We rely on electronic devices—maybe a bit too much. As technology advances, “old” technology (usually only by a few years) is phased out and replaced with new tech. All that older technology must go someplace, and too much of it ends up in landfills. This is the problem of electronic waste, also known as e-waste. Read on to learn more about what e-waste is and why you should care.
E-Waste: A Definition
As you might have already figured out, e-waste consists of discarded electronic and electrical devices. As you can also surmise, that covers a lot of ground.
E-waste includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, computers, television sets, game consoles, and far too many other devices and their attachments to list here. Despite the high initial expense of these items, people view them as dispensable, and the waste keeps on coming. Millions of tons of it, in fact, enter landfills every year, and more is ahead.
Toxicity and More
Importantly, e-waste isn’t ordinary garbage. When disposed of improperly alongside biodegradable waste in regular landfills, e-waste harms the environment and people in the long term.
E-waste contains different toxic substances—such as cadmium, mercury, lithium, and lead—that contaminate water and soil and affect plants and wildlife for the worse. In short, improper disposal of e-waste leaves a ticking time bomb for the future. Fortunately, engaging in sustainable waste management practices benefits the environment, our communities, and subsequent generations.
Eliminating E-Waste
The practices of reduce, reuse, and recycle are especially applicable to e-waste. Naturally, you should try to curb the desire to continually upgrade to new technology. If you really need an upgrade, then consider donating older yet functional devices to charities, nonprofits, and overseas educational organizations that could use them.
When it’s definitely time to retire an old device, recycling is one of the most effective and common e-waste disposal methods. Through recycling, valuable materials like gold, silver, copper, and aluminum can be retrieved and reused in new products. This helps conserve natural resources while diminishing environmentally destructive mining activities. Retrieving the more harmful elements in e-devices and reusing or properly disposing of them also helps the environment.
Your choices for e-waste disposal don’t stop there. Many manufacturers and retailers offer disposal services as well as buy-back and take-back programs. Some sellers also offer discounts on new devices in exchange for the old.
Steps for a Brighter Future
What are your next steps? If you have a passion for sustainability, reevaluating your own e-waste habits is just the beginning. Remember that e-devices rely on power to back their use, and that extends beyond batteries. For a greener lifestyle and brighter future, continue to minimize consumption, reduce your reliance on e-devices and other electrical items, and support companies that put sustainability at the forefront.
We’ve addressed what e-waste is and why you should care. If everyone manages e-device use, strives for sustainability, and makes informed choices, we can mitigate and even eliminate the harmful effects of e-waste.
Solar Energy Myths: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Solar Power
As solar energy becomes more popular, many people still hold misconceptions about solar power. These myths can make it difficult for homeowners to decide if solar is a good option. This article will debunk some of the most common myths and provide clear, factual information. This will help you understand how solar power works, its benefits, and why it’s a reliable choice for your home.
Solar Energy: A Step Toward Sustainability
Solar power offers a reliable and renewable solution for homeowners seeking cleaner energy options. Commercial solar panels effectively reduce dependence on fossil fuels by using the sun’s energy. This transition not only helps the environment but also ensures long-term energy savings.
Solar systems can adapt to various locations and conditions, making them an accessible choice for many households. These, and many more reasons, make solar power perfect for sustainability.
The Truth Behind Solar Energy: Debunking Common Misconceptions
Many people believe that solar energy only works in certain climates or is too expensive. However, this is far from the truth. These are just misconceptions about solar power. Therefore, clear explanations backed by facts are needed. When doing so, we hope to help you make a more informed decision about whether solar energy is right for you.
Solar Power is Unnecessary for an Eco-Friendly Move
Some believe installing solar power isn’t essential when aiming foran eco-friendly move. This is incorrect. While there are many ways to adopt sustainability, solar power is one of the most impactful steps. Solar panels generate clean energy, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
This is really important because it allows you to charge electronic vehicles cleanly. It also cuts carbon emissions and supports a greener future. Additionally, solar systems provide energy independence, offering long-term savings and protection from rising electricity costs.
Solar Power Only Works in Sunny Weather
Solar systems can adapt to various locations and conditions, making them an accessible choice
As a matter of fact, solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days. While they work most efficiently in direct sunlight, they still produce power in overcast conditions. Solar panels are designed to capture sunlight, even when the sky is unclear. Modern solar systems have technology that optimizes energy production in low-light environments.
For example, some regions with frequent cloud cover still have high solar energy adoption. Places like the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. see consistent solar power production despite cloudy days. Besides, solar panels do not need perfect weather to provide electricity. They continue to operate, reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources.
Solar Panels Are Too Expensive for the Average Homeowner
The misconceptions about solar power can prevent homeowners from making the switch to renewable energy
The price of solar panels has dropped significantly over the years. Not to mention, tax incentives and financing options make it more affordable than ever. Solar installations now cost much less than they did a decade ago. The price drop is due to advancements in manufacturing and growing demand for renewable energy.
Many homeowners who install solar systems end up saving money in the long run. The money saved on electricity bills often offsets the initial cost of the panels. With this in mind, solar power can actually pay for itself over time. Further, government incentives such as tax credits and rebates make the investment even more affordable.
Solar Energy Systems Require Constant Maintenance
Another myth is that solar energy systems need constant maintenance. This is not true. Solar panels have few moving parts, so there is less break or maintenance. They are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, and with proper installation, they can last for decades.
Besides, the maintenance required is minimal. Solar panels only need occasional cleaning, typically once or twice a year, depending on where you live. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the surface, but a simple rinse with water is usually enough. Manufacturers also offer warranties on their panels, ensuring you won’t face high repair costs.
Solar Power Is Inefficient Compared to Traditional Energy
In contrast, modern solar panels are much more efficient than most people realize. Today’s solar panels convert about 20% to 22% of the sunlight into electricity. This may not seem like a lot, but it’s an impressive improvement from older models. Furthermore, new technologies like solar storage systems allow homeowners to store excess energy for later use, improving efficiency.
When comparing solar power to traditional energy sources, it’s important to consider long-term benefits. Traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas are finite and polluting. Solar energy, on the other hand, is clean and renewable. Another key point is that solar energy can still power homes even when grid power goes out, thanks to backup systems.
Solar Panels Are Bad for the Environment
Some people believe that solar panels harm the environment due to their manufacturing process. While it’s true that manufacturing solar panels requires energy, the environmental impact is far less than traditional energy sources. Solar panels are made from recyclable materials, and many manufacturers are working to make the process more sustainable.
Similarly, the overall environmental impact of solar power is far lower than that of fossil fuels. Solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps fight climate change. Over the panels’ lifetime, the carbon emissions associated with their production are quickly outweighed by the clean energy they generate. This makes solar energy one of the most eco-friendly energy options available.
Solar Power Doesn’t Work in My Area
Solar technology can be adjusted to meet the energy needs of nearly any area
Many people think solar power is only effective in sunny, warm climates. However, in short, solar panels work in nearly all regions. Even places with cold winters or cloudy weather can benefit from solar power. Areas with long summers and occasional cloud cover still see high solar output.
Nevertheless, every location has different conditions that can affect solar energy production. Some regions may need additional solar panels or better storage solutions. However, solar technology can be adjusted to meet the energy needs of nearly any area. Countries with colder climates, such as Germany and Canada, have some of the world’s highest solar energy adoption rates. Besides, solar systems can be optimized for your location to ensure they work as efficiently as possible.
Summary: Rethinking Misconceptions About Solar Power
The misconceptions about solar power can prevent homeowners from switching to renewable energy. Many myths, such as the belief that solar power only works in sunny weather or is too expensive, are simply false. Solar energy is more affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly than many people realize.
We can help homeowners make informed decisions about adopting solar power by debunking these myths. As the cost of solar continues to fall and technology improves, more and more people will enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy. So, if you’re considering solar for your home, take a closer look at the facts, and you’ll likely find it a worthwhile investment.
Exploring the Future of Solar Chimneys in Architecture: Is It Viable?
Fireplaces and chimneys have an inescapable charm that many households desire. However, participating in sustainability conversations over time can make residents consider how using these cozy structures may impact the planet and their carbon footprint. Leveraging sustainable pellets as fuel and installing solar chimneys are becoming hot topics of discussion in the attempt to get the best of both worlds.
How Solar Chimneys Function
A solar chimney is an eco-friendly heating and cooling method. It makes households more energy-efficient while also providing ventilation. It’s a passive temperature regulation method, meaning the structural elements respond naturally to environmental stimuli.
Solar chimneys look similar to regular chimneys because they are hollow, vertical structures. The solar collection area — which may be the entire shaft — is covered in black paint to hold onto daylight gains. If the chimney top is open, warm air escapes and cools the house from the opening inside. The opening pulls the heat out like a vacuum, providing a cooling draft. If the top is closed, the warmth funnels back into the building. For this reason, they are also called thermal chimneys.
What Materials Make Solar Chimneys Efficient?
To move heat efficiently, chimneys need to incorporate materials that can absorb and release air carefully. They use dark-painted frames to capture warmth, insulated glazing to prevent air from escaping, and tinted glass to move the sun’s rays.
They may also contain other materials like concrete, aluminum, and steel for stability. One study used metal foam to see how it altered the chimney’s performance, yielding 20% energy savings for the test room.
Solar chimneys are common fixtures in bioclimatic architecture, which leverages the region’s climate tendencies. These structures enhance energy efficiency and eliminate dependence on conventional heating and cooling, which may rely on fossil fuels.
Standard fireplaces lose around 80% of heat, so incorporating any heat-loss measure is critical. It also improves indoor air quality (IAQ) by decreasing the number of pollutants regular chimneys and HVAC systems produce.
How to Overcome Common Integration Challenges
Experts suggest solar chimneys could impact affordable housing despite their energy benefits. Social housing developments are on the rise to accommodate lower-income communities and widen real estate availability. However, bioclimatic elements could make living in these claimed affordable homes less accessible.
Community surveys in Mexico discovered that 62% of sample survey participants would be willing to shoulder the estimated price increase of 2.5%- 4% if it made a positive climatic contribution. Mitigating this challenge would require social housing developers to collaborate with policymakers. If they do so, they can influence how banks and national institutes finance these structures. Cooperation could lower interest rates and control costs of sustainable architecture upgrades like solar chimneys.
Some homes may also run into space constraints. A building needs a decent footprint to install a chimney if a house doesn’t have one already. It also needs height, which may not be possible in urban areas.
These examples demonstrate how design optimizations are the key to making them more flexible to different structures. Researchers found how to efficiently install them in urban tunnels using predictive analytics. Data visualizations show designers how to construct the chimney for the strange airflow patterns of a tunnel.
What Advantages Do Solar Chimneys Bring to Architecture?
The environmental benefits of solar chimneys are numerous –
Renewable Energy Supplements
The sun isn’t always out, which is one of the primary debates against solar as a main energy source. Renewable systems needing inconsistent suppliers of electricity work better if the home reduces energy consumption first.
Solar chimneys do this, even in office buildings. The chimney improved ventilation and cut heating demand by 32%, drastically curbing carbon emissions as well. Renewable energy becomes more viable if supplementary fixtures like passive heating and cooling help energy management.
Fire Safety
Fireplaces are highly covetable, but they require precautions and following fire safety best practices as per manufacturer guidelines. Because solar chimneys don’t need roaring fires to work, they eliminate almost every fire safety concern. Solar chimneys still get hot, though, so adequate fire safety is recommended throughout, just in case.
Better IAQ
Solar chimneys emit limited amounts of elements like smoke. Pollutants, carbon monoxide, and ash are practically nonexistent with solar chimneys, making the conditions inside the home comfortable and healthy for residents. This also helps keep the indoor air quality (IAQ) at good levels.
Industrial Applications
The energy sector may learn a lot from installing solar chimneys in homes. These ideas can translate into a power plant, providing clean energy to many homes simultaneously. Installing solar chimneys at this scale is where even more advancements can be discovered to increase the effectiveness of residential buildings.
For example, a study analyzed how to make a solar chimney power plant more efficient. To overcome intermittency in solar capture, the plant used phase-change materials. These change from liquid to solid and back again when it suits the structure’s needs. Materials like hydrated salt provided another energy storage source, boosting efficiency by 19%. The findings will translate to and improve homes, too.
Solar Technology Outside of Rooftop Panels
There are more applications for solar innovations than installing panels. A solar chimney could be one of the most accessible retrofits available, stabilizing indoor comfort levels and improving health as a by-product. However, awareness must rise. Those interested in renewable generators, sustainability, and buildings need to spread education about solar chimneys so people know they’re an option.
Environmental Volunteerism for Older Adults: Benefits and Opportunities for 2025
By Beth Rush
Anyone with free time in their schedule can give back to the planet — including older adults. Volunteer opportunities exist throughout the country for those who care about the environment and want to lend a hand. Learn more about the benefits of environmental volunteering to determine if it’s something you’d like to do over the coming years.
Why Is Volunteerism Beneficial for Older Adults?
Volunteerism benefits older adults by getting them moving, providing a sense of purpose, and helping people meet new friends. Experts estimate that over 11 million Americans spent the day volunteering on any given day in 2022. Although you could support many notable causes, helping the environment might be your primary focus if you have sustainable values.
Benefits of Environmental Volunteering
Older adults can benefit from environmental volunteering in numerous ways. See if any might change your daily life in ways that could make it more meaningful.
1. You’ll Get More Physically Active
It’s much easier to pass the time while sitting when you’re not walking around a workplace or caring for little kids. Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with relaxing on your couch, you’ll feel better in your body by getting active.
Getting more physically active is among the many benefits of environmental volunteering. The extra movement could increase your strength and flexibility, which otherwise declines if your lifestyle is primarily sedentary. You can always talk with your primary care provider to choose volunteer ideas based on how much weight they recommend you lift or how long your doctor recommends that you stay on your feet.
2. You’ll Dedicate Yourself to a Good Cause
People tend to lose their sense of purpose once they reach the age of 55 due to various potential factors. You might retire from the career you loved or realize your kids are adults who don’t need you as much as they did when they were young. No matter the reason, you might enjoy the coming years more by dedicating yourself to a new cause.
Finding volunteer opportunities that align with your already present sustainable values is a simple way to make your life more meaningful. You can also help the environment even if you’ve never considered sustainability. Organizations are always in need of volunteers in their efforts to support the planet.
3. You’ll Meet New Friends
Volunteerism also benefits older adults because you’ll likely make new friends. Unless you choose a volunteer job where you work alone, you’ll spend your time with other people accomplishing the same task. Having close friends decreases your chances of developing depression or making your existing depression worse. It’s something to think about if you’ve noticed that you’ve started to feel sad as your life has changed in recent years.
4. You Could Get More Nature Exposure
If making friends doesn’t come easily for you, spending more time outside can also improve your mental health. Researchers found that nature exposure reduces depression symptoms through enjoyable factors like fresh air, sunlight, and seeing greenery all around you. You don’t need to be an extrovert to improve your mental health. All you need is an environmental volunteer role that makes you excited to help the earth.
5. You Might Create Intergenerational Activities
The people volunteering alongside you will come from all walks of life. You’ll meet individuals of all ages, which means volunteering could be a fun intergenerational activity. Bonding with younger generations fortifies your self-esteem as you age.
You could even use your volunteer opportunities as a family event if your loved ones live nearby. Invite your adult children, grandkids, nieces, or nephews to join you for a day. You’ll make new memories you wouldn’t otherwise share if you didn’t have a passion for environmental volunteerism.
Environmental Volunteer Opportunities for Older Adults
Your local community likely has environmental volunteer roles for older adults through your parks and recreation department. Check out a few inspirational opportunities if you’d rather get involved with nationwide organizations.
Spend Time With the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
All kinds of volunteer roles are available with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You could use your birding hobby to watch for river hawks, help coordinate fishing events, or guide visitors staying at RV recreational stops. It depends on which of the benefits of environmental volunteering you’d like to experience the most. Some roles will be more active, while others will be more social. The good news is that they’re all necessary for the planet.
Contribute Your Skills to the National Marine Sanctuary System
You might find your next favorite volunteer job with the National Marine Sanctuary System. They recruit volunteers of all ages to help monitor water quality, scuba dive for research purposes, and even identify whales. Check out the national organization’s upcoming volunteer opportunities for older adults to find the best fit for your skills, interests, and geographic region.
Volunteer With the National Park Service
National parks are all over the country. No matter where you live, you likely live within driving distance of one. Spend more time in nature by volunteering as a museum guide or a campground host. You might also enjoy teaching complimentary classes on the cultural heritage where you live. It depends on which opportunities are available when you’re ready to get involved.
Help the Environment and Get More Active
Once you learn why volunteerism benefits older adults, you might feel more motivated to find a cause. See if there are opportunities with national or local organizations. Whether you want to get more physically active, find a new purpose, or make some friends, your overall well-being will benefit from your efforts.
About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!
You might have heard scary statistics about the amount of plastic used in K Cups. Discovering what you can do with old coffee pods can cut your carbon footprint and ease guilty feelings. This modern coffee-brewing convenience is here to stay, so learning what to do with the waste such machines create makes a difference.
What Can You Do With Old Coffee Pods?
Your chosen brand partially determines what you can do with old coffee pods. You might be able to refill your old coffee pods for reuse, depending on what type you purchased. Additionally, some coffee pods are compostable, according to BPI certification rules. Such products must remain free of harmful substances and obtain certification regarding their decomposition rate and biodegradability.
Even the grounds used themselves make excellent fertilizer. Soak two cups of them in a 5-gallon bucket of water overnight and use this liquid fertilizer in your garden or mist indoor plant leaves with it to encourage growth.
What Can I Make With Used K Cups?
You can make all kinds of nifty things with used K Cups. They come in a convenient size for holding small objects or serving as parts for various other crafts.
K Cups are made with recyclable polypropylene, or #5 plastic. While many sorting centers only accept certain types of plastic, many centers take #5, and you can toss your used K Cups right in your curbside bin. However, why do that when you can have much crafting fun?
How to Repurpose Old Coffee Pods: 21 Ideas
It’s time to get a little creative. Here are 21 ideas for what you can do with old coffee pods besides turning them into compost or recycling.
1. Store Sewing Supplies
Is your sewing basket a hopeless jumble of buttons and pins? You can organize it with used K Cups, creating a unique storage spot for each sequin color. You’ll find the exact gauge of the needle the first time; whenever you turn a used K Cup upside down, label it with the indicator on the top center, then treat it like a pincushion.
2. Stash Your Contacts
You went on vacation and forgot your contact lens case. It looks like a trip to the store is in order. Is it? It does not need to be if you have a used coffee pod from your hotel room device.
Brew a second cup, rinse out both pods and voila. You now have a convenient, temporary storage spot for your lenses.
3. Make a Necklace
Could your neck use a little more bling? Make yourself that big gold chain you’ve always wanted with this trick to repurpose old coffee pods.
Simply paint a bunch of them gold — you might even go crazy with the glitter if you’re brave enough for the resulting mess. Then, string them together for an instant chain that’s more K Cup than karat.
4. And Matching Earrings
A pair of K Cup earrings? It’s easier than you think. If you’re into miniature worlds, you can create a tiny diorama inside each cup, affix it to a stud-style earring, and show off your playhouse on your lobes. You can also transform them into dangling-style earrings, adding several to a chain for dramatic effect.
5. Gelatin Shots
While you shouldn’t encourage excessive drinking, who said you had to add alcohol to the gelatin? Serving them in used coffee pods delights tiny tots who can have a blast licking the sweet gel out. Of course, if a festive occasion approaches, it’s OK to add a hint of spirits and indulge responsibly.
6. Holiday Ornaments
Make a few more ornaments for your holiday tree with used K Cups. You can glue a bunch together in a tree shape or poke a pipe cleaner through them and paint them to create thick, juicy “candy” canes. Paint red and green and glue them to popsicle sticks to create a picture frame ornament for a prized family photo.
7. Outdoor Lights
Plain string bulbs can look boring, but you can dress them up with used K Cup lamp shades. Adding the cover dims the lights for intimate evenings. Paint them in different colors for a rainbow effect, or choose one or two signature hues.
8. Seedling Starters
You’ve mastered saving your seeds but need pots under your grow lamps. Used coffee pods are the perfect size for sprouting new plant life, making it easy to transplant to a larger container and, eventually, your garden.
9. Paint Cups
Are you into painting rocks? Squirt a tiny bit of tempera into each used K Cup to keep it from getting dry while you practice your craft. You can even wrap the excess with plastic wrap to prevent waste.
10. Mini Snack Containers
It isn’t only gelatin you can use to refill your used coffee pods. Transform them into tiny containers for various snacks, from miniature pretzels to M&Ms.
11. Makeshift Building Blocks
Your kid can take used coffee pods and build a model of the Colosseum for a history project that’s sure to earn an A.
12. Spy Communication Cable
Remember making a “telephone” with tin cans and string? You can do the same with used K Cups, creating a spy communication cable for dolls or GI Joe.
13. Mini Bowling Pins
Stack one used K Cup on top of the other to create a wobbly pin. Make nine more, then use a marble to go bowling in your living room.
14. Ice Cube Molds
Are you tired of boring squares? Give your ice cubes a stylish new shape by freezing them in your used coffee pods.
15. Snowman Eyes
If your front lawn lies buried under three feet of the white stuff, paint a few used coffee pods black. Use them for buttons, eyes, and a mouth instead of coal.
16. Nuts and Bolts
If you can never find the right size nut and bolt in that junk drawer, clean it out and organize them into used K Cups.
17. Custom Play-Clay Cups
Whether you make homemade play clay or buy the commercial brand and mix it into a signature shade, keep your colorful creations fresh by stashing it in a used K cup and covering it with plastic wrap.
18. Doll Furniture
Many have sat around the campfire on one of those overturned 5-gallon buckets. You can transform your used coffee pods into similar furniture for dolls.
19. Draft Stopper
You’ll need a lot of used pods for this one, but you drink coffee daily, right? Stack a bunch of cups together to create a long enough chain to cover the bottom length of your door. Create a second one and cover the two horizontal columns in fabric, leaving a 1 ½-inch strip of cloth in between. Slide it onto the bottom of your door to block drafts.
20. Toy Snake
Begin this repurposed K Cup craft the same way as your draft stopper, but stick to one row of connected cups. Cover them in fabric for a snake that slightly slithers — packing the pods more loosely increases the range of motion.
21. Pebble Pong
Who says you need the brewski? If you remember beer pong from your undergrad days, this idea might make you reminisce.
Instead of ping pong balls, use pebbles. Or, if you’re stuck at work and need to fidget, craft a quick origami frog and see if you can get it to hop into your used coffee pod.
Repurpose Old Coffee Pods
The good news is it’s easier to recycle or compost today’s coffee pods than ever. However, there are also dozens of fun things to make with used K Cups. Draw inspiration for these ideas for repurposing old coffee pods and transforming that trash into treasure.
About the author: Beth Rush is the green wellness editor at Body+Mind, where she covers topics like the power of climate consciousness at all stages of education. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth!
New Year’s Resolutions to Make Your Home More Sustainable
By Cora Gold
The new year isn’t only a fresh start. It’s a time for renewed hope that things can be better. However, only action can bring the changes we hope to see — hence, resolutions.
While feeling overwhelmed when you think about the climate crisis is understandable, it’s even more important to realize that everyone’s behaviors contribute and make a difference. You can control your corner of the world, and actions like the ones below make more of a difference than you know. Get more sustainable this year by making these eco-friendly resolutions.
1. Adjust That Dial
The bad news is that America’s primary energy source remains fossil fuels. Unless you’ve converted your property to solar, you burn them to stay warm.
The good news is that adjusting that dial while you are away saves a bundle in cash and emissions. According to Energy Star, you can save up to 10% per year by adjusting your thermostat seven to ten degrees from its original setting during the eight hours per day you are away.
2. Think Local First
The farther a product travels to reach you, the greater the emissions. Sourcing your daily needs from local stores supports your neighborhood economy.
Furthermore, you might be able to walk or bike errands, making them emissions-free. Traveling this way also introduces you to new, smaller shops you might never have otherwise known existed. Skip the big box the next time you need towels in favor of a local vendor.
3. Upgrade Smart
If it’s time to replace your appliances, opt for the latest Energy Star models. Today’s brands use up to 70% less electricity and 40% less water than older versions, making them far more efficient. Also, keep tabs on the amount of products you use. A touch of fabric softener is enough; too many scent beads leave waxy streaks on your clothing.
4. Grow Some Food
Reduce your trips to the store by growing some of what you need at home. If you buy organic, you can experiment with saving the seeds from the produce you already use, coaxing it to new life. That way, you’ll grow fruits and veggies you love to eat.
You can also experiment with composting, which works best if you have a place to put it. Urban apartment dwellers can fill containers with the resulting soil or donate it to a community garden. Entrepreneurial sorts seeking a new capital investment might even implement a community composting program, keeping food scraps out of landfills and public gardening spaces well supplied.
5. Improve Your Waste Management
What’s one thing — one, not a complete lifestyle change — you could do to dispose of your waste more efficiently this year? It might mean adding a separate recycling can to their budget for some. For others, it might mean shifting from single-stream to sorting and dropping cans and cardboard at the center once or twice a month. Still others might decide to put a recycling bin in their car for sorting during road trips.
6. Go LED
When it’s time to replace those old incandescent bulbs, skip the grocery and go to your nearest big box hardware store if you have one nearby. You’ll be amazed at the array of today’s LEDs, which let you create a signature look with lighting. Best of all, these bulbs save energy. According to a recent University of Michigan study, LEDs are even more efficient than fluorescents, saving 44% over each tube.
7. Donate Your Unwanted Items
You have plenty of things sitting around your home that you never use. Donating them clears clutter and ultimately reduces landfill waste when you take a slow-as-you-go approach.
Instead of letting things get so bad, you need a major cleanup that results in a trip to the dump, gather things each week as you clean, and immediately place them in your car. They’ll be in plain view the next time you drive past your local donation center for a quick drop-off. You’ll sigh in relief each time you look around your beautifully uncluttered home, knowing that your unwanted items have found love with someone who needs them.
Resolutions for a More Sustainable Home
Thinking of the enormity of the climate crisis can paralyze. It’s far better to focus on what you can do — after all, humans can certainly clean up a mess they created themselves.
Resolve to take positive actions like the one above to make your corner of the world more sustainable, and you’ve done your part to create a greener planet. Better yet, your actions can inspire others to make similar eco-friendly switches, building on the goodness.
About the author: Cora Gold is a sustainability writer who aims to live a healthy, low-waste lifestyle. Read more from Cora in Revivalist magazine, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Future Trends in Urban Energy Independence: U.S. Cities Preparing Renewable Power Grids for the 2025 Presidential Transition
By Jane Marsh
Like any transition of power, many wonder what the future holds for urban energy independence amid the incoming Administration. President-elect Donald Trump promised sweeping environmental policy changes throughout his campaign, particularly regarding renewable energy.
Now, after nominating fracking executive and climate skeptic Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy, cities nationwide are preparing their renewable power grids for uncertainty.
Trump Vows to Undo Green Energy Progress
Among President-elect Trump’s plans on his first day back in office are major rollbacks of green energy policies. The National Energy Council he intends to start will allow him, he says, to achieve “energy dominance” over the rest of the world. To do this, Trump wants to ramp up oil and gas drilling in the United States.
Trump’s plans are likely to encounter roadblocks. For one thing, oil and gas companies must determine whether supply and demand warrant expanding drilling activities. Likewise, Mexico and Canada are the two largest oil importers for the U.S., which will likely result in higher costs and national security threats if Trump follows through on his proposed tariffs.
The president-elect also intends to undo President Biden’s renewable energy progress by approving the Keystone Pipeline, speeding up permitting for fossil fuel projects and halting wind power. According to Trump, wind power is the most costly energy source and kills whales and birds — an unfounded claim, according to scientists.
Many states will be affected if the federal government pulls funding and permits for offshore wind energy projects. For example, New York counted on wind turbines to provide one-sixth of its electricity portfolio within a decade. The wind energy industry would have also delivered 14,000 green jobs to the state.
How Cities Are Ramping Up Their Renewable Power Grids
Cities across the U.S. aren’t waiting to see what happens when the White House changes power. They’re taking matters into their own hands and ramping up their renewable capacity to ensure urban energy independence in the years ahead.
New York City
One renewable energy source unlikely to go anywhere is solar power — a green energy source NYC is leaning into to boost grid resilience. The city government set a goal to operate on 100% clean electricity by 2025, hoping to install 1,000 megawatts of solar citywide by 2030.
A new Sunset Park solar development in Brooklyn also plans to install a 725-kilowatt solar array, generating $1.24 million in energy savings for about 150 households in the neighborhood.
To meet its solar installation goals by 2030, NYC has installed 105 rooftop solar projects on school buildings, accounting for 80% of the city’s total clean energy progress. School buses will also generate electricity from solar panels, four of which are already in operation.
Los Angeles
Solar panels only work when there is sunlight to produce energy, making Los Angeles the perfect city to continue working toward clean electricity.
California has achieved renewable energy growth across the state. Now, L.A. is getting a new solar farm, Eland, which will supply 7% of the city’s electricity at an affordable rate. With hopes to achieve 100% clean energy by 2035, Eland is expected to help L.A. reach 64% of its goal by the end of next year.
The Eland Solar-plus-Storage Project by Arevon Energy, Inc., will be operational in Q1 2025. Its combined solar and storage capacity will make it reliable during peak electricity demand throughout Southern California.
Seattle
In June 2024, the City of Seattle invested $2.24 million to recruit and train workers from areas most affected by environmental injustice. These individuals will then be placed in competitive construction and clean energy jobs, enabling them to attain a steady career and livable wage.
Technology startup Modern Hydrogen also raised $25 million to produce hydrogen fuel using existing gas infrastructure. The company’s unique device will enhance carbon capture and apply clean energy to industrial activities.
Challenges Cities Face for Future Energy Resilience
Regulatory hurdles imposed by the incoming Trump Administration will present several roadblocks to progressing urban energy independence. While the President-elect will only upend renewable initiatives for four years, his climate action — or lack thereof — can significantly damage U.S. cities’ headway toward clean energy.
The existing grid requires major upgrades to become a resilient energy infrastructure. However, these updates are a costly investment and unlikely to occur at the federal level. Instead, cities will need to fund clean, renewable power projects and grid revamps themselves — a feat urban areas with budgetary constraints will find challenging.
Although progress has been impressive, better renewable energy storage is needed in the coming years to balance supply and demand, especially as city populations boom.
Solution for a Cleaner, Energy-Resilient Tomorrow
The outlook might look grim to many — and some areas will indeed feel the effects of the Trump Administration’s deregulation — but cities can continue their work toward a cleaner and greener future. Prioritizing energy infrastructure, including modernizing grid technologies and distribution networks, is vital. More diverse energy portfolios will also alleviate reliance on one type of power source.
Collaboration will be key to energy independence in the coming years. Cities should continue working with their states to create policies and guidelines to continue their transition. Partnering with the private sector will further expand access to knowledge, tech and funding for prospective projects.
At the local level, urban areas should consider incentivizing clean energy, including tax credits for solar power installations and electric vehicle purchases. Continuing investments in research and technology innovations will also allow cities to remain on the path toward their climate goals.
Of course, energy independence and resilience are only possible with an engaged community. Public forums and outreach campaigns encourage city dwellers to participate in renewable initiatives, including decision-making and advocacy.
Clean Energy Independence Is Still Within Reach
The Trump Administration’s plans have many concerned about urban energy independence over the next few years. However, there’s hope as cities have their own objectives to stay on course toward a greener future.
Article by Jane Marsh
Jane works as an environmental and energy writer. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co
Eco-Conscious Living: The House Manure and Hempcrete House Revolution
Sustainable construction trends continue to employ advanced tech such as AI and solar. However, one organic revolutionary development making waves in the name of innovation is the use of hempcrete in construction. It is not just hempcrete but also the added surprising element of horse manure that redefines how people perceive eco-friendly housing options. Here’s all you need to know about the hemp and horse-dropping combo.
What Is Hempcrete and How Is It Used in Construction?
As the name suggests, hempcrete is a hemp-based, sustainable alternative to concrete. This bio-composite material is fashioned from the industrial hemp plant, also known as “shiv” or “hurd,” and then mixed with a lime-based binding mortar. Its high silica content allows it to bond well with lime in the form of calcium hydroxide.
This combination creates a lightweight and breathable insulating material that lacks the brittleness of concrete. However, unlike traditional concrete, hempcrete is not load-bearing, requiring a structural framework to support it. Still, it’s an excellent sustainable material for insulation, interior walls, and cladding.
Hempcrete can be used in new builds and retrofitting since its flexibility allows it to be installed through cast-in-place methods, prefabricated panels, or spray-applied insulation.
Hempcrete is already quite impressive, but that doesn’t stop those seeking to enhance its properties further. Enter horse manure, an unexpected additive. It’s rich in cellulose and fibers, which act as a natural binder when mixed into hempcrete. This additive enhances the durability and thermal insulation of the composite.
While it may sound unconventional, horse droppings are uniquely suited for such applications because of how horses digest their food. Food passes through a horse’s digestive tract within 45 to 72 hours thanks to their forage-based diet and relatively small stomachs.
This process leaves behind fibrous manure ideal for blending with hempcrete—a closed-loop sustainability system in which one industry’s trash is another’s treasure.
The success of horse poo in hempcrete highlights just how viable it is in the construction industry. By exploring unconventional alternatives, hempcrete builders are pushing the boundaries of what’s thinkable in sustainable construction. Will it be the next revolutionary trendsetter?
The Environmental Benefits of Hempcrete Houses
Its positive environmental impact is among the driving forces for why hempcrete should be widely adopted in the construction industry.
Carbon Sequestration
Hempcrete is a carbon-negative material — it continues to absorb carbon long after construction,storing more than what was emitted during construction. This is made possible by the lime binder, which absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gases.
Raw, Renewable, Sustainable
Industrial hemp isable to mature for fiber production in as little as 60 days. It requires minimal water and no pesticides. This fast grower regenerates soil health and is a sustainable alternative to resource-intensive materials like traditional cement or insulation. Additionally, curing hempcrete requires significantly less water than conventional cement.
Thermal Regulation
Hempcrete has a lower thermal conductivity, about half of concrete. This mostlydepends on the amount of shiv added, which affects density. Low thermal conductivity allows it to resist heat transfer more effectively and makes it ideal for energy-efficient homes.
Fire and Pest Resistance
Since hempcrete is mineral-based, it isnaturally resistant to fire, rodents, and other pests. This reduces the need for additional treatment required of conventional materials used in construction, such as wood. In the case of a fire, the lime coating provides enough time and fire resistance for inhabitants to evacuate the building.
Waste Product By-Product
Additives like horse manure reduce agricultural waste and improve the performance of hempcrete. This is a win for the environment and innovation. Despite being a by-product, manure-infused hempcrete is odorless.
Challenges of Using Hempcrete in Homebuilding
The attractive benefits of hempcrete do not come without challenges.
> Non-load-bearing nature: This is the biggest hurdle for hempcrete since it requires an added structural framework for walls. This makes it a limited option in high-rise buildings or structures with great foundation demands.
> Production scale: Industrial hemp is making waves worldwide due to its flexibility, but the supply chain is still maturing. Fortunately, the Farm Billpassed in the United States in 2018, allows hemp to grow. Pricing and availability may be affected, although the increasing demand may offset this in the future.
> Building code acceptance: Since hemp is considered a fairly new material in many regions, builders may face obstacles when utilizing it for projects. However, partnering with architects, engineers, and contractors who are highly familiar with hempcrete is easy to resolve.
Holistic Hempcrete Homes
Hempcrete houses represent another emerging holistic option for sustainable construction. Their carbon sequestration, renewability, and energy efficiency are shaping how people think about environmentally committed homes. It’s one innovative package that might not be as technologically advanced as artificial intelligence and solar panels but is ingenious in its organic efficiency.
When paired with other green construction innovations, like solar panels and rainwater harvesting, hempcrete homes significantly reduce a household’s environmental impact. With every hempcrete wall built and every bag of horse manure repurposed, the waste loop is closed, and sustainable living becomes a reality, one house at a time.
The world is increasingly facing the brunt of global warming and climate change. Cities need green cooling methods to improve air quality. In addition to green landscaping and renewable energy usage, permeable pavements are becoming a standard in urban planning.
What Is Permeable Pavement?
Permeable pavement is an alternative to walkways and roads that improves stormwater management and reduces conventional pavement’s environmental impact. It’s designed with porosity in mind to ensure rainwater and snow melt seep through and are recycled or stored in a reservoir for slow release or future use.
Many types of permeable pavement materials exist, including interlocking pavers, porous asphalt, and concrete and grass pavers. Interlocking pavers are brick or concrete blocks arranged to allow water to pass through the gaps into the ground, whereas grass pavers have cells planted with turf.
Three Ways Permeable Pavements Enhance Sustainability
Permeable pavements work in many ways to improve sustainability and elevate the green lifestyle in an urban environment.
Address Urban Heat Islands
Traditional pavements use heat-trapping materials like concrete and asphalt, which increase the temperature in the surrounding areas by absorbing warmth and radiating it into the air above. Pavements with asphalt can cause temperatures to reach 152 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoons.
This elevated temperature contributes to urban heat islands, where the temperature increases in one area compared to neighboring regions. Urban heat islands can cause pollution and heat-related illnesses and increase greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, disruption of sustainability can worsen the effects of climate change.
Permeable pavements include green materials such as pervious concrete, porous asphalt, permeable interlocking concrete pavers, plastic and concrete grids and amended soils. Most of these materials have cooling abilities, reducing heat absorption. In addition, these pavements improve the breathability of the ground, providing better air transfer and heat reduction.
Reduce Flash Floods
Permeable pavements drain water into the ground, decreasing the chances of flash floods, especially in urban settings, where heavy rain can cause sudden surges in water pooling in parking lots, roads, and sidewalks. By implementing permeable pavements, local governments can optimize flood management efforts.
In addition, pooling rainwater usually sweeps dried leaves, rubbish, and debris into the drains, obstructing stormwater systems. This further contributes to flash flooding problems and various damage in the city. Blocked drains can also destroy the structural integrity of underground plumbing.
In an industrial setting, companies dealing with stormwater management must conduct inspections four times yearly to ensure standards adherence. Missed assessments can contribute to various environmental problems.
When the water from the drains overflows, contaminants spill into the roads and disrupt the natural ecosystem. This can also cause air and odor pollution. Permeable pavements can avoid these issues, allowing better flood and stormwater management, which may be more necessary as climate change makes extreme weather more common.
Enhance Energy Efficiency and Resource Allocation
As mentioned above, elevated temperatures cause urban heat islands. This also increases energy consumption because buildings use their heating and cooling systems more frequently.
Heating and cooling use significant power — about 50 percent of global consumption, which accounts for 40 percent of electricity-related carbon dioxide. Permeable pavements absorb less heat, thus improving the surrounding temperature. This reduces the heat in buildings and optimizes the usage of heating and cooling systems. These structures can then improve their energy efficiency and focus on enhancing other aspects of their sustainability efforts.
Apart from energy, permeable pavements could also address the groundwater depletion crisis. Of the world’s 37 largest aquifers, 21 are not filling up quickly enough. Considering groundwater makes up about 30% of the world’s freshwater supply, this can become a significant issue.
With some types of permeable pavements, when it rains, the water not absorbed by the soil fills the groundwater tables. This can be used during droughts or when water reservoirs are critically low, allowing better resource allocation in residential areas. In addition, other permeable pavements hold the water in an underground reservoir and release it slowly to benefit the adjacent soil and plants.
Permeable Pavement Can Address Heat-Related Climate Change Impact
With the dangers of climate change becoming more imminent, city and residential planners must take sustainability seriously. Permeable pavements can contribute to these efforts, enabling everyone to have a cooler and greener future.
How Urban Areas Are Integrating Solar Energy into Their Infrastructure
Cities constantly evolve, and clean energy is at the forefront of this transformation. Today, urban areas integrate solar energy to address growing energy demands and combat climate challenges. Solar energy is reshaping how cities function, from powering skyscrapers to illuminating public spaces.
This shift reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes sustainability and long-term cost savings. In this blog, you’ll explore the innovative ways cities adopt solar power and how these changes shape greener, more efficient urban landscapes.
Why Cities Are Choosing Renewable Energy
Cities worldwide are turning to solar energy as they rethink their energy strategies for a cleaner and more sustainable future. The shift highlights the differences between renewable and nonrenewable energy, with renewables like solar offering clear advantages over fossil fuels.
Unlike coal or natural gas, solar power generates no harmful emissions and relies on an endless energy source: sunlight. Beyond environmental benefits, renewable energy projects lower long-term costs and create local jobs, making them a wise investment. These combined benefits drive urban areas to embrace solar and lead the way in sustainable development.
Solar-Powered Buildings: Lighting Up the Skyline
Freiburg City Hall is a prime example of how urban areas are integrating solar energy
Cities are transforming their skylines by adopting solar-powered buildings, blending energy efficiency with modern architecture. Many skyscrapers now feature integrated solar panels, which generate clean energy without altering their sleek designs.
Older structures are being retrofitted with rooftop panels or innovative solar glass, turning them into sustainable landmarks. For example, the EDGE building in Amsterdam uses solar panels to meet its energy needs while serving as a model for sustainable urban architecture. These efforts highlight how urban areas creatively incorporate solar energy into their infrastructure to build a more sustainable future.
Solar Farms Within City Limits
Urban areas are integrating solar energy by repurposing unused spaces for solar farms, bringing clean power closer to the communities that need it. Vacant lots, abandoned industrial sites, and even large rooftops are being transformed into urban solar farms. These installations supply electricity to nearby homes and businesses and reduce the strain on traditional power grids.
In New York City, the Brooklyn Army Terminal hosts a solar farm that powers thousands of households, demonstrating how creative land use can drive sustainability. These projects highlight how cities can harness unused spaces to support renewable energy goals.
How Urban Areas Are Integrating Solar Energy into Public Infrastructure
Solar infrastructure can be both functional and beautiful
Urban areas are getting smarter about energy by installing solar panels on public infrastructure to power essential services. Bus shelters with solar panels provide lighting and power digital displays, improving safety and accessibility. Streetlights powered by solar energy are increasingly common, especially in areas aiming to reduce energy costs and outages.
Municipal buildings, like libraries and schools, also embrace rooftop solar to cut operating expenses while promoting sustainability. One notable example is Los Angeles, where solar installations on public facilities contribute significantly to the city’s renewable energy goals. These projects demonstrate how cities are turning everyday infrastructure into clean energy sources.
Solar-Powered Transportation Solutions
Cities are revolutionizing mobility by adopting solar-powered transportation solutions. Solar charging stations for electric vehicles are popping up in urban areas, making it easier for drivers to power up sustainably. Public transportation systems are also upgrading, with solar panels installed on buses and trains to reduce emissions and energy costs.
For example, a solar-powered bus fleet in João Pessoa, Brazil, features buses with solar panels on their roofs, demonstrating how clean energy can drive mass transit. These advancements make urban transport cleaner, more efficient, and less reliant on fossil fuels, paving the way for a greener future on the move.
Smart Grids and Solar Energy Storage
Smart grids and solar energy storage are transforming how cities manage power. Additionally, smart grids use advanced technology to distribute energy efficiently, balancing supply and demand in real-time. When paired with solar storage systems, these grids ensure that solar energy collected during the day can be used at night or during cloudy weather.
Cities like San Diego are leading the way with large-scale battery installations that store solar power for critical use. These innovations reduce reliance on conventional power plants and make urban energy systems more resilient and sustainable.
Solar Energy for Urban Parks and Recreation Areas
Solar energy is powering a new wave of sustainability in urban parks and recreational spaces. Parks install solar-powered lights along walkways, ensuring safety and energy savings at night. Solar energy is also used to power water features, like fountains, reducing electricity use from the grid.
In some cities, entire parks are becoming self-sustaining, with solar panels providing energy for lighting, charging stations, and even public restrooms. For example, the Bhadla Solar Park in India showcases how large-scale solar installations can support eco-friendly spaces, setting a global standard for sustainability. These projects show how solar power is enhancing urban landscapes while promoting green living.
Policies and Incentives Driving Urban Solar Integration
Government policies and incentives are crucial to accelerating solar energy adoption in cities. Many urban areas offer tax credits, rebates, and subsidies to make solar installation more affordable for businesses and homeowners. Local governments are also partnering with solar companies to bring large-scale projects to life, reducing costs and expanding access.
In California, the California Solar Initiative has provided millions in rebates to encourage solar use across the state. These supportive policies lower the financial barrier to solar energy and drive cities toward their renewable energy goals.
Challenges Cities Face in Solar Adoption
While solar energy offers many benefits, urban areas face challenges in its widespread adoption. One major hurdle is space; densely populated cities often have limited rooftop space for solar panels. The initial cost of solar installations can also be high, even with incentives, which may deter some businesses and residents.
Additionally, older buildings may require significant retrofitting to support solar technology. Cities must also address issues related to grid integration, ensuring solar power can be distributed efficiently. Despite these challenges, many cities are finding innovative ways to overcome them, making solar adoption more feasible.
The Future of Solar Energy in Cities
Solar energy solutions provide sustainable, eco-friendly cities for the future
The future of solar energy in cities looks bright, with new technologies making it easier and more efficient than ever to integrate solar power. Innovations like transparent solar panels, which can be used on windows, are set to revolutionize how buildings capture sunlight. As solar storage technology improves, cities will be able to store more energy for use during cloudy days or at night.
In the coming years, we can expect to see even more urban areas embracing solar as a primary energy source, with cleaner, smarter grids and more solar-powered infrastructure.
The continued push for sustainability means cities will increasingly rely on solar energy to create a greener, more resilient future.
Conclusion: Your Role in a Solar-Powered Urban Future
As urban areas embrace renewable energy, urban areas are integrating solar energy in ways that transform cities and reduce environmental impact. You can play an important role in this movement by supporting local solar initiatives and considering solar solutions for your own home or business.
Whether advocating for more solar installations in your community or simply switching to solar-powered appliances, every small action counts. Together, we can build a future where cities are more energy-efficient and sustainable, ensuring cleaner air and a healthier planet for future generations.
The energy sector may learn a lot from installing solar chimneys in homes. These ideas can translate into a power plant, providing clean energy to many homes simultaneously. Installing solar chimneys at this scale is where even more advancements can be discovered to increase the effectiveness of residential buildings. 
