today’s tip

upcycling: a creative path to sustainability

Upcycling has become a popular way to reduce waste while adding unique, personal touches to everyday items. But how does upcycling differ from recycling?

Recycling breaks items down to raw materials to be remade, often requiring significant energy and potentially resulting in lower-quality products over time. Upcycling, in contrast, reuses items without altering their material state, creatively repurposing them into new, often higher-quality forms with minimal energy.

10 Creative Upcycling Ideas:

1. Light Bulbs into Mini Terrariums: Hollow out bulbs to house moss or small plants.

2. Tires into Garden Planters: Paint and stack for colorful, durable planters.

3. Mason Jars into Soap Dispensers: Add a pump top for a rustic dispenser.

4. Wine Corks into Bath Mats: Glue corks together to make a water-resistant mat.

5. Vintage Suitcases into Pet Beds: Add a cushion for a stylish, comfy pet bed.

6. Glass Jars into Pantry Storage: Use jars to organize pantry staples like grains, spices, and pasta.

7. Paint Cans into Planters: Clean out empty paint cans and use them to pot plants for a modern look.

8. Old Spoons into Garden Markers: Flatten and stamp spoons with plant names to label herbs and flowers.

9. Wine Cork into Keychain: Add a small screw eye to the top of a wine cork to make a floatable keychain.

10. Books into Shelves: Stack old hardcover books on brackets to make floating shelves for a literary touch.

Upcycling reduces resource demand, saves energy, and minimizes landfill waste while encouraging creativity. Next time you consider throwing something out, think of its upcycling potential—you might find your next project waiting in what you already own!

spotlight topic

outdoor holidays guide

Mark your calendar to celebrate these outdoor holidays in 2025! From honoring public lands to ringing in the summer solstice, each season offers unique opportunities to enjoy nature and create memories. This guide highlights some of the best outdoor holidays throughout the year, inspiring you to get outside and embrace nature in all its forms.

• First Day Hikes: January 1, 2025

  • Join hikers ringing in the New Year. In all 50 states, there are ranger-led programs and self-guided hikes to start the year off right.

• Global Recycling Day: March 18, 2025

  • Celebrate our planet’s health by embracing sustainable practices and promoting recycling awareness.

• National Parks Week: April 19 - April 27, 2025

  • Each day of National Parks Week has a special theme to showcase many ways to experience, learn, or get involved with National Parks.

• Earth Day: April 22, 2025

  • Demonstrate support for environmental protection. This is a great day to plant a tree, join a local clean-up, or attend an Earth Day event.

• Bike to Work Day: May 16, 2025

  • The name says it all! This is a great opportunity to bike to work and experience the commute in a whole new way.

• National Trails Day: June 7, 2025

  • This day is all about celebrating your local trails with your community. Join the movement to give back to your trails and build a world where everyone feels welcome and has access to enjoy the outdoors.

• Summer Solstice: June 20, 2025

  • Watch both the sunrise and the sunset to celebrate the longest day of the year!

• Car Free Day: September 22, 2025

  • Take a break from driving and explore alternatives. Try the bus, biking, walking, or running!

• National Take a Hike Day: November 17, 2025

  • Plan a hike on a local trail or nature preserve! With over 60,000 miles of trails in the National Trail System, there is no lack of opportunity to take a hike.

• National Public Lands Day: September 27, 2025

  • As the largest volunteer event dedicated to public lands, this is a great day to appreciate and give back to parks, forests, beaches, and other public lands.

Celebrating the outdoors can bring relaxation, adventure, and a stronger connection to the world around us. Let each holiday be an excuse to step outside, breathe fresh air, and appreciate all that nature has to offer!

a few words

2,830 steps

Over a long holiday weekend years back, I took a short getaway to Vancouver to tackle the Grouse Grind—a climb like no other. It’s 2,830 rugged steps carved into Grouse Mountain, each one testing my endurance and willpower. Unlike the stair master at the gym, this climb felt raw and real, surrounded by others pushing their limits, feeling the weight of every step.

Reaching the top brought a powerful sense of accomplishment; I paused to take in the view and appreciate what my body had just achieved. But the adventure didn’t stop there - I celebrated with zip-lining across the mountain, soaring through Douglas-firs and pine trees, then filled the rest of the trip with kayaking alongside whales and sea lions and walking the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Recently, I thought back to that experience while completing the Chad Memorial Workout: 1,000 steps up, wearing a weighted vest in honor of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson. Those memories of Grouse kept me going, reminding me of the strength we can find when we push through challenges. It was more than just a hike; it was a lesson in resilience and a reminder of how far we can go when we fully embrace the journey.

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