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July’s Hot. Plastic’s Not. Here’s How to Use Less of It. Because no one needs another rogue bread bag in their life. Ever notice a plastic bag flapping in a tree and thought, “Yup, we’re the problem?” Same. July is a great time to take action—without spiraling into zero-waste guilt. Welcome to Plastic Free July, Field Trip-style: a month to try, not perfect. Go for progress, not purity. Here’s the deal: Plastics are everywhere. And while it’s tough to avoid them entirely, we can kick a few habits to the curb. Research shows that most Americans use plastic the most in these areas—so we’re starting there, with practical swaps that actually stick. Field Tip: Try These 15 Plastic-Free Swaps 1. Bottled Water Americans buy nearly 50 billion plastic bottles a year. → Swap it:  Bring a reusable water bottle everywhere. Your bag, your car, your desk—make it a habit. 2. Packaging & Single-Serve Snacks Packaging is the #1 source of plastic waste in the U.S. → Swap it:  Buy in bulk, skip the mini chip bags, and store snacks in jars or beeswax wraps. Better for the planet and your pantry. 3. Plastic Produce Bags Those flimsy bags at the grocery store add up fast. → Swap it: Bring your own cloth or mesh produce bags—or skip the bag entirely for thick-skinned items like citrus or squash. 4. Pre-Packaged, Processed Foods Most convenience foods come wrapped in plastic trays or sealed pouches. → Swap it: Buy whole fruits, veggies, and bulk items at your local farmers market. Less plastic, more flavor. 5. Takeout Containers & Utensils Styrofoam, plastic lids, and single-use cutlery are takeout staples. → Swap it: Eat in when you can, bring your own container, or ask for no utensils when ordering out. Our favorite reusable takeout or lunchbox containers are Indian tiffins like this one from Serrve International . 6. Grocery Bags The average American uses 365 plastic bags a year. → Swap it: Keep reusable tote bags in your car, bike basket, or backpack. Bonus points for ones that fold up tiny. 7. Coffee Shop Trash Lids, stirrers, sleeves—it adds up fast. → Swap it:  BYO mug. Most cafés are cool with it—and some even give discounts. (Need a reusable mug? Pick up a Field Trip mug at our Outfitters shop .) 8. Bathroom Bottles Shampoo, conditioner, body wash—the shower is a plastic parade. → Swap it:  Try shampoo bars, bar soap, concentrated products, or refill stations. I am a big fan of Everist  for their sustainable packaging, recyclability, and products that pack a mighty punch despite being compact. Everist products last a long time and have been a blessing to my skin and hair. 9. Plastic Straws Used for minutes, trashed for centuries. → Swap it: Just say no, or carry a metal or silicone straw if you like sipping smoothies or iced drinks. 10. Event & Party Trash Red Solo cups, plastic forks, and snack bags? Classic waste traps. → Swap it:  Use real dishes, serve snacks in bowls, and pour drinks from pitchers. It’s better for your wallet and your vibe. Our favorite swap for Solos? Pirani tumblers . Same fun vibe, better colors, reusable, stackable (perfect for camping!), and lidded! 11. Online Shopping & Shipping Waste All those bubble mailers and shrink-wrapped boxes? Yikes. → Swap it:  Consolidate purchases, buy local when possible, or choose plastic-free shipping options at checkout. 12. Travel Toiletries Tiny bottles = big waste. → Swap it: Use refillable travel containers and solid toiletries for less mess and less plastic. 13. Cleaning Products Spray bottles, pods, and wipes are often single-use. → Swap it: Try concentrates or refillable options in glass bottles. Blueland  offers many cleaning products that are not only better for the planet but work beautifully, smell amazing, and save you loads of room in your cabinets. 14. Soft Plastics (Wraps & Films) Not curbside recyclable in most cities. → Swap it: Avoid products shrink-wrapped in plastic. Reuse bread bags or recycle soft plastics at store drop-offs. 15. Telling Just One Friend Behavior change spreads through conversations. → Swap it:  Share a tip, a link, or a clever swap. Normalize the idea that progress > perfection. This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.

Ditch the Bra: Save a Turtle I know a lot of us can relate: there comes a time in the life of a bra when it’s just… done. The elastic’s shot. The straps are giving up. And while we love donating used clothes, most places don’t want your worn-out undergarments (and we get it). But before you toss that bra in the trash, consider this: that tired bra might be exactly what a turtle needs to survive. Yup, it’s a real thing. Wildlife rescues across the country are using bra closures — the little hook-and-eye bits — to help mend broken turtle shells. A surprisingly smart, science-backed solution that’s giving these slow-moving reptiles a second shot at life. Let’s break down why this works—and how to help. Shells Are Not Armor — They’re Bone Let’s start with a myth-buster: turtles don’t “live inside” their shells. They are their shells. It’s a living, feeling part of their body — made from about 50 bones, including ribs, spine, and shoulder structures, all fused into one bony shield. It’s wrapped in keratin (same stuff as your nails) and full of nerve endings. So when a turtle gets hit by a car or attacked by a predator, and that shell cracks? They feel it. Deeply. This isn’t cosmetic damage — it’s trauma. How Bra Hardware Saves Shells Here’s where your old bra gets a heroic second act. Wildlife rehabbers figured out that the little “eye” closures on bras can act like tiny brackets. They gently secure them on either side of a turtle’s shell fracture using medical screws, then loop wire or zip ties between the fasteners to hold the cracked pieces together — kind of like a reptilian back brace. It’s cost-effective, lightweight, adjustable — and it works. With antibiotics, time, and rehab TLC, the shell can heal itself. Field Tip: Don’t Just Mail It — Call First Wildlife centers sometimes need to shift their focus or locations, so before you send your donations, give them a call to confirm they still need them — and that you have the correct address. Even better? Reach out to your local wildlife rehab. Many help turtles and would love your support close to home. Where to Send Bra Fasteners Carolina Waterfowl Rescue PO Box 1484, Indian Trail, NC 28079 704-668-9486 https://cwrescue.org Wildthunder Wildlife & Animal Rehab 2584 Henley Ave, Independence, IA 50644 319-961-3285 https://www.wildthunderwars.org Turtle Rescue & Rehab Program PO Box 687, Ladson, SC 29456 843-801-6224 https://turtlesanctum.org/trrp.htm Upstate Turtle Rehab & Conservation 864-325-7528 https://upstateturtlerehab.com Know a rescue we missed? Drop us a line at talktous@explorefieldtrip.com  and we’ll add them to the list! How to Help Turtles Safely If you spot a turtle crossing the road: • Move them in the direction they were heading • Never pick them up by the tail (that can dislocate their spine) • Support their body evenly — they feel pressure on the shell • Don’t relocate them — they’ll just try to return If the turtle is injured? Call a licensed wildlife rehabber. Don’t DIY shell surgery, no matter how crafty you are with bra bits. Dig This: Turtle Facts to Impress Your Friends • Turtles don’t leave their shells — they’re literally fused to them • Many turtles feel touch, warmth, and pressure on their shells • Some turtles can live over 100 years • Their shells grow with them, like living armor • Turtles can breathe through their butts (yep, it’s called “cloacal respiration”) • Healing a cracked shell can take weeks to months — but it’s possible

The Great Skeeter Stand-Off (And the Winner Might Surprise You) Sponsored by Frank's Skeeter Sticks, a brand we genuinely love and trust. The Eternal Summer Buzzkill Let’s be real: mosquitoes are the worst. You could be soaking up that golden-hour magic or sleeping under the stars—then wham. You’re a buffet. Every outdoorsy person I know has their “mosquito moment,” and I’ve had plenty. I’ve also tried everything in the natural bug-off arsenal: sprays, bracelets, plant oils, citronella coils…you name it. So imagine my surprise when something finally worked. Enter the Skeeter Stick That Doesn’t Suck The first time we used one of Frank’s Skeeter Sticks , it was after a heavy summer rain—peak bite o’clock. We lit one up at our campsite and waited for the usual ankle ambush. But… nothing. Not a nibble. Here’s why Frank’s Skeeter Sticks have earned permanent space in my camp bin: • They burn for up to eight hours. That’s legit all-evening coverage. They’re made with ingredients I can actually pronounce  (citronella, cedarwood, peppermint, lemongrass, and rosemary). The scent is woodsy-spa meets backyard bonfire.  A neighboring camper wandered over to ask what smelled so delightful. That never happens. They don’t harm beneficial bugs, pets, or my skin. If I only need an hour or two, I just snuff the stick and save the rest.  No waste, no fuss. I can recycle all of the packaging.  And, the sticks burn cleanly and completely, so no waste there, either. If you’ve been burned by natural repellents that don’t deliver, trust me—I’ve been there. Frank’s Skeeter Sticks actually does the job. Other Ways to Outsmart Skeeters Because every good bug defense is layered like a solid trail lunch: • Ditch the ditchwater:  Empty standing water from planters, toys, and gear. Skeeters love standing water. • Dress like you mean it:  Loose, light-colored clothes confuse hungry mosquitos. • Skip the sweet stuff: Fragrances like perfumes, scented deodorants, and lotions, can draw bugs in like a moth to a cupcake. •  Hang when they hide:  Mosquitoes love dawn and dusk. Plan accordingly. •  Add some airflow:  A fan on your porch or tent flap can send them packing. But even with all that prep, you still need a solid first line of defense—and this is where Frank’s Skeeter Sticks  shine.  Because while airflow and long sleeves help, nothing beats lighting a Frank’s and watching the bugs peace out. For the Road (or Backyard, or Balcony) Whether you’re camping in the wild or hosting a backyard dinner, a little smoke goes a long way. I stick one of these babies in a pot of dirt, light it up, and let it do its thing. If you’ve been burned by natural repellents that don’t deliver, trust me—I’ve been there. Frank’s actually does the job. This content is sponsored by Frank's Skeeter Sticks. Field Trip always tests products before recommending them to our readers. We genuinely love and trust the brands you find featured on our platform.

Retro Romance: Our RV Getaway at Spacious Skies Sponsored by Spacious Skies, a brand we genuinely love and trust. We’re in our twenties, heads full of adventure—and zero desire to haul gear. So when Spacious Skies  Walnut Grove in Maine offered a retro seafoam green RV already set up and ready, it was a heck yes from both of us. We rolled in, kicked back, and soaked up every bit of an easy, outdoorsy getaway. Glamping Ease: Retro RV Vibes Pulling up to a vintage-looking camper that’s already hooked to power, leveled, and stocked felt like showing up at a friend’s place with all the charm but none of the setup stress. Inside—faux wood paneling, retro prints, and a comfy bed — instant cozy without ever pitching a tent. Couple’s Campfire Game Our first evening? We built a campfire, popped open some beverages, and brought out the cribbage board. Prompted by the crackle and a star-filled sky, we cozied up for a chill evening to relax after a long week of work. Jumping Pillow & Poolside Chill After a casual morning spent poolside, we spotted a huge bouncing pillow—like a trampoline and a bouncy house had a baby. We hopped on and competed to see who could squeal the loudest mid-air. Gem Mining Later, we sifted through buckets and sieves, pulling out sparkly surprises (obsidian, quartz, bit of bismuth) at the on-site gem mining. We laughed watching each other’s expressions turn from “What is that?” to “Whoa!” Back at the RV? More campfire. More laughs. More “what’s next?” in our voices. Sometimes nothing beats the simplicity of discovering shiny rocks and each other. Disc Golf at Dusk Date night consisted of heading to a nearby disc golf course. We high-fived, teased, and discovered that sometimes your fiercest competitor is also your best friend and partner. Why We’d Go Back No setup stress = more time doing things we actually love Affordable glamping—the cutest seafoam retro RV + amenities = bang for our buck Activities galore—nearby disc golf, swimming, gem mining, jumping pillow, trails, and—oh, the stargazing! Warm, friendly staff—like visiting family who really want you to have fun Spacious Skies Walnut Grove provided us with the perfect getaway: all the comforts of glamping, combined with killer outdoor options and a zero-to-do list. It was laughter, love, and late nights. Want to plan your own getaway? Check out all the Spacious Skies  locations to find your perfect stay. This content is sponsored by Spacious Skies. Field Trip always tests products and venues before recommending them to our readers. We genuinely love and trust the brands you find featured on our platform.

The Finches Are Watching You (So Please Wash the Feeder) They’re back. They’ve got opinions. And they’re a little crusty. I’ve always had a soft spot for birds that feel a little… scrappy. Chickadees with bedhead. Grackles who strut like they own the patio furniture. And House Finches? They’re the red-headed regulars at the backyard buffet — and they’ve been through some things. I didn’t know this until recently, but House Finches nearly got wiped out by a gnarly eye disease that left them blind—literally. Swollen, red, sealed-shut eyes. It’s called Mycoplasmal conjunctivitis (aka House Finch Eye Disease), and it swept through the Eastern U.S. in the ‘90s like an avian horror flick. Spoiler alert: they’re still here. But they could use our help. How House Finches Became Urban Legends Let’s rewind. These finches weren’t even supposed to be here. They’re native to the West — desert birds, mostly — but thanks to an illegal pet trade in the 1940s (yes, really), a bunch of finches were released in New York after people freaked out about getting caught. A few dozen survived, bred like feathery champs, and by the ’90s, House Finches had taken over the East Coast and were pushing back west to meet their OG desert cousins. Basically, House Finches are tough. Charming. Undefeated. And then… they started going blind. The Disease That Tried to Take Them Out Around 1994, bird watchers in Maryland started seeing finches with red, crusty eyes — so swollen some birds couldn’t see. That’s a death sentence in the wild. Turns out, the birds had caught Mycoplasma gallisepticum, a bacterium that normally hangs out in poultry barns, causing respiratory infections in chickens and turkeys. Somehow, it jumped to finches — and instead of lungs, it went straight for their eyes. Within two years, it spread across the Eastern U.S. and into Canada. No vaccine. No cure. Just a lot of sad-eyed birds and a growing pile of questions. Enter: Backyard Science Heroes This outbreak came at the perfect (and terrible) time to become a massive citizen science project. Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch mailed out paper forms — this was the ’90s, remember — asking bird lovers to report what they saw. Over a decade, 10,000+ volunteers submitted hundreds of thousands of reports, helping scientists track the disease’s spread in real-time. Despite the odds, House Finches pulled off a comeback.  Some built up resistance. Others dodged the worst of it. And thanks to thousands of backyard birders paying attention, scientists were able to track the outbreak, learn from it, and help us all do better. The House Finches are not bulletproof, but they’re bouncing back. And today, they are not only holding on—they’re thriving in yards across the country. With a little help from clean feeders and observant humans, they’ve gone from almost-out to “Hey, are those guys judging my suet again?” Today, House Finches are listed as a species of Least Concern — but they’re not totally in the clear. That’s where we come in. Field Tip: How to Keep Your Feeders Finch-Friendly Here’s what you can do to help keep House Finches (and other birds) healthy: Clean your feeders at least monthly Use a 9:1 water-to-bleach solution Dismantle the whole thing if possible Rinse and dry completely before refilling Spread them out Give birds space to feed without crowding Think “al fresco cafe,” not “Black Friday buffet” Rake underneath Clear old seeds and poop to avoid mold + bacteria build-up Spot a sick bird? Take down feeders for a few days Let the sick birds disperse before refilling Report what you see to Project FeederWatch Why It Matters This isn’t just about House Finches. Birds that use backyard feeders — Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Evening Grosbeaks — can all pick up this disease. And the more we crowd them together with dirty feeders, the more we increase the risk. But the good news? You don’t need a PhD or a nature preserve to help. You just need a scrub brush, a backyard, and some bird-watching curiosity.

Creature Gods and Sacred Beasts: How Ancient Egypt Worshipped Wildlife The gods had feathers. And fur. And maybe a few fangs. You probably already know the ancient Egyptians loved cats. (And by “loved” I mean literally deified and mummified them.) But what blew my mind walking through my recent visit to the King Tut Immersive Experience  was how many animals were woven into the spiritual, political, and ecological fabric of life. Everywhere you looked — a crocodile-headed god, a jackal-shaped guardian, a falcon soaring — animals weren’t just decoration. They were messengers. Protectors. Royalty. Divine. And suddenly I started thinking: What if we treated the animals around us like that today? Not with mummification (please no), but with reverence. Respect. The kind of awe that says, “You’re part of something bigger. So am I.” The Divine Animal Roster (Just a Few Highlights) Here’s a quick roll call of Egypt’s spiritual powerhouses — most of whom walked, flew, or slithered the earth: Bastet: The goddess of protection, fertility, and home life… with the face of a cat. Anubis: God of embalming and the afterlife — jackal-headed, often shown leading souls across the desert. Horus:  Sky god with a falcon’s head and a killer eyeliner game. Symbolized kingship and the sun. Sobek: Crocodile god of strength, fertility, and protection — he was scary and sacred. Thoth: The ibis-headed god of wisdom, writing, and the moon. Basically the original nature nerd. Khepri: Represented by the scarab beetle, he symbolized rebirth and the rising sun. Yes, a literal dung beetle was a god. Why Animals Got the Spotlight In ancient Egypt, animals weren’t pets. They were portals. A way to understand the cosmos, make sense of death, and stay connected to the natural world. Some historians think Egyptians observed animals so closely — their behavior, their habits, their patterns — that they began assigning them divine roles. Falcons soared high and saw far? Must be the god of the sky. Jackals lingered near cemeteries? Afterlife guide. They were also deeply seasonal. Crocodiles symbolized the flooding Nile. Scarabs represented the sun’s daily rebirth. It was all cyclical. Rhythmic. Sacred. So What Do We Do With That Now? We don’t need to start worshipping the local raccoons (though, honestly, I’ve met a few that deserve it). But there’s something powerful about the idea that animals are not just cute or useful — they’re worthy of deep respect. Some conservation orgs already lean into this. Think of the reverence around wolves, bison, and panthers. But what if we expanded that energy to… well, everything? Could we protect more species by telling better stories about them? Could reverence replace fear when it comes to misunderstood animals? (Hi, snakes.) Could seeing animals as sacred shift how we treat their habitats — and by extension, our own? Want to Spot These Ideas In Real Life? If you visit the Tut exhibit, here’s what to keep an eye out for: Statues and wall art showing gods with animal heads — note what traits those animals symbolize Mummified animals in the burial chamber replicas Hieroglyphs that include beetles, owls, lions — a whole pictographic language of nature Amulets and jewelry shaped like falcons, cobras, and scarabs — ancient wearable wildlife Field Tip: You Don’t Have to Go Back in Time to Practice Reverence Next time you’re out on a hike, try a little Egyptian-style observation. Which animals are around? What are they doing? What qualities do they embody? The answers might surprise you. And they might help you remember that reverence doesn’t have to be ancient. It can be as modern as pulling your car over to let a turtle cross the road.

Camping Kayt Is Fun Kayt: How Getting Outside Helped Me Unclench Safety Is My Love Language When my husband and I were dating, we talked about the Five Love Languages  like every overachieving couple trying to do it “right.” His was probably words of affirmation. Or physical touch. Mine? Safety. Not technically one of the official love languages, I know. But after years of white-knuckling my way through a high-stress marriage to someone navigating addiction, my nervous system had built a little shrine to control. I was the queen of over-performing, over-scheduling, and over-correcting. Micromanaging everything from how the dishwasher got loaded to how a tent got staked. I’m in a different place now. Second marriage, six years strong. A kind, funny, steady, loving husband who teaches special ed and runs his own handyman business, all while supporting my business and my weird brain. We both volunteer. We both have our own hobbies. We both juggle way too much. And last weekend, we finally stopped. We camped. The Creek, the Rain, and the Sleeping Bag That Didn’t Need Me We camped at Moonshine Creek, a quiet little spot just outside Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. The place was magical for us — not because of any one big thing, but because of all the little ones. Our tent site was tucked next to the creek, with flowers blooming and water babbling loud enough to drown out any camper noise. I swear that creek was tuned to the exact frequency of “soothing.” It started raining as we set up camp. Which, normally? Stress-inducing. But something about poncho-wrangling a tent with a man who laughs easily made it not just bearable, but borderline fun. It felt like building a tiny fortress — not just from the rain, but from the entire to-do list of our lives. By the time we were packing up to leave, I had a moment. A real, lightbulb-in-the-woods type of moment. I looked over and realized Liam was rolling up the double-wide sleeping bag… his way. Not the “best” way. Not the “tightest roll gets the medal” way. And I didn’t say a thing. I even joked about it, “I slept in, I’m lounging about, I’m eating camp leftovers for breakfast, and I’m not micromanaging your packing strategy. Camping Kayt is fun Kayt!” He looked up and smiled: “Camping Kayt is fun.” Reader, he noticed. The Science Says Nature Works (Even If You’re Type A) I’m not the only one who feels better outside — science agrees, big time. (Come on, you didn’t think I’d skip the research, did you? You can take Kayt into the wild, but you can’t take the wild curiosity out of Kayt.) • A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that just two hours a week in nature significantly improves mental well-being. (Imagine what two hours a day could do!) • The American Psychological Association reports that spending time in green spaces reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, and may lower blood pressure and anxiety symptoms. • And a 2022 meta-review in BMC Psychiatry confirmed that nature-based interventions — like hiking, forest bathing, or yes, camping — can help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and burnout. It doesn’t magically fix everything (therapy and meds are still part of my wellness toolkit), but nature adds something none of those can: a place where nothing demands perfection. The tent doesn’t care if you packed the “right” sleeping pad. The trees don’t judge your breakfast choices. You can be exactly who you are — sweaty, sleepy, silly — and that’s enough. Field Tip: Trade Control for Curiosity Micromanaging is often a trauma response, not a personality trait. If you’re used to keeping your world spinning so it doesn’t fall apart, letting go can feel like danger, not peace. Camping, being outdoors, helped me retrain that instinct — slowly. Now, when I feel myself starting to grip too tight, clench my jaw, tell my husband the tall cups actually need to be placed on the right-hand side of the dishwasher,  I ask: Would Camping Kayt worry about this? Usually, the answer is no. Why I Keep Coming Back to the Woods It’s not that Pisgah National Forest is “better” than the beach. It’s just that being outdoors more often — wherever I can get it — helps me remember who I am when I’m not over-functioning. Camping strips away the noise. Literally and figuratively. It reminds me that safety isn’t just a love language I invented out of necessity — it’s a real, felt thing I can create with the right man, in the right moment, in the right patch of forest. And sometimes that patch comes with leftover s’mores for breakfast. Yum! 5 Ways Camping Calms an Overthinking Brain 1. Nature Physically Lowers Stress Hormones You’re not imagining it — your body actually chills out in the woods. A 2019 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower cortisol levels. Add a full weekend of fresh air, trees, and no inbox? Your nervous system gets to take off its metaphorical bra and breathe. Bonus points if there’s a creek nearby. Nature’s white noise machine > Spotify. 2. There’s No “Perfect” Way to Toast a Marshmallow Camping rewires your perfectionism. Out there, good enough is great. The tent goes up — maybe lopsided. The coffee tastes like trees. Your hair is its own ecosystem. You’ve ditched the literal bra. And somehow, all of it is exactly right. That freedom from control? It’s medicine for the micro-managers and spreadsheet schedulers among us. 3. It Forces a True Exit From the To-Do List You can’t vacuum a rug that isn’t there. You can’t check email with zero bars. Camping pulls you out of your chore-filled home environment and into a space where the only thing that needs managing is whether the firewood is dry. Getting a few hours from home helps create mental and physical separation from stressors — a proven strategy in trauma recovery and burnout prevention. 4. You Create Something Together Even a basic car camping trip is a team project. You’re building a temporary home, cooking dinner from scratch, solving tiny logistics together. Research from the Gottman Institute shows that shared experiences — especially in nature — strengthen emotional bonds and build what they call “positive sentiment override.” Translation: you’re more likely to see each other through kind eyes, not just task-master lenses. (And if one of you burns the veggie burgers, you’ll probably laugh about it later.) 5. You Remember Who You Are Without the Noise Camping offers a reset button — not just for your brain, but your identity. Out there, you’re not “the one who keeps it all together.” You’re just a person. A human being. A human. Being. Listening to the creek, feeling the breeze, smelling the campfire, tasting the marshmallows, watching the stars, and remembering what calm feels like—in your bones. And if you can take a little of that back home with you? That’s just magic.

Paper or Pixel? What’s the Most Sustainable Way to Read Are physical books or e-readers better for the planet? Let’s break down the facts, feelings, and footprint of your reading habit. I just saw more books in one place than I’ve seen in my entire life. My husband and I recently hit up this wild monthly Book Warehouse event in Easley, South Carolina — and folks, when they say “warehouse,” they’re not being cute. Picture a Lowe’s or Home Depot. Now replace every paint can and lumber rack with towering rows of books. We’re talking thrillers, cookbooks, memoirs, kids’ books, gardening guides, romance, religion — it was like walking into the brain of a caffeinated librarian. And the kicker? Every single book was 70% off retail. Brand new. Never read. Straight from publishers or distributors. We walked out with a lot of books. And on the drive home, a weird mix of joy and guilt started bubbling up. See, I usually borrow books digitally from the library on my Kindle Scribe. I try to keep things low-waste, low-impact, and I’ve made a point to avoid shopping with Amazon when I can. So here I was with an Amazon-made device in my bag and a trunk full of physical books I hadn’t planned to buy. Cue the sustainability shame spiral. But then I started digging into where those warehouse books actually come from. And folks, my guilt took a backseat to some seriously good news. Turns out, events like this are a behind-the-scenes book rescue mission. Leftover inventory, overstocked titles, or books with slightly scuffed covers get scooped up in bulk and sold at a deep discount rather than being pulped or — yep — landfilled. That means these sales don’t just benefit your book budget; they also help keep perfectly good books in circulation. A win for readers and the planet. Which brings me to the bigger question that’s been knocking around in my head lately: What’s the most sustainable way to read — paper or pixel? Let’s flip the page on that. Physical Books: The Pros and Cons Pros: No power required to read Biodegradable (if not plastic-coated) Easily shared, donated, or resold Libraries = ultimate low-impact option Can last for decades if loved well Cons: Made from virgin trees more often than not Energy + chemicals go into paper production Shipping + warehousing = major carbon footprint Not always recyclable Book hoarding is real (guilty as charged) E-Readers: The Pros and Cons Pros: Can replace hundreds, if not thousands, of physical books Travel-friendly and lightweight No shipping or printing for digital titles Ideal for low-light or on-the-go reading Research tools baked in (highlighting, dictionary, etc.) Many e-books are available at most local libraries to borrow at no cost; some libraries even have e-readers you can borrow Cons: Manufacturing = high upfront footprint Built with rare earth metals Not easily recycled Needs charging + software updates Often made under questionable labor conditions Many digital titles come from massive retailers and not from local bookshops, so if you are hesitant to buy from Amazon (hi, that’s me), it may be more difficult to find digital books Hot stat:  Most studies agree you need to read 25–40 books on your e-reader before it becomes “greener” than print. (So, if you only read 1–2 books a year? Stick to the library or secondhand.) Where Do Warehouse Books Fit In? Here’s where things get interesting. Massive warehouse sales like the one we hit often buy surplus or remaindered books that were never going to make it to big-box shelves or indie bookstores. Some of these are overprinted runs. Others are returns from retailers or just the casualties of shifting trends. Without a second chance at sale, many would be shredded, recycled inefficiently, or — in the worst cases — sent to a landfill. So when you buy from a warehouse event, you’re not just scoring deals. You’re helping give a book a home before it ends up as waste. So… What’s the Smartest Reading Habit? In terms of sustainability, it’s not about picking a side. It’s about reading with intention. Here’s the cheat sheet: Best Overall: Borrow from Your Library Physical or digital — both work Shared books = less printing, less waste No clutter guilt Use apps like Libby or Hoopla to rent books from your library for free (you do need a library card) Best Low-Waste: Buy Used or Remaindered Books Save books from the shredder Support secondhand sellers or pop-up events Donate or swap when you’re done Best Digital Habit: Make Your E-Reader Last Don’t upgrade unless you have to Recharge using clean energy when you can Use it for books you’ll reread or reference Bonus: Borrow ebooks from the library = double win Field Tip: Read With Purpose, Not Pressure Hit up Little Free Libraries Set up a friend book swap Keep a “want to read” list to avoid those impulsive regret buys Only buy books you’re truly excited to read And yes — go nuts at a warehouse sale now and then (it’s basically book rescue) It’s Not Paper vs. Pixel — It’s Purpose So, what will I be doing? This is no longer an ideals dilemma for me. I own a Kindle Scribe and I truly love it. It’s dual-purpose: an e-reader and a reusable notebook. I’ve saved a lot of paper with it, and I borrow nearly all the books I read via Libby, thanks to my local library. That saves me money, supports my beloved community resource, and helps the planet. I still browse local bookshops (and try to support them with purchasing coffee or gifts when I can), and I’ll be marking my calendar for another warehouse sale in the futre. Bottom line? I’m not feeling guilty anymore. Reading is one of the most joyful, brain-expanding, perspective-shifting habits we’ve got. Whether it’s on a glowing screen or a dog-eared page doesn’t matter nearly as much as why you’re reading and how you keep that habit sustainable. So borrow that book. Buy it used. Load your Kindle. Dog-ear the corners. Donate when you’re done. Tell your friends. And if you ever get the chance to wander through a warehouse full of books — trust me, do it. This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.

The Stinging Truth About the Ant You Don’t Want to Meet—But Likely Will Ever bent over to plant seeds or wash a tarp and felt a sudden, sharp sting? That might’ve been an Asian needle ant—an invasive species that’s creeping into gardens, forests, and campsites across America. What Are Asian Needle Ants and Where Are They Now? • Species:  Brachyponera chinensis—small (about 5 mm), shiny, dark brown with orangey legs. • U.S. presence:  First spotted in the Southeast in 1932. Now confirmed in 19–20 states, from Florida and Georgia up through New England, and west to Kentucky, Wisconsin, Washington, and Texas. • Habitat:  They nest under logs, stones, in leaf litter, mulch, plant pots—almost any moist, shady spot. Citizen scientists can help track invasive species such as the Asian Stinging Ant on iNaturalist. Do They Sting, and Why? These ants are not aggressive, but their sting is real—and unpleasant: • When they sting:  Typically when disturbed or trapped—like under clothing or boots.    • Human impact: The sting hurts (like a wasp), and about 2 % of people experience anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly allergic reaction. • On pets: Yes—dogs, cats, and small critters can be stung. Pets can also experience allergic reactions, although severe cases are less frequently documented. Still, immediate veterinary care is wise if swelling, difficulty breathing, or extreme restlessness appear. Other Stinging Invaders to Watch • Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta):  Build mounds in lawns and pastures. Their swarm stings can be painful and cause anaphylaxis, and they also harm wildlife and infrastructure. •  Little fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata):  Tiny but powerful—be on alert for these if you’re camping in the Pacific or southern parts of the U.S. Why They’re Spreading Fast 1. Temperature tolerant:  Asian needle ants thrive in cool and warm temps—so they expand from Southeast through Midwest and to the West Coast. 2. Hidden hitchhikers: They travel in plant pots, soil, landscape mulch, firewood, and even in gear. 3. Sneaky nesters: They don’t build big mounds. They do blend into leaf litter and mulch, and can go unnoticed until they sting. Campgrounds & the Firewood Rule Ever wondered why campsites ban your out-of-state firewood? It’s not a sales gimmick—it’s a vital rule to prevent invasive species like these ants from hitchhiking across regions. Asian needle ants can nest in wood—so when you bring that pile from home, you might be bringing them, or other invasive species along for the ride. What Are Warning Signs You Need Immediate Help Look out for these red flags after a sting: Humans: Swelling beyond 2 inches from the sting site Hives or rash away from the sting Trouble breathing, chest tightness, dizziness Rapid heartbeat If any show up—use an EpiPen (if prescribed) and head to the ER—stat. Pets: Excessive paw licking, vomiting Difficulty breathing or collapse The emergency vet—not Google—should be your next call. How to Stop the Spread & Avoid Stings Gear and Camping Inspect firewood, mulch, and plant pots before moving or buying them. Clean gear—boots, tents, and tools—between trips, especially when traveling to other regions. Pack a brush and a sealable bag for muddy or leafy gear—and clean up after each use. Home and Garden Keep mulch away from building foundations, maintain a 6-inch mulch-free zone. Remove wood debris regularly. Seal cracks in sheds, trailers, and foundations where ants can nest. Community Action Report new sightings to state extension offices or university entomology programs. Participate in invasive species clean-up days or citizen science monitoring. Why It Matters to You (and the Outdoors) You don’t want to be known as the person who brought stinging ants to the campsite or introduced an invasive species to your favorite trail. These ants hurt biodiversity—everyone from plants to birds can feel the impact. By following simple checks and campfire rules, you’re helping protect ecosystems—and your family’s comfort, too.

Campfires and Kickoffs: Gear That Scores for Both Tailgating and Fall Camping Sponsored by brands we actually use and love. Fall weekends hit different—crisp air, smoky grills, flannel layers, and a whole lot of cheers (from the woods or the stands). Whether you’re posted up at a campground or parked in a stadium lot, the right gear makes it all better. Here’s our handpicked lineup of fall MVPs that pull double-duty for both tailgating and camping. Tested by us, loved by us, and ready for your next weekend adventure. Ampure Go: Your Back Pocket Power Move EV road-trippers, meet your new co-pilot. The Ampure Go portable EV charger   keeps your EV (or RV) juiced up wherever the road leads. Rain? Snow? It’s built for it. More stadiums and parks are adding EV stations, but this little beast takes the stress out of the “where’s the plug?” question. Field Tip: Keep it stashed in your trunk for peace-of-mind charging when you’re deep in the wild—or just stuck in a long tailgate line. Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down: Cozy Up in Style Wearable sleeping bag. Enough said. The Honcho Poncho Down wraps you in 650-fill downy warmth, shrugs off spills and drizzles, and folds into itself to become a pillow. It’s a tailgate throne, a stargazing cloak, a golf cart blanket—basically, your cold-weather MVP. Field Tip: Keep it in the car. You’ll reach for it more than you think. The Morning Dram: Brewed for Adventure Whiskey vibes, no buzz. The Morning Dram roasts beans aged in bourbon and rye barrels for a coffee that’s rich, smooth, and a little smoky—perfect for foggy camp mornings or early kickoff tailgates. Field Tip: Grab their Starter Kit—it’s got everything you need for a top-notch pour-over anywhere, anytime. Bonus points if you spike it. SER!OUS BEAN CO: Big Flavor for Big Days These beans don’t play backup. From Dr Pepper Sweet & Sassy to Hot Honey (our house fave), SER!OUS BEAN CO   brings serious flavor to your grill game. Heat them up on the camp stove or turn them into a next-level chili. Field Tip: Pull-top cans = one less thing to pack. Several flavors are vegan, too. Pinter: Brew Like a Pro Fresh beer. Zero bottles. Pinter lets you brew your own craft beer (or seltzer, or cider) in just a few days. It’s compact, easy to use, and an instant tailgate flex. Field Tip: Keep an eye on our Holiday Gift Guide—you might win one, or at least score a sweet deal. HERO Grill: Grill Like a Pro Grill like you mean it—without lugging a full-sized rig. The HERO Grill uses plant-based charcoal pods and is ready to cook in minutes. Cleanup’s easy, too (hi, dishwasher-safe parts). Field Tip: It fits in a tote. Yes, really. Tailgate tested and campsite approved. Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon: Haul It All Load it up. Firewood, coolers, chairs, snacks—the Gregory Alpaca Gear Wagon rolls it all in one go, with chunky all-terrain wheels and a waterproof cover. Field Tip: Collapse it when you’re done. Your trunk will thank you. Pirani Life: Sip Sustainably Reusable. Insulated. Fun colors. Pirani’s tumblers keep your drinks at the right temp and look good doing it. Bonus: they’re stackable, lidded, and way better for the planet than solo cups. Field Tip: Ounce markings = built-in mixologist assistant. Handzies Soap + Water Wipes: Your Best Defense Against Dirt Sticky ribs? S’mores fingers? No faucet? No problem. Handzies Soap + Water Wipes are made with real castile soap, essential oils, and water. No weird stuff. No waste guilt. Field Tip: Keep a pack in your glovebox. You’ll be glad you did. Whether you’re pitching a tent or setting up a folding chair in Lot C, this gear makes fall weekends easier, cozier, and a lot more fun. Pack smarter. Snack better. Soak it all in. This content is sponsored by the brands featured in this article. Field Trip always tests products before recommending them to our readers. We genuinely love and trust the brands you find featured on our platform.

Uninvited, Underrated, and Up All Night: Meet the Real Pollinator Party Crew Bees get all the glory, but they’re not the only ones pollinating your plants. Meet the weird, wild, and nocturnal guests keeping nature buzzing. Pollinator Week Is June 16-22, 2025. Let’s Give the Bugs (and Bats and Beetles) Some Credit. Every June, Pollinator Week rolls around — and like clockwork, the spotlight shines on honeybees and monarchs. And yeah, they totally deserve it. But if we’re throwing a real-deal pollinator party? We need to widen the guest list. Because behind the scenes — and sometimes after the sun sets — there’s a whole crew of overlooked, underappreciated, and somewhat bizarre pollinators doing the work. Some are strange. Some are winged. Some arrive dressed like bees but are definitely not. The A-List: Famous Pollinators Who Still Deserve Your Attention Okay, honeybees and butterflies are the Beyoncés and Taylors of the pollinator world. Everyone knows them. Everyone loves them. But they’re also facing real trouble. • Honeybees (the European kind, anyway) are not native to North America, but they still play a big role in agriculture. The catch? They’re dealing with colony collapse, pesticides, parasites — basically, a buffet of bad news. • Monarch butterflies are literal migration champs, flying thousands of miles from Mexico to Canada and back. But habitat loss and climate shifts are shrinking their range and food supply. • Native bees (like bumblebees, mason bees, and leafcutter bees) are actually way more efficient at pollination than honeybees — but they get way less press. Some species are now listed as endangered. Bottom line: the A-listers still need our help. But they’re not the only ones working the pollination scene. The Underdogs: Pollinators You’ve Totally Overlooked Now we’re getting to the real fun — the weirdos doing big work with zero fame. • Beetles were the original pollinators, cruising through magnolias before bees were even a thing. They’re messy, often smelly, and not exactly delicate — but they’re essential for many native plants. • Hoverflies look like bees in disguise but are actually harmless fly cousins. They’re ace pollinators and their larvae eat aphids. Heroes, honestly. • Wasps get a bad rap, but many are low-key pollinators. Fig wasps even have a whole mutual love story with fig trees (seriously, look it up — it’s wild). • Ants aren’t super efficient, but in dry, sandy ecosystems, they help pollinate ground-level flowers while they’re out foraging. • Midges — tiny, gnat-like insects — are the reason we have chocolate. No midges = no cacao pollination. No chocolate = no fun. The Night Shift: Pollinators That Party After Dark When the sun goes down, a different kind of pollinator party begins. • Moths are like butterflies’ goth cousins. Many species are major pollinators, especially for night-blooming flowers like evening primrose or yucca. Their fuzzy bodies are great for pollen transfer, and some have tongues longer than their bodies. • Bats are crucial pollinators in desert and tropical ecosystems. They help pollinate agave, bananas, guava, and mangoes — which means we basically owe tequila to bats. Cheers. • Nocturnal beetles and other crawlers also get in on the action, particularly in damp or tropical environments. Want to see the night crew in action? Try sitting quietly in your yard just after dusk near a patch of white or pale-colored flowers. Field Tip: Don’t Just Save the Bees — Host the Whole Party If you want to make your yard or balcony more pollinator-friendly this summer, think big. Or rather, think diverse. Here’s how to set the vibe: • Plant variety = pollinator buffet.  Choose native flowers that bloom at different times, in different shapes and heights. Diversity means everyone gets a seat at the table. • Leave the leaves. That messy corner of your yard might be perfect habitat for moths, beetles, or solitary bees. • Add white or pale flowers. Night pollinators are drawn to lighter blooms that reflect moonlight. • Don’t use pesticides. Even “organic” ones can mess with the bugs you want to attract. • Let some stuff go wild. A little chaos is good. Aster, goldenrod, milkweed — these plants are like neon signs for all kinds of pollinators. So yeah — bees are (way) cool. But the pollinator world is way bigger, weirder, and more wonderful than most people realize. This week, lift a glass (of bat-pollinated agave, maybe?) to the whole crew — the beetles, the wasps, the winged night shift and all. Because biodiversity doesn’t just look good — it works hard.

Solstice Magic: What Nature’s Doing (and How to Join In) Curious what actually happens in nature during the summer solstice? Here’s what’s going on — and how to celebrate like the wild things do. The sun’s doing something weird. And wonderful. Every June, like clockwork, I get this sudden urge to stay outside all day. Wake up with the birds, make dinner over a fire, chase the last light until the stars show up. It’s not just seasonal FOMO — it’s the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2025, it lands on Friday, June 20, and I say we milk every golden minute. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just a time for flower crowns and bonfires (though I’m pro both). Nature itself is doing something wild right now. The whole outdoors is in overdrive — birds, bees, blooms, all peaking in their own way. So what is actually going on during the solstice? And how can we join in without flying to Stonehenge or, you know, building a giant sundial in our backyard? The Sun Stands Still (Sort Of) “Solstice” comes from the Latin solstitium, which literally means “sun standing still.” And while it’s not hitting the brakes exactly, it is reaching its highest point in the sky — meaning we get the most daylight we’ll see all year. That happens because Earth’s axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees. In June, the Northern Hemisphere leans as close to the sun as we’ll get. After this day, the light slowly starts slipping away again — just a few seconds at first, then faster come fall. Yup, the solstice is both a peak and a pivot. What the Wild’s Up To While you’re deciding if it’s too early for watermelon (never), here’s what the natural world is busy doing: • Birds are still nesting — Some songbirds are hatching their second (or even third) broods of the season. Watch for fledglings awkwardly learning to fly and parents frantically ferrying bugs. • Plants are photosynthesizing like champs  — Long daylight = more time to soak up the sun and grow like crazy. This is peak productivity for many native species. • Pollinators are working overtime  — Bees, butterflies, and beetles are feasting on midsummer blooms. If you’ve planted milkweed, you might even spot monarch eggs or caterpillars. (Psst… Pollinator Week is June 16–22 this year — find out how you can roll out the welcome mat.) • Fireflies are doing their thing  — Warm evenings + tall grass = one of summer’s best light shows. • Nocturnal sounds get louder  — Frogs, owls, crickets… dusk is alive right now. Linger outside and listen. Better yet, camp out overnight. How Humans Have Marked the Light We’re certainly not the first to notice this turning point in the calendar. Cultures around the world have been celebrating the solstice for thousands of years — with dances, rituals, and a fair amount of fire. Here are a few traditions that’ve stood the test of time: • Sweden:  Midsummer maypoles, wildflower wreaths, singing, and outdoor feasting. It’s one of the country’s biggest holidays. • United Kingdom: Every year, thousands gather at Stonehenge, where the rising sun aligns with the ancient stones. (Yes, druids. Yes, drum circles.) • Indigenous cultures: From the Hopi of the American Southwest to First Nations in Canada, summer solstice is often honored with fire ceremonies, sunrise gatherings, and community dances. • Ancient Rome: The festival of Vestalia honored Vesta, goddess of the hearth, and involved keeping sacred fires lit during the transition of seasons. • Ancient Egypt: The sun god Ra was everything. Pharaohs (including Tutankhamun) were considered literal descendants of Ra. Many temples were built to align with the solstices and the equinoxes, tracking the light. King Tut’s golden mask? Think of it as both bling and a solar passport to the afterlife. Try This: Backyard Solstice Rituals You don’t need a pyramid or a plane ticket to celebrate. Here are a few tiny-but-mighty ways to mark the solstice, Field Trip–style: • Watch the sunrise.  Coffee optional, awe required. •  Make a flower crown.  Or just go on a wildflower walk and clip a few for your table. • Eat outside.  Breakfast, dinner, whatever — just get your plate and eat in the light. • Light a fire.  Even a candle counts. The symbolism’s the same. • Set an intention.  Not in a cheesy way. Just take five minutes to think: what do I want more of this season? • Stay out ‘til the stars show up.  Because on this day, they’re fashionably late. Nature doesn’t mark the solstice with a calendar alert. It just follows the light — blooms when it’s time, nests when it’s time, rests when the days grow dark again. You can do that too. Let this longest day be your reminder: to slow down, look around, and maybe make a little ritual out of noticing things. It’s not about doing more — it’s about being here for it.