Celebrate Earth Day Everyday with Eco-Friendly Products
We talk a lot about pollution and how to cut back on emissions, but if you haven’t heard by now, we also have a trash problem – a worldwide trash problem. About 2.01 billion metric tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) are produced annually worldwide, according to The World Bank, and that is projected to increase by 70% by 2050.
In 2018, the United States alone generated 292.4 million tons of waste, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While a large percentage of that waste was biodegradable, like food, wood, paper, and yard trimmings, 37.7 million tons of it was not. Those numbers are in addition to the billions of pounds of trash and other pollutants that enter our oceans each year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
While properly disposing of our trash will help keep our oceans, cities, and green spaces clean, it still has to be processed and stored. The World Bank estimates that 1.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) were generated from the management of solid waste in 2016 – roughly 5% of our global emissions.
From trash.
It is a number that is estimated to rise year over year as the world’s population continues to grow. Thankfully, there is something we can all do to improve the health of our planet today and in the future. Consume smarter by using eco-friendly products.
“Eco-friendly” simply means “not environmentally harmful.” While no manufactured products can be 100 percent eco-friendly, some products can be more environmentally friendly than others can. Some eco-friendly products help us to use less single-use products – lessening the amount of waste we produce over time – while others are sustainably produced and packaged and have a smaller carbon footprint overall.
If everyone consumed just a little bit smarter, we could make a big impact on the amount of waste (and emissions) we put into the world.
Here are a few tips for incorporating eco-friendly products into your life to reduce your carbon footprint and generate less waste:
Opt for reusable items. If you’ve never tried to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, chances are there are a ton of items you use every day that can easily be swapped out for a reusable version. Start the day off on the right foot with a reusable single-serve coffee pod for your Keurig or Nespresso, or pack your lunch in a reusable sandwich bag in a fun lunch box or make it fancy with a lunch bag. Always be sure to take a few reusable bags with you to the grocery store – the single-use plastic bags they give at most stores cannot be recycled through your home recycling bin.
Buy products with minimal or sustainable packaging. Try swapping your body wash and shampoo bottled in plastic for shampoo and conditioner tablets, or buy your bar soap with paper packaging. There have been a lot of innovations when it comes to packagings, like these laundry detergent sheets that dissolve in water and refillable deodorant inserts for men and women. Nowadays you can even buy toothpaste tablets to avoid the plastic packaging that comes with traditional toothpaste.
Look for eco-friendly certifications. Be careful with items marketed as “eco-friendly”, “sustainable”, or “all-natural”. Oftentimes, these claims are used deceptively and to mislead customers. Look for products bearing third-party logos certifying the credibility of their eco-friendly claims. A few examples are Cradle to Cradle, Ecocert, GREENGUARD, EPA Safer Choice, and B-Corp.
CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – April 2
President Biden unveiled his “Build Back Better” proposal on Wednesday, detailing plans to upgrade the country’s infrastructure, including fixing 20,000 miles of roads and 10,000 bridges, updating and modernizing the electric grid, extending broadband access and accelerating the shift to renewable energy sources by adjusting tax credits for energy producers and creating federal mandates requiring that a certain percentage of electricity in the U.S. be generated by zero-carbon energy sources.
The White House also announced a plan on Monday to expand the country’s offshore wind farms along the East Coast, with hopes to generate 30 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030.
Internationally, the Suez Canal reopened this week and ship traffic was able to resume after the Ever Given container ship was freed. While oil prices fell more than 1% immediately following the canal reopening, it rose 3.9% after OPEC+ agreed to gradual monthly output increases.
Looking for more good news? Here are our five favorite stories to help you start your weekend!
5Newest clean hydrogen fuel: Sewage sludge
A new facility in Tokyo opened that will convert dried sewage sludge into renewable hydrogen gas for fuel-cell vehicles. E&E News provides the back story on how the process will demonstrate a “new pathway” for reducing the emissions of waste.
4DOE lab unveils technology to decrease CCS costs
Government researchers have developed a new solvent that could cut down the cost of carbon capture by roughly 19%. E&E News reports on how by using a solvent that requires less water than alternatives, this technology could open the door for greater deployment of it.
3The future of residential wind power could be bladeless turbines
A tech startup announced a new design of a bladeless wind turbines intended for residential areas, since they could function using generators or solar panels as well as connecting to the grid. MITech News shares how this technology could be the next innovative leap forward in sustainable energy.
2A liquid that absorbs and stores solar energy for 18 years!
Sweden developed a solar thermal fuel that is capable of storing the sun’s energy for up to 18 years. India Times details how this technology allows for energy from the sun to be captured into strong chemical bonds that remain even after the liquid cools down to room temperature.
1The future of energy-harvesting cards
Researchers announced a 3D-printed rectifying antenna the size of a playing card that can harvest electromagnetic energy from 5G signals and use it to power devices. New Atlas explains how this would essentially turn 5G networks into wireless power grids.
Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate Applauds Georgia Legislature for Passage of Consumer Service Protection Legislation
Atlanta, GA – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, applauded the Georgia Legislature for overwhelmingly passing HB 150, bipartisan legislation to protect the rights of consumers by prohibiting municipalities from adopting energy service bans.
“CEA thanks the members of the Georgia Legislature for passing this important legislation that will protect our families and small businesses from prohibitions on the use of reliable, safe and clean fuels like natural gas in homes or communities,” said CEA Vice President of State Affairs Kevin Doyle.
“With two in every five Georgia households depending on natural gas for heating, energy service bans on consumers and businesses could lead to serious and significant service interruptions and surprisingly large increases in Georgians’ energy bills. An energy ban could also require the replacement of major appliances, which could cost thousands of dollars for Georgia’s families and businesses – a cost burden that would be ruinous for those living at or below the poverty level.”
“CEA commends the legislature for working together to ensure energy access and protect consumers and the environment. We urge Gov. Kemp to sign this commonsense consumer protection legislation to ensure affordable and reliable energy access for families, consumers and businesses across the state.”
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org
Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate Concerned about Future Decline in GOMESA Disbursements to Support Coastal Conservation, Hurricane Protection
Washington, D.C. – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, expressed concern in the trajectory of the U.S. Department of the Interior disbursements of Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA) revenues to Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas after DOI announced that the Gulf States will receive nearly $249 million for Fiscal Year 2020 – a decrease of about $104 million from the prior year. According to CEA, this represents a foreshadowing of what’s to come in 2022 and beyond if the leasing restrictions on federal lands and waters continues.
CEA Federal Affairs Advisor Michael Zehr said:
“Without access to offshore oil and gas leasing under the current administration’s indefinite restriction on new leases, this important revenue that helps participating Gulf states to implement and fund coastal protection and restoration projects, hurricane protection programs, and support coastal, marine, and conservation management plans will continue to decline and could be virtually nonexistent.”
“The revenue from offshore oil and gas production is vital to Gulf of Mexico communities. The nearly $250 million from GOMESA this year will directly help states with coastal protection and restoration projects, and will also support the businesses and organizations investing in these important projects for our communities and the workers that rely on these much-needed infrastructure jobs.”
“Amid the uncertainty our businesses and communities have endured in the past year, CEA remains concerned that there will be a lack certainty for the future funding of these important restoration and conservation efforts, the communities they support or the environment they work to improve.”
“It is important to remember the critical role Gulf energy plays in meeting our energy needs and advancing our economy, and the need to protect and broaden revenue for the U.S. Treasury and the Gulf States. Responsible offshore energy development, carried out with the strictest environmental regulation and in one of the lowest-environmental-impact producing basins in the world, is a continued commitment to environmental stewardship that protects our coasts. That’s especially important at a time when we need all the jobs and economic stimulus we can get.”
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org
CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – March 26
With temperatures rising this spring across the U.S. and travel-starved Americans starting to plan road trips, news stories this week have focused on how the prospect of an increased rate of summer driving is powering sharp increases in the price of gasoline – putting $3/gallon pump prices in sight.
On top of this leap in gas prices, oil prices increased more than 4%, following concern that global supplies of crude and refined products could be disrupted for weeks as experts try to free a giant container ship blocking the Suez Canal.
Headlines also showed how President Biden invited Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin to join other world leaders at a virtual White House climate summit April 22-23. Meanwhile, the Biden administration announced that it set a goal to cut the cost of solar energy by 60% over the next decade as part of a plan to decarbonize the power sector by 2035.
If you have time to catch up on energy headlines this weekend, be sure to check out our five favorite stories!
5Electric Cars powered by tidal energy
Electric vehicles on the island of Yell in Scotland are now being powered entirely by tidal energy. EcoWatch reports that the reality of tidal powered cars is helping the country get to net-zero carbon emissions.
4Floating sea solar farm completed in Singapore
Floating solar farms are becoming more popular, but they are usually located in inland bodies of water such as reservoirs and lakes to avoid the complexities of the ocean, like shipping routes. Electrek explains that Singapore’s new solar farm is one of the world’s largest on sea water: comprising of 13,312 panels, 40 inverters and more than 30,000 floats.
3Buildings as batteries?
Energy storage will become increasingly important as the world transitions to renewable energy. E&E News reports that researchers have found a way to harness materials incorporated in the walls of buildings to store energy, which could give a new purpose to our buildings by functioning as batteries.
2Are bladeless wind turbines the future of wind energy generation?
Innovators have developed a new design for wind turbines without blades. Real Clear Energy explains that the new product uses a vertical cylinder with an elastic rod as the top, which oscillates when wind passes over to generate power through an alternator.
1Heliogen’s AI-powered solar refinery to power giant U.S. mine
You’ve probably heard of the Bill Gates-backed start-up Heliogen for their development of computer-vision-controlled mirrors to harness the power of the sun. CNN reports that the technology will be used as the first concentrated solar technology to power a mine in the U.S., and perhaps even the world!
Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate Applauds Kentucky Governor Beshear for Signing Consumer Service Protection Bill
Louisville, KY – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, applauds Governor Beshear for signing HB 207, bipartisan legislation that will protect the rights of consumers to keep their existing energy services that are allowed by the Kentucky Public Service Commission.
“Thank you to Governor Beshear and the Kentucky legislature for passing this important legislation that will protect our consumers, families, seniors and small businesses from irresponsible prohibitions on the use of reliable, safe and clean fuels like natural gas and propane in homes or communities,” said CEA Vice President of State Affairs Brydon Ross.
“Over 40% of households use natural gas or propane for home heating needs. An energy ban could lead to serious service interruptions and large increases in Kentuckians’ energy bills, to the tune of more than $10,300 for an average Kentucky household. It would also require many families and businesses to replace major appliances, which is no small cost. With Kentucky having one of the highest poverty rates in the country, a reckless and unnecessary energy prohibition could have a devastating effect on the Commonwealth, and especially on those struggling to get by during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery.”
“CEA commends Governor Beshear and the legislature for protecting consumers, families and businesses’ right to keep the energy services they want and for helping to get our Commonwealth to a cleaner future.”
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org
South Carolina PSC Encouraged to Keep Consumers at Heart of Decision by Leading Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate
Columbia, SC – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for families and businesses, issued the following statement after the South Carolina Public Service Commission (SCPSC) held hearings on a utility’s fee and rate change service proposal.
“While CEA is still reviewing the new proposal, we are hopeful the SCPSC will consider how changes to electricity rates could impact families and small businesses – especially the least fortunate among us,” CEA Vice President of State Affairs Kevin Doyle said. “As the PSC considers this proposal, we encourage them to keep all consumers at the heart of their ultimate decision.”
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org
Passage of HR-13 Shows Line 5 Isn’t Only Essential to Michigan, Says Leading Consumer Energy and Environmental Advocate
Group Urges Governor to Keep the Pipeline Operating
Columbus, OH – Following today’s passage by the Ohio House of Representatives of House Resolution 13, which urges Michigan Gov. Whitmer and her Director of Natural Resources to keep Enbridge’s Line 5 operating, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) Midwest Executive Director, Chris Ventura made the following statement:
“Today’s overwhelmingly bipartisan vote in the Ohio House of Representatives demonstrates that commonsense energy policies are not partisan affairs. The essential energy that Line 5 delivers fuels the lives and livelihoods of countless Ohioans who need affordable energy.
“By recognizing the importance of the Line 5 Tunnel Project, our legislative leaders acknowledged the necessity of continuing to utilize the safest, most environmentally responsible way to transport energy while providing additional environmental protections for our Great Lakes.
“This isn’t just a matter for Michigan. It is a matter for the people and communities across the region and Canada. We hope Michigan’s governor understands just how many people will be affected and re-evaluate her recent ill-advised and unsupportable opposition to Line 5. It is time for all the stakeholders to come together to get this pipeline finished so our families and businesses can continue to receive the life-sustaining energy we need.”
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, its critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for the families and businesses that depend on them. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org
