What’s the top single action that we can take as individuals to mitigate climate change? Hint: It’s a very specific action and all of us are capable of doing it. Continue reading Query: Top action on climate change?
A meteorologist on the Fox Weather Channel showed a chart of record temperatures in New York’s Central Park. He drew attention to the fact that the record high was set all the way back in 1936 and commented that we need to put all of this talk of climate change in perspective. Let’s do just that! Continue reading NYC temperature records: A scientific (not Fox-y) perspective
In this post we’ll take a look at a psychological concept closely linked to eudaimonic happiness: Self-determination theory. Self-determination theory maintains that our three core psychological needs are competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Practicing ethical consumption can help us meet these needs. Continue reading Self-determination theory and ethical consumption
How is our impact on Earth related to our happiness? What’s the difference between hedonic and eudaimonic happiness? How do we overcome a dopamine deficit state? And how does all of this relate to ethical consumption? All will be revealed! Continue reading Happiness, dopamine, and ethical consumption
Amazon announced that it will cease software support for older Kindles from May 20, 2026. The company wants you to buy a new device. Don’t do this! You can continue using your Kindle by bypassing Amazon. Continue reading Amazon kills older Kindles. Time to start sideloading!
Human population growth drives a lot of fears and misguided decisions. This largely comes down to a scarcity mentality: we have a growing population and limited resources to sustain them. There is a clear win-win scenario but far-right regimes can’t bring themselves to recognize it. The following is an excerpt from my almost-complete book, Climactic: A Consumer’s Guide to Saving the Planet, for which I’m currently seeking a publisher. Continue reading How big is the human population likely to get?
I’m seeking a publisher or agent for my book, Climactic: A Consumer’s Guide to Saving the Planet. I’ll share a brief description and chapter list here, followed by an excerpt, next week. If you are interested in publishing or representing this book please contact me to receive a book proposal. Continue reading Climactic: seeking publisher/agent for ethical consumption guide
Which third-party certifications are effective and worth supporting? Third-party certifications can be a cornerstone of ethical consumption so it’s important to know which ones are effective – especially when governments don’t value the environment and allow corporations to run amok. Here’s a summary of eleven certifications that have been evaluated here on the Green Stars Project. Continue reading The GSP guide to third-party certifications
Compostable plastics vary in their environmental footprints but some of them are significantly better than petroleum-derived plastics in key respects. Of course we need to use reusable items as much as possible, but the inherent benefits of compostable plastics suggest that they are worth backing. Continue reading The environmental impact of compostable plastics
In this post I take a look at certifications for compostable plastics (biodegradable bags, packaging, cups, utensils, etc.) and address their most common criticisms. We’ll also take a look at terms such as oxo-biodegradable and bio-based, so that by the end you’ll know what’s what! Continue reading Certifications for compostable waste: which to trust?
