Maureen Wise

For those embarking on a journey to make their home zero-waste, the kitchen—with food scraps and plastic food packaging galore—may be the most daunting room to tackle. But don't worry! With some research and planning, you can achieve the zero-waste kitchen you've been dreaming of!

Making your home greener doesn't require major construction or spending a lot of money. Here are six low-cost, low-time-investment, eco-friendly home improvement projects to make your home greener today!

Whether you've tasted eucalyptus as a tea, smelled a candle scented with its oil, or hung a leafy eucalyptus wreath on your front door, you're likely familiar with how this beautiful plant can be much more than just another boost of green in your horticulture collection. If you're wondering how to grow eucalyptus indoors, we've got great news: it comes in all sizes!

Warmer weather means more opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature, so why not have a meal outside with your family and friends this summer? A picnic can be a romantic time with your sweetie, a time to catch up with friends, or a fun time with the kids. And rest assured, you can host a picnic without compromising your commitment to the health of the planet—but it will take some planning. Here are some zero-waste picnic tips to help you prepare and have more fun outside.

Summer is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy nature's wonders. Hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking are all great ways to enjoy the outdoors with your friends and family. But, once you're indoors, you likely head straight for an air-conditioned space to cool down. Eco-conscious individuals may wonder about the environmental impact of air conditioning and how to choose more sustainable options. We've rounded up some sustainable air conditioning solutions as well as ways to cool yo...

If you're serious about reducing your carbon footprint in all aspects of your life, you've likely taken a close, hard look at the car you drive. But, how much better is a hybrid vehicle, really? Are hybrid cars worth it? We have some arguments for and against hybrid vehicles to take a look at before considering a purchase.

For couples in love who also love the planet, there's good news: planning an eco-friendly wedding doesn't require any extra stress or complication—just some forethought. We have a few simple ideas to make your big day a green event. Here are some easy swaps you can make regarding invites, dresses, food, travel, and more.

Recycling has evolved dramatically over the decades, and many products that once fell to their fate in landfills can now find a new home through recycling. However, there are still some things you can't recycle curbside. On top of that, there are many items that were once recyclable just a few years ago that can't be recycled anymore.
These facts create plenty of confusion about what happens with our recycling.

As winter draws closer, those thermometers will continue to drop. In most climates, that means it's time to start heating our homes against the chilly air outside. But how do your methods of home heating affect the environment? Sustainable heating options vary by location, but some home heating methods have a greater impact on the environment than others. Let's do a comparison and discuss ways to reduce your heating needs overall!

You may remember back in the 90s when everyone had a peace lily in a vase with a betta fish chomping on the roots. While it's known now that bettas are carnivorous fish that need more than roots and more than a small vase of water to survive, as the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine explains, the shared habitat of plants and fish can help you imagine the concept of aquaponics.
The practice has come a long way since then, and setting up your own small aquaponic plants and f...

With recycling requirements always in flux, buying grocery staples in glass containers instead of plastic is usually more sustainable. You can also find many ways to reuse glass jars around your home once they've served their purpose. After a good wash, they can be used as cups, vases, or simply to hold leftovers or pantry items. But if you're looking to get a little more creative, here are seven crafty ideas for upcycling glass jars.

Bike-share programs are on the rise in the United States, which is good news for city dwellers and visitors who want to help the planet and improve their physical health! Bike sharing is an affordable way to commute or tour a city, and it also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by vehicles and other forms of public transportation.

We all know that plastic waste is causing an environmental crisis, but with plastic so ingrained in our way of life, it can seem like an insurmountable problem. I'm here to tell you that's simply not true.
Through small changes, we can make a huge difference when working toward a more sustainable world—and we're already making strides. Swapping single-use straws for stainless steel, carrying washable shopping bags, and investing in sleek reusable water bottles are becoming commonplace.

Air quality is an indicator of the planet's health, and it has a direct impact on personal well-being, as well. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that nine out of ten people breathe polluted air every day, and up to seven million people lose their lives each year due to air pollution across the globe. These facts can be intimidating, but understanding air pollution causes and effects and learning how you can make changes locally can move the needle to lower these statistics.
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If you're like me, you're wondering why putting charcoal in any close proximity to your mouth would be a good idea. Charcoal toothpaste might seem like an unfounded fad at first, but it turns out that charcoal has been used for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years in medicine because of its adsorption and decolorizing properties.

Can a toothpaste containing charcoal whiten teeth? As counterintuitive as it may sound, it can!