You will save the Earth by sharing and/or tweeting (corny right?)
Let’s start this article off with an overview of a trend that has recently been on my mind: impact investing.
First, what is it?
The traditional role of investment hasn’t changed here. Investments are intended to preserve and grow capital. However, other goals are introduced when investing in companies with environmentally and socially progressive policies and products. Investors shift their assessments from only monetary performance to a broader perspective termed the Triple Bottom Line,.
With Memorial Day having just passed, many Americans came together with their family and friends to remember the great men and women who died protecting our nation; this day also arrives at the perfect time to celebrate the coming of the summer season. Gatherings on this weekend typically take place at someone's home—you know the one: large two-story house with a fenced-in yard and an extraordinarily verdant lawn the shade of a ripe lime; on this turf, good times are shared by all. Tables and chairs are set up neatly in certain areas near the grill; here, people will enjoy great conversation and equally wonderful food. No one will wonder, not even during croquet or cornhole, about the green blades beneath their feet.
From your cup of earl grey or your mystifying medicinal herbal blend, tea can have incredibly calming or invigorating effects on our bodies and minds. Yet, you eco-nerds out there may be searching for simple ways to green your routine. Why not start with your morning (or afternoon) tea? Let’s take a deeper look into the various footprints of tea and tips on how to find sustainabili-tea.
The Tea Plant and Habitat
As many avid tea-drinkers know, the first cup of tea was said to be enjoyed by Emperor Shennong of China after he brewed it by accident in his garden. To this day, the southwestern province of Yunnan is credited with this interminable beverage. (Boalt Richardson, 2014)
Knowledge and awareness are key aspects in reducing your carbon footprint. By understanding the contents of the products you are using, it becomes much easier to make carbon-friendly choices in your own home. Because of this, practicing DIY-style green cleaning with simple ingredients that you can pick and choose from yourself can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. It can also be fun, crafty and eco-friendly!
Owning a dog is a rewarding experience. Not only does petting a dog reduce your blood pressure, but also dogs in general, make wonderful companions. Any new dog owner knows the trials and tribulations involved with raising your new pet. Dogs need constant guidance and affection, requiring hours of playtime and long walks, not to mention, picking up after them.
Food is probably the most carbon intensive of our basic needs. Consider the time and care required to grow food in our gardens and on our farms, that nourish us as humans.
Now add in all of the indirect processes from farm to table: crops diverted to feed the animals we eat, fossil fuel inputs such as fertilizers and transportation, food packaging, deforestation, cow farts... finally, consider globalization’s impact - today’s industrial food complex is now making available endless varieties of food from all corners of the globe, satisfying our never ending appetite for non-local, out-of-season exotic fruits and vegetables.
There is a strong relationship between fashion and climate change, the fashion industry has a direct impact on our environment. The billion dollar fashion and apparel industry is the one of the largest polluters of our clean water supply. The fashion industry uses extensive amounts of the Earth's natural resources, such as water (second largest industry user of water) cotton and other raw materials. Approximately 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used throughout the globe to turn raw materials into the textiles that are used to make our clothes and accessories. As a result this industry is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, including Carbon dioxide (CO2) which as we know is a principle source of global warming, which is rapidly changing the globes climate.
March can be a ruthless month in Canada. Days are short, ice is everywhere, and sometimes even when there are hints of spring, there seems to be a sudden flash blizzard with no warning. Dreaming about the sun and fresh air is a daily activity and warm weather just doesn’t seem close enough. Some say the best way to fight the winter blues is to get cozy inside with some comfort food.
Everyday, millions of Americans start their day off with a nice hot cup of coffee, and oftentimes that once cup can turn to three or four throughout the course of the day. In 2014 Americans on average consumed more than nine pounds of coffee per person, and compared to some European nations that’s not even impressive… But when we add it all up just how much does that one, two, or three cups of coffee everyday affect your personal carbon footprint?
Annually, over 500 billion disposable cups are being manufactured across the globe. Canada and the US are major culprits for this manufacturing mayhem. It was estimated that in the United States alone, 58 billion disposable cups are discarded to the landfill each year. This number may be hard to visualize at first, but think about it. How many hot beverages do you buy a week on average? And what are you drinking them in?
There are many different types of drinking cups out there, both disposable and re-useable varieties, so which one is the most environmentally friendly option?
1. Disposable Paper Cups
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