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Swap out plastic products for bamboo, which grows at mind-boggling speed and absorbs twice as much CO2 as trees

12/29/2021

Bamboo is a material that can now be found in a number of household items. A recent article on Treehugger.com reports on the sustainability benefits of using bamboo instead of plastic, paper, or wood. Because bamboo is fast growing, it "can be cut and replanted easily, and yearly harvesting causes no harm to the soil or surrounding environment. Not only does it grow rapidly, but bamboo also absorbs twice as much carbon dioxide as trees and produces 30% more oxygen than most plants and trees.* It can be grown organically, without the aid of chemical pesticides or fertilizers."** They list a wide variety of items that are made from bamboo, including toothbrushes, hairbrushes, utensils, clothing, diapers, flooring, and household paper products.

*"About Bamboo." Bamboo Botanicals.
**Treehugger editors, December 13, 2021, "Bamboo can help you go plastic free at home," www.treehugger.com

https://www.treehugger.com/bamboo-help-plastic-free-home-5212973?utm_campaign=treehugger&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=26033086&utm_term=

Consider owning a limited-edition fine art print by A-list nature photographers sponsored by the non-profit Vital Impacts, with proceeds benefiting grassroots conservation campaigns

12/27/2021

The non-profit organization Vital Impacts is featured in a recent article on Treehugger.com. This group of 100 photographers "is selling fine arts images with proceeds benefiting organizations that work to sustain the planet. During the first sale, 60% of net-proceeds will go to the Big Life Foundation, Great Plains Foundation's Project Ranger, Jane Goodall Institute's Roots and Shoots program, and SeaLegacy." Their intention is to raise awareness about the natural world and the organizations that work to protect it.

Mary Jo DiLonardo, December 7, 2021, "A-List Photographers Sell Fine Art Prints in Project to Aid Conservation," www.treehugger.com

--https://www.treehugger.com/top-wildlife-photographers-print-sale-conservation-5211754?utm_campaign=treehugger&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=25963563&utm_term=

--https://vitalimpacts.org/collections/open-editions

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) contain mercury toxic to humans and animals. Do not throw them out—recycle them safely at Lowe’s and Home Depot

12/27/2021

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLS) are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs but contain mercury, so they must be disposed of properly after they burn out. Retailers including The Home Depot and Lowe's have recycling programs for CFLs and provide bins for collection.

A recent TreeHugger.com article describes how CFLs are recycled and the materials reused. "A bulb recycler uses special machines to extract mercury and break down the CFL’s glass casing and aluminum fixtures. They can reuse the mercury in new light bulbs or in products like thermostats. The glass becomes material like concrete or tile, while the aluminum is recycled as scrap metal. Not only does recycling CFLs divert waste from the landfill, but it also prevents the release of toxic mercury into the environment."* The article also provides instructions for how to handle a broken CFL bulb: "Immediately have all other people and pets leave the room so they can avoid exposure. Open a window or door to the outside to air out the room for 5-10 minutes while you collect all broken glass and visible powder. Do not vacuum up the pieces because this could spread mercury-containing powder or vapor.
Place all broken glass and powder in a sealable container and check with your local government about disposal requirements."*

*Lauren Murphy, March 14, 2022, "How to Recycle Light Bulbs and Why You Should," www.treehugger.com

--https://www.treehugger.com/light-bulb-recycling-5206232?utm_campaign=treehugger&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cn_nl&utm_content=25939313&utm_term=

This holiday season honor a loved one with a gift to an earth-loving charity in their name

12/27/2021

Making a donation to a non-profit as a gift is a great way to protect the environment by not buying more stuff and honoring the interests of your recipient. The editors at Treehugger.com have compiled a list of their favorite non-profits that just might fit the bill for your gift giving. Check out their list here.*

*Treehugger editors, November 29, 2021, "Our Favorite Non-Profits for Gifts That Give Back," www.treehugger.com

--https://www.treehugger.com/favorite-non-profits-gifts-that-give-back-5209907

Swap out plastic products for bamboo, which grows at mind-boggling speed and absorbs twice as much CO2 as trees

Consider owning a limited-edition fine art print by A-list nature photographers sponsored by the non-profit Vital Impacts, with proceeds benefiting grassroots conservation campaigns

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) contain mercury toxic to humans and animals. Do not throw them out—recycle them safely at Lowe’s and Home Depot

This holiday season honor a loved one with a gift to an earth-loving charity in their name

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