How To…
How To…
“How To” is one of the most important things that a CAC or Sustainability Committee has to know. The mantra of “self-education before educating others” is essential in any endeavor your group decides to get itself involved with. We’ve listed 50 How To” articles in honor of NYSACC’s 50th Anniversary this year, with 1 extra for good luck!
- How to write an environmental management plan: How to Write an Environmental Management Plan: 14 Steps (wikihow.com)
2. How to change from a linear to a cyclical production system: The Story of Stuff – YouTube
3. How to make your own produce bags: How to Make Produce Bags (DIY Tutorial) | Wellness Mama
4. How to Identify a healthy stream: How to Identify a Healthy Stream: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (wikihow.com)
5. How to make an Insect Hotel: How to build an insect hotel – YouTube
6. How to make local government more environmentally friendly: Local Governments: Be More Environmentally Friendly | Diligent Insights
Lena Eisenstein is the Commercial Alignment Manager for Content Strategy at Diligent Corporation. She builds and maintains content strategies that provide relevant, top-value thought leadership that resonates with directors and governance professionals. Lena graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.A. in English and a minor in journalism. She has dreams of fulfilling her passion for the wine industry and one day opening her own vineyard.
7. How to improve Collaboration in Local Government: 10 Steps to Improve Collaboration in Local Government (cityinnovatorsforum.com)
8. How to make local government confront climate change: 5 ways our governments can confront climate change | Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA) (aida-americas.org)
9. How to get local government into environmental protection: The role of government in environmental protection | Grist
10. How to become an environmental scientist: How to Become an Environmental Scientist: 13 Steps (with Pictures) (wikihow.com)
11. How to Become an Environmental Consultant: How to Be an Environmental Consultant: 6 Steps (with Pictures) (wikihow.com)
12. How to have both smart growth and economic success in your own municipality: Smart Growth and Economic Success: Strategies for Local Governments | Smart Growth | US EPA
13. How to plant trees for a reforestation project: How to Plant Trees for a Reforestation Project: 10 Steps (wikihow.com)
14. How to Pond Dip: How to Pond Dip: 15 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow
15. How to become a better and effective team leader: How to Become a Better and Effective Team Leader: 10 Steps (wikihow.com)
16. How to motivate your team: How to Motivate a Team (with Pictures) – wikiHow
17. How to control erosion: How to Control Erosion (with Pictures) – wikiHow
18. How to use the NYSDEC Environmental Notice Bulletin: How to Use the ENB – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
19. How to save the wetlands: 3 Ways to Save the Wetlands – wikiHow
20. How to use the NYSDEC Environmental Assessment Form: How to Use the EAF Workbooks – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
21. How to clean rivers: 3 Ways to Clean Rivers – wikiHow
22. How to use the NYSDEC DECinfo Locator Map – Mobile: How to Use the DECinfo Locator Map- Mobile (ny.gov)
23. How to take action to stop illegal logging: 3 Ways to Take Action to Stop Illegal Logging – wikiHow
24. How to use the NYSDEC DECinfo Locator Map: How to Use the DECinfo Locator Map (ny.gov)
25. How to help prevent brushfires: 4 Ways to Help Prevent Bushfires – wikiHow
26. How to understand the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA): How Does SEQR Work? – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
27. How to protect estuaries: How to Protect Estuaries (with Pictures) – wikiHow
28. How to see if your municipality has a Critical Environmental Area (CEA): Critical Environmental Areas – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
29. How to start an environmental club: How to Start an Environmental Club: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (wikihow.com)
30.How to subscribe to the NYSDEC Conservationist magazine: How to Subscribe – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
31. How to go plogging: How to Go Plogging (with Pictures) – wikiHow
32. How to Save the Forests: 3 Ways to Save the Forests – wikiHow
33. How to prune trees: How to Prune Trees (ny.gov)
34. How to protect trees during construction: 3 Ways to Protect Trees During Construction – wikiHow
35. How to control Giant Hogweed: How To Control Giant Hogweed – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
36. How to clean up a stream: How to Clean Up a Stream (with Pictures) – wikiHow
37.How to plant trees to fight climate change: 6 Easy Ways to Plant Trees to Fight Climate Change – wikiHow
38. How to understand a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (SPDES): FAQ about Permit Requirements of the SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges (ny.gov)
39. How to avoid algae bloom toxin: How to Avoid Algae Bloom Toxin: 11 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow
40. How to prepare Vermicompost: How to Prepare Vermicompost: 14 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow
41. How to create a bear-resistant canister: Bear Resistant Canisters – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
42. How to plant a tree successfully: How to Plant a Tree Successfully (ny.gov) and How To Plant A Tree – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
43. How to plant trees for a reforestation project: How to Plant Trees for a Reforestation Project: 10 Steps (wikihow.com)
44. How to Ice Fish: Learn How To Ice Fish – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
45. How to get children interested in conservation: 3 Ways to Get Children Interested in Conservation – wikiHow
46. How to see environmental webinars produced by the Hudson River Estuary Program: Conservation and Land Use Webinars – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
47. How to do anything: wikiHow: How-to instructions you can trust.
48. How to use a dog to fight invasives: A Dog’s Nose Knows–How to Help Fight Invasives (ny.gov)
49. How to identify, Prevent, and Control Oak Wilt: How To Identify, Prevent, and Control Oak Wilt (ny.gov)
50. How to reduce the use of pesticides: Reducing Pesticide Use – NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
51. How to Avoid Being Greenwashed In Food Purchasing? Source: foodrevolution.org
A. Bypass the Packaging and Read the Label
Don’t be fooled by pictures of fruit, farms or any other faux-branding. There are no regulations on the images a company can use on their packaging.
Even though you’re buying a bag of fried potatoes, the image on the packaging of fresh vegetables being pulled from the earth by a burly farmer can easily convince consumers they’re making a healthy choice.
B. Beware of Branding
Another deceitful trick of greenwashing is using earth tones to connote an all-natural vibe. Since the new era of consumers has shown a clear interest in health, brands have begun producing packaging with more greens, browns, and blues, and avoiding bright, flashy, and unnatural colors.
Once again, the visual does not necessarily represent the food. The only way to tell if food is truly healthy (whatever your definition of healthy may be) is to READ THE LABEL.
C. Look for Proof of Green Practices
Look for proof that your products are healthy. Products that are actually healthier and more sustainable will flaunt their certifications, so it shouldn’t be hard to find.
Some trustworthy seals to look for on your products are:
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification: USDA certification is a reliable source due to their regulations and rules that govern how a product is made from growth to manufacturing.
• Green Seal: Green Seal is an eco-friendly nonprofit that develops standards for companies to comply with to be labeled environmentally friendly.
• Non-GMO Project Verified: The Non-GMO Project is not yet the official certification for identifying non-GMO products, but right now it’s the leading verification. Since genetically modified organisms are a newer concept, there is no official certification yet. The Non-GMO Project is a difficult seal to attain because it requires absolutely no GMO’s down to the cow, plants, and seeds.
D. Stop Trusting the Slogans
A company cannot claim to be “all-natural” if it is blatantly adding chemicals to its products. But there are many ways for “all-natural” brands to side-step the loose vernacular. Since the FDA doesn’t regulate the term “all-natural,” there are no official rules or regulations around the slogan.
Often, companies will use ingredients with compounds derived from plants mixed with synthesized compounds. The only way to truly know if a product is all-natural is by checking the ingredients and researching anything you’re not familiar with.
E. Know What Being Green Really Means
Labels and certifications can refer to a number of different aspects of a product. There is a wide spectrum of practices that go into food production. Does “sustainably produced” mean a commitment to minimal packaging, farming practices, or efficient manufacturing?
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