Sustainability department team and our friends from WSU went on a Beacon Food Forest tour. We all really enjoyed it and thought the Beacon Food Forest is a great place. Many thanks to Priya for leading us on this tour and answering our questions!
Below are some information about Beacon Food Forest:
“Community grows here
We cultivate a community dedicated to building equitable food systems for all people, and stewarding our environment for the benefit of all species.
We are on land stolen from the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other peoples, stewards and co-creators of abundance with the land since time immemorial. We work to dismantle an unjust food system rooted in white supremacy and conquest by nurturing its replacement, already alive and ready to grow. Through open harvest and collaboration within and among communities, we work to create a fair share for all”.
Beacon Food Forest is maintained by volunteers and managed by the Food Forest Collective, a 501c[3] tax-exempt organization, with support from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods P-Patch Community Gardening Program.
The P-Patch Community Gardening Program is made up of community managed open spaces throughout Seattle where gardeners use small plots of land to grow organic food, flowers, and herbs. All P-Patch gardens are open to the public to enjoy and are utilized as communal spaces, restorative spaces, learning and idea incubators, and venues for community gatherings.
Summer is officially in full swing! The days are long and sunny, leaving many of us itching for a vacation. With growing environmental concerns, eco-friendly travel options are becoming more popular. Traveling sustainably allows you to enjoy all the comforts of a vacation while reducing your environmental impact. This guide will give you all the green travel tips you need to plan your eco-conscious summer travel!
Eco-Friendly Travel Tips
Take Public Transportation: Opting for public transportation like buses or trains can help reduce the carbon footprint of your travel. Amtrak is a great option, offering scenic routes throughout the United States. When you arrive at your destination, consider taking local public transportation, walking, or biking to get around if possible. If you need to rent a car, renting a hybrid or electric vehicle can be a great option!
Pack Light and Intentionally: Packing light can help reduce the fuel consumption of your car if you are driving to your destination, not to mention it’s always easier to maneuver fewer bags! When choosing what to pack, consider bringing things like reusable water bottles and shopping bags to reduce your use of single-use plastics.
Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations: When looking at hotels, consider options that are LEEDor Green Key certified. These certifications mean your accommodation is committed to prioritizing energy efficiency and other sustainability practices. Camping is another great eco-friendly option, just remember to follow leave-no-trace principles!
Support Local and Sustainable Businesses:When dining on vacation, consider restaurants that prioritize local ingredients or pay a visit to the farmers market to support local farmers. If you are coming home with souvenirs, skip the airport souvenir shop and opt for unique items from local artisans instead!
Consider Eco-Friendly Destinations: If you don’t have a destination in mind yet, consider looking into places that are committed to sustainability or prioritize ecotourism. Exploring national parks, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, or backpacking are all great environmentally conscious activities to do during your summer travels
By choosing eco-friendly travel options, you can ensure a memorable summer trip while exploring scenic new destinations and helping keep the Earth clean for others to enjoy!
Food is a huge part of everyday life, so adding green-living practices to mealtime can make a big impact on yourself and the environment.
Mindful eating means knowing where your food comes from. Choose local, in-season produce. Buying from your local farmers’ market cuts down on food transportation costs and supports small farms.
Grow your own food. It’s fun, and nothing tastes better than herbs and produce you planted and nurtured yourself.
Use vegetable scraps to make homemade veggie broth, then compost them. Your garden will thank you!
Try going meatless once a week. Plant-based recipes are a light, eco-friendly alternative for hot summer months. Sustainable plant agriculture (like low-carbon production and avoiding pesticides) and animal agriculture (like buying local and considering the health and well-being of the animals) leads to a healthier life and greener lifestyle.
Processed food has added chemicals and other harmful factors — transportation, preparation and packaging — that negatively impact the environment. Homemade meals give you more control over your choices — starting with local, eco-friendly ingredients, and ending with how much food you waste. Food waste accounts for about 21% of landfill volume. As it spoils in the heat, it releases harmful gases that negatively impact the environment. Whittle down the waste in easy ways like using every part of the vegetables (think broccoli stems) and composting leftover scraps for your garden.
Dish up a side of sustainability at every meal — including what you eat on and how you serve it. Since your dinnerware comes in direct contact with your food, choose chemical-free and non-toxic options. Go a step further with recyclable, American-made and eco-friendly dinnerware. Wood, bamboo or recycled-glass materials are great options, but don’t stop there. Also look for renewable materials when it comes to cutting boards, placemats and more.
Use reusable bowl covers or organic cotton wraps like these instead of plastic wrap. For storage containers, skip the plastic variety and opt for recycled glass or stainless steel.
Use cloth napkins. Paper napkins can be expensive and Use can’t be recycled with oil or grease on them.
Storing food properly is important — but knowing refrigerator duration times for freshness maximizes food safety and quality.
When it comes to food, use sustainable practices for the health of yourself and the planet.
Summer’s rising temperatures often coincide with rising outdoor water use, primarily due to an increase in lawn and landscape watering. While using water efficiently is important throughout the year, sometimes the timing of water use can make a big difference for community water supplies—and your water bill.
In most areas, the amount of water homeowners use to keep their lawns green or gardens lush spikes in the summer—two to four times as much water than they use the rest of the year! And those with timed outdoor watering systems often forget to monitor the weather or set their irrigation controllers back in the fall, leading to more overwatering during the cooler months.
You can help use less water and create a healthier landscape by using and sharing these facts about overwatering and tips for reducing outdoor water use.
Facts about Summertime Overwatering
Depending on the region, homeowners use between 30 and 70 percent of their water outdoors.
Experts estimate that 50 percent of the water we use outdoors goes to waste from evaporation, wind, or runoff due to overwatering.
Review your water bills and compare your winter water use with your summer use to get a sense of how much extra water you use outdoors when it’s hot.
Homes with automatic sprinkler systems can use about 50 percent more water outdoors than those without them. Check your summertime water bill—how does your warmer weather water use compare to winter months? Here are some tips for keeping water use under control:
Timing is everything: Know how much water your landscape actually needs before you set your sprinkler. Your local utility can offer recommendations for how much water certain plants need in your region and best times to water. Generally, it’s best to water lawns and landscapes in the early morning and evening, after the sun goes down, because significant amounts of water can be lost due to evaporation during the heat of the day.
Look for the label: If your system uses a clock-based controller, consider upgrading to a WaterSense labeled controller that uses local weather data or monitors the moisture level of soil to determine when and how much to water, reducing waste and improving plant health. Replacing a clock-based controller with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller can save an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually. Combining a smart irrigation controller and spray sprinkler bodies that have earned the WaterSense label can save water, time, and money on water and sewer bills.
Tune up your system: Inspect irrigation systems and check for leaks and broken or clogged sprinkler heads. Fix sprinkler heads that are broken or spraying on the sidewalk, street, or driveway.
Play zone defense: When planting, assign areas of your landscape different hydrozones depending on sun/shade exposure, soil and plant types, and type of sprinklers, then adjust your irrigation system or watering schedule based on those zones’ specific needs. This helps you avoid overwatering some areas or underwatering others.
Even if your home doesn’t have a sprinkler system, there are a number of simple steps you can take to promote a healthier lawn and garden with less water this summer:
Step on it: Grass doesn’t always need water just because it’s hot out. Step on the lawn, and if the grass springs back, it doesn’t need water. An inexpensive soil moisture sensor can also show the amount of moisture at the plant’s roots and discourage overwatering.
Leave it long: Raise your lawn mower blade. Longer grass promotes deeper root growth, resulting in a more drought-resistant lawn, reduced evaporation, and fewer weeds.
Give your hose a break: Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing them off. And don’t forget to check for leaks at your spigot connection and tighten as necessary.
Is your region experiencing below average rainfall this summer? You may be in a drought! Visit our Drought & WaterSense page for helpful information on droughts and what you can do to help your community.
For more tips on reducing outdoor water use, visit our Outdoor pages.
People tend to use air conditioning more frequently as the days grow longer and hotter. To avoid the need for excessive cooling, set your thermostat to a moderate setting, utilize energy-efficient fans, and close your blinds or curtains during the hottest times of the day.
These straightforward suggestions can help you have a sustainable summer while leaving as little of an environmental footprint as possible. Keep in mind that sustainability is a way of life and that every small step counts toward a more sustainable and ethical future. Let’s make this summer a time for fun and environmental awareness!
Here you’ll find strategies to help you save energy and keep costs down during the summer when the weather is warm and you are trying to keep your home cool. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings; others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to keep energy affordable through the spring and summer.
If you haven’t already, conduct an energy assessment to find out where you can save the most.
Set your thermostat at a temperature you find comfortable and that provides humidity control, if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat allows you to do this automatically and without sacrificing comfort.
Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
USE FANS AND VENTILATION STRATEGIES TO COOL YOUR HOME
Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).
Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
Vacuum your air intake vents regularly to remove any dust buildup. Ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the airflow through your registers.
CONSIDER A RANGE OF APPLIANCES AND LIGHTING OPTIONS
Consider lighting options that operate at cooler temperatures.
Learn more about your options for efficient lighting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
