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In 2024 there are more eco-friendly beauty brands than ever that are putting sustainability first and not as an afterthought. The beauty industry creates 120 billion tons, that’s billion with a b, of packaging waste a year. 92% of plastic never gets recycled and ends up in the ocean and landfills, and since around 50% of all plastic is used for packaging, earth-first brands are needed now more than ever. Sustainable, eco-friendly beauty may be the new weird kid in school, but she’s here to stay thanks to brands who are revolutionizing plastic-free zero waste beauty.

As it’s difficult to be truly zero waste, the term zero-waste also includes “low-waste” and “plastic-free” which are products that have packaging made with as little plastic or waste as possible. With zero waste products the packaging is biodegradable, compostable, or reusable.

By 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. Why should you care about this? Plastic waste is already affecting us. A recent Environment International study demonstrated microplastics found in the human bloodstream which points to the extent of the environmental and waste crisis we are facing.

Being “zero waste”, “plastic free” and “waterless” is undeniably the future of beauty, not a trend. Ten years ago “natural beauty” was looked at the same way eco-friendly beauty is now, and today, being clean is practically the status quo. 

Replace the disposable plastic containers used in your body washes and shampoos with refillable glasses and jars that will last over time. When picking your favorite beauty staples, it’s also a good idea to be thoughtful about what goes into each product—and support companies that promote natural, cruelty-free options. There’s a huge variety of beauty products out there, but just remember to favor the ones that are kinder to your skin and the world around you.

Check out these sustainable beauty brands who are challenging the status quo. 30 Best Natural Zero Waste Beauty Brands and Products 2024 – ORGANIC BEAUTY LOVER

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

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

The choices we make, from our meals to our clothes, have an effect on the environment. And sometimes we can fall into habits that aren’t the best for us or the planet.

For example, maybe one of your habits is going to grab an iced coffee before school or work. There’s nothing wrong with a little morning pick me up, but it can lead to a lot of single use plastic cups being dumped in the trash.

To make your habits more eco-friendly, consider asking yourself “is there a way to do this more sustainably?” You can make your before-work/school more sustainable by getting it in a reusable cup. 

Create your own zero-waste kit.

One of the key ways to reduce plastic use is to think ahead. When you show up to a picnic without utensils or to the local market without a reusable bag, you’re essentially forced to resort to single-use plastic products. To avoid this type of last-resort situation, keep a zero-waste kit on you.

Building your own zero-waste kit is simple. All you need is:

A reusable water bottle

A cloth shoulder bag

A stainless steel straw

A set of travel utensils

A reusable coffee cup (for the frequent coffee or tea drinkers)

With these five items, you can effectively eliminate any need for single-use plastics. Keep your zero-waste kit in your car, in your bike basket, or on your person to ensure it’s always handy whenever you may need it.

If you want to reduce plastic use, it’s important to think about alternatives. Cardboard is an excellent substitute that is sturdy and more eco-friendly. Generally speaking, it’s easier to recycle cardboard than plastic. Given that paper products tend to biodegrade more easily, cardboard is a lot kinder to the earth post-recycle. Forgo the plastic packets and opt for boxed pasta or boxed laundry detergent to reduce the amount of plastic you purchase and have in your home.

Though making lifestyle changes may seem daunting, a cleaner, greener earth awaits when we all do our part.

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

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

Since its inception, Plastic Free July has grown into a global movement with millions of participants across more than 150 countries. The initiative has been embraced by individuals, schools, businesses, and governments around the world. Plastic Free July has had a significant impact on raising awareness about the need to reduce plastic waste. The initiative has inspired people to make changes in their daily lives, such as bringing reusable bags and bottles, refusing single-use plastics, and composting food waste. 

During the month of July, millions of people around the world take part in Plastic Free July by committing to refuse single-use plastic items such as straws, bags, and water bottles. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, bottles, and containers, and to choose products with minimal packaging. The goal is to raise awareness about the amount of plastic waste we generate and to inspire people to make small changes that can have a big impact on the environment. Plastic Free July has grown in popularity over the years, with individuals, businesses, and communities all taking part in the movement.

How to Get Involved.

Getting involved in Plastic Free July is easy. Individuals can start by making a commitment to reduce their plastic consumption during the month of July. They can also join a local Plastic Free July group or participate in online events and challenges.

To get started, individuals can take simple steps, such as bringing their own bags and containers to the grocery store, choosing products with minimal packaging, and avoiding single-use plastic items. Overall, participating in Plastic Free July can be a rewarding experience that helps individuals make a positive impact on the environment.

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

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

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Plastic has been found in more than 60% of all seabirds and in 100% of sea turtles species, that mistake plastic for food. And when animals ingest plastic, it can cause life-threatening problems, including reduced fitness, nutrient uptake and feeding efficiency—all vital for survival.

How Plastic gets into the ocean?

Littering:

Improper waste disposal, illegal dumping, and carelessness contribute to the increase in plastic pollution. People discard their waste on the ground or right in the water, assuming that a little bit won’t hurt anything. Unfortunately, that assumption has led to the problems we face today.

The wind:

You may recycle like a champ, but wind gusts could tip your bin over or whisk a few pieces away while being transported to your local recycling facility. Many plastics are lightweight and flexible and can easily be blown into rivers or storm drains that flow out to sea. 

Industrial leakage: 

Improper disposal of plastic doesn’t just happen on an individual level: Companies with lax collection and disposal practices for construction materials, synthetic textiles, plastic pellets, and other waste are largely responsible for plastic entering the environment.

Down the drain: 

Congress passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which banned the use of microbeads in rinse-off health and cosmetic products, but it didn’t address other types of microplastics. This means plastic may lurk in your personal care routine and get washed down the drain. Next time you stock up on sundries, check the packaging labels and try to avoid these ingredients:

· Polyethylene

· Polypropylene

· Polyethylene terephthalate

· Polymethyl

Microfibers are another risk for plastic entering the ocean. These plastic fibers shed off synthetic clothing in the washing machine. Like microplastics, microfibers are so tiny that wastewater plants have difficulty filtering them out, offering a direct pathway to the ocean.

How to help? Reduce, reuse, recycle. Dispose of waste properly no matter where you are. Get involved and participate in local cleanups in your area. Remember that our land and sea are connected.

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

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

Celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8th and throughout the year!

2024 Action Theme: Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate

One Ocean,
One Climate, 
One Future – Together

Plastic has made our lives easier in many ways. It’s durable, lightweight, and has a variety of uses, from storage containers to outdoor furniture. The problem with plastic is that it’s often discarded improperly. And sadly, much of that plastic ends up in our oceans. 

So what can we do to protect our oceans? We can start by arming ourselves with knowledge, then use what we’ve learned to create lasting solutions that keep our oceans and waterways clean, healthy, and safe.

5 Ocean Plastic Facts:

1. Globally, we’ve only recycled 9% of plastic.

Of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic produced over the decades, we’ve only managed to recycle 9% of it worldwide (OECD, 2022).

2. By 2040, the amount of plastic pollution is expected to triple. 

Approximately eight million metric tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans annually (Jambeck et al., 2015). If we don’t take action now, we’re looking at nearly 24 million metric tons of litter by 2040 (UNEP, 2021). 

3. The ocean absorbs over 30% of global carbon emissions. 

Between 1994 and 2007, the world’s oceans kept 34 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions out of the atmosphere. Since then, the absorption rate has increased as atmospheric carbon levels rise, but one day our oceans may be unable to keep up and marine life will be at risk due to excess CO2 (Gruber et al., 2019).

4. Humans are eating microplastics. 

Recent research estimates that we unintentionally consume 0.1–5 grams of microplastic (plastic that’s broken down into microscopic bits) every week (Senathirajah et al., 2021). 

5. There are over 700 oceanic dead zones worldwide. 

Sewage outfalls and agricultural runoff are the primary contributors to dead zones—oxygen-depleted areas in the oceans that can’t support marine life. There are over 700 dead zones globally—a steep increase from the 1930s when fewer than five had been identified (Malone & Newton, 2020). 

We can turn the tide on plastic pollution if we make lasting lifestyle changes. There are many ways to make a positive impact—and they’re all easy.

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

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

Bicycle commuting to school or work can help you avoid the hassles of traffic congestion and get a little exercise during your transportation time. 

For those new to bike commuting, consider riding with someone who already commutes by bike. Find a bike commuting mentor or partner through Ridematch

Make sure your bicycle is the right size for you and is properly adjusted. If you are in the market for a new bicycle, check out the hybrids and mountain bikes. Some commuters prefer the fatter tires and upright position for riding in traffic.

Wear a bicycle helmet every time you ride. Recent studies indicate that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce your risk of head injuries. See bike helmet requirements

Lights and reflectors are a must, even if you do not plan to ride at night. There is always a chance of a late meeting or spur of the moment social activity after work or school that may see you riding home after dark. A white headlight and a red rear reflector are required by Washington law for night riding.

A rack over the rear wheel helps carry items such as clothes, briefcases, books, etc. Panniers that attach to the racks are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

A basic tool kit and a tire pump will allow you to make roadside repairs should they be necessary. The farther away you are from your destination, the more important this becomes.

Fenders are handy if you plan to ride when its wet.

Dress for the weather – It is sometimes tricky to know exactly how to dress for a particular temperature. But as a general rule, you should be comfortable to slightly cool before you start your ride. You will warm-up quickly once you get going. If you dress so that you are warm before you even start riding, you will get too hot. Layer your clothing so that you can always add or subtract a layer depending how you feel a mile or so into your commute.

More bicycle safety tips

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

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

Cycling is a full-body workout. Because it is an aerobic exercise, it raises your heart rate and breathing. Your body uses oxygen to turn fats and sugars into energy, so the more you breathe during biking, the more calories you burn. In fact, can burn as much as 444–733 calories for an 185-pound rider who cycles vigorously for 30 minutes. This makes it an excellent exercise for overweight and obese riders looking to lose weight. 

30 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling 4 times a week can burn about 1.3 kg of fat per month.

Obesity is becoming more prevalent in the US, with multiple states experiencing a rise in obesity rates. In particular,  was at 28.1% in 2022. The condition puts individuals at risk for developing chronic conditions, which is why many obese individuals turn to strategies like calorie restriction to lose weight. Yet, for some, biological and genetic factors can hinder their weight loss efforts.

You can’t make the most out of cycling if you do it randomly—it must be part of an effective weight-loss strategy. That means you need to also follow a sustainable diet plan that nourishes your body, fuels your workouts, and prevents further weight gain.

Biking is one of the best exercises to lose weight.

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

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

Riding a bike is healthy, fun and a low-impact form of exercise for all ages.

Cycling can help to protect you from serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.

Cycling is easy to fit into your daily routine by riding to the shops, park, school or work.

Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level.

The health benefits of regular cycling include:

increased cardiovascular fitness

increased muscle strength and flexibility

improved joint mobility

decreased stress levels

improved posture and coordination

strengthened bones

decreased body fat levels

prevention or management of disease

reduced anxiety and depression.

Cycling can improve both physical and mental health, and can reduce the chances of experiencing many health problems.

Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels. Research also shows that people who cycle to work have two to three times less exposure to pollution than car commuters, so their lung function is improved. A Danish study conducted over 14 years with 30,000 people aged 20 to 93 years found that regular cycling protected people from heart disease.

Many researchers have studied the relationship between exercise and cancer, especially colon and breast cancer. Research has shown that if you cycle, the chance of bowel cancer is reduced. Some evidence suggests that regular cycling reduces the risk of breast cancer.

2024 Bike Everywhere Day: Tomorrow May 17

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

Bike wheel curling challenge

2024 Bike Everywhere t-shirts

Prize giveaways

Bike checks 

Information about new bike paths and trails that connect you to Everett and beyond

Bike locker information

and much more ! 

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. Great events and challenges are also held by the City of Everett’s Public Worksdepartment. Did you know that they are planning major biking infrastructure improvements? Click the links to learn about the Fleming Bicycle Corridor or the Fulton Pedestrian and Bicycle Corridor Celebrating our biking community and bringing cyclists of all levels together to encourage the growth of Everett’s biking infrastructure. Games, bike safety checks, raffle prizes, biking maps, and more are available from Bike Everywhere Day partners! 

Event details

Location: Everett Station, Everett, WA
Date: Tomorrow, May 17, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. – noon

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

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

Riding a bike is not only a great way to improve your physical and mental health, but also the health of the planet! Here are some of the ways you’ll be helping the environment just by replacing a few car trips with bike rides.

No Gas, No Pollution

By not using any gas, bikes don’t release harmful emissions that pollute the atmosphere, nor any carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change. Just moderate increases in bicycle use each year could save an estimated 6 to 14 million tons of CO2.

Harmful Chemicals Are Reduced

We usually think of gas as the only pollutant when it comes to cars, but they also use antifreeze and other fluids that are bad for the environment. Biking instead of driving cuts down on all of them.

More Bikes Equals Fewer Roads 

More cars mean more roads need to be built, which causes water run-off that contributes to ground and water pollution. More bikes mean more bike paths and lanes which are more sustainable.

Noise Is Also Pollution

We rarely think of noise pollution when it comes to cars, that is unless you live by a busy street. Swapping bike rides for drives will make your neighborhood quieter to everyone’s benefit. 

2024 Bike Everywhere Day: May 17

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

Bike wheel curling challenge

2024 Bike Everywhere t-shirts

Prize giveaways

Bike checks 

Information about new bike paths and trails that connect you to Everett and beyond

Bike locker information

and much more ! 

Event details

Location: Everett Station, Everett, WA
Date: May 17, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. – noon

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

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

2024 Bike Everywhere Day: May 17

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

Bike wheel curling challenge

2024 Bike Everywhere t-shirts

Prize giveaways

Bike checks 

Information about new bike paths and trails that connect you to Everett and beyond

Bike locker information

and much more ! 

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. Great events and challenges are also held by the City of Everett’s Public Worksdepartment. Did you know that they are planning major biking infrastructure improvements? Click the links to learn about the Fleming Bicycle Corridor or the Fulton Pedestrian and Bicycle Corridor Celebrating our biking community and bringing cyclists of all levels together to encourage the growth of Everett’s biking infrastructure. Games, bike safety checks, raffle prizes, biking maps, and more are available from Bike Everywhere Day partners! 

Event details

Location: Everett Station, Everett, WA
Date: May 17, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. – noon

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

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

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