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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Our hero: Ron Finley ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Wounded US Army veterans are finding healing by restoring threatened coral reefs off Florida's coast. Teaming up with the Mote Marine Laboratory and Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge (CWVC) non-profit, these veterans work annually to save coral endangered by disease and rising sea temperatures while aiding their own physical and emotional recovery. The collaboration allows researchers to study the veterans in challenging environments, advancing treatments for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. Through activities like coral planting, the veterans contribute to marine ecosystem preservation and discover purpose in their journey, showcasing how environmental restoration can have positive effects on both nature and human well-being. The initiative aims to create resilient colonies capable of reproducing naturally, providing a sustainable solution for coral reef conservation. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Mercury Contamination in Marine Life: High-Risk Fish and Health Implications Mercury Contamination in Marine Life: High-Risk Fish and Health Implications Mercury contamination in marine ecosystems poses significant health risks to both wildlife and humans. Mercury, particularly in its methylmercury form, accumulates in aquatic organisms and biomagnifies up the food chain, leading to higher concentrations in top predators. Mercury Levels in Fish A study analyzing various fish species found that tuna exhibited the highest mercury content among marine fish, with concentrations around 0.270 mg/kg. In contrast, species like hake, pollock, and salmon had significantly lower levels, with salmon showing concentrations as low as 0.017 mg/kg. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Further research indicates that tuna is a dominant source of mercury intake for the U.S. population, accounting for approximately 39% of total mercury consumption from estuarine and marine species. This includes fresh and frozen tuna, as well as canned varieties. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Highly Contaminated Marine Species Large, long-lived predatory fish tend to accumulate higher mercury levels due to their position in the food chain. Species such as tuna and swordfish have been identified with elevated mercury concentrations. nature.com Health Implications and Recommendations The accumulation of mercury in these marine species poses health risks to humans who consume them. Elevated mercury exposure can lead to neurological and cardiovascular problems. Therefore, it is advisable for consumers, especially vulnerable groups like pregnant women and young children, to limit their intake of high-mercury fish and opt for species known to have lower mercury levels. In summary, while seafood is a valuable part of a balanced diet, awareness of mercury levels in different marine species is crucial. Choosing fish with lower mercury concentrations can help mitigate potential health risks associated with mercury exposure. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back The Real Reasons Why You Need House Plants Many people may have heard the common notion that plants produce oxygen and as a result, people began buying plants with the intent of filtering the air. The only issue here is house plants don't filter enough air. In 2019, Bryan E. Cummings and Michael S. Waring published their studies which showed that in order to filter a room with plants at the same level as pre-existing outdoor-to-indoor air exchange in a typical building, each square meter of space needed 10-1000 plants. All in all, plants do remove VOCs1, just not enough in a household to be considered a reliable filter. Though houseplants aren’t the most effective filter, don’t let that be the reason you don’t have plants in your house. Plants still produce a myriad of health benefits some of which are still being explored deeper. A few include… In conclusion, plants may not be as great of a filter as the common notion may suggest, however, they still hold great health benefits that should encourage you to keep plants in your household. A great beginner guide to plants is Jenny Raworth and Val Bradley’s book, Click HERE to access their complete guide! If you want to read more on the importance of air quality and how to maintain it, click HERE 1: Volatile Organic Compounds 2: Serotonin is a hormone in your body that influences your mood, sleep, bone health, and more. 3: Pathogens are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that invade the body and can cause health issues. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Buy Nothing What is Buy Nothing Project? The Buy Nothing Project is the world's biggest gift economy, being used in communities around the world, allowing neighbors to share freely with one another. Some of you may have been already familiar with or have enrolled in one of Buy Nothing communities. It is a wildly popular social-network communities for "gift economy." What is "gift economy" you may ask. Essentially, every item you get on Buy Nothing communities is for free. All gift exchanges on the community require no money, no barter, no string attached. How is that possible? People from your neighborhood posts items which they no longer need. Items vary except a few exception such as live animals or illegal items. It could be a bed, concert tickets, baby clothes, furnitures, and so on. All these would be posted on the community site on Facebook If you are interested, you leave a comment. Often, it is up to the lister to decide who he/she decides to give the item to. But the most popular method is first come first served Once in a while, listers chooses to have ruffles. Anyway, everything is for free. Then you may ask, how can I join in a group. Well, this is how it goes. How to join your local Buy Nothing Community Step 1 - You need to have a Facebook account as it is where communities are formed. Step 2 - In the Facebook search engine, you enter your neighborhood's name and the key word, Buy Nothing. For instance, if you live in South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, you search "South Loop Buy Nothing." Step 3 - Other option is that you can get an invitation from someone who has been a member already. Step 4 - Then, you need to sign on the agreement on the community rules. Step 5 - Admins will decide if they accept you. Sometimes, the community can be quite large and it takes time to approve new members. Step 6 - Once you get approved, you are ready to list your unwanted items or ask for the items. Sample Listing on Facebook Start your own Community If there is no Buy Nothing community, you can form your own. This is the website which shows you how to form your own community group. https://buynothingproject.org/ ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Home Our Mission Recycling Publications & Awards Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy Forum Report Finds "Toxic" Chemicals Present in 80% of Receipts from Major Store Chains Most receipts are printed on thermal paper, which contains chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) or Bisphenol S (BPS). These chemicals can be harmful to the environment if released during the recycling process. Additionally, many receipts are coated with a layer of plastic or contain other non-recyclable elements, making them unsuitable for traditional recycling methods. If receipts are mixed with other recyclable materials like paper or cardboard, they can contaminate the recycling stream, making it difficult to recycle the entire batch. Therefore, You should not put receipts in the recycle bin mainly due to their composition and potential contamination. On the other hand, there are recyclable and compostable receipts, but they are far less common and popular as the thermal paper receipts that most stores use because of the high costs. The EPN's estimate of 80% thermal paper usage in receipts in the USA is based on a survey of businesses in the retail, food service, and hospitality industries. The survey found that 83% of businesses in these industries used thermal paper receipts in 2018. As a result, it is best to dispose of receipts properly in regular waste bins instead of the recycle bin. However, if you want to be more environmentally conscious, consider opting for digital receipts whenever possible, as they help reduce paper waste and the associated environmental impact. Sources: https://recyclecoach.com/.../the-problem-with-recycling.../ https://www.cbsnews.com/.../bpa-receipts-major-store.../ ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Himalayan Gold Here is a riddle for you. What goes from being an insect in the winter to becoming a plant in the summer, and is deemed more precious than gold? Here is the answer, it is Ophiocordyceps Sinensis (O. Sinensis), formerly known as Cordyceps Sinensis and generally called Cordyceps. In Chinese, it is called 冬蟲夏草 (dōng chóng xià cǎo) literally translates as "Winter Worm, Summer Grass" It is also known as "Himalayan gold" or "Himalayan elixir.” O. Sinensis is a parasitic fungus and primarily infects the larvae of certain insects, particularly caterpillars of Thitarodes (ghost moths). The fungus infects the host insect, takes over its body, and eventually grows out of the host's body as a long, slender stalk. Why would this cost more than gold? O. Sinensis is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine, it is currently traded at a staggering price of USD $20,000 - $40,000 per kilo in the market. It has been used for centuries to address a variety of health concerns, such as boosting energy, enhancing stamina, improving respiratory function, and promoting overall vitality. It is often believed to have adaptogenic properties, meaning it may help the body better adapt to stress and maintain balance. In recent years, O. Sinensis has gained attention in the realm of modern herbal and alternative medicine, and it is available in various forms including supplements, powders, and teas. However, scientific research on its effectiveness and safety is still ongoing, and its use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The Himalayan plateau is the habitat where O. Sinensis thrives, a world of thin air and secluded spaces. Here, the growth of this enigmatic organism demands time—a period spanning over ten days, as it inches ever so slowly toward maturity. In the shadows of this high-altitude haven, the fungus encounters its host, using it as a launching pad for its own life cycle. The fungus invades the caterpillar's body, gradually taking over its tissues, and ultimately, its life. Yet, there's an astonishing twist. As the caterpillar's body succumbs to the invader, it provides the nutrients that O. Sinensis needs to flourish. This fatal symbiosis transforms the caterpillar's remains into fertile ground, giving birth to the distinctive fruiting body. In the right climatic conditions, this metamorphosis culminates in the emergence of the sought-after fruiting body for traditional Chinese medicine which also gaining huge popularity in Western culture. And so, the journey of O. Sinensis continues from the heights of its natural habitat to the bustling markets of the world. Here, the fungus takes on a new role, as it transitions from the wild to the realm of commerce. Revered for its potential health benefits, it's harvested, packaged, and transported to market stalls, where it's sold as a valuable ingredient in traditional medicines, elixirs, and tonics. But this transformation comes with a cost. As demand grows, so does the challenge of sustainability. The very ecosystems that cradle O. Sinensis are vulnerable to over-harvesting, and its rarity only adds to its allure. The collection of O. Sinensis has evolved into a means of sustenance and livelihood for indigenous communities, yet unwittingly, consumers around the world are exploiting this reliance, thereby impacting the overall population and habitat of the species. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Knowing peak and off-peak hours Cut Costs as You Conserve Energy Did you know that the energy charge varies based on peak and off-peak hours during the day, and these fluctuations can impact the energy bill significantly? The energy is not typically charged at the same rate throughout the day. In many places, electricity providers implement time-of-use (TOU) pricing, where the cost of electricity varies based on the time of day and the level of demand on the energy grid. This pricing model is designed to encourage consumers to shift their energy usage to off-peak hours when the demand for electricity is lower and, in turn, helps balance the load on the grid. The three common pricing periods in time-of-use pricing are: Off-Peak Hours: Energy rates are the lowest during off-peak hours, which are usually late at night, early morning, and sometimes weekends when electricity demand is minimal. Mid-Peak Hours: Energy rates are higher during mid-peak hours, which generally fall during the daytime or early evening when there is moderate demand for electricity. Peak Hours: Energy rates are at their highest during peak hours, typically occurring during the late afternoon and early evening when energy demand is at its highest due to increased residential and commercial activities. ______________________________________________ *Please note that it may differ based on the region and the provider. For example, here are some energy-saving hours in New York City: Con Edison: During the summer, you should shift some energy use to off-peak hours, which are midnight to 8 AM or all day on weekends Central Hudson: Peak hours are 2 PM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday Smart Energy Plan: For some customers, the peak period is noon to 8 PM, and for others it's 2 PM to 10 PM On-peak winter hours: 5 PM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday (December - February) PSEG Long Island: Peak hours are from 4 PM until 8 PM weekdays Weekends and holidays: All day off-peak periods As you can see, you will need to contact your service provider or look at your bills to learn the peak and saver time of your area. You can also consider shifting some energy use to off-peak hours to avoid using large devices and appliances during the super-peak period, which is Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 PM. __________________________________________________ By charging different rates based on the time of day, utilities aim to incentivize consumers to use electricity during off-peak hours, thus reducing the strain on the grid during peak periods and promoting energy conservation. It's important for consumers to be aware of their electricity provider's pricing structure, as well as the specific times designated for off-peak, mid-peak, and peak hours. By understanding these rates, consumers can make informed decisions about when to use energy-intensive appliances to potentially save on their electricity bills. Some utility companies may also offer incentives or programs to encourage customers to shift their energy usage to off-peak times, further promoting energy efficiency and grid stability. Stay energy smart and save money! ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Honoring Mr. Alfie Date A man who knitted sweaters for penguins after oil spill Australia's oldest man at that point in time, who passed away at the age of 110 in 2016, had always enjoyed knitting since 1932. A few hours after being placed in a retirement home, he learned about Knits for Nature, a program that collects jumpers (sweaters)for little penguins (only about 33cm tall) that are suffering from oil spills in Phillip Island Nature Park in Australia. Mr. Alfie Date did not waste any time and chose to start knitting jumpers . These garments serve as a protective barrier, preventing the penguins from ingesting toxic oil while preening feathers until rescue staff can wash them clean. Besides the potential fatality from ingestion, the oil also harms their delicate feathers, leaving their skin exposed to cold temperatures. This distressing situation leaves the penguins feeling cold, burdened, and unable to swim or hunt for food. The jumpers serve as temporary relief and are eventually removed from the penguins once they are completely cleaned. Penguin Foundation Officer Lauren Barker told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in a 2019 interview. "Thankfully, 96 percent of them were successfully released, and penguin rehabilitation jumpers played quite a big part in that." Meanwhile, a dispute has arisen over the practice. In a blog boldly titled "Why Sweaters on Birds are Bad," posted on the website of the renowned California-based International Bird Rescue in October 2011, director Emeritus Jay Holcomb criticized the practice, arguing that the sweaters stress out the birds, hinder their ability to thermoregulate, and cause more damage by pressing the oil against the birds' skin. We have not yet found studies that validate either side of the claims if using a sweater as a temporary protection would be harmful to the bird or not. Sources: https://time.com/3706927/australia-penguin-sweaters/ https://penguinfoundation.org.au/ https://www.samaritanmag.com/animals/knitting-sweaters-oil-slicked-penguins-not-good-birds ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back How to keep dill and cilantro fresh in a fridge!! How to keep dill and cilantro fresh in a fridge!! In our experiment, eco-mesh bags did not preserve vegetable freshness as effectively as we had hoped. This raised the question: how can we keep produce fresh without relying on single-use plastic bags? To explore alternatives, we compared dill stored in a mason jar to dill stored in a plastic bag over a two-week period, changing the water daily. The water in the jar was changed once or twice a day to prevent contamination. The results were striking: the dill stored in the plastic bag wilted and turned yellow, while the dill in the mason jar remained fresh and even appeared to grow slightly. #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #kanahutchens #connectingthedots #environment #eco #sustainability #ctdp #veggies #vegetables #fruits #fridge #cooling #freshfood #freshproduce #produce #grocery #inflation #Sustainability #sustainable #conservation #EcoFriendly ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Underneath those patched rags (Boro) resides a heart of golden brocade. My mother taught me a Japanese proverb, "Underneath those patched rags (Boro) resides a heart of golden brocade." (襤褸は着てるが心は錦) The word, "Boro" is a traditional textile practice originating from impoverished rural Japan, particularly among peasants and farmers dating back to the early 1600s. Boro refers to textiles that are worn out, no longer usable, and garments that are old, torn, or patched. Boro textiles were born out of the practical need to extend the lifespan of fabrics and garments in an era where new textiles were not easily attainable for many people. During that era, garments were never discarded; instead, they were recycled persistently across generations. Through layering, stitching, and patching, individuals would mend and reinforce their clothing and other textiles. People employed a traditional stitching technique known as "Sashiko" on linen garments, both to preserve warmth and enhance durability. Over time, these mended and patched areas accumulated, creating the distinctive aesthetic that defines Boro. It is intricately interwoven with family history and memories, gaining indescribable beauty and significance. ** The pictures are vintage boro kimonos and a modern jacket with upcycled-boro garment. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Power of refusing The power of saying "NO" made this family a multi-millionaire!! $255K to $37M in 45 years!! The Zammit family's home in Australia is located in The Ponds, a suburb near Quakers Hill, about 40km northwest of Sydney, Australia. The family moved into the home on a 1.99 hectare block in 1978. Allegedly, the estimated value of the property then was AUD $400,000 (USD $255,000). At the time, the area was mostly farmland (see the video below). However, over the years, the area has been developed into a suburb with thousands of new homes. The Zammit family has refused to sell the home despite numerous offers from developers. The Zammit family's home is now the only one left standing in the middle of the development. The home has been currently valued at $50 million AUD (USD $37.5 million). The family has said that they are not interested in selling the home because it is full of memories for them. They also believe that it is important to preserve some of the old character of the area. ←Previous Next→