Shockingly Green Alternatives to Organic

By Lori Huskey

Next time you come upon an outdoor farmer’s market or an organic specialty store you may or may not be swooned by its health benefits and high prices. Organic blueberries are usually a dollar or two more than their dirty non-organic cousins. When it comes to produce you’ll want to go organic with heavily-sprayed items such as raspberries and peaches. On the other hand, you may want to save money on items where organic doesn’t make such a big difference. If you’re worried about the pesticide sprays, you can always but cheaper produce and invest in a spray that removes the waxy layer of chemicals. Nature Clean fruit and veggie wash is $4.99 http://www.naturecleanliving.com/product_fruit_spray.htm

You may also consider Veggie Wash ($4.39) With Natural Lemon solvents for effective and safe cleaning. It’s more effective than water in removing Pesticides, Waxes, and other Surface Contaminates. Veggie Wash rinses clean and leaves no after-taste.

If you want to go even greener than green, make your own veggie spray:

Sophie Uliano’s Veggie Cleaner Spray
(If you can’t buy organic produce, you need to make sure you wash it thoroughly. Use this spray to make sure your fruit and vegetables are squeaky clean)

INGREDIENTS

* 1 cup water

* 1 cup distilled white vinegar

* 1 Tbsp. baking soda

* 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract

Combine all ingredients in a large container. Then, transfer to a spray bottle with a pump. Spray mixture on produce, and rinse thoroughly after 5 to 10 minutes.

If you can shell out a Benjamin or two as a clean food investment, you may want to consider the Tersano

(http://www.tersano.com/Products/lss_lbu100.php)
lotus sanitizing system ($169), which miraculously uses only water in a heating process to remove chemicals.

According to the website, Tersano believes that we don’t have to pay the extra dollar for organic foods. Instead we can clean cheaper non-organic foods: washing produce in ozonated water significantly reduces pesticide residues on the surface of produce. With the lotus system, expensive "organic" isn't the only way to enjoy food with less pesticides.

This cleaning system also claims to clean not only food but just about everything else in your life. The system uses water as a cleaning agent for hard-to-remove stains. It’s green friendly because you can do away with environmentally harmful products, which are hazardous to the ozone: The lotus technology infuses cold tap water with an extra oxygen atom, creating a natural sanitizer. The third oxygen atom becomes the sanitizing agent, a natural oxidant -- which kills bacteria and viruses, and neutralizes pesticides.

The right way to recycle batteries

By Carolyn Rose

The Big Green Box is an international program that sends recycling boxes to companies and organizations in order for them to safely dispose of batteries and electronics.

Once a company has received a Big Green Box, all shipping costs and disposal fees are included. Some things that can be disposed of in the box are alkaline and lithium batteries, cell phones, laptops, cameras and PDAs. Once the Big Green Box is filled, it can be dropped off at any UPS location and is then shipped back to the program’s location.

You can visit the website to find out more information and to purchase a Big Green Box for your company or home.

So why can’t batteries just be thrown away? The answer is that they contain mercury and other things that are toxic and hazardous to the environment. While newer batteries only contain trace amounts of mercury, many people are still worried about their effect on the environment.

Batteries can pollute lakes and oceans and deposit lead into them. They also have corrosive acids that are bad for landfills. Therefore, batteries cannot just be thrown away in the trash, they need to be disposed of properly.

Luckily there are many options now, though, including the Big Green Box and other similar programs. There are many organizations in addition to “The Big Green Box” who will dispose of batteries for you, but at a small price.

If you don’t think you have enough batteries to have a Big Green Box in your home, you can always bring your batteries to local retailers. Batteries can be dropped off at Best Buy, The Home Depot, Target, Staples, Sears, Verizon Wireless and Patagonia, among others.

And if you see your neighbor throwing away a laptop or cell phone, be a pal and let them know that the items need to be disposed of properly. It’s your world, too.

Cheap, all-natural cleaning supplies

By Colleen Heenan

Even daunting tasks-such as cleaning your house- can be turned into a green task. There are many new products that claim to be ecologically friendly and still clean and disinfect.

However, many of these products are significantly more expensive than the less-eco-friendly competitors. When faced with financial strains, it is important to use more thrifty means of cleaning tools. Here are some ideas I think can help people reduce their costs of cleaning:

First of all, I am sure you all have several bottles of previously purchased eco-friendly cleaners under your sink already. Just save those spray bottles after they are empty so they can be refilled with your home-made mixtures.

Next you need to make a list of ingredients you will need from the store- don’t worry these things are cheap and have multipurpose uses! Depending on what you have in your house your lists of needs will vary.

List:

1. Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural All-Purpose cleaner which is great for disinfecting and deodorizing. It is a bit acidic if not diluted. Don’t worry about the smell is will disappear as it dries. Plus it is wallet-friendly! Use on all surfaces in the kitchen, on windows and for laundry (here use in rinse cycle to help further breakdown detergent- great for people with sensitive skin).
2. Baking Soda: Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) is abrasive and can be used on areas that need a good scrubbing. It also helps neutralize odors, soften fabrics and clean surfaces. It can be best used as an all-purpose cleaner where you can clean floors, tubs, sinks and counters. My favorite use is to clear drains with it, check below.

3. Lemons: Lemons can be used to deodorize, clean glass, remove stains, dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Also, grind up the lemons and rinds in garbage disposal to neutralize odor and disinfect blades (an added plus is your kitchen smells fabulous!)

4. Borax: Sodium Borate is a naturally producing crystal compound that dissolves easily in water. It comes from the mineral Boron and a salt of boric acid. When bought in the stores Borax is partially dehydrated so as to make it more powdery. It has many uses, but when used for cleaning it acts as an anti-fungal preventing mold and mildew (especially in steamy bathrooms), can be used as a detergent when laundering, a deodorizer and helps remove stains from cloths and carpets.

5. Other ingredients you may already have on hand:

• Olive Oil- used to polish furniture: mix with some lemon juice for a fresh smell.
• Isopropyl alcohol is a stain remover, an excellent disinfectant and helps cut grease out of cloths and fabrics: P.S. gets pen stains out!
• Cornstarch cleans windows carpets and polishes furniture: creates an abrasive paste when combined with a little vinegar.

Recipes:

1.) All-Purpose cleaners

• 1 part vinegar and 1 part water, put in reused plastic spray bottle
• 4 tablespoons baking soda and warm water, shake and scrub

2.) Disinfectant

• Mix ½ cup borax and 1 gallon of hot water
• Vinegar and lemon juice

3.) Drain cleaner

• ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by a ½ cup of vinegar, wait 15 min and then pour 1 gallon of boiling water down the drain

4.) Oven cleaner

• Moisten oven and then sprinkle with baking powder. Scrub with steal wool.

6.) Toilet bowl cleaner

• Mix ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour in toilet and let sit for 5 minutes, then scrub with brush

7.) Dish Scrubber

• Take half a lemon and sprinkle with borax to scrub dishes and disinfect countertops
• Cutting boards: vinegar, baking soda or lemons will disinfect the wooden and plastic cutting boards

8.) Window cleaner

• Use equal amounts of vinegar and water, by dipping old newspapers into solution and wiping down the window, then followed by dry newspapers.

BE CAREFUL! This is chemistry and you have to be smart about mixing concoctions. Never combine chlorine bleach, oven cleaners, dishwasher detergent or toilet-bowl cleaners with ammonia, lye, rust remover, or vinegar. Such a combination can create a deadly poisonous gas.

Hope you find these suggestions helpful and cost effective. Happy cleaning!

Relieving green guilt

By Margaret Scott

There are times when, against our better judgment, we are not as gentle to the environment as we might hope to be. We drive to the store, run the air conditioner, fly to California, drink bottled water…the list goes on.

Sometimes, it feels like these things cannot be avoided. When this is the case and you are left feeling guilty long after the car has been parked in the garage or your California vacation has ended, there are ways to mediate the effects and assuage your guilt.

One way, called “carbon offsetting,” is used to balance the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon offsets are a form of credit, often purchased by large companies in order to take responsibility for the harm caused by excessive travel, electricity use or other production outputs.

On the personal side, however, carbon offsets are most often used to compensate for the emissions associated with air travel. In purchasing a carbon offset, the buyer is typically investing in a project that seeks to reduce emissions, such as a wind farm.

The following websites offer opportunities for offsetting the effects of your activities that are most harmful to the environment, whether avoidable or otherwise. As this is in many ways an investment, it is important to consider the type of project to which your carbon offset will contribute.

▪ CarbonCounter
- the website’s main focus is carbon offsets - available to the individual or business

▪ CarbonFund
- detailed information on the CarbonFund projects, their partners, etc.
- background information on climate change, carbon offsets, etc.

▪ Environmental Defense Fund
- under the “What You Can Do” section, the website features a pollution calculator
- “Neutralize Your Pollution” information

▪ Native Energy
- Native Energy represents a slightly different type of organization as its projects are designed to “create sustainable economic benefits for Native Americans, Alaska Native Villages, family farmers and rural communities.”

▪ TerraPass
- offers a carbon footprint calculator
- also includes a store for “green products”

Donating to green non-profits

By Lori Huskey

We’ve all heard of non-profits that call themselves green but what exactly does that mean? If you’re interested in becoming green, you can make changes in your daily living. Another way to help the green campaign is by giving money to non-profits, but you’ll probably want to know which one best suits your interest. Use this green-giving compass to guide you through your choices.

If you’re too broke to be a philanthropist, don’t worry because you don’t need to be Bill Gates. Those who work in the non-profit field abide to the economic theory that giving provides a personal harmony money can’t buy.

Taken from the Mindful Momma website, here are some organizations to consider:


Organic Consumers Association - The OCA is a grass-roots non-profit that campaigns for health, justice and sustainability. Their central focus is building a healthy, equitable, and sustainable system of food production and consumption but in broader terms they promote the views and interests of the nation's estimated 50 million organic and socially responsible consumers. They've got a lot of really important campaigns including:

• SOS (Safeguard Organic Standards) - mobilizes consumers to pressure the USDA and organic companies to preserve strict organic standards.
• Breaking the Chains - challenges industrial agriculture, corporate globalization, and the Wal-Martization of the economy, and inspires consumers to "Buy Local, Organic, and Fair Made."
• Appetite for a Change - lobbys to reduce children's exposure to pesticides, toxins and junk food - with a focus on school lunch programs.
• Coming Clean - striving for organic integrity in body care products.
• Clothes for a Change - working with farmers, consumers, and companies to promote organics and Fair Trade in the clothing sector.

Environmental Working Group - The EWG is a non-profit environmental research organization based in Washington, DC. They lobby heavily on Capital Hill to protect our health and that of the environment. They also provide some really great consumer resources - I use these all the time!

• Skin Deep Cosmetic Database - a safety guide for cosmetics and personal care products.
• Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce - a ranking of fruits and vegetables from highest to lowest levels of pesticides.
• Tuna Calculator - calculates the maximum amount of tuna you can safely eat based on your weight.

Co-op America - a nonprofit consumer organization, promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic justice. Their strength is in mobilizing people - consumers, workers, business leaders and investors - to take personal and collective action. Here are just a few of the important campaigns and valuable resources they provide:

• The National Green Pages - a directory of screened and approved green businesses.
• The Climate Action Campaign - pressures major polluters in the utility, automotive, and oil and gas industries to take climate change seriously.
• Fair Trade Alliance and Guide to Fair Trade - promoting economic justice for farmers and artisans.
• A Guide to Ending Sweatshops - sweatshop-free resources and information.

Center for Health, Environment and Justice - The CHEJ helps protect us from environmental hazards - they do things like clean up toxic waste sites, lobby for corporate They are especially passionate about working for kids and for communities at risk. Just a few of the things the CHEJ has done for us:

• PVC: The Poison Plastic - a campaign working to phase out PVC, the most dangerous plastic to our health and environment. You may have seen the excellent Sam Suds video - warning about the dangers of PVC in bath toys.
• Green Flag Schools - a program for environmental leadership where students learn environmental concepts, investigate their schools, and advocate for school-wide reforms to make their schools safer and healthier.
• Childproofing Our Communities - CPOC educates and empowers communities to protect children from toxic exposures in the places where they play, pray, learn and grow.

No power like Wind Power!

By Carolyn Rose

One of the coolest things being done to conserve energy, in my opinion, is the usage of windmills.

Research shows that windmills can supply 20 percent of the United States’ energy by the year 2030. And while that may not seem like much, listen to what some towns are doing to go above and beyond:

The town of Hull, Massachusetts (about 20 miles north of Boston) has been using a windmill since the early 80s. However, modern wind technology joined the town in 2001 with the Hull Wind 1--a 660 kilowatt turbine. Then in 2006, Hull Wind 2, a bigger and better turbine, was put into action. The town hopes to put two more windmills up in the next few years to further reduce the cost of electricity. That decision will have to be made by taxpayers, but who would say no? Many say the windmills haven’t killed a single bird since they were built, and they are doing great things for both the environment and the community members.

So what is the extent of the savings? The two windmills in Hull supposedly cancel out the cost of each and every street and traffic light. Even more, it reduces the amount of energy that the town has to buy from outside sources, saving taxpayer money.

The windmill is no new idea, but it is becoming popular on a larger scale. Towns and even cities across the country are adding windmills to their oceans and their farms. But some people are even putting them in their own back yards. A man in New Jersey who works for a windmill company decided to put one on his own property when his electric bill got too high. The 40-foot turbine has reduced the man’s energy cost from about $350 to just over $100 per month.

However, his neighbors are upset and are taking him to court because it makes too much noise and looks ugly from their yards. At some point we have to make a decision between what is more important- saving the environment or having a nice view from your window.

Staying green on vacation

By Colleen Heenan

Vacationing to me is like cheating on my daily routine, my habits totally slip in ways I normally would not let them.

For example, I always cheat on my diet by going out to eat and drink soda daily. Along with my diet, vacationing seems to push my normally green habits aside. Today it has become a little easier to stay green on you vacation, especially if you are traveling to Lexington Massachusetts, where two new hotels opened to give green-minded people an alternative options to stay at.

Just this month two hotel chains opened up two different eco-conscious hotels; Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ 123-suite Element Lexington and Starwood’s 136-room Aloft Lexington. Though both hotels are offering a new “eco-chic” option for the environmentally thoughtful, they are both very different when it comes to how green they are.

Element hotels are suite-like rooms that offer kitchens and generally cater to business folks and families looking for an extended stay option. It is the first hotel to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. Along with rugs made with recycled tires, furniture stuffed with recycled materials, energy-efficient light bulbs and filtered water over bottled water, the element is educating their guests on more sustainable choices and practices.

The hotels also have water-saving toilets, faucets, showers and energy-efficient heating, air conditioning and appliances, which will save the hotel between $50,000- $75,000 per year in costs.

As for the hotel Aloft, their focus is on a more modern, fun approach to bring eco-awareness to their guests. Guests have the option to reuse towels and linens, so as to reduce water use. They also have shampoo and soap dispensers, to reduce the demand and use of those mini bottles we are so use to finding at “normal” hotels.

While both hotels offer advice and support of the eco-conscious, you can clearly tell that Element hotels are really trying to transform the structure of their hotel. Because of the appliances and furniture used and their building standards, Element has really taken one giant leap towards the green movement. Aloft is still taking baby steps but definitely in the right direction. Both these hotels are role models and raise the bar for competing hotel chains. Let’s hope this starts a revolution for the travel industry.

For more information on these hotels check out this news article.


Photo by Element

Solar solutions

By Margaret Scott

There is arguably no better renewable resource than the sun. Well, maybe the wind. Anyway, energy from the sun is a nonetheless an excellent, clean resource that can be reliably harnessed. This energy can be used in conjunction with an existing electrical system or help to sustain a house or any building independently “off the grid.”

While the details of the technology are complicated, the basics are relatively easy to understand. Solar panels, the icons of solar conversion, are durable, waterproof panels of solar cells. Solar cells are capable of transforming photons—particles of solar energy—into electricity.

Solar cells are not only employed in converting solar energy through panels, but also many other household devices, such as outdoor lights, fountains or chargers. The following websites offer an excellent variety of information about panel installation as well as an array of more conventional products that are self-powered with solar technology. While some of the sites are strictly informational with regard to the solar products themselves, most offer additional background information about the technology and its practical uses. Additionally, as the sites are aiming to sell household panel systems, many offer free “evaluation kits” or “cost evaluation calculators” to aid the homeowner in his or her research. Ultimately, the websites confirm that solar technology is clean, renewable, and efficiently installed and maintained on a household to household basis. Plus, it keeps getting better and better.

▪ Solarhome.org
▪ Mr. Solar
▪ Solar Depot
▪ Solar Panel Store
▪ Solar Electric Supply

How to get the most out of rain

By Lori Huskey

If you’re sick of hearing about Portland, Oregon as the archetype green city, brace yourself for just one more lesson: the rain garden.

A rain garden uses the water harvested from roof gutters to irrigate a garden or yard, by redirecting the route of water that would normally go into sewers through drains.

Rain gardens keep rivers clean by limiting the debris that rain water normally pushes through the gutters and then rivers and can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching creeks and streams by up to 30 percent.

They also reduce rain runoff by allowing storm water to soak into the ground as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters—a process that can cause erosion, water pollution, flooding and diminished groundwater.

Although the rain garden originated in the 1990s in Maryland, many Oregonians have adopted this eco-friendly gardening technique.

Many cities and towns, including Portland, offer incentives for residents willing to create a rain garden and may offer a nearly 100 percent discount on storm water charges typically found on water bills.

In fact, the home and garden crew from This Old House visited Portland and aired their making of a Portland, Ore. rain garden on PBS. Not surprisingly, the rest of the country, namely those in climates with high rainfall, has already caught on.

The key is to build a garden where there is a depression in the land. On This Old House the landscaper dug a two-foot-deep plot in the yard in order to enable a downhill flow.

Native plants are recommended for rain gardens because they generally don't require fertilizer and are more tolerant of local climate, soil and water conditions.

The plants — a selection of wetland edge vegetation, such as wildflowers, sedges, rushes, ferns, shrubs and small trees — take up excess water flowing into the rain garden. Water filters through soil layers before entering the groundwater system. Root systems enhance infiltration, moisture redistribution and diverse microbial populations involved in biofiltration.

Rain gardens are not just for homes and are designed to absorb rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways and compacted lawn areas for businesses or car parks.

The city of Portland currently provides residents with the tools required to build a rain garden and through Clean River Rewards, residents are working together for clean rivers. The rewards are reduced storm water charges for citizens, as well as cleaner water, healthy watersheds and more livable communities today and for future generations.

By disconnecting downspouts, rain gardeners will help the sewer system from overflowing when it rains and instead, can be directed to a yard, garden, swale, storm water planter or to a rain barrel or cistern for storage.

The rain garden is just one of many ways you can re-use water. The city of Portland has a comprehensive website with all the information you need to take advantage of your area’s annual rainfall.

For example, the website also has instructions on how to build a rain barrel. This makes sense for Portlanders since the city gets an average of 37 inches of rain per year.

If you contact your local water supplier, you’ll be surprised at how many cities that offer services and plans on how to keep the sewers lower and rivers cleaner.

The low-down on community supported agriculture

By Colleen Heenan

One of my favorite things about summer is enjoying the fresh, local produce that comes from my community.

Produce vendors and farmers sometimes travel hours to sell their fruits and vegetables. The result is city folks, such as myself, who don’t have access to land to grow fresh produce, get to benefit from the hard work of our community farmers. One way to support these farms is to join Community Supported Agriculture, more familiarly known as a CSA.

A CSA is an intimate relationship between a farmer and community members that results in benefits for both parties. When becoming a member of a CSA, you are making a valuable connection from yourself to the food you eat and the farm it comes from. You pay money up front to a farm which uses that money to pay for seeds, nutrients, tools and transportation costs. In return you are guaranteed a basket of food every week for the duration of the season.

There are many ways to give back to your community. By becoming a CSA member you not only are giving support to your community, you are making your city and yourself healthier by eating better foods that travel a short distance to be at your table.

For more information about CSAs and farmers markets near you check out this website: www.localharvest.org

Look good in green

By Margaret Scott

“Clothing makes the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” --Mark Twain

Well put. While many people are trying “green” in all aspects of life, it can sometimes be difficult to justify new purchases. But to be taken seriously, in whatever endeavor, it certainly can’t hurt to look presentable and put together.

Therefore, it is helpful to acknowledge clothing resources that are environmentally responsible. Used clothing is an excellent choice. Whether consignment shops, Salvation Army or Goodwill stores, thrift stores or vintage boutiques, the list is long. After shopping at these types of stores, there’s no need (or less need) to feel guilty about wearing fabrics or leathers that have been inconsiderately produced.

For buying new clothing, the resources are even more expansive. Below, I’ve put together a list of some of the many online resources for buying organic, recycled, hemp or other types of environmentally conscious clothing. Check it out and keep looking for more.

1. Acacia
- Acacia Catalog offers all types of responsibly produced items, particularly home goods
- clothing options are located under the “Style” bar, featuring footwear and apparel

2. Ex Officio
- in general, this website offers a variety of specialty travel clothing
- “eco friendly” clothing is an option within Men’s and Women’s clothing

3. Indigo Handloom
- this brand responsibly employs workers in South Asia at traditional hand looms in order to create organic, vegan or otherwise environmentally conscious fabrics

4. Patagonia
- as a brand, Patagonia is well publicized for its company-wide environmentalism
- many products are hemp or organic cotton based
- Patagonia stores offer clothing recycling programs

5. REI
- while REI does offer “eco-friendly” clothing, it can be difficult to locate on the website
- Eco-Friendly is an option (under “More Ways to Shop”) in either the Women’s or Men’s Clothing section

6. Soul Flower
- this website offers a wide variety of items, particularly apparel for Men, Women and Kids

How efficient are your appliances? You may be surprised…

By Carolyn Rose

Though many people have heard of Energy Star-rated appliances, few may be aware of how great the benefits are for the earth and your bank account.

According to the Energy Star website, making better choices when it comes to household appliances can save American families about one third of their energy bill.

An even more shocking statistic is that last year, Americans saved greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those given off by 27 million cars, saving a total of $1.6 billion by purchasing Energy Star-rated technology.

A great way to get started is by visiting the website and calculating your home’s energy usage. All you need is the your utility bills. Energy Star has a program called “ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick” that will allow you to compare your energy usage to that of other American homes.

Next time you’re looking to buy a new appliance, look for a box with the blue Energy Star logo- this means that the appliance has met certain guidelines put forth by the EPA and the Department of Energy, the two agencies that run the Energy Star program.

Energy Star is a great way that people are improving their energy usage and making their homes more eco-friendly.

Five simple steps to make your life and your friends greener

By Colleen Heenan

Trying to incorporate new lifestyle changes into your life will never come at a convenient time. You just have to make minor adjustments to begin your new routine. I have listed what I think are five easy steps to transition into green living

(1) Take public transportation: I know this may seem like a no-brainer, but with these historically high gas prices and the beginning of summer it is a perfect time to change your commuting routine. Biking is a great way to incorporate your daily physical activity and by far the best way to shrink your carbon footprint. If your commute is over 10 miles away, check out local bus or train routes and schedules. Some busses even have bike racks if the route does not drop you right in front of you building. Also, check out company van-pools or start your own car-commute system.

(2) Bring you lunch, water and coffee/tea to work: This saves on paper, plastic or Styrofoam containers and silverware from filling up your trash can at an exponential rate. Buy yourself a nice mug and a lunch box (perhaps from recycled material). On top of reducing your garbage space you will be saving a ton of money per week.

(3) Eat smart: This is the best time of year to become a localvore (someone who only eats food that comes from nearby farms to help contribute to their community) Farmers markets are almost everywhere and the produce usually come from within a 100 mile radius. And if you really want to lower your carbon footprint reduce your beef and dairy intake (check out my July 30th blog ‘Greening the way we eat’).

(4) Pay your Bills Online: This is very easy to do; many phone, electric and water companies offer E-payments. All you usually need to get started is your account number and your credit or debit card info. I have noticed that my energy company charges me $2 per transaction, so if this is the case go to your bank’s website and see if they offer online banking, which will be free for you and convenient.

(5) Recycle! Easy as Plastic, Paper, Glass and Tin! Curbside recycling is offered in so many cities these days and there are still many drop-off areas available if needed. If your work place does not have recycling bins, start a recycling revolution and get people informed then interested (check out Amber Fagan’s article on ‘Telling your boss to go green’ in the Green your Future blog).

With a little work we can start a green revolution. Lets do a little more then we did yesterday and feel good about going green while encouraging our friends and family to do the same.

Things to know about green architecture

By Margaret Scott

I’ve been watching a lot of Planet Green lately. This channel is host to a number of different shows, all geared towards promoting a green lifestyle. As Carolyn mentioned in her June 16^th post specifically about the channel, some of the shows deal with green buildings, architecture or renovation. These types of shows are my absolute favorite.

But sometimes it is hard to relate to these shows. They talk about technology I’ve never heard of and homeownership, an issue that I’ve never had to deal with at this point in my life.

Still, I’m engaged. First, because this technology is cool, innovative and keeps getting greener. Second, I just might own a house someday. And even if I’m really far from owning my own home, understanding the technology of green housing helps to spread the word about a cool, undeniably green movement. Starting with, for example, my parents.

Below, I’ve outlined a few of the fundamental technologies and products being used today. While these are often incorporated into a larger process of green building or renovation, these are nonetheless valuable, realistic tips for making an existing home greener, step by step.

Flooring

• Bamboo: bamboo is a fast-growing grass, making it a valuable, sustainable alternative to hardwood flooring in a home
• Linoleum: rather than created with a chemical base, linoleum can be created with only natural ingredients, offering a safe (chemical-free) tiling alternative

Furniture

• Along with many other items we bring into our homes, furniture too can contain dangerous chemicals and dyes that are used to preserve its wood and fabric; therefore, consider a product that has used sustainably forested wood, and non-VOC preserved materials
• “Durapalm” and “kirei” are two valuable woods to look for when purchasing new furniture – both are created from byproducts of agricultural processes

Painting

• Because of the inherent dangers to breathing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are found in most commercially produced paints, it is important to look for paints that are low-VOC are completely VOC-free

Hopefully, these descriptions are a helpful first step to understanding the opportunities that are available to anyone interested in renovating a home or apartment, no matter the scale of the project.

For more information, first stop at Planet Green to get inspired. Next, check out World Changing, where many of these specifics came from. Another valuable building resource is the U.S. Green Building Council.

The real deal on hybrid cars

By Carolyn Rose

So what is all this fuss about hybrid cars? What exactly are they, and how do they work? These are some of the questions I found myself asking after seeing a recent commercial for one of the new Chevy hybrids.

After reading up on how hybrid cars work and why they are better both for your wallet and for the environment, I have a much better idea of why they are becoming so popular. “Hybrid” in terms of cars means that the vehicle draws on two separate energy sources: gasoline and electric power. Most of the hybrid cars out there, such as the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and the 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrid, are gasoline-electric cars. This means that they combine the power of gasoline with battery power in the advanced electric motor. They use less gas since gas isn’t the only source of power.

Hybrid cars also have more efficient engines- they can be much smaller and contain lighter parts. Smaller engines use less energy, and that is how the cars get more miles per gallon than the type of cars we have been driving for decades.

Alright enough of the science lesson, so why should you buy one?

I understand that you are devoted to your 8-cylinder Silverado and can’t picture yourself ever driving a compact car, never mind a hybrid. Why should you make the switch? Well for one thing, you’re going to save a load of money on gas with a fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle.

If that doesn’t convince you, consider yourself shrinking your ecological footprint. Your new hybrid will cut carbon emissions and help reduce your impact on the planet. If you are still not sold on the idea, be happy that Chevy has just developed a 2009 Silverado Hybrid- available this coming winter.

Now that I feel like I understand the whole picture of hybrid cars, I’m definitely sold on the idea. And while they may cost more to purchase, the money I’d save on gas would probably be more than the extra amount I paid for the car with the way things are looking now. Not to mention, you can’t put a price on saving the environment.

How to stay clean and green

By Lori Huskey

The dryer is the second most energy consuming appliance in the home, followed by the refrigerator, and isn’t required to abide by energy standards.

So when my parents noticed the rising costs on their electricity bill, they decided to do away with clothes drying. A longtime fisherman, my father gathered his old fishing poles and created a make shift drying line above the wood stove. (I wonder when Pottery Barn is going to catch on to this fly fishing décor theme.) Hours later, our clothes were water-free without ever touching the dryer.

As the midsummer days offer more daylight, it’s time to use the sun not only for light but for its drying power. Now is a good time to stop using the dryer and start hanging your clothes in the sun. If you already have a clothes dryer, you can save nearly $500 a year by using a drying rack instead. If you are about to buy a clothes dryer, the prices range from $300-$1500 while a clothes rack will run you $75 tops.

For outdoor drying you can choose from an umbrella clothes dryer ($36) or a five-line retractable dryer ($45). Both are collapsible and can be used for easy storage. The upper section of the umbrella clothes dryer spins when wind picks up, adding a outdoor fresh breeze through your garments.

If your budget is nil, you can still use a solar-powered dryer. A clothesline can be easily built. You just need a rope and two holding points such as trees. For more long term outdoor dryers, try a pulley kit from your local hardware store.

It's easy to make a traditional clothesline yourself, using 4x4 or 6x6 pressure-treated posts for the uprights and 2x8s for the cross arms (which don't need to be pressure-treated). Simply notch the posts to receive the cross arms, set them in concrete, and run the lines on eye hooks between them. A 4- or 5-foot cross arm should give you enough room for five lengths of line, nicely spaced. Check out clothesline.com for all the details on what you’ll need.

As for the washing part of doing your laundry, you may wonder if those eco-friendly detergents are worth the extra $2. According to Co-Op America’s website, eco-friendly detergents are actually better on your clothes thus increasing the lifetime of your favorite garments. The best eco-friendly detergents are made without nonrenewable, petroleum-based chemicals. They are biodegradable and contain no optical brighteners, dyes or artificial fragrances.

Some excellent green laundry detergents to try include:

• Ecover: Offers nontoxic powder and liquid detergents, as well as a detergent for delicates.
• Natural Choices Home Safe Products: Sells Oxyprime, a nontoxic laundry detergent, and Allergy Free, a detergent for people with chemical sensitivities.
• Sun & Earth: Offers a “Deep Cleaning Formula” laundry detergent.
• Seventh Generation: Sells nontoxic liquid and powder laundry detergent, as well as Free and Clear fragrance-free laundry detergent and a detergent for baby clothes.

Lessons from the greenest city in the U.S.

By Lori Huskey

If you fly into Portland, Ore. you might pick up on the green friendliness the moment you land.

Even the toilets at the airport are eco-friendly. The dual flush toilets use less water for the thousands of daily passengers that frequent Oregon’s only international airport.

Once you head outside, you’ll notice the public transit system called TriMet. From here, you can take the train into the Portland area. TriMet prides itself on its sustainability and its transportation options support livability, ensure transit equity and promote human and ecosystem health.

TriMet eliminates nearly 201,800 car trips every day, stops 4.2 tons of smog-forming pollutants and 540 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the air and saves 60,000 gallons of fuel, according to the train’s website.

But what makes this transportation system different from others across America? There are a number of answers.

TriMet is the first public transit agency to use a NASCAR-inspired system that has a nearly four percent better fuel economy than standard buses.

It’s also one of the few systems that allows and encourages passengers to bring their bikes on board in order to make commuter connections.

Once you’ve reached downtown Portland you’ll also find that you can ride any of the trains, buses or streetcars for free within a given zone.

While TriMet continuously expands to meet the city’s needs, its innovative construction includes environmentally sensitive projects. Their site has information about their green initiatives from solar-powered bus shelters to recycling tires.

But wait, you’ve just arrived in Portland and you’re taking the train into town. You’ll want to take the (free) Portland Streetcar from downtown to the Portland State University farmer’s Market. Here you will find "A collection of urban green markets serving up to 22,000 shoppers per week providing a direct connection to over 250 vendors with deep roots in Oregon.”

If you only spend a short time at Portland State University, it’s worthwhile to learn about its pioneering success as a sustainable university and successful eco-minded alumni.

Try to make your city green like Portland, which was ranked the second greenest city in the world by Grist.org. Research your public transportation system, shop local, ride your bike and vote for the environment.

Going green can be hard, especially for an entire city or town, but its long-term effects are worthwhile. It’s much like going on a diet: it requires restriction and attention but it reaps benefits that impact the world as a whole.

10 Quick and Easy Ways to Green Your Home & Reduce Waste

By Carolyn Rose

1. Newspapers

Think of all the sections of the newspaper that you don’t read. If you’re like me, that is a lot of paper! A way of saving paper is to switch to reading the newspaper and magazines online. It may use some electricity, but you are saving a lot of paper.

2. Paper Goods
The people in my house love using paper plates and cups because it is easier to clean up. But paper goods also produce a lot of waste because they can’t be re-used! Avoid these things as best you can or at least, use plastic plates and cups so they can be re-used.

3. Organic Household Cleaners
Many household cleaners and detergents are bad for the environment. Try brands like Heather’s Natural and Organic Cleaning Products. Heather’s products are safe for the environment and safe for you. If you can’t get your hands on an organic cleaner, use more natural remedies such as vinegar, baking soda, and water to remove stains.

4. Electricity
Many people don’t know that cell phone chargers suck up energy when they are plugged into the socket, even if your phone isn’t connected. Also, turn off your computer and cable boxes at night- things that can be forgotten.

5. Insulate Pipes
By insulating your pipes and hot water heater, the hot water stays hot longer so you don’t have to use as much. You can also do things like fixing gaps in windows and doors to minimize heat loss.

6. Energy survey of home
Many states offers an in-home survey of energy use in your home. Often they will send someone to your house who will identify energy problem areas. The best part is many do it for free!

7. Grocery Bags
When you go grocery shopping, try to bring your own bags. Many supermarkets are selling cloth bags (for cheap) and offer a discount on groceries when you use them.

8. Save water
You’ll be shocked by how much lower your water bill is if you shut off the water when you don’t really need it. For example, don’t leave the faucet running while you’re brushing your teeth. Better yet, turn off the shower while you shave.

9. Ride a Bike
It may sound geeky, but when the weather is nice walk or ride a bike to your nearer destinations. You’ll feel good shrinking your carbon footprint, saving money on gas, getting in better shape and enjoying the fresh air.

10. Hot vs. Cold
Washing your clothes in cold water saves on energy because you avoid heating the water. You conserve energy and save money by reducing oil, gas, or electric usage.