Maureen Wise

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!

Are you ready to take the plunge and finally start your very own at-home vegetable garden? There's nothing quite like growing your own produce to put on the table over the summer. But chances are you've waited this long because the idea of harvesting your own food seems, well, a little daunting. But it doesn't have to be!
From what to plant to how often to water, we cover all the basics of growing garden vegetables in this helpful beginner's guide.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Veggies
Growing...

It's finally summer: the air is warm, the kids are out of school, and your vegetable garden is growing. But there are some pesky animals eyeing your kale, chard, and broccoli plants. Are you surrounded on all sides by deer, groundhogs, and other critters? Keep animals out of the garden naturally with a few Earth-friendly tricks.

Do you have a Little Free Library in your community? Are you ready to be the creator and catalyst of this community project? We've got some fun Little Free Library ideas to help you get started!

The spring season is here, and the prolonged sunshine invites us to be outside more. This means it's also time to start your spring garden planning! Even though there aren't many flowers poking their heads out of the dirt just yet, you can start stretching your gardening muscles now to get a jump start for summer! Here are some essential steps to get your garden ready for the season.

Look around you. How much plastic do you see? What are you reading this article on? Does it contain plastic? What were the ingredients of your last meal packaged in? What about the pen you wrote your last to-do list with? Plastic is everywhere! If you are like many people lately, you may be questioning how safe plastics are. We've heard a lot about BPA and BPA-free products, but what are the real concerns?