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At Home On Earth

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“One way to help nature win is to support nature tourism, which shows skeptics that trees are more valuable standing than in sawmills,” writes Bluedot editor Jim Miller about visiting the redwoods in California’s Humboldt County. “Trails lead down through Sitka spruces, which shelter the salt-intolerant redwoods from the ocean spray, to the rugged and remote coasts.” 

“National Parks are the best idea we’ve ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.” – Wallace Stegner

“The fundamental idea behind the parks … is that the country belongs to the people.”
– President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Your two editors of this newsletter first met one frigid January in Yellowstone National Park where we and a handful of other journalists had been invited to interview Ken Burns, who was just about to release his National Parks series. Yellowstone was magical, particularly when blanketed by snow and emptied of tourists. But, as Bluedot contributor Teresa Bergen has chronicled, this iconic park isn’t exempt from the effects of climate change. 

And national parks, emblems of democracy, have imperfect pasts (and presents). Clashes with Indigenous people over land rights, struggles to achieve consistent and sufficient funding, a warming climate’s impact. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, marine biologist, author, and climate activist, suggests a powerful idea: “Given these dire ecological trends, limited public funding, and legislative gridlock, the time is ripe for a budget-neutral, executive-branch approach for managing our natural resources: triage.” 

It is indeed a time for triage. It’s worth considering how we can simultaneously treasure these resources while preparing them for continued ecological change, to allow them to reflect our best while addressing our worst.

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• Saving the Redwoods of Humboldt County

• Bluedot’s Guide to Clean Beauty

• Cruising With Currier and Laurie David

• Check Out Our New Bluedot Living Kitchen Magazine!

• Undermining Our Future: Minerals and Our Clean Energy Transition

• Dear Dot Sniffs Out Non-Toxic Scents

FEATURED STORIES

BIG IDEAS AND LOCAL CHANGEMAKERS

Search local recycling centers that will accept carpet scraps: Carpet America Recovery Effort’s partner locator for locations in the United States or 1-800-Got-Junk for carpet recyclers in Canada and Australia.

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 Bluedot Living Kitchen

We’ve launched Bluedot Living Kitchen, our new digital magazine! You'll find easy-to-make recipes, inspiring stories, and smart tips to reduce food waste and shop sustainably. Get your FREE digital sample today. Meanwhile, we’re loving these zoodles with miso, and this cake (with pumpkin puree). 

Test Drive an EV with Laurie David

One of Bluedot Martha’s Vineyard’s most popular features has been our Cruising with Currier column, penned by the inimitable Geoff Currier, a consummate (and hilarious) storyteller, and beloved friend and colleague. Geoff recently passed away from cancer. We’re sharing one of his columns — in this one he cruises in a Nissan Leaf with environmental icon Laurie David (and inadvertently steals her dog). Thank you, Geoff.

– Illustration by Elissa Turnbull

Dear Dot,

I like to wear fragrance. Is there a company that will make me smell great but has healthy ingredients for both me and the planet?

– Bobbi

Dear Bobbi,

Spritzing on your signature scent before you leave the house is luxurious, confidence-boosting, and — carcinogenic? As you mention, the ingredients in your perfume bottle might really stink — there may well be some dark secrets lurking in your perfume bottle. 

According to a story in the Guardian, “more than 1,200 fragrance chemicals currently in use have been flagged as potential or known ‘chemicals of concern,’ according to a 2018 report from [Women's Voices for the Earth]. These include seven carcinogens, 15 chemicals prohibited from use in cosmetics in the EU, and others cited in various international warning lists.” Of particular concern, the article notes, are endocrine disruptors, which mimic human hormones. Those, researchers warn, can harm us even in small doses. 

Ack! What’s a scent-loving soul to do? Read on. 

Buy Better Marketplace: Fall Style

If you purchase anything via one of our links, including from Amazon, we may earn a small commission.

Bluedot’s founder, an arbiter of good taste if ever there was one, likes to buy herself one great new piece every season, always something timeless that will be a chic addition to her forever wardrobe. If you could use something new for fall, consider shopping one of these great brands.

Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn specializes in romantic, feminine, farm-to-closet clothes. The unbelievably soft sweaters and vests in the Regenerative Alpaca Collection will be a go-to for years to come. Pre-loved offerings make it easy to find ethereal dresses and other Dawn favorites for less. (Women and kids.) Shop today or read our review.

Eileen Fisher

We’ll always love Eileen Fisher, who has made sustainability part of her brand’s identity since its founding. This season’s collection includes a fab regenerative wool moto jacket. The style is actually pulled from the archives, proving that anything Eileen deserves a forever-spot in your closet. (Women.) Shop today or read our review.

TenTree

TenTree’s super-soft hoodies and tees first captured our attention, but lately the brand has really upped its style game. We love the great outerwear and sweaters, all made from ethically sourced materials. The Climate Neutral Certified B Corp plants 10 trees for every order. (Men and women.) Shop today or read our review.

The Keep-This Handbook: Green Your Halloween

Halloween is looming and Bluedot’s got your guide to greening the annual spook-fest. Along with suggestions on ways to dispose of your post-Halloween pumpkin, consider donating it to some nearby swine. Pumpkins for Pigs will connect your gourd with some hungry porkers. Find a donation site near you. 

Get Out the Vote

Bluedot founder Vicki Riskin has written about the valuable work of Maggie Baird (mom to pop icons Billie Eilish and FINNEAS) but her kids themselves are no slouches when it comes to walking their talk. In collaboration with Billie Eilish’s team, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson will be in Atlanta for a get out the vote event November 2-4. Looking for an event closer to you? Check out the schedule. (And don’t forget to vote!) 

Enjoy the weekend, and we’ll see you in two weeks.

–Jamie Kageleiry and Leslie Garrett

Editors

Write us at editor@bluedotliving.com

Jamie Kageleiry, a longtime magazine and newspaper editor from Martha’s Vineyard, says her favorite spot on earth is out on a kayak there, looking at birds.

Leslie Garrett has been covering climate stories for close to two decades.  She divides her time between London, Ontario, and Massachusetts. She’s still figuring out her favorite spot but it’s definitely near the water.

Sent to: _t.e.s.t_@example.com

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