- Author: Jill Santos
Happy Halloween! It is the time of year for Jack O' Lanterns, trick or treating, spooky decorations and funny costumes. This season is rich in diverse traditions including those of All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos, and of course, Halloween.
But Halloween has an even scarier tale seldom told. The U.S. produces more than 2 billion pumpkins each year. But only one fifth are spared the fate of the trash bin. Americans spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on pumpkins and gourds annually, only to toss them in the trash when Halloween ends. There are, however, much more clever ways that a pumpkin can be given a second chance at life, even after the candy is all gone.
Pumpkins are Nutritious and Delicious...
- Author: Jill Santos
Tackling Food Waste for Climate Resilience
Reducing food waste is a critical strategy for addressing food insecurity, mitigating climate change, and enhancing economic productivity. Achieving the goals set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) in the National Strategy for Food Loss and Waste, which seeks a 50% reduction by 2030, requires collaborative efforts across the entire foodshed[i]. Farmers, producers, distributors, retailers, grocers, and consumers must work together to build a sustainable, equitable, efficient, and circular food system that supports community resilience.
The Scale...
- Author: Jill Santos
Future Design Gives New Graduates Hope
Spring usually brings an abundance of colorful blossoms and excitement for high school and college graduates everywhere. In the past, graduates celebrated their hard-earned achievements, ready to carve their own paths in the world, while parents reluctantly released them into an uncertain future. A study released by The Annie E. Casey Foundation in 2023 reported that Gen Z'ers (ages ranging from 12 to 27) have the highest self-reported mental health concerns compared to previous generations[i]. The source of this distress? Future anxiety.
Today, many people worldwide grapple with daily struggles,...
- Author: Jill Santos
As a Climate Change Educator, I often grapple with the inherent challenges of my role, particularly the somber realities surrounding climate change. The relentless stream of news detailing catastrophic weather events, all linked to the changing climate, weighs heavily on both global consciousness and personal well-being. Moreover, the ripple effects of climate change extend far beyond environmental concerns, permeating geopolitical landscapes and destabilizing economies, livelihoods, and communities. Navigating this complex terrain places educators in a delicate position, tasked with facilitating discussions that inspire constructive action while simultaneously acknowledging and addressing the emotional toll such conversations exact on...
- Author: Jill Santos
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.
– Chinese Proverb
What is your happiest memory that involves trees? Hopefully, most of those memories are positive. Trees provide a multitude of benefits that are hard to overlook. Reflecting on happy memories involving trees often evokes a sense of joy and wonder. These towering guardians not only serve as the backdrop to cherished moments but also provide an array of invaluable benefits.
However, in regions like the Western United States, escalating wildfire risks loom large, burdening homeowners with soaring insurance costs and stringent fuel reduction mandates. Balancing the delicate interface...
