Earth Matters is an email newsletter published by the Environmental Coalition at Riderwood (ECO-R). Each newsletter is posted here in reverse chronological order, with the latest listed first. To search for specific information, type relevant keywords into the search box.
3/10/26 CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF YOUR AI USE?
Have you wondered how you may be affecting the environment when you make use of AI? While it’s true that AI is incredibly ‘smart’ and offers us access to an enormous array of knowledge and information, AI is not without environmental costs.
Keep reading2/14/26 WHEN GRAY GOES GREEN
If you care about climate change and want to do something about it, there is good news: you’re more powerful than you think. The numbers show that elders make up the lion’s share of voters when it comes to making climate voting priority number 1.
Keep reading2/1/26 THINKING ABOUT OUR FELLOW RIDERWOOD RESIDENTS—THE ONES WITH WINGS AND WEBBED FEET
Some people love them; others hate them.
I’m talking about our resident Canada geese, those giant waterfowl who live with us year-round, here at Riderwood. They can be fascinating to watch, as they fly in formation overhead or perch serenely on the pond’s surface. And they can be annoying, when we humans have to…
Keep reading1/21/26 WHAT NEW PLASTIC BAG LAWS MEAN FOR US AT RIDERWOOD
A few nights ago, when my husband and I entered the Giant store near Riderwood, I noticed something different. All the racks at the end of the check-out counters were empty. These are the metal structures that, until recently, held hundreds of single-use, thin white plastic bags into which the checkers loaded customers’ groceries.
Keep reading1/12/26 HERE’S TO HEALTHFUL INDOOR AIR
Most of us at Riderwood spend a great deal of time inside our apartments. Naturally, we want the air we breathe indoors to be of good quality.
Keep reading1/1/26 10 New Year’s Resolutions–for Mother Earth
I used to make New Year’s resolutions. As with many people, my resolutions were soon forgotten. But below are some resolutions that, with a little mindfulness and commitment, can be kept. And all will have a positive impact on our planet. 1. Avoid buying new.The many purchases we make in our consumerist society have a huge impact on the…
Keep reading12/19/25 GOOD NEWS FOR MOTHER EARTH
We all like a good news story. And here is some very good news that is truly a win-win–for people, and also for the natural world.
The Klamath River, which originates in southern Oregon and flows south to the Pacific Ocean through 250 miles of mountains and plains, is experiencing a population explosion of salmon!
Keep reading12/10/25 When You’re On the Receiving End. . . . . Making Your Gift List
In the last edition of EARTH MATTERS, we looked at gift giving with Mother Earth in mind. But gift giving is a two-way street.
Keep reading12/03/25 This Holiday Season–Give With the Earth in Mind
Tis the season of giving. ‘Tis also the season of waste. Every week during the holiday season, a million additional tons of waste are generated in the US, according to a Stanford study. And who hasn’t seen billowing trash cans in neighborhoods on the day after Christmas?
Keep reading11/26/25 Savor a Minute in Wilderness—from your home every day
If you are reading this email, then you have the opportunity to look in on—and listen to–a minute of life in wilderness. Every day. Thanks to a unique program called Nature 365, a one minute video is broadcast, free of charge, to individuals all over the world who sign up to receive these extraordinary…
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