EvCC Sustainability

Environmental problems are at the top of the list of the most relevant issues. In response to this issue, more and more people are getting started with a sustainable lifestyle and taking care of the ecology. 

Can one student change the state of the environment? Well, every student who begins to change their lifestyle in order to protect the environment will be able to make real changes to the overall picture. Below are some simple tips to change not only the ecological situation, but also change the life for the better.

1. Reduce Plastic Use and Sort Your Trash

The first point to start is to try to reduce plastic consumption. Give preference to products that have eco-friendly packaging, avoid plastic tableware, and so on. 

2. Get A Coffee Mug and Refillable Bottle

According to statistics, students drink coffee for various reasons, but it does tend to be a daily ritual. To reduce it, consider buying a reusable coffee mug for these purposes. The same goes for the water bottle. Grab a refillable water bottle and take a big step in the fight against plastic.

3. Buy a Bamboo Toothbrush

A bamboo toothbrush is a must-have for every eco-conscious person. Firstly, such toothbrushes are eco-friendly. Secondly, they are really pleasant to use and more effective than plastic toothbrushes.

4. Eat Healthy 

Most of the food students choose involves various packaging and containers that take a long time to decompose. Therefore, switch to a healthy diet, choose fresh fruits and vegetables and prepare your own food, this can change the situation for the better.

5. Save Energy

Everyone talks about saving their time, but they sometimes forget about saving energy. Let’s say, for example, you left your laptop on charge for a whole day, even though it is already fully charged. During this time, your laptop continues to consume power. Therefore, make it a habit to turn off all devices and equipment. This can save between $100 and $200 per year. Turning off lights in room not in use can also help save energy.

6. Control Your Water Consumption

It is worth paying attention to water consumption too. For example, when you brush your teeth, you can turn off the water until you need it to rinse your brush. There is research that shows by 2030, demand for freshwater will exceed supply by 40%. So, it is worth considering using water rationally.

7. Choose Used or Recycled Notebooks and Books

Did you know, the average US person uses 700 pounds of paper per year? For this reason, it is worth paying attention to what you buy. Today there are notebooks created from recycled materials, which can do a lot to help save the forests. In addition, the cost of such notebooks are typically in the same range as ordinary ones. And such notebooks and notepads also have excellent designs for every taste.

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

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

Welcome to a new school year! 

Everett CC has

many ways to support staff and students in getting to and from campus in sustainäble ways.

Due to the rate of emissions that are produced by each and every vehicle on the road, students and staff are encouraged to carpool when possible. 

Cut costs, avoid parking hassles and help preserve our environment by sharing a ride to campus.

Cost: $10.00 + $4.50 processing fee (non-refundable) + tax (9.9%) = $15.94 per quarter

To learn more how to apply click here: https://www.everettcc.edu/administration/cwt-security/security/transit/carpool/

There are also alternative means of transportation outside of driving a vehicle. EVCC offers ORCA passes (prepaid bus passes) for staff and students at a discounted rate.

To get started on a student ORCA bus pass, the Cashiers Office will need a completed Student Orca Bus Pass Agreement, 

To learn more about about bus pass click here :

https://www.everettcc.edu/administration/cwt-security/security/transit

Another option is riding a bicycle. Everett CC provides bike fixing stations and there are 2 bike lockers on campus to keep equipment safe and secure while working or in class.

For more information on sustainable transportation options, check out our webpage: everettcc.edu

Looking for more sustainability? Check out the EvCC Sustainability Blog or the newly redesigned EvCC Sustainability web pages!

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

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

Responsible consumption is a broad concept that has not only an environmental dimension but also an economic, social and health dimensions. In reality, the trendy side of responsible consumption is variable since it depends on the sensitivity of consumers. Some responsible consumers will focus on the ecological side of their consumption, trying to choose seasonal, organic and ecological products. Others will focus on the impact that their choices will have on the economy by choosing locally produced products. There are also the ones who’ll choose their products according to what’s best for their health.
If a definition of responsible consumption was to be given, it would be a consumption that meets at least one or more of the following criteria:

Consumption of green products that have a low impact on the environment:

Products from certified sectors respecting the environment or biodiversity;

Commodities with a low carbon footprint;

Organic products;

Goods that preserve the quality of soil, water and air and generally prevent pollution, deforestation and the depletion of natural resources. Consumption of products according to their respect for social norms and their impact on societies:

Goods made in good working conditions, without forced child labor and that respect working hours and international conventions;

Products manufactured in compliance with ethical standards (especially corruption);

Goods made in cooperation with local communities, respecting their lifestyles and business profit (such as fair trade).

Consumption of “healthier” products, respecting health standards:

Products without phthalates, bisphenol, and other toxic and dangerous products;

Commodities without pesticides or other chemical inputs;

Goods manufactured in accordance with hygiene standards;

Food products with healthy nutritional composition.

Consumption of products with a positive economic impact:

Locally made products;

Productions that encourage the economic autonomy of their producers (as opposed to reliance on commercial or industrial systems such as supermarkets);

Goods that create more jobs as well as economic and social integration for workers;

Products that promote employees’ work-life quality.

The consumption of products manufactured under conditions respecting certain ethical or moral principles:

Respect for animal welfare;

Respect for fairness and individual freedoms;

Any other principle contributing to the development of the general interest.

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

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

ReplyForward

What is the definition of responsible consumption? How can we be responsible consumers and make more consumption choices that are good for the planet and for society? 

Responsible consumption is a way of consumption that takes into account the foundations of sustainable development. That is to say, this is a way of consuming that is beneficial considering 3 different cornerstones, by no specific order. 

First, it benefits the economy, especially the local economy, as it allows goods and services to be traded, benefiting the agents involved in these trades. Secondly, it has a positive impact on society, as the products or services purchased are linked to a workforce that has fair wages and working conditions and they’re also positively good for the buyers (in matters such as health). Finally, a responsible consumer also acknowledges the impacts associated with products’ different stages (from its production, transportation, and disposal) and tries to buy the ones with a lower impact.

Sustainable Development defines sustainable consumption in three dimensions:

Buying better – buying greener products;

Consuming better – wasting less and having a more sustainable consumption;

Throwing away better – take into account recycling in particular.

By its turn, responsible consumption has a larger meaning. It implies the concept of consumer responsibility which can affect many areas from the ecological impact of consumption to its social, economic and health impact. To better distinguish both:

 Sustainable consumption means to consume in a way that allows us to preserve our resources and the environment as much as possible.

Responsible consumption means instead to have a consumption which is more environmentally friendly but also considers the social and economic impacts of consumption.

Consumption and responsible food

In terms of food, a “responsible consumer” will probably be a consumer who tries to avoid as much as possible food waste. This consumer is likely to favor a more ecological consumption of its food (by choosing less polluting foods), which favors products that are good for the planet, but also the short circuits.

Responsible consumption: how to shop?

Practicing responsible consumption also means knowing better the products being bought and their environmental, social or economic impact. The problem is that sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between a product from a responsible brand or not! But there are more and more tools to be better guided in this daily responsible consumption journey. 

We should also keep in mind that many of our daily purchases have an impact on the environment or the economy and act accordingly. 

Here is the link to a short film about  how the US got to be such a consumer based economy:

“The Story of Stuff”  https://youtu.be/9GorqroigqM

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

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

What  is sustainable food ? And why does it matter?

First, sustainability is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as, “the ability to maintain or improve standards of living without damaging or depleting natural resources for present and future generations.” You can take this definition and apply it to your understanding of sustainable food: Think about sustainable food as the growth, production, distribution and consumption of food products that keep the environment in mind. It’s important to remember that sustainability encompasses every aspect of the food system, not just buying organic produce or shopping at your farmers’ market.

Why is food sustainability important?

The Food and Agriculture Organization (or FAO, for short) reports that typical food production practices can contribute to air pollution, create non-potable water and cause land erosion, among so many other consequences contributing to our global climate crisis. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the sustainable management of agriculture is key to maintaining and revitalizing our environment. Not only is it important to focus on sustainable modes of food production, like regenerative agriculture, to benefit the land that’s being grown on, but if managed correctly, sustainable agriculture also benefits broader areas of land, as well as animals who live on the land and farm workers who manage the land. Long story short, adjusting your food shopping and dining habits to include sustainable food can help curb climate change.

How to incorporate sustainable food into your diet:

Purchase from local farmers who are implementing sustainable agriculture practices. If you have access, utilizing local farmers’ markets or CSAs and purchasing organic produce directly from the source not only ensures you have great food to cook with, but it also provides financial support to the farmers that are taking the steps to benefit the environment. To Find a local Farmers Markets click here : https://wafarmersmarkets.org/washingtonfarmersmarketdirectory/

And Finally, be conscious of the food you’re throwing away. According to the USDA, more than 130 billion pounds of food go to waste in the US annually, contributing to 8% of global emissions. The good news is that there are really easy ways to reduce your family’s food waste, like shopping in your fridge and pantry to create delicious pantry recipes out of the ingredients you already have on hand. It’s also a lot simpler to start composting at home — or turning your food scraps into organic material for your garden — than you may think.

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

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

Easy Ways to Save Energy at Home and Spend Less

Consider these steps to cut your home’s energy consumption, keep utility bills low, and lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Energy-efficient home upgrades are not only environmentally responsible, but they can also save you a lot of money over time. Even small updates, such as swapping old lightbulbs for LED versions, can make a huge difference. And while large-scale changes like replacing windows or adding insulation help reduce energy consumption in the long run, a lot of energy-saving updates can be accomplished in a day or less. Another reason to consider? Many of the energy-efficient renovations you can make to your home qualify for tax credits. Below, see some of the top home improvements for reducing energy consumption and saving on your utility bills.

Turn off the lights when you leave a room. If that’s difficult for you or your kids to remember, buy lights with occupancy sensors that automatically turn off when there hasn’t been any movement for a period of time. Consider dimmer switches that let you reduce lighting when you don’t need it and have occupancy sensors. Dimmers can easily replace a regular switch and keep a low profile.

Leaving gadgets and charger cords plugged in when not in use can account for as much as 10% of a home’s energy use. Simply unplugging what’s not being used can make a big difference on your energy bills. Instead, plug devices into a power strip that you can switch off when not in use. Remember to unplug what you can when you leave your home as well.

Do your laundry in cold water. Many of today’s detergents and fabric softeners are much more efficient and don’t necessarily need hot water. Using cold water means you won’t have to waste energy to start up the water heater.

In the summer months, line-dry your laundry instead of using a dryer. Reducing your use of a dryer can save up to $100 a year in operating costs. Plus, line-drying is easier on your clothes, so you save what you would otherwise spend on wear and tear.

Lower the temperature on your water heater. Most water heaters are set much too high at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Save energy by turning your water heater down to 120-110 degrees. Don’t worry, the water will still be comfortable.

Replace incandescent bulbs with light-emitting diode (LED) versions. According to Energy.gov, LED lightbulbs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. While more expensive than traditional bulbs upfront, LED lightbulbs save money over time thanks to their long lifespan.

Simple things, such as making wise decisions when choosing home appliances, understanding your daily energy consumption, and developing some simple energy-saving habits are just some of the ways to save energy in our home.

Upcoming Sustainability events:

2022 Bike Everywhere Day: May 20

May is National Bike Month, and it’s a great time to add bicycling to your daily commute or leisure activities. During the month of May, you can log your trips on Rideshare Online or LoveToRide.net for the chance to win prizes. Join the Snohomish County group to see how your riding stacks up.

Everett Transit will host a Celebration Station at Everett Station that will include:

• Bike balance box competition
• 2022 Bike Everywhere t-shirts
• Prize giveaways
• Road cycling safety training
• Bike checks courtesy of Bicycle Centres of Everett & Sharing Wheels Community Bike Shop
• Information about new bike paths and trails that connect you to Everett and beyond
• Bike locker information and much more!

Bike Everywhere Month

Every May, Everett Transit celebrates Bike Everywhere Month. Bike Everywhere Month is hosted by Cascade Bicycle Club across the entire region, and filled with commuting challenges for individuals and teams, events such as Bike to School Day and Bike Bashes, and the annual “Bike Everywhere Day” (formerly “Bike to Work Day”) held on the third Friday of May.

Event details

Location: Everett Station, Everett, WA
Date: May 20, 2022
Time: 7 AM – 12 PM

Electric Car Info and Discussion 

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022 AT 11:00 AM PDT at the Everett Public Library 

2702 Hoyt Everett WA 98201

2nd floor 

Everett E.V. Enthusiasts First Monthly meeting

This is a Free Monthly Event to learn & share our experiences of electric vehicles. Experts to novice are welcome.

Open to the Public 

Please email for more information: 1GREENTHINKER@GMAIL.COM

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

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

What is sustainable mobility?

The term sustainable mobility goes far beyond reducing emissions. The transport sector has the potential to improve the lives and livelihoods of billions of people. However, as well as meeting people’s needs today, the sector must be ready to respond to future generations’ expectations: this is the essence of sustainable development.

A range of innovative mobility trends, including shared mobility, and providing affordable and sustainable mobility options for people, can help achieve global sustainability goals.

Shared mobility can play a key role in reducing emissions as well as congestion. By sharing various modes of transport (cars, scooters, e-bikes) we can avoid owned vehicles standing idle for most of the day and optimise the use of vehicles by doing more with less. ‘NOwnership’, in which people do not own the means of transportation but pay per use,- has already started to change our habits, especially in urban areas.

According to research conducted by MIT on the benefits of shared mobility, this type of mobility could also reduce the occupation of parking spaces in cities by 86 per cent, freeing up precious public space and radically rethinking how space is used.

Improving the quality and quantity of public transport services is one of the most efficient ways of reducing both emissions and congestion. The real competitor of collective transport is individual transport, so it is crucial to offer services of good quality and high frequency.

Countries or cities that invest the most in public transport systems are also those with the highest shares of modal split. For example, a recent study showed that the availability of rail infrastructure and services has a direct influence on modal split and greenhouse gas emissions.

Digital technologies enable automated mobility and smart traffic management, making transport more efficient and thus reducing emissions. Intelligent transport systems will play a key role in making mobility more efficient on our roads, on the water and in the air.

For example, peer-to-peer, vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity can support sustainable trip choices, allow for multimodal transport, improve access to public transport and reduce congestion as well as fuel consumption. Connectivity can optimise travel mode and route selection, improving traffic flow and reducing fuel consumption.

Automated vehicle control promises to improve energy efficiency, safety, and convenience. With each level of automation and improved connectivity, fuel consumption is reduced.

Sustainable mobility also includes the important notion of access to mobility, regardless of income or location. 

Sustainable mobility includes equity in accessibility, with particular attention to more vulnerable groups of the population and geographical areas at risk of social exclusion.

Walking & cycling

The promotion of soft mobility is a simple way to reduce emissions and improve the quality of life, especially in urban areas. 

Reducing emissions from every mode of transport

In parallel with increasing efficiency, ‘decarbonizing’ transport is vital. For around 200 years, we have relied on fossil sources to power transport. We need to shift to renewable sources, fast. This means a fundamental shift, and all solutions will be needed.

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

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

One of the most overwhelming aspects of modern life is knowing about major global-impact issues like climate change and plastic waste pollution and feeling like there isn’t much that We can do to really change things.

Take all that plastic we go through day in and day out. It’s about the stuff that comes with food and bottled drinks, cosmetics, carryout containers, bags and wrappers — more than 40% of all plastic made is packaging, which is used only once or twice before being thrown away. Don’t we feel at least a little guilty when we toss one plastic snack wrapper or coffee cup after another into the trash?

If not, maybe we should. According to a recent analysis examining global plastic waste generation between 2010 and 2016, the United States was responsible for more plastic trash than any country in the world. That’s millions and millions of tons of plastic waste. Per capita, that boils down to nearly 300 pounds of plastic trash per person(!) per year.

Will it be recycled? Some will, yes, but not that much. It’s estimated that only about 9% of plastic waste generated in the U.S. is recycled and that the rest ends up in landfills, incinerators and, unfortunately, marine environments such as rivers and oceans. And there, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it will remain for hundreds of years.

How can we stop plastic pollution from filling our oceans and endangering wildlife and the environment? Simple: Every one of us, from world leaders and corporate leaders to individuals, needs to take urgent action to reduce how we use and dispose of plastic. 

Here are 9 of the best plastic-free products:

1. Reusable grocery bags 

Opt out of plastic bags at the market. Grab a tote bag — charity and thrift stores and online marketplaces like Etsy are great places to look, or learn how to make your own! 

2. Package-free haircare 

Shampoos and conditioners typically come in plastic bottles, which can be a nightmare for anyone looking to cut plastic waste out of their bathroom. 

Ditch the plastic and go naked with the solid shampoo bars and conditioners. Making haircare solid eliminates the need for plastic bottles, reducing the environmental impact enormously and saving tons of plastic from ever being produced or entering landfills. They’re easy to travel with because they are small and won’t spill in your bag, and they’re very easy to use.

Animal cruelty-free shampoo bars that last up to 80 washes. 

The zero-waste shop Package Free also has multiple options for package-free haircare. And if you’re not a fan of bar soaps for hair, the shop also carries refillable conditioners (packaged in aluminum) that are vegan and chemical free. Opt out of the pump and go for the cap for a fully plastic-free conditioner.

3. Reusable drinking straws

Plastic straws litter our oceans, causing harm to wildlife and are polluting our environment. How we can  solve this everyday problem?

You can find plastic-free straw options at Package Free and Public Goods. 

4. Plastic-free dish soap

Zero Waste Outlet offers a plastic-free vegan dish-washing block that can last you up to six months of use. You can also purchase its three-piece dish-washing kit that includes the soap block, a palm pot scrub brush, and a bamboo soap dish.  

5. Reusable water bottles

Instead of buying plastic bottled water or using disposable cups, try out a stainless bottle.

6. Reusable and plastic-free food storage and service

The easiest way to protect yourself is admittedly pretty difficult: getting rid of plastic food storage containers. No more pop-top plastic cereal containers or zip-top plastic baggies, no more reheating your soup in the quart-sized plastic takeout container it came in. It’s a big change to make, so we did our part by rounding up some of our favorite nonplastic food storage containers in stainless steel, bamboo, cork, silicone, glass, linen, and wood. Refrigerate, freeze, and microwave to your heart’s content.

7.Make laundry day plastic-free

Liquid laundry detergents packaged in plastic containers can be easily switched out for more environmentally friendly, natural soaps.

8.Waste-free skincare accessories 

Disposable cotton rounds and their plastic packaging are wasteful. The Waste Less Shop for reusable facial rounds, which come in two colors for different applications. The rounds come with a wash bag to keep things clean and plastic-free. 

Switch out the plastic shaving razors for reusable metal razors with replaceable blades instead.

9.Plastic-free oral hygiene

Innovative companies now offer plastic-free dental hygiene alternatives including tubeless toothpaste products and bamboo toothbrushes. Bite, for example, offers tube-free oral care tablets that come in glass jars and act in the same way that toothpaste does to clean your teeth and freshen your breath.

It can seem like a big ask at first, with everything seemingly wrapped up in plastic from food to everyday household products. The good news is that there are eco-conscious brands that want to reduce the amount of plastic you bring home. Finding replacements you can trust can feel overwhelming, but it helps if you know where to start looking.

When you grow in a greener way, you’ll have less waste, use fewer chemicals, and overall, you may have fewer costs. It can add up to big benefits for the planet, too.

So, what is sustainable gardening? There’s no official definition, but the idea is to minimize the impact that humans have on the earth. Following sustainable practices at home includes avoiding polluting chemicals, preserving natural resources, and reducing waste whenever possible. You don’t have to make huge changes right away if you want to start gardening in a more sustainable way; even something as simple as using natural weed killing methods instead of chemicals can help the environment. These sustainable gardening ideas will help you contribute to a happier, healthier planet.

A gorgeous, green, and weed-free lawn uses a lot of resources. Water and fertilizer are needed to keep most lawns looking in top shape. You can have more sustainable landscaping by reducing the area planted in grass and replacing it with easy-care perennial ornamental grasses, low-growing shrubs, or groundcovers.

Using less water is an important element of sustainability, especially in areas where water is scarce and restricted. Xeriscaping, a method of gardening and landscaping that reduces the need for watering, incorporates a wide variety of attractive drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials. To collect water from Mother Nature to use on your plants, install a rain barrel at the base of one or more of your downspouts.

Long-lived perennials are an excellent way to get more bang from your gardening buck. Choose perennials that are adapted to your USDA Zone; you can find zone information on the plant tag. To save money, buy small perennials; they’ll get bigger and better every year. Every couple of years, they’ll need to be divided, which gives you more plants to enlarge your sustainable backyard garden or share with friends.

Using a gas-powered lawnmower pollutes the air, and it can really add up if you’re mowing every week in the spring. 

One the best ways to partake in sustainable gardening practices is to compost your green waste. Grass clippings, deadheaded flowers, dried leaves, and more can be turned into a nutrient-rich sustainable fertilizer in a compost pile.

If you’d like to reduce your carbon footprint, consider manually operated lawn-care equipment, or use electric mowers, trimmers, and blowers.

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

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

How do birds affect climate change?

As the climate changes, many birds are struggling to adapt. Climate change exacerbates existing threats, such as habitat loss and degradation, while adding new challenges, including shifting ranges and altered migration patterns. These threats pose an ever-growing danger to birds and are already pushing some species toward extinction.

American Bird Conservancy is acting in three key areas — mitigation, resilience, and adaptation — to combat the effects of climate change and build a sustainable, long-term future for birds.

How do birds affect climate change?

Research on birds has shown that climate change affects birds both directly and indirectly. The distributions of birds are closely associated with both winter and summer temperatures, and increased temperatures due to climate change may directly affect birds by forcing them to use more energy for thermoregulation.

Grow a Bird-Friendly Garden

Create a safe haven for birds in your yard or container garden by growing native plants, using fewer pesticides, and adding a bird bath. Native plants provide important food and shelter for birds and help them adapt to a changing climate. You can make school grounds, parks, vacant lots, and other community areas bird-friendly, too. Consider a DIY birdbath or turning breakfast into a bird feeder.

Stand for Solutions

To fight climate change, we need policies and technology that cut carbon pollution and increase renewable energy. Common-sense measures such as energy efficiency, renewable energy standards, and putting a price on carbon pollution can all help reduce emissions and limit the effects of global warming on birds. Talk to your elected leaders about these options, and learn more here about how to go solar and why it’s good for birds.

Plants for Birds

By simply choosing native plants for our yards and public spaces, we can restore vital habitats for birds in our communities and help them adapt and survive in the face of climate change.

April 18-22, 2022  Earth Week

This year’s Earth Week celebrations include the return of the annual plant swap, open to the public for the first time in three years! Hear Gardening with Ciscoe, recycle your old electronics and styrofoam, learn about bird-friendly communities and more. All events are free and open to EvCC students, faculty, staff, and the public.

To learn more about EverettCC Earth Week events click here:  https://www.everettcc.edu/administration/college-services/facilities/sustainability/go-green/earth-weekAll events are free and open to EvCC students and employees.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/greenMariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu