Feeding seagulls at the beach sounds like a lovely beach pastime and an ideal way to get rid of uneaten sandwiches and chips. But please take a few moments to discover four reasons why this is not a good idea: Seagulls can turn quite aggressive when they believe a chip is owed to them. They can chase and even peck you until you give them a tasty treat. When a flock of seagulls comes together, it becomes yet more dangerous [...]
Did you make a 2020 resolution to reduce waste at home? That’s great! But another great place to focus your efforts is your work environment. One seemingly small thing that will make a huge impact is to reduce paper waste. Another is to recycle items found in your company’s breakroom. We’ve all heard “Think before you print.” This campaign is not against printing. But it does encourage people to remember that wasting paper, ink and toner is not economic or [...]
Recycling seems easy enough. First find out what can be recycled in your area and then place only those items into the recycle bin. However, life happens . . . kids happen . . . and even spouses happen. You educate them on what can and cannot be recycled, but somehow items like used paper towels, banana peels and other random non-recyclable items end up in the recycle bin. (Sigh.) Let’s define recycling contamination and explain why it matters that we [...]
Small behavioral changes can have a significant impact, particularly when it comes to the environment. If you have already switched over to paperless billing, take a bow. You are making a bigger difference than you can imagine. A 2008 study commissioned by the PayItGreen Alliance found that by choosing electronic bills, statements and payments, the average American household could save 6.6 pounds of paper, 0.08 trees, 24 square feet of forest, 63 gallons of water, and 4.5 gallons of fuel per [...]
The Alabama Gulf Coast is a wonder. The endless blue skies, emerald water that gently laps on the sugar-white sands, the smell of fresh salt air and the shells you find scattered along your path. All wonders. All part of our natural environment. It’s easy to want to take home a treasure from the beach. A symbol of the memory of the day spent on the Alabama shores. But we want future generations to continue to enjoy the shores, soak [...]
There are several ways to have a green vacation, even a very merry green Christmas. It all begins before you leave home. Start by lowering your heater to 60 degrees and adjusting your water heater to the lowest setting. Then unplug all unused appliances such as your TV, toaster and other electronics that will not be in use while you are away from home. Next thing to consider is your transportation to your emerald green Christmas on the Gulf Coast. [...]
There are many threats and dangers for nesting birds along the Alabama Gulf Coast beaches, dunes and barrier islands. Beach-nesting birds like the Wilson’s plover, least tern, snowy plover and black skimmer all encounter hurdles, including storms and other natural disasters, as well as loss of habitat due to coastal development, off-road vehicles and people. Although each of those has contributed to their decreasing population, there are measures we can take to help these birds thrive once again. American Bird [...]
Picnics are so much fun, especially when they are on the beach! And it’s actually easy to decrease or eliminate the use of disposable products that may get left behind. Learn how to pack a zero-waste, delicious picnic with a few easy steps. First, finger foods are a great way to go. They are perfect for a picnic because they do not require any utensils or wrappers that may be blown away or thrown away. Pick your favorites from this [...]
Noise pollution. Did you know it may be harmful to your health? Or why it is beneficial to take a break from it, such as with a beach break? Let’s break it down. Noise pollution is the presence of excessive and disturbing noise from machines, transportation systems, aircrafts, trains, vehicles, machinery, construction and more. It’s harmful to your physical and mental health - more than just annoying, it can lead to hypertension, as well as increase stress and anxiety levels. [...]
National Recycling Day, also known as America Recycles Day, is a Keep America Beautiful national initiative. November 15 is dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. Below are 10 ideas to help you and your family get started on your clean-environment efforts! Set up recycling stations at home, work and school. Provide easily identifiable sorting bins for plastics, aluminum, glass and paper. Write a promise to the planet for how you will reduce, reuse or recycle. Upcycle [...]
