CustomEarthPromos - Eco Blog US

In 2008, Starbucks publicly acknowledged the company's struggle with reducing their environmental impact, particularly in regards to their infamous coffee cups that are practically impossible to recycle. Almost a decade later, after the company made promises to make a fully recyclable cup by 2015, there has been no change or developments of any environmentally friendly cup. Why is this an issue? Starbucks is one of the most recognized and admired brands worldwide yet according to Stand.earth's latest report, a whopping four billion of their cups are being sent to the landfills each year. In addition, more than one million trees are used to manufacture those cups. It's no wonder why in some countries, there has been talk of putting a fee on single-use coffee cups. The coffee giant also made promises to provide sufficient incentives to motivate their customers to bring in their own reusable mugs yet to-date, only 1.8% actually do. But the worst part is, a large majority of Starbucks drinkers believe the cups are recyclable. The sad reality is, they aren't. The lining inside the cup is comprised of 100% oil based polyethylene plastic which is needed to safely hold the liquids in the cups. So unless they can find an eco-friendly alternative, the nonrecyclable coffee cups will continue to end up in our landfills. Recycling centers that take coffee cups are few and far between. In fact, the report points out that only 18 of the largest 100 cities in the U.S. provide residential recycling for coffee cups and only three out of 450 paper recycling mills in the country can process plastic-coated paper cartons and coffee cups like the ones Starbucks carries. Starbucks is well aware of the problem  Starbucks' former director of environmental affairs, Jim Hannah, said, “The cup is our no. 1 environmental liability, but it could also make the company a number 1 environmental leader. It has the potential to revolutionize the takeout food industry, should it desire to, which remains to be seen. Customer pressure, however, can only help." Instead of coming up with a solution, the company has placed the blame on the lack of infrastructure that is in place for handling the collection and recycling of the cups. However, as Stand.earth rightly points out, retrofitting recycling mills would cost taxpayers billions of dollars. Therefore, the most sensible and most cost effective move for the company would be to simply redesign the cup. In doing so, they would not only prevent millions of cups from going to landfills each year but would as Hannah put it, become an "environmental leader" and role model for other large corporations that would hopefully follow suit. If companies like Halo can come up with an eco-friendly coffee concept, there's no reason why a billion dollar coffee corporation like Starbucks can't do the same. Let's just hope they don't wait another decade before they come up with an environmentally-friendly alternative.

In the large scale of plastics that litter our earth and oceans, plastic straws might seem minuscule but according to plasticpollutioncoalition.org, more than 500,000,000 plastic straws are used each day in the Untied States alone. That's more than 182.5 billion plastic straws per year - enough to wrap around the earth 2.5 times or to fill Yankee Stadium. These staggering stats might explain why the anti-plastic straw movement is growing strong but with fast food chains like Starbucks and McDonald's still handing plastic straws out to millions of consumers at thousands of locations daily, it's no wonder why the convenient habit of reaching for a straw can be so hard to kick for some. If you're at a 'sipping point' and are wanting to banish plastic straws out of your life forever, you don't need to wait for restaurants, cafes, and coffee chains to do so first. Here are some alternatives for you to consider: 1. Reusable Glass Straws We drink out of glass cups and mugs, so why not glass straws, too? It might sound dangerous but glass straws are perfectly safe to drink from. Not only are they sustainable solution for the environment but you'll also be doing yourself a favor in using BPA-free straws. 2. Paper Straws Paper straws are a fun eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws, especially given their compostable and biodegradable qualities. They come in a variety of colors and patterns making them a fan favorite for parties, weddings, and events. 3. Titanium Straws  Titanium straws are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic and the most durable choice. They are the strongest out of all the reusable straws on the market which means you can carry them practically anywhere with you. In addition, they won't corrode since they are made of titanium. 4. Bamboo Straws  Bamboo straws might sound unusual and they won't last as long as titanium straws but they are all the rage and eco-friendly, too, of course. If you take good care of them by hand-washing them after each use, they can last quite a while. If you really want to go the extra mile and make an impact on reducing plastic straw use, consider printing out these informative cards and leaving them with your bill the next time you head to your local eatery. Do you have any tips or advice on how to reduce plastic straw use or plastic waste in general?

Understanding climate change and how to best take care of the environment starts with education and what better way to educate yourself and your children than with books? If you've been searching for bedtime stories that will teach your kids important lessons about the earth, you've come to the right place. These three books are mainly focused on recycling but there are an array of children's books out there that cover all aspects of the environment such as caring for plants and animals, the causes of pollution, and the dramatic impact of deforestation. 1. Why Should I Recycle? by Jen Green This enlightening children's book written by Jen Green and illustrated by Mike Gordon is intended for kids five and under and demonstrates the importance of taking care of the environment by means of recycling. At an age when children are asking a myriad of different questions, Why Should I Recycle?  seeks to provide answers to their environmental questions through a narrative told by a schoolteacher. The story also gives details about how to reuse things, compost food waste, and recycle clothes. 2. We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers by Lauren Child Charlie and Lola are popular characters in children's literature, so who better to teach kids about recycling? We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers follows the story of Lola as she learns about recycling from Charlie who teaches her how to recycle her old toys instead of throwing them away. Once entered into a recycling competition, Lola has to reach a goal of recycling one hundred plastic, metal, and paper items, in order for her to get her very own real live tree to take home and plant. A fun bonus: the book also contains a tree poster which kids can use to track their recycling progress at home. 3. The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story About Recycling by Alison Inches Have you ever kept a diary or perhaps taken a peek into someone else's? What about the diary of a plastic bottle? For the first time, you can explore the inner thoughts and better understand the very thing that keeps ocean conservationists up at night. The diary entries found in The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle are fun and humorous yet still underline the importance of recycling. Are there any books that you would add to the list?

Why throw away items that could be recycled or better yet, turned into cash? The benefits of recycling – reducing waste and pollution, saving energy, conserving natural resources, and promoting a sustainable future for the environment – far outweigh not being environmentally conscious. But sometimes, recycling doesn't make you feel like you're personally benefiting – at least not immediately. If an incentive is what will push you to recycle more, check out these examples of ways in which you can profit from recycling and turn your trash into cash. Junk mail What's made of paper, is incredibly annoying, and takes up unnecessary space in landfills? You got it – junk mail! If you find yourself getting spammed with snail mail way too often, The Small Business Knowledge Center might just be your new best friend. This curious company will pay you to forward them your direct mail and email communications. If you're a business owner or self-employed, you can earn rewards even faster. With 5.6 million tons of direct mail ending up in U.S. landfills each year, you'll be glad to know you're doing your part while simultaneously profiting from the trash that irks you most. via GIPHY Recycling Bottles and Cans Aluminum cans and bottles can be recycled through a variety of programs, making aluminum recycling one of the most common recycling for profit options. So much, in fact, the aluminum industry pays out more than $800 million a year for recycled cans. However, Americans throw away nearly $1 billion worth of aluminum cans every year, which means at an average payout rate of 70 to 80 cents a pound, there's plenty of opportunities for you to make some extra money on the side. via GIPHY Electronics There are plenty of companies such as Amazon, eBay, and HP that will buy back your old electronics. Other retailers will offer you steep discounts on new products in exchange for you recycling your old gadgets. Best Buy, for instance, will give you 15% off a computer mouse, keyboard, or printer when you bring in any of these same used electronics to the store for recycling. With cellular phones going out of fashion quicker than you can update them, selling your phone for cash is one of the most profitable recycling programs. Consider Gazelle or Eco-Cell if you want to get the most bang for your buck. Do you know of any other ways one can profit from recycling? If so, please share your ideas in the comments section below. We'd love to hear them!

If you've been thinking about starting a business with the goal of not only making some mula but saving the planet, too, then you've come to the right place. It can be difficult to know where to start, especially will all of the competition out there, but not to worry, we're here to help. We've put together some eco-friendly business ideas in hopes of getting your eco-conscious, entrepreneurial-mind ticking. Eco-Consulting Are you an expert on green living? Perhaps you're well-versed in an eco-friendly subject matter? If you enjoy teaching others about environmentally-friendly best practices, eco-consulting could be the green business for you. It's simple enough to get certified and could mean advising people on anything from how to reduce their water bill to improving air quality or how to avoid using toxic chemicals around the house and in the garden. Become a Farmer's Market Vendor Organic food is part of a movement, not a new trend and thanks to the increased interest in buying sustainable foods and products, it's here to stay. Since there's never been a better time to make money by selling produce at local farmer's markets, what are you waiting for? Your commodities don't have to be limited to produce though. From homemade crafts to organic lotions and sustainable jewelry, there is a myriad of goods that could be worth trying your hand at. Just remember to use reusable bags for your customer's purchases. Green App Developer  In the past, we've shared some of our favorite eco-friendly apps with you. Since then, we've come across new green apps such as Monterey Aquarium's "Seafood Watch" and NASA's "I See Change" app. Needless to say, there are plenty of opportunities to develop new green apps for niche eco-friendly industries. If you do your research, you should be able to find a gap in the market for a much-needed eco-friendly app. Other Green Business Ideas to Consider:  Eco-friendly retail and organic fashion Green finance Organic catering Environmentally-friendly beauty salon Toxic-free landscaping Sustainable event and wedding planning Green waste management Green businesses are the future. Our Earth depends on them. Do you have any green business ideas brewing or any advice to share with like-minded entrepreneurs? Give us a shout on social media or in the comments section below. We'd love to hear from you!

Our oceans contain roughly 97 percent of the Earth's water and according to NOAA, they cover more than 70 percent of the surface of our planet. From the food we eat to the air we breathe and the medicine that helps keep us alive, oceans are essentially humankind's bloodline.  Needless to say, they are a pretty big deal. So, it only makes sense that we dedicate a day to the masses of the sea that keep us afloat. Today, June 8, marks World Oceans Day – a day to come together to celebrate the "beauty, wealth, and the promise of the ocean." And this year it's all about "our oceans, our future," a theme that couldn't be more appropriate for 2017 given the enormous emphasize that's been put on climate change and the environment. But being as the ocean is of great importance, don't you think it deserves more than one day of celebrations? If you're in search of ways to celebrate World Oceans Day not just today but every day, you've come to the right place. We've made a list of our top three ways to show our appreciation for the ocean. 1. Use Reusable Water Bottles Plastic water bottles are easily accessible and convenient but according to government estimates, they can take a whopping 450 years to decompose – an outrageous amount of time considering how easy it is to use a reusable water bottle instead. EcoWatch also points out that plastic makes up about 90 percent of all trash found floating on the ocean's surface with 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile. These numbers help put into perspective just how toxic plastic is for the ocean and environment. So, if you haven't already, World Oceans Day is the perfect excuse to make the switch from plastic water bottles to stainless steel water bottles or another type of container made from eco-friendly materials. 2. Participate in a Beach Clean-Up Plastic water bottles are just one type of trash that can be found polluting our oceans. Other top items include straws, stirrers, plastic bags, caps, lids, food wrappers, cigarette filters, and beverage cans. With millions of pieces of plastic and trash washing ashore and littering our oceans and beaches, it's almost impossible for coastal councils to keep on top of the mess without the help of volunteers. If you live in a coastal town or near a beach, there are bound to be local beach clean-up programs you can get involved in. If for some reason there aren't any, why not start one? If you're based inland or far from the ocean, look into clean-up programs at local or national parks instead. 3. Opt for Sustainable Seafood Many people don't realize how unhealthy our relationship is with our oceans. At one point, seafood seemed bountiful but more recently, the world's fisheries are being pushed to the brink. According to National Geographic, "70 percent are exploited, overexploited, or have already suffered a collapse." Another source predicts that by 2048, there won't be any more edible fish in the ocean. One way to balance our ocean ...

World Environment Day is just around the corner and though we shared some of our favorite ways to celebrate, the annual awareness day also got us thinking about ways we can take better care of the environment. Since trash is a huge part of our everyday lives, we figured we'd focus our energy on an issue that's really piling up. Americans produce over four pounds of waste per person every day equating to more than 220 million tons of trash each year. In 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated that Americans generated 258 million tons of trash – approximately 62 percent of that waste ended up in landfills. With 3,091 landfills across the U.S., these dumps create the second largest source of human-related methane emissions in the country. These staggering stats got us thinking . . . what really happens to the trash we dispose of? How long does it take for these discarded items to decompose? SaveOnEnergy, a company that connects people to energy plans, recently created visually engaging graphics that help answer these questions. They used NOAA data and other government sources to uncover how long it takes for everyday items and materials to decay and decompose. The results may surprise you: Seeing the amount of time it takes for banana skins, orange peels, and apple cores to decompose wasn't exactly surprising, especially since these foods can easily be composted but the same can't be said for other materials on the list such as plastic and nylon which can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years to breakdown. By donating unwanted items to charity and recycling, there are many ways you can reduce your personal waste and avoid items like these from ending up in landfills. But you can do one better by changing everyday habits like using reusable bags instead of plastic bags or quitting smoking to avoid filters from littering the land. In doing so, you won't have to worry about how long these items take to decompose or feel guilty during the process. We hope these findings will inspire you to make changes that will benefit your lifestyle and the environment. To see how long it takes for foam cups and diapers to decompose along with other everyday disposable items, you can view the full guide here.

June 5 is World Environment Day, which according to the organization, is the United Nation's most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Most importantly, it is the 'people's day' for doing something positive to take care of the Earth or becoming an agent of change. It first began in 1974 and has since grown to be a global celebration of nature in over 100 countries. Each year, a new theme surrounding an environmental concern and a new host country is chosen for World Environment Day. This year the theme is all about "connecting people to nature" and official celebrations are scheduled to take place in Canada which is fitting given the country's recent commitment and dedication to take leadership on climate change. Looked at our #WorldEnvironmentDay program? You can celebrate the day from anywhere! #WithNature — Environment Canada (@environmentca) June 2, 2017 Environment Canada's video reminds us that there are many ways to get involved in World Environment Day this year and we can do so from just about anywhere. Here are some of our favorite ways: Cut down on your meat consumption. Going meatless can reduce your risk of conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also help reduce your carbon footprint and save precious resources such as water. This World Environment Day, try cutting out meat altogether. If you really want to make a difference, take it one step further by partaking in 'Meatless Monday' – an international movement to help people reduce their meat consumption by 15 percent by cutting out meat once a week to improve not only their health but the environment, too. Get out into nature. Why not spend a day with your friends and family at a National Park or pack an eco-friendly picnic to take to the beach. After all, this World Environment Day is all about connecting with nature and there's no better way to appreciate the environment than getting out there and enjoying it. Ask your government or local authorities to act. World Environment Day is the perfect excuse to get in touch with your local officials about an environmental issue you've been eager to have addressed. So, what are you waiting for? Get outside and connect with nature!

Being eco-friendly and practicing sustainable methods is simple which is why we've decided to go back to the basics and focus on three simple, eco-friendly steps that anyone can master: reduce, reuse, recyle.  Reduce  Cut down your water use. From showering to brushing your teeth and watering the lawn, if you aren't using the water, turn it off. When it comes to laundry, wash your clothes in cold water (it saves energy) and only put on full loads. Lastly, drink tap water instead of bottled water. Reduce Unnecessary Purchases. Before you buy a product or piece of clothing, ask yourself the following questions: do you really need it? What materials were used to make it? Where did it come from? Was it ethically sourced? If it's fast fashion or a product that will soon be disposed of and will inevitably end up in the landfill, think twice before purchasing it. Consider the impact it will have on the environment (and your bank account). Reuse Ditch Single-Use Coffee Cups and Stirrers. Americans throw away a staggering 138 billion coffee stirrers and 25 billion styrofoam coffee cups every year simply because they can't be bothered to reuse spoons and coffee mugs. In fact, if you buy just one cup of coffee or tea in a disposable cup every day, you'll end up creating about 23 lbs of waste in one year, according to CarryYourCup.org. Therefore, make the simple switch from disposable coffee cups and stirrers to reusable ones. Use Reusable Bags. Most stores now offer alternative options to plastic bags such as reusable bags. But instead of buying a new reusable bag every time you go to the store, BYOB (bring your own bag) with you. This simple action will help prevent millions of plastic bags from ending up in our oceans and landfills each year. Recycle Recycle everything. Recycling plastic, paper, and cardboard should come second-nature to you by now. When throwing away anything else, ask yourself, "Can this be recycled?" If you're unsure, simply Google it or ask a friend. You might be surprised by some of the bigger items that can be recycled: cars, phones, laptops, CDs, ink jet cartridges, compact fluorescent bulbs, batteries, and so forth. via GIPHY Do you have any simple eco-friendly tips on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle? If so, then spread the word! Share them with us in the comments section below.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. dedicated to honoring and remembering those who died while serving in our country's armed forces and it's right around the corner which means you probably have a long weekend of fun festivities planned with your friends and family. But if you're playing it by ear or are stuck for ideas on what to do, why not try one or more of these eco-friendly activities? Plan a Staycation With Your Family Are you one of those families who have traveled all over but haven't really explored your own backyard? Instead of traveling far for the three-day weekend, why not take advantage of the great places that are right on your doorstep? Be a tourist in your own town and check out the sights, history, and museums. Or pack a picnic (in reusable bags and containers, of course) and head to the park. Planning a staycation with your family as opposed to flying somewhere or driving far, will help reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you are able to bike or walk to the weekend activities you have in-store. Host an Eco-Friendly Holiday Party Throw an eco-friendly get-together, BBQ, or block party. Start with paperless invites – Evite and Paperless Post are two great options. Ask your guests to bring their food and drink in eco-friendly reusable bags and containers and be sure to use plates and utensils that can be used again. No paper or plastic allowed! You can even go as far as asking your guests to make meatless dishes or sustainable meals using local ingredients. Don't forget to ask them to wear red, white, and blue (or a combination of all three). Plant a Tree in Someone's Honor Do you know someone who is or has been in the armed forces? Or perhaps you just want to honor all of those who have served? Either way, given everything they have sacrificed and done for our country and our freedom, why not honor them by planting a tree in their name or memory? It's a fun, eco-friendly activity for the whole family to take part in. And if the tree is taken care of and watered properly, it will grow and last for generations to come and enjoy each and every Memorial Day.