By Christin Ritz for the Fairhaven Sustainability Committee
1. Challenge yourself to create less waste this summer by joining Team Fairhaven in the Plastic Free July Eco-Challenge!
When we act as a community we can make a huge impact. By doing simple things like refusing Styrofoam and straws, bringing reusable bags when we go shopping, picking up litter, and educating ourselves about plastic in places we never even knew about (chewing gum!) we make a difference! Once you join our town Eco-Challenge team, you get to choose the actions you want to take to reduce your plastic use. As you complete them you earn points. Take this opportunity to create better habits for yourself and your family. The event runs through July 31 so it’s not too late to join in! Go to https://plasticfree.ecochallenge.org/teams/team-fairhaven to join!
2. Shop at Farmer’s Markets!
Locally grown food tastes better and the reason why is simple — it’s so much fresher! Most of the produce in the supermarket was harvested weeks ago in another part of the country (or world) and traveled many miles by truck or plane to get to you. Buying from a local farmer not only eliminates all that unnecessary carbon emission, but also supports the local economy and food supply. This summer get in the routine of doing your shopping at the farmer’s market! Go to www.SEMAPonline.org for a listing of the markets going on all over Southeastern Massachusetts including our own Fairhaven market every weekend!
3. Use Reef Safe Sunscreen!
Did you know that the chemicals used in most sunscreens are not biodegradable, so when they wash off your skin in the water they linger in the ocean and harm marine life like fish, mussels, dolphins, sea urchins, green algae, and coral reefs? The state of Hawaii has already banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate for this reason. Before you go for a dip, look for mineral sunscreens that say “reef-safe” or “biodegradable” on the label, or opt for a long-sleeved sun shirt and leggings to protect your skin.
4. Create an ecologically safe back yard!
Perhaps the one thing that unites all of humanity is the desire to be rid of mosquitos! But before you have your lawn sprayed consider using a company that uses organic repellents that are EPA approved. Chemical mosquito barriers are linked to some of the worst health problems you can imagine, and they also kill the beneficial pollinating insects and native species that we can’t afford to lose. The natural stuff really works and there are some local companies that offer it. Another sustainable solution to mosquitos is providing a habitat for bats. One bat can eat 1200 mosquitos in an hour! So install a bat house in your back yard! You can purchase one or build it yourself. Check out www.nwf.org for directions.
Wishing a safe and sustainable summer to all!
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Click here to download the 6/29/23 issue: 06-29-23 Homecoming_NFIA
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