BLeaflet | Issues 1 - 7

Vol. 1, Issue 1

September 2023

THE BLEAFLET SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Giving Back to the Earth

Reduce first. Then Reuse. Your plastic recycling likely isn’t getting recycled.

Experts believe recycling as it exists today is not the answer to keeping plastics out of our natural environments. Understanding the effectiveness of recycling is valuable when considering the challenges facing our planet and while making consumer decisions. As a mindful consumer, you have some power to reduce the amount of waste that: • gets released as gases into the atmosphere through incineration • gets shipped to other parts of the world • ends up as litter in the planet’s environment and water bodies Bonus: Choosing durable, reusable products and minimizing excess packaging (and overall consumption) can also save you money in the long term.

Hello, Employee Owners! What do you think about when considering sustainability? You may think about the “3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Have you ever thought about why they are listed in that order? Are all three “Rs” equally valuable? In fact, the order in which you consider to reduce/refuse, reuse, or recycle materials matters significantly! Especially since in a world of increasingly prevalent single-use plastic, the rate at which plastic is being recycled is shockingly low. When you put a plastic item in the recycling bin, it is with the hope that item will be recycled and turned into something new. However, studies show that compared to the effectiveness of recycling materials such as post-consumer paper, cardboard, and metals, plastic recycling is not proven to be an

effective solution. Plastic is not easy to recycle; it is expensive to collect, clean, and sort, and there are thousands of different types of plastics, which cannot be mixed for recycling. Global plastic production has been booming the past several decades. According to EPA data reviewed in recent studies, plastic waste generation in the US is up from 60 pounds per person per year in 1980 to a whopping 218 pounds per person in 2018. Contrastingly, the U.S. Post-Consumer Recycling Rate appears to have plateaued around the mid-1990s. So, where is all that extra plastic going? Most of the over 9 billion tons of plastic that humans have ever created still exists.

Learn more here:

1. “The Real Truth About the U.S. Plastics Recycling Rate”-The Last Beach Cleanup, May 2022. https://www.lastbeachcleanup.org/ 2. “Circular Claims Fall Flat Again: 2022 Update”- Greenpeace, October 2022. https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/ 3. “Recycling plastic is practically impossible-and the problem is getting worse”-All Things Considered, NPR, October 24, 2022. https://www.npr. org/2022/10/24/1131131088/recycling-plastic-is practically-impossible-and-the-problem-is-getting-worse 4. “Why it will take more than basic recycling to cut plastic” PBS Newshour, September 26, 2018. https://www.pbs. org/newshour/show/why-it-will-take-more-than-basic recycling-to-cut-back-on-plastic

SPOTLIGHT: Take a look at some ways Sustainability Members are practicing the 3 R’s:

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1. Reduce/Refuse • “Moved away from large plastic laundry jugs and use TruEarth Biodegradable Laundry Detergent Sheets.” - Heather Halotek, Committee Chair • “I use cloth wrapping paper.” - Lisa Pavano, Member • “I use a reusable water bottle for travelling. Many airports have water bottle re-fuel stations.” - Anna Hamrick, Member • “I have smart thermostats that have schedules to lower the heat and raise the AC temps when I’m not homeduring the day or on vacation.” - Sarah Costagliola, Member 2. Reuse • “Bring your own grocery bags to the store and use reusable ziplocks or bees wrap for lunches.” - Sarah Costagliola, Member • “Instead of paper towels, buy more dish towels or buy re-usable/washable paper towels. I bought some and haven’t bought paper towels in months.” - Chelsea Strunk, Co-Chair • “Buy secondhand clothing/furniture/anything, or check for free items in online community/ neighborhood groups; it’s great to donate unwanted items and give things a second life.” - Samantha Schuetz, Co-Chair Ways to reduce the influx of single-use plastics: 1. Focus on one area of your life at a time. • Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner/lotion/soap bars instead of containers, toothpaste tablets, steel safety razors, plastic-free toilet paper packaging, etc.) • Kitchen (plastic-free paper towel or reusable towels, switch to steel or ceramic pans when its time for replacement, buy pantry items in bulk & keep in reusable containers, use beeswax food wraps, use eco-friendly food storage, and non-plastic coffee makers) 2. Buy quality items with longer lifespans when shopping for clothing or products. 3. Shop from farmer’s markets or stores where produce is not wrapped in plastic. 4. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging. 5. Switch to compostable packaging. 6. Find a refillable station for household products. 7. Curb the use of paper and go digital: mail, receipts, magazines (these can have plastics too!) 3. Recycle Properly • Check what types of materials your local recycling center accepts. • Clean and sort recyclables per local center’s requirements. • Donate or recycle used electronics. Tip: It can feel overwhelming to break habits of consumer behavior all at once! Try focusing on one shift at a time. Every little lifestyle change helps create a more sustainable future...

See the EPA’s guide to think green before you shop HERE!

This message is brought to you by the Sustainability Committee - Giving Back to the Earth.

Vol. 1, Issue 2

October 2023

THE BLEAFLET SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Giving Back to the Earth

Out of this world! Prismatic Springs Radiate hot water and stunning prismatic colors. The colors are produced by bacteria which thrive at hot temperatures, to produce an out of this world spectrum of colors! The Grand Prismatic spring is pictured below.

Hello, Employee Owners! As part of the sustainability committee’s mission, we would like to spread awareness about National Parks. Since 1916, the National Park Service has preserved the natural and cultural resources of the National park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Volunteers and partners safeguard these special places! National parks are home to awe-inspiring landscapes and iconic wildlife, including habitat for for more than 600 threatened and endangered species protected by the Endangered Species Act (1973). How do National Parks Protect Wildlife? One component of the National Park Service mission is to conserve the “wild life” and natural processes NATIONAL PARKS - PROTECTING WILDLIFE VISITING NATIONAL PARKS Visit a National Park! Immerse yourself in the scenery, lose yourself in exploration, maybe even snap a picture for social media. However, it’s important to keep in mind that more than 330 million people visit parks annually, which can cause strain on habitats and can stress at-risk species. The National Park Service recommends you follow these guidelines on your trip:

within its units. Wild life includes everthing from large mammals, like bears and moose, to the smallest organisms, such as bacteria and parasites. National parks provide a core habitat for many species, yet wildlife protection involves more than simply designating an areas as “protected.” Within parks, managers must ensure the quality of the habitat, using habitat restoration techniques, and protect against ongoing threats. Managers rely on cutting edge conservation research to address these threats.

that causes harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. You can help stop the spread of invasive species with a few simple actions when you visit parks. you can clean, drain, and dry your boat and fishing gear to prevent aquatic invasives. Make sure you don’t move firewood and buy it where you burn it. Store or dispose of food properly. When people intentially or unintentially feed wildlife, it can be dangerous to both wildlife and people. Access to human food, whether being offered food scraps or unsecured trash, negatively affects the health of an animal. It can lead to shorter lifespans and poor naurishment. Stay on trails. Staying on trails and avoiding social trails can help protect at-risk species too. Going off trail can damage or kill certain plants or animal species. it can also damage fragile ecosystems that surround the trail. Be a role model. One of the best ways you can help protect at-risk species when you visit parks is to be a role model to other visitors. Your actions make a difference!

Bonus: Our very own committe member, Daniel Pinto, had the pleasure of traveling out west, visiting two National Parks: Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Below are some photos he took on his trip. We hope you enjoy and remember, explore responsibly!

Seeing wildlife in parks can be an exciting experience, especially if it’s a rare sighting. When you see wildlife in parks, it’s important to follow safe wildlife watching guidelines. Follow park rules and obey closures. Parks Manage habitat to protect species, especially endangered and threatened species. Clsoing an area or limiting the activities that can occur there may reduce the stress on a species or habitat. It may allow for the regrowth of native plants or the protection of nesting animals. Follow park rules, they are there to keep visitors and resources safe! Stop the spread. It’s estimated that 42% of currently listed endagered or threatened species are at-risk due to the negative effects of invasive species. An invasive species is a non-native species

Learn more here:

1. National Park Service

https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/index.htm https://www.nps.gov/subjects/rareandendangered/ what-you-can-do-in-parks.htm#:~:text=Follow%20 Park%20Rules%20%26%20Obey%20Closures,the%20 protection%20of%20nesting%20animals. 2. National Parks Conservation Association https://www.npca.org/ 3. Humane Society https://www.humanesociety.org/?_gl=1*q5mvq0*_ ga*MTk3NDMwNzQ3MC4xNjk2NjMzNjAw*_ga_

4. https://www.change.org/ 5. https://www.aspca.org/ 6. https://bestfriends.org/

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT- Adoption Stories

WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT SHELTERS & RESCUES Did you know that 6.5 million animals enter shelters each year but only 3.2 are adopted? On average there are 1.5 million shelter animals euthanized each year. Sadly, 45% of all cats

who enter shelters are eventually euthanized and that number jumps to close to 100% for feral cats. Another astonishing statistic is that homeless animals outnumber homeless people 5 to 1 and only 10% of dogs born will find a permanent home. There are many great reasons for adopting pets from shelters instead of purchasing your pet but the biggest is that you are saving a life. Adopting pets helps with overpopulation which ultimately reduces the chances of future animals ending up in shelters. Only 48% of animal shelters in the US are no kill which means 52% are kill shelters. There are 27 states that have put a full ban on using the gas chamber as a method of euthanasia in animal shelters. Shockingly four states still use gas chambers! These states are Ohio, Wyoming, Missouri, and Utah. This is a cruel and outdated practice. In 2013, 70 gas chambers in 13 US states voluntarily closed their chambers and currently the majority of shelters in America today practice humane euthanasia carried out by injection of approved drugs. Although these statistics are hard to hear, they’re important to know. A common misconception about rescue pets is that they were given up by their owners because of poor behavior but most shelter pets have already been trained. The more common reasons why owners relinquish their pet to the shelter are because they need to move to a new home, a landlord no longer allows pets, too many pets in the household, cost to take care of the animal and owner having personal problems such as health issues. If a pet does have behavioral or health issues shelters take care to document this to make sure that the pet goes to an owner who is equipped to take care of an animal under those unique circumstances. Besides saving a life you are also saving quite a bit of money. Shelters may require a small fee but that money goes right back into the shelter’s mission. The pets that you adopt from a shelter usually come already vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered. Did you know that almost 25% of the dogs that enter local animal shelters are purebred? So, if you are looking for a purebred over a mutt there are many viable options and many breed specific adoption agencies are available. Shelters may also have rabbits, birds, reptiles, or other animals needing homes.

Many of us treat our pets as family members, but not every animal is able to find their forever, loving home and a shelter is the only home they will ever know. If you are thinking about buying a dog from a breeder or pet store (yes, they are still around!), we encourage you to keep these statistics in mind. There are too many animals that need a loving home and you might just find your next best friend by visiting your local shelter or reaching out to a rescue organization.

This message is brought to you by the Sustainability Committee - Giving Back to the Earth.

Vol. 1, Issue 3

November 2023

THE BLEAFLET SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Giving Back to the Earth

Perspective: Indigenous Peoples and Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, the Sustainability Committee has provided the following tips to appreciate and support indegenous peoples: • Research the history of the land where you live and check out this interactive map to see which indigenous lands you live on: Native Land Map • Consider learning history from local Native nations near you. Locally owned bookstores ran by indigenous people could be a good place to start to hear their stories and histories. • Understand a Land Acknowledgement: “It is important to understand the longstanding history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation.”– Northwestern University. Check out these tips for creating an indigenous land acknowledgement statement as a starting point: A guide to Indigenous land acknowledgment - Native Governance Center • Consider visiting museums that include Indigenous history and culture. There are various online resources as well, such as: National Museum of the American Indian • Consider learning from Indegenous food knowledge to connect with the local environment and recognize indigenous contributions. See this online kitchen that incorporates indigenous food: IndigiKitchen • Appreciate the beautiful melting pot that America is and respect other religions/beliefs that also have holidays during this time. 1. Rethinking Thanksgiving Celebrations: American Indian Perspective on Thanksgiving https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/resources/American Indian-Perspectives-on-Thanksgiving 2. Harvest Ceremony-Beyond the Thanksgiving Myth https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/resources/Harvest Ceremony 3. Land Acknowledgment https://www.northwestern.edu/native-american-and indigenous-peoples/about/Land%20Acknowledgement. html 4. Thanksgiving Food Waste https://sustainable.umn.edu/thanksgiving 5. Food Wast Reduction Tips EPA Encourages Americans to Avoid Food Waste Over the Holidays 6. Why Thanksgiving is Also a National Day of Mourning https://blog.nativehope.org/what-does-thanksgiving-mean to-native-americans#:~:text=Organized%20by%20the%20 United%20American,day%20of%20mourning%20on%20 Thanksgiving Learn more here:

This Thanksgiving, we invite you to spend some time brushing up on the history of this quintessentially American holiday. November is Native American Heritage Month, and Thanksgiving is a good time to acknowledge both the importance of respecting the land and the value it holds in Native American cultures. Often, the first Thanksgiving generically portrayed as a friendly harvest festival where Pilgrims and a group of “Indians” came together give thanks over a meal after the settlers survived a hard first year in a land new to them. Although Native American people have always given thanks for the world around them, the Thanksgiving celebrated today is more a combination of Puritan religious practices and the European festival called Harvest Home, which then grew to encompass Native foods. According to historians, the 1621 assembly of the Wampanoag Peoples and the English settlers in Plymouth, Massachusetts had much more to do with political alliances, diplomacy, and a pursuit of peace. The Wampanoag were a people with a sophisticated society who had occupied the region for thousands of years. They had their own government, religious and philosophical beliefs, knowledge system, and culture. When the English decided to establish a colony in the area around Cape Cod in the 1600s, the Wampanoag already had a deep understanding of their environment and maintained a reciprocal relationship with the world around them. As successful hunters, farmers, and fishermen who shared their foods and techniques, they helped the colonists survive in a strange new place.

Regarding sustainability, many Native Americans believe that as long as humans are respectful caretakers of the natural world, it will provide for us. Traditionally, being a responsible caretaker in this type of mutual relationship has meant respecting nature’s gifts by taking only what is necessary and making good use of everything that is harvested. This helps ensure that natural resources, including foods, will be sustainable for the future. Early cooperation and respect between the two groups were short-lived, however, as conflicting perspectives emerged. By 1675 the relationship had degenerated into one of conflict and war. This would be the history of most relationships between Natives and non-Natives for the next two hundred years. Ultimately, Native encounters with Europeans resulted in the loss of entire Native communities, traditional ways of life, indigenous knowledge, and access to foods that had sustained Native people for thousands of years. War, genocide, disease, dispossession of lands, and ill-conceived federal policies profoundly affected American Indian communities and their environments. The consequences are still felt today. For this reason, the holiday is also officially recognized as National Day of Mourning and has been observed by groups of Indigenous people and their allies since 1970. The day of mourning and protest commemorates the arrival of settlers in North America and the centuries of oppression and genocide that followed. This year marks the 54th Annual National Day of Mourning gathering at 12:00 noon on Cole’s Hill (above Plymouth Rock), Plymouth, MA on November 23, 2023.

2 Last Tuesday, November 15th, the Sustainability Committee had the pleasure of hosting a Lunch N Learn entitled “The Benefits of Land Conservation” presented by Tom Dougherty, a representative of the Allegheny Land Trust in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Continuing with the theme of land conservation and stewardship, the Allegheny Land Trust is a non-profit organization that purchases land for the purpose of ensuring sustainable development and maintenance of lands that are utilized for various uses. If you didn’t get a chance to see the Lunch N Learn live, the session is recorded and is available for viewing on the intranet. To find a land trust near you, use the following link: https://landtrustalliance.org/land-trusts SPOTLIGHT: The Allegheny Land Trust Thanksgiving Food and Waste On behalf of the Sustainability Committee, Happy Thanksgiving, Employee Owners! The holiday season is upon us, and it is a wonderful time to reflect and express gratitude for all that we have, including our wondrous planet. While you’re celebrating and preparing for the holidays this year, consider the environment in your planning and be mindful about wasting food. Did you know that food waste is actually the single largest category of material in municipal landfills? An estimated 305 million pounds of food are wasted on Thanksgiving Day! The Thanksgiving holiday presents a great opportunity to consciously consider our food consumption and waste. Food waste can be understood as food that is fit for consumption but is consciously discarded. When consumable food product is wasted, the energy, land, labor, water, and other resources utilized in growing, transporting, and preparing the food is also wasted. Moreover, as food waste in landfills decays, significant quantities of methane are produced over time, contributing to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The generation of food waste can also be considered a social issue. If you think you’ve purchased too much, instead of making that second casserole (which might get bypassed to save room for pie) consider donating safe, unopened foods to individuals and families in need. Check out these EPA provided “Thanksgiving Food Waste Reduction Tips:” • Create and stick to shopping lists. • “Shop” the refrigerator and pantry first, so that food does not go to waste and shopping needs are reduced. • Plan an “eat the leftovers” night as a great way to use Thanksgiving ingredients and leftovers. • “Befriend” the freezer. Freeze extra food such as side dishes or meat. • Consider safely sharing extra food with family or donating unopened, non perishable food items to a local charity. (Always contact food rescue organizations in advance of a drop off.) Additional Ideas: • Take smaller portions and then come back for seconds (or thirds!). What’s left in the tray can be saved for another meal. • Get creative with leftovers! Turn those potatoes into a pancake or save turkey bones for soup stock. • Feed animals or compost what is safe for your pets and the garden.

This message is brought to you by the Sustainability Committee - Giving Back to the Earth.

Vol. 1, Issue 4

December 2023

THE BLEAFLET SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Giving Back to the Earth

Donation Ideas for a Sustainable Holiday Donating to sustainable causes during the holiday season is a thoughtful way to support initiatives that align with environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Research and choose reputable organizations that align with your values and priorities and consider reaching out to the organizations directly to inquire about specific needs to make the most impact. Here are some donation ideas: • Environmental Organizations : Support environmental nonprofits that focus on conservation, climate action, and sustainable practices. Some ideas: Sierra Club, Greenpeace, or local environmental organizations. • Clean Energy Initiatives: Support organizations working towards the development and promotion of clean and renewable energy sources; consider supporting solar or wind energy projects. • Community Gardens & Urban Farming : Support local community gardens or urban farming projects that promote sustainable food production and access to fresh produce in urban areas. • Plastic Pollution Reduction : Contribute to organizations working to reduce plastic pollution and promote alternatives to single-use plastics, like beach cleanups, plastic recycling, or plastic-free living initiatives. • Water Conservation : Support organizations working on water conservation projects, ensuring access to clean water, and promoting responsible water use. • Education & Awareness : Donate to organizations (i.e. schools or community workshops on sustainability) that focus on environmental education and raising awareness about sustainable practices. • Social & Economic Enterprises : Consider supporting social enterprises that have a dual impact on both people and the planet. Look for businesses that prioritize fair trade, ethical labor practices, environmental sustainability, community empowerment, or sustainable livelihoods. • Climate Justice Organizations : Contribute to organizations that address the social and environmental impacts of climate change, advocating for equitable solutions. • Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers : Support wildlife rehabilitation centers that rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured or orphaned animals to support the care and conservation efforts for wildlife. • Local Environmental Initiatives : Look for local environmental organizations or initiatives in your community that address specific sustainability challenges with a direct impact on your community.

Sustainable Holidays

and reflective ornaments and menorahs provide electricity-free holiday cheer. • Nature provides beautiful ornaments and other holiday decorations: gather a basket of evergreen branches, berries, flowers, fresh fruit, etc. and arrange as you desire, or make ornaments from twigs, bark, flowers, herbs, etc. • Make edible ornaments like seed bells, suet, and pine cones with peanut butter to hang around your yard and feed birds during the winter. • Turn off lights and decorations when not needed to conserve energy. • See our November 2023 issue of the BLeaflet for ideas on minimizing food waste • If traveling for the holidays, consider eco-friendly transportation options or carpooling. • Offset your travel emissions by supporting carbon offset programs. • Volunteer or donate to local charities during the holiday season. • Support initiatives that provide for those in need. • Run for Awareness. A number of holiday themed road races exist, which benefit some great causes. • Pay it forward – Next time you’re in line getting a coffee, offer to pay for the order of the person in the car behind you. You never know how much this will impact their day, and more often than not, your simple action will keep on giving.

Happy holidays, Employee Owners! The holiday season is a joyous (and busy!) time of year. Celebrations and travel come with increased waste generation and energy usage. Luckily, by making some of the small decisions below you can make your celebrations a bit more sustainable and feel even better during this season. Choose Sustainable Gifts • Read more about sustainable gifts and ideas further on in this issue. 2. Wrap Gifts Sustainably • Avoid traditional wrapping paper, which is often not recyclable. • Wrap your gifts in re-usable bags or decorative boxes and save any you receive to reuse again and again. • Make the wrapping part of the gift. Gardening pots are easy to fill with gardening supplies. A mixing bowl or stockpot makes an excellent package for your favorite cook. • Reuse materials you may already have such as re-purposing fabric scraps or scarves as fabric gift wrap. Newspaper can also make for a unique gift wrap. • Get creative with DIY gift wrapping, using materials like twine and pine cones. • Use solar powered or Energy Star Certified LED lights. They are 90% more efficient than traditional lights and LED’s last longer. • Recycle your old holiday lights but not into your home recycling receptacles. Each year big box stores offer holiday light exchange programs, or you can recycle them at your local scrap metal dealer. • Go light-free: candles, the starry night sky, 3. Decorate Sustainably

4. Minimize Food Waste

5. Mindful Travel

6. Give Back to the Community

Learn more here:

1. Creative and Sustainable Ways to Wrap https://www.makeitgrateful.com/living/celebrate/green-gift wrap-creative-sustainable-gift-wrapping-ideas/ 2. Eco-Friendly and Reusable Gift Wrap Ideas https://woodlarkblog.com/eco-friendly-and-reusable-gift wrap-ideas/

Sustainable Gifting

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What is a sustainable gift? A sustainable gift is a present that is chosen and produced with consideration for its environmental, social, and economic impact. The goal is to minimize harm to the planet and support ethical and responsible practices throughout the life cycle of the product. Sustainable gifts often align with principles of environmental conservation, social responsibility, and fair labor practices. Why gift sustainably? • Sustainable gifts can have an impact! Our consumer choices have the power to generate broader concern about conservation, ethical practices, and social responsibility. You can support brands and services that promote of environmental sustainability, ethical business practices, and a more conscientious approach to consumption. • Personal Connection: Sustainable gifts can strengthen personal connections and convey values such as mindfulness and environmental stewardship. • Raising Awareness: The act of giving a sustainable gift can serve as a conversation starter. It shows people in your life that you think about the impact of consumer choices. In turn, it promotes a more conscious and responsible consumer culture by encouraging them to do the same!

Characteristics Environmentally Friendly Materials: Sustainable gifts are often made from eco-friendly materials, such as recycled or up-cycled materials, organic fabrics, or sustainably sourced wood. Low Environmental Impact: The production and transportation of sustainable gifts are designed to have minimal negative effects on the environment. This may involve reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation. Longevity and Durability: Sustainable gift giving promotes a mindset of quality over quantity. Items that are built to last contribute less to disposable culture and waste. Reusable or Recyclable: Gifts that are reusable or easily recyclable contribute to waste reduction. For example, items like reusable water bottles, shopping bags, or containers. Locally Produced: Choosing gifts that are locally produced can reduce the carbon footprint and can support local economies and communities. Fair Trade and Ethical Practices: Buy gifts from companies that prioritize fair trade and ethical labor practices. This ensures that workers involved in the production process are treated fairly and paid decent wages. Minimal Packaging: Sustainable gifts often come with minimal or eco-friendly packaging to reduce waste. Excess packaging can contribute significantly to environmental pollution.

Impact Conservation of Resources: The use of recycled or upcycled materials helps conserve natural resources. By reusing materials, there is less demand for the extraction and processing of new resources. Easy on the Earth: Traditional manufacturing processes and materials used in mass-produced goods often contribute to environmental degradation. Sustainable gifts use eco-friendly materials, reducing energy consumption, and promoting responsible production practices. Reducing Waste: Many sustainable gifts are chosen for their longevity and durability, encouraging a shift away from a disposable culture. By choosing gifts that are built to last or are easily recyclable, we contribute to the reduction of waste in landfills. Local Economy Support: Supporting local economies and communities. This can help reduce the environmen tal impact associated with long-distance transportation, and it strengthens local businesses Promoting Ethical Practices : Companies and products that prioritize fair trade and ethical labor practices, helps to promote better working conditions and fair wages for workers involved in the production process. Encouraging Innovations : The demand for sustainable products encourages innovation in manufacturing processes and materials. Companies will invest in environmentally friendly technologies and practices when consumers express a preference for sustainable options.

Ideas for Choosing a Sustainable Gift Consider the materials you use, the environmental impact of your choices, and the values you want to promote. Focus on quality rather than quantity. Remember that the thought and effort put into selecting or creating a sustainable gift can often be as meaningful as the gift itself. It’s an opportunity to share your values and contribute to a more thoughtful and sustainable gift-giving culture. • Choose Eco-Friendly Materials : Opt for materials that are sustainable, recycled, or up-cycled. Consider using organic fabrics, bamboo, or other renewable resources. • DIY (Do It Yourself)/DIY Kits: Create something handmade. Handcrafted gifts often have a personal touch and can be made with sustainable materials. Examples include homemade candles, natural beauty products, or knitted items. Give DIY kits that allow the recipient to create something sustainable. For example, a kit for making their own natural cleaning products or reusable beeswax wraps. • Up-cycling and Re-purposing: Give new life to old items by up-cycling or re-purposing them into something creative and functional. For example, turn old jars into candle holders, or re-purpose fabric scraps into reusable gift wrap. • Plant-based Gifts: Give a potted plant or seeds for flowers or herbs. This not only makes for a beautiful and sustainable gift but also contributes to air purification. Consider a potted succulent or indoor plant that requires minimal maintenance. • Experiences: Give the gift of experiences rather than physical items. This could include tickets to a concert, a museum, or a voucher for a spa day. Experiences often create lasting memories without contributing to physical clutter. • Local and Fair-Trade Products: Choose products that are locally made or sourced, supporting local businesses and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Look for fair-trade products that ensure ethical treatment of workers. • Long Lasting: Choose gifts that are long-lasting or can be reused. “Fad”, “joke”, or “gimmicky” items tend to only be used for a short period and quickly fall to the wayside where they may end up in the trash. • Homemade Food or Treats: Prepare homemade treats or food items using locally sourced and organic ingredients. Package them in reusable containers or jars. • Contribute to a Cause: Make a donation to a charity or environmental organization in the name of the gift recipient. Provide information about the cause and why it’s meaningful to you. • Energy-efficient or Sustainable Gadgets: If you’re considering a tech gift, look for energy-efficient or eco friendly gadgets. Some companies produce electronics with recycled materials and energy-efficient features. According to research, 52% of Americans admit that they open up at least one unwanted holiday gift. According to finder.com , $8.3 billion is spend on unwanted Christmas gifts each year.

This message is brought to you by the Sustainability Committee - Giving Back to the Earth.

Vol. 2, Issue 1

January 2024

THE BLEAFLET SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Giving Back to the Earth

Actionable Tips: Did you know that window collisions are one of the most significant causes of bird deaths? Unfortunately birds face many threats in our “human built environment” and glass surfaces are one of the most dominant dangers. To read more about this and how to create visual cues visit: Reducing Collisions with Glass

PERSPECTIVE: Our More-Than-Human “Clients”

Here at BL, we cultivate the Leadership Competency of Client Focus. One of our Core Values is Relationships. But who exactly are our clients, and what relationships do we prioritize? Consider this: here in North America, we largely live in and operate from an “anthropocentric” worldview. The concept of “anthropocentrism” is that humankind is the central or most important element of existence. Within this belief, humans are regarded as separate from and superior to nature while other entities are “natural resources” that are used for the benefit of humankind. Or, if we do not take care, exploited. You may have heard that scientists and sociologists place us in “the Anthropocene”, a geological age in which human activity has been so impactful to the planet that it is the dominant shaping influence of the climate and the environment. Ecologists, environmentalists, and sustainability-lovers – like us! – strive to focus on the “more-than-human” world, by recognizing that humans are just one species among many on this planet and that all forms of life have intrinsic value and agency. Let’s revisit the question above with this in mind. On your last project, was your client a municipality or a real estate developer? An energy company? A State DOT (Department of Transportation)? Who were the stakeholders you worked with on your project? Your team may have conducted a wetlands assessment or

environmental impact study to comply with regulatory requirements, but it’s a safe bet the plant and animal population at the site of your project were not exactly the “clients” for whom you were designing. Imagine: How would the project have been different if these more-than-human clients had more of a say in the design? Biodiversity & the Built Environment The built environment has a significant impact on biodiversity – the biological diversity of species, genes and ecosystems. Development that does not appropriately consider the needs of both the local and migratory more-than-human population can cause significant environmental degradation and species harm through habitat depletion, interruption of migration pathways and long-term environmental contamination. Compared to the history and scale of development of our built environment, laws that protect biodiversity are very new. The preservation of biodiversity is rising as a global concern along with climate change, and as such could have a major impact on the future design of buildings and the built environment. As a design professional firm, BL provides services that shape and re-shape both the natural environment and the built environment. We have a crucial role to play and an amazing opportunity to support biodiversity through our design work.

Building an insect home will not only bring beneficial insects to your garden but also helps to deter ones that may be damaging. Many of us don’t realize that modern development and the trend for smooth, clean surfaces lacks the diversity of natural materials that bugs seek to find safe spaces to reproduce and live. To learn more about the benefits and to learn how to build one take a look here: How to Build a Bug Mansion

According to Wikipedia a wildlife corridor, habitat corridor, or green corridor is an area of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities or structures (such as roads, development, or logging). When areas are broken up, populations can become unstable and these corridors can reconnect fragmented populations and help stabilize a population. Wildlife refuges provide vital passages for birds, fish and mammals on the move and should be another consideration when developing areas. You can learn more about these wildlife corridors here: 7 Crucial Wildlife Corridors in the United States

Learn more here:

1. DDT Regulatory History https://www.epa.gov/archive/epa/aboutepa/ddt-regulatory-history brief-survey-1975.html 2. Long Island Osprey https://www.psegliny.com/wildlife/osprey 3. Enhancing Biodiversity in Cities through Design https://icon-science.org/enhancing-biodiversity-in-cities-through design-2/

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Employee Owner Spotlight: PSEG Osprey Initiative

I’d like to Introduce myself for anyone who does not know me. I am Kevin Rodgers and I am a Senior Project Manager with the Energy Group, based in our Melville, New York office (on Long Island). Prior to my work with BL Companies, I was a Project Manager working for PSEG – Long Island with a wide scope of different types of projects to manage. My varied background eventually resulted in me becoming the manager of an initiative that did not seem to have anything to do with the company’s core business – Ospreys (and their nests). This story begins with a now-banned pesticide – Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, better known as “DDT.” For many years DDT was the “go-to” insecticide, and was applied very liberally, even directly, on to peoples bodies. The use of DDT declined by the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and was completed banned in the early 1970’s, but the damage had already been done to the Osprey population. Osprey live entirely off the fish they catch, and the fish in the waters around Long Island were feeding off organisms that had been absorbing the DDT from run off. The chemicals became concentrated as they moved up the food chain, and DDT had a completely unexpected side effect on the Ospreys. The shells of the Osprey’s eggs became far weaker and more brittle. Meanwhile, in order to develop the eggs to the stage of hatching, the Osprey’s needed to nest on top of them in order to make sure they are kept at the right temperature.The result is that the birds would crush their own eggs trying to nest them, and populations died off dramatically. Many years after the banning of DDT, the Osprey population started to return and grow in numbers. Coinciding with the return of the Osprey population, environmental efforts to clean up the waters around Long Island also resulted in a growing population of the fish they use as a food source. This all seems pretty good so far, but the next aspect to recognize is the migratory nature of the birds. They head south for the winter, and travel back up north to nest the next season. Amazingly, they seem to return to almost exactly the same location, after traveling sometimes up to 25,000 miles. They possess a kind of natural GPS ability. Unfortunately for the Osprey, however, the landscape of Long Island changed very dramatically over the 30-40 years of their decreased population. They prefer to make their nests in higher elevations, and trees have been taken down over large sections in order to provide for farming, businesses and housing. The Osprey started to gravitate towards some of the higher structures around – usually utility poles and electrical transmission structures. Among the available structures were poles, created by power companies such as PSEG, that have multiple cross arms and provided a better “natural” place for them to build a nest. However, these “double-arms” are usually where expensive switches and transformers are placed, which has caused a whole host of problems. This is because Ospreys have very large wingspans and any time their wings cross the phases of the energized equipment, they are in danger of being electrocuted. As long as their “footprint” stays around a single phase, they are safe. However, as the nest grows, or the

hatchlings start to grow, or a fresh (wet) fish is brought to the nest, a complete circuit can be formed between differently energized wires and the ground, increasing the risk for electrocution. Also, nests on electrical equipment can catch fire. These fires would often cause power outages for customers; and kill, multiple ospreys – especially young ones. The good news is that PSEG found a few ways to essentially trick the birds -- to keep them safe. The team we developed figured out how to install deterrents (See Figure 2) in key poles, and then create platforms on nearby poles (See Figure 1) that encouraged them to make their nests in locations that were safe for them and not harmful for the power grid.

Figure 1: Safe Platform

Figure 2: Deterrents

By keeping the Osprey off the wires, PSEG was also able to better maintain strong electric service reliability. To add complexity to the entire process, Ospreys are a protected species. So early in the spring workers are not allowed to touch the nests. As a result, we learned to act quickly. As much as possible, during the off season, we would build these platforms and move the nests before the Ospreys get back. Also, we encouraged people to become our eyes and ears in order to identify the early signs of nest creation before the statutory deadline. Through this work, we were able to develop a good working relationship with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and educate them on the importance of protecting the Ospreys, without compromising existing infrastructure. We had a number of instances where a DEC would bring a special container to store eggs while a nest was moved, then put the eggs back – and the Osprey would adopt the new location. During my time at PSEG, we set up video cameras on two nests (in Oyster Bay and Patchogue), which are still working today. You can find the videos here: The Majestic Osprey. While the nests are empty now, as early as late March we can expect to see last year’s Osprey return. We should see eggs laid in late April, and see them hatch in early June. It is amazing to see the hatchlings grow, learn to spread their wings and fly by the end of August -- then learn to feed themselves before heading south on their own in September. While this story focused pretty much on Osprey, we also interacted successfully with eagles, swans and many other of our avian friends to protect them from harmful interactions with energized wires. The key takeaway is that we can figure out ways to keep our infrastructure (which we rely on) from harming these amazing beings we share the Earth with. Have a great day, and in case anyone ever wondered why the Osprey fly south for the winter? Because it’s too far to walk.

This message is brought to you by the Sustainability Committee - Giving Back to the Earth.

Vol. 2, Issue 2

February 2024

THE BLEAFLET SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Giving Back to the Earth

World Wildlife Day (WWD): March 3rd is the United Nations World Wildlife Day. WWD is celebrated annually to recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet. Check out the following resources to learn more about wildlife conservation, and how to protect keystone species near and far. As we celebrate wildlife and our planet, we encourage you to think about the importance fauna has on our ecosystem, such as a keystone species like the polar bear, or introduce a more sustainable growing of flora through hydroponics.

HYDROPONICS: Gardening Indoors and in Small Spaces

As we approach Spring, you may be starting to think about upcoming gardening, but did you know you can have fresh herbs, produce and flowers all year round? Hydroponics is an agricultural technique growing in popularity due to its utilization of space in urban environments and its recycling of water resources. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil”. In hydroponic systems, plants may grow with roots exposed to the nutrient solution, or may utilize a variety of substrates like aggregate, vermiculite, coconut coir, or perlite. The technique is beneficial for areas where in-ground agriculture or gardening is not possible, for example in urban environments with limited space or in areas with colder climates. It allows for more complete control of nutrient content, pH, and growing environment, creating more nutrient dense produce. There are several different techniques for utilizing hydroponic agriculture. Often, hydroponic setups are designed as “vertical farming” facilities. These tower-like structures can recycle water and nutrients which can lower the overall cost and environmental impact agriculture has on our planet. According to the National Park Service, hydroponic systems use as much as 10 times less water than traditional field crop watering methods due to capture and reuse methods. The vertical farming structure also allows for faster growth and a higher crop yield due to increased oxygen availability in the root area and higher crop

density compared to traditional field agriculture. The hydroponic technique eliminates the use of soil which in turn removes the need for crop rotations, which is a constant battle for commercial farmers due to various nutrient needs relative to each crop. The labor intensity of commercial farming can be reduced when utilizing hydroponic systems due to the ergonomics of a raised vertical system for harvesting. By eliminating the need for soil, it eliminates the need for weeding and cultivation that can hinder smaller single-family sized garden crop yields. Also, soil related insects, fungi and bacteria are reduced, diminishing disease and the need for pesticides. However, hydroponic systems are not immune to disease and due to the closed system of recycled water, bacteria or disease can spread rapidly, affecting the entire system. Entering the world of hydroponics can be more costly when transitioning from standard soil-based agriculture. When you factor in the initial costs of material such as LED lights, systems, seeds, controlled environment technologies, and energy, it may seem like a daunting task. However, the reduction in square footage to crop yield, the year-round availability by creating optimal growing conditions, and reduction in the use of heavy pesticides all favor hydroponics as a sustainable and ethical solution to small scale and large scale farming. As we look towards a more sustainable future, hydroponics will be a leading factor in reducing the impact from the agricultural industry and climate-proofing agricultural production.

Learn more here:

1. Role of Keystone Species in an Ecosystem https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/role-keystone species-ecosystem/ 2. Saving a Conservation Icon - the Polar Bear https://www.bbcearth.com/news/saving-a-conservation-icon-the polar-bear

3. Polar Bears & the Changing Arctic https://polarbearsinternational.org/

4. Climate Change-Most Serious Threat to Polar Bears https://www.iucn.org/content/new-assessment-highlights-climate change-most-serious-threat-polar-bear-survival-iucn-red-list 5. Hydroponics https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production systems/hydroponics 6. The Future of Farming: Hydroponics https://psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/11/9/the-future-of-farming hydroponics

7. About World Wildlife Day 2024 https://wildlifeday.org/en/about

8. World Wildlife Federation (WWF) https://wwf.panda.org/

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What is a keystone species? Predators, ecosystem engineers and mutualists are the three types of keystone species. They are organisms that help to maintain balance and diversity in a complex ecosystem. Keystone species enable other species to survive, occupying a key role in the ecosystem they are part of and without them, their ecosystem would be dramatically different or could cease to exist. A keystone species can be an animal, plant or microorganism. For example, coral is instrumental in creating diverse reef ecosystems. Another example would be the sea otter. Sea otters eat sea urchins which prevents them from overbreeding. Kelp forests, which sustain a variety of other species, would be severely depleted without the sea otter since sea urchins feed on kelp. Beavers are considered “ecosystem engineers” and are a keystone species responsible for maintaining or producing distinct habitats by removing dead trees along riverbanks and creating dams that divert water creating wetland habitats. Bees and flowers are considered an example of mutualistic relationships. Flowers provide bees with food, and bees provide flowering plants with the means to reproduce.

POLAR BEARS: Keystone Species

As you may well know, polar bears are the largest bears in the world, considered the largest terrestrial carnivores on earth and are the Arctic’s top predator. Ursus maritimus (literally translated as “Sea Bear”) spend most of their lives in and around the ocean, predominantly on sea ice. Over half of a polar bear’s life is spent actively hunting for food, consisting almost entirely of seal species. Polar bears are currently listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is estimated that there are approximately 26,000 polar bears living in the wild (predominantly across countries that border the Arctic Ocean), however, polar bear populations may rapidly decline soon. An assessment involving sea ice and sub-population data, along with computer simulation and statistical models conducted by the IUCN revealed that populations could decrease more than 30% by 2050, with loss of sea ice as a leading culprit. So why are potential polar bear population declines worth noting? Polar bears are considered a keystone species for the Arctic ecosystem. A keystone species

is a species that helps define the health of an entire ecosystem, and generally consists of animals with a significant influence on food webs. A large decline in Ursus maritimus populations may initiate a top-down trophic cascade, similar to that of the removal of gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park. In the late 19th century, the U.S. government designated land for Yellowstone National Park and hundreds of wolves roamed the park feeding on herds of bison and elk. Government agencies worked to eradicate wolves in the park area out of fear of impacts to elk, bison, and livestock. With no apex predator, elk populations rapidly increased, quickly leading to overgrazing of grasses, sedges, and reeds which ultimately yielded drastic changes in species populations and the ecosystem. It created intense pressure on the animals dependent on plant life such as fish, beavers and birds. Wolves also indirectly feed eagles, coyotes, and bears who scavenge leftover carcasses. The wolves’ story provides a warning of the potential impact of a significant decline in polar bear populations across the entire Arctic ecosystem and to ecosystems and food sources beyond.

This message is brought to you by the Sustainability Committee - Giving Back to the Earth.