Penelope Kipps
Puget Sound Seabird Survey
Puget Sound Seabird Survey
Penelope Kipps
June: Baby Birds and How They Grow

The nesting and raising of young birds varies among bird families. Baby Killdeers, Ospreys, and Spotted Towhees hatch at different stages of development and require different nurturing strategies.

June: Baby Birds and How They Grow
Penelope Kipps
Green Tip of the Month
Green Tip of the Month
Penelope Kipps
Enamel Pin Art Contest
Enamel Pin Art Contest
Penelope Kipps
Green Tip of the Month
Green Tip of the Month

plastic

Green Tip of the Month

Eastside Audubon’s Green Tip of the Month for June 2024

According to National Geographic, plastic recycling rates are alarmingly low. In the United States, of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in 2021, only 5% to 6% (approximately two million tons) was recycled. As a result of so much plastic waste (everywhere), microplastics are emerging as a serious threat to birds and animals. We can and must do better in reducing our carbon footprint. If you’re reading this article, you’re likely already making efforts to be more environmentally friendly, but here are a couple of ideas to cut back on plastic usage:

Laundry Soap

Let’s do away with laundry jugs! They are cumbersome, mostly filled with water, and rarely recycled even if you put them in your recycling bin. Laundry sheets are a better alternative for the environment. Now the hard part: Which laundry sheets are best, and are they as effective as liquids? Finding a solution that works for you may take some trial and error, but for everyday washes, consider these brands: ECOS, Tru Earth, Eco Roots, HeySunday, Earth Breeze, and Blueland. Look for products made in North America, using non-toxic materials, B-certified companies, vegan ingredients, and packaged in recycled or compostable materials. For deep stains, though, you may still prefer liquids.

Dishwasher Soap

There are many options for dishwashing that minimize environmental impact. The editors at The Reduce Report reviewed over a dozen brands, considering ingredients, emissions, and plastic reduction. Their top picks include Ecover, Dropps, and Thrive Market dishwasher powder. These brands are phosphate-free, fragrance-free (optional), hypoallergenic, and chlorine-free. They also mention Seventh Generation as a budget-friendly option when Thrive Market is not on sale.

Sustainable Jungle recommends Claro All-in-One Phosphate-Free Eco Dishwasher Tablets for excellent cleaning results without phosphates or chlorine. They also rate Ecoleaf Dishwasher Tablets, which come with a built-in rinse aid.

See you next month!