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Green Tips: Celebrating the Nation’s Public Lands

The United States has some incredible national parks, and they’ve been receiving a lot of attention lately. July was National Parks & Recreation Month, and shortly after, the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law. Even if you don’t live near a national park, there are many national forests, trails, recreation areas, and monuments in the Northeast worth visiting! Take a look online to see what’s near you. 

Check out this week’s Green Tips on celebrating the nation’s public lands and ensuring that they will thrive for future generations to come. 

Getting There

Our open spaces and pristine lands are worth preserving and taking a trip to experience. In fact, spending time in any park or open space is beneficial to your physical and mental wellbeing. 

For those traveling, opt for low-emission means of transportation. If you haven’t driven an electric vehicle (EV) before, rent one for your trip! EVs are emission-free and can go for more than 100 miles before charging. You can find charging stations along your route here. 

If traveling is not an option, bring the park experience close to home: Pack a bag and a lunch, put on some comfortable shoes, and explore a public space near you. There’s plenty to discover right in your neighborhood!

Leave No Trace

It’s important to leave natural spaces as you find them. This will ensure that delicate ecosystems are maintained and future generations can enjoy these spaces for years to come. Here are some tips to implement “Leave No Trace”:

  • If camping, choose hard surfaces like rock or gravel to settle on for the night. 
  • Stick to trails while hiking to avoid unintentionally harming any surrounding plants or animals.
  • Don’t litter. Carry all waste with you and dispose of it properly, and don’t dump any foods or liquids other than water.
  • Thoroughly rinse your boots, recreational gear, and car tires to prevent the spread of invasive species throughout the park and elsewhere. 
  • Use a compass, map, or GPS instead of physically marking space with paint or flags.
  • Plan ahead and prepare, especially meals. 

Respecting Wildlife

It’s important to be mindful of the flora and fauna while exploring natural spaces. We share the land with plants and animals, and need to respect the local ecosystem. Here are some tips for doing so:

  • Campsites are found, not created. Do not alter the landscape to make a campsite.
  • Choose a spot to camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams to protect riparian areas.
  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow, approach, or feed any animals. 
  • Pay attention to fire danger signs, and consider alternatives to campfires when the risk level is high. Follow campfire safety guidelines, as well. Nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans.
  • Do not rip up or chop down plants. If you spot an invasive species, report it to a park ranger or the DEC (if in NYS).

We hope you’re having a great summer and wish you well if you’re heading to a national park or public land any time soon. Remember to follow these tips to ensure the safety of your group, and the wellbeing of the fauna and flora in the parks! 

Green Tips: Conserving Water at Home

Freshwater is a finite resource, stored in water bodies, the ground, and as ice around the globe. Most New Yorkers get their freshwater from surface water bodies, and the rest (mostly in Nassau & Suffolk counties) get their water from the ground. All water sources rely on the hydrological cycle to replenish freshwater supplies typically through precipitation and snowmelt. Given the recent drought alert for multiple regions across the state, freshwater sources are under threat. To ensure enough freshwater for all New Yorkers, we need to reduce our water use at home. Check out this week’s Green Tips for conserving water around the house: 

Conserving Water at Home

Public water supply accounts for a large portion of water use—over 2 billion gallons—every day, and this figure is expected to rise. Given the drought, now is a great opportunity to try new ways to reduce water use at home and conserve our limited freshwater supply. Check out some of our tips:

Indoors

  • Fix any leaks around your home.
  • Learn how to read your water meter in order to detect leaks.
  • Aerate your faucets or use a WaterSense labeled faucet accessory.
  • Reduce your shower time. Taking 2 minutes off your shower can save up to 10 gallons of water. You can even create a shower playlist to keep track of time, as songs are often ~3 minutes long.
  • Turn off the shower when soaping up or shaving.
  • Turn off your faucet while brushing your teeth. This can preserve nearly 200 gallons of water per month! 
  • Upgrade to water-saving appliances. 
  • Install a toilet tank bank.
  • Keep a jug of water in the fridge to avoid running the tap waiting for it to get cold.
  • If you have a dishwasher or laundry machine, only run it with a full load.

Outdoors

  • Use low-maintenance native plants that are adjusted to the regional precipitation trends and need minimal watering beyond normal rainfall. 
  • Check the weather before turning on your sprinklers or watering the garden.
  • Water your garden with a water can instead of with an automatic irrigation system or hose. 
  • Water your lawn or garden in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
  • Set up a rain barrel and avoid using the tap to water plants.
  • Sweep your driveway and sidewalk rather than spraying it down with a hose.

We hope you found this week’s Green Tips helpful. Thank you for doing your part to conserve New York State’s water!

If you live on Long Island, take the pledge to conserve and protect Long Island’s water. Join your fellow Long Islanders in the movement today!

Green Tips: UV Safety

In the summer, the days are longer, hotter, and the sun is brighter. For many, protecting the skin from intense ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential to avoid skin damage and burns. Both UV-A and UV-B rays can damage the eyes and skin, and potentially lead to vision problems and skin cancer. With the summer in full swing and UV Safety Awareness Month coming to a close, we have tips for you this week to protect yourself from the sun and help the environment!

Sunscreen and the Ocean

Sunscreen is one of the most common ways to protect oneself from UV rays, and come in two forms: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and prevent your skin from doing so. One of the most popular ingredients used in chemical sunscreen is oxybenzone. Unfortunately, oxybenzone causes coral bleaching and damages coral DNA. According to the Environmental Working Group, oxybenzone and other sunscreen chemicals may also affect human health.

Fortunately, mineral sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide are reef-friendly. While chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, mineral based sunscreens reflect the sun. Avoid chemical sunscreens and opt for mineral-based ones to prevent damage to ocean ecosystems.

Be sure to properly dispose of sunscreen cans. Check your local recycling guidelines for instructions.

Fluorocarbons and the Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is a layer in our atmosphere that absorbs UV-B rays. During the 1970s, concerns grew over the depletion of the ozone layer caused by ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as fluorocarbons. Fluorocarbons have been banned from production and will be phased out by 2030, but some home appliances, such as refrigerators, still contain ODS. It’s very important to properly dispose of any products containing ODS. Contact your municipality for ODS disposal protocol.

Other UV Safety Tips

There are plenty of effective alternatives to chemical sunscreen that can protect you from UV radiation.

  • Use UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Wear a wide-brim hat.
  • Wear light-colored long shirts and pants made from natural fibers and/or organic cotton.
  • Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM–2 PM).
  • Check the UV index online before going out.
  • There are tutorials online to make your own sunscreen, but be sure to not use nano-particle zinc or titanium oxide to prevent environmental harm.

We hope you are enjoying your summer! Use these tips to have fun in the sun while protecting yourself and our environment.

Green Tips: Going Plastic-Free, Part 2

Humans have grown accustomed to using single-use plastic, and our production of these materials parallel our reliance. Of the 300 million tons of plastic that’s produced every year, 50% is for single-use plastics. Worldwide, only 10-13% of plastic items are recycled, and the rest find their way into landfills or our food and water supply. As plastics degrade in the natural world, they release toxic chemicals that have been found in humans, where their presence can disrupt the endocrine system. 

Small Changes with Big Impacts

Hundreds have taken our Plastic-Free July pledge. Think of all the plastics that won’t enter our waterways this summer (and hopefully beyond!) because of the small changes that individuals are making to reduce plastic waste. If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas to reduce your plastic use and waste, we’ve expanded our original Plastic-Free July Green Tips list below, thanks in part to our members.

Food 

  • When ordering a pizza, ask the restaurant to forgo the plastic “table.”
  • Get your ice cream in a cone instead of a plastic-coated cup.
  • Buy fresh bread that comes in a paper bag.
  • Consider home cooking rather than buying frozen, ready-to-eat meals.
  • Buy wine bottles with natural cork stoppers.
  • Return plastic produce containers to a farmers market so that they can be cleaned and reused.
  • Challenge your family to find plastic-free alternatives in the grocery store (unwrapped produce, processed foods in cardboard-only packaging, etc).
  • When buying meat or cheese from the deli, ask to use your own container.
  • Ask food establishments to fill up your own Thermos or reusable tumbler. If that’s not an option, forego the lid and straw (or bring your own reusable one).
  • Wash and reuse plastic containers: give them to your kids to create something, use them when cleaning to rinse out the tub, etc.
  • Grow your own food.
  • Reuse plastic bags from cereal boxes in the future as a doggy bag.

Home & Personal Products

  • Avoid products with plastic microbeads. 
  • Find personal care products that come in tin, glass jars, or as solid bars.
  • Choose powdered washing detergent packaged in cardboard, or make your own.
  • Buy large quantity containers of dish & hand soap then refill dispensers in your home.
  • Try creating your makeup and skincare products from scratch using ingredients with the least amount of plastic packaging.
  • Refill cleaning product spray bottles with bulk-purchased cleaning supplies (or make your own). You can also rinse the spray bottles out well and refill with water to spray on your houseplants.
  • Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one.
  • Use an electric shaver.

Other

  • Buy wooden toys for your children, or donate old toys after disinfecting and cleaning them.
  • Quit smoking or using vapes (vapes are made of plastic and are not recyclable; cigarette filters are 95% plastic material that takes 12 years  to fully degrade (if an animal doesn’t ingest it first). 
  • Find a zero-waste store near you!

Implementing any or all of these tips is a great place to start in reducing your plastic use and waste. Taking our Plastic-Free July pledge does not mean you have to get rid of all the plastic in your house and live 100% plastic free forever: it’s about trying less wasteful ways of living and finding out what works best for you! We recommend starting off by choosing three plastic-free initiatives to try during July and continuing the challenge in the months ahead. Join hundreds of New Yorkers in reducing plastic waste by taking the Plastic-Free July pledge. You can win a zero waste toolkit when you sign-up! Thanks for your support.

Green Tips: Saving Energy This Summer

New York State generates electricity from nuclear, hydroelectric, and natural gas. Millions of New Yorkers will expend energy to stay cool this summer, so it’s important to be mindful of our energy consumption. When we decrease our energy demands, we mitigate environmental impacts and the flow of New York dollars to out-of-state sources, including natural gas, which fuels 40% of our energy demands. Follow our tips to save on your energy bills and help the environment this summer! 

Home Cooling Tips

While it may feel nice to leave your air conditioning on all day and come home to a cool house, the electric and environmental costs are not worth the luxury. You can lower your ecological footprint and save money by doing the following:

  • Opt to open windows for a cross draft (especially on lower floors of the house) during the cooler hours of the day.
  • Close the blinds and windows before leaving  your home and turn off your AC. Once you get home, turn on your AC and use its energy saving mode. Note: Turning on the AC and setting it at a lower temperature than usual will not cool your home any faster. It will, however, leave a hole in your wallet! 
  • Clean and change your AC filters every 30-90 days to reduce strain on your AC. 
  • Replace old AC units with one that has an Energy Star label or a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). 
  • Set your thermostat or AC temperature as high as you can comfortably tolerate. For every degree you set your thermostat above 72°F, you can save 4% to 8% on your bill. 
  • If you are not planning on using a room in your home, close the door so that your AC has less space to cool. There’s no need for your laundry room to be cool if it’s not laundry day!
  • Keep heat-emitting appliances away from your thermostat so that the sensor is not tricked into thinking the entire room is as hot as your appliance.
  • Do home activities that emit heat (cooking, showering, etc) at night when it’s cooler, so that your cooling system isn’t working overtime. 

Cooling Boosters & Alternatives 

There are plenty of ways to make your cooling system more effective. On cooler days where you can forego using your AC, or days where your AC unit needs some support, use our tips to save energy:

  • Fans create a wind chill effect to cool down people in a room. On cooler days, open your windows and use a fan. On warmer days, set your AC a few degrees higher than usual and put on your fan to circulate that air. Turn off the fan and AC when there’s no one in the room.
  • Use a fan to remove humidity and heat from your kitchen, laundry area, or bathroom after a shower. 
  • Weatherproof your home with caulking and good insulation.
  • Invest in light-blocking blinds and draft-proof windows.
  • Plant trees outside of windows that receive the most sun. Trees can reduce the surrounding air temperature by as much as 6°F and can block the sun from heating your space.

Other Energy Saving Tips

Looking to save even more on your energy bill and help the environment? Check out a few more energy saving tips for the summer:

  • Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient ones that use about 25%-80% less energy. 
  • Reduce heat in your home by using a microwave or grill outside instead of your stove.
  • Shower with colder water to keep you and your home cooler.
  • Unplug anything you are not actively using. 
  • Hang your laundry outside to dry, if possible. 

We hope that you find these tips helpful. Small actions can make a difference. Look forward to decreased energy bills and stay cool (the eco way)!

Green Tips: Beginner’s Guide to Going Green This Summer

Summer is a great time to set new goals like working out more often or trying a new hobby. If you’re looking to make more sustainable lifestyle choices this year, look no further! Kick off your summer right with our beginner’s guide for going green. 

BBQs 

Everyone loves outdoor parties and barbecues in the summer, but did you know that they can be bad for the environment? It’s estimated that each year on the Fourth of July, 60 million barbecues release an average of 225,000 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. Choosing which grill you use makes a big difference. Wood and charcoal grills are popular because they provide great flavor for grilling, but they also have the biggest environmental impact. 

An electric grill or solar grill can be a great investment as you will never need to purchase fuel. Gas or propane grills run on fossil fuels, but have lower harmful emissions compared to other fuel-burning grills. There are also hybrid grills that run on electricity and bits of wood or charcoal. 

Eat Greener

Whether you want to get in better shape or adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, summer is the perfect time to eat healthier food. During the summer months, farmers’ markets and community gardens throughout New York offer fresh, local produce directly from farmers in the region. The fresher the food, the better it is for you! Also, many farmers markets offer organic produce, which means it is cultivated using pesticide- or chemical-free practices. Biking or walking to the farmers’ market can be a great way to get some exercise, purchase fresh vegetables, and support your local economy. Make sure to practice social distancing and wear a mask when in public!

Volunteer

Get out and support your local community by volunteering to clean up a park or stream. Connect with your local environmental organization, land trust, or government to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Giving back by volunteering at your local food pantry can also be a great way to help your fellow community members access healthy food during difficult times.

Staycation 

Many families go on vacation and travel during the summer. However, the unprecedented impact of the novel coronavirus has made traveling more difficult. Many people are opting for staycations instead. Staycations are typically more environmentally friendly because you aren’t traveling in a car or by plane. Consider using this time to connect with the outdoors right in your own area.

State parks, beaches, hiking trails, and lakes in more rural areas can be a great destination for you and your friends or family. If you need to drive, it’s not only less expensive than flying, but it’s also more environmentally friendly. A car generally produces around 400 grams of CO2 per mile while a plane generates more than 53 pounds per mile. Carpooling and reducing the amount of baggage in your car can make the trip more fuel efficient, as well. Even better, consider renting or investing in an electric vehicle or hybrid for your trip!

Summer is a perfect season to take the first step toward a greener lifestyle. While we know there are many other things we can do to protect the environment, we hope this list of tips gets you started.

Green Tips: How to Shop for, Wash, & Store Produce

What we put in our bodies can influence our health. Eating a nutrient-dense diet with lots of fruits and vegetables has been found to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic diseases. However, modern day agricultural practices can leave fruits and vegetables laden with pesticides and herbicides that can impact human health. If you’re looking to add more produce to your diet in a safe and sustainable way, check out this week’s Green Tips on how to shop for, wash, and store your produce. 

Buying Local/In Season

Buying local produce means less carbon output than buying imported produce. Shopping at your local farmers market is a great way to get in-season, nutrient-dense produce. With less distance to travel, farmers can harvest their crops at peak ripeness to sell nearby. Before heading to your nearest farmers market, check out a few of our tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions! 
    • Find out where the farm is located. It’s certainly a plus if the produce is grown within 100 miles of where you live. 
    • Ask if pesticides or herbicides are used on the produce.
  • Bring your own reusable produce bags, jars, or containers. Rubber bands are also useful to have with you.
  • Many farmers only take cash, so be prepared. 
  • Bring food scraps if your local farmers market has a bin for compost collection.

Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen

Each year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) ranks the top 12 foods with the most pesticides on their Dirty Dozen list. The EWG also puts out the Clean Fifteen list with the top 15 foods found to have the least amount of pesticides. When you can, opt for organic produce.

Washing Produce

Whether conventional or organic, you should always wash your produce in order to reduce pesticide exposure. Check out some of our tips on preparing your produce for consumption:

  • Scrub root vegetables and firm fruits using dish soap. Rinse very well. 
  • Remove the outer layers of leafy vegetables (like lettuce) or peels before consuming. 
  • Soak berries or other fruits and vegetables eaten with the skin on in a vinegar solution: 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Soak for 10 minutes, then dry on a towel. This also reduces the growth of mold and keeps berries and other produce fresher over time.
  • At the very least, run your produce under running water.

Sustainable Storage 

After your produce is washed thoroughly, it’s important to store it correctly to extend its life and keep it fresh. Plastic wrap is a popular go-to for storing produce, but try to cut back on your plastic consumption by checking out some of these more sustainable options: 

  • For produce bought without a container, store it in reused glass containers or paper bags.
  • Wrap a damp towel around vegetables high in water content.
  • For any leafy produce or fruit you would not soak in the vinegar solution, place a dry paper towel or napkin in the container to absorb moisture and prevent mold growth.
  • There are also plenty of food storage gadgets and solutions online.

We hope you found our Green Tips for purchasing, washing, and storing produce helpful. Say goodbye to moldy strawberries, soggy spinach, and dried out carrots! Enjoy!

Green Tips: Enjoying the Outdoors Responsibly and Safely

You may have reduced your physical activity due to quarantine, but you can still exercise safely outdoors. Going for a run or hike can be a great way to get moving while social distancing. It’s important to get some fresh air and spend time outdoors. Studies have found that spending just 20 minutes in nature reduces stress, and experts report that getting outdoors improves overall mood and well being. Check out our tips below for spending time outdoors safely during these unique and challenging times. 

Check Official Guidelines First

Some parks have closed down in areas with higher numbers of cases. Check your local and state parks department websites for updates about park and trail closings. Some department websites will offer alternatives. 

Bring Your Own Food and Drinks

Stores can be crowded and have long lines. Plan ahead to limit your contact with other people by bringing your own food and water. 

Best Hiking Practices

To prevent spreading or catching COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends staying at least six feet away from non-family members. When hiking on trails there are a few practices you can follow in order to protect yourself and others:

  • Wear a face mask 
  • Bring your own trash bags
  • Opt for less populated trails
  • Call out to hikers that you’d like to pass
  • Use trails that are wider to allow for easier passing 
  • Do not touch your face and limit using public restrooms

Limiting Tick and Mosquito Exposure

If you’re visiting a park with a lot of vegetation, make sure to take precautionary measures against ticks and mosquitoes. While there is no evidence that mosquitoes can transmit COVID-19, they can spread other diseases like West Nile virus. Ticks can also transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and other infections. Here are a few recommendations for protecting yourself from mosquitoes and ticks:

  • Use repellents with 15-30% DEET
  • Wear long sleeves and pants 
  • Wear light colors to better spot ticks
  • Stay in the middle of trails if possible 
  • Pay attention to signage about ticks
  • Check your skin as soon as you return home

Getting Outside in the Neighborhood

You don’t need to travel to a park or forest to enjoy the outdoors. Here are a few tips to stay safe while enjoying your neighborhood responsibly:

  • Wear a face covering or mask
  • Maintain six feet between you and others
  • Jog or bike safely in the street to avoid crowded sidewalks 
  • Use your elbow to press crosswalk buttons
  • Avoid playgrounds at this time
  • Avoid playing contact sports like soccer, football, or basketball

We hope you find these tips helpful for your next outing! It’s easy and very possible to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and safely, so get outside when you can. Your body and mind will thank you for it. 

Green Tips: Maintaining and Harvesting a Worm Bin

If you haven’t seen our How to Set Up a Worm Bin tutorial yet, we hope you’ll check it out. Once you’ve set up your worm bin, it’s important to know how to manage and harvest it. Worm bins are low maintenance, but do require some work. By implementing the following management and troubleshooting tips, your bin will be on the right track in no time! Our tips will also help you harvest the nutrient dense castings from your worm bin to use on plants. 

A “Healthy” Worm Bin

Knowing what a healthy worm bin looks like is important. Monitor your worm bin regularly. Here are some characteristics of a healthy worm bin: 

  • It smells similar to garden soil or has no odor at all
  • No worms are trying to escape
  • Castings have accumulated
  • There is no exposed food
  • Mold and mites are on some food
  • Moisture can be found throughout the bin, but not excessive amounts
  • There is air space between the bedding in the bin
  • The worm population is steady or increasing

Troubleshooting Your Worm Bin

If your worm bin seems out of balance, it’s important to take action. Here are our tips for dealing with common worm bin issues:

  • Odor: If your worm bin smells foul, try to pinpoint the food item that is causing the smell and remove it. If the entire bin is odorous, immediately remove all food that has not sufficiently broken down. Add additional bedding throughout and on top of the food, leaving nothing exposed. 
  • Exposed food: Place a layer of bedding on top to cover all exposed food. 
  • Excess mites: Place a piece of bread in the bin, wait for mites to congregate on the bread, and then remove it. 
  • Excess moisture: This is a common issue with worm bins. Excess moisture accumulates when too much food is added to the bin. First, remove all food that has not sufficiently broken down. Second, place dry bedding in areas of the bin where liquid has accumulated. As a last resort, remove all bin contents and pour out the liquid, add bedding to the bottom of the bin, and return the contents. Air out your worm bin. Wait a day or two to add food. Do not overfeed the worms. 
  • Compact contents: Break up clumps of worms, food, and bedding and disperse it throughout the bin. Add bedding throughout to help aerate the bin. 

Harvesting your Worm Bin

Having a worm bin helps ease the burden on landfills. You can also harvest and use the nutrient-dense worm castings on your plants. With worms crawling around your bin, it can be a bit challenging to harvest the castings. Be sure to have a container ready to collect the castings and follow our tips to help you harvest:

  • Use the light: Worms are sensitive to light and will bury themselves when exposed. Try not feeding your worms 3-7 days before you plan to harvest so the worms decompose most of the food in the bin. Find a flat workspace and cover surfaces. Take out the contents of the worm bin and place it on your workplace (you may need to work with multiple piles of bin contents). As the worms bury themselves, take off the top layer of castings and put in your collection container. Continue removing the top layer this way until you reach a layer that has more worms than castings. 
  • Corral the worms: This process takes time and will reduce the amount of food you can place in your worm bin leading up to harvest. For 1-4 weeks (depending on the size of your worm population), only place food on one side of the worm bin. Over time, the worms will make their way to that side of the bin. Meanwhile, the other side of the bin can easily be harvested. Be sure to check for straggling worms when removing castings. 

We hope you find these tips helpful for managing and harvesting your worm bin. If you have any additional questions about this, please feel free to contact Lisa Darrigo, Program Coordinator at NYLCVEF at ldarrigo@nylcv.org. 

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