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Green Tips: Summer Adventure Guide

Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore all of the incredible natural experiences New York has to offer. This summer, mix it up and check out some of our favorite hidden gems throughout the Empire State for new adventures that will get you connected to nature:

Storm King Art Center: Nestled on the west side of the Hudson River, this unique open-air museum is the perfect stop for art and nature lovers. Founded in 1960 by Ralph Ogden, the Storm King Art Center features dozens of large-scale European sculptures across the 500-acre property. The sculptures are specifically curated to complement the nature around them, creating a unique fusion between art and nature that offers walkable trails for all levels and experience.

Grimes Glen: Located in Naples, NY, this relaxing creek walk boasts sublime viewing of three tall waterfalls in a serene and dense forest. Grimes Glen is the perfect afternoon walk for beginner hikers and families, but also offers a steep climb to the third waterfall for more experienced hikers and thrill seekers. This hike is a quieter alternative for when other waterfalls like Kaaterskill Falls get too crowded during the summer months and is a great way to cool down in the heat.

Pollepel Island: Despite its small geographic size, this island on the Hudson River is one of the most historically rich and eccentric hidden gems in lower New York. Originally discovered by Dutch settlers and later used as a line of defense by the Americans during the Revolutionary War, Pollepel Island was eventually bought in the early 1900’s by a reclusive millionaire who built the now-famous Bannerman’s Castle as a military storehouse. Though the castle was partially destroyed by exploded shells, you can take a walk through its ruins that have been reclaimed by native flora and fauna, or even kayak around the island. For the history buffs!

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Right outside of Brooklyn, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge covers thousands of acres of marsh land and ponds and is host to hundreds of species of birds that migrate in and out throughout the year. There are around 70 different species that regularly nest in the refuge in addition to dozens of perennial visitors. Jamaica Bay offers city dwellers a rare opportunity to go for a scenic bird-watching hike and observe species that are otherwise absent from the greater New York City area and is the perfect weekend outing for nature and bird lovers.

Ausable Chasm: Aptly nicknamed “The Little Grand Canyon of the East,” this sandstone gorge on the outskirts of the Adirondacks boasts breathtaking views of deep gorges, unspoiled forests, and cliffside trails. You can follow the hiking trail yourself, sign up for a mountain bike tour, or even raft through the river. The Ausable Chasm has options for all levels of adventurers and is a unique destination for weekend road trip or a stop on a longer trip to the Adirondacks.

As always, when you embark on your summer adventures, be sure to be as eco-friendly as possible by carpooling or taking public transportation, leaving no trace, and being considerate and respectful of surrounding nature and wildlife. Check out some of our tips on being environmentally conscious during the summer months here.

Green Tips: Beach Days

Nothing is better than a beach day during the hot summer months. Though beaches are great spaces for recreation and relaxation, don’t forget how important oceans are. From their impact on climate to the habitat they provide and the food resources they contain, oceans are truly one of the most important aspects of our planet. This summer, give back to the ocean and its beaches by being environmentally mindful in your beach-going habits.

Bring your own picnic: Instead of picking up food from a nearby restaurant or food stand this summer, try packing your own picnic for some eco-friendly family fun. By picnicking, you can ensure that everyone will have something they like, cut down on food costs, and reduce your plastic waste. Try packing finger foods to avoid having to bring plates and utensils and make sure to choose foods that won’t spoil in the heat. Check out some meal ideas here.

Leave nothing behind: This one may seem obvious, but it is crucial to keep trash and litter off of the beach. There are currently more than 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean, perpetuated in large part by careless beach habits. By taking out everything you bring in and packing reusable containers when possible, you can do your part to keep local beaches clean and protect local wildlife. If you see somebody else litter, pick it up or kindly remind them where they can dispose of it properly.

You can even plan a special outing to keep beaches clean. Organize your own clean-up effort or join a local community clean up event to help preserve our beautiful beach ecosystems.

Choose chemical-free sunscreen: Sunscreen is a vital beach day item and can help protect you against harmful UV rays and skin cancer. Make sure to choose a sunscreen that will protect both you and the environment. Many common sunscreen brands contain oxybenzone, a chemical that leaves residue in oceans and contributes to the destruction of coral reefs. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide for more information.

Collect seaweed for your compost: Did you know that seaweed is the perfect ingredient for your garden compost? Ordinary seaweed that can be found washed up on beaches helps improve soil consistency and water retention, especially in thin or grainy soils. Be sure to consult local beach rules before taking seaweed and to give it a quick rinse to get rid of excess salt before adding it to your compost.

Green Tips: Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is coming up! This year, celebrate big but without a big carbon footprint. Consider some of our tips on enjoying Independence Day in a sustainable way.

Greener barbeques: On the Fourth of July, 60 million people in the United States head outside to barbeque. Traditional charcoal grills increase emissions and air pollution. Consider switching to natural gas or buying an electric grill, both of which produce fewer emissions. If you are barbecuing for an hour, using charcoal produces 11 pounds of carbon, whereas using natural gas only produces 5.6 pounds of carbon. If you are using an electric grill, they become even more sustainable when they run on renewable electricity.

Opt for vegetarian alternatives: While Fourth of July meals traditionally consist of hot dogs and hamburgers, consider vegetarian options this year. The meat industry, in the United States alone, produces 574 million metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. In addition to being a more environmentally-friendly option, reducing your meat-intake also has numerous health benefits. There are some great vegetarian and vegan recipes that will make the transition even easier.

Leave your car behind: The average passenger car releases around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Whether you’re spending the day in a park or heading to a party, choose a different mode of transportation to get to where you’re going. You can walk, bike, or take public transportation instead of driving. If you have to take a car, try to carpool with friends. To reduce your travel time, search for the closest park to you.

Minimize food waste: Food takes up more space in American landfills than anything else, and we throw away 25% of the food we buy in New York State. Food waste is part of the 4.5 pounds of waste per person produced in New York every day. If you are throwing a party, make sure to plan accordingly. By confirming how many guests will be there ahead of time, you will know how much food to buy and can reduce your waste. If you have food scraps try composting instead of throwing them away. You can find a compost facility nearest to you, or start composting at home.

Firework displays: Fireworks are a big part of Fourth of July celebrations. While most fireworks are illegal in New York, sparklers are still allowed in some counties. Unfortunately, they are also a major source of pollution and cause a spike in air pollution each year. Instead of having your own, watch the closest firework display in your town or city. If you want to put on a display of your own, consider alternatives to fireworks and sparklers, such as laser shows.

Reduce plastic waste: New Yorkers use 23 billion plastic bags each year. Take this holiday as an opportunity to start reducing your contribution to plastic pollution. As you take a trip to the grocery store, make sure to bring your own reusable tote bags. There are plenty of options that you can take with you every time you go shopping. This also applies to disposable items for your party or picnic. Instead, use reusable plates, cups, and utensils from home. If you don’t want to do the dishes and prefer something disposable, go for the biodegradable options. Read more about reducing plastic use in our previous Green Tips here.

Keep your decorations for next year: Another way to avoid waste is by storing your party decorations for next year. If you still have decorations from last year, use them instead of buying new ones. On top of reducing waste, it is also a good way to avoid spending on new items every year.

Green Tips: Summer Reading

Summer is finally here, which means longer days, warmer weather, and more free time to get out and explore with your friends and family. This summer, don’t forget to pack the essentials: sunscreen, swimsuits, and of course, a good book. Consider bringing along some of our favorite sustainability-focused books:

The Overstory by Richard Powers: Winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize, Richard Powers’ novel, The Overstory, is a sweeping homage to the natural world that brings to life the intricate interconnections within our natural world. The novel follows nine characters whose intimate relationships with trees unite them in a stand for environmentalism. Powers is somewhat of a 21st century Thoreau, writing The Overstory from a cabin set deep in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains after doing meticulous research in national parks throughout the country. His stunning ode to our environment is perfect for any lover of nature and literature looking for a relaxing read to carry them through the summer.

The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf: In this illuminating biography, Andrea Wulf documents scientist Alexander von Humboldt’s extraordinary life (1769-1859) in an argument for a new and redefined understanding of nature. Wulf resurrects von Humboldt from near historical obscurity, bringing attention to his revolutionary ideas about climate change and environmentalism. Through his life, Wulf makes the case that a full understanding of nature includes, if not requires, a deep love for the environment. The Invention of Nature is a very readable, highly interesting book that will give you a new perspective on the natural environment around us – a perfect backdrop to summer explorations and outings.

The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard started with a 2007 20 minute educational, animated video about the impact of our production and consumption habits. The book, released in 2010, titled The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff Is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities and Our Health -And a Vision for Change provides meticulously researched information about how our over-consumption habits are impacting climate change and communities across the globe. From t-shirts to laptops to diamond rings, this book tells the story of how our stuff comes to be and makes the case for why we need to change our habits and our systems that support them.

Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold is one of the most classic books about the importance of connecting and observing nature. Published in 1949, this non-fiction book describes the land and environment of Leopold’s home property in Sauk County, Wisconsin. Now known as one of the great thinkers on environmentalism and environmental philosophy, this book is a collection of essays that describe Leopold’s idea of the “land ethic,” or a way of living as stewards, or in harmony with the land they inhabit. Still a classic!

Waste by Tristram Stuart: In his book, Waste, Tristram Stuart gives readers a massive reality check on the global consequences of food waste, demonstrating how we need to think differently about our food in order to avoid environmental calamity. Waste is extremely thought-provoking and shows how seemingly minor habits in our everyday life can be changed to drastically reduce the effects of climate change, world hunger, and the abuse of our finite natural resources. Though Waste presents some hard truths, it is necessary reading in order to become more responsible and conscientious consumers and global citizens. Check out Stuart’s Ted Talk here.

Tips for buying books:

Buy used: If you’re a more traditional reader who prefers physical books over their electronic counterparts, consider visiting your local used book store or thrift shop this summer instead of buying new. Not only will you be doing your part to recycle and reduce waste, but you will save quite a bit of money in the process.
Pass it on: Instead of retiring it to the bookshelf or throwing it away, share your favorite stories with others by donating your book to a used books store, thrift shop, library, or passing it along to a fellow book lover. In addition, check out paperbackswap.com to exchange used books with people all around the world!
Of course, the best place to get access to books in an eco-friendly manner is to pay a visit to your local library. Librarians can help you find the perfect book for your summer reading, all for free! Just make sure to return it on time!

Green Tips: Celebrating National Ocean Month

National Ocean Month, celebrated every June, is a time to honor the waters that we rely on. The ocean comprises 70% of our planet, and produces 70% of the oxygen that we breathe. It regulates climate and is home to countless forms of life. The ocean plays a major role in everyday life, and so it is critical to preserve this resource.

So how can you get involved in this nationwide celebration and conservation effort? Check out the tips below to get started, and take action all month long!

Stop the usage of disposable plastics: From plastic bags to takeout containers, plastics get into the ocean and damage ecosystems. By mid-century, the total volume of plastic waste in the ocean is expected to outweigh marine life. You can help reverse this trend by refusing plastics that you don’t need or swapping them for reusable alternatives. Encourage businesses to provide these options. Check out our previous tips for reducing plastic use!

Switch to safe products: Even if you don’t live by the ocean, chemicals in some household products can still enter our waterways. Swap polluting products for safer ones that are less harmful to the bodies of water and the marine life they host.

Support clean energy: Much of the carbon dioxide that our homes produce is absorbed by the oceans, causing acidification that dramatically impacts marine life. You can reduce your home’s carbon footprint by switching your energy supplier. Support sustainability at home by signing up to receive electricity from an Energy Services Company (ESCO). ESCO’s promote energy efficiency and sustainable resources. More information from the New York Department of Public Service can be found here.

If the option is available to you, consider installing rooftop solar panels to generate electricity or switching to geothermal energy or solar water heating systems to heat your home. Relying on renewable energy will protect the ocean from the harmful effects of carbon emissions produced by fossil fuels.

Make responsible food choices: The oceans supply us with food, but these resources are not infinite. Overfishing depletes key populations of marine life and disrupts ecosystems. Make the right choice by checking that your fish are caught under sustainable fishing practices or farmed in ways that cause as little disruption to the environment as possible. The Monterey Bay Aquarium prepares helpful consumer guides.

Clean up the beach: If you live near the ocean, you can get involved with direct action. Go with friends and family to pick up debris, join a local cleanup event, or participate in a larger movement, such as the New York State Beach Cleanup, which coordinates cleanups all across the state. If there are no events scheduled near you, try organizing one yourself with the tips provided by the Ocean Conservancy here. You’ll get to spend time near the water while also protecting your environment!

Green Tips: Father’s Day

Each year, Father’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate our dads and honor everything they do for us. This year, join us in celebrating fathers while showing the planet we all share some love. From gifts to activities, check out some of our tips for celebrating a green Father’s Day in 2019:

Eat local: On average, fruits and vegetables in the U.S. travel an astounding 1,500 miles before being sold. This Father’s Day give your dad the gift of food that is grown closer to home. If you’re taking him out for dinner, try visiting a sustainable local restaurant. If you’re making him a home cooked meal, source your ingredients from a farmers’ market or organic grocery store. Not only is local food more nutritious and eco-friendly, but it is more flavorful and will help make your dad’s day as delicious as possible!

Reusable gifts: Looking for a last-minute gift for dad? Consider giving him something that will make his life easier while also benefiting the environment. Gifts like travel mugs, reusable water bottles, and bamboo utensil packs are some of our favorite everyday items that can help reduce plastic waste and save money. You can even get customized items that match his personality and style.

Take dad on a hike: There is no better gift than the great outdoors, especially in New York, where we enjoy some of the most beautiful and plentiful hiking spots in the country. Kick off the summer with your dad by visiting a local hiking trail or park and enjoy some bonding time as well as an opportunity to get outside and explore.

Homemade gift giving: According to the EPA, household waste increases by 25% during holidays. By opting for a homemade gift this Father’s Day, you can give your dad a thoughtful and unique gift while reducing waste and saving money in the process. Check out this list for some DIY gift ideas for dad.

Skip the gift wrap: Most gift wrap contains large volumes of plastics and foils; typical wrapping paper can take decades to decompose and releases toxic chemicals when burned due to high plastic and dye concentrations. This year, celebrate both dad and the environment by recycling paper you already have or by wrapping items in reusable bags or cloth, which can be gifts themselves.

Explore some more creative gift wrap ideas here.

Bring the outside in: Give dad the gift that keeps on giving this year by buying him a plant to keep in his home or office. Plants like the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue will add a splash of green to his life, while filtering the air and reducing humidity. You can even help him start his own herb garden to enhance his meals and health.

Looking to go a bit bigger? Consider planting a tree in his honor through organizations like the National Forest Foundation and American Forests.

Green Tips: Greening Your Kitchen

In most households, the kitchen is the center of daily life: a multi-purpose space where the day kicks off and winds down. However, the kitchen generates more waste than any other room in your home, eating up money and resources through daily activities like washing, cleaning, and cooking. While these habits seem routine and basic, if they are not practiced with environmental mindfulness, they can perpetuate major crises like food waste, water shortages, and global warming.

By making some simple changes to your kitchen habits, you can do your part to benefit the environment and save some money in the process. Here are some easy, budget-friendly tips for facilitating a greener and more sustainable space in your home:

Use your dishwasher efficiently: The EPA estimates that the average American family uses 400 gallons of water per day, or close to 150,000 gallons per year. These numbers can be reduced through simple changes in the way you use your dishwasher. By running the dishwasher only when full, you can eliminate one load of dishes per week and save 320 gallons of water annually. In addition, by scraping plates instead of rinsing them, you can save over 55,000 gallons of water over the lifetime of your dishwasher, reducing your water waste while maximizing the lifespan of your appliances and cutting your water bill.

If you want to know more about your water usage and how to reduce overall water waste, check out the Water Footprint Calculator for some helpful personalized statistics and tips.

Try Composting: The average American generates over 4.5 pounds of solid waste per day – an astounding amount that can be reduced by 30% by composting your food waste. Starting your own compost bin is a fairly simple and cheap process, and can be put right back into your garden or yard to enrich soil, encourage plant growth, and reduce your overall carbon footprint. Check out our composting tips here.

Buy in Bulk: By buying your kitchen commodities in bulk, you can significantly cut back on the amount of plastic that enters your household, all while saving hundreds of dollars per year. Be sure to only choose items with a long shelf life to avoid unnecessary waste.

Go Meatless: Animal agriculture generates 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and uses over 70% of global agricultural land, causing massive deforestation, pollution, and water contamination. Though cutting out meat entirely might be a bit daunting, by choosing one day a week to go meatless (it doesn’t necessarily need to be Mondays), you can greatly reduce your carbon footprint and help conserve precious resources. In addition, eating less meat helps reduce your risk of heart disease and saves on grocery costs.

Invest in Reusable Products: Although reusable products like glass containers or cloth towels may be initially more expensive than disposable products, they will save you money in the long run and help you reduce unnecessary trash in your kitchen. Disposable plastic products generate an excessive amount of waste on our planet, with an estimated 8.3 billion tons of plastic discarded over the past 60 years. By buying reusable, plastic-free products for your kitchen, you can drastically cut your plastic waste. In addition, many disposable plastic products contain toxic chemicals that can affect your food and health.

Buy Local: When purchasing your produce, try to be mindful of where your food is sourced. Not only does the shipping of non-locally sourced produce contribute to pollution, but crops are often filled with a multitude of preservatives and biocides and tend to spoil more rapidly than local produce. As an added bonus, buying locally supports small businesses and farms in your area, contributing to your local economy.

Make Your Own Cleaning Products: Many common commercial cleaning products are packed with harmful chemicals. Some of the chemicals found in cleaning products can trigger asthma, skin and eye irritation, and are fatal if ingested. Luckily, none of these chemicals are actually necessary for maintaining a clean and sanitary home. Safer and more environmentally-friendly substitutes can easily be made with common household items like baking soda, vinegar, and water. Check out an easy guide to homemade cleaning products here.

Green Tips: Celebrating National Composting Day

This Wednesday, May 29th, is National Learn About Composting Day. What better way to celebrate than to start incorporating composting practices into your daily life? Composting is an easy way to reduce your overall waste and repurpose it for something greater.

Compost is decomposed organic food waste that is recycled for other uses. Thirty percent of all waste contains food and yard scraps that could otherwise be composted. Composting your waste keeps these natural scraps out of landfills where they take up space and release methane – a greenhouse gas 30 times more potent than carbon. If composted, organic waste can become a useful fertilizer that adds nutrients to soil for trees, gardens, and farms. In New York City, the composted matter is also converted to clean energy.

Instead of contributing more waste to a landfill, you can start composting and contribute to an organic and natural landscape! We know that composting may be daunting, but this type of recycling is an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Check out our tips and get started today!

Prepare your bin for indoor composting.

You can find a composting bin at a local hardware store, gardening supplies store, or make it yourself. A properly managed and sealed compost bin will not attract pests or rodents and will not smell bad.

Collect food scraps, yard waste, and food-soiled paper.

Store these materials in any bag or container in a convenient space until your pick-up day. Some compostable materials include: fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, coffee filters, paper tea bags, bread and grains, eggshells, nutshells, corncobs, food-soiled paper towels and napkins, shredded newspaper, sawdust and wood shavings from untreated wood, stale beans, flour, and spices.

Find drop-off sites.

Click here to view the full list of organic waste drop-off sites in New York City. Click here to find some drop-off sites throughout New York State. Localities collect this organic waste to turn into fertilizer or other uses.

You can also use your compost at home. If you have a yard or want to start a garden, your compost will be ready in two to five weeks. You can use compost to naturally fertilize your garden.

Green Tips: Reducing Plastic Use

Plastic waste is overwhelming the world. Scientists have cataloged 8.3 billion tons of plastic that have been produced, discarded or burned over the last 60 years. Plastic takes 400 years to degrade and can be found everywhere. Even the computer or mobile phone you’re reading this on contains plastic. Ninety-one percent of the plastic Americans use is never recycled. It is estimated that by mid-century, plastic in our oceans will outweigh the sealife.

You can make an impact on the environment by reducing the amount of plastic you use. Try some of our tips below.

Forget the straw. We throw away 500 billion plastic straws a day in the U.S. Straws are less likely to be recycled and can end up in our waterways. Researchers have found microplastics in marine life in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. If you really need to use one, buy a reusable stainless steel or glass straw. Some come with their own cleaning brush.

Bring your own containers. Food co-ops and many grocery stores let you buy many items in bulk. You can bring your own reusable containers for buying cereal, pasta and similar foods.

BYOB and BYOC. Bring your own bottle or cup. In the United States, it takes 17 billion barrels of oil to manufacture 50 billion disposable water bottles each year. Because used cups are soiled, they cannot be recycled and must be thrown away.

Next time, try bringing your own cup or bottle to the store. An added benefit is that your coffee tastes better in a ceramic or stainless steel container, and, because these are usually insulated, it will stay warmer longer.

Pack your lunch in reusable containers and avoid plasticware both at home and on the go. When you eat out, bring your own containers for leftovers, since restaurants often use plastic.

Dump disposable diapers. The EPA estimates that we 7.6 billion pounds of disposable diapers end up in our landfills each year. Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers. You can use a diaper service, which still allows you to lower your baby’s carbon footprint because their economies of scale means they use less electricity and water than individuals would if washing diapers at home. Also, because they have to meet board of health standards, they’re actually cleaner.

Opt for reusable shopping bags. The New York State recently passed a law banning most single-use plastic bags. The law goes into effect in March 2020 but there’s no time like the present for starting to bring your own bags. A consumer who opts for reusable bags for shopping means 22,000 fewer plastic bags are used.

Choose easily recyclable plastic. If you must use plastic, look for these recycling numbers on plastic items: #1 (polyethylene terephthalate or PETE) or #2 (high density polyethylene or HDPE), which are the most commonly recycled plastics. The former is commonly used for bottled beverages and the latter is used in milk jugs, juice containers, household cleaners and more.

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