Posted on August 27th, 2008
Usually when you think of grey water (if you haven't thought about it, grey water is clean water used once, then re-used again for other jobs where it doesn't need to be so squeaky clean), it means getting into the plumbing and installing a complicated water recycling system. But it doesn't have to be so complicated. Showering is one of the most water-consumptive activities in the home, so why not reuse some of your shower water for cleaning, watering your plants or garden, or flushing the toilet?
Collect water from your shower by sneaking a bucket into the tub, or if you're up for it, plug your drain and leave your leftover water in the tub for the day ...
Posted on August 5th, 2008
Remember the days when we made fun of bottled water? People used to joke that Evian was “naïve” spelled backwards. Today, bottled water is both the norm and a major ecological problem. It’s estimated that more than 8 billion gallons of bottled water are consumed annually in the US alone. It takes more than 1.5 million barrels of oil (enough to power 100,000 cars for a year) to produce the bottles of which 90% are not recycled. Our landfills are choking on plastic bottles, yet water sales continue to grow. Do your part by drinking tap water, either fresh from the faucet or by purchasing a water filtration system for your sink or ...
Posted on July 29th, 2008
What’s that? Carbon offsets can be tax-deductible? Really??? Yes, really! Check out
Carbonfund, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization. For every contribution you make to offset your carbon footprint, you’ll receive a tax receipt, so what’s good for the environment is also very good for your pocketbook at the end of the year.
For individuals, Carbonfund offers offsets for flights, your car, your home, and even your wedding! Carbonfund also offers offsets for businesses and organizations, allowing your work’s shipping, events, and operations to all be offset as well.
And they also let you select how you’d like your offset to help the planet: you can choose from ...
Posted on July 16th, 2008
Going camping? Ditch your flashlight for an LED headlamp. Not only do LEDs create a brighter, sustained light and use less battery power than a regular old flashlight, but quality LED headlamps can provide over 600 hours of light from just one set of regular AA or AAA batteries - and when was the last time you went camping for 600 hours? The real hot math tip is this combination of battery and bulb efficiency can result in up to 90% less energy consumption than your flashlight. Plus, you'll be a hit in any cave. Spelunk it up!
Posted on July 9th, 2008
Whether you’re cooking your own or mainly eating out on your next holiday, take the opportunity to experience foods specific to the region. Imported western food can really eat into your budget and the shipping required eats into the environment. It’s a bit of a misconception too that western food is cleaner and safer to eat. A head of lettuce that’s been sitting on a truck and then soaked in local water may be risky business and its probably just not what they do best. Also consider that purchasing local food fare is a nice way to give back to the economy you’re visiting. So peruse those exotic markets, talk ...
Posted on July 8th, 2008
If you just have to get cool with the help of an air conditioner, boost the efficiency of your A/C by using a programmable thermostat, turning the temperature up 2°, using fans to help move the cold air through your home and keeping lamps, tv’s and other heat-emitting appliances away from the thermostat. With these simple adjustments you can save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Aren't you sexy?
Posted on July 4th, 2008
It’s summer, and it’s hot hot hot! Keep cool and tap into your inner Steel Magnolia by purchasing a fancy hand fan. You’ll feel glamorous and breezy as you keep yourself comfortable. Mint julep anyone?
Posted on July 2nd, 2008
Whether from being sick, having allergies, or generally being a snotty person, chances are you've needed a Kleenex sometime in your life. Think of the waste created by all those wads of nose TP you've used over the years. One greener option is the trusty handkerchief. Not only is it reusable, but it provides a sturdier and stylish alternative to disposable tissues. Prove your fashion-forwardness with a chicly patterned kerchief, or show your love for the Earth and make it green. Just be sure to throw it in the wash every once in a while; being green needn't be diametrically opposed to being clean. Handkerchieves: a classier, greenier way to dispose of phlegm.
Thanks to Dylan Romero for suggesting ...
Posted on July 1st, 2008
Hose responsibly.
In the summer, lawn watering and other outdoor uses can account for up to 50 percent of home water use. Studies show that as much as half of this outdoor use is wasteful. As a general rule, 2 to 3 cm of water per week is adequate.
Don't overwater your landscape. It can cause yellowing leaves or poor plant health. Give plants only the amount of water that they need.
Use low-angle or pulsating sprinklers that produce large fat droplets of water. Sprinklers that spray the water high into the air or produce a mist or fine spray lose much of the water through evaporation.
Set sprinklers to water the lawn, not ...
Posted on June 18th, 2008
If you’re headed to a tourist hot-spot at home or on vacation this June, consider taking the bus instead of driving there. More than 15 million fans attend major American sporting events games each year. If only half of them drive to the game, that’s still one massive amount of gas and carbon emissions. Imagine if you add all the amusement parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, fairs and monuments to those sporting events. Holy cow! That’s a heckuva lot of cars! Don’t miss the experience, miss the traffic and the parking instead! The nice thing about touristy venues is that they’re often easily accessible by bus or rail. Hit the ...
