirlooms. By purchasing one, you lessen the impact on resources that are used to make a new rug. You may also save material from reaching a landfill.

Read more here.

Avoid airplane travel

Take out invasive English ivy

Install a rain barrel

Store fresh herbs in water

Choose an antique or vintage rug to save resources

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