Category: Health

Join a Nationwide Protest on April 5th

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Forestry, Health, Politics, Uncategorized

Until this evening, I was unfamiliar with the website wardrobeoxygen.com, but they’ve done a splendid job of laying out the various groups that are organizing and why they’re doing so. We’re at a pivotal time in our nation’s history and this is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Please check out this website if you care about what’s going on in the United States today and want to understand the scope of this event: https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/details-on-the-april-5th-national-day-of-protest/ .

A Filter for Microplastics?

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Good News, Health, Plastics, Uncategorized

Some great news for a change! According to ethicalmarkets.com, China has discovered a filter made from cotton and squid bone (hopefully they can find a replacement for the poor squid soon) that’s having success filtering these microplastic bad boys! Check out their article: https://www.ethicalmarkets.com/cotton-and-squid-bone-sponge-can-soak-up-99-9-of-microplastics-scientists-say/

PROPUBLICA poses a question for us: ‘When Is “Recyclable” Not Really Recyclable? When the Plastics Industry Gets to Define What the Word Means.’

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Health, Plastics, Politics

Here’s a link to a fairly long but outstanding article that describes the realities of recycling and the intricacies of the PR work done by purveyors of plastics: https://www.propublica.org/article/plastics-industry-redefine-recyclable-ftc-grocery-bags?

Something to remember: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: “The 1.5 C limit is only posible if we ultimately stop buring Fossil Fuels. NOT reduce. NOT abate. Phase OUT – with a clear timeframe aligned with 1.5 C.”
Emphasis added

Investing in Climate Chaos in 2024

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Health, Plastics

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.

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.

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Health, Plastics

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.

Let’s not forget one of the most venerable helpers for sustainability!

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Good News, Health, Plastics

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:

  1. Clothing & Accessories:
    1. Hemp Shirts: Blending hemp with organic cotton results in durable, breathable shirts.
    1. Hemp Jeans: Fashionable and eco-friendly denim made from hemp fabric.
    1. Hemp Shoes: Comfortable sneakers crafted from hemp fibers.
    1. Hemp Wallets: Sturdy wallets that stand the test of time.
  2. Foods & Drinks:
    1. Hemp Seeds: Nutrient-rich seeds used in various culinary creations.
    1. Hemp Milk: A dairy-free alternative made from hemp seeds.
    1. Hemp Flour: Ground hemp seeds for baking and cooking.
    1. Hemp Butter: Spreadable goodness with a nutty flavor.
  3. Health & Wellness:
    1. Hemp Oil: Used in lotions, moisturizers, and shampoos.
    1. Hemp Protein Powder: A plant-based protein source.
    1. Hemp Supplements: Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins.
  4. Beauty:
    1. Hemp Makeup: Hempseed oil as an ingredient in cosmetics.
    1. Hemp Nail Polish: Eco-friendly nail color.
    1. Hemp Lotion: Moisturizing and soothing for the skin.
  5. Pets:
    1. Hemp Pet Bedding: Comfortable and sustainable bedding material.
    1. Hemp Pet Treats: Nutritious snacks for furry friends.
  6. Home & Office:
    1. Hemp Paper: Environmentally friendly paper made from hemp fiber pulp.
    1. Hemp Toilet Paper: is a type of tissue paper entirely made from fibers extracted from the hemp plant.
    1. Hemp Canvas: Durable material for paintings and prints.
    1. Hemp Batteries: Energy storage solutions.
    1. Hemp Concrete Blocks: is the sustainable alternative to a traditional brick and concrete block home.
  7. Farming & Gardening:
    1. Hemp Mulch: Natural ground cover for gardens.
    1. Hemp Fiberboard: Used in construction and furniture.
    1. Hemp Surfboards: Sustainable boards for water sports.
  8. Automobiles:
    1. Hemp Plastic Products: Biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.
    1. 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! 

Update on Nanoplastics

On By Brian BerardoIn Environment, Health, Plastics

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.