8 positive environmental stories from 2021

All too often, headlines are built strictly from terrible and shocking stories. It’s easy to lose track of the kindness and generosity of humanity, as well as efforts to do good for the planet. If you’ve been following environmental news in 2021, like every year, has highlighted atrocities around the globe. Yet, there are countless stories of policy changes, local cleanup efforts, impactful corporate action and innovations all aimed at decreasing carbon, conserving trees, protecting wildlife and so much more. 

1. Limiting oil and gas exploration

This year’s COP26 saw nations from every corner of the planet focused on the same goals. With the environment in the forefront, seven countries pledged to end oil and gas exploration. None of the seven countries source significant oil from their own soil, but the resulting Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance gives other nations and regions a platform to join the effort. You can read more at 7 countries vow to end new oil and gas exploration.

Related: Inhabitat’s Positive News page

2. New York City uses goats for invasive weed control

The Riverside Park Conservancy has been battling invasive species in the park for fifteen years. Although they’ve seen an outpouring of volunteer efforts to clear the plants, they quickly return to the steep hillside that’s difficult to access. So they brought in two dozen goats in an event dubbed, “Running of the Goats.” The goats munched throughout the day and five remained for six weeks to happily eat away at the problem porcelain berry, English ivy, mugwort, multiflora rose and poison ivy. Allowing the animals to graze eliminates the need for toxic weed killers, which are harmful to the land and the citizens.

3. Lab-grown meat reduces environmental impact 

It’s fairly well established at this point that raising livestock impacts the land in negative ways. There’s the issue with methane release, a greenhouse gas that’s more damaging than carbon dioxide. Plus, land requirements for production results in damaging the soil. Then there’s the concern in regards to animal treatment. Lab-grown meat is leading the way towards a reduction in animal reliance for food. Take, for example, this new facility in California that’s capable of producing 50,000 pounds of lab-grown meat annually and a short-term goal to raise that number to 400,000 pounds. 

4. Protections for Tongass National Forest

It’s our nation’s largest national forest, covering 16 million acres in Southeast Alaska. This area is home to 800-year-old trees, Indigenous people and 400 species of wildlife and fish. While there were previously protections in place, former president Trump had exempted the area in his last few months of office, which opened the door for building roads, logging and other damaging activities. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the reimplementation of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a win for the natives and the planet. According to the Alaska Wilderness League, Tongass National Forest is one of the world’s largest intact temperate forests. It stores more than 1.5 billion metric tons of carbon and sequesters an additional 10 million metric tons annually.

5. 110 countries pledge to end deforestation by 2030

Without policies to protect existing trees, we’ll be rudderless in our efforts to maintain air quality, slow global warming and mitigate the effects of erosion, landslides and wildfires. Another result of COP26, leaders from 110 nations signed the deforestation pledge, vowing to eliminate deforestation by 2030. It will limit investments in contributing projects and implement restrictions against tree removal to make room for animal grazing and growing of crops such as palm oil. 

6. Reforestation projects abound

In addition to protecting existing trees, replanting them is critical to nature’s long-term balance. Fortunately, myriad businesses have begun contributing to reforestation. In addition, non-profits around the globe are making a measurable contribution. One Tree Planted is one such organization. Its mid-year update reports 58,000 mangrove trees planted in a sensitive region in Haiti, the planting of 430,000 native trees in Minnesota, 40,000 native trees in Mexico and over 814,000 trees in California. Also, forests the size of France have been restored in the past 20 years, showing how small efforts grow into notable accomplishments.

7. Ocean Cleanup sees major achievement

If you’ve never heard of it, Google the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. In short, it’s a massive area of the Pacific Ocean that has become a collection point for ocean pollution. A Dutch inventor decided to tackle the problem when he was just 18 years old. He began making a device to tackle the problem and started Ocean Cleanup, his organization aimed at eliminating 90% of the plastic floating in the ocean by 2040. After two previous launches that resulted in failure, during the summer and fall of 2021, Ocean Cleanup collected and removed 20,000 pounds of waste, which was brought back to shore and recycled. 

8. Eastern barred bandicoot extinction reclassification 

You likely don’t give this Australian marsupial much thought, but with the countless plants and animals going extinct each year, it’s good news that the bandicoot has been reclassified as endangered, which is an upgrade from the previous classification of “extinct in the wild.” Officials say it’s been a 30-year effort to protect the small furry animal that was almost completely eliminated by foxes and lack of suitable habitat. 

Via Inhabitat, Eco Watch, NY Times and BBC

Images via Pexels

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Paper Shoot makes eco-friendly cameras with retro flair

The resurgence in popularity for instant cameras shows just how much people love playing with retro style. The latest cool throwback camera comes with a thoughtful, eco-friendly twist. Paper Shoot is an innovative digital camera that lets you capture film-like photos.

What is Paper Shoot?

Paper Shoot is a compact camera with a handful of pieces that are easy enough to put together yourself. Insert the circuit board into a creative case of your choosing, put in an SD card and two AAA batteries, then secure it together with a few screws that can be twisted together by hand — no special tools required.

“The switchable and editable camera case provides people with a fun unique digital photography experience that’s tailor made for the individual, brand or event,” explained on Paper Shoot’s website.

Related: These AI-powered cameras can sense poachers and save wildlife

How is Paper Shoot eco-friendly?

The slim and simplistic design is not only easy to assemble, but good for the environment. To keep Paper Shoot’s environmental impact low, the brand prioritizes compact design and uses eco-friendly materials such as stone paper for the case. Additionally, one of the company’s main goals is to “create sustainable, long lasting alternatives to film and disposable cameras.” With Paper Shoot, you get the aesthetics of a retro camera without having to use and throw away a plastic disposable camera.

“We’re all about doing our best,” Paper Shoot said. “We’re doing our best to produce responsibly by sourcing sustainable and recycled materials where we can, and combating unethical labor by providing all of our workers with living wages and healthy, safe and happy working conditions. We’re also doing our best to live in the moment and get back to the simplicity of photography and life before phones and social media.”

These values are part of Paper Shoot’s appeal. In an age where nearly everyone has a phone capable of taking high-definition photos and seeing instant results, Paper Shoot offers a chance to capture a moment without getting sucked into your phone. Think slow fashion but for cameras. Paper Shoot’s thoughtful design encourages users to unplug and connect to the world around them.

What are the options?

In a Paper Shoot camera bundle, you’ll get the exterior case in a design of your choosing, a circuit board, camera strap and everything else required to assemble the camera. Optional accessories such as an Italian vegetable tanned leather shoulder bag to hold your camera and radial and micro effect lenses are also available. If you want to swap out case designs, you can buy additional cases in styles ranging from an eight-track tape to a cork texture.

Review

Courtesy of Paper Shoot, I took this clever little camera for a test drive. The camera kit and cases came in minimalist brown paper packaging, a definite plus for eco-conscious buyers. Unpack everything and you have all the pieces to assemble your camera. That’s another great part of Paper Shoot — not only do you get a camera, you get a fun DIY project too. It’d make a great gift for photography lovers who want a customizable and hands-on experience.

Assembly is fairly straightforward. I was able to put everything together with the help of simple instructions on the back of the box (though I did double-check online to make sure I was correctly connecting the screws). At first, it seems impossible for this small, simple creation to function as a camera. To test it out, I aimed the lens at a perfect subject for my first photo. Our family dog looked particularly adorable in black-and-white film photo style.

If you love the look of film photography, the Paper Shoot camera is a great, simple alternative. After taking several test photos, I removed the SD card and reviewed my shots. Paper Shoot’s film-like effect lends everything an artsy, vintage look. A switch on the back of the camera even lets you choose between color, black-and-white, blue or sepia-tone filters. Then, all you have to do is aim the camera and click a button on the front of the case. A small blue light will flash and a shutter sound will let you know the shot has been captured. Check out this image comparison to see examples of the filter effects.

The more I used the Paper Shoot camera, the more it grew on me. Many of us have been extremely online since the pandemic began and forced much of our communication to go digital. Paper Shoot is a fun way to capture fun moments without reaching for your phone and obsessing over how things look in each shot.

The film-like look is a huge advantage, too. It makes each picture feel like part of an old photo album. Pair that with the company’s eco-friendly and ethical practices, and you have a purchase you can feel good about.

+ Paper Shoot

Images via Paper Shoot and Grae Gleason / Inhabitat

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Paper Shoot. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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Feel good and look great with a Solios solar-powered watch

As the world moves toward slow fashion, even your accessories deserve to be chosen thoughtfully, including watches. If you’re looking for something timeless and eco-conscious, a solar-powered watch from Solios may be the perfect match.

Founded by university friends Samuel Leroux and Alexandre Desabrais, Solios aims to make a positive impact on the world. A passion for watches and the environment inspired Desabrais and Leroux to research how they could combine elegant design and sustainability. The result? A line of gorgeous, minimalist watches that run on solar power.

Related: The new Black Mini Solar from Solios is a minimalist, solar-powered watch

“Opting for a solar-powered watch could prevent the production of one billion toxic batteries,” said Solios on its website.

Instead of creating a watch that relies on a battery that will inevitably need to be replaced or maintained, Solios innovated. Using an “invisible” solar panel placed under the watch’s dial, Solios watches simply need to soak up some sunlight in order to run. Worried about keeping the watch in sunlight 24/7? Don’t sweat it. The solar cell will have six months of reserved power after only two hours of light exposure.

But solar power isn’t the only thing that makes Solios so eco-friendly. As the first B Corp Certified watch company, the Solios team puts in the work to ensure they’re doing right by workers, the community and the environment.

In addition to using sustainable materials such as certified recycled stainless steel and eco-friendly vegan leather, Solios also has a robust Giving Back Program. Part of this program includes an exclusive, limited-edition watch line benefiting the Make A Wish program. For each watch sold, Solios gives $50 to Make A Wish. The company aims to raise a total of $25,000.

If you think that’s where the Giving Back Program ends, think again. Solios also has a watch line benefiting the rainforest. In partnership with the Rainforest Trust, Solios is giving back 10% of its revenue to the foundation. An estimate on the Solios website says that each watch sold could help restore approximately 10 acres of rainforest.

“It is well known: rainforests are the lungs of the planet,” Solios said “We must not see deforestation as an action without consequences – causing harm to our rainforests means causing harm to every human on Earth. We must work hand in hand, for the well-being of humanity.”

All of these great practices are just the beginning for Solios. In an effort to continuously improve, Solios is pledging to become net-zero from both internal and external emissions by 2025.

Review

Solios gifted me a watch from the Solar Black line. From the moment it arrived, it was clear that the company put genuine care into its product. The box the watch arrived in was small and precisely packaged to cut down on excess packaging waste. Inside, a minimalist green and white case protected a sleek black watch. The watch itself was wrapped around a piece of cork (an awesome renewable and biodegradable material) to cushion the case and support the band.

Speaking of the band, the black vegan leather material looks and feels great. You can choose from black, silver or rose gold for the watch case, but I loved the classic look of the all-black watch framed with rose gold. Luxury items like watches can often be accompanied by guilt for indulging, but with a Solios watch, you can rest easy knowing that your timepiece isn’t costing the environment. These environmental considerations don’t impact the watch’s quality either. My Solar Black watch fits my wrist perfectly with the comfortable vegan leather strap.

Seeing the solar-powered watch in action is both fascinating and impressive. Upon taking the watch out of the box, it was, understandably, not charged. After all, a solar-powered watch doesn’t thrive inside a dark box. To charge the watch, I simply sat at my desk by a window and let it soak up some sunlight while I worked. In only a minute or two, the watch started ticking. Ever since, the watch has been running smoothly, even after stowing it in a drawer over the weekend. That six-month energy reserve is no joke!

Between the classic, minimalist design and hassle-free functionality, my Solios watch is absolutely my new favorite accessory. As for the broken, hand-me-down watch I previously wore, I plan to recycle it through the Solios Recycling Program. If you have an old watch laying around, simply visit the Solios website, fill out the recycling program form and follow the instructions to ship Solios your old watch. Not only will your old watch find new life, but you’ll also receive a $50 discount code for a Solios watch. It’s a win for you and the environment.

+ Solios

Images via Solios and Grae Gleason / Inhabitat

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Solios. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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What should you do with all your holiday trash?

The holiday season is filled with social events with family, friends and co-workers. All that celebrating is not only hard on the waistline, but the environment too. So after all that sipping candy cane cocktails, wrapping gifts and dipping strawberries in the chocolate fountain, be sure to reduce, reuse and recycle along the way. 

Conscientious purchasing

Waste begins with purchasing. If you’re in charge of the event, or have any influence in the matter, start by finding party supplies that are low waste. Rent plates and glassware or use the real stuff in your home instead of single-use disposables. When it comes to food and drink, buy containers made from glass or metal whenever possible. Better yet, make your own juices with a power or manual juicer. Watch for the copious plastic wrapped around food, gifts and decorations and refuse to buy items stuffed with plastic foam (Styrofoam). 

Related: Need eco-friendly holiday gifts for friends? We’ve got you covered.

Compost unwanted leftovers

With good planning, you can achieve minimal food waste, but there will always be some to dispose of. While you’re scraping plates after the big meal or when you’re disposing of the seeds from your peppers and skins from your onions, remember the compost pile loves all plant-based scraps. You can also toss in undyed toilet and paper towel rolls and brown paper bags.

Recycle where you can

Recycling is a tricky industry. There are some materials that are widely accepted in nearly every market. For example, glass, cardboard and metal can commonly be recycled curbside or at a drop-off facility. Plastic is more location specific. However, most recycling services accept large jugs. Others may take smaller containers like those used for yogurt, salsa and sour cream. Again though, since only about 10% of plastic is actually recycled, your most eco-friendly choice is to make those foods from scratch and make every effort to avoid plastic at the purchasing level. 

Holiday wrap and bows are another sticking point. Most paper-only wrap can be recycled while anything with glitter and other finishes cannot. To minimize waste, use classic wrapping paper and real ribbon you can reuse for years to come. Bonus points for relying on jute or other natural materials. At the end of your gift-unwrapping frenzy, sort the ribbons and bows from the tissue paper and wrapping paper. Crush all boxes and recycle them with paper.

Identifying items that can be recycled in your area is only a portion of the task. The next step involves ensuring you recycle correctly. For example, all items, including food containers, should be clean and dry before going into the bin. Food remnants can actually pollute the entire recycling line, meaning that perfectly good cardboard and paper might have to be pulled out and thrown away if soiled. Similarly, keep small items out of the recycling. Although caps might be technically the right materials for recycling, they can jamb machines and cause big problems during processing so make sure they’re attached to the container rather than left loose. 

Items that cannot be recycled curbside include lights, ribbons, electronics, bubble wrap and cellophane, along with wrapping paper, cards and gift bags that are any material other than basic paper. 

Other Materials

If plastic foam makes its way on scene, check your community for places that recycle it. You may have to pay a few dollars for the service. 

If your strand lights are garbage, check for community collection events rather than throwing them into the trash can. These events are commonplace at home improvement stores. 

Electronics can be donated to a local recycling center or mailed in to an e-waste recycler. Some large stores recycle household batteries. Check with Lowe’s if you have one in your area. Other batteries are often accepted at the recycling center, such as car batteries.

Plastic film like that used for Ziploc storage bags, shopping bags and as the shrink wrap around toilet paper and paper towels can be collected and dropped at select locations. Get online to see which stores in your area provide the service. Also watch when you enter grocery stores as there is often a drop box near the entrance.

If you live in a state with a beverage bottle, make sure you keep them separate from other debris. Provide an easy deposit spot for your guests and return them for recycling after the party. If your state is one that still hasn’t adopted this practice, write your state representative asserting the idea and then be sure to properly recycle each glass, aluminum and plastic container. 

Make a donation pile

If you don’t plan to save used holiday bags and unused wrapping paper, put it in the donation pile. Also include any items in good working condition that you replaced during the holiday season. This might be cookware, clothing, tools, electronics or bedding, for example.

What about your tree?

If you have a live tree this year, you can keep it in a pot and move it outside to plant in the spring. If you’ve cut a tree for the season, be sure to responsibly recycle it. Most city yard waste recycling companies offer pickup of most trees in the weeks following Christmas. This is an easy fix. All you have to do is remove all ornaments and lights and drag it to the curb on pickup day. Be sure to remove every strand of tinsel too. Trees larger than eight feet tall may need to be cut down in size. Avoid placing trees in plastic bags. Note that flocked trees cannot be recycled in this way and will end up in the landfill. 

Lead image via Pexels

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Rum and beach bag collaboration is ending plastic pollution

What do you get when you combine companies who are passionate about ocean conservation with beach-inspired products? A collaboration that adds up to rum, beach bags and benefits to the environment. 

Mount Gay Rum, the oldest running rum distillery in the world, paired up with Sea Bags, a Portland, Maine-based company who has been making totes and bags from recycled sail cloth since 2006. The two companies are raising money to benefit 4ocean’s Pound + Program, whose mission is to end the plastic pollution in our oceans. The team also includes actor and environmentalist Adrian Grenier. The resulting Mount Gay x Sea Bags Ocean Currents Collection features two bags, both made in the USA on a limited basis. 

Related: This distillery helps you make delicious, carbon-negative cocktails

“The plastic crisis in our oceans continues to grow, and collectively we need to support conservation efforts and raise awareness around ocean health or we will lose one of Earth’s greatest assets,” said actor and environmentalist Adrian Grenier. “Working with Mount Gay Rum and Sea Bags to create the sustainable Ocean Currents Collection furthers our shared goal and serves to inspire others to help protect the ocean, while offering a sustainable gift just in time for the holidays.”   

The Ocean Currents Tote celebrates the groups’ efforts to protect the ocean with a map of water currents as the primary design. Each tote is made from recycled sails that would likely be able to tell a story of the Caribbean, rum and history of sailing in the region. Hand-spliced hemp rope handles further set the tone for a connection with plants and water. A red base contrasts the body of the bag, bringing nautical colors into the mix. It’s large enough for an afternoon outing or a weekend away, yet compact enough for easy storage. 

The iconic Mount Gay Rum logo speaks to the long history of rum in the region. The distillery dates back to 1703. Even today, Mount Gay Rum has a unique connection with the ocean, since the salty seawater directly contributes to the flavors in Mount Gay Rum. The process for making the rum dates back 300 years, yet has changed very little with the ocean, providing the salt-infused air and coral naturally filtering water for the distilling. 

Without the ocean surrounding Barbados, Mount Gay Distillery would not be able to hold on to their heritage. The company has a mission to give back, protecting the ocean by donating a portion of each tote to a non-profit working to clean up the damage humans have caused to the waters. The contributions will result in the removal of trash for each tote sold. This isn’t Mount Gay’s first foray into ocean initiatives. In its long-standing work with 4ocean, the brand has helped remove 20,000 pounds of plastic from the world’s oceans.

“Our new partnership with Sea Bags is an important step in our ongoing efforts to conserve the ocean,” said Ian McLernon, President and CEO Americas at Rémy Cointreau (owner of Mount Gay Distillery). “Mount Gay and sailing have a storied, interwoven relationship and we are proud to be united in our mission to protect the ocean, while encouraging our community to take action for a more sustainable future.”  

The second bag is called the Ocean Currents Beverage Bucket. Also made from recycled sails and other materials, the Beverage Bucket was created to celebrate the ocean with a trip to the beach or an outing on the sailboat. Each bag features six pouches to hold bottles of rum or other beverages and supplies. The center of the buckets hold ice to keep your selections chilled. A grommet in the bottom allows melted ice to drain. Simply load and go for cocktails by the lake or at the beach. Each purchase funds the removal of one pound of waste in the ocean and along the coastlines.

This year Sea Bags earned GreenCircle Certification for recycled content on these iconic Totes and Bucket Bags. 

4ocean tries to make it easy for businesses to help support their mission of ending ocean plastic pollution. It works to clean the ocean and eliminate the inflow of plastic from the waterways and beaches along the shore. 4ocean is a business that funds cleanups, provides jobs, contributes to local communities and continues to invest in technologies to advance their purpose. It also makes regular donations to marine conservation organizations. 

Personal review

When I heard about this campaign, I instantly fell in love with the idea of using recycled sails and the nautical theme on each of the bags. The company offered to send a sample and I readily agreed. However, instead of receiving a bag, I received a fifth of Mount Gay Barbados Rum. Winning! After all, how can I fail to find joy in a surprise gift like that. 

But, down to business. I’ve traveled through the Caribbean. In fact, I’ve tasted flights of rum on the island of Barbados. The history of rum throughout the region cannot be denied. It’s culture is ingrained in generations of people throughout the region. A worker at a distillery on the island told me even children commonly sample rum, in the same way wine is served at every table in Italy regardless of age. 

The bottle they sent was a Black Barrel Double Cask Blend. It has a rich, caramel coloring and distinct rum scent. Since this is a blend, it’s a combination of other rums made by Mount Gay. If you’re familiar with the brand, you might recognize some of the flavors. Personally, I picked up on a sweet overtone of brown sugar or molasses and a finish of the bourbon oak barrel where it aged. This is a smooth rum. I look forward to mixing with it and drinking it by the fire on a cold winter’s night. Cheers!

+ Mount Gay and Sea Bags 

Images via Mount Gay and Sea Bags  

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Sea Bags. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own. 

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All natural PAPR deodorant are vegan and aluminum free

The concern over ingredients in our beauty products is nothing new. The seemingly benign deodorant we mindlessly apply each morning is one example. Scientists are showing concern over aluminum found in deodorant, which can cause kidney problems during processing. There are other ingredients of concern in popular deodorants, which is why there’s been a movement towards natural ingredients instead. PAPR is one company that’s embracing all natural ingredients and biodegradable packaging.

PAPR recently released a new scent in their deodorant lineup called The Deep Blue, which they described as a unisex scent where the ocean meets plumeria and a hint of lemon. This is in addition to a well-established line that includes So Hot Right Now, Bright Shiny Morning, From Dusk Till Dawn, Coastal Forests and a fragrance-free option. Each of the 100% natural deodorants is produced without aluminum, parabens, silicone or sulfates.

Related: What to expect when switching to natural deodorant

In addition, all products are completely vegan and are never tested on animals or contain any animal materials. As a substitute for aluminum, PAPR uses baking soda to eliminate odors. For scents, the company combines cold-pressed essential oils. There are no artificial fragrances or chemicals. Along with baking soda and essential oils, the ingredient list includes tapioca starch, silica, castor oil, jojoba ester, coconut oil and shea butter. 

PAPR is not only thinking about the health of the customer, but also the environment. The deodorant tube widely distances itself from the standard plastic tube. By design, it’s more like a Push Pop you used to eat as a kid. The paper packaging is made to be recycled, but even in the garbage, it will biodegrade naturally, with no chemical leaching. 

Currently, the tube is made from 99.98% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper. Not only has the company taken steps to use a design that meets its planet-first packaging goals in terms of waste, but the FSC certification means the wood the paper comes from was sourced in an environmentally and worker-friendly way. The simple shift to paper from plastic tubes eliminates countless conventional deodorant tubes from landfills, where they will sit for hundreds of years. 

The other 0.02% of the tube composition comes from a cornstarch membrane. Although it’s 100% biodegradable, the PAPR team has plans to phase it out by the end of the year to make room for faster biodegradability. 

The packaging is more than just eco-friendly, it’s artwork. Each of the different scents has completely different packaging. Colorful and interesting, each tube is adorned with sketches of origami animals that represent the scent. The newest release, The Deep, features shades of blue and turquoise with images of whales, sea turtles and crabs. 

Shop Papr Deodorant on Amazon 

Personal Review

Natural deodorants offer protection without the potentially harmful chemicals and components in mainstream antiperspirants and deodorants. The journey into finding an adequate natural deodorant can take time, sifting through different brands to evaluate effectiveness. 

When PAPR offered to send me a sample, I was happily willing to try it out. In short: I was pleasantly surprised. The smell is subtle, and I’m extremely scent sensitive so I’d call them out if it was too strong. I sampled The Deep and would describe the scent as mildly floral and fresh.

The application is gentle and soft, with no grating or wet feeling (yes, some do). I’ve been using it for a month or two and I haven’t broken out, none of my shirts have acquired pit stains. I also haven’t had to reapply during the same day.

The packaging speaks to a dedication to the environment with a push-up mechanism in a cardboard tube. The tube states an oil residue might build up along the edges, but I haven’t seen that happen yet. I’m about 1/5 of the way through the tube after seven weeks so I expect it to last close to six months or more. 

I received the sample in the fall and haven’t tried it out in really hot weather, but I am also curious to see if it travels well without melting. Of course, that can be an issue with any deodorant, so I don’t expect a bigger problem here.  

I can’t tell you how much better this is than the one I’ve been using for the past year, thinking it was the best I could get with a natural deodorant. The body chemistry of each individual is different, so I wouldn’t expect everyone to have the same results. For me, however, I’ve found a winner. 

+ PAPR 

Images via PAPR and Dawn Hammon 

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by PAPR. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own. 

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commissions at no cost to you.

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Blue Sky recyclable planner helps you organize for 2022

It’s hard to believe, but the new year is right around the corner. Whether you’re looking for a gift or have set a New Year’s resolution to be more organized, having a weekly planner is a great way to keep a record of important dates and documents. While many of us have converted to the digital realm for our calendar, a physical organizer acts as more than a basic schedule. It’s a notebook, a journal, a calendar and a filing system all in one. As you plan for events of the new year, Blue Sky’s got you covered with a 2022 planner that’s not only comprehensive in its format, but environmentally-friendly too. 

In 2020, the brand launched into this idea by making $1,000 monthly donations to One Tree Planted to help combat deforestation. The investment then rolled over into a closer look at every aspect of the Blue Sky business and resulted in a new line of 2022 planners that honor the environment from cover to cover. The Blue Sky in Partnership with One Tree Planted collection is an example of this purpose-driven dedication. 

Related: Papermelon makes sustainable jewelry from upcycled paper

At first glance, the front covers reflect the natural elements and color palettes of the planet. Choose from Hazy Springs, Ombre Blue, Marks and Dyed Stripes in either a 5×8 inches or 7×9 inches size. Inside, the pages are made from paper produced from wood managed in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests. FSC certification ensures forest management with a focus on environmental, social and economic aspects. It means that the area is monitored to maintain biodiversity and replanting schedules. It also provides sustainable opportunities for jobs and economic growth. 

Each planner is artistically designed with soy-based inks that avoid harsh chemicals and can be safely biodegraded without harm to the soil. In fact, every component in the planners can be recycled. Paperboard covers and plastic-free tabs allow the entire planner to be separated and disposed of with minimal waste. Check with your local recycling company in regards to the specific types of metal, plastic and paper they will accept. 

In a single year, Blue Sky manufactures about three million planners. They are all made from responsibly-sourced paper and other materials. Few businesses are completely carbon neutral, so Blue Sky is committed to offsetting supply transport and other emissions through its tree planting initiative, which has already led to the planting of over 12,000 trees. As a company and through individual employees, the sale of planners also supports a variety of organizations such as Kids In Need Foundation, Wounded Warriors, Make-A-Wish and Breastcancer.org. 

Planner Review

Blue Sky is very proud of its newest release and offered to send a sample for me to review. For some perspective, I’m a list maker and intrinsically plan and replan everything in my life. My online calendar is color coded to distinguish between deadlines at work, timelines for kids’ activities, appointments, and even fun social events. So I understand the appeal of having an easily-accessible planner to keep things in order. I expected to receive a pocketbook where I could jot down important memos and fill in appointment times. This planner is much more. 

My first impression came with the packaging. Let’s face it, I’m an environmentalist, so seeing plastic makes my blood pressure rise. Fortunately there was no deep breathing required since the box and wrapping were all paper based. 

The planner itself is gorgeous. The sample I received is the 2022 Weekly Planner 7×9 inches Ombre Blue in partnership with One Tree Planted. The watercolor appearance of the cover is calming and reminds me of a journal. A removable paper tab on the front outlines the sustainable aspects of the planner, so a gift recipient will know at a glance that you considered the planet in your choice. 

More than just a calendar on paper, this planner includes pockets for storing receipts, notes or bills. The opening pages provide a space for your contact information in case you misplace the planner. It also opens with a designated space for your yearly goals. From there, it provides a snapshot of 2022 and 2023 in a compressed calendar overview, as well as a list of holidays for both years. 

Each month of the year is easy to find with plastic-free tabs that identify them. Within each section, the initial pages offer a calendar of the month with small boxes for each day. There’s also space for notes down the column and a small calendar of the upcoming month for easy reference. For a more comprehensive detailing of activities, a daily calendar with space to outline the specifics of your goals and activities is laid out in the following pages for each month. 

Following the December pages, the planner further serves its purpose with a “Future Planning” section for the year ahead, along with several pages for additional notes. Overall, the planner covers all the bases for organization, looks great and addresses environmental issues. 

+ Blue Sky

Images via Blue Sky

Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored by Blue Sky. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.

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Reduce your holiday waste with recyclable wrapping paper

Most wrapping paper is non-recyclable due to the amount of dye used on the paper. It is also full of laminating materials and other non-paper additives, which means it goes directly to landfills. Don’t forget about the bows, the ribbons and the glue used on the back of sticky bows and all those items that are not sustainable in any way.

During the holiday season in November and December, almost 227,000 miles of wrapping paper gets thrown in the trash. That’s enough wrapping paper to wrap around the entire Earth not once and not twice, but nine times. And when you think about the fact that most of it can’t even be recycled, well, it’s kind of amazing that everyone isn’t drowning in the trash already.

Related: 10 ideas for zero-waste gift wrapping

It creates a huge environmental problem. Luckily, there is an easy solution: renewable newsprint. Wrapping paper from Wrappily is milled, printed and packaged all in Washington State. This creates a very short supply chain. Most of the prints are also created by local artists.

Wrappily has gift wrap for all occasions and ribbons to match. Amazon and many national chains have started to carry Wrappily to offer an Earth-friendly option that’s not like other wrapping paper available on the market.

A piece of newsprint can be recycled up to seven times. Wrappily’s designs are made with gentle, soy-based ink. They’re also printed out with local newspaper presses, which is another type of recycling and reusing.

The paper is 100% recyclable and compostable. It’s also 100% made in the USA. It comes in a great range of colors and patterns, both seasonal and all-occasion. Meanwhile, there’s a full section on the website that includes ribbons in all different widths and colors, so you can really put the finishing touches on your fits. Their ribbon selection includes colors and designs made with hemp, cotton, paper and other materials.

The Wrappily storefront even has gift tags. And, yes, they’ve got bows made with cotton and in all the vivid colors you expect. Their bows are manufactured with sustainable, eco-friendly materials. It’s the solution you may not have known that you need. But now that you do, Wrappily is here.

Shop Wrappily on Amazon

+ Wrappily

Images via Wrappily

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