Archive for the ‘Holiday’ Category

Seven Tips for Honoring Earth Day

It’s that time again, and while most people love trick-or-treating or spreading yuletide cheer, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our favorite holiday of the year – Earth Day! 

Earth Day is a time to celebrate the planet, raise awareness about our need to protect it, and reflect on what we can do to show our respect. 

This year, we challenge you to go beyond contributing just one day this year. We want you to change a habit (or a few!) to take care of our planet all year long.

Turn off the lights. 

It’s pretty simple – if you leave a room and no one else is there, turn off the lights. If your done watching television, turn it off. Being mindful of your electricity usage is one of the simplest things you can do to protect our Earth. So, shut them off, pull back the curtains and let that natural sunlight pour into your home.

Decrease water usage. 

Believe it or not, leaving the water on while brushing your teeth wastes 5 gallons of water a day – yikes! It’s a small thing to remember, but so important that we all do it together because it makes a huge impact. 

Also, be aware of any leaky toilets in your home. Leaks can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day, so pay attention to your bathrooms and ensure everything is working correctly.

Go paperless. 

Does your bank offer paperless services? It may be time to give it a try. Receiving banking statements online means you’ll still get a statement every month, and you can review older statements at any time. Trust us; once you try paperless, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this a long time ago!

Fortunately, there are many places where you can opt-out of paper. Some of those areas include:

  • Sign up for email billing statements and online digital payments.
  • Request no receipts at grocery stores and Fast-Food restaurants. 
  • Utilize apps for keeping a calendar and creating a to-do list.
  • Consider switching your favorite print media to an online version. 

[Want to know about recycling paper at the office? Click here!]

Avoid plastic when possible. 

It might be easy to buy bottles of water in bulk for your family, but it’s not good for the environment. All those empty bottles pile up in landfills, which release greenhouse gases. 

Want to know a secret? Bottled water is treated tap water, so why not invest in a filter to treat your water? They’re not expensive and overall will save you money compared to your monthly bottled water expanse.

Start composting. 

Composting is an excellent way to give back to the planet, and it’s fun to get the whole family involved to reach a common goal. There is a misconception that food simply breaks down in a landfill without any issue. However, those veggie scraps from that salad you made will rot and produce methane gas if not composted.

There are several ways to compost but if you don’t have a garden, try collecting your food scraps and keeping them in the freezer during the week. When you’re ready, bring the leftovers to your local farmer’s market if they have a compost station. You can also ask your local natural foods store if they compost.

Take electronics to a recycling center. 

Do you have old cell phones, computer parts, cords, headphones, and other electronics sitting somewhere collecting dust? Electronic waste is becoming the biggest category of trash globally, so gather your unused techy items and bring them to the nearest recycling center.

Green up your commute.

The ability to drive a car to any destination is convenient but not so great for the Earth. Each day you leave your vehicle at home, you’re saving over 750 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year! Try other means of getting to your destination, such as carpooling, public transit, biking, or walking. In addition to saving the Earth – you will be saving money! 

Earth Day is about enjoying and appreciating the world around us. This Earth Day take a moment to remember why our planet is worth protecting and start giving back to our Earth every day. 

We hope you try some of our tips above and discover new ways to help our world. For more ideas, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more information, or contact us today! 

Five Eco-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are usually the perfect balance of terrifying, overwhelming, and cliché. They hold you accountable, will push you out of your comfort zone, and force you to reevaluate your life. Or it’s just the opposite, and you come up with something stale and boring – a goal you will forget about in two weeks and will never be reached. 

While most of the trendy New Year’s resolutions are based on personal betterment, the New Year is also the perfect occasion to think about ways you can positively impact the planet. Keep reading to check out five small changes you can implement in 2021 to help the environment!

Go paperless.

Not only will this contribute to your clutter-free resolution, but it will also help the earth. We live in a digital world, but there are still many things that inexplicably still use paper. Studies show that Americans use a lot of paper, and it’s hurting our environment. 

Fortunately, there are many places where you can opt-out of paper. Some of those areas include:

  • Sign up for email statements and online digital payments.
  • Request no receipts at grocery stores and Fast-Food restaurants. 
  • Utilize apps for keeping a calendar, creating a to-do list.
  • Consider switching your favorite print media to an online version. 

Green up your commute. 

Vehicles have a significant impact on our environment, and it’s not a positive one. According to the EPA, vehicle transportation accounts for more than 30 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.

Anything you can do to reduce your transportation footprint this year by walking, biking, taking public transportation, or telecommuting, even if it’s just one day a week, will help both the environment and your wallet.

Start composting. 

Composting is an incredible way to give back to the planet. There is a common misconception that food simply breaks down in a landfill without any issue. However, those veggie scraps from that salad you made will rot and produce methane gas if not composted.

There are several ways to compost but if you don’t have a garden, try collecting your food scraps and keeping it in the freezer during the week. When you’re ready, bring the leftovers to your local farmer’s market if they have a compost station. You can also ask your local natural foods store if they compost.

Invest in reusable items. 

Investing in reusable items like shopping bags and water bottles will make a huge difference. Because they aren’t easily recycled, plastic bags end up in landfills; however, they don’t always stay there. They’re so lightweight and end up being lifted by the wind and polluting nature, interfering with our water sources, our trees, and animal habitats. Buying a reusable shopping bag is a low-cost, one-time purchase that could significantly impact the environment and will greatly cut down on your plastic consumption.

While you’re at it, make a small investment in a reusable coffee tumbler to bring to your favorite coffee shop and a water bottle to fill up wherever you go. It will be a big investment in our planet’s future.

Revamp your family’s eating habits.

The food we eat is energy for our body, so it’s crucial to think about what we’re introducing into our diet.

Try buying fresh, organic food, fruits, vegetables, and eggs as much as possible. Visiting your local farmer’s market is great for your health and the planet. You’re supporting local organic farming that doesn’t involve pesticides or excessive transportation. You’re also helping out a local business owner who appreciates your support – it’s a win-win! 

Cutting down on meat, even just one day a week, is also an eco-friendly resolution. Get your whole family involved by introducing meatless Mondays and asking for their input on creative meatless menu items. 

Now that you’re equipped with some attainable and sustainable resolutions for 2021 pick some and start saving the world! It may not seem like much, but small commitments like not using plastic straws and buying reusable shopping bags can have a lasting impact on our environment for years to come. 

Hopefully, these ideas will get you started to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle for the New Year. However, if you still have concerns about recycling and eco-friendly living in general, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more tips, or contact us today!

Five Tips to Make Your Holidays a Little Greener This Year

It’s getting colder (though not as cold as it should be here in Eastern North Carolina), the days are shorter, and nights longer. The holidays are here and with it an opportunity to have fun while creating an environmentally friendly celebration.

Make your holidays joyous in spirit and gentle on the environment with these five tips from Carolina Fibre!

Be conscious of gift wrapping.

When it comes to wrapping those gifts, consider natural, renewable materials over the shiny and metallic gift wrap. Newspaper, cotton, and woods are excellent options that add charming character and a personal touch to your gifts.

Sift through your Sunday paper and find stories that resonate with each gift recipient. For example, comics for the family clown, a sports story for the sports enthusiast in your friend group. Grab pages from old, worn-out, or damaged books for the co-worker who loves to read and write, or various advertisements from an old magazine for the marketer in your life. Old greeting cards are an innovative replacement for gift tags. According to a study at Stanford University, if every family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.

Do holiday lights right.

Recent research shows that if everyone replaced their conventional holiday light strings with LEDs, at least two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity could be saved in a month. So, it goes without saying: at home, in the office, and around the tree, make it a point to use LED holiday lights.

They’re more energy-efficient and will save you money on your electricity bill this season!

Decorate with items found in nature.

Avoid buying cheap plastic items that fall apart easily, cannot be recycled, and take up space in landfills. Using green plants and fresh flowers, fruits, pinecones, and evergreens for home decorating are creative and stylish ways to protect the environment.

Natural holiday decor saves money and provides organic beauty. Green holiday decorating ideas are simple and classic, plus they create more time to enjoy the festive season and relax with family and friends.

Compost when the celebrations are over.

When the holiday season is over, try composting your pine garlands, dried up wreaths, and other flower arrangements.

Unlike fake Christmas trees, real trees are recyclable or compostable – so go real this year. If you already have a compost heap, your tree will have a happy home. Tree branches provide a generous base layer for composting. In both cases, chop the tree into smaller, more manageable sections, and add to your compost bin. If you don’t have a compost pile, some cities will convert your tree to mulch for free, which is fabulous for your garden later in the year.

[Click here for more Christmas tree recycling ideas!]

Set an earth-friendly table this year.

The leading cause of deforestation, and another massive source of greenhouse gas emission, is agriculture. The choices you make when you’re at the grocery store can help you reduce your agricultural carbon footprint.

Meat intake is an excellent place to start; just by slightly reducing your meat consumption, you can help reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions. You can also be environmentally conscience when the meal is over by:

  • Saving scraps.
  • Distributing leftovers.
  • Utilizing your freezer.

Make this holiday season one to remember by creating new traditions with your loved ones, saving the planet, and having a blast by bringing these earth savvy and festive projects to life!

What steps has your family or workplace taken to green the holiday season? We’d love to hear; let us know on our Facebook page.

Ten Eco-Friendly Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and while we may have big things going on in the world around us, we must focus on a bit of normalcy.

Whether you’re ready or not, it is time to start thinking about dear old dad and what you want to give him to show how loved and valued he is. And while you’re thinking, remember that choosing an eco-friendly gift is not only thoughtful for Dad, but it is considerate of the planet as well.
Choosing a gift that is kind to the planet ensures it will continue to give long after the holiday is over. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are ten eco-friendly Father’s Day gift ideas to get you started.

Organic shirts and socks.

Dad will feel cozy and comfortable during these hot summer months with lightweight and breathable materials so close to his skin.
Find soft organic cotton that is gentle on him while being gentle on the environment.

Wooden fashion accessories.

Sunglasses are more than necessary this time of year, and what could be fancier than a premium pair of wood shades? Find a luxurious pair made natural materials for the perfect blend of style and sustainability.
Check out these from the Shwood Shop. Some other wood yet super chic accessories include:

Grilling sets.

Invest in some high-quality barbecue products this year so they can be reused rather than pitched once the season is over.
There are many eco-friendly grill kits available, including this set made from environmentally friendly pakkawood. Set dad up for a season of grilling and fun in the sun while taking care of our planet.

Homebrew kit.

There is no better way to be kind to the earth than to have dad brew all that beer he drinks. Not only will he stay busy, but he will be saving all those bottles and cans with a homebrew kit.

Water bottles made of sustainable materials.

This present is ideal for the active dad that needs a functional object to keep him hydrated. A collapsible water bottle is the perfect eco-friendly Father’s Day gift, as well as an ideal travel companion since it breaks down small enough to fit in a pocket. It is also perfect for eco-minded dads who want to save the planet from the plague of plastic!

Stainless steel mug.

If Dad is a coffee lover, a durable stainless-steel coffee mug is a must. It’s better than drinking it out of a disposable cup and can be used repeatedly, eliminating any extra waste.

Plant a tree.

Planting a tree in his honor is the perfect gift for dad this year. Trees are essential to our environment as they offer shade, produce fruit, and keep the air clean.
So, plant one for dad this Father’s Day and generations will enjoy it for years to come.
[Check out these other gardening tips here!]

Beach day essentials.

Gift dad these with these swimming trunks from Joseph and Alexander that are stylish and good for the planet. They are made from 100% recycled plastic so that dad will be styling and ecstatic that his shorts are helping to recover plastic from the oceans and put it to good use.
Some other excellent eco-friendly beach goodies that dad will love (and need) this summer in North Carolina include:

Recycled journal.

If dad has a creative streak and enjoys drawing or journaling, a recycled journal is perfect. Pair it with a pen, and he will love jotting down his thoughts — or his to-do list!

Snacks for days.

You can’t go wrong with snacks, so make dad’s day with a basket of his favorite organic snacks. There are many to choose from, but popcorn, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and spreads are some options that are sure to satisfy his taste buds.
There are many eco-friendly gifts available to suit just about everyone. Give it some thought so you can give dad a gift he is sure to love, and the planet will appreciate it too!

Hopefully, you are inspired by our list and can find the perfect gift this Father’s Day. However, if you still have concerns about eco-friendly living, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more tips or contact us today!

What to Do With All Your Stuff That Doesn’t ‘Spark Joy’

With an entire new year ahead of you, decluttering your home may not seem so hard. But after January, when that fresh, new year energy begins to wane, the prospect of taking on a big clutter tackling project tends to overwhelm. But whether it’s a plan to deep clean (aka, Kondo your life), or simply a new-year-new-you approach to simplicity, a good purge doesn’t always have to be a chore. More importantly, it doesn’t need to take up space in landfills. So what do you do with all of the stuff that doesn’t spark joy? There are four main ways to dispose of your stuff, and thrift stores can’t handle all of it. So here’s how to donate, recycle and re-sell all that stuff effectively.
Clothing.
After you’ve purged your closet, there are a few different steps you might want to take before hauling everything off to the donation center. If you have some name-brand items, you might be able to sell them on sites like Poshmark or LePrix. They don’t accept all items at all times, but it’s at least worth looking into if you are trying to make a few bucks. For donations, in addition to organizations like the Salvation Army and Goodwill, Dress for Success is a non-profit that provides women with professional attire.
Before you make a trip to the thrift shop, keep in mind that donation centers aren’t trash bins for your ripped or stained gear. However, don’t forget that you can recycle pretty much anything. You can repurpose old t-shirts as cleaning cloths or turn them into a fun DIY craft project. Contact local animal shelters to see if they are accepting old clothes, particularly linens. Stores like Levi’s and H&M recycle certain types of garments for customers and will even offer in-store discounts. You can also search for green clothing drop-offs in your area, which will try to recover as much usable cloth as possible from your cast-offs.
Books and paper.
Paper, of course, can be recycled. And to cut back on paper clutter in the new year, call the companies sending you catalogs you no longer want, and cancel subscriptions you don’t actually read. Switch your bills and bank notifications to auto-pay and e-statements.
Books are a bit trickier. You have more options and can potentially make some money. Try the online companies like BookScouter, Amazon, and Bookfinder. You input the book’s ISBN and it will compare buyback vendor options for you. Other ways to sell are by posting on Craigslist and Facebook. Don’t forget to check out your local used bookstore as well. Guidelines differ from store to store, but generally, you can just bring in your old books and they’ll buy them from you. You can declutter your life and make a little money at the same time. If you aren’t having much luck with the sale, you can always donate and recycle.
Miscellaneous stuff.
Miscellaneous, or “komono” in Kondo’s world, includes a lot of stuff. If you’re purging tech items clear all your data and delete all your accounts. Furniture is a bit more difficult. If it’s still in good condition you can always sell or donate. If you can’t transport it yourself, there’s always Craigslist or companies that pick up donations from your home. For old toys, go beyond the usual suspects like the Salvation Army and Goodwill and call your local children’s hospital, doctor’s office, daycares, children’s shelters, and churches. All are likely to be in need of certain types of toys and entertainment options (check for recalls before you donate any items). Online communities on Facebook and the Freecycle Network may also be helpful.
If you are still struggling to get rid of some stuff always consider a recycling corporation like Carolina Fibre for your old stuff that no longer sparks joy.  We hope this post has given you some new ideas for recycling your old stuff. If you liked this post, follow us on Facebook for more helpful tips and tricks. And if you have any questions about recycling, contact us today!

Six Ways to Prevent Food Waste This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is special because the meal is the holiday, as opposed to the meal being a tradition used to help celebrate. As a result, we tend to go a bit overboard with food. These family meals are a wonderful way to celebrate and bring people together, but it adds up to a significant amount of food waste. A study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows that well over 100 billion pounds of food is thrown away every year. Most of that uneaten food ends up rotting in landfills. But, by planning and following these tricks, you can be green and give thanks. Follow these six food waste reduction tips for an eco-friendly Thanksgiving meal this year.
Shop wisely.
Before you head to the store, make sure your pantry and refrigerator are clean, organized and as bare as possible. Take stock of what you have and make a list of what you will need. Once you get organized and have your list, use an online portion calculator to help you figure out how much food you will need. Because of all the side dishes and desserts, most families can go with a smaller turkey.
Save your scraps.
The peelings and scraps from cooking can be saved for many uses. One thing you can do with them is to make homemade vegetable stock. Save vegetable trimmings in a plastic bag in the freezer until you are ready to make a broth. Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are key ingredients, but, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and peppers also add great flavor. To make broth, add the vegetable scraps to a large pot and add enough water to cover the scraps. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for one hour. When that is complete, strain to remove solids, then you are left with a flavorful broth.
Display smaller portions.
Most people’s eyes are bigger than their stomachs, especially during the holidays. All the delicious choices will lead guests to load their plates with more than they can handle in one sitting.  Unfortunately, a lot of that food will end up in the garbage. Help avoid this by setting out smaller family-style portions at dinner, keep the rest aside and refill as needed. Use smaller serving spoons and plates so guests can go back for seconds or even thirds, rather than one heaping plate that ends up being way too much. 
Distribute leftovers.
One of the best parts of a Thanksgiving feast is leftovers. Tell your guests to bring reusable containers so you can send them home with some of their favorite dishes. Not only does this make them happy, it cleans out your fridge so aren’t stuck with a ton of leftovers you aren’t able to eat.
Get creative.
While Thanksgiving leftovers are a holiday must-have, they can get a little old if you are eating them day after day. To avoid leftover burnout and wasted leftovers, get creative. For example, throw your green beans into a breakfast concoction, make a modern pizza with mashed potatoes, use turkey in a soup, or maybe even an enchilada casserole.
Don’t forget about your freezer.
If you’re in doubt about powering through all the Thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge, consider freezing in clear, well-marked containers. When you’re sick of eating leftover turkey, make a turkey noodle soup or pot pie and freeze it so you can eat it later.
According to the NRDC, one pound of turkey meat uses up the resources equivalent of driving 11 miles to take a 130-minute shower. So it’s important to remember that when we waste food, we’re also wasting all the water and energy that goes into making it. Being prepared and resource conscience reduces waste, saves energy and increases space at our landfills and recycling centers, which makes for a greener and happier Thanksgiving for everyone. Stay tuned to our blog for more holiday recycling tips this season!

Halloween Recycling Tips

From decorations to treats to costumes, Halloween comes with a lot of “stuff,” which makes it a scary time for recycling facilities. Many of the items kids accumulate at parties or what we use as decor isn’t recyclable, yet it still ends up in the recycling container. It can be a real nightmare, so Carolina Fibre is here with some Halloween recycling tips to help save you from becoming a recycling horror story.
Costumes
Making your own costume from recycled finds is definitely the most environmentally-friendly way to go, and there are tons of recycled costume ideas out there. Keep in mind that once the holiday is over, fabric costumes and latex masks can be reused, but not recycled. You can always save the costume and repurpose it, or use as a dress-up costume that the kids can play with year-round. If your costume is in good shape after Halloween, you can also donate it. If your costume got stained or is in tatters after the holiday, reuse it next year as the zombie version of whatever it was this year. When it comes to makeup, you might think you’re out of luck, but you can actually recycle a lot of makeup containers. Check what number plastic they’re made from and if your city’s recycling program accepts it, clean out the container, and recycle away!
Treats
Bad news – those hundreds of candy wrappers your family will collect this holiday aren’t recyclable. Candy wrappers may feel like plastic, but they’re considered a mixed material, which makes for a nightmare at the recycling center. Some treats do come in recyclable containers, like those made from paperboard. So if you get stuck with a random box of raisins in your loot, you can toss the box in your recycling container.
Decorations
Halloween decorations, like plastic bunting, paper spiders, and centerpieces are often recyclable. But plastic is a little bit trickier, so your best bet is to check the packaging. Since these decorations can use so many combinations of materials, it’s hard to definitively say what is and isn’t recyclable. Like with makeup containers, you just need to find out what number plastic they are and see if your city recycling service accepts it. Lighting is a completely different ghost story. Strings of lights will haunt your local recycling facility by getting tangled in the sorting equipment, so don’t put these items in your bin. However, there are mail-in recycling programs available.
Pumpkins
Once the holiday is over, the easiest Halloween decorations to recycle is your pumpkins. As long as you didn’t paint on them, you can toss these into the compost pile when Halloween is over. Or, look into donating your uncarved pumpkins to a local farm – pigs love pumpkins! If they haven’t started to mold, you can even cook with them.
Though people have the best intentions, they aren’t always recycling the right items. In fact, studies show that more than a quarter of the material collected in bins was not recyclable. But by following a few simple guidelines, we can all be better recyclers no matter the season. Know what to throw away and what to recycle. Make sure items are empty, clean and dry, and keep recyclables loose – never in bags or containers. Are there any Halloween recycling tips we missed? If so let us know on our Facebook page. And if you have any questions about recycling, contact us today!

10 Ways to Reuse Plastic Easter Eggs

With the Easter holidays coming up, those iconic plastic eggs that get stuffed to the gills with sugary treats are everywhere! After they’ve been hidden and hunted, what are you supposed to do with those festive packages? Here at Carolina Fibre, we’ve got a few nifty green suggestions for repurposing that leftover plastic long after the bunnies have hopped off and the candy has been devoured.
Mini Planters
All it takes is some wire, the soil, and a smaller plant and you’ll have yourself the perfect miniature planter! The best part is that the plastic should hold up well through rounds of watering, so it should last you through a couple of spring seasons.
String Lights
Believe it or not, empty plastic Easter eggs can be resealed over the bulbs of string lights to create neat color effects. For the best results, use nearly translucent eggs and watch the mood in your room change entirely.
Treat Containers for all Holidays
Who says you can’t modify those plastic eggs to fit any time of year? All it takes is some paint or markers, and you can redesign the exteriors to suit Halloween, July 4th, Christmas: whatever holiday you have coming up that requires a few sweet treats!
Holiday Décor
Just like we mentioned above, plastic eggs can be repurposed to accommodate your needs for other holidays besides Easter. Use them for treats, or as decoration accents; that way, you not only save money, but also extend their use and avoid tossing out perfectly usable plastic.
Craft Supplies for the Kids
It can be difficult keeping around enough quality art supplies to keep the kids busy on holidays and weekends, but you can reuse all sorts of things to embellish their projects. This includes plastic Easter eggs! Either whole or split in half, these handy receptacles can provide structure to any craft venture.
DIY Candles
With some careful crafting, plastic Easter eggs can actually be repurposed as small homemade candles. Be sure to find the supplies that will work well with pliant plastic, and always attend your candles when lit. Otherwise, they’re a simple and fun way to recycle the material!
Homemade Bath Bombs
It’s never a bad time of year to treat yourself! Reuse plastic Easter eggs to make and store some relaxing bath bombs so that when the mood to unwind arises, all you have to do it pop them open and let the hot water do the rest.
Mini Treat Dishes
Even if you aren’t hiding them in the backyard or catering to a holiday, leftover plastic eggs make a fun and interesting addition to your coffee table or desk; plus, they’re obviously the perfect size for something sweet.
Bird Feeders
Want to offer the neighborhood birds a tasty treat, too? You can make it simple by reusing your plastic Easter eggs. Cover the exterior in the feed, or use the halves to create a bowl for your winged visitors to stop by on their way to the next treetop.
Snack Packs
Lunchtime just got sweeter! Pack your snacks and smaller items in leftover plastic Easter eggs for safe keeping, then wash them and reuse as needed. They’re perfect for use at work or school, and keep you from having to continually purchase disposable bags.
We hope these were some helpful tips that will aid in preventing a waste of plastic in your home after the Easter holidays! For more news and ideas from us, check out our latest blog posts and learn more about recycling. If you’re ready to put your business on a greener track, contact us and we’ll talk you through our services to find the best plan for your company.

5 Environmental Advocacy Organizations to Watch this Year

2017 is coming to a close, and here at Carolina Fibre, we think it’s important to reflect back on some of the major events and influencers as we move forward into the new year. We’ve picked a few of the organizations we think deserve a pat on the back (and maybe a little something extra from the big guy in red!) for their work in environmental conservation and advocacy.
National Geographic Society
Year after year, the National Geographic Society continues to make its mark – in a good way – on our planet. And for a wide-spread endeavor, this organization makes it easy to join in from any part of the country. Supporters can enjoy the educational materials the society regularly publishes, or give directly to current sustainability efforts.
Greenpeace
Some organizations lead global and national conservation campaigns on independent platforms and resources, like Greenpeace. While a recent promotion centers on reducing plastic consumption and waste, this organization is involved in efforts to clean up and preserve oceans, forests, and many other arenas. You can get involved, too, via donation, by volunteering, or becoming a member.
The Nature Conservancy
An international campaign for the planet’s welfare, the Nature Conservancy leads the charge in education as well as active efforts to change the way we treat our home. As a whole, the Conservancy focuses on all land and water-related issues, and splits its time between advocacy and on-the-ground activism. By joining the Our World Campaign, a rallying point created to facilitate support across the globe, you can stay updated with news and campaigns near you.
Recycling for Charities
In a digital age, we’ve begun producing more and more electronic waste. What this means is that all of our old electronics – cell phones, cameras and even laptops – tend to pile up when we decide we’re through with them and need an upgrade. With groups like Recycling for Charities, older models of electronic devices can be repurposed and reused accordingly.
NC Conservation Network
On a state level, we have the North Carolina Conservation Network supporting other environmental groups and making sure they have the means to coordinate with one another and work together. Altogether, there are nearly 100 organizations that work with the NC Conservation Network! The network also offers training programs to help teach volunteers and new advocates how to better represent their causes to the public and other influencers.
If one of your New Year’s resolutions involves giving back, consider these or any other environmental organization you come across. For more tips on recycling and sustainability, contact Carolina Fibre and get your business on track in 2018!