Connect with us

Project Green

Going Green in Your Community

Published

2 years ago

on

16941 detail intro image

(Family Features) Preserving your community for future generations can take many forms. It might mean volunteering with local organizations and participating in community improvement initiatives. Taking steps to protect the environment is another critical way to ensure your community remains safe and livable for generations to come.

These ideas show that going green can be as simple as making small modifications to everyday actions you already take.

Donating Unwanted Goods
Landfills are overflowing with items that still have plenty of useful life. Often, those discarded items could be repurposed to provide an affordable option to those who can’t afford new, full-price versions. Before loading up your trash can, consider donating things like household goods and clothing that could still serve a purpose. Numerous organizations accept gently used goods that they either distribute directly to those in need or sell to the general public, with proceeds benefiting a specific cause or population. Look into the options in your area to find the best fit for items you have that can be donated.

Rethinking Transportation
16941 detail image embed1Pollution from transportation accounts for 29% of the United States’ emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That’s a higher percentage than any other category measured by the EPA. Carpooling, public transportation and even carefully planning your route are ways you can take personal accountability to help reduce the problem.

Another way to improve transportation emissions is by talking to your school district about its school bus choices. Diesel school buses are not only expensive to operate, but they are harmful to children’s health, the community and the climate, according to data compiled by the Propane Education & Research Council. Conversely, propane reduces harmful emissions that impact student health and air quality in the community. By advocating for your district to convert to a more environmentally friendly transportation option, such as propane, you can help further reduce harmful emissions in your community.

Find more information about propane-powered buses at BetterOurBuses.com.

Recycling and Composting
Another way to reduce landfill waste is recycling and composting. Many of the items you throw away can be recycled into all-new materials. For example, recycled plastic can be used in a wide range of products, from sleeping bags and backpacks to dishes and reusable water bottles. Food waste represents a large share of landfills, too. Eventually it will biodegrade, but composting what you can at home gives you nutrient-rich material you can use to support your garden or lawn with healthier soil and less need for pesticides.

Cleaning with Natural Products
Keeping your home clean takes more than a little elbow grease, but the harsh chemicals found in many household cleaners are actually quite damaging. The chemicals can be poisonous or contain allergens that negatively impact your home’s air quality. Natural cleaners are often more cost-efficient, so you can enjoy cleaner air and minimize your impact on the environment.

Taking Advantage of Natural Light
If you’re in the habit of flipping on a light switch as you walk in a room, next time pause and consider whether you really need additional light. During daylight hours, many rooms offer more than enough natural light. Sunlight can also help warm spaces naturally when it’s cool outdoors, so throw open the curtains and let those warm, bright rays shine. If you do need additional light, consider relying on task lighting to illuminate your project rather than an overhead light that consumes more electricity.

Benefits of Propane School Buses

16941 detail image embed2Over the last several decades, there have been many advances in student transportation. However, one area that could still use improvement is the number of students who ride to school on diesel buses that pollute the air. Today, there are two meaningful energy choices for clean student transportation: propane and electric. While both can achieve clean transportation, propane buses cost one-third the price of electric, allowing districts to replace their aging diesel fleet faster.

As an affordable, available and clean energy source, propane buses make practical sense. The buses reduce harmful emissions by 96% compared to diesel. They can also meet school districts’ needs with a range of up to 400 miles and the resiliency to continue operating across all terrains and in any weather. In fact, more than 1,000 school districts have already made the switch. Every day, 1.3 million children ride to school in 22,000 propane school buses across the country.

In 2022, the EPA introduced the Clean School Bus Program, which provides $5 billion over five years (2022-26) to replace existing diesel school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models.

Through three rounds of funding, the EPA program has allocated more than $2.8 billion for 8,427 electric school buses and 440 low-emissions propane buses. However, for the same amount of money that was distributed for the electric buses (about $2.77 billion), the program could have helped fund as many as 92,635 propane buses, assuming each propane bus received the $30,000 incentive.

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

When considering full lifecycle emissions, replacing 92,635 diesel buses with propane buses would have reduced harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 24,664 metric tons over the three years the program has funded buses. By comparison, replacing just 8,427 diesel buses with electric buses will reduce NOx emissions by just 2,379 metric tons over the three years.

collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge

Author

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement SodaStream USA, inc

home improvement

Simple Ways to Make At-Home Recycling More Effective

To create a more eco-friendly household, consider these practical tips to help you reduce waste, stay organized and make at-home recycling part of your everyday routine.

Published

7 days ago

on

April 14, 2026

By

17862 Recycling detail intro

Simple Ways to Make At-Home Recycling More Effective

(Feature Impact) Recycling is a simple way households can reduce waste and help protect natural resources. While many communities offer curbside recycling programs, some people still wonder if they’re doing it correctly or if they’re missing opportunities to recycle more.

To create a more eco-friendly household, consider these practical tips to help you reduce waste, stay organized and make recycling part of your everyday routine.

Know What Your Local Program Accepts

Recycling rules vary depending on your city or waste management provider. Most curbside programs include items like cardboard, paper, aluminum cans and plastics, but others – such as glass – may require drop-off recycling. Review your community guidelines so recyclables don’t accidentally end up in the regular trash.

Create a Simple Sorting System

Set up clearly labeled bins – separated for paper, plastics and metals – in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, garage or laundry room.

Rinse Before You Recycle

Food residue can contaminate other recyclables and may cause entire batches of materials to be rejected during the recycling process. Quickly rinsing yogurt cups, jars or soup cans of leftover residue helps keep recycling streams clean and more likely to be processed properly.

Break Down Boxes

Cardboard boxes are among the most commonly recycled household materials. Flattening boxes before placing them in the recycling bin saves space and allows collection trucks to hold more.

Compost Food Scraps

Not everything belongs in the recycling bin, particularly food waste. Composting fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells is an easy way to reduce the amount of trash your household produces. Finished compost can be used in gardens, flower beds or houseplants, turning kitchen waste into a valuable resource.

Find more ideas for making recycling a natural part of your household routine at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

    collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures
track

SOURCE:

eLivingtoday.com

Advertisement
Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner

Continue Reading

podcasts

How China cleaned up its air pollution – and what that meant for the climate

How China cleaned up its air pollution: Beijing’s air quality went from hazardous to good while Delhi and Lahore still struggle. Discover how China dramatically reduced pollution since 2013—and why cleaner air may have unintended consequences for global warming and climate change.

Published

5 months ago

on

December 2, 2025

By

How China cleaned up its air pollution – and what that meant for the climate

How China cleaned up its air pollution – and what that meant for the climate

Gemma Ware, The Conversation

Delhi: 442. Lahore: 334. Beijing: 16. These are the levels of PM 2.5, one of the principle measures for air pollution, on November 19.

As Pakistanis and Indians struggle with hazardous air quality, in Beijing – a city once notorious for its smog – the air quality is currently rated as good.

Ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Chinese government was so concerned about pollution that it introduced temporary restrictions on cars, shut down factories and stopped work on some construction sites. The measures worked and one study later found that levels of air pollution were down 30% during the period when the temporary Olympic restrictions were in place.

It would take a few more years before the Chinese government implemented a clean air action plan in 2013. Since then, China has achieved a dramatic improvement in its air quality.

In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to Laura Wilcox, a professor at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of Reading in the UK, to understand how China managed to clean up its air pollution. But Wilcox’s recent research uncovered some unintended consequences from this cleaner air for the global climate: the pollution was actually helping to cool the atmosphere and by taking it away, it may have accelerated global warming. Wilcox explains:

 What we’re seeing is a removing of cooling that’s revealing warming that’s already there. So the air pollution isn’t the cause of the warming. It’s just letting us see stuff that we’ve already done.

Listen to the interview on The Conversation Weekly podcast. You can also read an article by Laura Wilcox and her colleague Bjørn H. Samset about their recent research on The Conversation.

This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Mend Mariwany, Gemma Ware and Katie Flood. Mixing by Michelle Macklem and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

Newsclips in this episode from Voice of America, CBC, AP Archive, ABC (News) Australia, WFLA NBC Channel 8 and
PBS.

Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available via the Apple Podcasts or Spotify apps.The Conversation

Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter.  https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/






View recent photos

Unlock fun facts & lost history—get The Knowledge in your inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Continue Reading

Beverages

Primo Brands and River Partners Launch Groundbreaking River Restoration Project in California

Primo Brands and River Partners to launch a nearly 1,000-acre restoration project along California’s Sacramento and Feather rivers. The initiative will generate 50,000 acre-feet of water benefits annually while restoring habitats, improving flood protection, and strengthening climate resilience for communities and ecosystems.

Published

7 months ago

on

September 11, 2025

By

,

Last Updated on September 11, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Primo Brands and River

Before and after: An example of the transformative riverway restoration that Primo Brands and River Partners have joined forces to implement at 10 different sites along the Sacramento and Feather rivers in Northern California to generate lasting water, community, and ecosystem benefits.
Credit: River Partners (CNW Group/Primo Brands Corporation)

Primo Brands and River Partners Launch Groundbreaking River Restoration Project in California

A major public-private partnership aims to conserve water, restore ecosystems, and strengthen climate resilience across the Sacramento and Feather rivers.

Tampa, Fla. & Stamford, Conn. — August 25, 2025 — Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB), one of North America’s leading beverage companies and owner of the Arrowhead® Mountain Spring Water brand, has announced a major collaboration with River Partners, a California-based nonprofit specializing in large-scale river and floodplain restoration. The initiative represents a transformative step toward conserving water resources, restoring critical habitats, and advancing climate resilience for communities across California.

Restoring the Lifeblood of California

The project focuses on revitalizing nearly 1,000 acres along the Sacramento and Feather rivers—two waterways that form the backbone of California’s water system, supporting agriculture, biodiversity, and millions of residents. Over the next three years, River Partners will restore 10 multi-benefit floodplain sites with support from Primo Brands’ financial investment.

The restoration is expected to deliver nearly 50,000 acre-feet of volumetric water benefits (VWBs) each year, equivalent to more than 16 billion gallons of water—roughly what 500,000 Californians consume annually.

Beyond water conservation, the initiative will:

  • Reconnect rivers to floodplains to improve groundwater recharge.

  • Restore salmon spawning and rearing habitats in degraded river corridors.

  • Enhance biodiversity and protect endangered species.

  • Improve flood protection for vulnerable communities.

  • Renew Tribal access to culturally significant natural resources.

Corporate Commitment to Water Stewardship

“At Primo Brands, our mission is to Hydrate a Healthy America™,” said Charles Fogg, Chief Sustainability Officer at Primo Brands. “Collaborating with River Partners allows us to advance our water replenishment goal of helping to restore 100% of water used or displaced by our operations in high-priority watersheds facing shared water challenges.”

River Partners President Julie Rentner emphasized the significance of the collaboration:

“The Sacramento and Feather rivers are the lifeblood of California’s water system. This partnership will not only yield measurable water benefits but also provide critical improvements for endangered species, flood protection, Tribal access, and public health through restored lands.”

A Model for Nature-Based Solutions

The effort underscores the growing role of nature-based solutions in tackling water scarcity and climate change. With one of the largest restoration footprints in the western U.S., River Partners will apply decades of experience to ensure measurable and scalable outcomes.

Advertisement

Get More From A Face Cleanser And Spa-like Massage

By aligning private investment with nonprofit expertise, Primo Brands and River Partners are demonstrating a replicable model for safeguarding California’s most critical water supplies.

About the Partners

Primo Brands is a North American leader in healthy hydration, with a diverse portfolio of trusted bottled water brands including Poland Spring®, Pure Life®, Saratoga®, Mountain Valley®, Arrowhead®, Deer Park®, Ice Mountain®, Ozarka®, and Zephyrhills®. The company manages over 80 springs, actively conserves more than 28,000 acres of land, and delivers hydration solutions to homes, businesses, and retail outlets across the U.S. and Canada. Learn more.

River Partners, founded in 1998, is the leading nonprofit dedicated to restoring California’s rivers and floodplains. Its large-scale projects—spanning nearly 20,000 acres statewide—combine farming techniques, ecological science, and community collaboration to advance climate resiliency, biodiversity, and water conservation. Learn more.

Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter.  https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/

Continue Reading

Trending