Cities Can Help Migrating Birds on Their Way By Planting More Trees and Turning Lights Off at Night
16 January
Animals
By Frank La Sorte and Kyle Horton
Millions of birds travel between their breeding and wintering grounds during spring and autumn migration, creating one of the greatest spectacles of the natural world. These journeys often span incredible distances. For example, the Blackpoll warbler, which weighs less than half an ounce, may travel up to 1,500 miles between its nesting grounds in Canada and its wintering grounds in the Caribbean and South America.
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQ1OTYwNy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMzM0MTg3OH0.nNQfbJ7kSW-dhYN2fzUsXifK_9BZ0m-DgJ_O48NaMzk/img.png?width=980" id="17556" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="62e2bb2642ac5ed6921afa9f11210d6c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1000" data-height="697" />
Blackpoll warbler abundance in breeding, non-breeding and migration seasons. Cornell Lab of Ornithology / CC BY-ND
<p>For many species, these journeys take place at night, when skies typically are calmer and predators are less active. Scientists do not have a good understanding yet of how birds navigate effectively at night over long distances.</p><p><span></span>We study bird migration and how it is being affected by factors ranging from <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=S04C3UMAAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank">climate change</a> to <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=pPk38-8AAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank">artificial light at night</a>. In a recent study, we used millions of bird observations by citizen scientists to document the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116085" target="_blank">occurrence of migratory bird species in 333 U.S. cities</a> during the winter, spring, summer and autumn.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQ1OTYxMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMzk5NjQ2OX0.wgZKuxg3PNrZY0fvQEfZwX6kKXWapi0OEegDeQOL0ZI/img.jpg?width=980" id="d5433" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0c08ac2b38d68da1788b356a5841f0f9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1000" data-height="604" />
Blackpoll warbler. PJTurgeon / Wikipedia
<p>We used this information to determine how the number of migratory bird species varies based on each city's level of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/light-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">light pollution</a> – brightening of the night sky caused by artificial light sources, such as buildings and streetlights. We also explored how species numbers vary based on the quantity of tree canopy cover and impervious surface, such as concrete and asphalt, within each city. Our findings show that cities can help migrating birds by planting more trees and reducing light pollution, especially during spring and autumn migration.</p>Declining Bird Populations
<p>Urban areas contain numerous dangers for migratory birds. The biggest threat is the risk of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1650/CONDOR-13-090.1" target="_blank">colliding with buildings or communication towers</a>. Many migratory bird populations have <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aaw1313" target="_blank">declined over the past 50 years</a>, and it is possible that light pollution from cities is contributing to these losses.</p><p>Scientists widely agree that light pollution can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1708574114" target="_blank">severely disorient migratory birds</a> and make it hard for them to navigate. Studies have shown that birds will cluster around brightly lit structures, much like insects flying around a porch light at night. Cities are the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2029" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">primary source of light pollution for migratory birds</a>, and these species tend to be more abundant within cities <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/gcb.13792" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">during migration</a>, especially in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103892" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">city parks</a>.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQ1OTYyNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0Nzk5NTUwOH0.h8aA9ZJUJvLbHP82CVZAOkYcY54eljqMy4rrMaunO9M/img.jpg?width=980" id="608a8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3da85b14a1c03abfd4f95c00439fb36e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1000" data-height="640" />
Composite image of the continental U.S. at night from satellite photos. NASA Earth Observatory images by Joshua Stevens, using Suomi NPP VIIRS data from Miguel Román, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
The Power of Citizen Science
<p>It's not easy to observe and document bird migration, especially for species that migrate at night. The main challenge is that many of these species are very small, which limits scientists' ability to use electronic tracking devices.</p><p>With the growth of the internet and other information technologies, new data resources are becoming available that are making it possible to overcome some of these challenges. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-07106-5" target="_blank">Citizen science initiatives</a> in which volunteers use online portals to enter their observations of the natural world have become an important resource for researchers.</p><p>One such initiative, <a href="https://ebird.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">eBird</a>, allows bird-watchers around the globe to share their observations from any location and time. This has produced one of the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.04632" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">largest ecological citizen-science databases in the world</a>. To date, eBird contains over 922 million bird observations compiled by over 617,000 participants.</p><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="59e33da8efe0bf60f7bda00b06e1f4e2"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/StF19Qdgqn0?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><em>Large clusters of birds (blue and green splotches) captured by weather radar during spring migration, April-May 2019.</em></p>
Light Pollution Both Attracts and Repels Migratory Birds
<p>Migratory bird species have evolved to use certain migration routes and types of habitat, such as forests, grasslands or marshes. While humans may enjoy seeing migratory birds appear in urban areas, it's generally not good for bird populations. In addition to the many hazards that exist in urban areas, cities typically lack the food resources and cover that birds need during migration or when raising their young. As scientists, we're concerned when we see evidence that migratory birds are being drawn away from their traditional migration routes and natural habitats.</p><p>Through our analysis of eBird data, we found that cities contained the greatest numbers of migratory bird species during spring and autumn migration. Higher levels of light pollution were associated with more species during migration – evidence that light pollution attracts migratory birds to cities across the U.S. This is cause for concern, as it shows that the influence of light pollution on migratory behavior is strong enough to increase the number of species that would normally be found in urban areas.</p><p>In contrast, we found that higher levels of light pollution were associated with fewer migratory bird species during the summer and winter. This is likely due to the scarcity of suitable habitat in cities, such as large forest patches, in combination with the adverse affects of light pollution on bird behavior and health. In addition, during these seasons, migratory birds are active only during the day and their populations are largely stationary, creating few opportunities for light pollution to attract them to urban areas.</p><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="19d2d2bc77cd31e4374fd12cdadbe4bf"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/08ET47-b13o?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><em><strong></strong>Darkening skies at night during migration season makes it easier for birds to navigate.</em></p>
Trees and Pavement
<p>We found that tree canopy cover was associated with more migratory bird species during spring migration and the summer. Trees provide important habitat for migratory birds during migration and the breeding season, so the presence of trees can have a strong effect on the number of migratory bird species that occur in cities.</p><p>Finally, we found that higher levels of impervious surface were associated with more migratory bird species during the winter. This result is somewhat surprising. It could be a product of the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/heatislands" target="_blank">urban heat island effect</a> – the fact that structures and paved surfaces in cities absorb and reemit more of the sun's heat than natural surfaces. Replacing vegetation with buildings, roads and parking lots can therefore make cities significantly warmer than surrounding lands. This effect could reduce cold stress on birds and increase food resources, such as insect populations, during the winter.</p><p>Our research adds to our understanding of how conditions in cities can both help and hurt migratory bird populations. We hope that our findings will inform urban planning initiatives and strategies to reduce the harmful effects of cities on migratory birds through such measures as <a href="https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/index.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">planting more trees</a> and initiating <a href="https://aeroecolab.com/uslights" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lights-out programs</a>. Efforts to make it easier for migratory birds to complete their incredible journeys will help maintain their populations into the future.</p><p><em><span style="background-color: initial;"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/frank-la-sorte-1191494" target="_blank">Frank La Sorte</a> is a r</span>esearch associate at the </em><em>Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University. <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kyle-horton-1191498" target="_blank">Kyle Horton</a> is an assistant professor of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at the Colorado State University.</em></p><p><em></em><em>Disclosure statement: Frank La Sorte receives funding from The Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation and the National Science Foundation (DBI-1939187). K</em><em>yle Horton does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</em></p><p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/cities-can-help-migrating-birds-on-their-way-by-planting-more-trees-and-turning-lights-off-at-night-152573" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>
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Eat Just's cell-based chicken nugget is now served at Singapore restaurant 1880. Eat Just, Inc.
At a time of impending global food scarcity, cell-based meats and seafood have been heralded as the future of food.
<p>This cell-based industry is where scientists, environmentalists and food technology companies intersect to offer more sustainable ways to feed the world's growing population. The high-tech food innovations take "the animal out of the meat" and create "seafood without the sea," respectively coined by <a href="https://newatlas.com/lab-grown-meat-public-attitudes/48921/?itm_source=newatlas&itm_medium=article-body" target="_blank">New Atlas</a> and <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2019/05/05/720041152/seafood-without-the-sea-will-lab-grown-fish-hook-consumers" target="_blank">NPR</a>. These products — real meat and seafood — are originally cultured from animal cells but made without the actual animal. Because of this, many of the personal and global concerns about safety, ethics and the environment can be avoided without sacrificing food preferences.</p><p>Two leading industry examples are Eat Just and BlueNalu. Last month, Singapore issued San Francisco-based Eat Just the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/lab-grown-chicken-approved-singapore-2649108790.html" target="_self">world's first regulatory approval for cell-based meat</a>. The "chicken nuggets" are now available at downtown Singapore restaurant 1880. Meanwhile, San Diego's BlueNalu has pioneered "cellular aquaculture" to create cell-based seafood fillets from fish, including yellowtail, mahi-mahi, red snapper and tuna. In mid-2020, the company increased its research and development facilities six-fold after completing a $20 million funding round, <a href="https://thefishsite.com/articles/blue-nalu-set-for-6-fold-expansion" target="_blank">The Fish Site</a> reported. These two companies are pushing the industry to the next level with key regulatory developments and new innovations.</p><h3>The Science Behind Cell-Based</h3><p>In a nutshell, this is how cell-based food works: muscle stem cells are obtained from an actual animal, like chicken or fish, and cultivated in steel tanks with the same nutrients that living animals consume. The goal is not to grow a full animal, so the end result doesn't include the head, tail or heart, for example, while the original cell donor isn't sacrificed. The harvested cells multiply and are shaped to form meat or fish that cooks, looks and tastes just like its real counterpart.</p><p>"The process is somewhat like culturing a beer. At the end of the process, you have chicken meat," Eat Just CEO Josh Tetrick told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2021-01-11/would-you-eat-lab-grown-meat-video" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a>.</p><p>BlueNalu's President and CEO Lou Cooperhouse agreed, telling EcoWatch, "We aren't making a living being, it's just a fish fillet. It's live tissue until we freeze it. Then it's no longer live; it's the product you might have and consume every day."</p>
<h3>The Taste</h3><p>But how does it really taste? Identical to what consumers are used to, both companies told EcoWatch.</p><p>Cooperhouse described how his company mimics the "mouth feel" of conventional fish by recreating the same proportions of muscle, fat and connective tissue in their cell-based fillets. The company uses starter cells to grow all three types of tissue and then combines them to create the same exact product that consumers are used to eating.</p><p>"We're creating identical mahi-mahi to conventional mahi-mahi, from a sensory perspective and a functional perspective," Cooperhouse told EcoWatch. "When you cook it, it smells like fish. You can fry it, bake it, saute it. It caramelizes. It has all the same characteristics as fish, because it is fish. We just made it out of the body. We made it in steel tanks."</p><p>Andrew Noyes, head of global communications for Eat Just, similarly said that their chicken product "cooks, looks and tastes like chicken," including the flavor profile and texture, "because it is chicken."</p>
<h3>The Many Advantages of Cultured Foods</h3><p>Both companies emphasized how cell-based foods don't require killing animals or adding growth hormones or antibiotics. Cell-based food also removes the environmental impact of industrial farming and commercial fishing. This "critical overlay of benefits at every level" creates a new solution for global supply chains that supports biodiversity and the planet's health, Cooperhouse said.</p><p>"We want consumers to know our fillets are different in these ways," Cooperhouse added. "They're not wild, not farmed." On a <a href="https://medium.com/eat-blue/not-wild-not-farmed-but-what-should-we-call-our-seafood-made-from-fish-cells-136fa0343b4d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">company blog</a>, Cooperhouse said that BlueNalu's products are a third alternative way to enjoy fish that is "as delicious and nutritious as their wild-caught or farm-raised counterparts... but without the mercury, microplastics or other pollutants that might be associated with conventional seafood."</p><p>Tetrick also emphasized the safety advantage of cultured meat over conventional. "This way of making meat radically decreases the probability of zoonotic diseases through our food system," he told Bloomberg, because it avoided pathogens like E. coli and salmonella, as well as sanitization concerns.</p><p>The environmental benefits of cell-cultured meat also mean less environmental destruction. Conventional <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/meat-consumption" target="_self">meat production</a> requires massive amounts of land for grazing and food production. Just growing feed for livestock <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/meat-consumption-2021-2649770271.html">uses 71 percent of global arable land</a> and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/amazon-rainforest-collapse-2649776959.html#:~:text=The%20future%20of%20the%20world's,dry%2C%20shrubby%20plain%20by%202064." target="_self">drives Amazonian deforestation</a>.</p>
<p>"Chicken is the world's most consumed (and fastest growing) meat," Noyes told EcoWatch. "Chickens also consume more feed collectively than other farmed animals. Today, more than one-third of the ice-free land on Earth and tens of millions of acres of rainforest teeming with our planet's most diverse life forms have been replaced with fields of chicken feed."</p><p>According to the <a href="http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/I9540EN" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations</a>, 60 percent of the world's fisheries are fully fished, or at maximum output capacity, and 33 percent are overfished. Additionally, in the last half-century, oceanic <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/dead-zones" target="_self">dead zones</a> have quadrupled due to fishing and the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">climate crisis</a>, reported <a href="https://bigthink.com/technology-innovation/lab-grown-fish?rebelltitem=2#rebelltitem2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Big Think</a>. <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/fish-farms" target="_self">Fish farming</a>, once thought to be a solution to declining wild fish populations, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/industrial-agriculture-problems-boycott-2554509022.html" target="_self">brings its own issues</a>, including the loss of critical mangrove habitat and the proliferation of sea lice and other diseases from farms, which escape and kill wild fish, <a href="https://www.seafoodwatch.org/seafood-basics/sustainable-solutions/preserve-habitats#:~:text=The%20exponential%20growth%20of%20aquaculture,the%20local%20people%20and%20ecosystems." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Seafood Watch</a> reported.</p><p>Cell-based seafood won't put pressure on these depleted stocks and fragile habitats and will also avoid bycatch, a serious threat to biodiversity when unintentionally fished creatures are injured or killed.</p><p><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/beef-and-climate-change-2634244134.html" target="_blank">Meat production</a> is also energy-intensive and generates vast amounts of methane and other greenhouse gases. Cell-based foods are more carbon efficient and climate-friendly than conventional meat and seafood because of production efficiency and a localized distribution plan.</p><p>"If you look at climate change, this way of making meat is 90 percent more carbon-efficient than the typical approach," Tetrick told Bloomberg.</p><p>BlueNalu is preparing to scale for global cities to house 150,000-square-foot facilities, each capable of producing enough cell-based seafood to feed more than 10 million local residents, NPR reported. This way, cell-based seafood will avoid greenhouse gas emissions caused by shipping.</p>
<p>Finally, waste is reduced because these companies are only growing the animal parts to be consumed. Traditionally, cattle are inefficient, requiring five to 20 pounds of plant-based feed to create one pound of conventional beef, <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/beyond-the-impossible-meat-grown-from-cells-better-for-planet-if-you-will-eat-it/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CNet</a> reported. <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/lab-grown-meat/" target="_blank">Scientific American</a> estimated that one tissue sample from a cow could yield enough muscle tissue to make 80,000 quarter-pounders.<br></p><p>Cooperhouse estimated that a typical fish would produce a 60 percent yield after cutting off the head and tail and removing the skin and bones, whereas his fillets yield 100 percent.</p><p>"It's a total paradigm shift from an environmental and sustainability perspective," he told EcoWatch. "All that freight, oil, labor, dry ice, foam coolers — all goes away."</p><p>The consistency of quality, readily available products has also garnered interest from foodservice operators, Cooperhouse said. Having a stable supply available year-round will help restaurants combat the variability they currently experience.</p>
<h3>Challenges</h3><p>The big question is whether or not the general public will eat the products, once available.</p><p>"If there's an ick factor to cell-based fish, remember that most processed foods are already created in laboratories," argued Big Think. "There are no Oreo trees or ketchup plants to harvest."</p><p>A University of Queensland survey found that a majority of respondents would try the products, but less would eat them regularly or see them as conventional meat replacements, <a href="https://newatlas.com/lab-grown-meat-public-attitudes/48921/?itm_source=newatlas&itm_medium=article-body" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Atlas</a> reported. Respondents reported that taste would be a driving factor in favor of cell-based foods.</p><p>Cost is the other issue. For Eat Just, their products are competitively priced with premium chicken, although they foresee a pathway for a cheaper price within the next five years, Tetrick told Bloomberg. BlueNalu doesn't yet have a price point for their inaugural mahi-mahi fillet, but are aggressively partnering with known brands and distributors to lower costs.</p><h3>What's Next</h3><p>Singapore's approval of Eat Just's nugget is paving the way for other companies and nations to follow suit, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/02/no-kill-lab-grown-meat-to-go-on-sale-for-first-time" target="_blank">The Guardian reported</a>. Both Eat Just and BlueNalu are actively engaging regulators in the U.S. and other countries to bring their products online as quickly and safely as possible. Since the products are not genetically modified, "the approval will be about whether this is safe, clean, and are the manufacturing processes reliable and accountable," Cooperhouse told NPR.</p><p>While not a substitute for all conventional food, if cell-based meats and seafood are scaled up and accepted, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/meat-consumption-predictions-vegan-lab-2638801931.html" target="_self">many hope to feed the world's anticipated 9.5 billion people</a> without stripping the planet bare and ruining the climate.</p><p>"The simplest way to think about it is it allows all of us to consume meat, the good part, the nutritional composition, the taste, and do away with the bad part, which is the killing, the environmental deforestation, the acceleration of zoonotic disease, and we can still have a fried chicken," Tetrick told Bloomberg.</p>
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Like many other plant-based foods and products, CBD oil is one dietary supplement where "organic" labels are very important to consumers. However, there are little to no regulations within the hemp industry when it comes to deeming a product as organic, which makes it increasingly difficult for shoppers to find the best CBD oil products available on the market.
<p>Here you can learn about the importance of organic hemp oil, why it's better for the environment, and which CBD companies actually make trustworthy products with sustainable farming processes. origins which weigh heavily on many consumers who want to buy a product that's produced in the best way possible for not only themselves to ingest, but for the environment as well through sustainable farming methods. </p><h2>What Is CBD Oil?</h2><p>First things first, CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it's a cannabinoid found within cannabis sativa plants. This plant compound is believed to have many potential benefits, and it is primarily derived from hemp plants via a CO2 extraction process. </p><p>Since CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis plants), this means that CBD won't make you feel high like marijuana, which has much higher levels of THC that causes psychoactive effects. Instead, the effects of CBD are much more subtle and promote a general sense of calm and relaxation in most users.</p><h2>What Makes a CBD Oil Organic?</h2><p>In terms of organic labels, perhaps the most important (and prominent) certification comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This government organization has been labeling foods as "organic" for many years, but what exactly does this certification entail? Essentially, a label indicating that a product is "USDA Organic" or "Certified Organic" means that at least 95% of the ingredients are obtained from organic sources.</p><p>For a crop to be considered organic by the USDA, it must be grown without the use of industrial solvents, irradiation, genetic engineering (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizer. Instead, farmers rely on natural substances and <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mechanical, physical, or biologically based farming</a> techniques to cultivate healthy and organic crops.</p><p>Before the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, no hemp-derived products could be dubbed as "certified organic" since the hemp plant and its extracts were still categorized as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. However, it's still difficult for CBD companies to obtain a USDA certified organic label for their products due to the legal grey area that still surrounds CBD extracts. </p><p>Because of these challenges, and due to the fact that industrial hemp has only recently become an agricultural crop, very few CBD oils are USDA certified organic. Rather, many CBD products contain hemp extracts from plants that were grown in organic conditions but may not be federally certified.</p><h2>What are the Best Organic CBD Oil Brands?</h2><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><em><br></em>
<h2>Why Organic Hemp Oil Matters</h2><p>Hemp is a unique plant, not only for its rich cannabinoid content, but also for its ability to absorb a wide variety of components in soil. But this trait poses great risks when it comes to the creation of CBD products derived from hemp.</p><p>Because hemp has a high capacity for compound uptake, this means that the plants can retain <a href="https://www.remedyreview.com/industry/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">harmful chemicals like pesticides</a>, heavy metals, and other residual solvents. This is especially true when it comes to synthetic chemicals that are more toxic to humans, and difficult to remove once they have been absorbed by the hemp plant.</p><p>Organic farming practices help reduce the risk of hemp crops absorbing harsh chemicals that may later end up in CBD oil after extraction. When you're taking CBD as a wellness supplement to help alleviate your symptoms or improve your overall well-being, the last thing you want is to ingest compounds that might negatively outweigh the benefits of CBD. This is an important reason to look for third party lab test results when shopping for CBD products since these certificates of analysis can show the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of a hemp extract, as well as test results that search for the presence of any residual solvents.</p><p>In addition to creating a better end product, organic farming practices are also better for the environment. Sustainable and organic farming methods may <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy</a>. The use of natural pest deterrents as opposed to chemical pesticides is also better for nearby animal populations and ecosystems.</p><h3>Organic vs. Natural</h3><p>While there are only a select few companies offering certified organic ingredients in their products, almost every brand in the CBD market creates "natural" products. The term "all-natural" or "plant-based" does not mean that a product is organic, and since hemp oil is a natural derivative of hemp plants, these products are often referred to as all-natural. However, there are some synthetic CBD oils that should be avoided because they are chemically constructed and may produce unwanted side effects that are not caused by naturally derived CBD extracts.</p><h2>What are the Benefits of Organic CBD Oil?</h2><p>There's a long list of potential CBD oil health benefits, and some of the most common wellness advantages include:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/" target="_blank">Chronic pain relief</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/" target="_blank">Anti-anxiety effects</a></li><li>Better sleep</li><li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201901/cbd-oil-mental-health-should-you-take-it-too" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Improvements in mood</a></li><li>Internal balance and regulation</li></ul><p>When dealing with pain, inflammation, sleep issues, and mental health struggles, it can be hard to find sufficient treatment options. The use of certain prescriptions can cause unwanted side effects, yet they are often the only solution for patients with these medical conditions. In search of other therapies, people have started to flock towards CBD oil as an alternative remedy for a variety of conditions. However, it should be noted that CBD products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and you should seek your doctor's advice before using CBD if you have a serious medical condition.</p><h2>Look at the Labels Before You Buy CBD Oil</h2><p>When you go online to buy CBD oil, you'll quickly realize there is an overwhelming number of brands that are saturating the market. It can be difficult to determine which products are truly as good as they make themselves out to be. Always look for up-to-date third-party lab tests so you know you are getting a great product, and don't hesitate to contact the brand if you have any additional questions. And if you're intent on purchasing 100% organic CBD oil, it's best to look for certified products or brands that are held to strict regulatory standards.</p><p><strong>Melena Gurganus </strong>is the Reviews Editor at EcoWatch. She is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.<br></p>
Spruce
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjI3OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTM2NzgzOX0.axY0HjeqRctJsR_KmDLctzDpUBLBN-oNIdqaXDb4caQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="774be" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8379f35b1ca8a86d0e61b7d4bfc8b46e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="spruce organic cbd oil" data-width="710" data-height="959" /><p>As one of the best brands in the business, Spruce CBD is well-known for its potent CBD oils that feature many additional beneficial phytocannabinoids. This brand works with two family-owned, sustainably focused farms in the USA (one located in Kentucky and one in North Carolina) to create its organic, small product batches. The max potency Spruce CBD oil contains 2400mg of full-spectrum CBD extract, but the brand also offers a lower strength tincture with 750mg of CBD in total.</p>
$89
CBDistillery
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjkzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTU4OTM4Nn0.ypRdeDSBcE87slYrFfVrRwtJ2qGIK6FD5jBB4pndTMo/img.jpg?width=980" id="b473b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9930b53c9d58cb49774640a61c3e3e75" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="cbdistillery cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>All of the products from CBDistillery are <a href="https://ushempauthority.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">U.S. Hemp Authority Certified</a>, and for good reason. The company only uses non-GMO and pesticide-free industrial hemp that's grown organically on Colorado farms. Its hemp oils are some of the most affordable CBD products on the market, yet they still maintain a high standard of quality. CBDistillery has a wide variety of CBD potencies across its product line (ranging from 500mg to 5000mg per bottle) and offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils to give customers a completely thc-free option.</p>
$35
FAB CBD
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIyNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NDIwOTEyMn0.MlTjz096FJ0ev_-soK7_Z-FeQeJczWoeh9Qi9SSkHsY/img.jpg?width=980" id="04b26" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="76aa4862f44603242e318982acea6646" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="fab cbd oil" data-width="800" data-height="800" /><p>For an organic CBD oil that has it all, FAB CBD offers plenty of variety for any type of consumer. All of its products are made with zero pesticides and extracted from organically grown Colorado industrial hemp. FAB CBD oil comes in five all-natural flavors (mint, vanilla, berry, citrus, and natural) and is also available in four strengths (300, 600, 1200, and 2400mg per bottle).</p>
$39
NuLeaf Naturals
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIxOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzExNTgyMX0.D6qMGYllKTsVhEkQ-L_GzpDHVu60a-tJKcio7M1Ssmc/img.jpg?width=980" id="94e4a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3609a52479675730893a45a82a03c71d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="nuleaf naturals organic cbd oil" data-width="600" data-height="600" /><p>As an industry-leading brand, it comes as no surprise that NuLeaf Naturals sources its CBD extract from organic hemp plants grown on licensed farms in Colorado. The comany's CBD oils only contain two ingredients: USDA certified organic hemp seed oil and full spectrum hemp extract.</p><p>NuLeaf Naturals uses one proprietary CBD oil formula for all of its products, so you will get the same CBD potency in each tincture (60mg per mL), but can purchase different bottle sizes depending on how much you intend to use.</p>
$38.50
Charlotte's Web
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjk3NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzQ0NjM4N30.SaQ85SK10-MWjN3PwHo2RqpiUBdjhD0IRnHKTqKaU7Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="84700" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2174067dcc0c4094be25b3472ce08c8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="charlottes web cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>Perhaps one of the most well-known brands in the CBD landscape, Charlotte's Web has been growing sustainable hemp plants for several years. The company is currently in the process of achieving official USDA Organic Certification, but it already practices organic and sustainable cultivation techniques to enhance the overall health of the soil and the hemp plants themselves, which creates some of the highest quality CBD extracts. Charlotte's Web offers CBD oils in a range of different concentration options, and some even come in a few flavor options such as chocolate mint, orange blossom, and lemon twist.</p>
$60
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An offshore oil platform in West Africa. Cavan Images / Getty Images
For the first time, researchers have identified 100 transnational corporations that take home the majority of profits from the ocean's economy.
<p>Referred to as the "Ocean 100," the corporations accounted for 60 percent of $1.9 trillion generated from core industries in the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/oceans">ocean</a> economy in 2018 alone, according to an <a href="https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/articles/ocean-100-small-group-companies-dominates-ocean-economy" target="_blank">article by the Duke Nicholas Institute</a>. The <a href="https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/3/eabc8041" target="_blank">research</a> was published Wednesday in the journal <em>Science Advances</em> by researchers at Duke University and the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University.</p><p>If the group were a country, it would be the 16th-largest economy in the world, <a href="https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/articles/ocean-100-small-group-companies-dominates-ocean-economy" target="_blank">researchers found</a>. Out of the eight industries examined, <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/offshore-oil-drilling">offshore drilling</a> generated the most revenue.</p>
<p>"Now that we know who some of the biggest beneficiaries from the ocean economy are, this can help improve transparency relating to sustainability and ocean stewardship," the lead author John Virdin, director of the Ocean and Coastal Policy Program at Duke's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, said in an <a href="https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/articles/ocean-100-small-group-companies-dominates-ocean-economy" target="_blank">article by the Duke Nicholas Institute</a>. Some of the identified corporations included Saudi Aramco and Brazil's Petrobras, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-environment-oceans/ocean-100-profits-from-worlds-seas-dominated-by-100-companies-idUSKBN29I2XF" target="_blank">Reuters reported.</a></p><p>More than three billion people depend on the ocean for their livelihoods, <a href="https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/sustainable-ocean-for-all_6bcb3e94-en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to a report by the OECD</a>. Yet across eight industries studied, including offshore drilling, seafood production and processing and cruise tourism, researchers found that just 10 companies in each of the industries generated 45 percent of the industry's revenue.</p>
<p>"The fact that these companies are headquartered in a small number of countries also illustrates that concerted actions by some governments,could rapidly change how the private sector interacts with the ocean," co-author Henrik Österblom, science director at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, <a href="https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/articles/ocean-100-small-group-companies-dominates-ocean-economy" target="_blank">said</a> in the article by the Duke Nicholas Institute.</p><p>Due to <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/overfishing">overfishing</a>, pollution and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-change">climate change</a>, the ocean is becoming increasingly threatened, <a href="https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/sustainable-ocean-for-all_6bcb3e94-en" target="_blank">the OECD reported</a>. This has degraded the ocean's fish stocks, habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity.</p><p>In response, the international community adopted the <a href="https://unctad.org/webflyer/advancing-sustainable-development-goal-14#:~:text=In%202015%2C%20the%20international%20community,marine%20resources%20for%20sustainable%20development." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015</a>, which for the first time sought to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development."</p>
<p>But such agreements overlook the ocean's potential to mitigate climate change, Janis Searles Jones, the Ocean's Conservancy CEO wrote <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02832-w#:~:text=The%20ocean's%20potential%20to%20mitigate,higher%20than%20terrestrial%20forests%20can" target="_blank">in a Nature article</a>. "We need greater ambition to give the ocean a fighting chance," she added.</p><p>The researchers' identification could help environmental groups like the Ocean Conservancy pressure corporations into adopting sustainability goals that include climate mitigation strategies.</p><p>"Senior executives of these few, but large companies, are in a unique position to exercise global leadership in sustainability," <a href="https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/articles/ocean-100-small-group-companies-dominates-ocean-economy" target="_blank">Virdin added</a>.</p>
<p>In 2015, Österblom and his colleagues <a href="https://stockholmresilience.org/research/research-news/2015-05-27-keystone-actors-shape-marine-ecosystems.html" target="_blank">published a paper</a> that analogized transnational corporations to keystone species, according to the article by the Duke Nicholas Institute. They noted both have a major impact on how ecosystems function and disproportionate power to determine how other species in the ecosystem operate.</p><p>"Just knowing who they are is the first step in getting them involved in what needs to be done," <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-environment-oceans/ocean-100-profits-from-worlds-seas-dominated-by-100-companies-idUSKBN29I2XF" target="_blank">Österblom noted</a> in Reuters.</p><p>But depending on corporations to adopt sustainable practices may not be enough to reach international sustainability goals.</p>
<p>"In 2018, Chevron announced it would invest $100 million that year in lowering emissions through its new Future Energy Fund," Michael O'Leary and Warren Valdmanis <a href="https://www.vox.com/21509913/climate-change-bp-microsoft-investors-shareholders-accountability" target="_blank">wrote on Vox</a> on holding companies accountable to their climate commitments. That same year, Chevron invested $20 billion in oil and gas.</p><p>"For those who put their faith in corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a panacea for our ailing society, we have the unfortunate reality: This kind of allocation of efforts is not uncommon. Superficial public commitments on issues like sustainability and diversity are much easier for companies than substantive action," they <a href="https://www.vox.com/21509913/climate-change-bp-microsoft-investors-shareholders-accountability" target="_blank">added</a>.</p><p>Oceans will play an increasingly critical role in the global economy, the researchers <a href="https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/articles/ocean-100-small-group-companies-dominates-ocean-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">note</a>. Whether pressuring the ocean's major actors to adopt sustainable practices will translate into tangible corporate responsibility will reveal itself sooner or later.</p>
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Trending
Mountain goats roam the streets of LLandudno on March 31, 2020 in Llandudno, Wales during the COVID-19 outbreak and quarantine measures. Christopher Furlong / Getty Images
By Marie Quinney and Gabriela Martinez
This article is part of The Davos Agenda.
During 2020, many of us saw images of deserted urban areas being reclaimed by animals and heard reports of carbon dioxide emissions plummeting as transportation ground to a halt. A new analysis shows that the U.S. had reached its lowest level of emissions in three decades.
<p>It would be easy to assume that COVID-19 allowed nature to thrive. However, we must not prematurely celebrate nature's comeback.</p><p>Far from downplaying glimmers of hope and beauty that were welcomed interruptions to an otherwise difficult year, acknowledging that these have little impact in the long run will serve us better to achieve meaningful progress.</p><p>The outlook on the coming decade may be bleak if we do not seize the narrowing window of opportunity that we have to make systemic changes. By doing this, we can both prevent similar crises in the future and create sustainable, healthy and equitable jobs, societies and economies. The pandemic made an unquestionably strong case for a shift towards a<a href="https://www.wri.org/blog/2019/09/what-does-net-zero-emissions-mean-6-common-questions-answered" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.wri.org/blog/2019/09/what-does-net-zero-emissions-mean-6-common-questions-answered" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">net-zero</a>,<a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_Future_Of_Nature_And_Business_2020.pdf" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_Future_Of_Nature_And_Business_2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nature-positive</a> global economy and, thankfully, we have the knowledge and the tools to make it happen.</p>
<h3>Nature Bouncing Back?</h3><p>Amidst the tragedies of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy entering a global recession, you could be forgiven for thinking that it wasn't all bad news.</p><p>We were inundated with delightful images of previously unseen animals strolling through city streets. <a href="https://www.insider.com/shaggy-mountain-goats-welsh-town-lockdown-2020-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mountain goats explored Welsh towns</a>,<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/22/animals-cities-coronavirus-lockdowns-deer-raccoons" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/22/animals-cities-coronavirus-lockdowns-deer-raccoons" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">deer were spotted congregating outside metro stations in Japan</a> and<a href="https://www.france24.com/en/20200403-pumas-in-santiago-wildlife-takes-to-cities-amid-coronavirus-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.france24.com/en/20200403-pumas-in-santiago-wildlife-takes-to-cities-amid-coronavirus-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pumas took to the streets of Santiago, Chile</a>.</p><p>Many ecosystems also appeared to have been given time to regenerate, being temporarily spared humanity's polluted hand. The<a href="https://www.insider.com/venice-canals-clear-city-residents-self-isolate-prevent-coronavirus-spread-2020-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.insider.com/venice-canals-clear-city-residents-self-isolate-prevent-coronavirus-spread-2020-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">canals of Venice famously turned clear</a> and plants started to make a comeback in built-up areas such as<a href="https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/nature-reclaims-public-spaces-during-loc-idUSRTX7EJ1H" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/nature-reclaims-public-spaces-during-loc-idUSRTX7EJ1H" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">parks</a> and<a href="https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/nature-reclaims-public-spaces-during-loc-idUSRTX7EJ1H" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/nature-reclaims-public-spaces-during-loc-idUSRTX7EJ1H" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">city squares</a>.<br></p><p>Similarly, due to the slowdown of economic and social activities, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/08/covid-19-lockdowns-global-air-quality-india-london-uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">air quality</a> improved in many places around the world, including megacities including <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969720326036" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Delhi</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/08/covid-19-lockdowns-global-air-quality-india-london-uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">London</a>, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-51944780" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New York</a> and various cities in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-020-00963-y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">China</a>. Global CO2 emissions and total nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions decreased by as much as 30% and, as car traffic plummeted and industrial production slowed down, the<a href="https://www.sciencenews.org/article/covid-19-coronavirus-greenhouse-gas-emissions-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> reduction of greenhouse gas emissions</a> followed. It seemed that at least the atmosphere was benefiting from the global pandemic.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQ0ODUzMy9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzQ5ODI0MX0.NaCx18e_NCBB5SnFxwxI7L_sZclIuFAR6YlnpIxl1eg/img.gif?width=980" id="902a5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="adef5c711181422b7e367aeb853ca9a7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="640" data-height="474" />
NO₂ levels in the air above India (U.S. date format). World Economic Forum
<p>Lockdowns also highlighted both a fundamental human need for nature and the divisions between those who had access to it and those who did not. For those with a balcony, view of nature or a garden, the lockdowns may not have felt as oppressive. People craved their own patch of green and marvelled at the sight of animals roaming around freely. Nature, we may have thought, was healing.</p><p>Sadly, however, the breather that nature appeared to get is not only temporary but is extremely localized. Other areas have not been having the same luck.</p>
<h3>Nature Loss and Climate Change on the Rise</h3><p>If not for COVID-19, the year 2020 would have been remembered for environmental disasters that continued despite scattered improvements. COVID-19 news domination was punctuated by reports of <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-exceeds-4-million-acres-burned-wildfires-2020-n1242078" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">wildfires</a>,<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54433904" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54433904" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">flooding</a>,<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-2020-atlantic-hurricane-season-was-a-record-breaker-and-its-raising-more-concerns-about-climate-change-150495" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://theconversation.com/the-2020-atlantic-hurricane-season-was-a-record-breaker-and-its-raising-more-concerns-about-climate-change-150495" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tropical storms</a> and the<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/19/highest-recorded-temperature-ever-death-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/19/highest-recorded-temperature-ever-death-valley" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">highest temperature ever recorded</a> on Earth.</p><p>As pollution levels decreased in many cities, the effects were countered by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972033059X" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">increased emissions from home activities</a>. Although nitrogen dioxide <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-020-0883-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">declined sharply</a> in <a href="https://cen.acs.org/environment/atmospheric-chemistry/COVID-19-coronavirus-quarantines-cause/98/i11" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Italy</a>, <a href="https://www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/146362/airborne-nitrogen-dioxide-plummets-over-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">China</a> and <a href="https://www.stats.govt.nz/indicators/nitrogen-dioxide-concentrations" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a>, COVID-19 responses triggered the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972033059X" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">increase of global ozone concentrations</a>, which contributes to climate change.</p><p>Lockdowns in countries with high levels of biodiversity also restricted the ability of governments and communities to protect wildlife. Incidences of illegal poaching and deforestation increased in<a href="https://news.mongabay.com/2020/07/covid-19-lockdown-precipitates-deforestation-across-asia-and-south-america/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://news.mongabay.com/2020/07/covid-19-lockdown-precipitates-deforestation-across-asia-and-south-america/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">South America</a>,<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-deforestation-idUSL8N2BJ12Z" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-deforestation-idUSL8N2BJ12Z" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Asia</a> and<a href="https://www.conservation.org/blog/poaching-deforestation-reportedly-on-the-rise-since-covid-19-lockdowns#:~:text=%E2%80%9CPoaching%20and%20deforestation%20are%20unfortunate,humans%20in%20the%20first%20place." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.conservation.org/blog/poaching-deforestation-reportedly-on-the-rise-since-covid-19-lockdowns#:~:text=%E2%80%9CPoaching%20and%20deforestation%20are%20unfortunate,humans%20in%20the%20first%20place." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Africa</a>. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-environment-idUSKCN21S1I1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Deforestation</a> in the Brazilian Amazon increased by 30% in March 2020 compared to the previous year and <a href="https://news.mongabay.com/2020/07/double-blow-to-colombian-amazon-and-indigenous-groups-from-armed-militants-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">forest fires</a> lit by land grabbers broke records in Colombia. <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/illegal-fishing-philippines-2646162839.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1" target="_self" rel="noopener">Illegal fishing</a> is also on the rise in many areas, with fishermen taking advantage of a drop in enforcement capacity.</p><p>COVID-19 has also halted the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-020-1275-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nature-based tourism industry</a>. In many countries, communities relied on this as a source of income, in addition to these funds being used to protect nature. For countries like the <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/seychelles/overview#:~:text=Tourism%20accounts%20for%20approximately%2030,decline%20by%20more%20than%2050%25" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Seychelles</a> and <a href="https://data.adb.org/media/4411/download" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vanuatu</a>, tourism accounts for 30% and 45% of their GDP, respectively. The economic crisis may prevent such tourism from returning for quite some time, while conservation is unlikely to be perceived as a priority for government spending.</p><p>The improvements witnessed in biodiversity and emissions during the lockdowns are unlikely to remain, and the situation is on course to get worse than before the pandemic. For the climate, there is historical precedent for this. There were also <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17387-financial-crisis-may-have-been-good-for-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dips in emissions during the 2008 financial crisis</a>, yet emissions bounced back as <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/opinion/sunday/coronavirus-climate-change.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">economies recovered</a>.</p><p>Today, experts are concerned that global emissions in 2021 <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/global-carbon-project-coronavirus-causes-record-fall-in-fossil-fuel-emissions-in-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">will rise beyond 2019 levels.</a> In addition, many countries have been <a href="https://in.boell.org/en/2020/11/24/environmental-regulation-and-post-covid-19-economic-recovery" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">loosening environmental regulations </a>and, in some countries, early recovery packages were targeted towards bailouts for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/09/revealed-covid-recovery-plans-threaten-global-climate-hopes" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">oil and high-carbon infrastructure</a>.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQ0ODU0OS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NTg2NDYwNH0.9fcY_k1mLyDQDdv0FvUlonL0Z-lt7yYOocof6Tw2h4Q/img.png?width=980" id="bbe9a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="63b2896e84d3e53a93eee3818daa4aea" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1522" data-height="1012" />
Human activity is destroying our natural world. World Economic Forum Nature Risk Rising
<h3>Towards a Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Recovery</h3><p>While the lockdowns provided a glimpse of how life could be different for our planet, this will only be the case through decisive and deliberate action. It shouldn't take a pandemic, with devastating consequences on millions of lives, to let nature reappear and emissions drop. Rather than being good for the environment, COVID-19 only showed us how unsuitable our current socioeconomic systems are.</p><p><a href="https://www.vivideconomics.com/casestudy/greenness-for-stimulus-index/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Some stimulus packages</a> are acknowledging the importance of placing nature at the heart of our recovery, and in September world leaders<a href="https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/press_releases/?893466/Leaders-Pledge-for-Nature-World-leaders-commit-to-reversing-nature-loss-by-2030" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/press_releases/?893466/Leaders-Pledge-for-Nature-World-leaders-commit-to-reversing-nature-loss-by-2030" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pledged to reverse nature loss</a> by 2030. However, on average, the pandemic is likely to reinforce negative environmental trends with stimulus packages in only <a href="https://news.trust.org/item/20201217092751-wk5b9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">seven of 25 major economies</a> estimated to have a net positive impact for the climate and nature.</p><p>As world leaders discussed stimulus and recovery packages to keep the economy afloat, milestone global meetings to decide how to address biodiversity loss and climate change had to be postponed to 2021. These are critical opportunities to reset our economies and societies for the better. Governments and businesses must focus on addressing some of the increasingly indefensible realities of our societies and economies that this pandemic has uncovered. For example, they must ensure that economic activity is regenerative, rather than destructive, to nature, that businesses reduce their carbon footprint, and that there are sustainable, equitable jobs.</p><p>As the World Economic Forum's recent reports have found, <a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_New_Nature_Economy_Report_2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">more than half of the world's GDP</a> is highly or moderately dependent on nature, and opting for a nature-positive economy in key sectors could create <a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_Future_Of_Nature_And_Business_2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">395 million jobs by 2030</a>. We are likely to, therefore, pay a high price in the future for overlooking its importance in decisions made today.</p><p>Similarly, in the <a href="https://www.hacfornatureandpeople.org/" target="_blank">High Ambition Coalition</a>'s <a href="https://www.highambitioncoalition.org/statements/green-recovery-statement-2020" target="_blank"><em>Statement on Resilient Recovery</em></a>, it stressed the importance of aligning <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/coronavirus-tracking-how-the-worlds-green-recovery-plans-aim-to-cut-emissions?utm_campaign=Carbon%20Brief%20Daily%20Briefing&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Revue%20newsletter" target="_blank">green measures</a> from stimulus packages with climate ambitions. The UN's 2020 <a href="https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/green-pandemic-recovery-essential-close-climate-action-gap-un-report" target="_blank">Emission Gap Report</a> highlighted that recovery investments in climate action could cut up to 25% off the emissions projected for 2030. Countries need effective policies to <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/12/1079602" target="_blank">support zero-emissions technologies and infrastructure, reduce fossil fuel subsidies, stop new coal plants and promote nature-based solutions</a>.</p>
<p>The pandemic transcended borders in more ways than one. We saw unprecedented levels of international cooperation, with information sharing and the deployment of <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52431627" target="_blank">healthcare personnel</a> and <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/20200410-donating-masks-and-shipping-gear-vietnam-promotes-its-own-coronavirus-diplomacy" target="_blank">equipment</a>. It also taught us that, when we work together, we can enact great change. This needs to be channelled into the fight against nature loss and climate change too.</p><p>COVID-19 offered many the chance to stop and reflect on the sort of world we belong to. If nothing else, the pandemic revealed that our economies are inherently vulnerable to shocks. Images of animals reclaiming once-bustling city streets, and a dip in greenhouse gas emissions were a relief during a time of such angst, but they are exceptions that are likely to be long forgotten unless we work towards a better future. Designing net-zero, nature-positive stimulus packages is key in preventing future outbreaks, improving economic and environmental stability and enabling people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/01/davos-agenda-environment-net-zero-emissions-nature-positive-recovery/" target="_blank">World Economic Forum</a>.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
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Environmental activist Sage Lenier is seen teaching her class at UC Berkeley. Irene Yi
By Sage Lenier
Sage Lenier, an environmental activist and graduate from UC Berkeley, created a wildly popular course at her university dedicated to sustainable solutions and circular systems thinking against the broader backdrop of environmental justice. In Spring 2020, the course enrolled more than 300 students eager to learn how they can drive the shift toward a more ethical and sustainable society. The World Economic Forum sat down with Sage for a quick Q&A.
<p><em><br/></em></p>
<h3>What Drove You to Start Teaching Zero Waste?</h3><p>When I started at UC Berkeley, I was excited to be going to a school that had – I'm told – one of the best environmental curriculums in the nation. But I quickly realized that much of the education I was receiving had little real-life application; the material lacked the call-to-action that is really necessary for addressing the ecological crisis.</p><p>That's why I decided to create a course that was solutions-focused and action-based. I started out with the concept of zero waste, but I scaled it up from individual-level action to build a vision for an economy, design system and culture that operate on the premise that natural resources are valuable and limited. I also cover modern food systems, climate change and decarbonization, and green cities, always looking at a global picture of access, equity, and cultural and ecological diversity.</p><p>The approach I take helps students learn how all of these things come together for a vision of a sustainable future. I want them to be excited about the year 2100, rather than terrified.</p><h3>What Are the Biggest Misconceptions About Your Course?</h3><p>Sometimes my course gets misconstrued as a place where I teach students about what they can do to lessen their individual environmental impact. It's not really that at all. I do try to walk my students through the changes that they can make in their own lives, but the course is really about a societal revolution. It's focused on structural change, political advocacy, and community power.</p><p>Two-thirds of my students are not environmental majors, and I try to give everyone something that they can do with their lives and their careers. A business major, after taking the class, might tell me: "I want to spend my career in businesses that fit with the circular economy." Or a biochemistry major might say: "I could operate a green lab." I'm focused on big-picture solutions, all of us coming together to accomplish something through so many different avenues with our different skill sets, as well as how we can make our community a little bit better.</p>
<h3>When We Talk About Climate Change, Sustainability and Equity, Are We Really Talking About the Same Thing?</h3><p>Absolutely, and I think most people are shocked when they start taking my course to learn that I'm not really here to advocate on behalf of trees. Climate change is a social justice issue; it is already exacerbating existing inequalities and will continue to do so.</p><p>I'm first and foremost a human rights activist. I've been passionate about feminism and racial justice from a very young age and have always done my best to educate and engage those around me. I came to environmentalism a few years ago with the realization that there are no human rights on a dead planet - this one movement really has the potential to encapsulate every social issue we have.</p><h3>What Do You Think Needs to Happen to Enable Us to Move to a Circular Economy More Quickly?</h3><p>If we really want to move towards a circular economy, we have to do a lot of direct targeting of the big corporations who already have the infrastructure, financial power and influence in our society. In our activism work, we need to be demanding that these massive companies that actually run our society and have control over our economy and government are accountable to the people.</p>
<h3>College Students Were Heavily Impacted by COVID-19 This Year. What Was That Experience Like for You, as a Student, Instructor and Activist?</h3><p>I'll be honest, I lost a lot this year. I had to give up my dreams of expanding this course to other schools and communities for now, and all of my activism campaigns completely dissolved. After I graduated, I slept on the couch at my grandmother's house for two months. I was very lucky to receive a job offer in July for an environmental nonprofit and be financially stable for the second half of this year, but I've had to fight very hard to get my mental and physical health back from where they went when I thought I was losing everything I'd ever worked for. This year has been transformative in some good ways too, though; I needed to take a step back before I burned out, and I deactivated my social media for six months after a few super viral posts because I wanted to ask myself why I feel qualified to educate people and check my intentions. I'm young, and it's easy to develop an ego and forget what you're really working towards when you start getting media attention.</p><h3>What's Next for You?</h3><p>Right now I'm just feeling very grateful to be employed and still doing important work. <a href="https://tinyurl.com/Zero-Waste-Solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Zero Waste USA</a> recently reached out to me about sponsoring my course on their online platform, so I'm very excited to be back to teaching in the new year, and the class is going to be open to everyone! I want to keep going with this curriculum and eventually turn it into a book because I think what I've created is really unique, and it's a lot of the information that the average person really needs. For now, I'm getting back into the swing of things with teaching online and making educational content for Instagram. My teaching assistants, Annie Mitchell and Victoria Bartoszewicz, are still teaching it at Berkeley and after the pandemic I still do want to take it to other colleges, high schools, communities – anywhere that wants it.</p><p>When that eventually comes around, I'll be applying for grants and trying to get the book published. The idea of trying to get funding and hoping I get it and hoping it keeps coming is really scary, but I'm also excited because this is the most important thing that I can do – to continue to educate people and create a better equipped and larger environmental movement. It's a huge risk, but this is all I've ever wanted.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/01/i-created-a-class-to-teach-zero-waste/" target="_blank">World Economic Forum</a>.</em></p>
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5 Best Eco-Conscious Meal Kit Delivery Services for 2021
Meal kit services offer pre-portioned recipes and a fun cooking experience. But what options are best for the earth-conscious family?
04 January
Reviews
Micheile Henderson / Unsplash
For those looking for a quick and convenient way to eat delicious, hearty meals with little to no hassle, there are plenty of meal kit delivery services to choose from. But out of all of the brands available, which is the best meal delivery service?
<p>We've all seen the overwhelming number of meal kits promoted via Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms, but many consumers are left wondering if these delivery services are really worth the purchase. Despite all the hype, these programs can be beneficial for a number of reasons, including their environmental impact, which you can read more about below our reviews.</p><p>Each kit comes with pre-portioned packets of produce, meat or fish if requested, and all of the spices and seasonings you need to complete a chef-inspired dish at home. We've reviewed several leading meal kit delivery brands based on their food options, packaging, and customer reviews to find the services we think are best for the conscious consumer. Here is our list of the top five best meal delivery services.</p><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em><em><br></em></p>
<h2></h2><h2> Are Meal Kits Really Sustainable?</h2><p>Whether meal kits are really sustainable depends on how you define sustainability. While they produce more waste, they have lower greenhouse gas emissions and result in less food waste compared to grocery store meals.</p><p><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/food-waste" target="_self">Food waste</a> is the largest category of waste going into landfills in the U.S. The average American generates more than 200 pounds of waste each year, according to the <a href="https://www.usda.gov/foodwaste/faqs" target="_blank">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA).</p><p><span></span>Both a <a href="https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/handle/2152/61651" target="_blank">2017 study out of the University of Texas at Austin</a> and a 2019 study published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344919301703" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Resources, Conservation and Recycling</em></a> found that meal kits are more sustainable than purchasing ingredients from a grocery store for the following reasons:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>On average, meal kits produce 33% lower greenhouse gas emissions than grocery store meals.</li><li>The pre-portioned ingredients in meal kits lead to less food loss and waste.</li><li>Meal kits have lower last-mile transportation emissions than grocery store meals.</li><li>The ice packs used in meal kit packages present an average emissions decrease versus retail refrigeration.</li></ul><div></div><p>Now, if you plan your meals out each week, use all of the ingredients you intend to, compost what you don't use, and buy locally from a farmers market or other community shop, meal kits will likely be a step backward in terms of your food-related sustainability.</p>
<p>The studies also mentioned that meal kits produce more packaging waste than grocery store meals — UT Austin estimated an average of 3.7 more pounds of packaging material per meal. Because meal kits come in cardboard boxes and ship ingredients in small packages (for example, if you need a tablespoon of pine nuts for your recipe, they'll likely come pre-portioned a small plastic sleeve), there's much more plastic waste produced. One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652619324011" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">study</a> found that "disposable packaging can represent over 50% of per-meal energy use for meal-kits."</p>
<p>Some of these items can be repurposed, such as the tiny glass jars that spices and condiments come in, which can be used for travel, crafting, or storing small objects. Others can be washed and recycled, depending on your local recycling guidelines. But most of the waste will end up in a landfill.</p><p>So, it's up to you whether you think the pros of lower carbon emissions outweigh the cons of more plastic waste.</p><h2><span></span>Getting Started with a Meal Delivery Service</h2><p>With so much variety, selecting a meal delivery service can turn into a stressful endeavor. Additionally, brands like Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Home Chef, and Daily Harvest are options that might try to win you over, but they may not have as sustainable methods as some of the options listed above. </p><p><span></span>Although, the sheer number of meal kit options can also work to your advantage. These companies are competing for customers and often offer sign-up specials and discounts to get you started. When shopping for a subscription service, try multiple options, and take advantage of these deals. With many programs, you have the freedom to change or cancel your subscription, so you can try a few different options to find one that fits your taste and your budget. We also recommend that you compare your per-meal cost to what you might spend on dinners at the grocery store to maximize your savings.</p><p>If you give one of these meal kits a try, let us know what you think. We'll update this list regularly as we get feedback from readers and add additional sustainability notes as we dive deeper into new services. </p><p><em><strong>Melena Gurganus </strong>is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.</em><br></p>
Sun Basket: Best Organic Option
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc1MjUzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1Njc4OTkzN30.a2aIWvOTJfVK6VBFSZ3PdwNAPhoTMUu6eOFrbbaUeos/img.jpg?width=980" id="e24c7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5439cf2ef1a1377fe041dbed42aca07e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="949" data-height="712" />Sun Basket J030-Shrimp-PaellaSun Basket
<p>Sun Basket is our favorite organic meal kit brand. Sun Basket delivers a box of 100% <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/ewg-2018-shoppers-guide-2558737028.html" target="_blank">organic produce</a>, antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, and farm-fresh eggs. Their approach to sourcing <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/sustainable-seafood-oceana-2641150021.html" target="_blank">wild seafood</a> was named Best Choice or Good Alternative by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® Program.</p><p>Sun Basket aims to support farmers who push for sustainable water management and crop rotations, as well as ranchers and fisherman who treat the planet with respect. </p><p>Read our full <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/sunbasket-reviews-2649520242.html" data-linked-post="2649520242" target="_blank">Sun Basket review</a> to learn more about the brand's sustainability efforts.</p><strong>Cost</strong>: Three meals each week for two people costs $71.94 plus $7.99 shipping. That's $11.99 per serving<p><br><br><a href="https://sun-basket-meal-delivery-purchase.sjv.io/c/1402679/954808/8078" target="_blank">Join Now</a></p>Purple Carrot: Best Plant-Based Option
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc1MjUxMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MzMzNTY2OX0.zvdPNUdYu1pjOPemFYWh1KZ7edfEvWYD3_4CN_QMP8U/img.jpg?width=980" id="9bc87" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="769107ab1740e29aa080f530755b037d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="2800" data-height="1400" />Purple Carrot
<p>According to researchers, you could cut the <a href="https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/11/15/how-much-would-giving-up-meat-help-the-environment" target="_blank">carbon footprint of your diet by 60%</a> by eating plant-based meals for two-thirds of your diet.</p><p>Now, if sustainability is about achieving a balance between human consumption and the environments we impact, plant-based is the way to go. Purple Carrot offers all <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plant-based-meat-fast-food-2648888749.html" target="_blank">plant-based</a> meal kits in a variety of tasty menu items. There's even a black bean burger if you want to prepare the vegan-skeptic member of your family a familiar plate. </p><p>Purple Carrot meal kits, in many ways, support the idea that many small, smart choices can add up to a big impact. </p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">Cost</strong>: Purple Carrot costs $11.99 per serving for two people and $9.99 per serving for the four-plate plan. With introductory discounts, the first week costs $50 to $60. </p>Green Chef: Best for Keto and Paleo Shoppers
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc1MjU0NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1OTg4NDE2Nn0.VYYj6q9TDKOPaLib6vC04_pqJFTl3pPwlWuhc85pF4k/img.jpg?width=980" id="4ce26" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="33a986a6a8296eee9702e82eff47a06c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="641" data-height="300" />Green Chef
<p>Green Chef is a certified organic company with meal kit plans that include <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/keto-report-ketogenic-diet-2640662624.html" target="_blank">keto</a>, paleo, and plant-based options. You can schedule a weekly delivery or stagger deliveries during the month, depending on your personal needs or how often you choose to cook. Green Chef has a wide variety of recipe options, and according to its website, it <span style="background-color: initial;">"offsets 100% of its direct carbon emissions and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/us-plastics-pact-recycling-2647098576.html" target="_blank">plastic packaging</a>" through its sustainability efforts.</span></p><p><strong>Cost</strong>: Price is based on the plan chosen, but costs are generally $11.49 per meal for the Keto + Paleo option, $10.49 per meal for the Balanced Living option, and $10.49 per meal for the Plant-Powered option. Shipping and handling costs are additional.</p>Freshly: Best "No Cooking" Option
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc1MjU1Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDEwNzI3Nn0.L3XUMO4-3dyj_cI0cMihqvoP7Ig7x8D-Z5vg4TsGWlo/img.jpg?width=980" id="89b90" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="64389578a3b41467c0759bf0d60eb993" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1160" data-height="773" />Freshly
<p>Freshly is the only service we came across that offered corporate options. We liked the idea of a cost-efficient way to serve a large group a healthy meal. Freshly boxes in the office fridge would be a nice reprieve from the typical mid-day exodus to the nearest quick food option. All Freshly meals come in recyclable packaging and the single portions mean <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/food-waste-people-in-need-2649698860.html" target="_blank">less food going to waste</a> during preparation.</p><p>Freshly meals are also ideal for those who don't have the time or space to prepare meals from a kit. They come in microwavable containers and only take three minutes to heat up.</p><p><strong>Cost</strong>: Individual meals are $8.99 to $12.50 per serving with free shipping.</p>Every Plate: Best Value for Meal Kit Beginners
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc1MjU1NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMTU2MDE5NX0.nZ8rvbH61g8MBueUwZBJpCgiwDUUrRgbXmuWBCW5kDs/img.jpg?width=980" id="40a43" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="71349a43c3f798f91db591cc481f7f7f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1500" data-height="563" />Every Plate
<p>If you're looking for <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/organic-vs-conventional-food-ewg-2630725070.html" target="_blank">organic ingredients</a>, simple recipe cards, and a highly affordable option, Every Plate is for you. Every Plate uses less packaging than most other delivery services due to their simpler packages that contain fewer spice and sauce packets. Most Every Plate meals can be made in under 30 minutes, which makes this as close as you can come to fast and "cheap" meals with clean ingredients. </p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">Cost</strong>: Weekly boxes of two or four servings for as little as $4.99 per serving.</p>From Your Site Articles
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assorted-color straws
Meghan Rodgers / Unsplash
Keeping a reusable straw in your purse, pocket, on your key ring, or in the glove compartment of your car makes it easy to skip single-use plastic when you're on the go. In fact, purchasing reusable straws, made from materials like bamboo, glass, silicone, and stainless steel, is one of the simplest ways to reduce your waste.
<p>Americans use between 170 to 390 million straws a day, according to market research firms cited in a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/business/plastic-straws-ban-fact-check-nyt.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New York Times article</a>. Whether your city is <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/portland-maine-bans-plastics-2641089338.html" target="_self">banning plastic straws</a> or you just want to be more eco-friendly while sipping your iced coffee, here are the 10 best reusable straws to invest in this year.</p><h2>10 Best Reusable Straws:</h2><p>1. <strong>Best Overall: </strong>Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Straw Set<br>2. <strong>Most Sustainable:</strong> Koffie Straw<br>3. <strong>Most Popular:</strong> FinalStraw Collapsible Reusable Metal Straw<br>4. <strong>Best Silicone:</strong> GoSili Reusable Silicone Straw<br>5. <strong>Best Metal: </strong>Friendly Straw Six Pack<br>6. <strong>Best Glass:</strong> Hummingbird Glass Straws<br>7. <strong>Best Bamboo: </strong>ECO/EGO Handcrafted Organic Bamboo Drinking Straws<br>8. <strong>Best Collapsible:</strong> Flyby Portable Reusable Drinking Straws<br>9. <strong>Best Wide:</strong> Teivio Reusable Glass Straws<br>10. <strong>Best For Kids: </strong>Softy Straws Silicone Straws</p><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p>
<em></em><em><p><em><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/about-ecowatch-2641507575.html?rebelltitem=47#rebelltitem47" target="_self">Melissa Smith</a> is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.</em></p><ul class="ee-ul"></ul></em>
1. Best Overall Reusable Straw: Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Straw Set
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="d8f057012ebc63b1721efbb41b1fc49e" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4WXHA2?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mc9cPA+EL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>Klean Kanteen's mission is rooted in making high-quality, long-lasting products that are <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/ocean-sustainability-initiative-2649122791.html" target="_self">good for the planet</a>. And its Stainless Steel Straw Set seamlessly follows suit. These hybrid silicone and metal straws are perfect for everyday use, as they're safe to use with both hot and cold beverages and hold up through many cycles in the dishwasher.</p><p><strong>Customer Rating: </strong>4.7 out of 5 stars</p><strong>Why Buy:</strong> Zero-waste; Supports 1% for the Planet; B Corp; Climate Neutral Certified; BPA-free; Vegan; Dishwasher safe2. Most Sustainable Straw: Koffie Straw
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="0324fb4ab3c46603147158bec5367fd9" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018RLZHBA?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/311Rn85WPBL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>They're durable enough to hold up for years, but at the end of their life, Koffie Straws can be burned into biodegradable ash, which keeps them from clogging landfills. The packaging that each straw comes in is also compostable, so if you're looking for <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/zero-waste-kitchen-essentials-2638967660.html" target="_self">zero-waste</a> reusable straws, these could be your best bet.</p><p><strong>Customer Rating:</strong> 4.7 out of 5 stars</p><p><strong>Why Buy:</strong> Zero-waste; Compostable packaging; Dishwasher safe; Vegan; BPA-free; Biodegradable</p>3. Most Popular: FinalStraw Collapsible Reusable Metal Straw
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="f3faf2ac92d5343e6132f0e089fa5f93" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086C4VSKF?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/318iAMUU6nL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>You may recognize FinalStraw Collapsible Reusable Metal Straws from the company's <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/finalstraw-collapsible-straw-2562955647.html" target="_self">viral advertisements</a> or $1.89 million Kickstarter campaign. And as it turns out, the folks at Final are as good at <em>making</em> straws as they are at <em>marketing</em> them. The stainless-steel-and-silicone FinalStraw is designed to fold down into a convenient case that can be attached to your key ring or stashed in a pocket or purse.</p><p><strong>Customer Rating: </strong>4.6 out of 5 stars</p><p><strong>Why Buy:</strong> Supports 1% for the Planet; Made with post-consumer recycled materials; Latex and BPA-free; Portable; Carrying case and cleaning brush included</p>4. Best Silicone Straw: GoSili Reusable Silicone Straw
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="e72abc6af9a6bb7b9dd1971328518ebf" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DRRKKX6?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41B1yiJZSrL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>The GoSili Reusable Silicone Straw comes in a couple of lengths to fit standard cups or larger <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/eco-friendly-water-bottles-2649345802.html" target="_self">eco-friendly water bottles</a>. It is made with soft, European-grade silicone and can be folded into its lightweight aluminum case for easy carrying. When it eventually comes time to recycle your straw, if your local recycling facility doesn't accept silicone, you can send it back to GoSili and the company will recycle it for you.</p><p><strong>Customer Rating: </strong>4.7 out of 5 stars</p><p><strong>Why Buy:</strong> BPA-free; Portable; Carrying case included; Dishwasher safe; Minimal packaging</p>5. Best Metal Straw: Friendly Straw Six Pack
<p>Looking for the best no-frills metal straw? Try the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZYWF89S/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_176?uh_it=b42943e063b1b6d741ac68241cb0fd23_CT&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQk1YNkMyWElBNE9PJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTQ3Nzc3RzUwSEpHM0lCU1Y3JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA3MTA5NjczMUpFWVJHREk1Mk1JJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c2Rfb25zaXRlX2Rlc2t0b3AmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1" target="_blank">Friendly Straw Six Pack</a>. This set of three straight and three bent straws lets you choose the ideal angle for sipping your favorite beverages. All are dishwasher safe, come with a carrying pouch, and include a brush to make cleaning a breeze.</p> <p><strong>Customer Rating:</strong> 4.4 out of 5 stars</p><p><strong>Why Buy: </strong>Dishwasher safe; Rust-proof stainless steel; Carrying pouch and cleaning brush included; Paper packaging</p>6. Best Glass Straw: Hummingbird Glass Straws
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="175a6de607f32c79706d6be4f4ce8177" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KM61F88?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4121IGsQZ0L.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>If metal isn't quite your thing, you may like glass. Glass reusable straws are lightweight and have a smooth mouthfeel, plus it's easier to see if they're dirty. We like Hummingbird Glass Straws, which are handmade in Colorado using durable borosilicate glass, which is more shatter-resistant than regular glass.</p><p><strong>Customer Rating: </strong>4.8 out of 5 stars</p><p><strong>Why Buy:</strong> Zero-waste; Nontoxic; Plastic-free; Dishwasher safe; Handmade in the U.S.; Paper packaging; Cleaning brush included</p>7. Best Bamboo Straw: ECO/EGO Handcrafted Organic Bamboo Drinking Straws
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="0d34284b031446c873ef438070ed5e2f" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SG5ZCDV?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MpeQIpr5L.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>ECO/EGO Handcrafted Organic Bamboo Drinking Straws are a great biodegradable, long-lasting option for <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-straws-oceans-greenpeace-2624495298.html" target="_self">reusable straws</a>. Each straw is made from 100% natural bamboo, and this set of 12 comes with its own carrying pouch and a cleaning brush. What's more, the company donates 10% of its profits to helping save wildlife like sea turtles, koalas, dolphins, and otters.</p><p><strong>Customer Rating:</strong> 4.7 out of 5 stars</p><p><strong>Why Buy:</strong> Zero-waste; Biodegradable; Supports wildlife conservation; Carrying pouch and cleaning brush included; Plastic-free packaging; 100% natural bamboo</p>8. Best Collapsible Straw: Flyby Portable Reusable Drinking Straw
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="10f43f1fe1c2399da6437fd752a0a509" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YSZPR3F?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41FABiqcDpL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>Many reusable straws on our list come with a carrying pouch of some kind, but that doesn't mean they are all compact or lightweight enough to comfortably fit in your pocket. Enter the Flyby Portable Reusable Drinking Straw. This telescopic straw can be adjusted to fit different glasses, comes in an ultralight aluminum case with a carabiner attachment, includes a telescopic cleaning brush for washing on the go, and has a silicone tip for a smoother sip.</p><p><strong>Customer Rating: </strong>4.4 out of 5 stars</p><strong>Why Buy: </strong>Dishwasher safe; Adjustable length; Plastic-free packaging; Carrying case and cleaning brush included; Nontoxic9. Best Wide Straw: Teivio Reusable Straws
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="d4ae13d8448d5c228cae2612ea3acfe6" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F157CL9?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JkjkeA3uL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>While a standard-sized straw will work in most situations, some drinks may require something a little wider. For <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/5-smoothie-ingredients-to-fuel-your-workout-recipe-1882107335.html" target="_self">smoothies</a>, milkshakes, and boba tea, we recommend Teivio Reusable Glass Straws. This set comes with two standard straws, two extra-wide straws, a pair of cleaning brushes, and two handy cases made from biodegradable wheat straw.</p><p><strong>Customer Rating:</strong> 4.7 out of 5 stars</p><strong>Why Buy:</strong> Case made from biodegradable wheat straw; Wide; Nontoxic; Cleaning brush included10. Best Reusable Straw For Kids: Softy Straws Silicone Straws
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="af67c2fb4809b9581d3d24bc658ef149" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WJF1TEK?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sprj6aC3L.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>Reusable straws set a great example of <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-climate-change-2643952418.html" target="_self">stewardship for your little ones</a>, but it's important to make sure they're bite-safe. Softy Straws Silicone Straws are flexible yet durable and come in kid-friendly colors. They're also BPA-free, lead-free, and have passed rigorous safety testing to ensure they're safe for the whole family.</p><p><strong>Customer Rating:</strong> 4.7 out of 5 stars</p><p><strong>Why Buy:</strong> Dishwasher safe; BPA-free; Lead-free; Cleaning squeegee included</p>Buyer's Guide: Which Reusable Straw Is Right For You?
<p>We've listed 10 of the best reusable straws to choose from, but which one is best for you? When buying a reusable straw, you'll want to take into account f<strong></strong>actors such as whether you want to take your straw on the go — and, thus, whether it folds down or has a carrying case of some sort — and whether it's important that it's dishwasher safe.<br></p><p>You'll also want to choose which material you prefer:</p><ul><li><strong>Silicone:</strong> If you're a habitual straw biter or have young children, Silicone will likely be your best bet. These soft reusable straws are ultra flexible, nontoxic, and are available in many different colors. They don't hold a shape as well as some alternative materials, but that's precisely what many users like about them.</li><li><strong>Stainless steel:</strong> Metal straws made with food-grade stainless steel are often a cheap option, but they hold up over time. While some people complain about a metallic taste and heating up when drinking hot beverages, others prefer these straws for their durability. Additionally, some stainless-steel straws come with silicone tips that can be used if you don't like how hard the metal is on your teeth.</li><li><strong>Glass:</strong> Glass reusable straws have a smooth mouthfeel, are lightweight, and can come in a variety of aesthetically pleasing hues. You can rest assured they won't be made with BPA or other <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/a-toxin-in-every-household-2595496112.html" target="_self">harmful toxins</a>, but one common concern with glass straws is how breakable they are. To combat this, look for straws made from a material like borosilicate glass that's more shatter-resistant.</li><li><strong>Bamboo:</strong> Reusable straws made from bamboo are <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/biodegradable-straws-cutlery-2647876041.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1" target="_self">completely biodegradable</a>, making them especially sustainable. Like glass, they're lightweight and have a smooth mouthfeel, however, they can have a slight woody taste. And if you want a bent straw, you'll need to choose another material — these only come stick-straight. </li></ul>From Your Site Articles
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An aerial view of the National Wild and Scenic Little Miami River in Maineville, Ohio, on Dec. 3, 2020. Joe Timmerman
By Joe Timmerman
Few leaves are still falling off trees and down the ever-running water of the National Wild and Scenic Little Miami River, where they float through five counties and 111 miles of Southwest Ohio, into the Ohio River and toward the Mississippi before eventually finding their way into the Gulf of Mexico. Today, these 111 miles of Little Miami River are the cleanest that they have been in the last 40 years, and as the world may seem largely disconnected due to the coronavirus pandemic, a connection between people over time is helping to create the river's lasting sustainability.
<p>Since the end of the last Ice Age before this land was known as America, humans have lived along the Little Miami River and enjoyed the resources it provides — drinking the water alongside its banks while hunting for fish within, using the clay to build pottery or structures, and floating on the surface in kayaks or canoes like the leaves still do today. In that time, the river has seen many seasons of change, from shifts in human culture alongside its banks through community development to biological diversities in its rich, natural environment, <a href="http://littlemiami.com/LITTLE%20MIAMI%20RIVER%20ECOLOGY%20AND%20HISTORY.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">according to the Little Miami Ecology and History report</a>.</p>
<p>When the Little Miami was designated as Ohio's first State Scenic River and included in the National Wild and Scenic River System in 1973, <a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/land-water/rivers-streams-wetlands/scenic-rivers-program" target="_blank">according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources</a>, locals had already been active in its <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/conservation">conservation</a> and return to sustainability for more than half a decade. <a href="https://www.littlemiami.org/" target="_blank">The Little Miami Conservancy</a> (LMC), a non-profit organization fueled by passion for the protection of the river, led the effort in Washington to recognize the importance of protecting the Little Miami River as not only a local hidden gem, but as a national treasure.</p><p>The lower section of the river runs right through the heart of Loveland, Ohio, where LMC and its current executive director, Eric Partee, is based. Partee's passion roots from the original director of the conservancy, Glenn Thompson, who in 1967 embodied the idea that their effort isn't about one single person, but rather about everyone coming together to save the river.</p><p>"Someday, a corridor of green will stretch from one end of the river to the other. Individuals and families will enjoy peace and quiet and restoration of spirit that comes with clean water, birds, and trees," a quote from Glenn Thompson that Partee believes the conservancy has lived up to.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTEyODY5MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NTA1Nzk3N30.piiwThj3X1lBU9GHp_ErDiDIWD6SrXBqE25ezB_ACAI/img.jpg?width=980" id="1c9ab" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="951d1a86103962255d1fb94e12581eb5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1667" data-height="2500" />
A ripple in the water caused by a fish moves below fall trees as the sun rises in Loveland, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. The Little Miami River flows through 5 counties and 111 miles of Southwest Ohio, including Clermont County and Hamilton County where Loveland lies between. Joe Timmerman
<p>Since its origin, the conservancy has worked with agencies like the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), who records the condition of the Little Miami River every 10 years by sampling fish life. In the 1980s, only 4% of the Little Miami River was in full attainment of water quality health, but in recent years, the chart has flipped, and as of 2007, the river is at 96% attainment of health, <a href="https://epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/tmdl/Lower%20LMR_TMDL%20Report_FINAL_FINAL_Nov11.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to OEPA research</a>.</p><p><span>"As early as the turn of the century, this river was very well polluted. (There were) a lot of deformed fish, it was not anything close to exceptional," Partee said in an interview. "It took a lot of discussion, a little bit of arm twisting, and some local funding to fund improvements to the sewage treatment plants to ratchet down on phosphorus, which was the main culprit … when we got the treatment plants to ratchet down on that, biology basically turned around on a dime — from terrible to exceptional."</span></p><p>To make sure the river stays healthy, LMC introduced a set of equipment called YSI Water Quality Sondes, which monitor dissolved oxygen in nine locations throughout the length of the entire Little Miami, according to Partee. Each system monitors oxygen every 15 minutes, allowing for constant awareness of river health to prevent a reversion of quality. The conservancy also takes pride in its work on forest restoration through buying riverfront properties, planting trees, removing invasive species, and working collectively to clean up trash in the effort to grow closer to the initial goal of a corridor of green along the riverbank.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTEyODY5Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTQxNDMyNn0.aBjqleHZxtgsyzFrgXX3zcmpBjXsYaVVhWOEkGc6J00/img.jpg?width=980" id="198a3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="20b53c79caa02a5f0bbb9fe3d68a24e3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="1667" data-height="2500" />
Eric Partee, executive director of the Little Miami Conservancy, holds one of nine water quality sondes that are found all along the length of the river, this one in Milford, Ohio, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2020. A water quality sonde uses sensors to measure dissolved oxygen in the river, which is recorded every 15 minutes in 3-month spans and is checked once a week by Partee and volunteers of the conservancy. "Ninety-six percent of the river is in full attainment with exceptional habitat quality, it's just in fantastic condition. The challenge is to keep it that way," Partee said. Joe Timmerman
<p>A short walk from the doors of the conservancy is the Loveland Canoe and Kayak Livery, owned by Mark and Robyn Bersani, which is just one of the many businesses along the Little Miami River that rely on its health as their main resource for income. The Bersanis work closely with the conservancy each year by offering and volunteering for cleanups as well as generous donations. This year, along with two other liveries including Rivers Edge and Scenic River, their combined donation to the Little Miami Conservancy's effort was $56,000, according to Bersani.</p><p>"We're involved from a grassroots portion, to actually helping with cleanups, to keeping an eye on the river, as well as donating and continuing to fund the good work that they do," Bersani said in an interview. "It comes down to the people that live along the river, people that visit the river, the people in the community, if the river is going to stay clean. This river is very natural, it looks like it did 300 years ago … it is vital that the citizens all realize they have a role in this."</p><p>Up the road at Loveland High School, Amy Aspenwall, an AP environmental science teacher teaches teenagers the importance of environmental awareness through hands-on experiences in places like the Little Miami River.</p><p>In an interview over Zoom, Aspenwall talked about the importance of students getting out into nature to actually see how humans fit in the environment, because "if you don't see it, it's really not your problem," Aspenwall said. From understanding <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/food-waste">food waste</a> to the water drinking system to sewer treatment facilities, her goal is to allow students the opportunity to realize a sense of civic responsibility.</p><p>"It's important for students to start to think of themselves as a bigger picture rather than just someone following teacher instructions," Aspenwall said. "I want them to start thinking on their own and realize how powerful they are as a consumer."</p><p>Although the Little Miami River is of "exceptional quality," <a href="https://epa.ohio.gov/dsw/tmdl/LittleMiamiRiver#118215922-monitoring" target="_blank">according to a 2010 water quality monitoring report by the OEPA</a>, "the tributaries were generally of a lower quality."</p><p>Michelle Waller, an environmental specialist in the Division of Surface Water at OEPA, discussed the difficulties the river has faced through poor nutrients entering the river due to excess phosphorus from treatment plants and still faces through agricultural runoff from farms, in an interview over Zoom.<br></p><p>Waller said that placing phosphorus limits on the main stem's water treatment plants in recent years proved to show major improvements in river nutrients after the OEPA performed sampling, but other negative sources are out of their reach. "We do not have authority over agriculture the way we do with what we call point sources, the treatment plants," Waller said. "We try to work with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, they try to get the word out about good farming practices … but there is no real regulatory authority which is a really big problem."</p><p>The majority of land along the Little Miami River is agricultural, unlike other major rivers in Ohio that have industry running alongside their waters. And just like the branches of community that have come together to help preserve the river, many tributary streams and creeks branch out from the Little Miami, though those tributaries can be overlooked.</p><p>As most organizations, including the OEPA and LMC, focus their efforts on upholding the exceptional quality of the main stem of the Little Miami River, there is still work to be done in the tributaries. Partee talked about how there just isn't enough time for LMC to visit every tributary and talk to every landowner. However, near Beaver Creek in Greene County, there is an organization called the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association, which has adopted that very issue. "I think that's probably the best future for the watershed, to have local citizens dealing with multiple tributaries and try to restore or protect it," said Partee.</p>
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTEyODY4OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTE5MTEwNn0.uyayiXufa8-kE_LzSnK2cvmu1AOTKpIMUR46fFiu1Lw/img.jpg?width=980" id="0fbaf" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e46ec59055d4f4d5b303022f14a9015c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="2500" data-height="1667" />
People bike on a section of the Loveland Bike Trail alongside the Little Miami River in Loveland, Ohio, on Monday, Nov. 8, 2020. Joe Timmerman
<p>Between the shared relationships of the Little Miami Conservancy, OEPA, local government officials, developers, landowners, non-profits, teachers, and local business owners, a community has come together and worked toward the common effort to make a positive, sustainable change in the health of the river.<br></p><p>The timelessness of the Little Miami River will carry on as long as its water continues to run. And as it always has been, it's still up to the people alongside the riverbank to make sure that the water runs clean for generations to come. As the late author Nelson Henderson said, and Eric Partee paraphrased when we talked together, "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."</p><p><em>Note: The next OEPA Little Miami River Watershed TMDL Report will be produced and published by 2022, according to the last OEPA TMDL report. </em></p><p><em><a href="https://www.josephmtimmerman.com/" target="_blank">Joe Timmerman</a> is a sophomore journalism and photojournalism student at E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the School of Visual Communications at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Joe is passionate about finding natural connections between people and sharing those stories he finds.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
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IKEA has partnered with Vox Creative and tiny home builder Escape to create a sustainable tiny house on wheels. Josiah And Steph Photography
Furniture giant IKEA collaborated with Vox Creative and tiny home builder Escape to produce a tiny house on wheels that could inspire environmental- and climate-friendly changes in the housing industry.
<p>"It was a natural pairing," Escape founder Dan Dobrowolski told <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/ikea-tiny-home-project" target="_blank">Lonely Planet</a>. "We feature many IKEA products in our various tiny home designs around the country as they mirror the renewable, reusable and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/recycling" target="_self">recycled</a> materials we incorporate into the actual structures."</p><p>According to IKEA, the project's goal is to prove "that anyone, anywhere can live a more <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/sustainability" target="_self">sustainable</a> life," reported <a href="https://www.greenmatters.com/p/tiny-home-ikea?gm&fbclid=IwAR2rnTfIkXVQmPP1Vpt-uO05nxDzS7s6bY8PwGHP45TnC-piTL5kTcYKr0M" target="_blank">Green Matters</a>. As such, the model IKEA Tiny Home Project was created with that purpose in mind.</p><p>The entire trailer unit is a 187-square-foot model filled with IKEA furniture, topped with roof solar panels and stocked with an on-demand RV water heater, <a href="https://www.dwell.com/article/ikea-tiny-home-project-escape-923a72be" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dwell</a> reported. According to <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/ikea-tiny-homes-can-help-fight-climate-change-giving-small-ncna1252431" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NBC</a>, it runs on electric and allows for off-the-grid living. The tiny building also emits zero pollution, including carbon. In fact, the only emissions come from the trailer being towed.</p>
<p>Manufactured structures are usually less wasteful than on-site constructions, according to <a href="https://pebblemag.com/magazine/living/modular-homes-ecofriendly-reasons" target="_blank">Pebble Magazine</a>. The interior's whitewashed panels are made from sustainably grown pine, reported <a href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/ikea-tiny-home-project-escape-vista-boho-xl" target="_blank">Travel + Leisure</a>, while the kitchen cupboards are made from recycled bottle tops. There is also a compostable toilet and a collapsible desk/kitchen table, Lonely Planet shared.</p><p> Abbey Stark, IKEA senior interior design leader, told Lonely Planet that she prioritized renewable, reusable and recycled materials to make the space "functional as well as beautiful." Stark designed the space as an IKEA show home with sustainable, multifunctional, space-saving and energy-efficient products, Lonely Planet reported.</p><p>The entire build took less than 60 days to complete and models start at $47,550, Travel + Leisure reported. Curbed created a <a href="https://archive.curbed.com/ad/21417721/virtual-tour-ikea-tiny-home-sustainability" target="_blank">virtual tour</a> showcasing the eco-conscious and stylish elements.</p>
<p>If the tiny house trend becomes even more popular through new, sustainable projects like IKEA's, it could help curb climate pollution from the housing industry. Currently, the sector accounts for about five percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., not counting electricity, reported NBC.</p><p>Some skeptics note that smaller houses won't tackle the biggest climate threat from construction: concrete. The very qualities that make concrete a desirable construction material (non-modular form; low-labor requirements; capacity to be shaped) make it non-reusable and unsustainable, NBC reported. While projects like the tiny house might use more renewable materials, large structures like bridges, ports, roads and factories still use concrete.</p><p>Even so, the push toward <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tiny-house-eco-friendly-2639728847.html" target="_self">smaller, more sustainable housing</a> is leading to environmental shifts. Green Matters reported that tiny homes typically reduced energy consumption by about 45 percent and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tiny-homes-eco-friendly-2634222368.html">prompted owners to behave more sustainably</a> by growing their own crops, reducing consumption and recycling more.</p><p>"We built a sustainable tiny home from the ground up to better educate and inspire consumers to bring sustainability into their own lives," IKEA said, reported Green Matters. The company hopes the project will "[generate] awareness of the tiny home and [illustrate] the big impact that small, daily decisions can make for a better, more sustainable world."</p>
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New U.S. dietary guidelines are a strong win for alcohol and soda industries. Kanawa_Studio / iStock / Getty Images Plus
By Sarah Reinhardt
The federal government released new U.S. dietary guidelines Tuesday after three years of preparation, and it served a strong win to both alcohol and soda industries.
<p>Rather than adopting a new recommendation for men to limit alcohol intake to one drink per day, the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/trump-watch/" target="_self">Trump</a> administration instead passed on science and <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/taranurin/2020/08/28/lawmakers-accuse-federal-agencies-of-pursuing-an-anti-alcohol-agenda-in-considering-new-drinking-recommendations/?sh=212e0e616f46" target="_blank">yielded to industry lobbying</a>, leaving the prior limit of two drinks in place. New guidance for adults and children two and older to reduce added sugar from a maximum of 10 percent to 6 percent of daily calories was also rejected.</p><p>If you can look beyond its gratuitous gifts to industry, the new guidelines provide some wins for public health, too. The <em>2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em> retains evidence-based guidance on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and saturated fats, and for the first time includes dietary recommendations for infants, toddlers, and pregnant and lactating women.</p><p>Now, with the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> on paper, another question looms large: How can federal agencies use it to make meaningful advancements in public health — particularly during a global pandemic?</p>
<h3>What's the big deal about new <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>?</h3><p>You may know the <em>Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em> from the <a href="https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/brief-history-usda-food-guides" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">food pyramid of the early 1990s</a> — which, despite having been <a href="https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/brief-history-usda-food-guides" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">replaced by MyPlate</a> nearly a decade ago, seems to have a stronghold on the popular imagination when it comes to our ideas about healthy eating. But the impact and reach of U.S. dietary guidelines is far greater than many people realize. In addition to being the nation's leading nutrition recommendations, the <a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2019/06/delivering-on-the-dietary-guidelines-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Dietary Guidelines</em></a> provide the scientific basis for federal nutrition programs, including school lunch and breakfast programs, that reach millions of kids, parents, seniors, veterans, and other members of the public every day.</p><p>As <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/101st-congress/house-bill/1608/text" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">required by law</a>, the guidelines are updated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) every five years to reflect the best available scientific research. This process typically starts with the selection of an <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/work-under-way/review-science/about-advisory-committee" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">expert committee</a> that spends two years developing a rigorous scientific report on current nutrition science, and ends with agency staff and political leaders writing and publishing final guidelines. And the decisions made by agriculture secretary Sonny Perdue and HHS secretary Alex Azar about what to include — or omit — in the new guidelines will affect the health of our children and communities for years to come.</p>
<h3>How industry gets inside access to the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em></h3><p>The <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> aren't developed in a vacuum; the process is intentionally designed to be both transparent and accessible to the public, and provides opportunities to <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/work-under-way/review-science/public-meetings" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">attend meetings</a> of the scientific committee and to <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/work-under-way/get-involved/submit-comment" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">submit comments</a>. These opportunities are open to all individuals, academic institutions, advocacy organizations, and industry groups and associations whose input can inform and strengthen the scientific committee's work. But problems can arise when industry groups bypass this process and attempt to directly influence federal agencies or members of Congress, either through lobbying or unofficial meetings that may not be documented. During the three years preceding the release of the <em>2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines</em>, dozens of industry groups representing the interests of beer, wine, and liquor companies spent an <a href="https://www.opensecrets.org/federal-lobbying/industries/summary?cycle=2017&id=N02" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">average of $27 million per year</a> ($30.7 million in 2018, $29.3 million in 2019, and $22.2 million in 2020) lobbying members of Congress. Once formed, these cozy relationships can prompt Congress to act on behalf of companies by petitioning USDA and HHS secretaries to change or omit recommendations that industry finds unfavorable. In August 2020, 28 members of <a href="https://www.distilledspirits.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/DGA-House-letter-August-12.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Congress addressed such a letter</a> to UDSA and HHS secretaries, challenging the scientific committee's findings on alcohol and mortality.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, industry groups such as the <a href="https://www.ameribev.org/about-us/" target="_blank">American Beverage Association</a>, which includes soda giants Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, and Pepsi, pushed back against the added sugar recommendations in the scientific report, asking USDA and HHS secretaries to <a href="https://beta.regulations.gov/comment/FNS-2020-0015-24770" target="_blank">maintain current targets</a> instead. <a href="https://blog.ucsusa.org/sarah-reinhardt/new-dietary-guidelines-report-is-a-science-success-story" target="_blank">But as we wrote this summer</a>, the current limit of 10 percent prevents the average individual from meeting all requirements for a healthy diet within their target calorie range — a rationale spelled out clearly in the <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/ScientificReport_of_the_2020DietaryGuidelinesAdvisoryCommittee_first-print.pdf" target="_blank">scientific report</a>. The science is also clear that reducing added sugar intake across the U.S. population would yield significant public health rewards. Our 2019 report, <a href="https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/attach/2019/06/delivering-on-the-dietary-guidelines-report.pdf" target="_blank"><em>Delivering on the Dietary Guidelines</em></a>, found that drinking just one fewer sugar-sweetened beverage per day could avert nearly 19,000 deaths from type 2 diabetes and decrease medical costs by $16 billion annually among U.S. adults.</p><p>Though industry influence is the exception, not the rule, this isn't the first time that Congress has interfered with the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>. For example, when the scientific committee behind the <em>2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines </em>was charged with reviewing evidence on <a href="https://ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/2020-02/in-support-of-sustainable-eating_0.pdf" target="_blank">diets, sustainability, and food security,</a> its findings were met with <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/2015-dietary-guidelines-217438" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">strong opposition from meat industry groups</a>, including the <a href="https://www.meatinstitute.org/index.php?ht=display/ReleaseDetails/i/111303" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">North American Meat Institute</a> (NAMI). As <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/2015-dietary-guidelines-217438" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported by POLITICO</a>, NAMI spent more than $220,000 lobbying members of Congress in the first three quarters of 2015 on issues including the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>, while the National Cattlemen's Beef Association spent $112,000 and the National Pork Producers Council spent $780,000. Under political pressure from Congress, USDA and HHS secretaries ultimately omitted the committee's findings on this topic and <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2015/10/06/2015-dietary-guidelines-giving-you-tools-you-need-make-healthy-choices" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">declared sustainability outside the scope</a> of U.S. dietary guidance.</p>
<h3>For core dietary advice, it's much of the same</h3><p>The biggest update to the <em>2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines</em> is the all-new dietary recommendations for infants, toddlers under two, and pregnant and lactating women. Key recommendations for infants include exclusive human milk for the first six months, with iron-fortified formula as an acceptable substitute when milk is unavailable, and the introduction of complementary foods thereafter.</p><p>But core dietary recommendations for the general population have largely remained the same. Despite sensational headlines and nutrition trends du jour, most of what we know about a healthy diet has actually remained fairly consistent over time: we're healthiest when we eat a diversity of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; consume lean sources of protein, including poultry, seafood, and <a href="https://blog.ucsusa.org/sarah-reinhardt/on-valentines-day-a-love-letter-to-legumes" target="_blank">legumes</a> (think beans, peas, and lentils); and limit solid fats and sodium, in addition to added sugars. And though the new edition does not drastically depart from a longstanding tendency to skirt the health risks of red and processed meat, the new edition does newly (if subtly) suggest replacing some "processed or high-fat meats" with beans, peas, lentils, or seafood. Meanwhile, neither the scientific report nor the final guidelines addressed the potential health consequences of <a href="http://www.fao.org/3/ca5644en/ca5644en.pdf" target="_blank">ultra-processed foods</a>, which are increasingly the focus of diet and health research and have been acknowledged in <a href="https://www.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11564:dietary-guidelines-brazilian-population&Itemid=4256&lang=en#:~:text=Brazil's%20latest%20food%2Dbased%20dietary,and%20avoiding%20ultra%2Dprocessed%20foods" target="_blank">international dietary guidance</a>.</p>
<h3>New <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> must provide a pathway to sustainability and health equity</h3><p>Five years ago, the <em>2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans</em> described the myriad social, cultural, and economic factors that can influence dietary choices, and offered evidence-based strategies for health professionals and policymakers. Much of this information was notably absent from the <em>2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines</em> released today, which named key federal nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but otherwise seemed to place a much greater focus on individual choices than the external factors that constrain those choices.</p><p>Of course, even when these factors are explicitly addressed, they are only useful if the federal government has the will and the means to act on them.</p><p>Historically, there has been very little investment in implementing dietary guidance. Following the release of each new edition of the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em>, the USDA works to develop evidence-based educational tools and resources (like MyPlate and its predecessor, the food pyramid) to reflect current recommendations, but the buck often stops there. Because while the guidelines are supposed to serve as the backbone for federal nutrition programs, the government lacks a mechanism — and perhaps more importantly, funding — to make sure this happens and to ensure that <a href="https://civileats.com/2020/07/28/should-the-dietary-guidelines-help-fight-systemic-racism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dietary guidance is reaching communities</a> who need it most. Furthermore, USDA educational materials and resources are largely limited to dietary patterns that do not reflect the broad cultural and culinary diversity in the United States. All of this means that the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> remain inaccessible to many populations, including many immigrant communities and people of color impacted by systemic racism and other forms of oppression.</p>
<p>Thousands of <a href="https://beta.regulations.gov/docket/FNS-2020-0015" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">individuals who weighed in</a> on the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> process are also watching to see how the USDA and HHS will handle the issue of sustainability. Although sustainability was excluded from the initial <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/work-under-way/review-science/topics-and-questions-under-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">list of research questions</a> provided to the scientific committee — effectively barring a review of current <a href="https://blog.ucsusa.org/sarah-reinhardt/is-the-us-ready-for-sustainable-dietary-guidelines-new-research-makes-a-compelling-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">evidence on sustainable diets</a> — sustainability was highlighted in the scientific report anyway. The committee encouraged federal agencies to "support efforts to consider the <em>Dietary Guidelines</em> in relation to sustainability of the food system," and further noted that "the achievability and maintenance of healthy food and beverage intakes is dependent on a complex number of factors that influence food access, availability, and cost. Long-term maintenance of healthy intakes requires long-term support of associated food systems." Though the word itself doesn't receive a mention in the 164-page document, sustainability will continue to be a key issue the USDA will be expected to confront in its implementation of dietary guidance.</p><p>These considerations are particularly important against the backdrop of the public health crisis caused by COVID-19, which has produced <a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2020.305953" target="_blank">sharp increases in food insecurity</a> for families nationwide and underscored the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html" target="_blank">threats posed by widespread chronic disease</a>. But they will continue to provide critical context for dietary guidance after this pandemic passes, and have the potential to leave us <a href="https://blog.ucsusa.org/sarah-reinhardt/investing-in-dietary-guidelines-will-leave-us-better-prepared-for-the-next-pandemic" target="_blank">better prepared in the face of the next crisis</a>, be it a viral outbreak or a climate-related natural disaster. Though Biden's USDA will have plenty on its plate (so to speak), putting our national nutrition guidance to good use — and restoring public faith in the process — should be a top priority to protect public health for generations to come.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://blog.ucsusa.org/sarah-reinhardt/new-dietary-guidelines-cater-to-alcohol-and-soda-industries" target="_blank">Union of Concerned Scientists</a>.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
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Electronic waste to be dismantled as recyclable waste at the Electronic Recyclers International plant in Holliston, Massachusetts. Zoran Milich / Contributor / Moment Mobile / Getty Images
By Doug Johnson
Laptops, phones and tablets come out in new, flashier upgrades each year, and consumers lap them up, eager to own the latest desirable models with the most cutting-edge features. But with every upgrade, older models mount up in landfills around the world.
<p>In 2019, we generated a record 53.6 million metric tons of <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/can-the-pandemic-help-us-to-embrace-refurbished-electronics/a-53741181" target="_blank">e-waste</a>, according to the <a href="http://ewastemonitor.info/" target="_blank">Global E-waste Monitor</a> put out by United Nations University's (UNU) — a UN research and academic institution — among other organizations. It predicts that this amount will reach 74 million tons by the end of the decade.</p><p>Apart from the sheer volume of waste piling up on trash heaps, electronics often contain toxic chemicals such as mercury and chlorofluorocarbons that can leach into the surrounding environment.</p><p>Despite growing awareness of the problem, little of this waste is being <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/china-cleans-up-electronic-recycling/a-42570581" target="_blank">recycled</a>.</p>
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<p>"While consumers will often say 'Yes, of course I am in favor of recycling, and yes, I recycle,' when you actually look at behaviors, it doesn't match up with the percentages who say they would do it," said Laura Kelly, director of the Shaping Sustainable Markets group at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), a London-based independent research organization.</p><p>Which is why some experts are calling for a <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/dematerialization-is-it-time-to-rent-not-buy-electronics/a-55948968" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">radical overhaul</a> of electronics manufacturers' business model.</p><p>"Innovation is very much needed in order to reuse as much as possible," said Ruediger Kuehr, director of the Sustainable Cycles Program at UNU and one of the Global E-waste Monitor's authors.</p><p>Kuehr believes we need to "dematerialize" the electronics sectors – instead of buying and owning the latest tech we should lease the devices we use, with manufacturers shifting their model to providing a service instead of material goods.</p>
<h2>Shifting Responsibility From Consumers to Manufacturers</h2><p>With manufacturers maintaining ownership of their products, the burden of recycling would shift from consumers — who often don't know how best to dispose of old devices — to companies who would reuse materials and parts for new products.</p><p>In 2019, only 17.4% of e-waste — 9.3 million tons — was formally collected and recycled, according to the latest <a href="http://ewastemonitor.info/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">E-waste Monitor</a>. This largely ends up with recycling facilities that operate independently of manufacturers. And because e-waste isn't their problem, the manufacturers themselves have little incentive to design products with easy disassembly and recovery of reusable materials in mind.</p><p>The new devices with space-age-smooth casings are often virtually impossible to take apart, meaning even the precious materials they contain will end up in landfills. And for manufacturers, the faster we discard and replace them, the bigger their profits.</p><p>Yet for certain products, leasing models are already proving to make good business sense. Japanese electronics company Canon, has a scheme to lease large office printers in Europe, which Kuehr cited as an example of dematerialization. Hewlett-Packard and Xerox offer similar initiatives.</p><p>When a lease ends, Canon takes back the used printer, refurbishes it for the next customer or, if it is no longer in working order, ships it to its facility in Giessen, Germany, where it is broken down to the chassis. Parts are then reused in repairing other machines. This allows the company to recover 80% of the materials by weight, according to Canon sustainability manager Andy Tomkins.</p>
<h2>Numbers Game</h2><p>Tompkins said Canon wasn't only motivated by environmental concerns. Considering the size of the machines — and the volume of materials involved — it "makes economic sense to do this as well," he said. There are also relatively few of these printers out in circulation, making it easier for them to be recalled than, say, cellphones.</p><p>But Tompkins believes subscription models could work for smaller, more numerous devices, if consumers were ready for it. Unlike with office machines, many private customers still want to own a product. Moreover, they want to own one that is new.</p><p>It would also require manufacturers to redesign their product lines — in the same way that Canon's made-for-lease printers are made to be taken apart with maximum recovery of materials in mind — and build facilities to undertake this work.</p><p>Even then, there is a limit to the volume of materials that can be recycled. Blair Fix, a political economist and author of the book Rethinking Economic Growth Theory From a Biophysical Perspective, points out that everything degrades and nothing is perfectly recyclable. "We're always going to need materials," he said. And right now, it is often far cheaper to produce new materials — like plastics from oil — than recycle used ones.</p>
<h2>Incentives for Change</h2><p>Kelly at the IIED noted that, in many cases, corporations do adopt environmentally progressive policies on their own. One reason is that sustainability commitments can enhance their brand. But non-renewable resources are also declining.</p><p>The E-Waste Monitor estimates the value of the raw materials thrown out in old electronics in 2019 at $57 billion (€47 billion). Of this, only $10 billion worth of raw material was recovered "in an environmentally sound way." Some of this value is in rare elements such as gold and those — like cobalt — that are becoming ever scarcer because they are essential to electronics.</p><p>Forward-thinking companies that start rolling out circular strategies now could have a head start if the economics shifts in favor of recycling, Kelly says.</p><p>There is little sign of companies doing so yet, though, and Fix says dematerialization electronics might require government intervention. Regulations could oblige manufacturers to take on the costs of disposing of their products, while public money could subsidize some of manufacturers' costs for setting up their own disassembly and recycling plants.</p><p>"If producers would market it this way, it could really make a difference," Kuehr said.</p>
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<em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/dematerialization-is-it-time-to-rent-not-buy-electronics/a-55948968" target="_blank">DW</a>.</em>
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The Andean mountains of the Zongo Valley in Bolivia where the RAP expedition took place are steep and rugged, with numerous waterfalls and cascades. Trond Larsen / Conservation International
In the Bolivian Andes, scientists found 20 new species and rediscovered plants and animals not seen for decades.
<p>The findings were made on a 14-day scientific expedition in March 2017 led by non-profit environmental group <a href="https://www.conservation.org/" target="_blank">Conservation International (CI)</a> high into the cloud forests of the Andean mountains. As part of CI's Rapid Assessment Program, which assembles "ecological SWAT teams" to quickly and efficiently assess the health of ecosystems around the world, the team identified a total of 1,204 species in the Zongo Valley, 20 of which were completely new to science, <a href="https://www.conservation.org/blog/trove-of-new-species-discovered-in-hidden-bolivian-valley" target="_blank">Conservation News</a> reported.</p><p>Near the capital city of La Paz, Zongo Valley is known as the heart of a rich, biodiverse region, a <a href="https://www.conservation.org/press-releases/2020/12/14/new-rare-and-rediscovered-species-found-in-the-pristine-andes-of-bolivia#:~:text=La%20Paz%2C%20Bolivia%20%2D%20(December,orchid%20and%20four%20butterfly%20species." target="_blank">CI press release</a> stated. The cloud forests are well-preserved atop high, steep, rugged mountains more than 10,000 feet above sea level, perhaps explaining how so many species have remained undetected and unfound until now. Biologists and expedition team members hiked for more than two weeks through the valley to access the ecosystem, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/expedition-20-new-species-animals-in-bolivian-andes-2020-12" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Business Insider</a> reported.</p><p>Among the newly discovered species are the extremely venomous <a href="https://ci.tandemvault.com/lightboxes/qOTPZXBM7?t=lKATSovZq#68870035" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mountain fer-de-lance</a> viper, the red, yellow and green <a href="https://ci.tandemvault.com/lightboxes/qOTPZXBM7?t=lKATSovZq#12683785" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bolivian flag snake</a> and the tiny <a href="https://ci.tandemvault.com/lightboxes/qOTPZXBM7?t=lKATSovZq#93095728" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lilliputian frog</a>, according to the CI release. In addition, the valley flourishes with stunning plant and butterfly species, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/13/americas/new-species-bolivian-andes-spc-intl-scn/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CNN</a> reported. One such new orchid species, the Adder's mouth orchid, has parts that cleverly mimic insects, tricking them into transferring pollen for the flowers, CNN noted.</p><p>Although new to science, one species of <a href="https://ci.tandemvault.com/lightboxes/qOTPZXBM7?t=lKATSovZq#79934669" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bamboo</a> is well-known to local Indigenous communities, who use it to make musical instruments called sikus or zampoñas, the CI release said.</p>
<p>"[In Zongo] the noises you hear are from nature — all sorts of insects, frogs and birds calling, wonderful rushing sounds and cascades of waterfalls. Everything is covered in thick layers of moss, orchids and ferns," CI's expedition leader Trond Larsen told CNN.</p><p>In addition to identifying new species, researchers rediscovered four species thought to be extinct. The CI release mentioned how the <a href="https://ci.tandemvault.com/lightboxes/qOTPZXBM7?t=lKATSovZq#22445087" target="_blank">satyr butterfly</a> was last seen 98 years ago, but researchers caught a specimen in a trap containing its food source: rotten fruit. This species is believed to only live in the Zongo Valley. Another, the <a href="https://ci.tandemvault.com/lightboxes/qOTPZXBM7?t=lKATSovZq#52842114" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">devil-eyed frog</a>, was last seen 20 years ago before a hydroelectric dam was built in its habitat, CNN reported.</p><p>"The remarkable discovery of new species and rediscovery of species once thought extinct illustrates just how important it is to continue to sustainably develop La Paz in a way that protects and conserves the nature that surrounds it," Larsen told Conservation News. "This area has become a safe haven for amphibians, butterflies and plants that haven't been found anywhere else on earth. We owe it to future generations to keep it that way."</p><p>Despite the pristine habitat that many of the animals were found in, some are having to adapt to the climate crisis by moving to higher ground in search of cooler conditions, CNN reported. To get higher, animals often have to traverse forests to reach more habitable areas.</p>
<p>"Unless you keep those corridors of forest intact then those animals and plants have no way to move and no way to adjust to those changing conditions," Larsen explained to CNN. "That's why protecting places like the Zongo is so essential in the face of climate change."</p><p>The findings will inform sustainable development plans for rural areas of La Paz, 78 percent of which falls within the Zongo, the CI release said. The city will use the information to ensure that natural ecosystems are conserved while <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/bolivia-drought-melt-glaciers-2112257923.html" target="_self">water resources are tapped to provide drinking water</a> and electrical power to the residents of La Paz and El Alto, the release continued.</p><p>"Anytime humans depend on an ecosystem for valuable resources and livelihoods — in this case, water and agriculture — there is a risk that it will be overexploited," Eduardo Forno, executive director of CI-Bolivia told Conservation News. "Currently, some of the biggest threats facing the Zongo Valley are the fires that are set to clear land for small-scale farming, which provides food and income for the rural communities in the area. This has the potential to destroy wildlife habitats and disrupt water sources."</p><p>In the CI release, Forno emphasized how the new discoveries helped make a case for a conservation area near La Paz to conserve the valuable nature and water of Zongo Valley.</p><p>"We are working with the municipality of La Paz and rural communities to use the results from our rapid assessment to strike a balance between protection and production in the Zongo Valley," he told Conservation News. "The plan is to help show the government and local communities the importance of the biodiversity in their own backyard — not only for their livelihoods, but for the entire planet."</p>
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