EvCC Sustainability

WSUE Horticulture Club’s

Plant Sale! at The Showcase 

Friday, May 3rd, 9 am-12pm

WSU Everett

915 N Broadway,

Everett, WA 9820

First Floor Lobby 

Cash or check only

This is a fundraising sale for WSUE Horticulture Club. 

Plants provided at the sale have been cultivated by student members of the club. The types of plants include various houseplants, vegetable starts, and flowers to transplant.

It is being held during a campus showcase, so other student groups will be presenting projects, etc. So, there will be other interesting attractions as well.

Please email Gusta at gustarose.beard@wsu.edu for more information

Today! Plant Swap Event 10 am-2pm at Whitehorse Crit Space

So what is a plant swap Event, exactly? It’s an opportunity for local plant lovers to come together, meet each other, and exchange plant clippings, full plants, even pots and seeds. 

Humans need plants for survival, but we also need them for their basis in the long-term health and sustainability of our environmental systems. Plants improve the environment in many ways, like releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, absorbing carbon dioxide, providing nutrients to animals, and regulating the water cycle — all things we need to sustain life on Earth.

The majority of the oxygen we breathe comes from plants. This is because plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to convert energy into a form that other living things can use, oxygen and power in the form of sugar.

One of the biggest threats to the Earth is the high amount of carbon within the atmosphere from fossil fuels and manufacturing. But through photosynthesis, plants help reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere by storing and using it. Undoubtedly, plants are natural air purifiers; the more prominent and leafier the plant is, the better it absorbs carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen.

The water cycle keeps water moving above and below the surface of the Earth, and plants help regulate the stormwater runoff. Plants and trees absorb water after a storm, saving cities money from maintaining and pumping out excessive runoff.

The role of green infrastructure includes planting vegetation across a town or city to leverage the capabilities of soil and vegetation to infiltrate, redistribute, and otherwise store stormwater volume, with the potential to fulfill additional environmental, social, and economic benefits.

In addition, vegetation returns water into the atmosphere through the soil. As a result, around 10% of water in the form of water vapor goes back into the atmosphere, regulating and replenishing the Earth’s stock of water for the next rainfall and keeping energy running naturally.

Creating a secure place for animals to live is crucial to sustaining biodiversity. Unfortunately, urban sprawl worldwide has impacted our ecosystem by disturbing animal populations. The most effective way not to disturb animal populations is by giving wildlife a natural refuge. 

Healthy plants also provide humans with a source of energy and food. Plants play an essential part in our environment and our diet. They provide us with the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber we need to survive. In addition, we need plants to feed farm animals, which we utilize for meat and dairy products.

Another way plants save energy is by reducing the costs of heating and cooling buildings. For example, planting a tree on the west side of your building can reduce the demand for electrical grids. It decreases the sun’s effect on the outer walls and roof temperature, which means that heating and cooling your home will require less energy, reduce the environmental impact, and save you money in the long run.

Reduce the Effects of Climate Change

One of the most significant natural issues today is climate change and the burning of fossil fuels. Burning fossils results in high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the air we breathe. But, this is when plants come into play. On Earth, terrestrial and oceanic plants store carbon dioxide from the air to decrease the number of polluted gases in the environment.

You can grow trees that reduce the pollution level and stave off global warming, including yellow poplar, silver maple, oak, pines, and blue spruce. We all must understand the role of plants in our environment.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Sustainability Blog http://sustainability.evccblogs.com

Holy Horticultural Hyperbole, Plantman! The Plant April 25th, 10-2.

You have a thing for free stuff, I hear. Luckily, you can grab up a load of plant stuff and all it will cost you is a smile!  It’s Plant Swap time, where we bring in great green gobs of growth to the Whitehorse Crit Space and you come and take it off our hands. All you need to do is have something to put your treasures in as you cart them away.

Please Email with any additional questions to sustainability@everettcc.edu and get your calendar marked in green for Plant Swap on April 25th

What You Need to know about the impact of Plastic on Human Health: 

From production to disposal, plastics wreak havoc on human, plant, and animal health and cause immense amounts of waste in our ecosystems, clogging our land, air, and waterways. Plastic pollution in particular poses a serious threat to all life on Earth because of the toxic nature of the chemical additives used during the production process. Recent research reveals plastics are able to enter into the human bloodstream, permanently residing in our bodies until the day we die. 

Plastics are a pervasive and dangerous issue, likely hitting us harder than climate change ever will. If we do not figure out solutions, or the severity of the issue, life as we know it faces an impending deathly threat. To tackle these challenges, we must first understand how plastic harms human health.

How are plastics detrimental to human health? 

Did you know the most commonly used plastic products carry toxic chemicals easily inhaled and ingested by humans? In fact, the incineration of plastic waste in the disposal stage disperses these chemicals into the air and causes the contamination of water and soil, lethal to all people who inevitably come in contact with it.

Every time someone litters at the beach or fails to dispose of their waste properly, they contribute to the spread of toxic chemicals into the environment. This is because ocean waves and radiation from the sun break down plastics such as water bottles, producing microplastics. Microplastics float around in the environment, carrying chemicals used in plastic production along with them and end up being consumed by people through food, water, and breathing them from air. 

Studies have shown microplastics significantly damage cells in the human body, leading to serious health effects, including cancers, lung disease, and birth defects. Not only this, but toxic chemical additives in plastics can alter hormone activity in the human body which disrupts reproduction, growth and cognitive function. Microplastics also act as vessels for pathogens to enter the human body which increases the spread of disease.

We must recognize how the dangers of plastics for human health are also an issue of human rights and environmental injustice, as the question of who experiences these health effects the most is connected to where you live and the air you breathe.

Children and infants in the womb are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of plastics due to the early stages of human development being particularly sensitive to hazardous chemicals in the environment. Exposure to plastics has been found to increase the risks of birth complications, lung growth and childhood cancer. Crucially, this means plastic pollution will continue to wreak havoc on our lives and earth for generations to come.

The United States is one of the top contributors of plastic waste globally. The impacts of plastics on human health are particularly concerning due to the difficulty of removing plastic from the environment once they have entered ecosystems. 

Join the fight to End Plastic Pollution and together we will make a difference in raising awareness and reducing the impact of plastics on human health.

Save the Day 

EverettCC “Plan Swap Event”

Holy Horticultural Hyperbole, Plantman! The Plant Swap Returns April 25, 10-2.

You have a thing for free stuff, I hear. Luckily, you can grab up a load of plant stuff and all it will cost you is a smile!  It’s Plant Swap time, where we bring in great green gobs of growth to the Whitehorse Crit Space and you come and take it off our hands. All you need to do is have something to put your treasures in as you cart them away.

Right now is your opportunity to help out with donations of green things for the Swap. Think of any plants, seeds, bulbs, or implements of destruction you might want to donate for the swap and wander them over to drop off inside the Maintenance Office from 7-4 Monday-Thursday before the swap, and we’ll add them to the inventory. We’ve got people (like the incredible Dennis & Jill Ryan, the EvCC Grounds crew and WSU Horticulture group) that have already donated and potted up a ton of stuff for you. They can take your donations and get them sorted and appropriately potted.

So come on down and help the cause with some of your donations. More times and details are to be revealed as soon as we make them up, so send questions to sustainability@everettcc.edu and get your calendar marked in green for Plant Swap on April 25.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Sustainability Blog http://sustainability.evccblogs.com

We know that the plastic pollution problem is HUGE.  

Sometimes it feels like our society is just starting to figure out that plastic isn’t great and eliminating single-use plastic should be the goal.  Single-use plastics are disproportionately polluting our oceans and strangling our marine life, kills our wildlife, plants and natural habitats, emits dangerous greenhouse gases that exacerbate global warming, and somehow, even makes its way back into our own bellies as microplastics. 

Of all the plastic produced today, over half is designed to be single-use, and less than 9% is recycled. We need to stop ocean pollution and plastic waste at the source, and that means changing our individual behaviours too. 

Below are some Tips for Getting Started on a Plastic-Free Life:

1. Invest in a reusable water bottle

Globally, over a million plastic bottles are sold every. single. minute.  Investing in a reusable water bottle is one of the simplest ways that you can stay hydrated without contributing to one of the largest sources of single use plastic.  

3. Say no to plastic bags

More and more stores are banning plastic bags (or by “banning” we mean, charging for them too). If you want to help the planet and also save yourself the five cents for a plastic bag at the store, bring your reusable tote bags whenever you go shopping.

5. Avoid single-use plastic to-go containers 

We love a world of convenience, but we certainly don’t love a world filled with plastic.  Cooking or packing your lunch is a great way to avoid plastic or Styrofoam to-go containers.  

6. Shop “Zero Waste” where you can 

We know it can be challenging to find a good zero waste or bulk food store, however food markets are a great option for those looking to cut out single use plastics from their food shop.  Farmers markets usually have a great selection of fresh produce, minus the plastic. Shopping locally also helps to support local farmers and limits the amount of carbon emissions from food transportation.

7. Ditch the Clingfilm

When storing food, it can be easy to reach for a disposable plastic lunch bag, or clingfilm.  Instead of choosing to keep leftover food in disposable plastic containers, invest in some reusable food storage containers, or nifty beeswax wraps that can keep your food fresh without the plastic!

8. Don’t forget single-use plastics in your bathroom

We usually think about single-use plastics in terms of food and drink, but don’t forget about the plastics in your bathroom! From toothbrushes, shampoos, lotions and potions, the plastics in your bathroom can add up! Try opting for bars of soap instead of body wash, seek out plastic-free alternatives where you can, and if you’re feeling adventurous, give solid shampoo a try!

9. Quit smoking!

This is probably a good tip for anyone.  But if you care about plastic pollution, then you should have even more incentive to kick the habit.  Cigarette butts are one of the most common items found in beach cleans and can easily be mistaken for food by birds and sea life. Quitting smoking can help your wallet and your health. 

To Learn more about Single Use plastic: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101#what

Save the Day 

EverettCC “Plan Swap Event”

Holy Horticultural Hyperbole, Plantman! The Plant Swap Returns April 25, 10-2.

You have a thing for free stuff, I hear. Luckily, you can grab up a load of plant stuff and all it will cost you is a smile!  It’s Plant Swap time, where we bring in great green gobs of growth to the Whitehorse Crit Space and you come and take it off our hands. All you need to do is have something to put your treasures in as you cart them away.

Right now is your opportunity to help out with donations of green things for the Swap. Think of any plants, seeds, bulbs, or implements of destruction you might want to donate for the swap and wander them over to drop off inside the Maintenance Office from 7-4 Monday-Thursday before the swap, and we’ll add them to the inventory. We’ve got people (like the incredible Dennis & Jill Ryan, the EvCC Grounds crew and WSU Horticulture group) that have already donated and potted up a ton of stuff for you. They can take your donations and get them sorted and appropriately potted.

So come on down and help the cause with some of your donations. More times and details are to be revealed as soon as we make them up, so send questions to sustainability@everettcc.edu and get your calendar marked in green for Plant Swap on April 25.

We are Hiring! 

Positions in the Sustainability Office provide a unique opportunity for students to impact the future of EvCC’s sustainable growth and management. Students working in the Sustainability Office are also responsible for assisting with developing and implementing future sustainability projects and programs at EvCC.

Participate on the Green Fee Committee as a voting member

Gather batteries and bulbs from campus recycling stations for proper disposal

Gather old printer cartridges from recycling stations, box up for shipping.

Help cover campus Sustainability events and work as backup of other team members

Sustainability Officer

Student chair of the Green Fee Committee (GFC)

Organizing and hosting the GFC meetings and events

Attend all ASB Senate meetings and provide updates to the ASB Senate

Prepares annual budget with the RCM for GFC, presents this to ASB Senate for review

Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response

Data and Programs Coordinator

Checks and enters energy data through EnergyCap and utility invoices into EvCC Portfolio Manager profile

Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response

Attends GFC meetings and events, reports any spikes or anomalies it utility use to RCM

For more information contact:

Student LIFE
Parks Student Union, Rm 209
Phone: 425-388-9561
Email: studentlife@everettcc.edu

How to Apply 1-2-3!

Fill out applications for the jobs you want to apply for by April 28, 2024:

Send any supplemental documents, such as a resume or cover letter to studentlife@everettcc.edu.
Free EvCC resources and resume assistance here! 

Email studentlife@everettcc.edu with any questions about your application. 

Requirements and Salary

Must be currently enrolled in 10 credits (unless otherwise described)

Must currently have a quarterly and cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5

Salary: $16.28 per hour

Hours: 12–16 hours per week (each position varies)
*RA compensation varies, see below for details.

To Apply Click here 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdieKulF5OkzWZT-1r1BLS6kdHKCaMCslws07i3AByOydsrCg/viewform

For more positions click here 

http://everettcc.edu/leadership

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Sustainability Blog http://sustainability.evccblogs.com

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics”. This captivating theme aims to increase public awareness of the harmful effects that plastic pollution has on the environment and its inhabitants. It seeks to spark a global movement to significantly cut back on the use and manufacture of plastic. The official Earth Day organizers, EARTHDAY.ORG, are working toward a plastic-free future by advocating for a 60% decrease in plastic manufacturing by 2040.  They encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to take concrete actions like:

• Eliminating Single-Use Plastics: Say no to straws, plastic bags, utensils, and water bottles.
• Recycling and Com[posting Responsibly: To reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills, make sure that acceptable plastics are recycled and food scraps are composted.
• Embracing Reusable Alternatives: Invest in reusable shopping bags, food containers, coffee mugs, and water bottles.
• Advocating for Policy Change: Make sure your representatives are aware of the issue of plastic pollution and encourage them to take action.
• Supporting Sustainable Businesses: Select companies that are dedicated to cutting back on plastic usage and making use of recyclable resources.

An excellent chance to become active in environmental action and significantly improve the earth is provided by International Mother Earth Day. Engage in neighborhood activities, plan clean-up campaigns, spread awareness in your neighborhood, and help turn “Planet vs. Plastics” into a reality.

Learn more about The Earth day click here: https://www.earthday.org

Save the Day 

“Plan Swap Event”

Holy Horticultural Hyperbole, Plantman! The Plant Swap Returns April 25, 10-2.

You have a thing for free stuff, I hear. Luckily, you can grab up a load of plant stuff and all it will cost you is a smile!  It’s Plant Swap time, where we bring in great green gobs of growth to the Whitehorse Crit Space and you come and take it off our hands. All you need to do is have something to put your treasures in as you cart them away.

Right now is your opportunity to help out with donations of green things for the Swap. Think of any plants, seeds, bulbs, or implements of destruction you might want to donate for the swap and wander them over to drop off inside the Maintenance Office from 7-4 Monday-Thursday before the swap, and we’ll add them to the inventory. We’ve got people (like the incredible Dennis & Jill Ryan, the EvCC Grounds crew and WSU Horticulture group) that have already donated and potted up a ton of stuff for you. They can take your donations and get them sorted and appropriately potted.

So come on down and help the cause with some of your donations. More times and details are to be revealed as soon as we make them up, so send questions to sustainability@everettcc.edu and get your calendar marked in green for Plant Swap on April 25.

We are Hiring! 

Positions in the Sustainability Office provide a unique opportunity for students to impact the future of EvCC’s sustainable growth and management. Students working in the Sustainability Office are also responsible for assisting with developing and implementing future sustainability projects and programs at EvCC.

Participate on the Green Fee Committee as a voting member

Gather batteries and bulbs from campus recycling stations for proper disposal

Gather old printer cartridges from recycling stations, box up for shipping.

Help cover campus Sustainability events and work as backup of other team members

Sustainability Officer

Student chair of the Green Fee Committee (GFC)

Organizing and hosting the GFC meetings and events

Attend all ASB Senate meetings and provide updates to the ASB Senate

Prepares annual budget with the RCM for GFC, presents this to ASB Senate for review

Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response

Data and Programs Coordinator

Checks and enters energy data through EnergyCap and utility invoices into EvCC Portfolio Manager profile

Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response

Attends GFC meetings and events, reports any spikes or anomalies it utility use to RCM

For more information contact:

Student LIFE
Parks Student Union, Rm 209
Phone: 425-388-9561
Email: studentlife@everettcc.edu

How to Apply 1-2-3!

Fill out applications for the jobs you want to apply for by April 28, 2024:

Send any supplemental documents, such as a resume or cover letter to studentlife@everettcc.edu.
Free EvCC resources and resume assistance here! 

Email studentlife@everettcc.edu with any questions about your application. 

Requirements and Salary

Must be currently enrolled in 10 credits (unless otherwise described)

Must currently have a quarterly and cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5

Salary: $16.28 per hour

Hours: 12–16 hours per week (each position varies)
*RA compensation varies, see below for details.

To Apply Click here 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdieKulF5OkzWZT-1r1BLS6kdHKCaMCslws07i3AByOydsrCg/viewform

For more positions click here 

http://everettcc.edu/leadership

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Sustainability Blog http://sustainability.evccblogs.com

 

What is Sustainable Gardening?

Sustainable gardening is a term that has no technical definition. It’s the concept of using gardening practices that cause no harm to the earth and its inhabitants while attempting to actually enhance it. Words that define “sustain” and “sustenance” are support, preserve, keep alive, maintain, reinforce, and nourishment. These words help paint the picture. By practicing sustainable gardening, you practice good environmental stewardship.

Start gardening sustainably

Get rid of fertilizers, weedkillers, and other pesticides. Reduce the amount of water you waste on creating the perfect lawn. Fill your garden with native plants. And use everything you can in your garden as much as possible. We must stop thinking of our gardens only as somewhere to have a barbecue or catch some rays. 

Instead, we need to consider the amount of garden space that takes up the country and consider the effect that it has on the world around us. From helping local pollinators to helping with erosion control and stormwater management, the right plants in the right garden can change how we impact the world around us. And it’s easy to participate no matter the size of your space, even patios can be wildlife attractions. And when we stop adding chemicals to the soil and plants in our sustainable gardens, everyone benefits, now and for future generations.

Sustainability Office are Hiring! 

Positions in the Sustainability Office provide a unique opportunity for students to impact the future of EvCC’s sustainable growth and management. Students working in the Sustainability Office are also responsible for assisting with developing and implementing future sustainability projects and programs at EvCC.

Participate on the Green Fee Committee as a voting member

Gather batteries and bulbs from campus recycling stations for proper disposal

Gather old printer cartridges from recycling stations, box up for shipping.

Help cover campus Sustainability events and work as backup of other team members

Sustainability Officer

Student chair of the Green Fee Committee (GFC)

Organizing and hosting the GFC meetings and events

Attend all ASB Senate meetings and provide updates to the ASB Senate

Prepares annual budget with the RCM for GFC, presents this to ASB Senate for review

Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response

Data and Programs Coordinator

Checks and enters energy data through EnergyCap and utility invoices into EvCC Portfolio Manager profile

Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response

Attends GFC meetings and events, reports any spikes or anomalies it utility use to RCM

For more information contact:

Student LIFE
Parks Student Union, Rm 209
Phone: 425-388-9561
Email: studentlife@everettcc.edu

How to Apply:

Fill out applications for the jobs you want to apply for by April 28, 2024:

Send any supplemental documents, such as a resume or cover letter to studentlife@everettcc.edu.
Free EvCC resources and resume assistance here! 

Email studentlife@everettcc.edu with any questions about your application. 

Requirements and Salary

Must be currently enrolled in 10 credits (unless otherwise described)

Must currently have a quarterly and cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5

Salary: $16.28 per hour

Hours: 12–16 hours per week (each position varies)
*RA compensation varies, see below for details.

To Apply Click here 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdieKulF5OkzWZT-1r1BLS6kdHKCaMCslws07i3AByOydsrCg/viewform

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

With Spring just around the corner, we feel that there’s no better time than the present to start sprucing up our space. Not only does decluttering create a more mindful abode, but it can also contribute to your mental well-being. So, whether you like to clean room-by-room or tackle the entire house in one sweep, below are some simple and sustainable tips to get you through the season.

Use non-toxic cleaning products. Vinegar, water and baking soda can handle most daily cleaning needs. Use natural fiber sponges and cleaning agents that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, chlorine-free, and unscented.

One of our recent go-to’s has been making our own chemical-free cleaner. Not only is it all-natural, but it can also easily be customized with your favorite combination of scents. To make a standard all-purpose solution:

• Mix 1-part vinegar to 1-part water in a glass spray bottle (plastic can occasionally react with essential oils, so it’s important to use a glass container)
• Add 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil
• You can also add citrus peels to the above mix for extra cleaning power

Reduce paper use. Use rags instead of paper towels and wash them for reuse. Buy post-consumer recycled paper and recycle it when you’re done.

Repair instead of replace. Spring is wonderful time for a fresh start. But think twice before you throw out that perfectly good pair of shoes or piece of clothing from “last season.” The longer you use an item, the less virgin materials are needed to replace it.

Clear the Clutter by Categorizing

One of the most rewarding parts of cleaning is clearing out your closet. Start by separating all of your clothing into four categories:

• donate
• sell
• throw-away
• keep

Take your time when sorting and do your best to avoid creating a “maybe” or miscellaneous pile. Once you’re finished with clothing, move on to homewares.

Items that are still in good condition can be donated or gifted to a friend.

When it comes to donating, look locally for a no-contact option. Safely dropping off things you no longer use (but are still in good condition), will not only contribute to your community, but it will also help reduce your environmental impact.

Set Small Goals & Stick to Them

When it comes to cleaning, it’s best to commit. Setting small goals and sticking to them will make each task less overwhelming and motivate you to keep going. Start by making a list and cross things off along the way. If you live with others, cleaning can also be a fun group activity. Dedicate specific days and times to complete household chores with your roommates or family. Be diligent with daily projects and take comfort in knowing that almost no task will take as long as you think.

Master the Art of Organizing

Making sure that everything has a home will save you a lot of time in the long run. Spend a few minutes to walk around your home at the end of the day. Is there loose paper on the table? Are there dirty clothes in the living room? Assessing the state of your space is an easy indicator to your organizational needs. Here are some tips to help restore order: 

Laundry to Linens: Small baskets are a great way to keep household linens organized and looking fresh.

Pots to Pantry: If you find yourself needing a little bit of extra counter space, a wall-mounted shelf or rail is a stylish space saver. 

Magazines to Books: A small storage rack can lend a helping hand to stray publications, records, and books. 

Celebrate Successful Spring Cleaning

Once your checklist is complete, it’s important to celebrate a job well done! 

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Around 1.3 billion tonnes of food gets wasted each year with much of it ending up in landfill and contributing to climate change.

Food waste doesn’t just mean wasted food, it means wasted money, wasted water, wasted energy, wasted land and wasted transportation. Throwing out your food can even contribute to climate change. Discarded food is often sent to landfill where it is left to rot and produce methane gas.

Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste

Many people tend to buy more than they need. Shop smart by creating a list and buy only what you need from your list.

Store food properly

Improper storage leads to a massive amount of food waste. Many people are unsure how to store fruits and vegetables, which can lead to premature ripening and, eventually, rotten produce.

For instance, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers and onions should never be refrigerated. These items should be kept at room temperature. The stems of leafy greens and herbs can be submerged in water. Store bread in your freezer if you think you won’t finish it in time. Do your part by choosing slightly imperfect produce at the grocery store, or better yet, directly from the farmer.

Save leftovers (and actually eat them too)

Leftovers aren’t just for the holidays. If you happen to cook a lot and you regularly have leftovers, designate a day to use up any that have accumulated in the fridge. It’s a great way to avoid throwing away food.

What’s more, it saves you time and money.

Make friends with your freezer

Freezing food is one of the easiest ways to preserve it, and the types of food that take well to freezing are endless.

For example, greens that are a bit too soft to be used in your favourite salad can be put in freezer-safe bags or containers and used at a later date in smoothies and other recipes.

An excess of herbs can be combined with olive oil and chopped garlic, then frozen in ice cube trays for a handy and delicious addition to sautés and other dishes.

You can freeze leftovers from meals, excess produce from your favourite farm stand, and bulk meals like soups and chilis. It’s a great way to ensure you always have a healthy, home-cooked meal available.

Pack your lunch

Although going out to lunch with co-workers or grabbing a meal from your favourite restaurant may be enjoyable, it is also costly and can contribute to food waste.

A helpful way to save money while reducing your carbon footprint is to bring your lunch to work with you.

If you’re strapped for time in the morning, try freezing your leftovers in portion-sized containers. That way, you’ll have premade, hearty lunches ready to go each morning.

Make a homemade stock

Whipping up a homemade stock is an easy way to reduce food waste.

Sauté vegetable scraps like the tops, stalks, peels and any other leftover bits with some olive oil or butter, then add water and let them simmer into an aromatic vegetable broth.

Compost if you can

Composting leftover food is a beneficial way to reuse food scraps, turning food waste into energy for plants.

While not everyone has room for an outdoor composting system, there’s a wide range of countertop composting systems that make this practice easy and accessible for everyone, even those with limited space.

An outdoor composter may work well for someone with a large garden, while a countertop composter is best for city dwellers with houseplants or small herb gardens.

The bottom line is that we all can reduce our food waste and there are endless ways to do so. By thinking more about the food your household throws away every day, you can help create positive change to conserve some of the Earth’s most valuable resources.

Even minimal changes to the way you shop, cook and consume food will help reduce your impact on the environment. It doesn’t have to be difficult.

With a small amount of effort, you can cut your food waste dramatically, save money and time, and help take some pressure off Mother Nature.

To Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu