Issue Nº 503

Thursday

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

• Learn how to save your sweaters and the planet

• Eco-friendly straws that aren’t soggy

• Where to find unbiased daily news

• A DIY ugly holiday sweater, upcycled holiday gifts, and your planet personality…

• The quickest way to make dinner

Did You Know?

Using draft stoppers under doors can reduce energy waste by up to __%.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Save Your Sweaters, Help the Planet

Sweater season is here, but did you know many cozy knits can shed microfibers that end up polluting waterways? Synthetic fibers like polyester and acrylic release tiny plastic particles when washed, contributing to pollution in waterways.

Luckily, there is a bright side. With these easy hacks, you can keep your sweaters looking great, save money, and help the planet. Let’s see how:

• Wash Less Frequently: Your sweaters don’t need a wash after every wear. Spot-clean small stains and air them out instead. This saves water, reduces fiber shedding, and helps your sweaters last longer.

• Use a Gentle Cycle: When washing is necessary, stick to the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. This protects the fibers in your clothes, meaning fewer microfibers in the environment and longer-lasting knits for you.

• Try Out a Washing Bag or Filter: These tools catch tiny fibers released during washing, keeping them out of waterways. It’s an easy way to care for the planet while keeping your sweaters in top shape.

• Air Dry Instead of Using the Dryer: Heat and tumbling can weaken fibers and shorten the life of your clothes. Lay your sweaters flat to dry—it’s gentler and energy-efficient.

• Shop for Natural Fibers: Wool, cotton, and other biodegradable materials shed fewer harmful microfibers and are kinder to the environment. Next time you shop, look for sustainable options that will wear well over time.

• De-Pill to Refresh: A sweater comb or electric de-piller can remove fuzz and pilling, giving old sweaters a fresh, new look. It’s a quick, affordable fix that saves you from replacing them.

Keep your sweaters cozy and your environmental impact low. Join us in making sweater season a little kinder to the planet!

Finally, Non-Soggy Straws That Are Eco-Friendly

Soggy paper straws might soon be a thing of the past, thanks to scientists who’ve created a 100% biodegradable straw that doesn’t fall apart mid-sip. Made from plant-based materials, these straws maintain their structure during use but completely break down in just 30 days—unlike plastic straws, which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

What makes these straws so effective is the use of polybutylene succinate (PBS), a well-known biodegradable plastic, combined with cellulose nanocrystals, a natural plant fiber. This clever coating binds the PBS to the paper surface, creating a durable, water-resistant straw that holds up in liquids without compromising its compostability. Since cellulose is the same material that forms the main component of paper, the result is a straw that’s both strong and environmentally friendly.

Plastic straws are a major contributor to ocean pollution, harming marine life that can mistake them for food. Americans alone use about 500 million straws daily, most of which end up in landfills or waterways.

While paper straws were a step toward sustainability, their tendency to fall apart has made them less popular. These new straws solve that problem and offer a durable, eco-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice usability.

Innovations like this show how science can help bridge the gap between convenience and sustainability. Choosing products like biodegradable straws is an easy but meaningful step toward reducing waste and protecting the planet. Would you make the switch?

Receive Honest News Today

Join over 3.5 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Subscribe for free.

Quick Picks:

This week’s eco highlights include tips for crafting an eco-friendly “ugly holiday sweater,” creative upcycling ideas for unique holiday gifts, and a fun planet personality quiz:

• 🎄 DIY Holiday Sweater: Design your own ugly holiday sweater using everyday household items! Ocean Conservancy’s tips turn socks, bottle caps, and other odds and ends into festive, ocean-friendly creations. See how here.

• 🎁 Upcycle Your Holiday Gifts: Get inspired with creative upcycling ideas from TikTok. This video shows how everyday items can be transformed into holiday presents. From repurposed fabrics to handmade decor, these gifts are as meaningful as they are sustainable. Watch here.

• 🌌 What’s Your Planet Personality? Take BBC Earth’s quiz to find out which planet matches your personality! Are you bold like Jupiter or serene like Neptune? This activity is a unique way to explore how your traits align with the cosmos.

Reflections:

🌎 Did You Know: Using draft stoppers under doors can reduce energy waste by up to 20%. These simple tools prevent cold air from sneaking in, making your home cozier and cutting heating bills.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured in next Wednesday's newsletter