Carbon Capture in the Battle Against Climate Change

You likely don’t have to be told that our planet is facing a climate crisis— it’s old news. Nearing the point-of-no-return, many companies, organizations, and governments are scrambling to find solutions to this larger-than-life issue. Innovation on the carbon sequestration front is crucial, and a new technology known as Direct Air Capture (DAC) is gaining a lot of attention for its potential. But how effective and accessible is DAC, really?

In recent years, companies such as Climeworks of Switzerland and Carbon Engineering of Canada have developed machines that use technology similar to that of particulate matter scrubbers and filters. Air is taken in and carbon dioxide is separated out of it through special filters that capture it or through fluid solutions that “pull it out.” Carbon dioxide is then stored permanently underground or converted into gasoline with no additional carbon added to the atmosphere in the process. These machines are powered by sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind power, and a majority of the carbon collected from them is permanently removed from the atmosphere, making these machines efficient in their function.

However, this technology is incredibly expensive, making it extremely difficult to increase the amount of those in use. This means that even though they’re ideal in many ways in the battle against CO₂, they’re hardly accessible at all. For the same reason many homeowners do not purchase solar panels for their properties, many governments and corporations are reluctant to invest in these machines in order to compensate for their emissions. Currently, they’re simply not efficient enough to be considered worth the money.

Even as an incredibly expensive option, DAC technology may be one of the least costly approaches to climate change overall. Research has shown that utilizing DAC could drastically cut costs of climate mitigation globally, if acted upon fast enough. Some companies, like Microsoft, have incorporated consideration of the technology into their climate pledges already. It is important to remember, though, that if mitigation efforts become too dependent on DAC, and these machines fail to deliver on their promises, the world would face a detrimental setback. On top of that, if used as needed, these machines would take up an estimated quarter of energy use worldwide by the year 2100.

As technology continues to advance, though, these machines will become cheaper, and over time their accessibility will increase as their prices drop. That being said, the materials and labor needed to create DAC machines will continue to be regarded as highly valuable, so it can be expected that they remain at a relatively high price-point overall. So while these innovative machines may become more common in the future, it’s hard to imagine them becoming the main defense against the climate crisis.

All things considered, DAC technology is quite possibly a piece of the much larger climate mitigation puzzle. Its unique approach to achieving negative emissions is certainly a valuable asset in the fight against the climate crisis. It’s hard to say whether the machines will reach the front lines, but you can be sure this isn’t the last you’ll hear of them.

Innovation in a Plastic World

Hope Is Not Yet Lost

The magnitude of plastic pollution can seem daunting, but don’t give up! People across the globe are determined to create beautiful, useful things out of plastic waste. This may not stop plastic pollution, but it’s key in turning the tide. Now that you’re equipped with info from parts 1 and 2, stories of creators and communities all over the world can inspire you to get started yourself!

International Policies

Municipalities in many countries are finding ways to reduce their own plastic waste and impact on the environment, through quick thinking and efficient methods.

Kwinana, Australia has developed a relatively cheap and safe system to keep plastic and other garbage out of waterways, by attaching netting to the ends of drain pipes. These work by collecting any waste in the stream inside the net, letting the water filter through and come out the other side waste-free. They’re also relatively safe— after multiple cleanings no animal has been found trapped in them thus far.

Some cities in Canada and other countries have implemented programs where users must pay for extra garbage disposal services. For example, if you have an extra bag of trash that won’t fit in your can, you must pay an extra fee to have it collected. This prompts residents to think through their consumption and disposal of goods and prevents them from buying more than they need to!

Plastic straws, grocery bags and disposable cutlery have all been banned or regulated in states like California. The use of these plastics is usually unnecessary and plenty of alternatives exist, so there isn’t really a reason to use them so sparingly. If other places follow suit, this could significantly reduce plastic pollution around the world. Countries like India are also banning plastics deemed unnecessary, like sticks for flags, balloons, and candy. India has already implemented a ban on certain plastic bags as well.

Bottled water bans are also in effect in places like San Francisco, California, and Bundanoon, Australia, since bottled beverage manufacturers like Nestle and Coca-Cola are some of the largest polluters on the planet. This prompts residents to use reusable water bottles instead, which are not only better for the environment but overall much more cost-effective as well.

That isn’t to say that these policies are perfect, though, as many of them raise accessibility worries. Trash fees may disproportionately affect lower-income people, for example, and a total ban on plastic straws is problematic for some disabled folks, so take each of these with a grain of salt!

Zero-Waste and Minimalism Movements

You may have heard of the awe-inducing efforts of Kathryn Kellogg, a woman who set out to completely eliminate waste from her life in the past few years. She blew the collective internet’s mind when she was able to keep two year’s worth of her trash in only a run-of-the-mill mason jar. While this feat isn’t accessible to everyone, it struck a chord with many of those it reached, sparking a surge in the zero-waste community. Many people who heard about this experiment began to examine their own habits and reduce their own waste, making a big impact! Minimalism is a similar idea, where living only with exactly what you need and nothing more is the task. In a world flooded with overconsumption culture, this movement is making waves as well.

Construction

Eco-Bricking

Eco-Bricking is where certain types of plastic bottles are cleaned and dried, and then packed to the brim with smaller, also clean and dry, plastic waste. This forms a solid and durable compact fit for the construction of small and simple buildings, which means you can use them for small projects at home, or they can be used elsewhere— like the project building classrooms out of them in Guatemala.

RePlast

RePlast is a company making concrete-like bricks out of condensed plastic waste. They’re much lighter than real concrete, however, making them much more climate-friendly to transport. Made to be used in conjunction with traditional construction materials like steel, they’re a great way to reduce plastic and climate pollution while still getting the job done.

FabBRICK

An honorable mention, the FabBRICK is actually made out of textile waste, but with many clothing items nowaday being made of plastic fibers, and the fashion industry being one of the largest contributors to waste and pollution, it’s definitely worth talking about. These panels are great insulators and can be pleasing to the eye (depending on whose eyes they are), so they’re both useful and attractive.

Plastic-Eating Bacteria

Researchers in Japan discovered a bacteria capable of eating PET, a common type of non-biodegradable plastic, in 2016. They theorize that it must have evolved relatively recently since the history of PET is quite short. While tinkering with the enzymes the protein uses to break down this plastic, they accidentally made it much more efficient, meaning with some genetic modification, the bacteria can be made to digest PET much more quickly than it already does (which, by the way, is an impressive speed on its own).

Upcycled Art

Bottle Blossom Decor

Room dividers, curtains, and string lights are just some of the adorable things you can make from plastic bottles. Michelle Brand created the first of these curtains in 2015, using the very bottoms of the bottles to make a transparent, decorative flower design, and stringing them together. You can learn how to make them yourself here.

KaCaMa

KaCaMa is a Hong Kong design lab that utilizes lots of waste, from coathangers and bottle caps to wine corks. Their products not only upcycle trash but also make a statement, both visually and metaphorically. With bold designs and some intense social commentary, this is a project to keep an eye on.

Grocery Bag Weaving

Plastic grocery bags are being put to good use beyond their initial purpose, woven into bags, mats, and other items. With the range of colors and designs on shopping bags nowadays, these objects can come out quite beautifully. They’re also super durable, making them very functional on top of their unique and cool look. I remember having a water bottle holder made this way when I was a kid, and I can attest to their awesomeness!

Ocean Sole Kenya

This project collects used flip-flops and turns them into colorful and amazing works of art. This art is in turn sold and the money from it is used to clean up ocean trash! Their sculptures and displays are absolutely stellar, and each piece is absolutely unique, like this bee! By buying from them you’re also helping reduce Kenya’s sizable unemployment rate of 40%, so it’s a win-win-win!

Plastic Fishing

The Plastic Whale company in Amsterdam is making waterway clean-ups a fun activity for tourists and locals alike! Outings on canal boats made from the very plastics pulled from the water are arranged for those interested to scoop garbage out of the water with nets. Not only is this an ever-popularizing attraction— these plastics are used to make all kinds of awesome furniture, and the company even has a foundation to spread their mission globally.

Bureo

Bureo is a Brazilian company that has partnered with many brands, including Patagonia and even Jenga, to reduce the amount of plastic fishing nets plaguing the ocean. These nets are then turned into hats, surfboard fins, Jenga games, skateboards with super cool fish scale patterns, and office chairs, among other things. Fishing nets, along with other “ghost gear” like traps and lines, make up 10% of all plastic waste in the ocean, so Bureo and similar companies and organizations’ work is crucial.

Amazing initiatives from Guatemala to Kenya to Australia to Japan, and spanning every inhabited continent, hold one of the few keys to halting the plastic takeover in its tracks. There are endless possibilities to what you can do with plastic waste, your only limit is your own imagination. Hope for the future of our planet and livelihood is not yet lost— but it’ll take all of us to get there. Happy creating!

The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel and Ecotourism

How to enjoy your trip while being respectful of nature and local communities

The most important way to express your opinion as far as the environment is concerned is how you use your money. So how can sustainable and conscious travel help, and what is it, anyway?

The UN World Tourism Organization says that sustainable travel and tourism “[take account of] current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” In other words, sustainable travel considers any impact you may have on local nature and community during your trip.

How Do I Travel Sustainably?

Accessibility to sustainable travel is an issue, as with many other efforts to be environmentally friendly, and some methods are more accessible than others. Here are a few ways to travel more sustainably, should you have the means:

Reducing Climate Pollution

● If possible, choose a destination closer to home. The less far you travel, the better, because you won’t create as much climate pollution.

● Consider the walkability of your destination. Sites like Walk Score will break down ease of walking, biking and other transportation methods through easy-to-understand ratings for you. Just enter your destination in the search bar and it’ll tell you what you need to know! A high walkability rate means less emissions from cars and a safer environment for pedestrians, among other benefits. Biking is also a great option— you can bring or rent a bike on your vacation for fun, easy transport that’s faster than walking but with the same environmental perks. Some cities offer trendy options like Lime or Spin bikes and scooters in abundance, making this mode of transportation more popular than ever before.

● Subway and train systems are great options when considering emissions reductions, as well. Abroad, many countries have well-developed rail systems, like the bullet trains in Japan.

Unfortunately, the US has very underdeveloped rail infrastructure overall, but popular domestic destinations such as New York City and Washington, D.C. have extensive lines available for your use. If you want to help increase rail accessibility in the US, you can read up on the issue and get involved here and here. City buses are a good option, too.

● If none of the above work for you, renting an electric vehicle may also be something to look into, but fair warning: these are hard to find and keep charged when it comes to rentals, and they may be more expensive. Also take into account that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft contribute more to climate pollution than driving yourself would. If you drive yourself, consider fueling up with biodiesel, which is nontoxic and burns cleaner than regular gas. There are some potential cons to using biodiesel, though, so be sure to take that into consideration.

● Flying accounts for some of the worst pollution per person by far compared to other modes of transportation, so avoid it if you can. If you find yourself having to fly, look into the differing emissions for separate airlines— not all plane pollution was created equal. Some airlines, like Spirit and Frontier, have much higher fuel efficiency compared to ones like Delta and American. Some airlines are also increasing their use of biofuels, known as Sustainable Aviation Fuels, in an effort to be more eco-friendly. If you’d like, you can even offset your emissions through sites like MyClimate, which will also calculate your emissions for you. Another way to reduce your contribution to pollution while flying is to choose nonstop flights over those with stops and layovers. An added bonus here: you’ll get to your destination quicker. However, tickets for nonstop flights may be more expensive, so bear that in mind. And be sure to pack lightly— less weight means less emissions!

● Finally, avoid cruises at all costs! Not only do they produce up to 4 times as many emissions as air travel, but they also dump all types of untreated waste and garbage directly into the ocean, and exploit employees and local economies alike.

Reducing Waste

● Bring reusables with you! Some ideas: reusable water bottles, travel mugs, and travel utensil packs (but maybe don’t bring that last one with you to the airport!).

● Refuse free handouts— at many festivals and events, you’ll encounter heaps of companies handing out free goodie bags and other items. We’ve all been there, and let’s be honest, we didn’t really need

any of the stuff in those bags! Consider the contents carefully before taking one, & practice saying no.

● Opt for local lodging (we’ll get into this more in a minute), but if you absolutely need to stay with a hotel chain, here are a few tips: don’t take the free water bottles they have at the desk, bring your own toiletries with you, and hang up a do not disturb sign on your door to prevent housekeeping from cleaning unnecessarily. While you’re at it, hang up your towels so they don’t get laundered before they need to be!

● Consider making more sustainable purchases overall. Using things like bamboo toothbrushes and bar soaps can help reduce plastic waste, among other benefits. But always be sure to use what you already have first.

Supporting Local Businesses and Families

Being intentional with your purchasing of services and products on vacations and other trips helps to keep money local, supporting the community there, rather than going to large corporations that might not even be in the country. Here’s some suggestions to help:

● Stick with local lodging options. When looking for a place to stay, try to research local small business establishments like Airbnb's and hotels. Pro-tip— look under the “unique stays” tab on Airbnb to find tiny houses, yurts, hostels, earth houses, barns, and other cool and

repurposed spaces to stay!

● Eat out at local restaurants. Try to stay away from chain fast food and sit-down establishments during your trip. Local restaurants often source their food from nearby farms, so not only do they support the local economy but also benefit the planet, since there’s less emissions from shipping and less intensive farming practices.

● If you’d rather cook for yourself, explore the farmer’s market. Just as with local restaurants, you aren’t supporting Big Agriculture, you’re benefiting the community, and shipping emissions &

intensive practices will be lessened. The food you find here will also likely be seasonally grown, which is important too.

● For souvenirs and shopping, take a gander at what local artisans and craftsmen have to offer. Their work is often unique and more functional than your run-of-the-mill plastic keychain, so it’s sure to be worth your while.

How to be a Good Eco-Tourist

What you do on your vacation is just as important as how you get there and what you bring. Here’s how to ensure you’re being respectful while enjoying yourself:

Keep Money Local

As we just discussed, supporting local and small businesses is crucial in traveling sustainably. Staying, eating, and shopping locally will also help you immerse yourself in your new environment, and give you better experiences and opportunities there.

Respect Local Culture

If you’re traveling internationally, chances are things will be different on the other side of the border. Before you leave, you’ll want to read up on local customs, traditions, and etiquette so that you aren’t disruptive or rude while you’re there. This will include things like the way you dress, how you speak and use body language, and maybe even your personal schedule, among many other things. Do your best to learn about these things and adhere to them. Be sure you consider what privileges you might have in being there as well, and keep them in mind during your interactions too. Learn more about respecting other cultures while traveling here.

Enjoy Nature, But Be Careful…

● Don’t harm, remove or disturb wildlife. Leave cool plants, animals, and natural formations alone. If they’re just too pretty to leave behind, take a photo to remember them by! But definitely don’t smuggle them back home— they have a place in their natural habitat, and may even harm their new place of residence if they happen to become invasive in your own community.

● No animal tourism. We’ve all heard of the horrors of SeaWorld, but the hurting of animals in the tourism industry runs much deeper than you might think. Animals are often drugged and abused into compliance at tourist attractions like circuses, tiger “sanctuaries,” horse races, and elephant or camel rides, and are kept in inhumane conditions such as the excessive confinement seen in zoos and aquariums.

● Don’t eat or buy the endangered species, either. Eating things like shark fin soup and black bear meat may sound adventurous and exciting, but it will harm the balance of local ecosystems. By all means, take part in local cuisine, but be aware of what you’re eating and where it came from. Buying turtle shells, ivory trinkets, and claws and teeth as souvenirs is also a bad idea. These species are necessary for nature to continue functioning properly, but they’re dying out for the sake of

human enjoyment. They don’t need to be cruelly harvested, as they doubtlessly are, so you don’t need to support their deaths.

● Remember your hiking manners! Stay on the trails, stash trash to throw away properly later, be careful with your campfires, and don’t feed the animals.

● Consider a conscious sunscreen. Especially if you’re headed to the beach, make sure your sunscreen is a safe choice. Many popular sunscreen brands include ingredients like oxybenzone,

petrolatum/mineral oil, titanium dioxide, and a host of others in their products, which, when in the ocean, can be harmful and even deadly to coral and other marine life. Coral reefs are key to the health of ocean ecosystems, so you’ll want to avoid these ingredients to help protect them. Raw Elements, Goddess Garden, Mama Kuleana, and Badger are all safe options for ocean-safe sunscreen.

So What Can I Do?

Now that we’ve covered a bunch of things not to do on your eco-vacation, here are some fun ideas to fill your itinerary instead:

● If you’re looking to get outside, visit protected areas and World Heritage sites. These places will be rich in cultural and natural knowledge as well as beautiful views, and they need your support!

● Take a tour with a knowledgeable local company rather than a large, impersonal company. They’ll know all the cool hidden gems in the area and will give you more accurate and interesting info, too.

● Look into volunteer opportunities. These might help you get to know the local nature and animals, give you a chance to practice the local language if you aren’t fluent, and make some friends along the way, while positively contributing to the community.

Bottom-line, you want to consider all the ways your travel might impact the environment, economy, and community of the place you visit and the world as a whole. Consider all your options for transportation, food, lodging, and shopping carefully, and do what you can to minimize your carbon footprint and positively impact the world around you. Definitely do your research on your destination-of-choice, take care, and have fun!

Come Visit Us!

Hidden Flower Tiny Farm in Asheville, NC

Hidden Flower is a lodging and wedding/event venue that focuses on sustainability, with multiple tiny houses and a yurt available to stay in. Some of our eco-friendly features include solar power, completely plant-based products, plastic-reducing refillable soaps from Puracy and Dr. Bronner’s, and the use of secondhand decor and furniture that remains in good condition. The farm also saves a lot of water through the use of Nature’s Head composting toilets, which alone can save over 6,500 gallons of water yearly, as well as a greywater system that recycles water for reuse. Our accommodations are as cozy and beautiful as they are sustainable.

We’re located in Asheville, North Carolina, which has many state and national parks nearby to choose from— a window directly into the Blue Ridge Parkway. In town there’s some amazing small businesses and loads of delicious restaurants, many of which are vegetarian and vegan. Our music and arts scene is known across the country for its liveliness. If you’re looking to visit soon and try out your newfound knowledge on sustainable travel, we’d love to have you!

*We do not benefit financially from any of these suggestions.