November’s Green Tip of the Month: Embrace Nature’s Mulch!

🌿 November’s Green Tip of the Month: Embrace Nature’s Mulch! 🍂

Written by Jeannine Sielinski

As we head into winter, consider leaving your leaves and twigs in the yard. My pollinator garden might look tired, but every time I step outside, I see birds nibbling on seeds or resting in the brush. There’s so much life hidden in there that we often overlook!

WHY KEEP LEAVES AND TWIGS?

• Nutrient-Rich Mulch: As leaves and twigs break down, they enrich the soil, preparing it for a healthier spring.

• Wildlife Shelter: These natural materials provide shelter for bugs and critters, supporting biodiversity in your yard.

• Compost Your Pumpkins! Break down your old pumpkins (remove any candles or paint) and compost them. Birds and critters will love the treat, but keep an eye out for unwanted guests like rats.

• Add Wood Chips to Your Yard: Wood chips help retain moisture in the soil, which is crucial during dry spells. They also act as a natural barrier against weeds, as well as mitigating soil erosion and helping to keep your garden intact.

  • You can get free wood chips from local tree removal services or arborists. I’ve already put in a request and am eagerly awaiting my delivery. There are also websites where you can request wood chips, but be prepared to accept a large load whenever it’s available.

Happy thanksgiving!

Green Tip of the Month

Eastside Audubon’s Green Tip of the Month for June 2024

According to National Geographic, plastic recycling rates are alarmingly low. In the United States, of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in 2021, only 5% to 6% (approximately two million tons) was recycled. As a result of so much plastic waste (everywhere), microplastics are emerging as a serious threat to birds and animals. We can and must do better in reducing our carbon footprint. If you’re reading this article, you’re likely already making efforts to be more environmentally friendly, but here are a couple of ideas to cut back on plastic usage:

Laundry Soap

Let’s do away with laundry jugs! They are cumbersome, mostly filled with water, and rarely recycled even if you put them in your recycling bin. Laundry sheets are a better alternative for the environment. Now the hard part: Which laundry sheets are best, and are they as effective as liquids? Finding a solution that works for you may take some trial and error, but for everyday washes, consider these brands: ECOS, Tru Earth, Eco Roots, HeySunday, Earth Breeze, and Blueland. Look for products made in North America, using non-toxic materials, B-certified companies, vegan ingredients, and packaged in recycled or compostable materials. For deep stains, though, you may still prefer liquids.

Dishwasher Soap

There are many options for dishwashing that minimize environmental impact. The editors at The Reduce Report reviewed over a dozen brands, considering ingredients, emissions, and plastic reduction. Their top picks include Ecover, Dropps, and Thrive Market dishwasher powder. These brands are phosphate-free, fragrance-free (optional), hypoallergenic, and chlorine-free. They also mention Seventh Generation as a budget-friendly option when Thrive Market is not on sale.

Sustainable Jungle recommends Claro All-in-One Phosphate-Free Eco Dishwasher Tablets for excellent cleaning results without phosphates or chlorine. They also rate Ecoleaf Dishwasher Tablets, which come with a built-in rinse aid.

See you next month!

Green Tip of the Month

Eastside Audubon’s Green Tip of the Month

Written by Jeannine Sielinski

Let’s talk toilet paper…

The environmental impact of traditional toilet paper production is significant with millions of trees harvested annually and the use of chemicals contributing to water pollution. However, there are sustainable alternatives that can help reduce this footprint. Recycled and bamboo toilet paper are excellent options. For instance, brands like Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper and Who Gives A Crap offer eco-friendly products that are not only gentle on the environment but also on the skin. These companies are committed to practices like using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified bamboo and donating a portion of their profits to environmental and sanitation projects. Additionally, the use of bidets can further decrease the reliance on toilet paper, offering a cleaner and potentially more hygienic solution while also being environmentally friendly.

Making these small changes in our daily lives can contribute significantly to the conservation of our planet's resources and the betterment of global sanitation conditions. It's a step towards a greener and more sustainable future for all.

Our family has been buying Premium Bamboo toilet paper from Who Gives A Crap for the past several years and love both the company and their product.  Who Gives A Crap donates 50% of their profits to build toilets in Third World Countries and is a B Certified Company.

Additional resources:  The Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper (treehugger.com)

See you next month!