Climate
crisis: The history of Earth Day and how the leaders of today have
let us down
Every year communities across the planet celebrate Earth
Day, but not everyone knows the history of this environmental day of awareness.
Almost 48 years ago on April 22, 1970, millions of people hit the streets to
protest the negative impacts on the environment of 150 years of industrial
development. Smog had become so bad that in some areas it was deadly and there
was evidence that smog pollution was detrimental to human health. Smog
pollution was shown to cause developmental delays in children. Pesticides and
pollutants were negatively impacting the environment and biodiversity were in
decline. It was the beginning of the climate crisis that we are still dealing
with to this day.
The
five R’s of plastic pollution: Why Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
isn’t enough, and tips for living plastic free
Most of us grew up being taught the 3 R’s- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. When
it came to going green and protecting the environment, the 3 R’s was where it
all began. Fast forward to 2018 and the progression of pollution and human-caused climate change is far more devastating than we could have predicted. We
are in a climate crisis, and 3 R’s just isn’t enough.
Earth
Day:
Microplastic and why it's a huge problem
Plastic pollution is a big problem, but the biggest problem
when it comes to plastic pollution is the smallest plastic of all- microplastic.
Microplastic may seem like a tiny issue that is easy to ignore, because they can
be impossible to see unless under a microscope, but the truth is microplastic
effects us in so many ways. Microplastic is a detriment to both the environment, climate change and our health and wellness.
End
plastic pollution: Earth Day focus on people and their plastic
This year’s Earth Day theme encourages us to take a closer
look at our use of consumer plastics and one-time use plastic like straws, bags
and water bottles, and how it affects the planet. Every year, Earth
Day Network launches campaigns to inspire people to take part in Acts
of Green, to help heal the planet and educate about pollution. The goal for
2018 is to have people commit to End Plastic Pollution.
Give
your food a hug: Food Huggers help reduce waste and keep food
fresh
I’m always looking for ways to reduce my waste. One thing I
absolutely hate is plastic wrap and plastic baggies. Cling wrap is not
recyclable and doesn’t keep food fresh. Since I go through a lot of produce it
was important that I find an eco-friendly alternative to cling wrap and bags
that was not one-time use, and would keep my fruit and vegetables their freshest.
Let's get real: 24 Hours of Reality coming soon!
Together,
we will solve the climate crisis. We will be the voice of reality. Tune in to
@ClimateReality’s #24HoursofReality on December 4–5: 24HoursofReality.org
Putting the best paw forward
Welcome back Paws peeps! Or I guess I should be welcoming
myself back. I’m taking a rare moment to get a little personal, after taking a
near six-month hiatus from Paws For Reaction. While I do see many of you still
reading (thank you!) I haven’t been active and I even skipped Halloween on PFR-
and Halloween is my jam! I don’t often get personal on my blog. PFR has always
been a fun place for pet parents to learn, laugh and share- so getting personal
is not something that makes its way into my editorial calendar. I really don’t
feel comfortable with it, but I do believe that sometimes it’s necessary to
push myself outside of my comfort zone.
Keira's Provincial Park dog tours: High Falls in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada
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Keira and daddy were embarking on a 6km hike- there and back- to High Falls in Algonquin Park, Achary- one of the largest Provincial Parks in Ontario, Canada...
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Ditch the itch: Allergies and allergy medications for dogs
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Allergies and allergy medication for dogs
Photo by Thomas Hawk
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It’s time to ditch the itch! Allergy season is in full swing and many dogs are suffering. Pet’s allergy symptoms can present in many different ways. Most commonly dogs will become very itchy and scratch, chew and lick at different areas of their body- usually their paws- until they become red and raw. Allergies can also cause chronic ear and eye infections, rashes, hotspots and sometimes even vomiting and diarrhea. They can be hard to manage and treatment is the only way to provide your dog with some relief.