Month: April 2022

2022-04-14T10:35:00

(BPT) – Beef has gotten a bad rap when it comes to environmental sustainability, and the important role cattle play in environmental conservation is often omitted from headlines. It’s true that cattle produce methane, a greenhouse gas, and industry leaders are working to reduce the amount of methane cattle’s digestive systems produce.

Dr. Ermias Kebreab, associate dean for global engagement in University of California-Davis’ College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, is studying the most effective feed supplements to limit climate impact. This, paired with the ecosystem benefits cattle provide, demonstrates cows are vital in sustaining healthy environments.

“My research is focused on how we can make cattle more sustainable and reach climate neutrality. Cattle already provide natural benefits by enriching soil quality through carbon sequestration. I want to take cattle’s environmental benefits one step further,” says Kebreab.

All too often the untold story is how cattle farmers and ranchers are actually helping to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, the world’s most abundant greenhouse gas, in the environment through grazing cattle.

Through grazing management and other sustainable practices, cattle ranching is positively impacting the environment — from the open space it preserves for wildlife habitat to the way cattle naturally regenerate soil and plant life which then capture carbon.

Still skeptical? Read on to see how cattle and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Capturing carbon

By simply grazing, cattle take part in carbon sequestration — the process of plants capturing and storing carbon dioxide underground ^[1]. In fact, proper grazing management is one of the best ways to store carbon in the soil ^[2]. This is because cattle recycle nutrients through the soil. They consume and digest plants and their manure enriches the soil, allowing new, healthy plants to grow quickly and effectively, and in turn, capture carbon ^[3].

Why is cattle’s role in carbon sequestration so important? U.S. soil holds up to 30% of the world’s carbon, and all that stored greenhouse gas is protected by the farmers and ranchers who graze cattle on that land ^[4]. If you were to develop on that land, you’d release all the stored carbon and rob the soil of its ability to capture additional carbon in the future ^[5].

Protecting biodiversity

Cattle and bison have naturally preserved the North American ecosystem for centuries ^[6]. Today, farmers and ranchers across the country graze cattle on varying landscapes and in a range of climates, preserving land that is home to countless species of plants and wildlife ^[7]. In fact, the land that U.S. ranching families manage preserves the habitat of hundreds of animal species, like butterflies, waterfowl, songbirds, elk, deer and countless others, including many that are on the endangered list ^[7,8].

Without farmers and ranchers grazing cattle on the land, habitats could be permanently destroyed by development, leading to the endangerment and possible extinction of plant and wildlife species.

Part of the climate solution

Through decades of research, innovation and improvement, the U.S. is the leader in sustainable beef production, but it doesn’t stop there. The beef industry is committed to continuous improvement and through programs like the Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program, farmers and ranchers across the country have access to the training and tools they need to continue to protect the land.

While grazing and grasslands are already storing carbon, offsetting emissions in the atmosphere and preserving open space, cattle farmers and ranchers know it is their duty to protect the land they have been entrusted to manage.

1. Smith, P. 2012. Soils and climate change. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 4: 539-544.

2. Schuman, et al. 2002. Soil Carbon dynamics and potential carbon sequestration by rangelands. Environmental Pollution 116: 391-396.

3. Scott, Dave. 2018. Livestock as a Tool: Improving Soil Health, Boosting Crops. NCAT.

4. Silveira, et al. 2012. Carbon sequestration in grazing land ecosystems. University of Florida Extension.

5. Follett, R.F., J.M. Kimble, and R. Lal. 2001.?The Potential of U.S. Grazing Lands to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers.

6. Neiburger, E.J. 1986. Central States Archaeological Journal. Vol. 33, No. 3, pp. 140-143.

7. Brunson, MW and L. Huntsinger. 2008. Ranching as a Conversation Strategy: Can Old Ranchers Save the New West? Rangeland Ecology & Management 61(2): 137-147.)

8. Barry, Sheila. 2021. Beef Cattle Grazing More Help than Harm for Endangered Plants and Animals.

2022-04-18T06:01:00

Climate-related policies and sustainability efforts are on the rise — and for a good reason. Since 1970, carbon dioxide emissions have increased about 90%, contributing to rapid climate change across the globe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To help reduce impact on the environment, many organizations are taking the necessary steps to reduce their carbon footprint and investing in high-quality carbon credits. These credits support carbon-reducing projects around the globe and help compensate for remaining emissions that cannot be reduced. Cool Effect is a non-profit dedicated to reducing carbon emissions around the world by raising interest and funding for the world’s highest-quality carbon projects.

In honor of Earth Month, here is a roundup of carbon projects that are verifiably reducing carbon emissions and creating real change in communities around the world, reinforcing the good on the ground.

1. Building biogas digesters

A biogas digester uses the action of anaerobic bacteria in an enclosed environment to break down animal and human waste to create and capture methane gas that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. The captured gas can then be used for cooking. Capturing gas from waste avoids the burning of coal or wood, which emits carbon into the atmosphere. The Cooking with Gas project in China will reduce roughly 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by providing 400,000 farming households with installation, maintenance, and repair of biogas digesters.

2. Protecting grasslands

Over 500,000 acres of grasslands were lost last year to farmland. As the most endangered ecosystem on the planet — according to the International Conservation of Nature — grasslands need protection. In fact, about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by land-use change and degradation. Unlike trees that store most of the carbon in their leaves and branches, grasslands store most of the carbon below ground in their roots. When grasslands are tilled, the root structure is ripped up and all the carbon stored in their roots is released. Cool Effect is working to protect grasslands in Montana and is encouraging other landowners to follow suit.

3. Planting along shorelines

Mangroves are tropical plants that adapt to wet soil, a balanced combination of fresh and salt water, and being submerged by tides. There are 120 countries with mangrove forests, all in danger of extinction. Although mangroves account for only 0.7% of the Earth’s tropical forest areas, they mitigate up to five times more CO2 than terrestrial trees and are among the world’s most productive and important ecosystems. They fight adverse effects of sea-level rise and protect lives and homes in vulnerable coastal areas from natural disaster, flood, and sea water inundation from storms, cyclones, and other extreme weather. They improve habitats for small fish and crustaceans and help filter harmful pollutants from land, among other benefits.

In Myanmar, a Blue Carbon initiative is also helping to fund social benefits in communities through the Sea of Change program supported by Cool Effect.

4. Constructing clean cookstoves

Using clean cookstoves helps avoid the inefficient burning of charcoal or wood to provide more complete combustion and cleaner indoor air. This reduces fuel use, and saves both time collecting and money needed to purchase it. In Honduras, the Breath of Fresh Air project is building these cookstoves in rural homes to protect miles of local forests and eliminate toxic smoke from households.

5. Forest conservation

Forest preservation and conservation efforts help protect forests around the world, contributing to emissions reduction, ecosystem protection and increased storage of carbon dioxide as biomass. The Seeing the Forest for the Trees project in Mexico uses funding from the sale of carbon credits to incentivize community residents to get involved in preserving and growing the biomass in their local forests, while supporting local families by providing clean water, creating community centers, improving family incomes, and more.

A single action can have a global impact, and investing in the highest-quality carbon projects that have been third-party audited ensures they contribute to carbon emissions reductions around the world. To download an infographic to better understand the lifecycle of a carbon project, and to learn more about how you can incorporate carbon-reducing projects into your climate action plan, visit https://www.cooleffect.org/about-us/cool-effect-model.

2022-04-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every year on the last day of school, kids of all ages sit and stare at the minute hand of the classroom clock awaiting the final bell signaling the start of summer vacation. While many children might daydream about three months of sleeping in, playing video games, and binging the streaming service show of the moment, what their souls crave is the connection and community unique to summer camp.

The CDC reports that children 8-10 years old are averaging six hours of screen time per day. Alarmingly, these numbers don’t even include any schoolwork-related screen time! Beyond the sedentary nature of time spent on a tablet, smartphone or watching TV, these “connected” devices are keeping kids more disconnected than ever — from their communities as well as the great outdoors.

Summer camp offers kids the opportunity to build character beyond the confines of an internet avatar. Whether parents send kids to sleep-away camp or simply drop them off locally for a day of fun, camp provides enough structure to keep kids screen-free, but also encourages open play. Under the guidance and protection of camp counselors, kids can explore the outdoors and make intergenerational connections at the same time, experiencing the sights, sounds and textures found in nature while learning vital social skills and improving physical fitness.

To make the most of the outdoors during a dog day of summer at camp, it is vital that kids are equipped with the necessary gear to keep them comfortable and protected. Summer camp must-haves include:

• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Durable backpack
• Multi-use water bottle
• Rain jacket

For many campers, hours outside mean hours on their feet and nothing can spoil a hike, relay race or kickball game faster than uncomfortable footwear. The experts at KEEN Kids have the summer styles guaranteed to keep happy little campers comfortable.

Hybrid Sandal for Sand and All

An easy on/off hybrid sandal is all about fun and worry-free protection and comfort. One featuring sturdy soles and toe protection will be every camper’s go-to no matter the terrain. Kids can simply pop them on with or without socks to conquer the beach, the trail, or even just the dining hall.

KEEN Kids Camper Essential: Newport H2

Water World … and Beyond

Part water sandal, part hiker, a quick-drying hybrid sandal gives kids the flexibility to move seamlessly from one camp activity to another. A water-friendly favorite, this style gives kids lots of grip and ground feel for navigating everything from rocky stream beds to playground structures.

KEEN Kids Camper Essential: Seacamp II CNX

Boot Camp

Whether honing their map skills or simply scoping out woodland creatures in their natural habitat, a durable hiking boot is a necessity. An ankle boot creates a barrier of protection from thorns and sticks, while waterproof boots can keep feet dry should campers come across any babbling brooks. Give blisters the boot with styles featuring flex technology that are easier to bend, requiring less energy with every step.

KEEN Kids Camper Essential: Ridge Flex Waterproof Boot

KEEN Kids summer camp styles don’t end here — visit KEENFootwear.com to learn more.

2022-04-15T14:59:00

(BPT) – For families with children diagnosed with autism or sensory processing sensitivities, traveling doesn’t have to be a challenge. Vacation destinations like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, have made it a priority to create a welcoming, inclusive and sensory-friendly experience that families can visit with confidence.

Since January 2016, Myrtle Beach has provided families with additional support and accommodations, making vacation possible and fun regardless of ability. In fact, the Champion Autism Network (CAN) has certified Surfside Beach and the City of Myrtle Beach as autism-friendly travel destinations.

Dozens of local businesses at The Beach — including attractions, hotels, restaurants and the Myrtle Beach International Airport — have come together to offer sensory-friendly experiences, specially trained staff, accessible entrances and travel discounts.

Below are several programs that welcome families and visitors with autism or a sensory processing diagnosis, making Myrtle Beach the ideal autism-friendly destination.

Safety & sensory-friendly programs

Through Project Lifesaver, the Myrtle Beach Welcome Center offers wristbands with a GPS tracker for children who are prone to wandering away, giving families peace of mind when visiting The Beach and other attractions. Through this search and rescue program, Myrtle Beach area police have been trained to quickly and calmly locate the person and return them to their family or caregivers.

The CAN Card is another important program that allows families to easily inform local businesses that they have a child with autism. Trained staff members at attractions, restaurants and hotels are then able to provide the support and specialized service to visitors, without families needing to say a word.

Sensory-friendly restaurants

Dining out can be a stressful experience for people with sensory processing sensitivities. Luckily, there are several participating restaurants at The Beach that strive to make dining a sensory-friendly experience.

Wait staff members are trained to seat guests in a quiet space, expedite meals and checkouts as needed and handle potential sensory-overload situations with understanding and compassion. With your CAN Card, you can also take advantage of special discounts and offers at participating restaurants.

Sensory-friendly experiences

Whether you’re visiting Ripley’s Aquarium, Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens or the local trampoline parks, you can depend on these attractions to provide sensory-friendly experiences.

Many participating hotels have also created safe and sensory-friendly experiences for children with autism and their families, including room placements, removing potentially dangerous or trigger items from rooms and coordinating unique experiences.

During your visit, check out the sensory-friendly events and program days that are offered throughout The Beach.

Airport quiet room

Before or after your flights at Myrtle Beach International Airport, you can head to the airport’s “Quiet Room” in the baggage claim area. This room allows families to decompress, grab a snack and confirm or adjust travel plans in a quiet, sensory-friendly atmosphere.

Before heading to your hotel, stop at the airport’s Visitor Center and pick up a free CAN Card.

More sensory-friendly experiences are in the works

Myrtle Beach continues to expand its autism- and sensory-friendly programs and initiatives to make The Beach even more accessible. Visit Myrtle Beach is actively recruiting members to join its new The Beach is for EveryBODY: Sensory-Friendly Advisory Panel.

The panel will focus on sensory-friendly programming and will consist of experts in the autism and sensory fields, as well as those with direct experience with an autism or related diagnosis. Members will help inform, guide and grow Myrtle Beach’s sensory-friendly programming this year and into the future.

To learn more about sensory-friendly initiatives and to plan your 2022 trip, check out VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

2022-04-14T06:01:00

(BPT) – Hybrid work is here. With indoor mask mandates lifting around the United States and news of major companies heading back into the office at least part time, workers can expect more meetings with a mix of remote and in-office participants from now on.

Fulfilling the hybrid promise will take time, testing and learning, not to mention evolutions in technology and culture. Here’s what you can expect if you’re heading back to the office this spring.

Building a resilient hybrid culture

We are living in a new paradigm — the value of work lies in what you do, not where you go to do it. Similarly, a strong workplace culture is no longer about the look and feel or in-office perks of a corporate campus. Culture is defined by the values that serve the company’s mission and unite the workforce.

Culture shifts that can help equalize the work experience for remote and onsite workers start with reinforcing that all types of participation are welcome and supported. Meeting frequency and formats should be reevaluated for the hybrid environment — how often should teams meet, who should be there, what types of meetings are best suited for the office, and more. Leadership styles should also adjust to ensure remote workers get equal attention and opportunity before, during and after meetings.

The office is its own experience

For the hybrid model to work, we can’t revert to pre-pandemic office behaviors. The past two years have proved that workers don’t need to be in the office to be productive. So what can the office offer if it’s no longer the hub of productivity? For starters, technology tools and space to create an experience workers can’t get at home.

The office serves as a business center, where workers can come to hold in-person meetings, collaborate, print documents and head home to finish their focused work.

Employers should reassess their space for simple solutions that make a world of difference for the hybrid worker. Concepts like hot desking can optimize office desk space, allowing employees who plan to work in the office to reserve a desk as needed. Hot desking maximizes your office’s floor plan and accommodates whoever needs to be on site any given day.

Meeting room systems also deserve extra focus, where modular or all-in-one solutions can add interactive features and improve the onsite experience. Those solutions could include a camera and sound bar that feature wide field-of-view, auto-framing and noise cancellation. And traditional boardroom furniture can be replaced by causal seating for more natural interactions.

‘You’re on mute’

It will naturally take time to master the art of facilitating more inclusive hybrid meetings. Remote participants may worry about not feeling heard, so they may not speak up at all. Onsite participants viewing a gallery can’t always tell who’s speaking and inadvertently cut one another off or hear the dreaded “you’re on mute.”

“Addressing hybrid collaboration challenges isn’t simply a matter of seeing and hearing more clearly or joining a meeting more easily. Technology must bring the same natural, in-person experience, with all its nuances, to virtual engagement — and it must deliver an equal experience for all participants,” said Shannon MacKay, General Manager of the Worldwide Smart Collaboration Business Group at Lenovo. “The kind of smart collaboration that fuels innovation must be powered by technology that’s ubiquitous, equitable and seamless.”