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Welcome to Bluedot Living San Diego, a newsletter that gathers local good news, good food, and good tips for living every day more sustainably. |
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Welcome to Bluedot Living San Diego, a newsletter that gathers local good news, good food, and good tips for living every day more sustainably. |
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If you purchase anything via one of our links, including from Amazon, we may earn a small commission. |
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SIMPLE / SMART / SUSTAINABLE / STORIES |
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There’s a lot of reason to be upset right now, but the wise move is to channel those emotions into action. Bluedot is here to help, with a guide to getting involved. Here in San Diego, we have a few ideas to make a difference: The San Diego Climate Action Network has a long list of events and groups where you can participate, learn, and agitate. And the San Diego Environmental Center (which does cool work of its own) has a great directory of green groups that would love to have your support. Finding a community is a way of finding hope! |
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Quick Links |
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Skip scrolling! Here's what you'll find in today's Bluedot San Diego newsletter: |
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Paid Advertisement with Good Chop |
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Enjoy high-quality meat and seafood delivered straight to your door with Good Chop. Sourced from American farms and fisheries, every order supports local family farms and independent ranchers across the U.S. Fully customize your box from over 100 cuts, including 100% grass-fed beef, USDA Prime steaks, wild-caught seafood, organic chicken, and so much more! Each product is vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen at peak freshness, so you can stock your freezer and cook on your schedule—convenience at its best! Skip the hassle of searching for quality cuts at reasonable prices. Good Chop’s plans start at just $3.32 per portion and are backed by a 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee—love it or get your money back! Exclusive for Bluedot Living Readers: Get free ground beef with every order for the life of membership! Click the link below to claim your offer |
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Paid Advertisement with HubSpot |
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– Illustration by Elissa Turnbull |
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Dear Dot,
Does Dot know anything about responsible investing for 401(k) plans? I was looking at mine last night and realized I have an aggressive portfolio and know nothing about the companies.
– Ali
Dear Ali,
While financial managers are getting better at investing in socially responsible funds, investment accounts are still heavily polluted with stocks in companies that have poor environmental track records.
As far as environmentally wise retirement funds go, 401(k)s are a bit tricky, because these plans are controlled by employers, many of whom are hesitant to invest in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds. It’s not that they’re bad people, but rather that they take their fiduciary responsibilities seriously, and there’s a widespread belief that ESG funds are riskier than ordinary funds (whose more reliable earnings may come at a cost to the world).
A number of studies, including a 2021 report by BlackRock, have found that portfolios divested from fossil fuels have fared as well or better than traditional portfolios.
That being said, financial planners overseeing 401(k)s are supposed to answer to the interests of the plan holders — that’s you, Ali — so theoretically you could have some sway over what your planner invests in. …
Read the rest of Dot’s answer.
Got a question for Dot? Write her at deardot@bluedotliving.com. |
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If you make a purchase through our links, including from Amazon, we may earn a small commission. |
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Guess what, readers? The time has come once again for one of our favorite annual events: The Great Backyard Bird Count. Citizen scientists (that’s you!) power this amazing global project by providing data that reveals important information about bird habits, habitats, and populations. The count officially began on Friday the 14th, but continues through tomorrow, Monday the 17th, which means that you’ve still got time to count some birds! To participate, you simply need to settle into a favorite spot for 15 minutes (or more), watch birds, and submit information about what you see to one of two free apps. Beginners should use Merlin Bird ID, which helps to identify species, and more experienced birders should use eBird. If you’d like to count birds and maybe even make some new friends while you’re at it, check out this map of GBBC events around the world.
This week, our marketplace editor shares three of her favorite bird-related products. Click for even more items and to learn about updated birdfeeder safety information in the time of avian flu.
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Etsy sellers offer a delightful assortment of birdhouses, birdfeeders, and birdbaths that will help you invite birds into your home. Georgian, Victorian, Craftsman, mid-mod, hobbit … whatever your dream (bird)house is, you’ll find it on Etsy.
Shop today or read our review. |
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Climate Neutral Certified, 1% for the Planet member company Nocs sells comfortable, quality binoculars that come with a “no-matter-what” lifetime warranty. You can even add on a rig that connects the lenses to your phone for close-up photos. Shop today or read our review. |
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Created by sustainability-focused toymaker Wild Republic in collaboration with Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, these charming stuffed toys make authentic bird calls provided by Cornell’s library of audio recordings. Shop today or read our review. |
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Paid Advertisement with Money |
Don’t let a broken heater break the bank |
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Home repair costs have surged in recent years due to inflation and supply chain issues, making unexpected breakdowns a financial burden for homeowners. Fortunately, a home warranty could help cover the repair and replacement of your home appliances and systems for a reasonable monthly fee. Check out Money’s list of the Best Home Warranties and start protecting your essential appliances. |
| VIEW LIST |
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Caribbean coral reefs are in tough shape, and there seems to be little we can do to help. But one scientist has a radical idea to save the reefs. Dr. Misha Matz, a professor of marine biology at the University of Texas at Austin, is suggesting “coral migration” or “rewilding.” This involves transporting foreign species of corals from other oceans around the world and planting them in the Caribbean. Foreign species, like those native to the Persian Gulf that have evolved in an environment prone to turbulent temperatures, are far more resilient to temperature spikes and would spread quickly and widely, Matz explains, while also being more resistant to damage caused by bleaching, hurricanes, boat traffic, and trash. |
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Enter our reader sweepstakes for a chance to win a curated collection of sustainable living products from brands that prioritize wellness, eco-conscious design, and intentional living. Three winners, three incredible prize packs – one grand prize pack worth over $2,500 and two secondary prize packs worth over $1,000 each!
The giveaway kicks off on February 10 at 9 a.m. EST
and closes on February 28 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Open to U.S. and Canada residents aged 13 and older. See Official Rules for more details. |
| Enter Now |
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For more tips on the best kitchenware, check out Bluedot’s favorite sustainable cooking products.
For more Bluedot Climate Quick Tips, click here. |
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Paid Advertisement with Rooted Insight |
Empower yourself to live with purpose and leave a lasting impact. |
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Rooted Insight’s personal identity workshops guide you through a journey of self-discovery and growth, helping you align your strengths and values with conscious action. In our 1:1 sessions, you’ll gain clarity on how to live in harmony with your purpose and contribute to a sustainable future—for yourself, your community, and the planet. |
| Root your life in purpose—book a personal workshop today |
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Common Sense Solutions |
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There’s plenty of ugliness in our economic system, but one of the beautiful aspects is that at its best, nothing goes to waste, just as in nature. Take this article from the New York Times Magazine about eating invasive crabs. Energy-hungry data centers can now be powered by natural gas that would have otherwise been wasted. Innovation is beautiful, especially when it’s low-tech. Nuclear fusion may provide limitless green energy in the future, but windmills (invented a millennium ago) can produce pretty-near limitless energy right now.
That’s why we’re optimists: For every problem you can think of, there’s an army of brilliant people working on it. Progress is never linear, but the best ideas usually win in the end. You can help them win by contributing to our journalism, subscribing to our newsletters, and forwarding this email to your like-minded friends.
We’ll see you in two weeks.
– Nicki and Jim Miller
Editors, Bluedot Living San Diego
sdeditor@bluedotliving.com
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We live in San Diego and love the opportunity to be on the water and in the mountains in one day. Nicki, a writer and editor, and Jim, a writer and environmental economist, are excited to combine skills as the editors of Bluedot Living San Diego. Since we’re avid cyclists, you may see us riding along the Silver Strand or hitting the trails in Cuyamaca (probably not on the same day). Thank you for joining us on this Bluedot ride! |
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