When faced with danger, we know how to warn others. If, for example, a fire breaks out, raising an alarm comes naturally. However, while living more sustainably is often a response to the danger of climate change, talking about it can be complicated. How can we foster productive conversations? An acquaintance of mine, let’s call […]
sustainability
Posted inSouth Portland Sentry
Our Sustainable City: Building social resilience through repair, share and reuse
Feeling overwhelmed by excess stuff and constant cycles of waste? While overconsumption may appear inevitable in our fast-paced, profit-driven culture, sharing resources is one way to lessen our collective consumption while building social resilience. Neighbor-to-neighbor connection nurtures mutual care and trust, ultimately resulting in a community that is better prepared to support one another through […]
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Posted inTimes Record Opinion
The importance of indoor air quality
Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, and as winter tightens its grip, we may spend even more time indoors, with our windows sealed against the cold. This creates an important challenge — maintaining healthy indoor air quality. According to the American Lung Association, indoor air can contain two to five times more pollutants […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Carbon offsets: Having our cake and eating it, too
Most of us have heard of carbon offsets. Perhaps a relative mentioned that she buys them when she books airplane tickets. Or maybe you have read how huge corporations like Microsoft purchase offsets to reduce their carbon footprints. Lately, carbon offsets have generated much debate. What is the hullabaloo all about? Carbon emissions trading, often […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Learning from another country’s sustainability list, Part II
Two weeks ago, we shared Part 1 of New Zealand’s call to action for its citizens to take practical steps toward sustainability. Today, we bring you Part 2 as a reminder that citizens around the globe remain steadfast in their concern for our shared planet. These steps aren’t grand policy proposals; they’re not controversial mandates […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Eating utensils: Dispensing with disposability
Over the years, we have become increasingly accustomed — and conditioned — to eating with single-use plastic forks, knives and spoons when ordering takeout and enjoying ourselves at family celebrations, parties and public events. This practice is inherently unsustainable, so disposable utensils made from organic materials — and thus biodegradable, compostable or even edible — […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Learning sustainability from other countries, Part 1
While the political winds in Washington may shift like weather vanes, citizens around the globe remain steadfast in their concern for our shared planet. Meaningful environmental action doesn’t always require government leadership, as we can learn from New Zealand’s Ministry for the Environment. Years ago, they published an inspiring call to action: 21 practical steps […]
Posted inFood, Green Plate Special
Reduce the amount of meat in your diet with a gentle flexitarian approach
We’ve got a few tips to get you started, plus a tasty recipe for Extra Crispy Baked Orange Tofu with Broccolini that makes a strong case for meatless meals.
Posted inTimes Record
Sustainable refill shop to close its Brunswick location this month
GoGo Refill will close its Midcoast storefront this weekend.
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Tools to make your dishwashing more sustainable
Choosing accessories for sustainable dishwashing means identifying affordable alternatives to plastic and other synthetic substances. Happily, the wide range of eco-friendly dishwashing tools simplifies the matter. Commonly available sponges are often made partly or entirely of plastic and may incorporate toxic chemicals in their dyes, disinfectants or glues. Such sponges emit these substances into our […]