Latest news with #KermitTheFrog
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
12 wasteful things to stop buying — and what to get instead
With apologies to Kermit the Frog, it's not exactly easy being green — but it is getting easier. Wasteful but oh-so-convenient household staples like paper towels, plastic baggies and dryer sheets may seem tricky to forgo, but the reality is that you've got more options than ever. That's because the market for sustainable products continues to expand, and they're getting less expensive, according to New York University's Stern Center for Sustainable Business. Curious? You could switch out those paper towels for ultra-absorbent Swedish dishcloths, or your pricey coffee pods for a reusable filter that'll let you brew a less expensive cup of joe without the side of plastic. Check out those eco-friendly swaps and more. Paper towels Sure, some packages of paper towels trumpet the fact that they're made from recycled materials, but that's only half the story. The fibers in those towels are probably too short to make them a candidate for recycling once again — and that's only possible if those fibers are clean to begin with, not saturated in ketchup, cooking oil or cat puke. Less wasteful, and a lot cheaper? Reusable alternatives that can be tossed in the washing machine, not the trash. Single-use coffee pods It's hard to resists the convenience of a pod coffee maker (and we've put 'em all to the test — check out our picks for the best Keurig and best Nespresso machines). "The moment you start shopping for a single-serve coffee maker, you'll find that every brand touts sustainability," notes Yahoo Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder. "The bottom line, though, is that using coffee pods creates waste." That said, both Keurig and Nespresso have made efforts to be more eco-friendly: You can recycle K-Cups and Nespresso pods. An even better option? Try a reusable filter that you fill with your own coffee grounds. It can save you a pretty penny in the long run too. Parchment paper and aluminum foil Who doesn't love these kitchen helpers for mess-free baking? The problem, of course, is that they're wadded up and pitched in the trash after every use. Foil is technically recyclable, but like paper towels, once it's contaminated by food waste — that is, crusted over with the cheese from your leftover pizza or coated in cooking oil — that's no longer the case. Parchment paper has a silicone coating that may earmark it for the landfill. Sticky lint rollers Ah, the agony of the pet parent: That sleek black outfit will no longer be sleek (or black!) if you brush up against any household surface. You might be armed with lint rollers that trap hairs with sticky disposable sheets, but be honest — it probably takes you half the roll to be presentable again, to say nothing of de-fuzzing your hair-covered couch. Plus, the sheets aren't easily recycled because sticker-like adhesive coatings can contaminate other recyclables and even damage equipment. Dryer sheets Like many of the items on this list, dryer sheets are one-and-done purchases that head to the trash heap after they leave your clothes scented and static-free. And for some allergy-prone shoppers, the fragrances and other ingredients in them are of equal concern. Plastic baggies I'm sure I'm not the only one who cringes when they think of all the single-use plastic baggies they tossed in school cafeteria trash cans as a kid. And while these baggies can be recycled through certain plastic-film specialty programs, that means investigating options beyond your curbside bin. An easier solution? Buying reusable bags made of heavy-duty plastic or silicone, many of which can even be cleaned in the dishwasher. Household cleaners If you're picking up standard bottles of household cleaner at your local big-box store or grocery, we have good news: The plastic used in those bottles is typically recyclable. Still, it takes energy to recycle them, and you could free up space in your recycling bin and potentially save a little cash by ditching those bottles entirely. How? Mix your own cleaner and stick to the same container long-term, a task made easier with buys like the ones below. Plastic wrap I've never been a fan of plastic wrap, despite its convenience (sorry, Ina Garten!). It's almost impossible to tear correctly, and half the time, it sticks to itself instead of whatever container you're trying to cover. And don't get me started on painful nicks I've sustained from those serrated box edges. Adding yet another layer to my disdain: It's tricky to recycle — it requires specialized equipment that your curbside program probably doesn't have. This is one common product I'm all too glad to replace (wink, nudge). Plastic water bottles This one's a bit of a no-brainer, but it bears repeating: There's very little reason to swig your water from single-use plastic bottles in this day and age. Despite their recyclable nature, 85% of them are trashed and they can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, according to a report by the United Nations. And why deprive yourself of the chance to get the latest trendy water bottle, like an editor-approved Stanley or Owala? Disposable mop pads and dusters It's hard to deny the appeal of a Swiffer. Once one of those pads is covered in dirt, crumbs, hair and dust, tossing it in the trash seems like an obvious next step (worth noting: Swiffer does participate in a free recycling program for its pads, though it'll take some effort on your part). But there are other lightweight mops and dusters that trade in the single-use refills for reusable microfiber — just toss 'em in the wash when you're done. Alkaline batteries Confession: I have an entire laundry room cabinet devoted to various sizes of alkaline batteries, plus a freezer bag full of spent batteries that I'll get around to recycling ... er, some day. While the EPA says standard alkalines can go in the trash, the agency recommends sending them to a battery recycler, as they can leach small amounts of material over time. Why not invest in some rechargeables instead? Traditional wrapping paper What's traditional wrapping paper, you ask? Probably what you've been using for years, assuming you're buying rolls of the stuff from your local big-box store. But it's not all easily recyclable. According to the American Forest and Paper Association, "if you can scrunch it up and it stays in a tight ball, it is paper-based and can be recycled. Other types made from foil or plastic wrap, or if it's covered in glitter, should be reused." So in general, the plainer the better — kraft paper is typically a good bet, but there are other eco-friendly options. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
CNET
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Today's NYT Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for Aug. 1 #1504
Looking for the most recent Wordle answer? Click here for today's Wordle hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles. Today's Wordle puzzle refers to something that is famously associated with both Kermit the Frog and comedian Steve Martin. It's a fun word, but the letters are a bit tricky. If you need a new starter word, check out our list of which letters show up the most in English words. If you need hints and the answer, read on. Today's Wordle hints Before we show you today's Wordle answer, we'll give you some hints. If you don't want a spoiler, look away now. Wordle hint No. 1: Repeats Today's Wordle answer has no repeated letters. Wordle hint No. 2: Vowels Today's Wordle answer has two vowels. Wordle hint No. 3: First letter Today's Wordle answer begins with B. Wordle hint No. 4: Tough letter to guess Today's Wordle answer contains the second-least-used letter in the entire alphabet. (See our list ranking all the letters by popularity.) Wordle hint No. 5: Meaning Today's Wordle answer refers to a musical instrument. TODAY'S WORDLE ANSWER Today's Wordle answer is BANJO. Yesterday's Wordle answer Yesterday's Wordle answer, July 31, No. 1503 was FRILL. Recent Wordle answers July 27, No. 1499: WHOLE July 28, No. 1500: SAVVY July 29, No. 1501: OMEGA July 30, No. 1502: ASSAY
New York Times
08-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
We Watched Dozens of Graduation Speeches. Here's What We Found.
It has been a graduation season unlike any other. The Trump administration is investigating elite universities and cutting research funding. Pro-Palestinian activism and claims of antisemitism are shaping campus life. International students are worried about having their visas revoked. In contrast with past generations, what a speaker says on a commencement stage now reaches an audience far larger than the crowd that day. Universities routinely post footage of ceremonies online, giving faraway relatives of graduates a chance to tune in and handing keynote speakers a global stage. The New York Times studied videos of dozens of keynote commencement addresses that were posted online — more than 170,000 words delivered this spring at a cross section of America's higher education institutions — in order to analyze the most pressing topics. Many speakers, including Kermit the Frog at the University of Maryland, the gymnast Simone Biles at Washington University in St. Louis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at Dakota State University, avoided the political fray and focused on timeless lessons. transcript 'Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side. because life is better when we leap together.' But plenty of others, including journalists, scientists and politicians from both parties, weighed in directly on the news of the moment. Many of them described 2025 in existential terms, warning about dire threats to free speech and democracy. Others heralded the dawn of a promising new American era. Here is a look at key themes that emerged in those speeches. A Moment of Opportunity Several speakers struck an upbeat tone about the world students were entering. transcript 'Start with nothing but a passionate idea. Work hard. And in the United States of America, you can achieve great things.' 'We've seen the Holy Spirit support, guide and strengthen men and women, men and women who have said, 'Send me' throughout history, throughout America's history.' 'The barriers to creation are as low as they've ever been, and the spark of an idea can become a reality in an instant. That means there are more possibilities before you than ever before.' 'We have the hottest country in the world, and the whole world is talking about it. That's an honor for all of us. I cannot wait to see the glory that is still ahead.' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Geek Tyrant
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Kermit the Frog Delivers Heartfelt and Inspiring Commencement Speech at University of Maryland — GeekTyrant
Kermit the Frog took the stage at the University of Maryland's 2025 commencement ceremony and gave the graduating class a moment to remember, one that was as heartfelt and inspiring. With that familiar green face and humble wisdom, Kermit reminded the grads that life, like The Muppet Show , is best when shared with the people who truly get you. Why did Kermit give the commencement speech at Maryland? Jim Henson, Kermit's legendary creator, and his wife Jane were both proud University of Maryland alumni—and fans of the Maryland Terrapins. So for Kermit, this wasn't just another speech. It was a homecoming. Kermit told the students: 'Now there is no guarantee that the show is always good or that it'll go off without a hitch or it doesn't have its hecklers. But the show must go on and if you're with your people then you won't have to do it alone. Because life is not a solo act. 'No it's not. It's a big messy delightful ensemble piece especially when you're with your people. These are friends that you might have for your whole life and there will be many others to collect along the way.' He went on to urge kindness and connection over cutthroat competition: 'So as you prepare to take this big leap into real life here's a little advice if you're willing to listen to a frog. Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side because life is better when we leap together … 'Because if I know anything it's important to stay connected to your loved ones, stay connected to your friends, and most of all stay connected to your dreams. No matter how big, no matter how impossible they seem, the truth is dreams are how we figure out where we want to go.' In an age when so many commencement speeches blur together with corporate jargon and polished clichés, Kermit's words felt personal and sincere. That's the Muppet magic. Underneath the felt and googly eyes is a philosophy that's never gone out of style… community matters, dreams matter, and even in the mess, the show must go on. For a graduating class standing on the edge of uncertainty, it turns out one of the most reassuring voices they could hear wasn't a billionaire or politician, it was a frog reminding them to leap together.
CNN
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Where Kermit the Frog's tea meme came from
Where Kermit the Frog's tea meme came from Kermit the Frog tells CNN's Sara Sidner his thoughts on being an infamous part of meme culture. 00:41 - Source: CNN Vertical Trending Now 16 videos Where Kermit the Frog's tea meme came from Kermit the Frog tells CNN's Sara Sidner his thoughts on being an infamous part of meme culture. 00:41 - Source: CNN Verdict reached in Paris robbery of Kim Kardashian After a weekslong trial, eight people behind the multimillion-dollar armed robbery of Kim Kardashian in Paris were found guilty. Most of them received prison sentences, portions of which were suspended, but all will walk free due to time already served. 00:43 - Source: CNN Anderson catches up with man sailing around the world Anderson Cooper speaks with Oliver Widger for an update on his viral adventures sailing across the world. Widger quit his job, liquidated his 401(k) and bought a sailboat to see the world with his rescue cat, Phoenix. 01:55 - Source: CNN See moment OceanGate team noticed something wrong Newly released video shows OceanGate founder and CEO Stockton Rush's wife, Wendy Rush, who was working on the communications and tracking team, notice the sound of a 'bang' while monitoring the submersible. The Titan submersible imploded on June 18, 2023, killing all five passengers on board. 00:49 - Source: CNN 'The Points Guy' on the best deals for summer travel Brian Kelly, founder of breaks down the best deals for summer travel and how to make the most of your frequent flyer miles. 01:00 - Source: CNN Where Shein and Temu customers are shopping now 02:07 - Source: CNN Former clean-up man for 'Diddy' testifies Sean 'Diddy' Combs' former assistant George Kaplan, an apparent clean-up man for the defendant's Bad Boy Enterprises, took the stand to testify in the federal trial against Combs. Kaplan described his job that included preparing hotel rooms for 'Diddy' as prosecutors aim to connect Kaplan's testimony to paint a picture of a network of employees that enabled Combs' alleged abuse. 02:36 - Source: CNN Climber rescued by helicopter after 30-foot fall in California A helicopter rescue crew hoisted a climber to safety after they fell roughly 30 feet while scaling Lily Rock in Idyllwild, California. The climber was left clinging to the cliffside with a limb injury. 00:49 - Source: CNN Watch ancient tower partially collapse in eastern China A tourist attraction originally built in the 14th century in Anhui, China, partially collapsed on Monday. Local authorities have closed the Fengyang Drum Tower for maintenance following the incident. 00:56 - Source: CNN NFL players are now allowed to play flag football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics NFL owners vote unanimously to allow players to compete in inaugural Flag Football competition at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. CNN Sports' Andy Scholes has more. 00:58 - Source: CNN See "Cheers" star George Wendt's most memorable moments Actor and comedian George Wendt, beloved for his performance as Norm Peterson on the long-running comedy series "Cheers" has died aged 76. Wendt's career spanned more than four decades, and included six consecutive Emmy nominations. CNN looks back at some of his best moments. 00:57 - Source: CNN Kermit the Frog's advice for 2025 graduates and what he learned from 'the school of life' The University of Maryland's 2025 commencement speaker Kermit the Frog shares his advice for graduates with CNN's Sara Sidner. 01:14 - Source: CNN What most people don't know about the man who played Norm on 'Cheers' CNN senior data analyst Harry Enten shares some interesting facts about 'Cheers' actor George Wendt following his death at the age of 76. 01:33 - Source: CNN Ms. Rachel meets 3-year-old from Gaza YouTube star and children's educator Rachel Accurso, whose 'Songs for Littles' have been viewed billions of times, meets and sings one of her trademark songs with Rahaf, a 3-year-old double amputee from Gaza. Accurso, who has millions of followers across social media, has been outspoken about her views that the children in Gaza face a humanitarian crisis, and says she has received both support and bullying for her posts. 03:15 - Source: CNN Lightning bolt strikes police vehicle in Oklahoma Security footage captured the moment a lightning bolt struck a police vehicle in Newcastle, Oklahoma during severe storms that swept across the southern US on Monday. No one was injured in the incident, according to the Newcastle Emergency Department. 00:18 - Source: CNN
