Archive for May, 2009
A typical top-loading washer uses approximately 40 gallons of water per load, and a dryer can use up to five kilowatts of electricity per hour. Although laundry is supposed to clean our clothes, it doesn’t keep our environment clean!
Here are a few easy things you can do:
- Wash clothes in cold water. By using cold water instead of warm, the average US household can avoid emitting 1,281 pounds of carbon dioxide annually and save on energy bills.
- Wash full loads to make the best use of the energy required to run the machine.
- Improve efficiency by sorting clothes according to fabric type, color, weight, and degree of soiling. Don’t mix light materials with heavy towels!
- If you are using a dryer, clean the lint filter before each load to improve air circulation and efficiency.
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Tags: green tip, laundry
According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), methane produced by the farting of livestock such as cattle and sheep is a significant contributor to global warming, as well as land and water degradation. In fact, livestock alone account for 14% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
But don’t blame the kangaroos! Their farts don’t contain methane!
Scientists from down under are transplanting kangaroo bacteria into cattle and sheep for more earth-friendly farts. The bacteria is said to make the digestive process much more efficient and could save millions of dollars in feed costs! We could be a hop away from methane-free flatulence! 
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Tags: kangaroo, methane
Do you have a hard time finding eco-friendly presents for loved ones? Well there is no need to get down in the dumps! Panda Poo Paper accessories are made from real droppings, gathered from Giant Pandas in China. They are 100% recyclable and don’t raise a stink… they are completely odorless!
Panda Poo Paper accessories include items such as greeting cards, scratch pads, and journals. Check it out and get your mind out of the toilet! A little potty humor never hurt a panda!
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Tags: bamboo paper, panda poo paper, sustainable
Soles 4 Souls Soles 4 Souls is a non-profit organization that believes doing good doesn’t require fancy footwork! They lessen their environmental footprint by donating “gently worn” footwear to people in need. In the last year, Americans threw out more than 300 million pairs of shoes. Soles 4 Souls saves our shoes from an early death and gets them on the feet of people who really need them! They receive donations from schools, manufacturers, churches and synagogues, as well as celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Simpson. Soles 4 Souls has already donated 4 million pairs of shoes to people in over 125 different countries!
During the first week of June, Soles 4 Souls will host their annual “Barefoot Week”, where celebrities and good Samaritans will be joining forces to hand out 50,000 pairs of shoes to homeless youth and families in 5 major American cities. Jump online for more info on how you can help make strides in the right direction!
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Tags: non profit, scarlett johansson, soles 4 souls
Built on a theme of independence, possibility, and a real sense of adventure, Lonely Planet guidebooks put the entire world into the palms of your hands! They are renowned for their first-hand perspective on travel, and for providing the most up-to-date information available. Also, because writers are banned from receiving free meals and accommodations, you can trust that their recommendations are legit.
Lonely Planet is a huge advocate for “responsible travel”! Their books help you assess your impact on the environment, local culture, and economies. You can even lower your environmental impact by downloading Lonely Planet chapters instead of purchasing the entire book! Check them out here… and bon voyage!
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Tags: lonely planet, travel guide
When thinking about “green travel”, perhaps you imagine sleeping in a tree house with scorpions crawling right by you. But you don’t need to sacrifice comfort or be sent off into remote lands to be an eco-traveler! We’ll show you how!
- Choose earth-friendly transportation. Instead of jumping in an expensive cab or renting a car, try taking the bus or riding a bike. This can also save you major cash!
- Choose a green hotel. Ask questions like – Is the hotel locally owned and operated? Does the hotel have a recycling program? Can you reuse towels? Do they use alternative energy sources? How do they contribute to the community?
- Paper-less Travel Guides. Stop by a tourist information center or skim through a guidebook at a bookstore for attractions. Or go digital! If traveling on a shoestring isn’t for you, Lonely Planet has great downloadable chapters that save money and trees.
- Purchase Carbon Offsets. There are numerous websites out there that let you purchase carbon offsets without breaking the bank. Climate Care is one of them! Check it out and reduce your carbon footprint!
Nearly 1 billion tourists zigzag the globe each year. Not only do we leave an impact on a global level with carbon emissions, we also impact the places we visit on a local level with things like beach erosion. Be gentle on our fragile and threatened ecosystems. Our planet will thank you!
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Tags: green tip, Travel.
Echoes in the Attic is showing the fashion industry that sustainability is more than just living green – it’s absolutely chic! It transforms discarded textiles and leftover materials from post-manufacturing into extraordinary fashion and home accessories.
To make its infamous “Tea bag” and pretty, pretty pillows, Echoes uses reclaimed materials like surplus designer fabrics and old shredded t-shirts. Be sure to check out the “Purse-ifier” diaper bag! This one-of-a-kind tote that doubles for work, play, school, and anything you can think of. Absolutely love it!
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Tags: echoes in the attic, eco fashion
I was inspired by a simple act of fun that the quirky citizens of San Francisco came up with. Someone decided to install a swing on the Bart Public Transportation System and as you can see, people are having a a high flying time! The train mundane? No way! Cheers and Happy Hump Day!
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Tags: quirky, san francisco, transportation
Beauty is Only Skin Deep
The average person uses 10 different skin products on his or her skin everyday – soap, cleansers, moisturizers, shaving cream, sunscreen… the list is endless! Because our skin acts like a sponge, we absorb all of the chemicals contained in these products! Thus it’s important to consider a few tips before purchasing your next skin products:
- Simplify, not multiply! All you need is a basic cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
- Naturally natural? Not all products with “natural” labels mean it. Be aware of chemicals such as ammonia or 1,4-dioxane, a known animal carcinogen.
- Choose recyclable packaging.
- Make your own skincare products using all-natural ingredients like a rich anti-oxidant cleanser made from tomato and yogurt.
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Tags: Beauty., green tip
