sustainable living Archives - State of the Planet

sandra goldmark in front of lamp

Quick Tips to Repair Broken Items and Keep Them Out of the Landfill

The longer we can extend the lifetimes of consumer products, the better off our planet will be.

by |April 20, 2023
image from graphic

The 37 Easiest Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint (Animated Graphic)

Making a difference on climate change doesn’t have to take lots of time or effort.

by |September 19, 2022
clothing on hangers

Individually, We Can’t End Climate Change. But That Doesn’t Mean We Shouldn’t Try.

Although one person can’t save the world, they can make choices that avoid making things worse.

by Isabel Oskwarek |August 3, 2022
biodegradable container on grass

You Asked: Should I Buy Biodegradable Materials If My Trash Just Goes to a Landfill?

Our expert says: It’s better than adding another piece of plastic to the problem.

by Emily Halnon |August 2, 2022
dumpster overflowing with trash

Reduce. Reuse. And Then, When All Else Fails, Recycle.

Recycling gets all the attention, but emphasizing reduction and reuse can do so much more to manage waste and curb climate emissions.

by Brynne Wilcox |February 25, 2022
sandra goldmark in front of lamp

Purchasing Power: How Conscientious Buying Can Enable a More Just and Sustainable Future

A conversation with author and Barnard sustainability director Sandra Goldmark on how to live in a material world while minimizing harm to the planet.

by Marie Lilly |February 25, 2022
chocolates and gift box with sign that says happy valentines day

How to Have a More Sustainable Valentine’s Day

It’s possible to celebrate your loved ones while remembering your love for the planet and its people.

by Prerana Tirodkar |February 10, 2022
trash bins lined up on street

Your Holiday Trash Could Be Contributing to Environmental Injustice

Here are a few things you can do to help.

by Radhika Iyengar |November 17, 2021
trash in a trashcan

Killing ‘Evil’ Trash During This Year’s Durga Puja Celebrations

October is a time for Indian festivities starting with Durga Puja. This year our Durga celebration also included a green mission.

by Radhika Iyengar, Apresh Deva, Kumkum Srivastav and Yogita Ahire |October 20, 2021

Why Fashion Needs to Be More Sustainable

As the world re-opens, it’s a good time to take stock of the implications of how we dress.

by |June 10, 2021