PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – January 4, 2024 – The Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. (EWPBF) will hold its 40th Annual Women in Leadership Awards (WILA) on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
Local women professionals will be honored for their outstanding accomplishments within the realms of private, nonprofit, and public sectors, and an emerging leader will also be recognized. New for 2024, EWPBF will honor Lois Pope with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy.
“The addition of this award to our 40th celebration will bring something extraordinarily special to the event,” said EWPBF President Katie Klaus-Newitt. “We look forward to shining a spotlight on all of Ms. Pope’s good works and impact, which has made a positive difference in the lives of so many.”
The 2024 WILA keynote speaker will be Ellen Latham (pictured at right), creator and co-founder of Orangetheory Fitness, the leading heart rate-based workout that combines science, technology and expert coaching to help members live longer, more vibrant lives. Since Latham co-founded Orangetheory Fitness in 2010, the company has transformed into a fitness sensation, recognized worldwide, with more than 1,500 studios across 25 countries.
This year’s event will also feature an exclusive pre-event, known as the Gracey Reception, for honorees, nominees and sponsors. Graciously sponsored by Frances Fisher, the Gracey Reception will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.
2024 WILA Chair is Diane McNeal; 2024 WILA Honorary Chair is Sharon Bock, Esq., Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller; and EWPBF members Dana K. Brookes and Geeta Singh are 2024 WILA Vice Chairs. McNeal recently retired as a banking executive after a 40-year career and established a consulting company called Dynamic Financial Strategies. She served as a private banker, commercial banker, and commercial real estate lender. She currently is serving on the Board of the Town of Palm Beach United Way, Neighborhood Renaissance, Inc. Greater Palm Beaches Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter, and the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden.
Nominations for the WILA awards are open from January 9-February 16, 2024, and sponsorship details are available at https://ewpb.org/wila-adwards.
The highly distinguished Women in Leadership Awards are presented by EWPBF, in recognition of local women who have sustained outstanding accomplishments and displayed generosity of spirit, commitment to integrity and diversity, and genuine connectedness with others in the community. Proceeds benefit the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation scholarship and grant programs.
As you plan your travels for 2024, consider taking a break from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Sometimes choosing a small town leads to unique travel experiences and surprising discoveries. From the unlikely home of a First Lady to a southern gem where polo reigns to the birthplace of a music genre, these charming small towns have plenty of big stories waiting to be discovered.
Wytheville, Virginia
Driving through Virginia on Interstate 81, it’s easy to exit at Wytheville and pick up a quick bite to eat, fill up the car, and get back on the highway. But venture beyond the standard road trip stops into the heart of Wytheville and you’ll discover a small town with plenty of big stories.
Driving along Main Street, it’s impossible to miss the giant yellow pencil protruding from the Wytheville Office Supply Store. A quirky roadside attraction, the pencil provides a not so subtle hint at what’s inside. Across the street, Skeeter’s World-Famous Dogs has served “skeeter dogs” since 1925. It’s a tasty Wytheville tradition you’ll want to sample.
Discover the Stories of Wytheville
Above Skeeter’s sits the birthplace of the 35th First Lady of the United States. The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum shares the story of the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson. The humble beginnings of the First Lady from Appalachia are equally captivating and inspiring. The museum is one of only eight historic sites in the country dedicated to the interpretation of a First Lady.
Nearby, the Thomas J. Boyd Museum shares the story of a summer without children when the polio epidemic in 1950 mysteriously hit Wytheville more than any other location.
Performing Arts in Wytheville
Wytheville also boasts an enticing theatre and music scene. One of the crown jewels in town is the family-owned and operated Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. Themed for the Sutphin family’s German heritage, this state-of-the-art venue hosts concerts, musicals, plays, and other special events throughout the year.
On Main Street, the historic Millwald Theatre has been an integral part of the Wytheville community since 1928. Originally a place for Vaudeville and silent movies, the Millwald Theatre also served as the social center of the community. After an extensive renovation, the Millwald reopened as a center for cultural arts. The theatre hosts a wide variety of performers and events each year in the heart of Wytheville.
Log House 1776 – More Than a Restaurant
While there are plenty of delicious restaurants to try in Wytheville, none deliver the eclectic experience of Log House 1776. Housed in a log house just like the name suggests, the Log House 1776 serves up delicious fare with a side of history. While the main courses comprised of steak, seafood and tempting chicken entrees are fabulous, the corn nuggets with honey on the appetizer menu and a side of stuffed squash were my favorites. But Log House 1776 is much more than food. History lives within the walls and roaming from room to room, the discoveries are unending. Be sure to add this Wytheville treasure to your travel plans.
Where to Stay
In 1912, the William Trinkle family moved into what is now known as the Trinkle Mansion. This stately yet unpretentious home now serves as a Bed & Breakfast on Main Street in Wytheville. Innkeepers Patti and Bernie Pizinger restored the inn to its original grandeur and now welcome guests with luxurious linens, thoughtful touches and a delicious homemade breakfast. I can’t imagine a better place to spend the night after exploring the charming town of Wytheville! www.trinklemansion.com
Aiken, South Carolina
Driving into downtown Aiken along South Boundary Road, enormous live oak trees form a shady canopy. It’s your first hint that this is no ordinary small town. In the late 19th century, Aiken was known as a winter colony for wealthy northerners. These winter residents built sprawling cottages and brought the sport of polo to this South Carolina town.
The polo tradition continues today, and you’ll find those aristocratic cottages in the horse district where street signs feature horses, and the sand-covered streets go easy on the horse hoofs. Be sure to snap a photo at the corner of Whiskey Road and Easy Street – an unbeatable intersection! Learn about local equestrian superstars at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame nearby.
Stories and Treasures of Aiken
Discover another intriguing layer of Aiken’s history at the Savannah River Site Museum located downtown. The brainchild of Walt Joseph, who worked at the site for 39 years, the museum shares the stories of sacrifice and resilience demonstrated by the more than 6,000 residents who gave up their homes to make way for the Savannah River Site. Other museum exhibits reveal the role Aiken played in producing materials used in the fabrication of the nuclear weapons that helped the U.S. win the Cold War with Russia.
In the center of town, you’ll find Hitchcock Woods – the largest privately owned urban forest in the country. Hitchcock Woods harbors 2,100 acres of long-leaf pine forest and offers 70 miles of trails. If you’re up for a hike, consider the moderate 3.3-mile Devil’s Backbone Loop which follows a wide trail of sand aptly named Sand River. You’ll likely encounter riders on horseback along the way. Be sure to yield to riders because horses always have the right of way here.
Shopping in Aiken
For shopping enthusiasts, Aiken delivers a bounty of eclectic options to explore. While women scout for fashionable finds at quaint shops like White Rose Eclectics, Fox & Lady and Caroline’s Boutique, gentlemen up their style game at an Aiken classic, Lionel Smith, Ltd. and children get into the act at Pitter Patter. Trot into Equine Divine to peruse a one-of-a-kind selection of horse-themed riches. Or peruse through charming antique shops to renew old treasures.
Where to Stay:
In 1900, Frederick Willcox opened the grand Willcox Hotel. In an era when wealthy Northerners flocked to Aiken to escape the cold and enjoy leisurely pursuits, The Willcox quickly became the social hub of the community. Over a century later it remains an elegant living room where locals and out-of-towners gather to enjoy a cocktail and reminisce about their day. A place of superb personal service, comfortable luxurious accommodations and exceptional cuisine, The Willcox continues to serve as an intriguing piece of history in the Aiken community. www.thewillcox.com
Clarksdale, Mississippi
Widely known as “Ground Zero” for blues aficionados from around the world, Clarksdale, Mississippi is unlike any other small town in America. Here you’ll find tumbledown shacks, juke joints and friendly residents eager to share their stories.
Dive right into the experience at Ground Zero Blues Club – a place for finger lickin’ and toe-tapping. On the menu, fried green tomatoes, Mississippi Delta catfish, and peach cobbler compete for your tastebuds’ attention. On the stage, the soulful sounds of the blues permeate the air. Next door, the Delta Blues Museum shares the stories of blues legends like Muddy Waters, B. B. King and more. More soulful sounds of the blues await in local juke joints around town including Bad Apple Blues where artist Sean Apple will no doubt be decked out in a flashy suit and hat as he shares his music and the story of his road to the blues.
The music theme continues as you browse the local shops. At the one-of-a-kind Deak’s Mississippi Saxophones and Blues Emporium you can order a custom-made harmonica and possibly catch a one-man-band show by Deak himself. Nearby, the mom-and-pop shop Bluestown Music showcases guitars and amps. Named for southern biscuits the size of a cat’s head, the eclectic Cat Head shop features folk art, records, and a host of unique souvenirs.
Beyond the Blues
Blues isn’t the only claim to fame in this fascinating town. One of America’s most prolific playwrights, Tom “Tennessee” Williams grew up here. Best known for favorites like A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Williams drew his inspiration for the famous characters from his Clarksdale neighbors. Delve into his stories at the Tennessee Williams Rectory Museum housed in the former rectory of St. George’s Episcopal Church, once occupied by Williams and his family.
Where to Stay
Immerse yourself in living history with a stay at the Shack Up Inn where restored sharecropper shacks serve as cabins. On the grounds, an original cotton gin converted into today’s bar and lobby provides a venue for live music and an unbelievable collection of pretty much anything you can imagine! www.shackupinn.com
On Monday, January 22 at 10 a.m., Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) will break ground on its long-awaited Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall.
This is the first of four major projects to occur on the university’s West Palm Beach campus. Under the God-Sized Dreams campaign, the bold capital plan will enable PBA to expand program offerings and build innovative spaces for students, industry leaders, and the public.
To date, PBA has raised over $48 million of its $75 million goal to construct the new business facility, thanks largely in part to a generous $26 million gift from business influencers John J. and Sheila Rinker and the Marshall & Vera Lee Rinker Foundation.
The six-story facility will complement PBA’s elite programs within the Rinker Business School, which earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) international accreditation in 2023. This distinction places PBA in the top six percent of business schools globally—and one of 10 Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) schools with the accreditation.
The 120,000-square-foot complex will feature a stock trading room, a 300+ seat lecture hall, the Titus Center for Franchising, and the LeMieux Center for Public Policy.
The expansion comes as PBA ushers in year two of record-breaking enrollment and West Palm Beach experiences remarkable growth. The city’s financial and wealth management district has garnered national attention as “Wall Street South,” making it an ideal place for students to intern and work with esteemed businesses—as demand grows for well-rounded young professionals who exemplify integrity, faith, and a commitment to service.
The Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall will also house PBA’s newest center of excellence—the Center for Financial Literacy, which will empower PBA students and community members to become financially literate through biblically-based courses and financial coaching.
In addition to the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, PBA aims to develop a cutting-edge health science complex, a state-of-the-art performing arts center, and an alumni and student welcome center under the God-Sized Dreams campaign.
With a new year before us, resolutions abound—from eating healthier to getting more sleep or exercise. This year, why not make hiking outside with your pup a priority? Palm Beach County is home to an amazing array of nature trails and paved paths to explore.
Depending on what type of trails you (and your pup) like, there are plenty of great options across the region. And with good weather all year, you and your dog can get outside, blaze new trails and make fun memories together now through December!
Before you hit the trail, don’t forget to:
Bring plenty of water for you and your fur baby
Always keep your dog leashed
Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day to protect your dog’s paws (and avoid dehydration!)
Remember the Leave No Trace (LNT) rules—including scooping your dog’s poop, throwing away trash, and respecting wildlife and other people
Palm Beach Lake Trail (Palm Beach, Florida)
Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Free | Type: Out and back
Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, the Palm Beach Lake Trail is a great place for those who prefer a more manicured experience. This 5.5-mile paved trail begins at South Lake Drive and ends at the Sailfish Club. Along the way, you’ll see iconic viewpoints—including the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the Royal Poinciana Chapel, the Society of the Four Arts, and much more. There’s also plenty of shade and benches along the way so you can stay cool, take in the view, and hydrate! *Bonus: You can also bike or rollerblade this trail with your furry friend.
John Prince Park (Lake Worth Beach, Florida)
Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Free | Type: Loop
This county park is a great choice if you love to choose your own adventure. With 4.5 miles of various paths, you can tailor your walk based on the distance you want to conquer. Many of the walking paths follow nearby canals, ponds, and Lake Osborne. There’s also Custard Apple Trail, which was the first nature trail created in Palm Beach County’s park system. The unpaved, half-mile interpretive trail winds through maritime hammocks and along marshes, giving you and your dog plenty of shade! Don’t forget to stop at Lake Woof Dog Park if you want to let your pup run off-leash and play with other dogs.
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Boynton Beach, Florida)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Cost: $10/daily | Type: Loop
Did you know this national wildlife refuge is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the nation? While dogs are not permitted on the Cypress swamp boardwalk, Lee Road, or the impoundments, you can take them on the Perimeter Levee Trail, which spans 36 miles total (although you don’t have to hike the whole thing)! The refuge conserves a small remnant of the northern Everglades, making it a fantastic place to spot wildlife like deer, turtles, alligators, and wading birds. Be sure to give wildlife their space! This trail is best in the cooler months, as there’s very little shade.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Hobe Sound and Tequesta, Florida)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Cost: $6 per vehicle (two to eight people) | Type: Various
Craving a taste of wild Florida? Look no further than Jonathan Dickinson State Park. There are several great trails to try, including Kitching Creek Nature Trail (1.5 miles) and the Green Loop Trail (5 miles). At this state park, you can hike through unique Florida ecosystems like pine flats, scrub and ancient dunes, and cypress swamps, giving you and your dog plenty of interesting views as you hike. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. As always, be mindful of wildlife—there are great opportunities to spot unique species like Florida scrub jays—during your hike. Don’t forget to check out the Hobe Mountain Trail—a short boardwalk that leads to an observation tower with a fantastic, birds-eye view of the park.
***
A creative thinker with a passion for storytelling, Hannah Deadman-Arnst is a full-time writer, communications professional and traveler. While she calls South Florida home, Hannah travels and works remotely in her camper with her husband, Ryan, and huskies, Buddy and Sapphire. She has explored 42 states, visited 36 national parks and, since 2021, has driven 20,000 miles with her RV. Born and raised in Chicagoland, her love for travel and the outdoors began at a young age—boating Lake Huron, exploring the woods, taking road trips, and having fun outside. She left her full time communications job in 2022 to pursue a freelance career and life on the road. With a background in journalism, arts & sciences communications, and tourism marketing, Hannah loves using stories to drive impact for people and organizations that enrich their communities. She is also a trained dancer and singer. When she’s not creating, she loves to photograph her travels, hike with her dogs, find really good coffee, and read. Follow her adventures at @hannaharnst!
On any given afternoon or night during the winter high school soccer season in Florida, Noah Yannie might be seen officiating a middle school or high school soccer game anywhere in Palm Beach County, often alongside yours truly. But, I quickly discovered that there’s more to this gentleman than meets the eye.
For many years, Noah, a native of Ohio, and his wife Liana have split their personal and professional lives between northern Ohio and south Florida. It’s fair to say that both of them are unique ‘snowbirds’ who arrive early and leave late!
Noah has a pair of professional pursuits in two sports: golf and soccer, both of which keep him busy in Ohio and Florida throughout the year. Depending on the time of year, he and Liana are traveling back-and-forth between their northern and southern homes, in order to be in sync with the fall collegiate soccer season in Ohio and the winter golf season in Florida. While Noah spends more time in south Florida each year than in northern Ohio, his heart and soul remain bound to the Buckeye state.
“I was born a Buckeye and I’ll always be a Buckeye, but I love Florida,” said Noah. Even his cell phone has a northern Ohio area code.
As for his advancing years, now 65, Noah tries to keep things in perspective.
“65 — it’s only a number,” said Noah. “But, it’s getting to be a big number!”
To get to where he is right now in life, Noah had a real job for years as he oversaw the collegiate intramural sports programs at four different universities (Dartmouth College, Princeton University, Purdue University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University) from 1985 — 2009, but not at the same time!
Right now, in golf, he promotes golf and sells golf clubs as a sales representative for Cobra/Puma and Tour Edge. In soccer, he promotes soccer, loves watching it on TV, and he’s a highly acclaimed whistle-blowing referee, as he once officiated an NCAA Division III final four soccer match. He’s always encouraging others he meets to consider being a soccer referee, too.
Right now, it’s a lifestyle that appeals to Noah and Liana.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Noah graduated from John Marshall High School in 1975. From there, he enrolled at The Ohio State University in Columbus where he graduated with a BA in European History in 1982 and with a Masters in Physical Education with an emphasis on Sport Management in 1985.
While enrolled at Ohio State, he played the trumpet in OSU’s famous marching band — “The Best Damn Band in the Land” — from 1975-80. He really enjoyed the Buckeye marching-band experience. During his five-year stint in OSU’s marching band, the football team qualified for a bowl game every year.
“While there, we went to the Rose, Orange, Sugar, Gator and Rose Bowls, in that order,” recalled Noah. “But, our football team only had a record of 2-3 against Michigan during those years.”
Oh, well, you can’t win ‘em all.
While he was a member of Ohio State’s band, which performed at home football games, he never had a chance to meet Ohio State’s then legendary head football coach Woody Hayes, but Hayes was a fan of the band.
“Woody spoke to the band many times,” said Noah.
While he’s no longer a member of OSU’s marching band, he still plays his trumpet.
“I play Taps at gravesites to honor Veterans who have died,” said Noah.
While he was studying at OSU, he developed his interest in being a soccer referee. It has become a lifelong attraction and affiliation.
“I have been officiating college soccer for 41 years,” said Noah. “It all started when I was in graduate school in the early 1980s. I have been officiating soccer for 46 years, if you count high school games and intramurals.”
And, he used his sport management skills to get a foothold in the golf industry, where he has worked on many different levels at many clubs over the years.
“I have worked in the golf industry for decades,” said Noah. “I have had stints working for a number of golf and country clubs in both Florida and Ohio.”
When it comes to spending time in Ohio, Noah and Liana are in Ohio from late summer to late fall.
“We are in Ohio from late August through November, in order for me to be a referee for the college soccer season,” said Noah.
And, then they pack their bags and head south, well in advance of the rest of the ‘snowbirds.’ And, Noah never forgets his golf clubs and his soccer whistle.
Health and Wellness Trends to Watch Out For in 2024
By Khanna Connections
A new year brings hope, promise of a brighter future and the chance to make a fresh start.
This is especially evident in new year’s resolutions with almost 50% of Americans promising to focus more on their health, both physically and mentally.
Every year, it seems there are new concepts to try – adaptogens, sound baths, focusing on the gut-brain connection – and 2024 is no different.
While wellness is less a trend and more a lifestyle, here are some fresh and easy ideas you can try to rejuvenate your routine and breathe new life into your wellness journey.
Customized Health and Wellness.
Everybody is different and every body is different. The one-size-fits-all aspect of care is quickly becoming a thing of the past and people are looking for health and wellness solutions personalized for their lifestyles and medical history.
“I wanted to make healthcare more accessible, personalized and affordable,” said Roshini Singh, National Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and founder of 365 Wellness, a direct primary care practice serving Palm Beach County. The practice focuses everything from chronic diseases management to acute care for infections and sprains to women’s health but takes a singular focus on healthy living and preventative care offering annual physical exams, nutritional counseling and smoking cessation.
“I am very passionate about preventative health care and strongly believe that if time is well spent focusing on this aspect of care, the lives of patients will continue to stay optimal,” said Roshini. “That is why I founded and created 365 Wellness.”
Nature As Your Gym
From running through your neighborhood to yoga in the park to horseback riding to paddleboarding, the warm South Florida climate offers residents a chance to be active in the sunshine essentially all year round.
If you’re looking for a way to get moving that doesn’t require any special equipment, costs a lofty fee and connects you with like-minded individuals, look no further than the Hot Girl Walk.
Founded by Mia Lind during the 2020 Pandemic as a way of dealing with the negative impacts of self-isolation, the Hot Girl Walk gained acclaim on TikTok with the hashtag #HotGirlWalk garnering millions of views and billions of hits.
The concept is as simple as walking itself – a four mile outdoor walk where you focus on three things – gratitudes, goals and how hot you are. The distance is a suggestion – you do what your body can manage – and the primary objective is not weight loss but rather the mind-body connection and taking a personal journey of introspection and reflection in the hopes of gaining a better sense of self confidence.
Hot Girl Walks have popped up all over Palm Beach County with West Palm Beach, Delray Beach and Lake Worth Beach all offering women a chance to come together in an inclusive and accessible way to work on their physical and mental health.
Blue Zone Diet and Lifestyle
Diets have been part of the American wellness landscape for centuries and now with more scientific research at our fingertips than ever before, Americans are focused on eating for longevity and taking their nutritional cues from the residents of Blue Zones – five areas across the world (Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Nicoya, Costa Rica, Ikaria, Greece and Loma Linda, California) where the populations have an extremely high percentage of folks who live to be over 90 and 100 years old.
In addition to eating whole, mostly plant-based meals, Blue Zone residents also build movement into their days in an organic way. Okinawans grow their own produce and garden as a means of staying active and also spend more time sitting on the floor, leading to increased flexibility. The Blue Zone Lifestyle also leads to better mental health outcomes with the Seventh Day Adventist community of Loma Linda connecting with their community through fellowship, volunteering and simply spending time together.
Wellness is an investment in yourself and your future and the thought of making a lifestyle change can be a daunting one but by making incremental changes like contacting a direct primary care practice for a personalized health assessment, going for a walk with a friend or choosing a plant-based meal over red meat makes a difference.
Take the first step today and before you know it, you’ll have traveled a thousand miles on your wellness journey.
The start of the new year is a great time to develop healthier habits for ourselves and the planet. Simple changes in our daily routines, like reducing the use of single-use plastics, can collectively make a substantial impact on the environment.
Every year, the world generates over 450 million tons of plastic, which lasts much longer than our lifetimes. They could end up in the ocean or landfills, taking years to break down— plastic bags take 20 years, takeaway coffee cups take about 30 years, plastic straws take 200 years, plastic bottles and cups take 450 years, and plastic toothbrushes take 500 years. If we don’t take serious action in reducing it, we will jeopardize the well-being of our ecosystems and future generations. (Below: plastic that ends up in the ocean).
For a clear reminder of our commitment, here’s an acronym of “PLASTIC WASTE,” outlining common plastic items, along with some practical tips on how to reduce their use this year and beyond:
Plastic bags: Carry your own reusable shopping eco-bags when shopping. Always keep a tote bag or foldable bag in your car, purse, or backpack for easy access when you head to the grocery store. Use cloth bags instead of plastics when buying fruits and vegetables at supermarkets.
Liquid bottles: Instead of plastic bottles,invest in a durable and reusable bottle or tumbler made of stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic to refill it throughout the day. When purchasing liquids, such as juice or cooking oil, select those in larger containers instead of individual small bottles to reduce overall packaging waste.
Anti-bacterial wipes: Wipes are a convenient way to clean and disinfect, but many of them contain plastic and other non-biodegradable materials that are specifically designed not to break down, potentially causing damage to sewers, babies, marine animals, and the planet.
Instead of disposable anti-bacterial wipes, use a reusable cloth, such as cotton and linen, which can be washed and reused many times before needing to be replaced. Look for all-natural cleaners that you can pour on those cloths to make a DIY wipe. You can also look for wipe products labeled as ‘biobased’ or ‘compostable’ to make sure you’re not causing harm to the environment.
Straws: In the U.S. alone, people discard 500,000,000 plastic straws daily, ending up in landfills and oceans forever. Invest in a reusable straw, typically made of stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone, to reduce the risk of endangering the lives of many marine animals and the ecosystem. More and more restaurants are moving away from plastic straws, so when you find one that uses paper straws, tell your friends and family about the establishment, to further support the environmental advocacy of the business.
Takeout containers and cutlery: Bring your reusable bag when picking up your takeout. Refusing to use plastic bags and cutleries every time you take out food could go a long way. When taking leftovers home, always ask for a compostable takeout container or get a collapsible silicone food container that you can carry in your bag every time, so you won’t need to worry about contributing to plastic waste.
Ink cartridges: Refill your ink cartridges instead of buying new ones. There are 350 million printer cartridges disposed of in landfills worldwide every year, and the plastic within the cartridge casing can take up to 500 to 1,000 years to decompose. Some big-box retailers like Walgreens and OfficeMax offer ink-refill services. If you want to do it yourself and save costs, many ink refill kits are made simple for the average consumer to use.
Cups: Opt for paper cups when hosting a house party or picnic. Disposable plastic cups are one of the single-use items that are difficult to recycle. In fact, the world uses 500 billion plastic cups every year, but only 1% of them get recycled. To reduce plastic cup waste, do not hesitate to use your personal reusable bottle or tumbler when ordering your favorite boba tea or iced coffee. Consider making these small changes to embrace an eco-friendlier lifestyle this year.
Wrappers: Buy items in bulk or larger quantities to reduce the need for individually wrapped products. Avoid frequent purchases of snacks or chocolates in plastic wraps. Instead, buy goodies packaged in paper or boxes like cookies, popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, and more. Avoid using plastic wrapping film when storing food like sandwiches; keep them in air-tight containers instead. Politely decline unnecessary plastic packaging when purchasing gift-wrapping bags. We aim to reduce plastic use, so let’s make conscious choices that align with sustainability.
Artificial plants and flowers: Choose natural plants and flowers instead of artificial ones to bring natural beauty and better air quality into your space. Dried flowers can also offer a unique and long-lasting aesthetic. The production of these non-biodegradable faux plants already contributes to carbon emissions that harm the environment. By shifting to natural options, we can minimize plastic and foster a greener home.
Sponges: While supermarket dish sponges offer good absorbency and flexibility in cleaning tableware and cookware, they come with significant downsides. A study found that everyday sponges can release both microplastics and even nanoplastics into the environment when used regularly. Most dish sponges are not recyclable and will unfortunately end up in landfills. Switch to using eco-friendly sponges like fabric sponges, natural loofahs, and other plant-based dish scrubbers to reduce your environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Toothbrushes: Switch to biodegradable or electric toothbrushes to reduce the overall toothbrush waste generated. A lot of these options are widely available in stores and online. What many people don’t know is that toothbrushes are not recyclable. If every person replaces their toothbrush every three to four months, as the American Dental Association suggests, roughly 29.4 billion toothbrushes are thrown away each year globally. By making a conscious choice in your toothbrush selection, you can significantly contribute to reducing this staggering waste.
Ecommerce packaging: Always select minimal packaging alternatives when shopping online. You can also go as far as buying only from brands committed to sustainable practices, including using minimal and recyclable packaging materials. Consider buying in bulk to reduce the amount of individual packaging per item. While e-commerce is already embedded in our daily lives, we can still contribute to a greener future by making thoughtful shopping choices in 2024.
Addressing plastic pollution may seem like an overwhelming issue beyond our control, yet change really starts with our everyday, simple actions. Every small action, when multiplied across communities and individuals, becomes a powerful force for positive environmental change. So, as we begin anew, let’s commit to making a difference!
