16-year-old climate activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is petitioning the 2016 U.S. presidential candidates to take a strong stance on ending climate change. In a Care2 petition and a corresponding video letter, Martinez is urging the candidates to pledge to end fossil fuel use in the U.S. by 2026. The petition attracted over 100,000 signatures in its first week online.
Continue reading... →The impact of climate change on Arctic communities is so great that it limits their ability to adapt, or at least that’s what has long been assumed. But according to a recent study in Nature Climate Change, it’s non-climatic factors that obstruct adaptation. For those communities who struggle with adapting, the hurdles they face are unrelated to climate change. Instead, outside pressures, such as outdated land management practices, bureaucratic regulatory processes, limited education and marginalization curb the ability of these communities to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Continue reading... →According to the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a bill that will strengthen the Toxic Substances Control Act, passed the Senate and is expected to be signed into law by President Barack Obama soon. It is the first major environmental legislation in over two decades to move forward to this point.
Continue reading... →The middle class, which is “fundamental to social stability and economic growth” with real clout, will be threatened by climate change in the near future as the majority live in urban cities, many of which are located on coastlines exposed to climate risks,.
Continue reading... →Student-run vegetable and herb gardens are an “entry point” to enjoying school more and diving deeper into subjects. Studies have also indicated that children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetables; additionally, research shows links between gardening and higher student achievement in science. Here are many organizations that encourage schools around the world in supporting students in cultivating gardens.
Continue reading... →Skip the big box stores this year and create your own holiday crafts like these DIY eco-friendly holiday decorating projects! I think it goes without saying that we love DIY holiday ornaments around here. Not only do we have the satisfaction of being crafty, but we also love the fact that our ornaments are made from eco-friendly and/or recycled materials. Plus, rather than spendings tons of money on ornaments at big box stores, you can easily make your own! Here are 14 DIY ornaments to get you inspired: 1. Make a Recycled Gift Tag and Ornament — Want to include an ornament with each handmade gift you make this year? Make an ornament that can also double as a gift tag! 2. Create an Adorable Scrabble Ornament — Last week I created this scrabble ornament over at Feel Good Style. Not only are they oh-so-cute, but they’re super easy to make as well. 3. Button Wreath Ornament — Do you have some vintage buttons in your craft stash? Put them to good use with this button wreath ornament tutorial! 4. Upcycle Unused CDs into Mosaic-Style Ornaments — As the iPod generation, we’re all bound to have some unused CDs. Give them new life by […]
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For me, hands down, the biggest “going green” motivator was having a baby. From the moment I found out that I was pregnant, I watched what I put in my mouth like a hawk. Not to say that I didn’t cheat now and then – sneaking a really greasy French fry when no one was looking, but basically I knew whatever I put in my body, I put in my baby.
At that time, “going green” wasn’t the rage it is today, so I didn’t have all the resources parents have at their fingertips now. That’s good news for parents. I think the challenge today is how NOT to get overwhelmed by it all. Here to help parents with that is Manda Aufochs Gillespie otherwise known as The Green Mama. She is the creator of TheGreenMama.com in Vancouver, Canada. A resource to inspire greener living for mamas and papas. She has put together the ten most effective green parenting habits for 2011. Listen up and see where you stand.
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