A recent headline in the East Bay Times read, “Newsom Declares State of Emergency.” Might it be referring to the rise of AI? Wildfires? The cost of living? No—it’s about El Niño, a weather pattern expected to bring record rainfall to the Bay Area thi
With forest fires, you can foster an attitude of inclusion or exclusion. An attitude of inclusion recognizes that fire plays an important role in ecologically minded land management. An attitude of exclusion sees all forest fires as destructive. So w
Lab grown chocolate may sound like something out of science fiction, but major food corporations and start-ups alike are already investing in this new technology to combat supply chain crises, climate change threats, and child labor. Just how accurat
Read more…The Case for Quickly Phasing Out the use of Fossil Fuels: According to the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, humans are responsible for most global heating, most of which is caused by burning fossil fuels. Climate change is causing
Artificial intelligence is smart but not yet energy- and water-smart enough for California and other states to reach their climate goals. The Department of Energy estimates that data centers will use 10% to 15% of the nation’s electricity by 2030.
Read more…Many homeowners like to take advantage of the summer months to make home improvements. Painting is one the most popular projects, but considering that interior and exterior walls make up one of the largest surface areas of your home, is the paint you
Read more…Globally, governments are mandating more strict carbon-neutral policies to reduce greenhouse gases and address worsening climate issues. To meet these increasing requirements, most vehicle manufacturers have announced that they will produce vehicles
Comparing the environmental impact of sugar with various alternative sweeteners is easier said than done. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, it’s nearly impossible to define the most sustainable sweetener
We tend to think of efficient housing in terms of how much energy it takes to run appliances, electronics, and to heat and cool a space, per square foot. If we look at energy use per person per square foot, small homes or Accessory Dwelling Units
Read more…Terms like GMO, non-GMO, and organic get bandied about a lot these days, but what do they mean? Do these labels provide assurance or indicate we should be avoiding the food in question? Let’s define these labels and learn what
Read more…The increase in fast fashion comes with a rise in wasted resources and wasted lives, economic inequality, and environmental degradation. The increases are due in part to behavior changes. Each of us can contribute to the solutions.
According to the
Read more…What are Microplastics? Microplastics have been in the news quite a bit lately, but it may still be useful to clarify some things about them. Microplastics are minute plastic fragments measuring less than 5 millimeters—roughly the size of a sesame se
It’s never too early to start talking to kids about sustainability and respecting the planet. Children instinctively gravitate towards nature and enjoy learning about environmental stewardship, especially when it’s presented through engaging, hands-o
We may have wrapped up the holiday season, but shopping for goods never ends. If you support the ethical treatment of animals and engage in cruelty-free shopping, is it fair to assume this is a sustainable act that also helps the environment?
Cruelty
Read more…Offering help to those in our community who need it is always important, but during the holiday season there can be an even greater need. If you're looking for opportunities to help out this season, you can start with some of the larger organizations
We are at peak season for holiday gift-giving. While savvy environmentalists avoid fast fashion, clothing is always a popular choice, and nothing says luxury like cashmere. Unlike synthetic fibers, cashmere is a natural, biodegradable fiber, but it i
Recent federal updates have moved up deadlines for major clean energy tax credits and incentives. Here's a look at some of the options available in our area. Make sure you sign up for the Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge to track your progress. Mark a
Read more…Most consumers purchase a combination of fresh, frozen, and canned food to prepare meals, and with the holiday season fast approaching, the purchase of convenience foods is higher than usual. Canned food is affordable and makes cooking quick and conv
Have you heard the expression "Fall is for planting?" In particular it refers to planting locally native plants, although many landscape plants do well when planted in early fall. The days are still long enough that they can begin to get established,
Fluoride is known for remineralizing tooth enamel; reducing tooth and gum sensitivity; and preventing cavities, gum disease, and the premature loss of teeth. It is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, rocks, and
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