The small North Carolina town of Carrboro has initiated the country’s first climate accountability litigation against an electric utility.
The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, claims Duke Energy waged a “deception campaign” in order to obscure the climate hazards of fossil fuels. This led to delayed action in curbing planet-warming emissions, which caused the costs of the climate action to increase.
“We have to speak truth to power as we continue to fight the existential threat that is climate change. The climate crisis continues to burden our community and cost residents their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Mayor of Carrboro Barbara Foushee in a press release from the Center for Biological Diversity. “Duke Energy’s knowledge of the environmental injustice being caused by the use of fossil fuels has unfairly plagued our community for decades. Historically underserved and marginalized communities are facing disproportionate impacts and health risks that are associated with climate change. This was not an easy decision to make but I believe that we must be courageous as we call out these injustices and seek change and accountability.”
Carrboro says Duke Energy’s “decades-long role” in a countrywide plan of deception harmed the community of approximately 21,000 while costing the town millions.
The legal action claims that top executives at Duke Energy knew for over 50 years that fossil fuels posed risks, but were “ringleaders” of a far-reaching campaign to mislead the public concerning its climate harms, while also boosting reliance on gas and coal as sources of electricity.
Carrboro has been developing community-based solar programs, funding nature-based solutions for the management of stormwater and implementing climate resilience measures that benefit lower-income residents and small businesses for decades, the press release said.
“The Carrboro community has worked for over five decades to protect, conserve and preserve the environment, the ecosystems and the wellbeing of its citizens,” said Carrboro Town Council member Randee Haven-O’Donnell in the press release. “Carrboro is a strong, vibrant community, and Duke Energy needs to be held accountable for the deception and damages it’s caused and continues to cause. Duke Energy’s deceptive public campaign erases the progress we strive for to address climate change. We’re the little engine that could, and we hope other towns can be, too, and hold their polluting utilities accountable. In Carrboro, we’re standing up to be the change we want to see in the world.”
Duke Energy is the United States’ third largest-polluting corporation. The company has spent millions on PR firms and industry front groups with the purpose of deceiving the public regarding climate change science, according to the lawsuit. The complaint said Duke Energy has blocked action to combat climate change, which has resulted in significant harm to the town of Carrboro and its residents.
Climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions has led to more severe and frequent storms and flooding in Carrboro and other parts of the U.S., along with record-high temperatures. The climate crisis also brought deadly and destructive Hurricane Helene to the state of North Carolina.
Carrboro has had to saddle millions for road repairs, rising energy costs and the cost of other infrastructure to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The lawsuit puts the responsibility for these damages on Duke Energy since the utility giant knew misleading the public and obstructing climate change legislation would worsen climate impacts on the town and accelerate the climate crisis.
“This lawsuit exposes Duke Energy executives as using the tobacco scandal playbook. They’re making the global climate crisis worse despite widespread and accelerating misery,” said Jim Warren, nonprofit NC WARN’s executive director, in the press release. “And they’re still expanding fossil fuels and suppressing renewables – in flat defiance of scientists demanding that we do the exact opposite. We need the judicial system to hold Duke Energy leadership accountable and finally break their corporate control over our political system and public decisions.”
Not only has the energy company denied the harms caused by climate change, it claims to be a leader in clean energy. Meanwhile, it continues to build methane-burning power plans while suppressing solar and other renewable sources of energy. It also falsely advertises and promotes methane gas as a solution.
“We’ll soon have a climate denier-in-chief in the White House, but Carrboro is a shining light in this darkness, taking on one of the country’s largest polluters and climate deceivers,” said Jean Su, director of energy justice at the Center for Biological Diversity, an advisor on the case, in the press release. “Climate action doesn’t stop at a national level, and Carrboro is holding Duke Energy and all fossil utilities’ feet to the fire. This town is paving a way for local governments to drive climate justice despite who’s in Washington.”
Duke Energy is one of the largest providers of electricity, as well as among the biggest corporate polluters, on the planet. It brings power to 8.2 million customers in six states, including almost all of North Carolina and parts of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Florida and South Carolina.
Dozens of city and Tribal governments and 11 attorneys general across the U.S. have filed suits against oil and gas majors for deceiving the public about the role of fossil fuels in climate change. Multnomah County, Oregon, in October added NW Natural – the region’s gas provider — to its lawsuit against fossil fuel companies for the role they played in the area’s deadly heat dome in 2021.
“This lawsuit represents an incredible opportunity to put an end to corporate deception and enter a new era for Carrboro,” said Mayor Pro Tem Danny Nowell in the press release. “It’s time for us to hold Duke Energy accountable for decades of deception, padding executives’ pockets while towns like ours worked to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. This suit will allow the Town of Carrboro to invest new resources into building a stronger, more climate-resilient community, using the damages justly due to our residents to reimagine the ways we prepare for our climate reality.”
The post North Carolina Town Launches First U.S. Climate Lawsuit Against a Utility Company appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/carrboro-north-carolina-duke-energy-climate-lawsuit.html
This is a sponsored article about a brand that was independently assessed by our rigorous ratings system. We’re proud to only collaborate with “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Learn more.
US brand Toad&Co has a socially and environmentally responsible approach to clothing, creating pieces inspired by the outdoors and with a lower impact on the environment. Not to mention an enduring commitment to helping everyone get outdoors through its work with non-profits. Read on to discover the brand’s environment-first ethos.
Focusing on what matters most
“We make feel-good clothes for positive impact—fostering community around doing good, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and embracing the unexpected,” says Sarah Palladino, director of people and impact at Toad&Co as she introduces the Californian brand. This “simple pleasures” concept applies to Toad&Co’s approach to design, too, and prioritises quality and responsibility over trend-led items. This, in turn, means the brand focuses its energy on clothes that are comfy and practical enough for everything from work to outdoor exploring, and on maintaining its ongoing commitments to using lower-impact materials, partnering with cleaner factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.
Since day one, it’s been about more than just clothes. From choosing sustainable practices in every corner of our business to supporting programs that protect the planet and make the outdoors more accessible to everyone—knowing we stand for more is what keeps us going
Gordon Seabury – CEO at Toad&Co
Lower-impact materials and producer responsibility
Opting for lower impact materials is one of the core ways brands can address their impact on the planet: “Sustainable materials make a world of difference,” Toad&Co says. “We use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and cleaner manufacturing.”
The brand’s selection of more sustainable materials includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and recycled fabrics like wool, cotton, and polyester. It also looks to third party clothing certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and Global Organic Textile Standard, and it publishes its list of restricted substances for all to see.
Toad&Co also operates a resale platform, called ToadAgain, online and at its IRL store in Maine, US, to keep its clothes in the loop.
Supporting non-profits and access to the outdoors
Toad&Co donates 1% of its profits to organisations working to empower others and, in particular, enable better access to the outdoors for all.
In 1996, Toad&Co partnered with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a full-functioning warehouse that trained and employed up to 70 adults with disabilities annually.
Determined not to stop at the front door, the brand also co-founded Search for Adventure in 2004, a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities. Over 20 years later, the social venture partnership has evolved—and includes a flagship store in Chicago, a program called Visibility Arts that nurtures creativity through sharing Search, Inc. artist’s work, neurodiversity and disability awareness training, and an expanded Search for Adventure program. In 2024, the brand supported 147 nights of camping for adults with disabilities through the program.
We give back to—and partner with—organisations that align with our three pillars of giving: conservation for human enjoyment, equity and accessibility, and do the right thing
Sarah Palladino – director of people and impact at Toad&Co
One of Toad&Co’s key partnerships is with Brave Trails, which is dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, to support it in putting on accredited camps, mentorship programs, and meet-ups for LGBTQ+ youth.
Shop favourites from Toad&Co’s new collection
Read on to discover some of the standout items that balance style with practicality from Toad&Co’s lineup.
Woven with a beautiful alpine jacquard pattern, this hoodie is made from non-mulesed Merino wool and features pockets at the sides. It’s ideal as a mid-layer under a longer coat when you’re out exploring, or as a cosy item for grabbing a post-walk hot chocolate.
This Alpineglo sweater is a blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% non-mulesed Merino wool, so it’s going to help regulate your temperature in most climates. On top of that, the neutral tone and straight fit make it really versatile—you’ll be reaching for it on the regular.
Toad&Co calls these cropped trousers “sweatpant comfortable, going-out presentable”, which makes sense, given they’re made with organic cotton and Tencel Lyocell for softness and have a comfortable wide waistband, not to mention a pretty floral pattern.
This Nomader jacket is reversible, packable, and water-resistant. In other words, it’s the ideal item to take with you for outdoor adventures. It’s made from recycled nylon and lightly quilted for warmth.
Toad&Co picked the crepe-like organic cotton for this jacket so that you could fold it away in a bag and have it still look presentable when you pull it out. It’s also packed with recycled polyester padding for extra warmth.
Balsam Cutoff TrousersThese Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.These Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.
Going from a walk to dinner? From the office to drinks? This Kennicott shirt jacket fits the bill for all of the above. The smart twill fabric incorporates recycled Italian wool.
This is Toad&Co’s Re-Form Herringbone: a blend of recycled cotton and polyester that offers a soft drape and an attractive herringbone weave that looks smarter than the average checked shirt.
Like the women’s equivalent, these Balsam trousers have a touch of stretch and a comfortable ‘FlexForm’ waistband that mean they’re going to feel comfortable from the get-go—and you won’t need to worry about a belt, either.
Discover more of Toad&Co’s clothes.
The post How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors appeared first on Good On You.
Last Updated on November 21, 2025
If you’re on the handmade Christmas kick this year, you’re not alone. So am I!
I’m choosing presence over presents this year and bringing back the 90s Christmas I loved as a kid – simple, crafty, low pressure, and full of small moments that feel meaningful.
If you want to gift thoughtfully, and without breaking the bank, these DIY Christmas presents are for you. There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you prefer easy or complex DIYs.
I’ve included all kinds of DIYs – beauty, cooking, fashion, and practical gifts alike. Best of all? Many of these tutorials are zero waste (or close to it).
what are good homemade Christmas gifts?
Good homemade Christmas gifts include consumable items, like homemade nut butters, vanilla extract, or jams. But not all homemade gifts are edible – you can also make items like bath bombs, candles, body scrubs, beeswax wraps, and so much more.
If you’re extra crafty, you could even make wooden gifts (like shelving or tablet holders), ceramic items (like mugs or jewelry), or knitted/crocheted pieces (like blankets, scarves or hats).
It all depends on your level of skill, time at your disposal, and ingredients/materials you have access to.
what are good inexpensive Christmas gifts?
Some good inexpensive Christmas gifts are DIY cornstarch ornaments, handmade body or lip scrub, seasoned salt blends, and homemade treats (like these chocolate chip cookies or vegan sugar cookies).
And never forget to hit up your local thrift store – you can find so many great items that would make affordable gift baskets!
Wrapping DIY Christmas gifts also doesn’t have to be expensive. Reusing gift bags and ribbons from last year, upcycling packaging paper, or even repurposing a scarf for furoshiki wrap are all low-waste and affordable!
RELATED: Gift Wrapping: How to Keep It Easy, Eco and Chic
how can I make a last minute gift?
You can make a last minute gift by getting crafty using the materials you have on hand!
For example, if you have a cardboard box, why not try making an upcycled cardboard dollhouse, vehicle, or pirate ship for a child? For adults, a DIY storage container or a shoe rack works.
One of my fav last minute gifts is scented bath salts in an upcycled glass jar – just a little Epsom salt and essential oil blends will do the trick!
Here’s my list of DIY Christmas gifts – something for everyone and every skill level.
- Bath salts
- DIY makeup like mascara/eyeliner, or lip to cheek
- Bath bombs
- Lip scrub
- Lip balm
- Face mask
- Body lotion
- Natural perfume
- Dry shampoo
- Shampoo bar
- Body soap
- Deodorant
- Rose water toner
- Hand-poured coconut/soy/beeswax candles
- Simmer pot in a jar
- Cookie, brownie, soup mix or hot cocoa mix in a jar
- Handmade seasoning blends
- Vanilla extract
- Vegan caramels or plant-based butter wrapped in compostable parchment paper
- Herb or citrus infused olive oil
- Peanut butter + jam
- Beeswax wraps
- Apple or pumpkin butter
- Sourdough or no-knead artisan bread
- Finished embroidery hoops
- Embroidered pillows, tote bags, clothes or cloth napkins
- Sewn cotton rounds
- Knitted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, or blanket
- Hand warmers
- Quilt blanet, quilted coat or quilted wallet
- Tie dyed secondhand silk scarves, clothing or sheets
- Hand painted or drawn artwork
- Air dry clay paint palette
- DIY wooden frame for paintings or print photos
- Handmade ceramics (mugs, chawan, chasen holder, vase, spoon rest, etc.)
- Woodworked items (birdhouse, shelving, bookcase, wall guitar mount)
- Carving wooden bowls by hand
- Natural branch coasters
- Plant propagations in one of these DIY planters
- Seed balls using native seeds
- Handwoven baskets or bowls
- Macrame produce bag
- Macrame plant hanger
- Fabric paper mache bowls
- Upcycled paper earring jewelry
- Clay earrings
- Handmade plush toys
- Felt ‘food’ toys
- Wooden toys (like vehicles, blocks, or dollhouses)
- Knit or crocheted baby clothes
What do you think of these DIY Christmas presents? Let me know in the comments!
The post 50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Last Updated on November 6, 2025
Did you know most rugs are made from polyester, aka plastic? Arguably, a good chunk of our furniture and home decor is nowadays.
And lets not forget – rugs can get a lot of foot traffic. If it’s made from polyester, chances are those plastic fibers are going to shed and get onto us. Or worse, in us.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.
Microplastics have been found in human feces, blood, and even placentas. And according to a study from Stanford University, those who had microplastics in their plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death than those who didn’t.
On top of this, 5 billion pounds of rugs go to waste each year – that’s 2% of total US landfill. And if they’re made from plastic? They won’t biodegrade.
It’s more important than ever to reduce our exposure to microfibers where we can. Which is why I’ve rounded up the best non toxic rugs on the market.
what is the least toxic rug?
The least toxic rug will have sustainable materials and use no harsh chemicals (like PFAs) in their production.
Here’s what to look for when purchasing a non-toxic rug:
- Sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, jute, sisal or wool
- Low-waste packaging + delivery
- Natural, non-synthetic dyes
- Third-party certifications like OEKO-TEK, Fair Trade, GOTs
- Easy to spot-clean or machine wash
- Available in various styles, patterns + colors to suit your needs
do all rugs have PFAS?
According to Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), only four samples of 201 carpets and rugs were found to contain more than 100 parts per million in their fibers, indicating PFAS were intentionally added to the products.
However, while PFAs may not be a huge concern for rugs, microplastic pollution is, specifically if your carpet is synthetic. Your best bet is to check the material your rug is made from and choose natural fibers whenever possible.
what is the best non-toxic rug for nursery?
The best non-toxic rug for a nursery would be made from natural materials like wool and organic cotton (which are soft on baby’s skin).
I recommend also checking for natural latex for the rug backing and underlay pads. Brands on this list that offer kid-friendly sizes and patterns include Lorena Canals, Nestig, Quince, and Loomy (more on each below).
what brand of rugs are non-toxic?
The brands of rugs that are non-toxic are listed below. I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some of my favorite features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.
1. hook and loom
- Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
- Made from GOTs certified organic cotton, recycled cotton + wool
- No dyes or harmful chemicals
- No latex
2. lorena canals
- Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
- Handmade by artisans using recycled materials like organic cotton + wool
- Nontoxic dyes
- Make your own option
- Machine washable
- Rugcycled line made from recycled materials in their own factory
3. sabai
- Field rug
- Woven using wool + jute
- Available in 3 varying sizes
- Rug pad add-on available for reduced movement
- Certified B Corporation
4. quince
- Various sizes + patterns, best known for vintage-inspired looks
- Made from natural materials like wool, jute, + cotton
- Handcrafted by artisans in India
- Transparent pricing practices
- Compostable poly bags + recycled plastic mailers
5. west elm
- Rugs for every area of the home, in varying sizes
- Made from wool, jute, hemp, cotton, TENCEL + recycled materials
- Handspun by skilled artisans in India
6. nestig
- Area + washable rugs made with fun shapes/designs for babies + kids
- Washable rugs made with organic cotton + nontoxic dyes
- Area rugs made with cotton + each colored element crafted from recycled cotton
- Handmade in Brazil
7. cold picnic
- Various rug shapes + sizes, abstract patterns + bold colors
- Made with wool, bamboo silk, cotton, hemp, + deadstock materials
- Designed in a Brooklyn studio, handmade by artisans in India
- Committed to reducing packaging waste where possible
8. loomy
- Various rug sizes, shapes + patterns
- Made from banana silk, hemp, jute, recycled fiber, viscose, or wool
- Any colored yarn dyed using low-impact techniques
- Handcrafted by indigenous artisans
So what do you think of these non toxic, sustainable rugs? Let me know in the comments!
The post 8 Best Non Toxic Rugs For a Sustainable Home appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
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