My friend, Dennis Ledden, passed along a very illuminating article and report entitled “Investing in Climate Chaos 2024: Institutional Investors $4.3 TRILLION Deep Into the Fossil Fuel Industry.” This article clearly identifies who these investors are and just how deep they are into supporting this industry. You can also download the brief report from the link provided in the above article which just came out on July 9th. Knowledge is power.
Author: Brian Berardo
A new report (6/26/24) from CIEL (Center for International Environmental Law) that details tools for state, county, and municipalities to help in the plastics war.
This new report claims to help these various governmental bodies by providing legal tools for engaging the producers of plastic. Getting this information into the hands of our local governmental bodies is critical. See https://www.ciel.org/news/new-report-helps-cities-states-legal-fight-plastic-pollution/. CIEL has been around since 1998 and you’ll be impressed with the work they’ve been doing.
A new report (6/26/24) from CIEL (Center for International Environmental Law) that details tools for state, county, and municipalities to help in the plastics war.
This new report claims to help these various governmental bodies by providing legal tools for engaging the producers of plastic. Getting this information into the hands of our local governmental bodies is critical. See https://www.ciel.org/news/new-report-helps-cities-states-legal-fight-plastic-pollution/. CIEL has been around since 1998 and you’ll be impressed with the work they’ve been doing.
Hopes fade for production curbs in new global pact on plastic pollution.
This article from Climate Home News is discouraging but tells us clearly what’s happening and isn’t happening WRT curbing plastic production: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2024/05/03/hopes-fade-for-production-curbs-in-new-global-pact-on-plastic-pollution/ .
Earth Law Center has released a profoundly beautiful film: “Last Stand: Saving the Elwha River’s Legacy Forests”.
| Earth Law News | April 26, 2024Dear Friends, In recent months, ELC’s Elizabeth Dunne (Director of Legal Advocacy) and Missy Lahren (Board Chair) have been pouring untold hours of work into producing and creating a remarkable short film entitled Last Stand: Saving the Elwha River’s Legacy Forests. Click image above to view the ~20 minute film free on YouTube. When a large ecologically sensitive legacy forest in the heart of the Elwha River Watershed was identified for harvest, the Earth Law Center, Keystone Species Alliance, and Center for Whale Research began using all legal means possible against the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to halt the impending clear-cut. The film’s breathtaking cinematography and intimate interviews showcase the profound beauty and ecological significance of the watershed, as well as the dire consequences of unchecked deforestation. After premiering yesterday at EarthX in Dallas, the film is now freely available for you to view on the ELC YouTube channel. I encourage you to watch it, and you can donate to this critical ongoing campaign by selecting “Elwha Forest Fund” from the dropdown menu on our donations page. Read on for a new article criticizing a recent wave of riverfront development projects in India and advocating for a Rights of Rivers approach, as well as several recent news articles featuring work by ELC staff members. Grant Wilson, Executive Director |
| Contact Us: Earth Law Center 530 Main Ave, Suite F Durango, CO 81301 info@earthlaw.org |
Let’s not forget one of the most venerable helpers for sustainability!
Hemp, the versatile plant, offers a plethora of applications across various domains. Let’s explore some of the remarkable real-life hemp products that showcase its benefits and sustainability:
- Clothing & Accessories:
- Hemp Shirts: Blending hemp with organic cotton results in durable, breathable shirts.
- Hemp Jeans: Fashionable and eco-friendly denim made from hemp fabric.
- Hemp Shoes: Comfortable sneakers crafted from hemp fibers.
- Hemp Wallets: Sturdy wallets that stand the test of time.
- Foods & Drinks:
- Hemp Seeds: Nutrient-rich seeds used in various culinary creations.
- Hemp Milk: A dairy-free alternative made from hemp seeds.
- Hemp Flour: Ground hemp seeds for baking and cooking.
- Hemp Butter: Spreadable goodness with a nutty flavor.
- Health & Wellness:
- Hemp Oil: Used in lotions, moisturizers, and shampoos.
- Hemp Protein Powder: A plant-based protein source.
- Hemp Supplements: Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins.
- Beauty:
- Hemp Makeup: Hempseed oil as an ingredient in cosmetics.
- Hemp Nail Polish: Eco-friendly nail color.
- Hemp Lotion: Moisturizing and soothing for the skin.
- Pets:
- Hemp Pet Bedding: Comfortable and sustainable bedding material.
- Hemp Pet Treats: Nutritious snacks for furry friends.
- Home & Office:
- Hemp Paper: Environmentally friendly paper made from hemp fiber pulp.
- Hemp Toilet Paper: is a type of tissue paper entirely made from fibers extracted from the hemp plant.
- Hemp Canvas: Durable material for paintings and prints.
- Hemp Batteries: Energy storage solutions.
- Hemp Concrete Blocks: is the sustainable alternative to a traditional brick and concrete block home.
- Farming & Gardening:
- Hemp Mulch: Natural ground cover for gardens.
- Hemp Fiberboard: Used in construction and furniture.
- Hemp Surfboards: Sustainable boards for water sports.
- Automobiles:
- Hemp Plastic Products: Biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.
- Hemp Fuel: Hemp biodiesel and ethanol/methanol options.
Remember, hemp’s potential extends far beyond this list. As awareness grows, we can embrace more of these incredible products and contribute to a greener, more sustainable world!
Kudos to Drawdown and their Solutions Library!
These guys have been busy! What a marvelous collection of solutions and where we’re at with respect to their corresponding degree of engagement and development. Just visit https://drawdown.org/solutions.
Climate Forum to Focus on Threats to SalmonSunday March 3, Port Angeles
The Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sequim/Port Angeles will present its first Climate Forum of 2024 at the Fellowship,1033 N Barr Rd, Port Angeles on March 3 at 12:20PM. The Forum will focus on the threats salmon are facing in the Northwest and solutions that are currently being implemented. It’s part of the Fellowship’s Green Sanctuary climate actions to address the seriousness of our changing climate due primarily to the burning of fossil fuels. Nate Roberts of the North Olympic Salmon Coalition will be the speaker. The presentation will be about 45 minutes including Q&A. The Forum is free and open to the public. Parking is conveniently located adjacent to the Fellowship Hall.
We are blessed with an abundance of organizations working hard to preserve our forests here in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Washington State University of Puget Sound Extension Forestry: (WSUPSEF) e-newsletter and webinars
Olympic Climate Action: Committee on Forests
Clallam County Conservation District
North Olympic Salmon Coalition
Center for Responsible Forestry
Center for Biological Diversity
The photo below shows demonstrators protesting clear-cutting in the Elwha river watershed.

Update on Nanoplastics
In a recent study, researchers have discovered bottled water sold in stores can contain 10 to 100 times more bits of plastic than previously estimated — nanoparticles so infinitesimally tiny they cannot be seen under a microscope. Here’s the link to the complete article: https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/health/bottled-water-nanoplastics-study-wellness/index.html. Bottom line: we’re going to need to move to glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for our drinking water.