#zero-waste

#zero-waste

With toy safety concerns continuing to make headlines-from recent research finding potentially toxic elements like barium, lead, chromium, and antimony at levels up to 15 times above legal limits in plastic toys-buying gifts for children requires more vigilance than ever. According to a 2024 Toy Association survey , 45% of parents under 40 now consider a toy's sustainability credentials before purchasing.

Parmesan rinds are the ultimate zero-waste hack like a cheesy stock cube, they enrich stews, sauces and all sorts, and add pure deliciousness in the form of umami depth and creamy texture. Stored in the fridge or freezer, they keep almost indefinitely. This week's recipe uses them in a thrifty, creamy corn orzo that transforms a few simple ingredients into comforting autumn fare.

"It's a privilege to watch artists, fairgoers, and volunteers come together to create such a vibrant community in the redwoods," said Bev Abbott, Executive Director. "Each artist brings not only their work but also their passion, making the fair a place where connections are built year after year."

Many store-bought cleaning products contain toxins such as propylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide, and synthetic fragrances. They may smell good, but the odor could be harming you. Making your own cleaning products is an easy way to save money and reduce toxins in the home. If you have children, this can even be a fun family project. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a variety of products.

"A lot of these amendments are being made to align with our existing operations and existing outreach," McCombs said. "Our rules have over time kind of fallen out of date, and we're needing to kind of catch up and get to where we are as a department."