CustomEarthPromos - Eco Blog US

Most of us have felt that frustrating feeling of not knowing how we can make a difference when it comes to helping save the planet from environmental issues and tragedies. From polar ice caps melting to major oil spills, and unprecedented rising temperatures, it's easy to feel helpless and inadequate. However, there are plenty of small steps we can take to help better the environment. Here's a look at some practical New Year's resolutions that we hope we'll be able to keep in 2017. 1. Recycle This might seem like an obvious New Year's resolution but recycling is one of the easiest ways you can make an instant impact and reduce your waste.  If you're already an avid recycler, try brushing up on your knowledge about what you can and can't recycle. You might be surprised to find that some items such as pizza boxes and coffee cup lids can't be recycled.  2. Eat Less Meat Countless studies have revealed food and climate change to be inextricably linked to the meat industry. One piece of research, in particular, linked 30 percent of global emissions to agricultural emissions with livestock responsible for half of these. Cows, for instance, release between 70 and 120 kg of Methane per year – a greenhouse gas that negatively affects the climate 23 times higher than the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2). The resolution? Eat less meat!#MeatlessMonday would be a great way to start. By switching to chicken or a plant-based diet, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help save the planet in 2017. 3. Be Politically Aware This year has been a wild ride for the environment and although we saw some big environmental achievements in 2016, they might not have been if we hadn't been politically aware. Take Florida's recent solar amendment, for instance. If Floridians hadn't educated themselves about the “misleading” amendment 1, things could have been a whole lot different. The state could very well have seen a surcharge on solar from utility companies. So, as a New Year's resolution, try staying more politically aware by watching the media, reading alternative news sources, and not forgetting to listen to both sides. 4. Say “No” to Plastic Bags At this stage, we should all know better than to use plastic bags, and even though some places have banned them completely, plastic bags are still a major environmental issue. Reusable bags are a simple and effective alternative to plastic bags and can be used for shopping and groceries. If you make one New Year's resolution, make it saying goodbye to plastic bags forever. What Are Your New Year's Resolutions? Do you have any New Year's resolutions you're making that will help benefit the planet in 2017? Tell us about them in the comments below.

Reindeer play a vital role in helping Santa, but this year it would seem they also have another prominent role to play at the North Pole. After they do their rounds on Christmas Eve, we hope they'll have worked up an appetite, because according to new research, Reindeer's grazing in the Arctic may help slow climate change. The study, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, comes at perfect time for Christmas. It focuses on surface albedo, a concept that measures the whiteness of a given surface. More sunlight is reflected into space instead of into the earth with a higher surface albedo. So, how do reindeer help? They increase this measure by reducing shrub height, and this simple act is potentially big enough to make an impact on global warming, at least in the North Pole. Researcher Dr. Mariska te Beest, from Umea University in Sweden, told the Press Association (PA), that the effect reindeer grazing can have on albedo and energy balances is potentially large enough to be regionally important. It also points towards herbivore management being a possible tool to combat future warming. Most of the Arctic tundra is grazed by either domesticated or wild reindeer, so this is an important finding." This news couldn't come soon enough for the Arctic with temperatures likely to make 2016 the warmest year on record. “Global temperatures were approximately 2.2°F higher than the pre-industrial average but that temperature difference often hit the double digits in the Arctic,” according to TIME. Reindeer have increased in population in the North Pole, which is good news if scientists want to prove their effect on climate change, but it's interesting to note that while their population has increased, the average size of a member of the species has actually reduced, according to another study. Climate change curbing the amount of food available to these animals is thought to be the culprit. Through changing the summer albedo, the results from the study show that reindeer have a potential cooling effect on climate. And now that Obama has taken action to ban Arctic drilling, perhaps there's hope for the North Pole yet. You know Santa and his elves will have their fingers crossed along with Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, and the rest of the gang.

The Chicago River isn't the only thing that has been turned green in the city. Back in August of 2015, a partial ban on plastic bags went into effect in Chicago. Its restrictions affected major retailers that were still allowed to give out plastic bags, so long as they were tough enough to hold up to 125 uses. Restaurants and smaller stores were exempt from the ordinance. However, one year after the plastic bag ban went into effect, the city's ban was rolled out to smaller chain stores like 7-Eleven. Though environmentalists criticized the ban claiming the law didn't really ban plastic bags, we have to give the city credit for at least trying. Reusable Bags Are Distributed  The Chicago Tribune announced this month that roughly 5,000 households on the city's Northwest Side are receiving reusable blue bags as part of a recycling pilot program. Chicago has struggled to find an effective recycling strategy, so the city is hoping this $14,750 program will help change that and eliminate plastic bags in recycling carts.  The bags have been delivered to Dunning, Belmont Cragin, Austin, Albany Park and West Humboldt Park, according to Chicago Tribune. Each bag has a list of recyclable items on the outside and can be used to transport items to blue recycling bins. "Providing simple educational material and a physical means from the kitchen to the cart is really what we're hoping to do," said Chris Sauve, deputy commissioner of Chicago's Streets and Sanitation Department. Recycling might seem like a simple enough process, but even those who think they are fully educated on the system might be surprised to hear that the city made a policy to not take recyclables placed inside plastic bags due to the difficulty of determining whether or not the items inside were clean recyclables.  In addition, the plastic bags can get caught in machines at sorting centers. Surprisingly, pizza boxes are also off the recycling list which Chicago's deep dish pizza fans won't be excited to hear.  “Chicago has struggled to get its residents to recycle for years,” so we're excited to see the results from this pilot program come January.

This year has been a hot one for solar power. From Elon Musk's unveiling of SolarCity's stylish solar roofs to Floridians voting in favor of solar-friendly policies, we've seen a lot of positive vibes for solar in 2016. And now, for the first time, solar is becoming the most affordable form of new electricity, more so than wind power. "Renewables are robustly entering the era of undercutting" energy made by fossil fuels, Bloomberg New Energy Finance chairman Michael Liebreich wrote this week. Solar is booming in the U.S., a record-breaking year, with 4,143 megawatts (or millions watts) of solar generating capacity added in the third quarter of 2016, according to a new report by the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research. But the U.S. isn't the only country that's benefiting from this solar energy explosion. This is also great news for developing nations that typically do not have the infrastructure in place that developed countries have dedicated to fossil fuels. This means as they build their energy infrastructures, they can start with a renewable option like solar that is not only cleaner but much cheaper. Compared to wind, solar projects are costing less to build in emerging markets. Bloomberg data reveals the average cost of new wind and solar from 58 emerging-market economies, including China, India, and Brazil. "While solar was bound to fall below wind eventually, given its steeper price declines, few predicted it would happen this soon," according to BloombergTechnology.  It also predicts that a peak in fossil fuel use for electricity could be reached within the next decade. Ethan Zindler, head of U.S. policy analysis at BNEF, credits China for the increases in solar power investments. “A huge part of this story is China, which has been rapidly deploying solar and helping other countries finance their own projects.” With so many record breaking moments for solar power in 2016, we're excited to see how solar energy will continue to grow and develop in 2017 and are looking forward to the day when we can say goodbye to those yucky fossil fuels for good.

Sure it's been a rough year for the planet. Earth permanently passed a climate threshold of no return, it was the “worst year ever” for rhino poaching, chunks of polar sea ice disappeared from Antarctica – and yet another oil spill occurred in the Gulf. A recent United Nations report also unveiled water shortages, deforestation, and a continuous rise in carbon dioxide emissions. But with the bad comes the good, and the environment definitely had some big wins this year among the losses. Here's a look at some of our favorite environmental achievements from 2016. The Paris Agreement Was Signed Though the Paris agreement was initially drafted in 2015, it wasn't until April 22, 2016, when it was officially opened for signature. To date, it has been signed by 193 parties and ratified by 114. Our favorite moment from it all, was the breakthrough when the U.S. and China – the world's biggest emitters of greenhouse gases –formally ratified the agreement. If the Paris agreement comes into full force, these governments will be obliged to cut their emissions by 40% by 2030 on 1990 levels, and the U.S. by up to 28% by 2025 compared with 2005. Renewable Energy Had a Record Year For the first time, renewables (excluding large hydro) represented the majority of all technologies installed in 2015. More gigawatts of power were produced from wind, solar, and other clean energy sources than from fossil fuels such as coal or oil – an achievement that was eventually reported on and recognized in 2016. With this news, we also saw an increase in solar installments, especially in California. Meanwhile, some countries were flaunting their full dependency on renewable resources. Costa Rica for instance, announced they were running on 100% renewable energy for more than two months straight. But perhaps our favorite moment from the renewable energy breakthroughs this year, and one of the biggest environmental achievements from 2016 was when Elon Musk – the king of innovation – unveiled a new solar roof that is not only eco-friendly but stylish, too. As solar roofs gain popularity, it won't be long until the planet reaps the benefits and sees a reduction in CO2 levels. Plastic Bans Who could forget the moment when France became the first country to say goodbye to plasticware for good? Though the new law won't go into effect until 2020, this revolutionary movement sent a powerful message to the rest of the world. Our favorite moment was seeing the domino effect it had on other countries and governments. Since France's announcement of the ban, Hawaii and California have banned plastic bags, and other states and governments are looking to do the same. In case you missed it, here's a recap of some other big environmental achievements from 2016: Germany voted to replace all gas guzzlers with zero-emission cars by 2030, and they launched the world's first hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions train – go Germany! Alaska Air ...

Before we get to the eco-friendly gifts – first things first – make sure your stockings are sustainable. Can you reuse them each year? Are they made from eco-friendly materials? Choose stockings that will last for years to come or can be passed down from generation to generation. Once your stockings are hung by the fireplace and ready to be filled, it's eco stocking stuffer time! Here's a look at eco-friendly gifts that'll land you on Santa's “nice” list this year. 1. Digital Magazine Subscriptions and eBooks For as little as $5, you can gift an online magazine subscription to just about anyone (if you know their taste). You'll save on trees while simultaneously sprucing up their reading list. You can also email an e-book as a gift and print out a voucher which you can include in the stocking. 2. Reusable Bags Reusable bags are “totes” a great choice for a stocking stuffer! From cooler bags to messenger bags and wine totes, there are a ton of different types of reusable bags out there to choose from. You can even have them personalized with the gift receiver's acronyms or full name. 3. Recycled Notebook Ideal for journaling, grocery lists, or just jotting down ideas, recycled notebooks are the perfect eco-friendly stocking stuffer. Choose notebooks that are made with 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper. 4. Stainless Steel Reusable Mug Hopefully, by now, most people you know are using reusable mugs when looking to get their caffeine fix, but if you've still got a family member or friend that can't kick their single-use cup habit, get them a reusable mug they can use again and again. Stainless steel and BPA-free is the way to go. As an extra touch, add some locally grown coffee or a handmade, reusable cup cozy. 5. Seed Bombs Seed bombs, also known as seed balls, bring meaning to the term “flower power.” Guerrilla gardeners have been using seed bombs since the early '70s as a way of beautifying vacant city lots and neglected spaces. But seed bombs – made from compressed soil and seed mixture – aren't just for social activists. They've become somewhat of a hot commodity in recent years, used as wedding favors and now, stocking stuffers.

As if 2016 hasn't been rough enough for the planet, climate scientists recently found polar sea ice off Antarctica and in the Arctic is at a record low for this time of year. Those looking to combat climate change won't be happy to hear that chunks of ice twice the size of Alaska – or the size of India – have melted due to record heat, winds from the south, and a warm ocean. Those looking to combat climate change won't be happy to hear that chunks of ice twice the size of Alaska – or the size of India – have melted due to record heat, winds from the south, and a warm ocean. Normally, during this time of year, air temperatures near the surface of the Arctic Ocean are well below freezing, but this year is witnessing “exceptional warmth,” according to the U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Colorado. The ice extent on Dec. 4 was estimated to be around 3.84 million sq km (1.48 million square miles) below the average amount between 1981 and 2010, according to NSIDC satellite measurements. The Arctic shrunk about 2.3 million square kilometers during that time, and it's on track to diminish 5 percent per decade – but the center predicts it could gain 0.4 percent of its mass back per decade if parts of the continent refreeze as per usual. Speaking to Reuters, Mark Serreze, Director of the NSIDC said, “There are some crazy things going on.” He went on to say that temperatures in parts of the Arctic were 20 degrees Celsius (36°F) above normal some days in November. Worldwide, this year is set to be the warmest on record. Who Will be Affected? Rising sea levels from the melted polar sea ice, pose the biggest threat to land dwellers, particularly those in regions along the U.S. coasts. By 2100, as many as 13 million people are estimated to live in these vulnerable regions where sea levels are expected to rise by 5.9 feet (1.8m), according to the journal Nature Climate Change. Cities such as Miami, Florida, and Annapolis, Maryland, are already experiencing sea flooding with high tides and are having to prepare for the future by investing in sea walls and advanced drainage systems. It didn't take long for James Cason, the mayor of Miami, to be faced with the reality of climate change. Speaking to NPR, Cason said, “You know, I'd read some articles here and there, "but I didn't realize how impactful it would be on the city that I'm now the leader of."  A new study suggests that some remote Alaskan villages are also in trouble. Residents in Alaska are facing rising sea levels and are currently being relocated at the cost of approximately $1 million per resident. Rising sea levels also pose a threat to parts of New York and California.

Back in September, we watched as California took a huge leap in the fight against climate change – when the eco-conscious state signed a bill to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Now, the state is making headlines again with the recent ban on plastic bags. The California Plastic Bag Veto Referendum (Proposition 67) was approved by voters on November 8 – a narrow margin of 51.97% in favor to 48.03% opposed. Although a narrow win, it's a huge win for the environment, which still happened despite a $6 million campaign waged by the plastic bag industry. “California voters have taken a stand against a deceptive, multi-million dollar campaign by out-of-state plastic bag makers,” said Californians Against Waste (CAW) campaign co-chair, Mark Murray. “This is a significant environmental victory that will mean an immediate elimination of the 25 million plastic bags that are polluted in California every day, threatening wildlife.” Thanks to the vote, most grocery, convenience, pharmacy, and liquor stores will no longer supply single-use plastic bags which means that California shoppers will have to either bring their own reusable bags or purchase a 10 cent bag at the store.  But this isn't groundbreaking news to many Californians since about 150 cities and counties across the state, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Palo Alto and Oakland, already passed their own bag laws. Murray noted that these cities have not only seen reductions in the amount of litter but have also saved taxpayers in paying costs towards pick up and unclogging storm drains. Countries like the UK, Bangladesh, France, Africa and Italy have also had success with plastic bag bans and plasticware bans along with an increase in consumers using reusable bags. And it's great to see California making such a progressive environmental move for the U.S. Let's just hope other states will soon follow suit. Californians have until December 16 to prepare when the new law will take effect. 

It's that time of year again when we deck the halls with our favorite decorations and ornaments, string lights across our homes, and search for the perfect gifts. The holidays are exciting for the whole family, but have you taken the time this year to think about the impact the holidays can have on the environment? With all of the hustle and bustle and rushing around, it can sometimes be easy to forget to be an environmentally conscious consumer. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, Americans throw away 25% more trash, according to EPA data, which means we could be doing a lot more to reduce our waste and make greener choices. So, what are some of the things we can do that will allow us to enjoy the holidays while still being eco-friendly? Grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit back, and take some mental notes as we give you some tips on how to make greener choices this holiday season. Gifts That Give Back Presents aren't the “real meaning of Christmas” but that doesn't mean we don't like giving and receiving them. And the gift buying process is the perfect place to start making greener choices. Look for gifts that deliver an eco-friendly message, things such as reusable totes, natural home decor, organic beauty products, or even a “plant your own tree” kit. If someone you know is passionate about a cause or organization, you could donate to a charity on behalf of their name.  Homemade gifts are an even greener option especially since you'll know exactly what materials or ingredients are being used to make them. From homemade cookies and jams to soaps and scarves, there are endless things you can make from scratch – plus homemade gifts come across a lot more personal and thoughtful given the time and energy you will have put into making them. Once you've got all of your gifts and you're ready to wrap them, stay clear of plastic wrap and bags, ribbons, and wrapping paper that isn't made from recycled materials. Use reusable materials such as tins, boxes, newspaper, or recycled wrapping paper. If every family in the U.S. used reusable materials to wrap just three presents, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields, according to Stanford.edu. If those families also reused just two feet of holiday ribbon, they would save 38,000 miles of ribbon – enough to tie a bow around the entire planet!  Greener Choices for Decor The holidays wouldn't be as festive without all of the sparkly decorations. And it's not that hard to buy ornaments and knick-knacks that can be reused each year. If you're shopping for new decor, try decorating with natural materials like wood, burlap, or organic cotton – or you can decorate with pine cones and holly plants. Whichever you choose, just try to avoid single-use items and decor made from plastic.  If you celebrate Christmas, opt for a well-made, artificial tree that will last 15+ years. Artificial trees can be more sustainable if you choose one that is built to last. If you prefer ...

Germany it set to launch the world's first hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions train which is scheduled to go into service in Lower Saxony, in northern Germany. It is the first train of serial production that is powered by a fuel cell and emits nothing but steam and condensed water, can travel longer distances, and will be produced in large quantities. This ground-breaking innovation is a much quieter, eco-friendly alternative that could mean the end of the heavy polluting, diesel-powered trains – a revelation for the environment and Mother Nature. The Coradia iLint – a 300-passenger train manufactured by Alston – will operate on the Buxtehude -Bremervörde- Bremerhaven - Cuxhaven line starting December 2017. The first train in operation will only run a short, 60-mile (96-kilometer) route, but Lower Saxony has already ordered 14 of the trains from Alstom. They have also signed an agreement to purchase 60 additional locomotives if they are deemed a success, the Die Welt reports. Germany alone has more than 4,000 diesel-powered train cars, according to Alstom, and about 20% of all of Europe's current rail traffic is hauled by diesel locomotives according to the European Union. "Alstom is proud to launch a breakthrough innovation in the field of clean transportation," Alstom chairman and CEO, Henri Poupart-Lafarge, said in a statement. "It shows our ability to work in close collaboration with our customers and develop a train in only two years." These zero-emissions trains can run at a maximum speed of 87 miles per hour and cover a distance of 497 miles. Any energy that is not used, gets stored in Lithium batteries connected to the bottom of the train's car. And further testing will be carried out by the end of the year before it opens up to the public next year. Alston's train has also attracted interest from other European countries including  the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway.