Boone, NC Passes Historic Resolution: Ditch Fossil Fuels, Go 100% Clean Energy
With an incoming presidential administration seemingly hostile towards action on climate change, local solutions are now more important than ever. With or without Donald Trump's help, the North Carolina municipality of Boone is calling on the whole state—and the United States at large—to encourage green jobs and transition to 100 percent clean energy across all energy sectors.
Best piece yet on Trump's Interior pick, Zinke @EcoWatch https://t.co/Pj4JYW44g1— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@Robert F. Kennedy Jr)1481919367.0
The resolution was approved by a 5-0 vote by Boone Town Council on Thursday. This makes Boone the first town in the country to officially demand that the U.S. completely ditch fossil fuels to "avoid climate catastrophe."
The country's total transition to clean energy is not as far-fetched as it seems. Boone's resolution was inspired in part by the research of renewable energy expert Dr. Mark Z. Jacobson, a Stanford University professor and cofounder of The Solutions Project, a state-by-state roadmap to convert the country to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.
You might have heard of the project before. In fact, Jacobson stopped by David Letterman's late-night television show in 2013 to explain how the whole world, not just the U.S., can transition to renewables.
"There's enough wind to power the entire world, for all purposes, around seven times over," Jacobson explained then. "Solar, about 30 times over, in high-solar locations worldwide."
Jacobson is an advisor for the North Carolina Climate Solutions Coalition which endorsed Boone's resolution.
Boone NC votes 5-0 to be first US town for 100% clean, renew energy ALL sectors @howarth_cornell @MichaelEMann… https://t.co/eVwe1vFHi6— Mark Z. Jacobson (@Mark Z. Jacobson)1481857311.0
"This decision by Boone, North Carolina to commit to transitioning to 100 percent clean, renewable energy sets a great example for other towns and cities in the U.S. and around the world," Jacobson commented to EcoWatch. "It is now established that such a transition is possible state by state and country by country."
Last year, the Solutions Project team published a study explaining how each state in the country can replace fossil fuels by tapping into renewable resources available in each state such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and even small amounts of tidal and wave power.
The authors found that converting the nation's energy infrastructure into renewables is ideal because it helps fight climate change, saves lives by eliminating air pollution, creates jobs in the rapidly booming renewable energy sector and also stabilizes energy prices.
North Carolina's roadmap to renewables.The Solutions Project
"The results of such a transition are the creation of more net long-term jobs than lost (2 million more if the U.S. converts), more stable energy prices (since wind and solar fuel costs are zero), lower overall energy costs, lower terrorism and grid blackout risk (because energy sources will be more decentralized), no more air pollution mortality from fossil fuels and a reduction in global warming," Jacobson explained.
One reason Boone adopted its resolution is because North Carolina is a solar power all star. The Tar Heel state ranks third in the nation in installed solar capacity, with enough to power 260,000 homes. The state's solar power industry employs some 6,000 people. In 2015, nearly $1.7 billion was invested on solar installations in the state. Not only that, the Atlantic coast state also has incredible offshore wind energy potential.
"Leading economists, policy experts, and business leaders conclude that transitioning to a clean energy economy available for all would create millions of green jobs nationally, improve our living standards, and boost economic growth in coming years," Boone's resolution states.
Boone's resolution stresses that the state's most disadvantaged populations are most affected by a warming planet, which is why action is needed.
"Low-income communities and communities of color in North Carolina and the United States are inordinately exposed to pollution, that causes serious health problems such as cancer and asthma, from fossil fuels, including the dirtiest coal-fired power plants which produce coal ash, are disproportionately located in communities of color," it reads.
Unlike our president-elect and his top staff comprised of climate change deniers and fossil fuel puppets, Boone's town council accepts that rising global average temperatures are primarily due to human-caused fossil fuels emissions and that 195 nations agreed during the Paris climate talks to hold global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius.
Trump Taps Exxon's Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State, Confirms 'Support of Big Oil and Putin' https://t.co/OA47LMjMJ1 @OpenSecretsDC— EcoWatch (@EcoWatch)1481666708.0
Jacobson believes that the country's transition to sustainable energy is possible but the main barriers are "social and political rather than technical or economic." See North Carolina's storied solar wars, for example.
"Boone," however, as Jacobson said, "has overcome many of the social and political barriers."
Dr. Michael E. Mann, renowned climate scientist and fellow North Carolina Climate Solutions Coalition advisor, praised the town's vote.
"Daniel Boone was an early pioneer who explored our nation's frontiers during it's early history. So it seems fitting that a town named after him would serve as our next great American pioneer, boldly leading us into the frontier of a clean energy-driven economy," he told EcoWatch. "Just when we really needed some good news in the climate change battle, I thank the people of Boone, North Carolina for providing some."
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As you consider eco-friendly subscription services, it's a good idea to compare to find the best one for your home. See which eco-friendly cleaning subscriptions made our list and how we evaluated them below.
Cleancult
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3MzIyOS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjgzNDg0N30.3S2APbeOdyoPlrJD5mdbr6FIyXSGcu--6o1_jwfLjqA/img.png?width=980" id="75df6" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="ef982c5fc598bd8378dacf93cd9243a7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Cleancult" />cleancult.com
<p><a href="https://cleancult.pvzi.net/WDqDYO" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cleancult</a> has risen to be one of the most recognizable and reliable names in eco-friendly cleaning products. We love that they have sustainability built into their packaging, their products are all made with plant-based ingredients, and they offer such an incredible range of cleaning products, including hand soap, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Cleancult promises "a new way to clean," and, in our opinion, they more than live up to that mission statement.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>Looking for all-natural, zero-waste cleaning products? You simply can't ignore Cleancult. We like their All Purpose Cleaner Bundle that includes a refillable glass bottle and recyclable refills.</p>Dropps
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3MzMxMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTM4NTkxOX0.FW6g3AWA_Lxz7J0RneaMqAe-BHAw6LKlB1JJgCQqwq4/img.jpg?width=980" id="0bf36" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="be6d3f7b5ffd800d489a33b4b467efff" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Dropps" />dropps.com
<p><a href="https://dropps.pxf.io/qn4nAb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dropps</a> offers natural cleaning products that can clean tough messes while being gentle on the environment. Their dishwasher detergent pods are made with natural minerals and plant-based ingredients, and the pod membrane itself dissolves when it comes in contact with water and is then consumed by microorganisms. These dishwasher pods are free from phosphates, phthalate, chlorine, and dyes. Dropps also offers reusable dish cloths that are biodegradable and compostable.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> Dropps dishwasher pods make it easy to keep your dishes clean while keeping harmful pollutants out of our water. We also love the compostable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping.</p>Package Free
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3MzM2OC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1ODkwMzgyNH0.TU4EdHIpxks0ghQCXJ-xYbIEnTI5rCkhnJBsvB1zBPM/img.png?width=980" id="78d42" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="e7bfea134351808f11666763805f736b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Package Free" />packagefreeshop.com
<p><a href="https://imp.i141824.net/vnNn43" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Package Free</a> provides zero waste solutions for everything from home cleaning and laundry to health and beauty products. Their Zero Waste Cleaning Kit is a perfect way to overhaul your approach home cleaning. It includes a reusable dish brush, spray bottle, copper pot scrubber, UNpaper towels, and a mason jar soap dispenser that comes in a reusable produce bag. The spray bottle even features five different natural cleaning solution recipes with measurements printed on the bottle.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>The Package Free Zero Waste Cleaning Kit is a great way to start cleaning with less plastic, less chemicals, and less waste. They also offer wide selection of other zero waste household kits and products.</p>The Honest Company
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3MzQ1NC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTExNDI3MX0.H2fFTbYpW-zVqBgx1DtKHXdfvb5SV11C30gra0mbsgU/img.png?width=980" id="7f084" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="2c47259c30c77a28bff6c49f8f6c929a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="The Honest Company" />https://www.honest.com/
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Honest-Company-Conscious-Cleaning-Bathroom/dp/B08MXVN3Z1/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=the+honest+company+clean+vibes&qid=1617306437&sr=8-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Honest Company</a> furnishes everything from baby products to beauty supplies, as well as many household cleaners. Their claim to fame is incredible transparency about their ingredients and packing materials, which attest to a real commitment to eco-friendliness. In addition to an impressive product variety, they also do a good job of keeping their price points low.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>The Honest Company can be counted on to provide effective products made with natural ingredients, all available for an affordable price. We love their refillable Clean Vibes Kit.</p>Seventh Generation
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3MzUxMy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3NTQ4MzYzMn0.TjAg9dLTSkWu2G4ZkRcIlep4pJWiJ3uM3brjt_lKE5Y/img.png?width=980" id="d71ce" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="3c8993e87224759511a7569d83fbe2cf" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Seventh Generation" />seventhgeneration.com
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seventh-Generation-Purpose-Cleaner-Morning/dp/B08HZXG68T/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Seventh Generation</a> is a big name within the sustainable cleaning products movement. Their products are notable for their plant-based formulations, emphasis on recycled packaging, and complete transparency about the ingredients they use. We love so many of their products, including both household cleaners and laundry detergents.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>Seventh Generation is easy to recommend thanks to their world-class, all-natural ingredients and sustainable packaging. Their all-purpose cleaners are a great biodegradable and bio-based option.</p>Grove Collaborative (Mrs. Meyers)
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3MzU1MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MzQxMTk5MH0.tdpSNAua1MJ_IDerj_uTBHWZJsnk2b7ckGZnBzuRL8U/img.png?width=980" id="bc67b" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="711c741ab3cf014fb57d8aa1f1439d3e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Grove Collaborative (Mrs. Meyers)" />mrsmeyers.com
<p>We're big fans of the Mrs. Meyer's product line, available from Grove Collaborative. Mrs. Meyer's products are made with natural, botanical ingredients and pleasing scents from essential oils. They are all designed without any cruelty to animals, and they come in recyclable packaging.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> Mrs. Meyer's excels thanks to its ingredient list, garden-inspired scents, and smart packaging. Check out the Kitchen Basics Sets, available in multiple scents.</p>Blueland
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3MzY4MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NDc2MjkzMX0.VjC_08CXRKV_BGET8PdQmk3jErPsrBtU87lja9n7LkA/img.png?width=980" id="1e1c7" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="6a6369b39c19b99098332c3ddcaeff91" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Blueland" />blueland.com
<p>At <a href="https://www.blueland.com/collections/all/products/the-clean-essentials" target="_blank">Blueland</a>, you can get complete cleaning kits, supplying you with everything you need to maintain a tidy home. That includes powder dish soap, dishwasher tablets, reusable spray bottles, and beyond. Their products marry incredible cleaning power with eco-friendly packaging, green ingredients, and a very affordable price point. Blueland may be the one-stop-shop you've been looking for, and we are happy to recommend their refill-based product line.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> For green cleaning kits packaged in very stylish reusable bottles and containers, look no further than to Blueland. We love their Clean Essentials starter kit.</p>ThreeMain
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3Mzc0NC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3NDIxNDMzN30.KIf80fJDDxQ4OyRLmBCvld7CUizqd5alC9gN_b8YAO8/img.png?width=980" id="4b76d" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="2971901ac9faad20946eff7cf7b968e2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="ThreeMain" />threemain.com
<p>We like <a href="https://www.threemain.com/collections/shop/products/clean-green-starter-kit" target="_blank">ThreeMain</a> for their straightforward focus: to create simple, sustainable, and effective household cleaning products. We also love their emphasis on sanitization, something that many of us are more cognizant of post-COVID. Also note that their approach to eco-friendliness includes refillable bottles, a packaging solution that we endorse. There are some great options available from ThreeMain, and they are also carbon neutral and donate 3% of profits to organizations that work to protect and clean our oceans.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>ThreeMain lives up to their mission of providing simple, effective, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Their Clean Green Starter Kit is an excellent choice.</p>MightyNest
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3NDEzNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzOTM1MDcxNn0.g2jWPgrfoC8jFIEbIoyqm6vJlnw_7HKajEyFuw3j0ww/img.jpg?width=980" id="d9116" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="de00e20732539c82a5c525e57d994b4d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="MightyNest" />mightynest.com
<p>Next on our list is <a href="https://mightynest.com/shop/green-cleaning/zero-waste-cleaning-kit" target="_blank">MightyNest</a>, a company that delivers healthy and eco-friendly cleaning products that arrive each month in a single, well-packed box with minimalist packaging. Their website is also well-designed to help you discover the specific products you'd like to be included in your monthly box. MightyNest is definitely a cleaning company that gets the subscription model right, especially with their Refillable Zero Waste System starter pack.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> We like MightyNest for their eco-friendly packaging, their assortment of green and non-toxic cleaning supplies, and also the savings available to subscribers.</p>Puracy
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNjAyNjQzOS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxODA3NTc5MH0.PUss9x1a0gZA8TgJZH_OwcpyJE7_m5O41-xhXjYUPs8/img.png?width=980" id="53d72" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="6ee0b8fe7dced21a90cf72f5b8eb411d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Puracy-Streak-Free-Household-Multi-Surface-Nontoxic/dp/B00NIYV78O/" target="_blank">Puracy</a> is a company specializing in natural and organic products for your home, including everything from hand sanitizers to stain removers. We love their commitment to all-natural ingredients, and that their products are made with the input of doctors, helping ensure the highest standards of sanitization and non-toxicity. The offer an amazing variety of products, including a really impressive line of eco-friendly baby supplies.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>We like Puracy because they have such a long list of products, including their Home Cleaning Box, all designed by doctors and made with household health and cleanliness in mind.</p>MyGreenFills
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3Mzg2MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3ODAzMDk1Nn0.4Snrq9H_5wBoRWxJoe4ejHUw4K_oE2-4mVjIYiUIpGc/img.png?width=980" id="0920e" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="425e3525d7773e6832450cbdb6ae1a11" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="MyGreenFills" />mygreenfills.com
<p><a href="https://mygreenfills.com/products/everyday-cleaner-refills" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MyGreenFills</a> is another company that enjoys a great reputation among shoppers who value eco-friendliness. For more than five years now, the company has been a dependable supplier of all-natural cleaning products, delivered in refillable and sustainable packaging. They've helped countless homeowners "go green" with their cleaning supplies, and we admire their product quality, sustainable packaging, and cost savings.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>MyGreenFills is a relatively small company that has had a massive impact on the green cleaning industry. Start with their Truly Free Everyday Cleaner and add other products as you go.</p>greenUP
<img class="rm-lazyloadable-image rm-shortcode" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTk3Mzk3MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MTA0Mzk1Mn0.fLEBdI469KYmUxWF7UPsSmY6k3Gp92RUxefwsFHajgM/img.png?width=980" id="78dfd" width="400" height="400" data-rm-shortcode-id="44c1507ee91daaf899b5a3e704545978" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="greenUP" />greenupbox.com
<p>The <a href="https://www.greenupbox.com/products/greenup-box" target="_blank">greenUP company</a> is on a mission to minimize plastic waste; you can join the cause simply by signing up for one of their subscription boxes. They send their sustainably crafted boxes every other month, always chock full of potent, eco-friendly cleaning supplies. We encourage you to learn more about these great boxes.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> Ready to ditch plastic packaging? Then greenUP is a subscription service you need to know about. They also donate 3% to organizations cleaning up plastic from the oceans.</p>