tag:www.naturalawakeningsnj.com,2005:/categories/green-livingGreen Living Green Living | Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey Healthy Living Healthy Planet2024-03-03T07:21:13-08:00urn:uuid:c2be494c-8ec4-432e-b61b-35094b1e19112024-03-03T06:19:08-08:002024-03-03T07:21:13-08:00March is National Nutrition Month2024-03-03 06:19:07 -0800Jerome Bilaos<p></p><p>This
month the spotlight turns to an essential aspect of our everyday lives that
significantly impacts our health and wellbeing: Nutrition. </p>
<p>Yes! You are what you eat – every bite providing
instructions to your body – turning genes on and off, inflaming your cells or
quelching inflammation, fueling your energy or depleting it. </p>
<p>The
truth is – most of us have never been taught about nutrition. It isn’t part of the curriculum in our
schools and we don’t generally receive much instruction from our medical
doctors. A 2021 survey of medical
schools in the U.S. and U.K., published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and
Dietetics, found that most medical students receive an average of 11 hours of
nutrition related training throughout an entire medical program. </p>
<p>And
yet, our food choices can inform our health in profound ways such as; balancing
blood sugar for weight management,
healing intestinal permeability thereby improving immune function and
digestive disorders, as well as reducing the occurrence of heart disease to
name a few common health concerns. The role of nutrition in support of the
aging process is paramount as well; micronutrient needs, cellular health and
dietary patterns all influence longevity.</p>
<p><span>Under
the Affordable Care Act – many insurance providers will cover from 3 to 10
visits per year for Preventative Nutrition Counseling. Many will provide coverage for additional
visits under Medical Nutrition Therapy.
Use this link to access a form
detailing questions to ask your insurance company to fully understand your
benefits or visit <a href="http://www.ccsnutrition.net">www.ccsnutrition.net</a>.</span></p>
<p>Nutrition
guidance and education is an invaluable resource for anyone working to improve
their health through diet and lifestyle.
During National Nutrition Month, let’s embrace the importance of
personalized nutrition as integral to healthcare. Seeking the expertise of a
licensed nutritionist as part of your medical treatment plan can be your first
step towards a healthier, happier you.</p>
<p>Have you met with a
licensed nutritionist lately?</p><br><p></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:fbe551c5-191d-4c18-af67-4e7cef6bef562024-03-03T06:03:07-08:002024-03-03T06:05:08-08:00In the Natural Awakenings - March 2024 Food and Fitness Trends Issue2024-03-03 06:03:07 -0800Jerome BilaosCutting edge information for those who embrace the natural, healthy and green living lifestyle for people, pets and planet. Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. <hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:b759f25d-8820-4bd5-ba9d-e8830110252a2024-02-25T16:42:48-08:002024-03-14T15:58:16-07:00Pollinator Corridors: Tips to Reestablish Lost Habitats2024-02-29 06:26:00 -0800Kelcie Ottoes<p>A well-known Chinese proverb says, “The flapping of the wings of a butterfly can be felt on the other side of the world,” poetically reminding us that small actions can produce large effects. When it comes to the world’s disappearing pollinators, the modest steps we take today can generate life-saving results tomorrow.</p><p> </p><p>According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), “Pollinators provide vital benefits to people and wildlife, keeping animals and plants that we depend on thriving while bringing us food and supporting the economy.” Almost <a href="https://blog.cwf-fcf.org/index.php/en/what-is-a-pollinator-pathway/">90 percent</a> of flowering plants depend entirely or in part on animal pollination, and yet, the FWS reports that <a href="https://www.fws.gov/initiative/pollinators">pollinator populations</a> are on the decline. One way to support these important species is to create a pollinator corridor—a pesticide-free, native-plant zone that provides food and shelter for indigenous pollinators.</p><p> </p><h2><b><span>The <a></a>P</span></b><b>ollinator</b><b>’</b><b>s Role</b><b></b></h2><p> </p><p>While the word pollinator may conjure up images of butterflies and bees, the category is much broader and includes birds, bats, lizards, moths, flies, beetles, wasps and some small mammals. “Virtually every ecosystem on Earth that contains flowering plants depends on animal pollinators,” says Kim Eierman, author of <a href="https://www.ecobeneficial.com/pvg/"><i>The Pollinator Victory Garden: Win the War on Pollinator Decline with Ecological Gardening</i></a>. “Many are keystone species in the ecosystems where they occur. If a keystone species becomes extinct or vanishes, that ecosystem fundamentally changes, and not for the better.”</p><p> </p><p>From apples, melons and potatoes to almonds, coffee and cocoa, the food we eat is not available without pollination. Losing just one pollinator can have a significant impact. Without bees, fruit and nut trees produce fewer and smaller crops, if any. Of the top <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2023/05/21/inside-a-billionaire-bee-colony/?sh=42f464c53696">100 edible flowering crops, 80 are pollinated</a> by honeybees.</p><p> </p><p>“Every ecosystem is dependent on pollinators to maintain healthy environmental balances in global food webs,” explains Jen McDonald, the founder of <a href="https://www.gardengirlstx.com/">Garden Girls</a>, a Houston-based company that designs and installs home landscapes. “Pollinators don’t make food just for us, but also for livestock and virtually all other living things. Many plants that require pollination are also needed for shade habitats for birds, insects and small animals.”</p><h2><a></a> </h2><h2><b>Challenges Facing Pollinators</b><b></b></h2><p> </p><p>The decline in pollinators is attributed to a <a href="https://www.pollinator.org/pollinators#importance">loss of feeding and nesting habitats</a> that occurs when native plants are replaced by non-native grasses, farmlands and urban landscapes. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pollinators/pollinators-in-trouble.htm">Pesticides, chemicals, parasites, non-native species, new diseases and climate change</a> are also modern-day threats. Monarch butterflies are considered <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/monarch-butterfly-not-endangered-conservation-authority-decides">vulnerable to extinction</a>. Nearly <a href="https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/native_pollinators/pdfs/Pollinators_in_Peril.pdf">one in four bees</a> (347 native species) are at increased risk of extinction. More than half of the 154 North American bat species are at severe risk of population decline.</p><p> </p><h2><a></a><b>Designing a Pollinator Corridor</b><b></b></h2><p> </p><p>The good news is that when native plants are re-introduced, pollinators return. “Abundant, diverse pollinators ensure fertile, resilient landscapes and secure food systems for communities, and backyard gardens can restore numbers that strengthen regional plant reproduction,” says <a href="https://greg.app/bio/Kiersten/">Kiersten Rankel</a>, a botanist for <a href="https://greg.app/plant-care/">Greg</a>, an app that helps people optimize their plant-growing efforts.</p><p> </p><p>To get started, select a strip of land, rooftop, wall or yard that supports pollinators, including their migration, foraging and overwintering. Next, pick native and flowering plant species for the space. Perennials require less maintenance, as they come back each year. Start small. Even a few potted plants or a converted curb strip can have a big impact. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides. Beyond flowers, be sure to also include shrubs, twigs, rotting logs, branches, vines, ground cover and bare gravel. Determine if it is helpful or harmful to remove leaves from the ground in the fall and reduce or eliminate mowing practices, especially on roadsides or curbs.</p><p> </p><p>To make a bigger impact, talk with neighbors and community members to create a larger corridor. Consider working with local schools, colleges, nature-focused nonprofits, government officials that oversee parks and city planning, nurseries and farmers. The more people that are involved and invested in the corridor, the higher the odds of its continuing success.</p><p> </p><p>Create a map to see the full footprint of the corridor; fill any gaps and remove invasive plant species. Include a wide diversity of native plants to serve pollinators at each stage of their life cycles. <a href="https://www.pollinator.org/wingspan">The Wild Seed Project</a> suggests having at least 10 pollinator-friendly plants to support them year-round with continuous blooms and shelter.</p><p> </p><p><a></a>An example of a giant pollinator corridor is <a href="https://www.pollinator.org/wingspan">Project Wingspan</a>, located in the Midwest and Great Lakes region. The people behind this program are striving to create 18,000 acres of high-quality habitat to support local wildlife and pollinators. On a smaller scale, the town of <a href="https://www.pollinator-pathway.org/towns/cape-cod">Orleans, Massachusetts</a>, is working to ensure their entire community is pollinator friendly.</p><h2><a></a> </h2><p>There has never been a better time to start or join a pollinator corridor. Those efforts could be the flap of a butterfly’s wing that changes the future for these vital creatures.</p><p> </p><h5><i>Kelcie Ottoes is a content writer for sustainable businesses, specializing in blog posts, case studies and white papers.</i></h5><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:fd576415-8ee9-414f-b478-ca010fd9b78c2024-02-26T08:10:39-08:002024-03-01T17:42:15-08:00Forest Stewardship2024-02-29 06:00:00 -0800Kris Urquhart<p>Spanning more than <a href="https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.FRST.ZS">31 percent</a> of our planet’s land, forests produce clean air and fresh water, offer a home to a multitude of plants and animals, and sequester enormous amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. And yet, human activity threatens these natural settings with deforestation, climate change and illegal logging. Here are actions we can take in celebration of <a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/forests-and-trees-day">International Day of Forests</a> on March 21 and every day to ensure the future of our woodlands.</p><p> </p><p><b>Support sustainable forestry</b>. When purchasing wood, paper and other forest products, look for those that come from sustainably managed forests or are certified by reputable organizations like the <a href="https://fsc.org/en/what-the-fsc-labels-mean">Forest Stewardship Council</a><span> (<i>fsc.org</i>) or </span><a href="https://www.bmtrada.com/certification-services/sustainable-supply-chain-certification"><span>BM TRADA <i>(bmtrada.com)</i></span></a>.</p><p><b>Plant trees</b>. Get those hands dirty and participate in tree planting initiatives with organizations such as the <a href="https://www.arborday.org/">Arbor Day Foundation</a><span> (<i>ArborDay.org</i>).</span></p><p><b>Reduce, reuse and recycle</b>. Opt for recycled and eco-friendly products that lessen the demand for new products that may contribute to deforestation. Remember to recycle paper products to conserve valuable forest resources.</p><p><b>Go digital</b>. Embrace digital solutions that minimize the need for paper. Store important documents electronically, read e-books instead of printed ones and consider digital alternatives before printing something.</p><p><b>Back sustainable livelihoods</b>. Many communities depend on forests for their livelihoods. Encourage fair trade practices that support sustainable, forest-based industries, such as those promoting non-timber forest products like honey, nuts, mushrooms, palm oil and maple syrup.</p><p><b>Engage in advocacy</b>. Join local or global organizations dedicated to forest preservation and conservation such as the <a href="https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/">Rainforest Alliance</a><span> (<i>Rainforest-Alliance.org</i>), </span><a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/">The Nature Conservancy</a><span> (<i>Nature.org</i>), </span><a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/">Sierra Club</a><span> (<i>SierraClub.org</i>) or </span><a href="https://treesforever.org/">Trees Forever</a><span> (<i>TreesForever.org</i>). Each voice helps shape policies and promotes sustainable practices on a larger scale.</span></p><p><b>Educate others</b>. Share knowledge about the importance of forests and their challenges. Organize workshops, give talks or simply have conversations with friends and family to raise awareness and inspire action.</p><p><b>Practice responsible tourism</b>. When exploring forested areas, minimize the impact by following designated trails, respecting wildlife habitats, refraining from touching or feeding wild animals and taking trash home.</p><p><b>Support forest restoration initiatives</b>. The <a href="https://www.wri.org/initiatives/global-restoration-initiative">Global Restoration Initiative</a><span> (GRI) works with governments, businesses and communities worldwide to restore degraded forests and bring back life to these vital ecosystems. Consider supporting GRI (<i>wri.org/initiatives/global-restoration-initiative</i>) or local initiatives like </span><a href="https://www.americanforests.org/">American Forests</a><span> (<i>AmericanForests.org</i>), </span><a href="https://paparksandforests.org/">Pennsylvania Parks & Forest Foundation</a><span> (<i>PAParksAndForests.org</i>) and </span><a href="https://www.treefolks.org/">Tree Folks</a><span> (<i>TreeFolks.org</i>) through donations or volunteer work.</span></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:60adf259-36d4-4fda-ab33-56eb36c2d91d2024-01-24T12:41:54-08:002024-03-01T12:31:53-08:00Lowering Our Battery Footprint: A Look at Personal Strategies and Emerging Technologies2024-01-31 06:26:00 -0800Kelcie Ottoes<p>Americans love their disposable batteries. Every year, they buy and <a href="https://healtheplanet.com/100-ways-to-heal-the-planet/batteries#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20Americans%20throw%20away,from%20single%20use%20alkaline%20batteries.">discard</a> about <a href="https://nationaltoday.com/national-battery-day/">3 billion</a> of these small-sized power sources that keep cellphones, flashlights, toys and computer accessories running. Lithium-ion and alkaline batteries dominate the market due to their efficiency and versatility. While single-use batteries significantly tax the environment, advancements in production, lifespan and recycling can lead to a greener future. </p><p><a></a>It isn’t easy to create batteries. For one thing, minerals must be extracted from the Earth. Lithium-rich brine is pumped into evaporation ponds, and after the water evaporates, the concentrated brine is processed to harvest the metal. <a href="https://www.cenex-lcv.co.uk/news-media/exhibitor/what-is-the-environmental-impact-of-lithium-batteries#:~:text=Lithium%20mining%20leads%20to%20the,animals%20in%20those%20localities%20harmful.">This practice</a> can lead to the contamination of local ecosystems and water basins, toxic emissions and respiratory issues for people living nearby. </p><p>While sending any item to a landfill is problematic, batteries are especially complicated because they are made with toxic elements such as cadmium, lead, nickel and electrolytes, as well as other chemicals, all of which can leach into the soil and water system. In addition, lithium can ignite and release chemicals into the air. According to <a href="https://healtheplanet.com/100-ways-to-heal-the-planet/batteries#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20Americans%20throw%20away,from%20single%20use%20alkaline%20batteries.">Heal The Planet,</a> Americans create 180,000 tons of hazardous waste from batteries annually, including <a href="https://healtheplanet.com/100-ways-to-heal-the-planet/batteries#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20Americans%20throw%20away,from%20single%20use%20alkaline%20batteries.">86,000 tons</a> from alkaline batteries and 160 million cellphone batteries.</p><p>Although alkaline batteries may legally be thrown out in the regular trash because they fall below federal hazardous waste standards, conscientious citizens recycle them when that option is available, as they contain dangerous elements, including lead. Button cell batteries used in watches and garage door openers contain tiny amounts of mercury and should be recycled. Rechargeable batteries should be taken to a local recycling facility that specializes in batteries.</p><p>“Sustainability is everything for battery manufacturers, despite what a lot of people think,” says Chris Groves, manager at <a href="https://grovesbatteries.co.uk/">Groves Batteries</a> and the proprietor of <a href="https://www.titanlithium.co.uk/">TITAN Lithium</a>. “Recycling is imperative to a sustainable market, as recycled materials can be put back into production chains at a lower cost.” A broad-ranging solution is a circular battery economy: a model of production and consumption that extends the life of a battery and its components as long as possible by sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling its materials.<a></a></p><div> <br><b>Electronic Vehicle Revolution</b><br><a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2023/executive-summary">Fourteen percent</a> of new cars sold in 2022 were electric, up from less than 5 percent in 2020. By 2030 there will be between <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/batteries-cant-power-car-light-city/">145 and 230 million</a> electric vehicles (EV) on the road. The federal government requires manufacturers to <a href="https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/hybrid-ev-battery-warranty/#warranty-coverage">warranty</a> that EV batteries will maintain at least 70 percent capacity for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. Because EVs are relatively new, the average life expectancy of their batteries is not yet known. However, each time an EV battery is charged and discharged, it loses some capacity and eventually will need to be replaced.</div><p>Recycling old EV batteries will help keep up with demand and reduce their environmental impact. A <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions/executive-summary">report</a> from the <a href="https://www.iea.org/">International Energy Agency</a> estimates that by 2040, recycled quantities of copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt from spent EV batteries could reduce supply requirements for these minerals by about 10 percent. </p><p>Most retired EV batteries still have some storage and energy capabilities, even if they are not at their original power levels. Alternative uses for old batteries are being explored, including <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/batteries-cant-power-car-light-city/">solar power storage</a>, energy for streetlights or as backup generators in homes. One study in <a href="http://tps/www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-35393-0"><i>Nature Communications</i></a><i> </i>predicts that short-term power grid storage demand could be met by <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-35393-0">2030</a> across most regions using old EV batteries.</p><p> </p><div><b>Advances in Battery Technology<br></b>Solutions for more sustainable batteries are being explored. “New chemistries are focused on using non-rare earth materials like sodium or sulfur, which we have in abundance and are a lot less damaging than lithium mines to extract,” says Groves. </div><p><a href="https://balkangreenenergynews.com/iron-air-batteries-are-10-times-as-cheap-as-lithium-and-will-be-produced-from-2024/">Iron air batteries</a> are currently being developed as energy storage. They are ten times cheaper than lithium batteries and use iron, one of Earth's most abundant resources. <a href="https://www.theenergymix.com/battery-breakthrough-poised-to-double-ev-range-in-2024/">Lithium manganese iron phosphate batteries</a> could be the only battery a car will ever need. They have a range of more than 600 miles on a single charge and a potential 2.4-million-mile lifetime. Solid-state batteries use lithium, but they generate more power and can take <a href="https://builtin.com/hardware/new-battery-technologies">up to seven times more charges</a> in their lifetime without the risk of explosion. </p><div><b><br>Tips for Battery Care and Recycling<br></b>Everyone can help make the most of their batteries with a few simple practices. <br><br></div><p><b>Disposable Batteries</b><span>:<b> </b>Turn off devices and remove the batteries when they are not in use. </span>Store batteries<span> so they are not in contact with each other in a place that is below 72°F, but above freezing. Do not toss them out at the expiration date; this is when power starts to decline, but the battery is still usable. To recycle, batteries may be taken to a participating home-improvement store. Find nearby drop-off locations at <i>Call2R</i></span><i>ecycl.org/locator</i><span> or <i>Earth911.com</i>.</span></p><p><b>Rechargeable B</b><b>atteries</b><span>:<b> </b>Do not leave rechargeable batteries plugged in all the time and do not allow them to drain their power to zero. Power down devices to avoid extra use. On cellphones, turn off the location mode and use the lower-power mode and dim-light settings.</span> </p><i>Kelcie Ottoes is a writer for sustainable businesses and frequent contributor to </i>Natural <hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e6980bac-7eea-4813-825b-b6b887ae31632023-12-18T10:42:52-08:002024-02-07T16:24:26-08:00Growing Young in Nature: How Seniors Heal in the Great Outdoors2023-12-29 06:26:00 -0800Kelcie OttoesSpending time outdoors is a valuable pastime for individuals in their golden years. Besides being exceedingly pleasurable, communing with nature, breathing fresh air, feeling the warmth of the sun or hearing birdsong can markedly improve a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. For seniors, exposure to green and blue spaces inspires a more active lifestyle that is both spiritually and socially engaged, thereby offsetting <a href="https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/everyday-access-nature-improves-quality-life-older-adults">the challenges of chronic illness, disability and isolation</a> .<a></a> Whether playing Scrabble under the shade of a tree, strolling along the banks of a lake with friends or planting flowers and herbs in a raised garden bed, adding that outdoor element to any activity is a win-win.<br><p> </p><h2><a></a><b>Physical Rewards</b><b></b></h2><p> </p><p><span>A vigorous workout outside is not necessary to derive benefits. Fresh air boosts the immune system by increasing white blood cell production. Merely living near trees can extend a person’s lifespan by up to <a href="https://companionsforseniors.com/2019/03/healing-power-nature-seniors/">12 years</a> </span><a></a>, according to a <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1510363">Harvard University</a> study of more than 100,000 women over an eight-year period. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19833605/">Another study</a> of 350,000 people in Holland found that green spaces can improve overall health, reduce health complaints, lower the propensity for psychiatric illness and engender a general feeling of improved health.</p><p> </p><p><span>“Exposure to natural light fosters the synthesis of vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and mood regulation,” says <a href="https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/profile/ryan-s-sultan-md">Dr. Ryan Sultán</a></span>, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University. “Participating in outdoor activities such as walking, gardening or simply enjoying nature contributes to improved physical fitness.”<br><br><a></a></p><p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-74828-w">Gardening</a><span> improves physical strength, flexibility and overall health and quality of life. Older adults that <a href="https://naturesacred.org/nature-seniors/">regularly take walks</a></span> report less pain and sleep problems compared to adults that don’t get outside every day. <a href="https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing#:~:text=Exposure%20to%20nature%20not%20only,health%20researchers%20Stamatakis%20and%20Mitchell.">Nature also promotes healthier blood pressure, higher energy levels, lower heart rate, reduced stress,</a> less chronic pain and a reduction of illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory issues.</p><p> </p><h2><a></a><b>Mental and Cognitive Improvements</b><b></b></h2><p> </p><p><span>Nature offers mental and cognitive benefits to seniors. While simply viewing pictures of natural settings can <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature">reducemental fatigue</a></span>, a walk outside offers a greater positive impact. A University of Michigan study found that spending time outdoors can enhance memory and attention span by up to <a href="https://companionsforseniors.com/2019/03/healing-power-nature-seniors/">20 percent</a>.</p><p> </p><p><span><a href="https://www.psu.edu/news/health-and-human-development/story/time-nature-may-help-older-adults-improved-health-purpose-life/">Forest bathing</a> </span><a></a>—a wilderness walk while engaging the senses—originated in Japan and has become increasingly popular with older populations. A <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-74828-w">study in Singapore</a> found that seniors engaged in a horticulture program experienced improvements in sleep, cognitive function and psychological well-being, as well as a reduction in anxiety.</p><p> </p><p><span>Older populations that engage in more strenuous activities like <a href="https://www.meadowridge.com/resources/the-benefits-of-nature-and-the-outdoors-for-seniors/">walking, biking or running</a> </span>in natural settings have a lower risk of mental health issues. <a href="https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/everyday-access-nature-improves-quality-life-older-adults">Green and blue spaces</a> foster feelings of renewal, restoration and spiritual connection, while <a href="https://naturesacred.org/nature-seniors/">physical activity</a> in such settings enhances mood, reduces depression risks, lowers stress and improves cognitive function.</p><h2><a></a> </h2><h2><b>Emotional and Social Benefits</b><b></b></h2><p> </p><p><span>Loneliness and isolation greatly impact seniors, and social interactions outside can help alleviate some of this loneliness. Nature provides space for <a href="https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/everyday-access-nature-improves-quality-life-older-adults">multi-generational social interaction</a></span> and engagement, including planned activities with friends and family or impromptu gatherings with neighbors. Those with access to green space have a <a href="https://naturesacred.org/nature-seniors/">stronger sense of unity</a> and belonging with their community. </p><p> </p><p><span>“Mindful walking is a simple way to get started building a relationship with the outdoors and is conducive to experiencing nature in a positive way while being present,” says <a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/contact/john-dattilo">John Dattilo</a></span>,<a></a> Ph.D., a professor in leisure studies at Pennsylvania State University. “To do this, we pay attention to the environment and notice things through our senses. We focus on what we are grateful for, including our surroundings or other aspects of our life.”</p><h2><a></a> </h2><h2><b>Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Engagement</b><b></b></h2><p> </p><p><span>The main barriers stopping seniors from getting outside are mobility limitations, accessibility issues and safety concerns. One study found <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S135382921830491X">reduced mobility</a></span> was the primary factor limiting nature experiences for older populations. “If we have a fear of falling, then we reduce our movement. If we reduce our movement, then we are more likely to fall, and that spirals,” says Dattilo.</p><p> </p><p>Caretakers can help by encouraging seniors to pick the activities they want to do, without stifling their interests. “If people pursue activities they have interest in, they are much more likely to experience leisure,” says Dattilo. “And leisure gives us meaning and purpose in life. It also helps us feel authentic. It’s not as much about recreational activity, and more about engagement.”</p><p> </p><p><span>If seniors want to venture beyond their homes, choose accessible locations where there are paved paths, shelter and bathrooms. Come prepared for the activity. Dress comfortably, use mobility aids, apply sun protection and bring water and snacks. For those that are uncomfortable spending time in nature alone, invite others or join a senior-friendly program, class or event. If leaving the home or bed is no longer an option, give <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature">virtual reality a try,</a></span> which has been shown to provide seniors with some of the <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.725288/full">benefits of the outdoors</a>. There are many commercially available virtual reality applications such as <a href="https://www.meta.com/experiences/pcvr/1513995308673845/">Google Earth VR</a> <span>and <a href="https://www.meta.com/experiences/2078376005587859/">Wander</a></span> on Meta Quest. </p><p> </p><p><a></a><i>Kelcie Ottoes is a writer for sustainable businesses and frequent contributor to </i><span>Natural <a>Awakenings</a></span><i>.</i></p><div><div><div><p></p></div></div></div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:4f4145e5-029e-41db-9468-bb45be3395692023-12-19T12:40:36-08:002024-02-02T12:35:43-08:00Finding the Right Eco-Friendly Roof2023-12-29 06:00:00 -0800Kris Urquhart<p>While a house is usually a family’s biggest investment, improvements can be made to make it an environmental asset, too. </p><p> </p><p><b>Solar Panels</b><b></b></p><p> </p><p>According to the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/how-does-solar-work#:~:text=The%20amount%20of%20sunlight%20that,mirrors%20that%20concentrate%20solar%20radiation">U.S. Department of Energy</a>, just one hour of sunlight can provide the Earth with enough energy to power the globe for an entire year. Solar panels are a remarkable technology to harness that abundant energy and convert it into clean electricity. By installing solar panels on roofs, homeowners can significantly reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources and contribute to a greener future. </p><p> </p><p>Aside from their environmental benefits, solar panels can also save money on electricity bills. Research by <a href="https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/how-to-calculate-your-solar-payback-period">Solar Reviews</a> concludes that solar panel systems can pay for themselves within nine to 12 years through energy savings and various incentives. <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/solar/do-solar-panels-increase-home-value/">Plus</a>, according to <i>The</i> <i><a href="https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy08osti/42733.pdf">Appraisal Journal</a></i><i>,</i> a home’s value can increase by $20 for every $1 reduction in yearly energy bills, making solar an excellent long-term investment. To get an estimate on how much can be saved by installing solar panels on a home, visit <i>UnderstandSolar.org</i>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Green Roofs</b><b></b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Imagine transforming a roof into a vibrant oasis teeming with lush vegetation and blooming flowers. Green roofs consist of layers of soil, plants and a waterproofing system, which work together to create a natural haven atop buildings.</p><p> </p><p>The <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/governmentwide-initiatives/federal-highperformance-green-buildings/resource-library/integrative-strategies/green-roofs">Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings</a> commissioned an in-depth metadata analysis of 200 green roof research studies. The analysis reported multiple benefits from living roofs. They act as insulators, reducing the need for heating and cooling and thereby lowering energy consumption. </p><p> </p><p>Green roofs add beauty and value to the building and are expected to last twice as long as conventional roofs. They also improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen; reduce the urban heat island effect; and retain rainwater, thereby mitigating stormwater runoff and preventing the flow of pollutants into rivers and lakes.</p><p> </p><p>Green roofs provide new habitat for plants, birds, insects and other wildlife that struggle to find shelter in concrete jungles. By bringing nature back into cities, we can foster biodiversity and create a more harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world. Visit <i><a href="https://sftool.gov/explore/green-building/section/76/planted-roof/system-overview">SFTool.gov</a></i> for more information on green roofs.</p><div><div><div><p></p></div></div></div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:b43e3e2a-7d4e-41ff-8a9a-24adb94595042023-11-16T17:04:08-08:002024-02-02T12:36:05-08:00Keeping Holiday Parties Green2023-11-28 03:30:00 -0800Kristy Mayer<p>Although the holidays are a season of joy, an estimated 2.9 billion pounds of extra trash is generated each year from items such as wrapping paper, food waste, packaging, returns and decorations. Let’s make this holiday season a time to remember that sustainability and fun can go hand in hand.<br></p><p><b></b><br></p><p><b>Send digital invitations.</b> Save paper and reduce waste by embracing the digital era and sending electronic invitations. Online platforms offer stylish and customizable options for spreading holiday cheer while minimizing the environmental impact.</p><p><b></b><br></p><p><b>Choose sustainable decorations.</b> Instead of buying disposable party decorations, opt for reusable and eco-friendly alternatives. Consider using natural elements, such as pine cones, branches and leaves, to create a rustic and festive atmosphere. Repurpose items from around the home, like mason jars or old wine bottles, and turn them into beautiful candle holders or festive centerpieces.</p><p><b></b><br></p><p><b>Wrap differently. </b>Landfills add 2.3 million pounds of wrapping paper every year. Consider reusing old gift wrap or upcycling newspaper, maps or magazine pages. For a longer lasting option, invest in cloth wrappings. Remember to throw wrapping paper in the recycling bin as long as it doesn’t contain metallic, glitter or velvet elements.</p><p><b></b><br></p><p><b>Choose local and seasonal ingredients.</b> By opting for locally sourced, organic produce, we support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Additionally, selecting ingredients that are in season ensures freshness and flavor.</p><p><b></b><br></p><p><b>Embrace sustainable tableware.</b> Ditch the disposable plastic plates and cutlery and choose biodegradable or compostable alternatives. If there isn’t enough regular tableware for each guest, mix and match or borrow some from a neighbor. </p><p><b></b><br></p><p><b>Conserve energy.</b> Turn down the thermostat a few degrees to save energy. If it’s chilly outside, encourage guests to bring their own sweaters or blankets. Make use of natural light during the day and switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs when the sun goes down.</p><p><b></b><br></p><p><b>Prepare a zero-waste menu.</b> Plan the holiday menu carefully to avoid over-purchasing or overcooking. Ask guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers, which can be transformed into delicious new dishes or donated to food banks to help those in need. </p><p><b></b><br></p><p><b>Compost.</b> Instead of throwing food scraps into the trash, composting reduces landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich soil. Be sure to provide clearly marked recycling and compost bins to make it easy for guests to dispose of their waste properly.</p><p><b></b><br></p><p><b>Give sustainable party favors.</b> Instead of traditional party favors that often go unused or end up in the trash, consider giving guests eco-friendly gifts. Reusable BPA-free water bottles, organic seeds or handmade products from local artisans will spread guilt-free cheer. Not only are these gifts more meaningful, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of sustainability.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:1a2876c0-63f8-488a-86d1-122c61cf8a4a2023-11-16T17:11:04-08:002024-01-01T06:38:53-08:00Clothing Donation Tips: Understanding Where Secondhand Items Go2023-11-28 03:30:00 -0800Kelcie Ottoes<p>Donating clothes feels good because we expect it to help someone else. More than 70 percent of the global population wears secondhand clothing. These purchases can extend the life of the garment, reduce textile waste and ameliorate the clothing industry’s impact on the environment. However, not all donations get a second home.<br></p><p><br></p><p><b>What Happens to Used Clothing</b></p><p>In the United States, 85 percent of textile products are discarded and end up in an incinerator or landfill. <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank">The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a> estimates that Americans create 16 million tons of textile waste every year. Globally, the textile industry accounts for 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.<br></p><p>The remaining 15 percent of used clothing passes through charities, salvage buyers, recycling facilities and sometimes other countries before it reaches the end of its life. Understanding what happens to donated clothing and making intentional, quality donations can increase the odds of it finding its way to somebody’s closet.<br></p><p>The journey for donated clothes depends on its condition and where it was donated. <a href="https://www.nist.gov/" target="_blank">The National Institute of Standards and Technology</a> estimates that 20 percent of donations are directly sold at thrift and charity outlets. Once it hits the racks, the donated clothing has a couple of weeks to a few months to sell before it is taken to salvage buyers.<br></p><p> Of the remaining 80 percent of donated clothing, the largest portion is exported for reuse or resale. The U.S. exports more than 700,000 tons of used clothing every year, with most going to Latin America and Africa. The remaining donations are either recycled into new textiles or repurposed as industrial rags, home insulation or stuffing for upholstered furniture and car seats.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Donating Tips</b></p><p>Before donating to an organization, assess the quality of the item. “The rise in fast fashion means that consumers are choosing to purchase a higher volume of clothing overall, meaning more is ending up in donation bins,” says Erin Houston, co-founder of WearWell, an ethical and sustainable marketplace for clothing and other goods. “But because fast fashion pieces are notoriously poorly constructed, that item that was worn only a few times might only last the next person a couple of wears before it begins to fall apart.”<br></p><p>If the piece is fast fashion, consider donating it directly to a textile recycler, provided it is not made of synthetic fibers. Otherwise, try to find a new home for the unwanted piece first. Host a clothing swap or post on a local buy-nothing page to find neighbors that need the items.<br></p><p>Look for entities that specify where the donated item will be redistributed. “With organizations like I Support The Girls [ISTG], a donor knows exactly where their donations are going,” says Dana Marlowe, ISTG founder and executive director. “We can handle the quality control ourselves and ensure that as little as possible ends up as waste or is recycled improperly. As a hyper-focused nonprofit that narrows in on gently used bras of all kinds, we don’t have to sort through every clothing and product type under the sun.”<br></p><p><br></p><h4><b>If there isn’t a hyper-specific donation center for an item, consider one of the following options:</b></h4><ul><li><b>Local thrift stores and secondhand shops </b>resell gently used, wearable items.</li><li><b>Animal shelters</b> take blankets, sheets and towels for kennels.</li><li><b>Women’s shelters </b>accept gently used items, especially professional attire.</li><li><b>Schools</b> need children’s jackets, hats, gloves and pants.</li><li><b>Homeless shelters and churches</b> hold clothing drives to fulfill community needs.</li><li><b>Vintage stores</b> are ideal for items that are simply outdated.</li><li><b>National organizations </b>like Goodwill or Salvation Army resell donations.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Most donation centers have guidelines to ensure they can use or redistribute the items. While dropping off clothes, don’t forget to browse the racks and buy an item or two to support the outlet.</p><p>Avoid roadside bins and oversea donations. These are often textile recycling companies that pose as charitable organizations, and wearable clothes are downcycled into rags, rather than re-worn.<br></p><p>Clothes sent overseas are often resold at bargain prices, but potentially at the cost of local manufacturers. Imported used clothing can also be a local environmental burden. In Ghana, the world’s largest importer of secondhand clothing, an estimated 40 percent is considered unsellable, and 70 percent of those items are illegally dumped, resulting in environmental damage to rivers and seas.<br></p><p>Certain items shouldn’t be donated and may need to be recycled or thrown out, such as clothing with tears, stains, odor, mold or dirt, as well as, for sanitary reasons, underwear, socks and worn-out shoes.<br></p><p><br></p><p><i>Kelcie Ottoes is a writer for sustainable businesses and contributor to </i>Natural Awakenings<i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:58f7cb18-f656-4f54-8244-137ae30ee2082023-10-19T11:34:38-07:002023-12-31T21:52:21-08:00Green Fitness: Choosing an Earth-Friendly Gym 2023-10-31 06:30:00 -0700Kiki Powers<p>The green gym is redefining fitness with an emphasis on sustainability. Traditional fitness centers consume significant amounts of electricity, water and other resources, but more gyms are rising to the challenge of reducing their environmental impact and employing strategies to increase energy efficiency, decrease waste and provide a healthier workout environment.<br></p><p><br></p><p><b>Eco-Friendly Workouts</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p>The concept of harnessing human power is not new, but its application in fitness centers is driving a paradigm shift. Equipment manufacturers have developed machines that convert kinetic energy generated by exercise into renewable electricity. UK-based Energym claims that 40 of their indoor cycling bikes can generate enough electricity to power 18,000 homes for a day.<br></p><p>SportsArt fitness offers a complete line of electricity-generating gym equipment, including treadmills, cross-trainers, elliptical machines and bikes. “We breath sustainability,” affirms Ruben Mejia, executive vice president of <a href="https://www.gosportsart.com/" target="_blank">SportsArt America</a>. “From the inception, we have prioritized reducing our environmental footprint. We've woven this commitment into our products and manufacturing processes. Converting a workout into usable power not only reduces the gym's carbon footprint and operating costs, but also provides gym-goers a sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing their efforts contribute to a greener planet.”</p><p><br></p><p>Eco-friendly gyms not only benefit the environment, but also enhance the well-being of their members. The use of natural light and high-efficiency LED lighting, non-toxic cleaning supplies and improved air quality contribute to a healthier workout environment. Innovative centers that merge fitness with environmental consciousness often incorporate recycled and natural elements into their design, creating a calming, invigorating environment that enhances both physical workouts and mental well-being.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Pioneering Fitness Centers</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p><a href="https://www.thegreenmicrogym.com/contact-2/the-green-microgym-belmont/" target="_blank">The Green Microgym-Belmont</a>, in Portland, Oregon, has taken sustainability to a whole new level. Founder Adam Boesel says, “I created this gym to offer a green, eco-friendly alternative to conventional health clubs. The goal was to operate with conservation in mind on every level possible, from electricity to equipment to mindset for staff and clients.”</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.terrahale.com/" target="_blank">Terra Hale </a>is London’s first eco-friendly fitness destination. Their three locations are designed to put the principle of sustainability at the center. The floor is made of reconverted rubber; walls are made of recycled wood; and the members’ towels are biodegradable.</p><p><br></p><p>Sustainability is important to large fitness center chains, too. Life Time and Planet Fitness annually report how they are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, minimizing waste, educating members about eco-friendly living and supporting sustainability initiatives in their communities.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Selecting an Eco-Friendly Gym</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p>When touring a fitness center, look beyond the number of free-weight stations and consider these eco-friendly features:</p><ul><li><b>Location</b>: Find a gym close to home or work to save both time and fuel.</li><li><b>Energy Efficiency</b>: Check for renewable energy sources like solar and energy-efficient lighting.</li><li><b>Building Materials</b>: Consider how sustainable and recycled materials are incorporated in construction and décor. Look for facilities with certifications, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council or B Corporation from B Lab. A facility that incorporates natural lighting and temperature controls is a plus. Sustainable floor materials include recycled rubber, bamboo and cork.</li><li><b>Equipment</b>: Search for gyms with equipment made from recycled materials and that invest in energy-efficient or power-generating machines. Look for brands like Precor, Life Fitness and SportsArt, which prioritize sustainability in their equipment design.</li><li><b>Waste Reduction</b>: Look for gyms that avoid single-use items, including towels, cups, water bottles and paper schedules, notices and pamphlets. A comprehensive recycling program should be a minimum standard.</li><li><b>Water Conservation</b>: Prioritize gyms with water-saving facilities, such as low-flow showers and toilets.</li><li><b>Air Quality</b>: Ask about the gym’s ventilation and air filtering systems to ensure a healthier workout. Gyms with moss- or plant-covered walls bring the outdoors in and naturally purify the air.</li><li><span><b>Cleaning Products</b>: Choose a gym that uses </span>environmentally friendly cleaning products, preferably those that are biodegradable and made from natural ingredients.</li><li><b>Education</b>: Check out the gym’s website and schedule to see if they educate and engage with their members about green habits and environmental conservation.</li><li><b>Community Involvement</b>: Inquire if the gym actively participates in local environmental initiatives.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><b></b><br></p><p><i>Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at </i><a href="http://www.RawKiki.com" target="_blank">RawKiki.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:819430b5-984a-4d5f-b912-b56048ffe85e2023-10-19T12:00:49-07:002024-01-01T14:46:58-08:00The Joys of Minimalism: A Rich Life With Less Stuff2023-10-31 06:30:00 -0700Carrie Jackson<p>After a pandemic largely spent at home, many Americans are holding up a mirror to their lives and examining what really matters. Finding that material possessions weigh them down, people are turning to minimalism to simplify their physical, mental and emotional space. According to a study in <i>ScienceDirect</i>, a decluttered lifestyle improves sustainability and boosts emotional well-being. By paring down our possessions, we can become more authentic, simplify our finances and pave an easier pathway for the next generation.<br></p><p><br></p><p>According to <a href="https://www.becomingminimalist.com/" target="_blank">Joshua Becker</a>, author of four books on the subject, including <i>The More of Less</i> and <i>Things That Matter</i>, “Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing everything that distracts us from them. This provides a refreshing sense of freedom with a new level of independence that comes from no longer being tied to material possessions. Modern culture has bought into the lie that more is better and happiness can be purchased at a department store, but embracing minimalism brings freedom from the all-consuming passion to possess and dares to seek happiness elsewhere. It values relationships, experiences and soul-care, and lets us see all that we already have and reminds us to be grateful.”</p><p><br></p><p><b>Choosing the Essentials</b></p><p><br></p><p>Monica Friel is the founder and Chief Executive Organizer of Chicago-based <a href="https://www.chaostoorder.com/" target="_blank">Chaos to Order</a>, which works with clients to improve organization in their lives. She advises that our homes have essentially become storage units filled with unused items. With the average American house more than doubled the size it was in 1950, according to National Public Radio, we have more space than ever to store what we don’t necessarily need. “For most people, our home is the biggest purchase we make, yet it’s so full of stuff it’s actually become a burden. We’re embarrassed to have people over because of the clutter. I encourage clients to examine what’s weighing them down and start removing excess items that are adding to physical and emotional space. Think about if you were moving in three months, what would you want to take with you,” she says.</p><p><br></p><p>According to <a href="https://www.wsj.com/" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal</a>, Americans spend $1.2 trillion annually on things they don’t essentially need. Becker says that focusing on minimalism allows us to invest our money where it truly matters. “Choosing to accumulate only the essentials can lead the way to financial freedom. Spending less on things you don’t really need will cut your financial expenses and provide an opportunity to not just save money for the sake of keeping it for yourself, but to use it to further causes that you believe in. It also allows you to seek out jobs that are not necessarily tied to income,” he says.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Declutter Strategies</b></p><p><br></p><p>When starting to declutter, Becker recommends parting with the easiest stuff first. “Start by eliminating everyday things around the house you no longer need, such as duplicate items. For example, your family needs towels, so you will never remove them completely, but you could simplify your life by reducing the number of towels you own. You will enjoy the refreshing feeling of a less-cluttered linen closet or bathroom drawer. As you experience the benefits in your life, you’ll become better at finding solutions for the more difficult items,” he explains.</p><p><br></p><p>Friel says that it is often not the actual physical object people are attached to, but the memories associated with it. She points out that with younger generations increasingly accessing digital and online information, they don’t necessarily have the same ties to objects as their parents do. “That rocking chair in the corner of the basement may have been important to Grandma, but now it’s just taking up space. It’s the story behind the chair, not the actual piece of furniture itself, that matters. People can take a photo of the object and share its history with digital storage, and the memory will last forever” she says.</p><p><br></p><p>Family heirlooms can become even more complicated for the sandwich generation—those taking care of both aging parents and their own children. Friel says that the best thing parents can do is to start downsizing early. For adult children sorting their parents’ stuff, it is often best to ask for help. “Life transitions, such as a death in the family or moving elderly parents into a retirement community, can be difficult and draining endeavors. Find someone to help who is not emotionally attached, such as a professional organizer. They can provide unbiased guidance and help defuse any conflicts that may arise. This can even be done remotely now with families online via Zoom. So much of downsizing is about control. But making responsible choices with how to allocate your belongings actually helps put you in control of your legacy and makes it easier for your kids and other family members,” she explains.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Benefits for the Planet</b></p><p><br></p><p>Adopting a minimalist approach is also better for the planet. Vourneen McElwain, the creator of <a href="https://www.theplainsimplelife.com/" target="_blank">The Plain Simple Life</a>, says that embracing minimalism and sustainability has a positive impact on the world around us. “At its core, minimalism is all about living with less. So, when we choose this lifestyle, we reduce the demand for the excessive production of goods. Minimalism also encourages us to be more mindful about our consumption, so we tend to invest in higher-quality items that last longer, instead of falling into the fast-fashion or disposable-products trap. Plus, when we own fewer items we can choose to live in a smaller and more energy-efficient home,” she advises.</p><p><br></p><p>Being mindful of how we downsize can help keep the environmental impact to a minimum. McElwain points out, “We never want our unused items ending up polluting the environment in a landfill or in the sea. The most eco-friendly way to declutter is to donate things that are still in good condition or to give them away to family and friends. This way, we can give these items a brand-new life and help others without over-consuming new products. </p><p><br></p><p>“You’d be surprised how something that may appear meaningless to some can hold great value for others. You can also sell unwanted items, which helps others get access to something they might need without having to buy new and produce more waste. Finally, if an item is truly broken and unusable, there are ways to repurpose it. Even if you're not a DIY person yourself, there are many who would be happy to take your broken, three-legged chair and turn it into a beautiful and unique piece of furniture.”</p><p><br></p><p>McElwain notes that minimalism encourages us to become conscious consumers. “A minimalist lifestyle prompts us to ask ourselves if we really need or love an item, and if we have a place for it in our lives. As we become more intentional with our choices, we also start to look into the origins of the things we buy. We try harder to support businesses that align with our values, such as those that prioritize fair trade, ethical manufacturing practices or eco-friendly operations,” she explains. “By adopting minimalism, we don't just declutter our spaces, we also contribute to social and environmental causes that shape a sustainable future.”</p><p><br></p><p><i>Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.CarrieJacksonWrites.com" target="_blank">CarrieJacksonWrites.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:c7491ee3-f768-4da9-a24e-2194acdbd5492023-09-16T10:07:03-07:002023-10-31T08:02:34-07:00Recycled Art: Transforming Trash Into Treasure2023-09-29 06:30:00 -0700Gisele Rinaldi<p>It takes a special kind of artist to create a work of art out of discarded items. These imaginative, multimedia visionaries see beauty and purpose in the most mundane materials, including paper, computer parts, bits of plastic, leftover fabrics, used tires and random game pieces. Their thought-provoking, surprising works reduce waste that would otherwise populate landfills and prove that trash can indeed become treasure.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Motivated by a desire to educate and inspire, many upcycle artists often interweave a message of environmental consciousness into their artwork, thus spreading awareness about issues or making social commentary. Plastics found along the beach may become a collage of a thriving sea turtle, for example. Old rusty metal parts may be transformed into a steampunk clock face or a modern hanging sculpture that spins in the wind. </p><p><br></p><p><b>Creating to Preserve Our Planet</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p>Artist and interior designer Noelle Turco, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, comes from a legacy of artists that found ways to be creative with things that were left behind. “Repurposed and upcycled art is inventive and gives a second or third life to everything from packing materials and wood to bottle caps and string,” she explains. “It’s one of my favorite things to do and challenges me mentally because it makes me think about how I am going to take the treasures that I have found—the bits, pieces and even words on paper—and make them into art.”<br></p><p><a href="https://www.artsembleunderground.com/" target="_blank">Cesar Aguilera</a>, art curator at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, in Fort Myers, Florida, makes art to create consciousness about what humans use and consume. “My personal artwork and the exhibitions I design encourage others to reconsider how much we throw away,” he says. “There is not another species on Earth that creates the amount of waste that does not naturally decompose. All that we create has an impact.”<br></p><p><a href="http://www.nwac.co/jen-hardwick.html" target="_blank">Jen Hardwick</a>, a mixed-media artist who resides in Longview, Washington, loves working with vintage game pieces, toys, wood and metal. “When I moved to Seattle in the late 80s, I started going to markets, junk stores and donation centers, and I would collect all these little ‘treasures’. A lot of these materials would end up in a landfill, so I hope that by using them in my art pieces, it’s helping the environment in a small way.”</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.girlrillavintage.com/" target="_blank">Artist Gracie Berry</a>, who also lives in Lancaster, loves the challenge and inspiration that creating upcycled and repurposed art brings. “It allows me to use my creativity to rename things from my perspective,” she explains. “While each of my creations has their own stories and set of rules, a common message is that my art is purposeful and needs to be here.”</p><p><br></p><p><b>Ideas Unfold Into Art</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p>Aguilera, Berry, Hardwick and Turco concur that when making repurposed art, the creative process unfolds in a messy, nonlinear way. Sometimes they begin with an idea in mind, but inspiration occurs while working with the pieces, so the work often takes a different direction. Canvas, wood, metal and fabric become foundations for intricate layers of found items placed, sewn and nestled into nooks and crannies, like puzzle pieces fitting oddly together.</p><p><br></p><p>“Materials seem to find me way before I ever go looking for them,” Berry shares. “Sometimes the material itself gives me inspiration for my next piece. It’s magical the way it all unfolds. I welcome challenges when it comes to learning techniques that work for specific projects. It’s exciting to find solutions through trial and error, cementing techniques that can be used again.” </p><p><br></p><p>Aguilera makes art from discarded computer parts, fabric and furniture. “Technology consumes precious resources but gets discarded as newer inventions become the focus,” he explains. “Showcasing the interior workings of a computer draws attention to hidden beauty. A fresh coat of paint or a design remodel breathes new life into a piece of furniture or clothing.”</p><p><br></p><p><b>Creative Materials Are Accessible</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p>“For those just starting out, simple projects can be created using magazines, cardboard, yarn and glue,” explains Turco. “Visit secondhand and thrift shops. Often, these stores are nonprofits, so by shopping there, we are not only keeping stuff out of landfills, but also supporting our local communities.” </p><p><br></p><p>“Choose materials that inspire you. Pieces can be as simple or detailed as you want them to be, but most importantly, have fun,” enthuses Hardwick. “I love all the things I collect individually, but putting them together to create a robot or a bug or an animal opens up a whole new world for me.”</p><p><br></p><p>Look for beauty in unexpected places. Berry suggests that repurposing upcycled objects is not only more sustainable for the planet, it also allows creativity to be accessed anywhere. “When we think outside the box, we can create change through art,” believes Aguilera.</p><p><i></i><br></p><p><i>Gisele Rinaldi is a frequent contributor to </i>Natural Awakenings <i>publications.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:05d0d389-fc2a-47fe-997e-3df7296f58212023-08-16T13:35:02-07:002023-10-02T07:29:42-07:00Understanding Light Pollution: Environmental Concerns and Achievable Remedies2023-08-31 06:30:00 -0700Sheryl DeVore<p>At Montana’s Medicine Rock State Park, visitors have a rare opportunity to look up at the night sky and see an awe-inspiring display of planets and constellations, as well as the Milky Way, our spiral-shaped galaxy that contains about 100 billion stars, according to the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank">National Aeronautics and Space Administration</a>. It is a magnificent sight, but those of us that live in or near cities with artificial lights beaming out of buildings and cascading over parking lots and highways, may never get the pleasure.<br></p><p><br></p><p>“Because of light pollution, up to 80 percent of people living in North America are unable to see the Milky Way where they live,” says Sabre Moore, executive director of the Carter County Museum, in Ekalaka, Montana. “Medicine Rock State Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and the Carter County Museum has committed to safeguarding it in perpetuity.”</p><p><br></p><p>The park’s sanctuary certification was issued by the nonprofit International Dark-Sky Association, based in Tucson, Arizona, with a grassroots network throughout the world. The organization offers five dark-sky designations based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and relies on the help of community stakeholders, such as Moore, who serves as a volunteer dark-sky preservation advocate. At Medicine Rock, she helps to hosts sky-parties for people to enjoy the celestial show and learn about the negative impacts of light pollution.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Threats Posed by Artificial Lighting</b></p><p><br></p><p>The skies around cities are hundreds, if not thousands, of times brighter than they were 200 years ago, according to 2017 research published in <i>Science Advances. </i>In addition to robbing us of the Earth’s nocturnal skyscape, outdoor illumination negatively affects many plants and animals, including humans. Human-made lighting threatens approximately 30 percent of nocturnal vertebrates and 60 percent of nocturnal invertebrates, and it “is increasingly suspected of affecting human health,” writes scientist Christopher Kyba, lead author of the report.</p><p><br></p><p>The mechanisms by which these life forms are affected vary. For example, when birds migrate, they fly into buildings that are lit up at night. Scientists estimate that at least 100 million bird deaths in the United States annually are related to light pollution. “Bobcats and bats rely on the cover of darkness for their survival and are also being affected,” says Moore, adding that artificial light interrupts human circadian rhythms, thereby affecting our REM [rapid eye movement] sleep, which is vital for our well-being. The flight patterns of night-active insects are disrupted by outdoor lighting, which partially explains their declining numbers worldwide.</p><p><br></p><p><b>A Simple Switch Saves Turtles</b></p><p><br></p><p>It is possible to reduce these negative impacts, as the <a href="https://conserveturtles.org/" target="_blank">Sea Turtle Conservancy</a> has proven. By getting people to modify the positioning and types of lights used in buildings along Florida and Texas beaches, the nonprofit has been able to rescue loggerheads, leatherbacks and green sea turtles from the brink of extinction.</p><p><br></p><p>Female turtles have evolved to instinctively lay their eggs on the beach, allowing the hatchlings to emerge at night and head toward the light of the horizon into sea. Humans, however, have interrupted this natural course with artificial light emanating from the windows of high-rise condominiums, garden spotlights and outdoor lamps.</p><p><br></p><p>“When hatchlings erupt out of their nests in the middle of the night, the bright horizon today is in the direction of the land. They go the wrong way into roads, parking lots, swimming pools or dunes, where they are run over by cars or subject to predation,” explains David Godfrey, executive director of the conservancy.</p><p><br></p><p>Researchers have discovered that lights with longer wavelengths that are amber, orange and red in color do not disturb the turtles, as opposed to outdoor fixtures that emanate shorter-wavelength blue and white light. According to Godfrey, the good news for these sea creatures is, “LED can be programmed to emit the specific wavelength you want.”</p><p><br></p><p>The conservancy works with coastal counties, beachfront property owners and others to switch to turtle-friendly lighting, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation often provides grants to pay the retrofitting costs. As a result, Godfrey reports, there has been increased nesting in areas with changed lighting and greater survivorship by the hatchlings.</p><p><br></p><p>“We are saving tens of thousands of hatchlings every season, and homeowners are seeing a reduction in their utility bills. People love it. They’ve found the longer wavelengths are more pleasing to the eyes,” Godfrey asserts. “Since we know that light pollution affects various other forms of wildlife and humans, the managed use of lighting at night is something that everyone should pay attention to.”</p><p><br></p><p><b>Tips to Address Light Pollution</b></p><p><br></p><ul><li>Avoid blue-light fixtures.</li><li>Turn off unnecessary lights in the evening.</li><li>Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors.</li><li>Close curtains and blinds at night to stop indoor lights from beaming to the outdoors.</li><li><span>Visit <i>Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky</i>, an exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. (<a href="http://www.NaturalHistory.si.edu/exhibits/lights-out" target="_blank">NaturalHistory.si.edu/exhibits/lights-out</a>).</span></li><li><span>Get involved at <a href="http://www.GlobeAtNight.org" target="_blank">GlobeAtNight.org</a>, a citizen-scientist group that monitors light pollution.</span></li><li><span>Support dark-sky designated areas (<a href="http://Tinyurl.com/DarkSkyPlace" target="_blank">Tinyurl.com/DarkSkyPlace</a>).</span></li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><i>Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at </i><a href="http://SherylDeVore.wordpress.com" target="_blank">SherylDeVore.wordpress.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:56fa937b-e5e1-4c72-9a03-1b369554709c2023-07-15T14:22:20-07:002023-08-31T10:04:52-07:00Eco-Friendly U: Sustainability on the Rise at U.S. Colleges2023-07-31 06:30:00 -0700Carrie Jackson<p>The halls of higher education are adopting more sustainable practices as students and university stakeholders increasingly understand that their lifestyle choices and daily operations impact the planet. Motivated by the climate crisis and global-warming-related disasters, many students are looking for ways to lower their individual carbon footprint. Schools, too, are implementing Earth-friendly initiatives throughout their campuses while also prioritizing climate-conscious subjects in their curriculums. <br></p><p><br></p><p>According to Julian Dautremont, director of programs at the Association for the <a href="https://www.aashe.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwh8mlBhB_EiwAsztdBG1PVD9h-b1Neg1LMseJ2qhzu_pVK_DktlhkSRQr1mR8NAKKLY5PPBoCyhAQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education</a> (AASHE), “Sustainability education helps attract, retain and motivate top students and prepares them for responsible citizenship. It catalyzes increased giving and new funding sources, strengthens community relations and facilitates new partnerships. Moreover, sustainability research and education demonstrate relevance in addressing grand challenges and help unify the campus around a shared sense of purpose.”</p><p><br></p><p>AASHE advocates comprehensive modifications that make going green easy and second nature. “We recommend that institutions create systems in which sustainability is the default. Long-term measures such as installing low-flow fixtures in bathrooms, using induction stovetops in dorms and having light sensors that turn off automatically in offices make saving energy automatic,” Dautremont explains. “Where individual behavior is a factor, make the more sustainable choices convenient by, for example, providing water bottle filling stations on every floor, installing covered bike parking and storage, or giving each room its own recycling receptacle and providing education and training to make sustainability behaviors the cultural norm.”</p><p><br></p><p>Sophomore Anna Ries-Roncalli, an environmental science major at <a href="https://www.luc.edu/" target="_blank">Loyola University</a>, in Chicago, says, “College is often the first time you’re learning how to be an adult and interacting with the world, and it’s important to make sure that your role is sustainable. Colleges have an inherent, built-in sense of community, and prioritizing sustainability comes more naturally when you see that it’s a collective responsibility that impacts others.”</p><p><br></p><p>Ries-Roncalli is aware of the impact her food choices have on the environment. “In our country, where we can buy anything we want from the grocery store, we are so disconnected from the food system. Most people don’t see a carton of eggs and think about every step that it took to get it on the shelves or where the farm it came from is located,” she says. To do her part, she brings reusable plates and utensils to the dining hall, takes leftovers home in a multi-use canister and shops locally or at farmers markets whenever possible. While Loyola composts most food waste in the dining halls, Ries-Roncalli volunteers with<a href="https://www.foodrecoverynetwork.org/" target="_blank"> Food Recovery Network</a>, a student organization that collects and distributes leftovers to local shelters and food pantries. </p><p><br></p><p>Michael Hughey, a senior in the environmental studies program at Loyola, takes full advantage of a partnership between the Chicago Transit Authority and Loyola that grants eligible students unlimited use of public trains and buses. “Students can also walk, take their own bike or use a bike share to get around. Not only are they cutting back on their carbon footprint, they’re engaging more with the city on a ground level,” Hughey explains. “We’ve seen the effects of climate change disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. I personally want to mitigate those effects as much as possible and be kind to the planet and my neighbors.”</p><p><br></p><p>Cria Kay, program administrator at Northwestern University’s <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/sustainability/" target="_blank">sustainNU</a>, says, “I recommend finding something that brings you joy, identifying what changes you want to see in your life or community, then developing an action you can take that applies your passion to the environmental issue you identified. Even something as simple as taking a walk to pause and notice the wildlife, water, air and soil around you can be helpful for well-being and getting inspired to take on more sustainable behaviors.”</p><p><br></p><p>Amy Spark, the sustainability coordinator at<a href="http://www.Bow Valley College" target="_blank"> Bow Valley College</a>, in Calgary, Canada, believes that sustainability literacy eventually will be required across all disciplines. “Students in every sector are going to be impacted by climate change. Nurses in our LPN [licensed practical nursing] program are seeing a spike in hospital visits with health issues from increasingly poor air quality. It is important to train future graduates to recognize and deal with the impacts of climate change in their discipline,” she explains.</p><p><br></p><p>Spark encourages students to use their voices. “Human stories move decision-makers, and schools are invested in their students' overall experience. You don’t need to be an expert, but speak from your experience,” she suggests. “Tell your administrators and policymakers how air quality affects you, or let them know how having more bike lanes would help. If you see something, say something. Report leaky faucets, lights that won’t turn off and other inefficiencies to the maintenance department so proper repairs can be made.”</p><p><br></p><p>“Individual behavior change is important, but the single most powerful thing students can do is to advocate for broader change,” says Dautremont. “Students can be enormously influential in campus decision-making, and the impact of such changes generally is going to far outweigh the impact of individual behavior changes.”</p><p><br></p><p><i>Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.CarrieJacksonWrites.com" target="_blank">CarrieJacksonWrites.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:21378acf-f322-432c-9975-fc635445422d2023-06-15T13:59:18-07:002023-08-02T12:57:46-07:00Fighting Climate Change in the Garden: Regenerative Techniques for a Healthy Ecosystem2023-06-30 06:30:00 -0700Julie Peterson<p>Reversing global warming may feel like a problem that is out of reach, but anyone can make a difference by planting an ecologically supportive garden. Regenerative techniques employed in the backyard, a community garden or even an apartment patio can significantly improve local ecosystems. And because all living systems are interconnected, a healthier ecosystem boosts the well-being of all life forms, as well as the environment.<br></p><p><br></p><p>“Growing a garden is one of the most powerful things we can do as individuals to enact positive change and make a difference,” says Emily Murphy, the California author of <i>Grow Now: How We Can Save Our Health, Communities, and Planet―One Garden at a Time. </i>“If you’re looking for practical solutions to the climate crisis and the resulting loss of biodiversity, the answer is right out your door and in the earth beneath your feet. It’s possible to sequester enough carbon to offset your carbon footprint while supporting wildlife.”</p><p><br></p><p>According to Jessica Walliser, the Pennsylvania author of <i>Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden</i> and co-founder of <a href="http://www.SavvyGardening.com" target="_blank">SavvyGardening.com</a><i>, </i>“Regenerative practices are simple, proactive steps that millions of gardeners should be adopting. They not only simplify your gardening practices and reduce time and budget in the long term, they are also the right thing to do in this modern age of human disturbance.”</p><p><br></p><p><b>Layer Soil</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p>A key principle of regenerative gardening is to add layers to the soil instead of digging downward or tilling. “Layering up increases the water-holding capacity of the soil and the ability of the soil to sequester carbon,” Murphy explains.</p><p><br></p><p>“Addition of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold or well-aged manure, helps build good soil structure and feeds beneficial soil microbes,” says Walliser, who recommends adding one to two inches per year to gardens.</p><p><br></p><p>Making compost onsite is valuable, but not always possible. In some cities, free compost is available through community compost hubs where residents drop off bins of yard and food waste. “Purchasing commercially produced compost may be a worthwhile investment, particularly when growers are just getting started and soil quality is poor,” suggests Bryan O’Hara, the Connecticut author of <i>No-Till Intensive Vegetable Culture: Pesticide-Free Methods for Restoring Soil and Growing Nutrient-Rich, High-Yielding Crops.</i></p><p><br></p><p><b>Plant Perennials</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p>Perennials come back every year and can provide food for people and wildlife. Many varieties of fruiting shrubs, trees, vegetables and nuts can form the backbone of a garden with annual plants interspersed throughout. Adding beauty to the mix, perennial flowers—some of which are edible—are essential food for bees, butterflies and birds.</p><p><br></p><p>“Choose plants with different flower shapes, sizes and colors, as well as plants with a diversity of bloom times,” Walliser advises. “Opt for plants native to your region, as they have co-evolved with native insects and may provide better resources for them."</p><p><br></p><p><b>Embrace Biodiversity</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p>“When you’re fostering biodiversity, you’re supporting the mutualism that naturally exists in wildlife. You’re increasing and improving ecological relationships,” says Murphy. Instead of planting monoculture rows in a vegetable garden, mix up the plants the way Mother Nature does, Walliser recommends. And if abandoning tidy rows of the same type of plant seems too unruly, interplant the rows: a few beans, a tomato, flowers, then more beans and peppers, for example.</p><p><br></p><p>Another suggestion is to plant a variety of salad greens, carrots and radishes in a raised bed and interplant edible nasturtiums, chives and violets. “Interplanting makes it harder for pests to find their favorite host plant. It also makes it harder for diseases to spread from one plant to the next,” Walliser explains.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Avoid Chemicals</b></p><p><b></b><br></p><p>Skip the pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. “Even organic pesticides can be harmful to pollinators and pest-eating beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings and others,” says Walliser. A chemical-free, biodiverse garden is a safe place for beneficial bugs. Trust that the good bugs will find the bad bugs and there will be balance.</p><p><br></p><p>A sun-kissed organic tomato from the garden will forever ruin us for grocery store produce. And when we sink our hands in healthy soil to retrieve a beet or plant seeds, we may feel a wave of positive energy because soil microbes have been found to work like natural antidepressants, making us happier and healthier.</p><p><br></p><p>“When we begin to understand the inner workings of our greater ecosystem through the ecosystems closest to home, such as our gardens and communities, we come to see that we each have the power to grow positive change beginning at home,” says Murphy.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Julie Peterson writes on health, wellness and environmental topics. Reach out at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>