Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 31, 2022 by Sarah J. Kings; Reprinted from April 18, 2021; Image credit AdobeStock
You love your precious pug like a family member. But as you tiptoe towards greener choices, you may be wondering what effect dog ownership has on the planet. According to researchers at the University of California, an estimated 80 million dogs live in US homes today. On an annual basis, these animal companions consume as much meat and grain as nearly 40 million Americans. This alone packs a pretty big punch to the planet.
Washington (GGM) Analysis | April 18, 2021 by Sarah J. Kings
You love your precious pug like a family member. But as you tiptoe towards greener choices, you may be wondering what effect dog ownership has on the planet. According to researchers at the University of California, an estimated 80 million dogs live in US homes today. On an annual basis, these animal companions consume as much meat and grain as nearly 40 million Americans. This alone packs a pretty big punch to the planet.
Washington (GGM) Analysis | August 6, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings
This time last summer, your evening plans may have included slipping on stilettos to meet up with a few friends at a new roof-top bar or rocking your favorite fedora at a neighborhood block party. As Friday quickly approaches, we know swanky bars and big parties are out of the question, but that doesn’t mean you have to let your summer slip away. You can uncork a bottle of wine on your back porch with your neighbor– six feet away, of course– and toast to Mother Nature!
Yes, that’s right; there is a wine that is actually doing something for the environment. In June of 2020, Winc launched a totally vegan and oh so sustainable line of wine. It’s called The Wonderful Wine Co., and people are loving it!
Twitter – @helloboxes
The Wonderful Wine Co. is dedicated to the wellness of the planet and the wellness of its customers. All of the grapes are derived from organic vineyards, and no added chemicals or added sugars are used in the process. Unlike most wine available, The Wonderful Wine Co. is all vegan. This means that the ground-up bone, casein, milk, and fish bladders that sneak their way into your typical Rosé, won’t be found here.
More than simply better for you, this wine is better for the planet. The ingredients, the packaging, how it is shipped, and even the bottle itself are meticulously designed with Mother Nature in mind. Wonderful Wine uses a special lightweight glass bottle that requires 20% less energy and 12% less water in production, which reduces carbon emissions by 27%. They also have reduced landfill contributions and deforestation by eliminating the trash producing polylaminate capsule altogether and using an all-natural biodegradable cork. Additionally, the box the wine is housed in is 100% recyclable and 95% compostable.
With four delicious selections coming from non-GMO vineyards in Argentina, France, and California, there is a delicious and sophisticated option for any occasion. For a sustainable sip of summer, pour yourself a glass of The Limited Edition Orange wine. With notes of citrus and white peach and a touch of honeysuckle, you will know why they call it Wonderful Wine.
Instagram – @blevineproductions
Come back every Thursday to learn more about the role veganism plays in combating climate change!
Tl;dr
Winc launched The Wonderful Wine Co., a vegan and sustainable line of wine
The grapes are derived from organic vineyards
No added chemicals or added sugars are used in the process
Most other wine includes ground-up bone, casein, milk, and fish bladders
Wonderful Wine uses a special lightweight glass bottle that reduces carbon emissions by 27%
They reduced landfill contributions and deforestation by eliminating the polylaminate capsule and using an all-natural biodegradable cork
Washington (GGM) Analysis | July 16, 2020 by Sarah J. Kings
For many of us who menstruate, a visit from Aunt Flo means a week’s worth of pads, tampons, and pantiliners paired with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s and a sprinkling of Midol. Between cramps, bloating, headaches, and checking for leaks, we might be overlooking one major aspect of our periods.
Plastic.
Traditional period products are loaded with plastic. Wrappers, applicators, leak guard liners, and even the products themselves have plastic interwoven in the fibers. These tiny applicators may not seem like much, but they add up. According to National Geographic, Americans purchase 5.8 billion tampons annually. The global number is a staggering 17 billion 400 million! Even worse, the plastic in period products cannot be recycled, as they are considered medical waste— this means that these products ultimately end up in landfills and oceans.
Instagram– @theoceanproject.sey
If you are looking for a vegan and planet-friendly way to reduce the negative impact of single-use plastics during your period, don’t stress. You have 3 easy sustainable options! You can try reusable pads, menstrual cups, or period panties. Throughout my last three cycles, I decided to give each a try. I purchased BugaluBaby Bamboo Cloth MenstrualPads, an OrganiCup, and a couple of pairs of Thinx underwear.
I found BugaluBaby on Etsy. I’ve never been big into pads, but these pads come in a variety of fun prints, made with bamboo, and come with a handy “wet bag” for convenience. They are also easy to wash and are very cost-effective, costing only $25 for a pack of 9.
Thinx underwear boasts a similar idea, but it feels less like a pad. In my experience, you can wear one pair throughout the day while still feeling clean and dry. This option works and works well, but it is a little less cost-friendly, costing between $24-$39 per pair.
Lastly, the OrganiCup is a soft, flexible, reliable option that comes in a variety of sizes. For those of us who are comfortable with insertable sanitary items, this is a great option. It is incredibly sustainable and cost-effective. One OrganiCup lasts two years, and costs only $28! All three products have their consumer perks, and most importantly, they are vegan and pack a punch in the fight against the climate crisis!
Twitter – @Thinx
Come back every Thursday to learn more about the role veganism plays in combating climate change!
Tl;dr
Over 17 Billion tampons flood landfills and oceans each year
The plastic in pads, tampons, and liners are a major contributor to the climate crisis
Sustainable vegan period options DO exist
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly change, try BugaluBaby Bamboo Cloth MenstrualPads, an OrganiCup or Thinx underwear
Washington (Gallant Gold Media Hill Report | Perspective | March 17, 2019) by Noreen Wise
GREEN should forever be at the forefront of our minds whenever we make weekend plans as well as vacation plans.
Climate Action, is nothing more than a resolution. A proposal. An urgent call of action to help address the most challenging crisis facing America and every nation around the world. Climate change impacts all of us. The traumatic reality brings our diverse global population together through a shared purpose.
With the arrival of spring, we can move into the GREEN fast lane and start planting trees. As many trees as space allows. Pakistan has planted over a billion trees. The most important step for us to remember here in America is that steady consistency is the best path forward. Let’s be inclusive. Let’s create a vision for solving this crisis that the vast majority will identify with and participate in. No closed doors. No closed minds.
Here’s a quick lesson on how to properly plant a tree:
Have fun! Make it a family or friend event. It’s wonderful to know that around the world, communities are gathering to plant trees. Not only will this reduce carbon, it will provide cleaner oxygen and a more beautiful environment that will add cheer to our lives. Health and beauty are worth fighting hard for.