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Green Tips: Celebrating River Day

World Rivers Day is coming up on September 22nd! To celebrate, we’ve put together a list of ways you can enjoy and protect your favorite river.

Getting there. Automobile exhaust accounts for 36 % of all greenhouse gas emissions in New York State and it is one of the largest emitters of planet-warming carbon dioxide in the country. Cars can also leak toxic fluids that rain can be swept into waterways during heavy rain, including substances like motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and antifreeze, all of which are toxic to aquatic and animal life. If your favorite river is close by, consider taking a bicycle. Not only will you avoid these emissions, but your trip will be more scenic and you’ll get plenty of exercise and fresh air along the way. If traveling further, consider an electric vehicle or carpooling with a group.

Exploring the water. While you’re exploring the water, consider which type of boat you use. A motorboat can leak fuel into waterways, especially if the engine isn’t up to code. Not only does motorboat exhaust contain carbon monoxide, but boat engines are noisy and the propeller can generate strong waves behind the boat, both of which can be disruptive to wildlife. Consider a canoe, kayak, or sailboat instead of a boat with a motor. They are emission-free, quiet, and can be good exercise.

Fishing. If you’re going out fishing, make sure to keep track of your tackle. Non-biodegradable, nylon fishing lines and nets can easily become tangled in underwater debris, becoming knotty traps for otters, diving birds, and turtles. To avoid these potential tangles, try switching to a biodegradable fishing line rather than traditional lines that don’t biodegrade.

Avoid disposable plastic. Disposable plastic bags can be taken by a gust of wind into waterways, where they are harmful to fish and deadly to turtles and humpback whales, which mistake them for food. Bring reusable containers instead of plastic bags and water bottles when getting out on the river. Check out our other tips for reducing plastic use here.

Be aware of your septic system. Heavy rain and storms can flood your septic tank, causing it to overflow. The overflow then combines with stormwater and can end up in your nearest river. Septic waste contains nitrates and phosphates that cause harmful algal blooms. These blooms can also suffocate a body of water, depriving it of oxygen, leading to mass die-offs of its aquatic inhabitants. Several resorts closed this summer after the deaths of dogs swimming in waterways choked by cyanobacteria.

Avoid this overflow by making sure your septic system is working properly: Regularly pump out your tank; don’t flush materials like paper towels or personal hygiene products; plant grass around the tank’s absorption field; check your toilets for defective valves; and keep records of all your tank’s inspections. Click here for more information on how to properly maintain your septic tank.

Plant a tree. Trees enrich the soil around them with organic debris, not only sustaining the soil’s microbial community but, along with their extensive root systems, providing crucial obstacles in preventing stormwater runoff from entering waterways. Bacteria in the soil also break down nitrates and nitrites into simple nitrogen that plants can use. This recycling process removes toxic chemicals from the environment, preventing them from ending up in lakes and rivers. Leaf shade can also cool woody areas, countering heat and evaporation that can impoverish and dry out the soil.

If your community has a tree-planting fund or event, join in! To find one in New York, go to One Million Trees or Trees NY. Both of these organizations have community tree-planting events, how-tos and other ways to have fun while saving the planet.

Green Tips: Avoiding Harmful Chemicals in Household Products

Keeping your home clean shouldn’t have to involve using products that contain harmful chemicals. From cosmetics to cleaning supplies, taking steps to reduce or eliminate harmful chemicals will benefit both your health and the environment. Read some of our tips for how to green your household product routine.

Soaps: Some soaps contain 1,4 dioxane, which is classified as a likely human carcinogen by the EPA and has the potential to cause nasal and liver tumors. As it is washed down our sewer system, it poses a serious risk of seeping into our waterways and drinking water.

Triclosan is also found in some household products. Many suspect that triclosan is linked with hormone disruption and increased risk of breast cancer. It is also suspected to lead to drug-resistant bacteria and viruses.

In addition to other harmful ingredients, many hand soaps and body washes contain mysterious fragrance ingredients that can irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions. In addition, most fragrance chemicals are not required to be disclosed to consumers.

Use fragrance-free, organic and natural soaps that do not contain these ingredients. The Environmental Working Group has amazing consumer guides for you to find a soap that’s right for you. You can also try making your own soap for a fun family project.

Cosmetics: Many cosmetics in the United States contain harmful chemicals such as butylated hydroxyanisole. This toxin can cause risks to our reproductive system and endocrine system.

It also goes through sewer systems and can end up in our wastewater, where it may cause adverse effects on marine life, such as liver cancers in fish. Diethyl phthalate, which has been linked to cancer, can also be found in cosmetics.

Consider buying organic or natural cosmetics rather than conventional products made with this ingredient. Read labels to make sure you’re avoiding them. More information and recommendations are available here and here.

Cleaners: Ammonia and isopropanol are the active ingredients in many cleaners. These chemicals can cause eye, skin, nose and throat irritation. When excess ammonia enters aquatic environments it can be very harmful to marine life and can increase the acidity of water.

Ammonium quaternary compounds, or “quats” such as benzalkonium chloride or didecyldimethylammonium chloride, are also found in disinfecting cleaning products. Exposure to quats is associated with skin irritation, respiratory issues like asthma, and birth defects.

Make sure to buy organic or natural cleaners that don’t contain these ingredients. Here are a few recommendations to get you started.

You can also try making your own cleaner using vinegar and water. If your surfaces are especially dirty, you may add a few drops of dish soap, castille soap or pre-clean with soapy water. Don’t forget to use reusable cleaning materials like rags, a squeegee, or sponges to clean instead of paper towels or disposable wipes.

Laundry detergent: Many laundry soaps contain chemicals like sodium sulfate, phosphates, and formaldehyde. These toxins have been linked to skin irritation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. They can get into our waterways after being transferred through municipal wastewater treatment systems and cause harm to our marine ecosystem.

Consider a plant-based detergent that does not contain these ingredients, rather than conventional detergent. The EPA offers this listing of safe laundry products. Use this Healthy Cleaning Guide to help you find green detergents. You can also try making your own detergent using this recipe list.

Dryer sheets: Traditional dryer sheets often contain toxins including limonene, acetaldehyde, and butane. They are emitted into the air through dryer vents and contribute to air pollution. Instead, consider making your own dryer sheets using vinegar, tee-tree oil, and small towels. Check out this guide for more information.

Green Tips: Changing Seasons

Fall is almost here and although there will soon be less green outside your window, you should still be thinking green for the coming season. Keep these tips in mind for living sustainably this fall.

Yard Work

As you care for your yard this season, make sure to do it sustainably:

Ditch the gas and use electric or hand-powered yard equipment. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, gas-powered lawn mowers create as much air pollution over one hour as driving a car 350 miles. Use gardening shears this season to trim your plants and bushes; use a rake instead of a leaf blower; and consider investing in an electric lawn mower, which waste less energy and are quieter to use.
Make sure to dispose of your fallen leaves, branches, and other yard scraps correctly. Many cities, including New York City, provide yard waste collection along with recycling and trash pick-up. To find out how to sort your yard waste for collection, contact your local recycling coordinators.
If possible, compost your yard waste. Grass clippings and leaves contribute significantly to our landfills. Instead of bagging your garden waste, use it to create compost to enrich your soil. Read more in our guide to composting here.

Cozying-up

With the weather getting cooler, we all want to turn up the heat and hibernate indoors. However, paying attention to how much energy you use is important. Residential heating in New York State accounts for over 35 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This fall, help reduce your home’s carbon footprint by trying out these easy tips:

Consider buying a programmable thermostat, which can pay for itself in energy savings. These smart thermostats have energy-efficient settings that reduce how much heat you use. This both helps you be more energy efficiency and saves on your energy bills..
Use your curtains. While it’s still sunny during the day, make the most of the sun’s free heat by opening up your curtains and letting sunlight in. Draw your curtains at night for extra insulation. This can reduce heat loss by 17%, according to a study by the University of Salford.

Eat Local

Every year, the autumn harvest brings a variety of fruit and vegetables including squash, apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and more. However, bringing this food from farms across the country to your plate has an impact on the environment. According to Carnegie Mellon University, 113 million tons of carbon dioxide are released each year due to food transportation in the U.S.

This fall, go for locally-grown produce, which not only helps local economies but also reduces the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation.
With over 35,000 farms, New York is a leading agricultural state. From learning how to create a healthy and sustainable food system at Stone Barns to picking your own pumpkins at Pennings Orchard, there is much to discover about local eating.
Explore these well-known farms in the Hudson Valley or visit your local farmers market. Farmers markets provide fresh produce to give you a farm-to-table eating experience, reducing the emissions that come from conventional food. Find a market near you and stock up on organic veggies to have an eco-friendly and delicious autumn!

Green Tips: Back-to-School

Back-to-school time may mean the end of summer vacation for kids, but it’s also the start of a new school year, which can be a great opportunity to implement new sustainability habits. From school supplies, lunchtime, to travel methods, there are lots of ways to go green this back-to-school season.

Getting to School

Cars are responsible for almost 55% of nitrogen oxide and 80% of carbon monoxide emissions. This school year, try some of these alternatives to cut down emissions:

If you live close enough to school, ride your bicycle. Biking is a great way to get exercise while reducing your environmental footprint.
If you live further away from school, consider taking public transportation. Public transit can save energy and reduce pollution. Subways can produce 76% fewer greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile compared to cars.
Carpooling is also a good option if you live further away from school. If you carpooled twice a week, you would conserve 1,600 pounds of greenhouse gases. If 100 people carpooled every day for a year, they would conserve 2,376,000 pounds of carbon dioxide and 1,320 pounds of carbon monoxide.

Taking Notes

Notebooks come with environmental costs. Paper makes up 25% of landfills and 33% of municipal waste nationwide. Each American uses an average of seven trees per year for products like paper, equalling 2,000,000,000 trees per year across the country. Trees are valuable environmental assets and help reduce carbon emissions from our atmosphere.

Consider buying eco-friendly notebooks that are made with recycled paper. These notebooks are made from paper that was already used and mixed with water. The paper goes through a process to remove any glass, plastic, or other fibers that shouldn’t be in the paper, and it is pressed to its final product.

Backpacks

All students need a bag or backpack to hold their school supplies. Consider purchasing a sustainable and eco-friendly backpack made from organic dyes, organic textiles, and recycled packaging. You may also consider buying backpacks that contain biodegradable materials such as cotton canvas, banana fiber, or vegetable-tanned leather. These materials reduce the burden on our landfills.

Lunch

Avoid carrying lunch in single-use bags and reduce your waste. Switch to reusable lunch bags. Try lunch bags made from materials such as silicone, cloth, and burlap, which are dishwasher safe.

Water is also an important part of lunch but don’t forget to consider how you store your water. Disposable plastic water bottles pollute our oceans and end up in landfills. Creating a plastic water bottle requires 17 million barrels of oil each year. Consider taking reusable water bottles to school and refilling them in fountains instead of buying new bottles.

Green Tips: Celebrating National Dog Day

Did you know that August 26th is National Dog Day? To celebrate, we are laying out some ways to green your pet care routine. Just like human behavior, the way we care for our pets has an impact on the planet. Dog and cat food contain meat, which is a major contributor to climate change – generating 64 million tons of greenhouse gases per year. By considering more eco-friendly pet products and habits, you could decrease your pet’s footprint:

Feeding

Some dog food contains scraps of waste from factory farming, which is damaging to the environment because it relies on fertilizers and other chemicals that are derived from fossil fuels, contributes to deforestation, and pollutes water with agricultural run-off. Dog food may also be made with cheap corn feed filler, which can contain bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella and is unhealthy for dogs. Also, lots of pet food is produced with chemicals and antibiotics, which can get into our waterways and soil.

Opt for dog and cat food that has the fewest fillers as possible so that you are providing healthy nutrients for your pet and avoiding irresponsibly produced products. Unfortunately, grass-fed, free-range, humanely raised, and antibiotic-free pet food can be significantly more expensive. Just make sure to check the ingredients before purchasing to avoid corn and wheat fillers when possible. Try to look for meat that is not factory farmed or make your own pet food.

Playing

Consider purchasing eco-friendly pet toys. These typically include non-toxic or recycled materials, reclaimed materials, AZO-free dye, recycled cotton yarn, or organic hemp. Try to avoid plastic and look for toys that are long-lasting, which means less waste sent to landfills.

When taking your dog to the neighborhood park, consider extending the adventure by walking instead of driving. This means more exercise for you and your dog, and less energy used.

Scooping

Admittedly, picking up after your dog is not a fun activity; however, we should all be considerate of our neighbors. Also, consider the waste bags you’re using. Look for bags that are compostable and biodegradable, because they will break down over time and can degrade in an oxygenated environment rather than sit in a landfill.

Make sure you dispose of biodegradable bags properly. Use a dog-waste only composting bin, flush them (as long as the bag is water-soluble), bury them (if in a rural area), or bring them to a composting facility.

For cat lovers, picking up after your pet involves the litter box. There are environmentally friendly ways to do this too: classic clay cat litter is hard to break down, which can be a mess in our landfills. Consider using eco-friendly cat litter like wood or pine pellet cat litter. Wood pellet cat litter is renewable, ideal for composting, and is dust-free, making it much better for the environment than clay cat litter. The wood, combined with the waste, along with time, water, and sunlight, will eventually cause the waste to compost naturally. Never flush the scoopings from your cat’s box.

Grooming

Grooming is essential for keeping your pet clean and healthy. However, some pet shampoos and conditioners can hurt the environment due to some dangerous ingredients. The chemicals can pollute local drinking water as well as the water sources that house fish and wildlife. Some hazardous components to look out for are SLS (sodium laureth) or SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulfate), as well as synthetic colors and fragrances. Both are difficult to break down in the water and can hurt marine life.

Instead, look for pet shampoos and conditioners that are non-toxic and organic, as well as paraben-free and synthetic fragrance-free. You can also try using products that are sold in recyclable bottles.

Green Tips: Greening Your Everyday Habits

Currently, humans consume resources equivalent to 1.7 Earths, which means it takes our planet one year and eight months to restore what we use in one year. While this reality can be overwhelming, there is a lot we can do to decrease our resource consumption through simple practices and by changing our everyday habits. If we take a moment to reflect on our daily activities, we have an enormous opportunity to make a difference in the environment. To get you started, we’ve put together some easy tips for you to green your daily habits:

Morning routines: Coffee lovers worldwide consume approximately 150 million 60kg bags of coffee each year. In America, the average adult consumes 9lbs of coffee per year. To meet this staggering demand, many coffee producers cut corners to meet production quotas, using toxic fertilizers, unsustainable shipping methods, and inefficient production practices. By the time it gets into your mug, a pound of coffee has created 11lbs of carbon emissions and a single cup of coffee has used 35 gallons of water. Of course, you need not cut out coffee from your mornings. Instead, look for companies that have fair trade certifications and are approved as environmentally friendly by the Rainforest Alliance. On weekends or more relaxed days, try cutting a cup or two. In addition, after you’re done, consider composting your used grounds and filters!

Casual water use: Water scarcity is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing our planet. The New York Times estimated that one quarter of humanity is facing water shortages that will only worsen over time. Despite this, the average American adult uses a whopping 82 gallons of water per day. While a lot of this use can be traced to large appliances like washing machines and toilets, over 25% of daily water consumption comes from controllable sources like showers and faucets. By slightly adjusting your daily habits, you can make a difference. Consider shortening your showers by a minute or two, turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, or running your dishwasher and washing machine only when full. These small changes add up and will help both the environment and your budget!

Grocery shopping: A trip to your local grocery store is the perfect occasion to incorporate sustainability as a value into your routine. Each year, approximately 500 billion disposable plastic bags are used by shoppers. Always bring reusable bags and encourage others to do the same. They make great gifts! In addition, look for products that have minimal plastic packaging or consider shopping at a bulk grocery store. Finally, try to purchase local products when possible – community businesses use less land, use fewer toxic fertilizers, and their goods don’t need to travel as far.

Packing your bag: When you head off to work or school in the morning, plan ahead so you can set yourself up to be as environmentally friendly as possible throughout the day. For example, take your reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils. Pack food ahead of time in reusable containers to avoid purchasing packaged food throughout the day.

Transportation: Cars, buses, and trucks consume vast amounts of energy and cause harmful air pollution. Together, cars and trucks account for nearly 20% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and emit 24lbs of carbon dioxide and polluting gases for every gallon of gas. In New York State, the transportation sector is the number one contributor to the state’s emissions. If available, take public transit instead, or even walk or bike to work one or two days a week. If your workplace is too far from your home, explore carpool or ride-share options. Even just committing to avoid single-person transportation for one day a week can make a huge difference!

Stay informed: Checking news updates has become a habit for most people. With this constant access to information, it can be difficult to sort through and keep up to date with topics that matter to you. Commit to keeping up with the environment by signing up for our newsletter or getting involved with a local group working on conservation, wildlife, pollution, or climate issues. Set alerts for climate and environment with your local newspaper or public radio station. Staying informed is a great way to be prepared and to share your insights with others.

Green Tips: Summer Barbequing

Barbeques are a beloved summer staple. They provide the perfect excuse to get together with friends and family and celebrate all things summer, including enjoying seasonal foods and outdoor activities. With 75% of Americans owning an outdoor grill or smoker, it’s important that we practice sustainable barbequing to minimize our impact on the environment. We’ve compiled our top tips for greening your summer barbeque.

Upgrade your barbeque: The Hearth, Barbeque and Patio Association (HBPA) expects 37% of Americans to buy a new grill this summer. If you’re in the market for a new grill, consider purchasing a gas or electric model, instead of the traditional charcoal-based grills. Propane-powered grills produce three times less the amount of greenhouse gases than charcoal-based grills, are more efficient, and easier to operate. If you’re looking to be even more eco-friendly, check out solar-powered grills, which rely completely on renewable energy to power your barbeque.

Get rid of charcoal: If you’re not looking to upgrade or want to stick to charcoal, there are still ways to improve your practices. Traditional charcoal bricks contain harmful additives that release soot and even mercury into the air. In addition, most commercial charcoal brands rely on unsustainable forestry, which contributes to deforestation. This summer, try picking up some lump coal, which is additive- and chemical-free, or “green charcoal,” which is harvested through sustainable forestry. Look for the Rainforest Alliance certification to be sure your charcoal is sustainably sourced.

Opt for reusables: Plastic waste is one of the most important environmental issues of our time – with 8 million tons entering our oceans annually. Barbeques are a great occasion to be purposeful and sparing with your plastic use. By avoiding paper, Styrofoam or plastic plates, cutlery and cups, you can do your part to cut down on single-use waste. Invest now in some barbeque friendly reusable containers, and save money down the road for future barbeques.

Cut down on meat: While hot dogs and hamburgers are traditional barbeque choices, consider incorporating more vegetable options into this summer’s cookout. According to a UN report, livestock accounts for almost 20% of greenhouse gases and occupies over 30% of the planet’s green space. Complete elimination of meat products from your barbeque may not be possible, but moderation is; consider alternatives like veggie burgers or tofu hot dogs. Grill veggies, corn, or potatoes to supplement cutting back on the meat. Check out some ideas and methods here and here.

Sparking Youth Environmental Action

The effects of climate change, like extreme weather events and sea-level rise, will impact the lives of the next generation in significant ways. While today’s youth is relatively socially and environmentally conscious, it’s never too early to get kids engaged and thinking about environmental values. With all of the distractions that kids have today, it can be challenging to peak their interest, especially with concepts that are abstract or difficult to grasp. That’s why we’ve put together some family-friendly tips to get kids engaged in the environment.

Start a family garden: There is no better way to get your child involved in nature and sustainability than giving them the chance to dig in the dirt and see the fruits of their work. Gardens are a great, low-risk, low-cost project that can be educational and fun for the whole family. Start with some easy to grow plants and work your way up, showing your child how to properly care for their garden. If you live in an urban area or don’t have enough room for a garden, consider planting in a pot on your balcony or joining a community garden!

Get out and explore: When teaching kids about nature and the environment, it is crucial to move beyond the abstract and give kids first-hand experience with nature. Especially while the warm weather lasts, get out and explore with your child, whether at a State or City park, beach, or trail. Try creating a scavenger hunt or hiking game to keep kids invested and interested during outings or attend a kid-friendly community event at your local park. Take it to the next level and plan a camping trip or do a beach clean up to teach kids about littering and pollution. With so much green space and opportunity for adventure in New York, you can’t go wrong!

Read environmentally themed books: Reading with your child is widely known to be one of the best ways to help them develop crucial language and cognitive skills – why not incorporate some environmental education into these key learning moments? Books like The Lorax, The Tiny Seed, or Hello World are fun, easy reads that will leave your kids with lasting lessons about Earth and their role in helping to protect the planet. Pay a visit to your local library for more ideas!

Incentivize eco-friendly habits: Sometimes it can be hard for kids to contextualize and fully grasp the importance of how their actions impact the environment. By turning eco-friendly habits like recycling or picking up litter into a game, or offering rewards for sustainable behavior, you can help your kid develop crucial habits and practices early on. Check out NASA’s Climate Kids site for some kid-friendly games and activities that promote sustainability.

Nature-themed art projects: Next time you’re trapped inside on a rainy day, consider bringing the outside in! There are endless possibilities for nature-based art projects that will entertain your kids for hours and let them interact with natural objects, like leaves, rocks, and branches. A bonus is that it’s free! Check out some inspiration here.

Green Tips: Staying Cool in the Summer

Summer means it’s time to spend days outside. While you are adjusting to the new season, take a moment to consider how your actions may impact the environment.

Here are some of our tips for staying cool in a sustainable way this summer.

Bring your own water bottle: Drinking plenty of water is necessary to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. The amount of water each person should consume varies, but the average recommended amount is four to six cups a day. If you are using a plastic bottle to stay hydrated, you will contribute to plastic pollution. In the United States, only 23% of plastic bottles are recycled and around 60 million are thrown away every single day. The New York City Department of Sanitation collects 36 million pounds of single-use plastic every year, just from New York City households. By carrying around your own reusable water bottle, you can cool down whenever you want without negatively impacting the environment.

Consider alternatives to air conditioning: Air conditioning units use a lot of energy, and make up 12% of U.S. residential energy spending. While air conditioning may be essential during the hottest days of the summer, try to use alternatives when possible. Consider using fans instead, and open up windows to circulate air around your home. You may also try cooking outdoors. By preparing some meals outside, you avoid turning up the air conditioning to deal with the heat that comes from cooking inside. Any action that reduces the need for air conditioning should be taken, as American residential air-conditioning use emits 100 million tons of carbon dioxide every year.

Line-dry your clothes: Summer means more warm, sunny days. Take advantage of this weather and reduce your energy consumption by line-drying your clothes outside. Dryers emit over a ton of carbon yearly, but this can be reduced with line-drying.

Wear eco-friendly summer clothes: A big part of starting a new season is changing your clothes to better fit the weather. But, as you shop for your new wardrobe, keep in mind that the fashion industry is the second largest polluting industry in the country. If you have to buy new clothes, purchase the more eco-friendly options, including materials with low water consumption such as linen. Instead of throwing away old clothes, consider less wasteful options like donating or recycling them instead.

Use the natural light: The extra sunlight in the summer can also be used to reduce your energy consumption. No matter how seemingly small, every action that reduces energy consumption is particularly important in New York, where the household average is 15% more than the U.S. average. Turn the lights off during the day, and use the natural light coming in from outside. Remember to always turn lights off when they aren’t in use, no matter the season.

Lose the straw: Iced drinks are both refreshing and popular in the summertime. As you pick up your order, try enjoying your drink without a plastic straw. The 500 million plastic straws used daily in the United States only increase plastic pollution. The fight against plastic straws is growing, and in New York City, there has been an ongoing effort to ban them. If you need a straw, go for more sustainable alternatives, including reusable metal straws.

Spend more time outside: One of the best things about warmer weather is finally being able to spend time outside. Visit your local park to read a book or sit with your friends and family. Grab a spot in the shade and appreciate nature in a state park or New York City park closest to you. There are also plenty of events taking place in parks throughout the state to check out.

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