202 Search Results for "eco"

• Home Greening Tips – How to ma Home Greening Tips – How to make eco-friendly changes at home without the pain

  • From: arboinks
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    So, you want to be a “greenie”? Think quick now, just how green – just a little or the whole hog?   Ok, I guess that being so green that all your friends stop calling around, or moving to the mountains is not what you’re after.  But let’s say that you want to give it a  “suck it and see”.  Right then – let’s see what we can do.  Below is a simple list of things you can at least try yourself or even better coax your family along the “green brick road”.  Taking a few eco-friendly steps in your life does not have to be hard.  With just a few changes you can save energy, cut your fuel bills, save some money and have green bumper sticker with a clear conscience.  Using less energy can save you up to 20% on your power bills.  
    Here are your greenie budget saver tips :

    Turn your heating down, just 1degree Celcius can save up to 10% on power bills If you’re feeling coldish – put on a jumper or cozy fleece before turning up the heater, the heating lag time is just wasted power and a fleece feels great Turn your hot water thermostat down, you don’t need to maintain scalding hot water, you just need a nice warm shower or washing water.  If you can’t hold your hand in the hot water – it’s too damn hot, turn it down and save power Close the curtains at night and cut heat loss through your windows Track down drafts with a smoking incence stick and if possible seal any draft Fit draft stop or brush seals on exterior doors Keep internal doors closed to reduce draughts If you’re not in a room, turn off the lights, if you’re afraid of the dark, fit a motion sensor to a lamp so it comes on when you enter When cooking, use a hotplate that fits the pot pan and use its lid to use heat efficiently When doing your laundry, wash a full load each time or at least use the semi-load switch Wash at 30 degrees Celcius, modern detergents work perfectly well and you save up to 30% power usage Defrost your freezer regularly so it works efficiently Track down everything that uses standby power – if it has a glowing LED, it’s on standby. Standby can use up to 25% of the full load energy, especially your computer sitting at home on standby, turn the suckers OFF Don’t over-fill the kettle for just one cup of coffee Use low wattage energy-saving light bulbs where possible (dispose of them properly)

    OK, how hard was any of that? Most of these simple measure didn’t cost you a red cent and will save you money and you can congratulate yourself at your first cost cutting and eco friendly steps.  
    With your new found confidence, how about taking on a simple DIY project such as planting some  summer shade trees, plant a veggie patch, buy your fruit from a local market rather than from an overseas supplier (your supermarket).  Try something more technical like a DIY Solar Panel and hook it up to a roof cooling fan. Good luck and happy greening.

    Source: http://greeneasy.net/

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• Eco Friendly Green Living Floo Eco Friendly Green Living Flooring Choices Made Easy!

  • From: arboinks
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    Are you looking for an eco friendly flooring option? You will be surprised to learn that it is easy to find exactly the look and feel you’ve been searching for that is environmentally friendly and beautiful at the same time. Most of the flooring options listed below will be easy to find and comparative in price to less environmentally friendly choices.

    Manufacturers of home building supplies are working hard to do their part to create more eco friendly products. And the more study and research they put into these items the better the benefits to your wallet and to the environment.

    Rugs – Rugs can be made from everything from recycled soda bottles to candy wrappers and plastic bags to old blue jeans. Many of these rugs are easy to clean and can be used indoors or outdoors.

    Reclaimed Hardwood – Oftentimes wood can be reclaimed from old buildings and refinished and placed in your home. This not only gives you a beautiful look, but it lessens the impact on the environment since fewer trees are being cut down.

    Carpeting – Recycled carpet is not only safe for your family, but it’s safe for the environment and looks much better on your floor than in a landfill. It comes with the same durability guarantees as virgin synthetic fiber carpets. And if you recycle the carpet you’re replacing it’s a double environmentally friendly upgrade to your home.

    Cork – Cork flooring is actually good for the environment and is family friendly. The cork is harvested from the bark of a living tree. This process actually stimulates the tree growth. It is soft and warm under your feet. When a plate is dropped on the floor the cushion of the cork will prevent it from breaking. The plate will leave a dent in the floor that will bounce back after a few hours.

    Bamboo – Bamboo is a great choice for environmentally friendly flooring. Although bamboo may look like wood, it is actually a grass that grows back in about four years.

    Linoleum – Linoleum is biodegradable and does not release toxic fumes.It can be purchase in any design or theme you might want. It is easy to install and long lasting.

    Recycled Glass Floor Tiles – Those glass bottles that you’ve sent to the recycling center can find their way back into your home in the form of flooring tiles. It’s truly amazing the color options you’ll find. No two tiles are exactly alike, making your design options endless.

    Now that you know how easy it is to pick out flooring that is both environmentally friendly and easier on your wallet, go ahead and get started. Decide which flooring option you’d like and take a trip to your local home improvement center.

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• How to Choose Eco-friendly Gre How to Choose Eco-friendly Green Bathroom Products

  • From: ashleysoon
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    If you're looking to make your home greener, a good place to start is with eco friendly bathroom products. With some simple changes, you can eliminate a lot of chemicals and products that damage the environment. Patty Kim of the Green Guide shows how we can all have green bathrooms.

    Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pCe5KXwO2o&feature=player_embedded

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• Mercedes-Benz USA Driving the Mercedes-Benz USA Driving the USTA's Green Mission at the 2010 US Open

  • From: ashleysoon
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    Fuel Cell Vehicles and Hybrids Create Eco Advantage for US Open Fleet

    MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Official Vehicle of the US Open, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announces today that it is a driving force behind the USTA's commitment to green initiatives by providing Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID sedans and Mercedes-Benz F-CELL (Hydrogen Electric Vehicle powered by a fuel cell) vehicles representing 60 percent of the fleet used for player and VIP transportation during the 2010 US Open tournament.

    As an innovator in luxury eco-transportation, Mercedes-Benz is dispatching its F-Cell hydrogen fuel vehicles with zero emissions in addition to 75 S400 Hybrid vehicles in an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the US Open tournament.  The US Open launched its comprehensive environmental program three years ago and continues to expand green initiatives each year.  In 2010, key initiatives include recycling, energy management, composting and utilizing paper products comprised of at least 30% post-consumer waste.  In addition, a new green PSA campaign is planned featuring Alec Baldwin.

    “We are very excited to participate in the USTA’s environmental strategy and positively impact the US Open green initiatives through the Mercedes-Benz transportation fleet.  By tapping our portfolio of eco vehicles, we can provide athletes, staff and officials with green transportation without having to sacrifice luxury or safety,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  “Over the next four years, Mercedes-Benz is committed to exploring new ways through innovative eco mobility to help the USTA expand their environmental initiatives.”

    MERCEDES-BENZ S400 HYBRID

    The S400 HYBRID features the world's first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use.  The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy estimated at 30 miles per gallon on the highway making it the clear GREEN choice for the US Open transportation fleet.

    An added bonus of driving green cars like the Mercedes-Benz Hybrid, beyond not sacrificing space, safety or luxury, is the IRS alternative-powertrain tax credit. The Mercedes-Benz hybrid credit for the S400H is $1150.

    MERCEDES-BENZ F-CELL

    Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-CELL has a range of about 240 miles refueling with refueling taking only a few minutes. Running on compressed hydrogen, the F-CELL boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 71.3 city-highway combined miles per gallon and water is the F-CELL's only emission.

    ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ

    Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes.   More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

    ABOUT THE USTA

    The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game.  A not-for-profit organization with 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., is a minority owner and promotional partner of World TeamTennis, and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and through tennis, helps underserved youth and people with disabilities to improve academics, build character and strive for excellence. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com.

    Accredited journalists and editors can access press materials by registering at www.media.mbusa.com and www.media.maybachusa.com.

     Orignal Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mercedes-benz-usa-driving-the-ustas-green-mission-at-the-2010-us-open-101977518.html

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• Keeping it green Keeping it green

  • From: arboinks
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    Sasha Windes, left, and Jennifer Jordan are co-owners of Greenshops, a store that specializes in eco-friendly products. Photo by Henry A. Barrios.

        Hidden by industrial buildings in the quiet strip mall of Chloe’s Plaza, northwest Bakersfield’s eco-friendly, one-stop shop has built a loyal following despite its location.

    Greenshops caters eco connoisseurs and everyday eco-conscious folks alike, selling practical merchandise like organic bedding and cleaning products, as well as natural, cruelty-free makeup and skin care products.

    The seed for the business sprouted during a lunch conversation between Jennifer Jordan and Sasha Windes, who were in real estate together. After a long talk about health problems facing their families and pets, both women spent hours looking into solutions.

    Windes’ kids had developed allergies, asthma and eczema, so she switched her cleaning products, then gradually, the bedding. Since then, her kids haven’t had rash outbreaks or coughing attacks.

    “Every single problem I was taking my daughter to the doctor for went away. When I switched everything out, it changed. We hardly get sick anymore,” Windes said.

    Together, Jordan and Windes sought a way to share their newfound knowledge of toxic-free lifestyles with others. 

    “We wanted to create a place where people could come in and ask questions because we didn’t have that,” Windes said.

    About a year after that fateful lunch, the duo launched their website in January 2008, and soon discovered storage space was needed. Six months later, they opened a small, but shopper-friendly boutique (then called Fresh & Green) in the front part of the warehouse. The store’s name was changed to Greenshops after customers confused the boutique with Fresh & Easy grocery stores that opened around the same time.

    The transition to a healthy, green lifestyle can be overwhelming, but Jordan and Windes don’t judge their customers.

    “We’ve all made mistakes. You’re not going to do everything right,” Windes said, which is why Greenshops offers workshops once a month.

    According to Jordan, the easiest way to go green is to start in the home, specifically in bedrooms since people breathe in what she calls “toxic soup” that consists of air fresheners, candles, perfumes and cleaning products.

    “Going green is really thinking about what we bring in our homes. I think the word green will go away. It’s just a word, I consider it healthy living,” Jordan said.

    The store’s top sellers include all-natural bedding and pillows made from bamboo fibers, hemp and organic cotton. Windes said. People who have allergies benefit from switching to bedding that is chemical-free. Regular pillows are soaked in fire-retardant chemicals that are extremely toxic, so when people sleep, their skin absorbs the chemicals.

    The bedding and pillows are expensive compared to other products at Greenshops — organic bed pillows start at $82, while bedding costs ranges from $60 to $500 — but the owners agree they’re worth the investment for a good night’s sleep.

    Another aspect of green living that’s neglected is the amount of waste people throw away at lunch, especially kids. Plastic and brown paper bags, juice boxes, clear sandwich bags, foil chip and cookie packages get disposed without hesitation to recycle.

    “My daughter has nothing to throw away after her lunch,” Windes said.

    For zero-waste lunches, Windes buys food in bulk and packs her kids’ lunches with reusable products from her store like organic lunch bags, refillable Klean Kanteens and snackTAXIs, bags that can be hand-washed and air-dried and come in two sizes to fit sandwiches and various snacks. Other eco back-to-school items include pens, binders, recycled notebook paper and backpacks.

    Besides carrying products that eliminate waste, Greenshops supports TerraCycle, a program that recycles trash for cash. The waste is turned into products like toys, lunch totes and picture frames that are sold at Target, Wal-Mart and Office Max. Not only does TerraCycle pay schools and nonprofits for every item recycled, but the trash is collected at no charge.

    Jordan and Windes have designated a TerraCycle drop-off location inside their store. (To learn more about the program, visit terracycle.net.)

    Greenshops not only offers an assortment of products, but the owners have a local group that tests everything before a line is carried. It took two years to find a deodorant that works for most of their clients.

    “Going green is a gradual process and it is too confusing for our customers to try and navigate through hundreds of products and not know if this or that product will work,” Jordan said.

    To ensure customers find the right products from the best manufacturers, the owners send a five-page supply chain questionnaire for every manufacturer to complete before any product enters Greenshops. The owners seek manufacturers that practice good business tactics and care about what’s being distributed.

    “We want to make sure that our dollars are going to companies that are like-minded and doing the right thing,” Jordan said.

    Besides carrying the best eco products, Jordan and Windes operate Greenshops almost completely paperless, which means they don’t receive packing slips or invoices in deliveries.

    “There’s a misconception right now that it is expensive. It’s about starting small and paying attention to waste. With me going green, I’ve saved thousands of dollars,” Jordan said.

    Source: http://www.bakersfieldlife.com/

     

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• Why are green printing eco – f Why are green printing eco – friendly?

  • From: arboinks
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    by The Udall Legacy Bus Tour: Views from the Road

    Why are green printing eco – friendly?

    A new trend is being followed by the people known as “Go Green”. Similarly take part in green printing which means saving the environment.  Green printing means making the environment eco – friendly by using eco – friendly colors. The industries have polluted the environment hugely but now they are trying to use eco – friendly color. Even with the new technologies we still haven’t change the way of printing.  

    The environment can be saved by using papers which can be recycled. A printer which is eco – friendly to the environment is used by most of the companies. Petroleum based ink produces carbon emission which is harmful to both environment and to people. It is better to use vegetable or soy ink. This ink gives better quality and brighter colors. The news paper company mainly uses the soy ink.  The benefits of recycling the paper are – less pollution, trees are live and less energy. Just think that in few years there won’t be any trees.

    Recycle paper are benefit for global warming and trees. The wastage of paper is generated from printing industries. The petroleum ink releases a harmful gas like volatile organic compounds. If this vapor is inhaled by a person then there are chances for getting asthma attack.  The printing industries consume lot of electricity and fossil fuels in higher volume. Due to this, the natural resource poses a threat to the lives on earth.

    Tips on environment printing:

    *    Recycle the cartridge which is less expensive.
    *    Save and recycle paper by printing both sides. Print only when it is important.
    *    Buy eco – friendly printer. 
    *    Use only soy ink

    A printing factory is dependent on trees and water for paper. These are the main key ingredients which are not eco – friendly to the environment. The four main uses of green printing is – ink, paper, electricity and knowledge. The soy ink is extracted from soya bean oil. Then the oil is mixed with wax, resins and pigments to provide desired color. The ink is harmless because it needs fewer pigments. The ink can be easily removed from paper.

    Setting up a green printing company is not easy and is very expensive. The printers cost a lot but are very useful. In green printing, only green graphic design is provided with paper which is recycled. This means that a lot of trees are not chopped and the water is use for eco – friendly printer is reduced. This leads to reduction of destroying the forests for paper and water wastages is less which is healthy for the environment. The company should be registered with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The FSC supports the forest conservation and ideas for eco – friendly environment.

    Paul Vijaythomas specializes in eco-friendly printing articles. He has authored many articles for Environmentally Friendly Printer and fsc printing. Find more packages at Green Printing

    Source: http://moso-technology.com/

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• Black pixel project – Save ene Black pixel project – Save energy through your computer

  • From: arboinks
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    The Greenpeace group in Brazil has come up with an innovative way for people around the world to help reduce CO2 emissions by reducing their power consumption. There are hundreds of possible ways to do this, but their solution is a spark of genius that requires very little effort and anyone with a computer screen can do it.
    The project named ‘ The Black Pixel Project ’ has been running for a few months, but has just now started to gain momentum with millions of people actively taking part around the world. To join in their project all you need to do is turn off a 50 x 50 box of pixels on your monitor screen, sounds simple right. It may not seem like much at first, but if you think that each box of pixels switched off will save 0.057 watts of power and that if 1 million people took part it would be a total of 57,000 watts of energy saved every hour; that is the equivalent of turning off 1425, 40 watt bulbs. The organizers believe that 1 million participants can save 70 kilogram’s of CO2 from leaking out into the atmosphere and causing more harm to our already fragile eco system.
    To take part in this Action in power conservation, visit their website to learn more about their intentions, then if you’re satisfied and want to be a part of the event you can download a special program that will help you switch off a small 50 x 50 pixel box on your main screen.
    Source: http://justgreengadgets.blogspot.com/

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• 10 Green Weekend Trips Near Yo 10 Green Weekend Trips Near You

  • From: arboinks
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    Labor Day is just around the corner. You know what that means? It’s almost time for your last summer hurrah!

    This could be the last time to escape your home-base before the cold bites hard (unless you’re venturing out of town for the holidays, yep they’re on their way as well).

    So, pack up the car and get on the road. We’ve found some great eco-destinations that are just right around the corner.

    New York City

    New York City has embraced the shift toward sustainable tourism, with LEED-certified hotels, organic restaurants and alternative transportation amenities readily available. This is great news for travelers looking for a quick getaway to the Big Apple with the environment in mind.

    

    With more than 8 million residents, New York City has perfected the art of making most of its space. Photo: Wikimedia/AngMoKio

    Stay: The 70 Park Avenue Hotel near Grand Central Station supports the Kimpton EarthCare program by offering environmentally friendly products and services to guests.

    From an extensive recycling program and non-toxic/environmentally safe cleaning products, to a Green Road Warrior package that offers room upgrades and discounts to guests arriving in a hybrid car, the hotel seems to encourage environmental practices wherever possible.

    Eat: Habana Outpost in Brooklyn claims to be New York City’s first “eco-eatery.” Using earth-friendly practices in its design, construction and day-to-day operations, Habana Outpost aims to reduce wasteful consumption and promote sustainable solutions.

    From 100-percent biodegradable or compostable service ware and tables built of recycled plastic bottles and sawdust, to a bicycle-powered blender and grease-powered company car, this eatery is definitely as green as they come.

    For less than $10, you can enjoy your meal, which was cooked in a restored U.S. Postal truck, under the shade of recycled racing sails and next to the organic garden.

    Activity: We all know New York City to be synonymous with yellow cabs and subway systems, making it possible for the majority of residents to live and work car-free.

    Though part of the experience as a tourist to the Green Apple may include that ride in a checkered yellow cab or subway car, a bicycle might be the more enjoyable way to actually get out and see the city. Considerrenting a bicycle for the day, or joining a walking or biking tour of the city. You’ll find yourself noticing things you’ve never noticed before!

    Los Angeles

    Though synonymous with glitz, glamour and, well, traffic, Los Angeles is also home to more EnergyStar-certified buildings than any other city. A quick getaway to L.A. can be made as green as you choose, with a variety of accommodations and activities available within a short distance.

    

    Though it's consistently listed as one of the nation's top polluted cities, L.A. has several sustainable activities for residents. Photo: Wikimedia/Thomas Pintaric

    Activity: With so many beaches nearby, beach cleanups are regularly scheduled year-round activities any eager individual can take part in. They’re also a fun way to escape the city center for a bit, meet new people, while doing something productive at no cost.

    • Seal Beach Cleanup: Fourth Saturday of each month
    • Santa Monica Beaches Cleanup: Third Saturday of each month
    • Long Beach Beach Cleanup: Third Saturday of each month

    Eat: Finding a green restaurant in Los Angeles is quite easy as the Green Restaurant Associationcertifies nearly 20 restaurants in the area. Mendocino Farms, for example, is a neighborhood sandwich eatery and marketplace.

    Mendocino Farms uses local, organic and seasonal ingredients; recycled, tree-free, biodegradable and organic products for service-ware; and of course, recycle their waste. Average menu item is $7-$10.

    Other restaurants may not be certified by the Green Restaurant Association, but they are definitely leading the way in sustainability. Street works with sustainable fisheries, local family farms and sustainable ranches to supply the menu.

    As part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program, they serve lesser known sustainable seafood and distribute pocket seafood guides to customers. They never serve bottled water, use recycled and/or biodegradable containers and only produce 3 percent pure waste, as the rest is recycled and composted. The average lunch and dinner prices are $10-$15.

    Chicago

    Chicago sets the bar high when it comes to green attractions and amenities offered in a large city. From green roofs to green technology museums, the average visitor can turn a quick getaway into a Green Chicago experience with a little effort.

    

    Green roofs are the hottest trend in Chicago. Check out some of the cities hottest spots that contribute to less pollution and improved air quality. Photo: Wikimedia/Jed

    Attractions: Chicago has long been a national leader in the use of green roofs. Though the majority of green roofs are located atop private buildings and are off limits to the general public, there are a few open for exploring. The Chicago Center for Green Technology, Pepsico Rooftop Garden and Millenium Park are all buildings that allow guests to visit the rooftop gardens, and admission is free!

    The green roofs on Chicago municipal buildings don’t just contribute improved air quality and energy cost reduction, they also contribute honey!

    Rooftop beehives are found atop buildings like the Chicago Cultural Center and City Hall, with the rooftop honey being bottled and sold at Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand and the Cultural Center.

    Chicago is home to many other green attractions, including the LEED-Platinum Chicago Center for Green Technology, and a network of Green Certified Museums as instituted by the 2005 Green Museums Initiative.

    Also, the Chicago Neighborhood Tours of South Chicago tours industrial pockets that have recently undergone green transformation into LEED-certified communities and various Green conservatories and nature centers.

    Stay: The City of Chicago runs its own Green Hotels Initiative, allowing visitors to choose from a variety of LEED certified and Green Seal certified accommodations when staying in Chicago. Chicago houses 14 Green Seal certified hotels and two LEED-certified hotels, one gold and one silver, more than any other city in the U.S.

    Get Around: With 315 miles of established bikeways, Chicago visitors may want to consider taking advantage of the Chicago B-Cycle Bike Share program, an affordable and convenient way to get around the city. Check out a bike at one of the six B-cycle locations and return it to any open station, simple as that.

    Houston

    Though Houston may have one of the lowest recycling rates nationally at a mere 2.6 percent in 2008, the city is taking huge strides to increase that percentage. Where it lacks in recycling rates, it makes up in green jobs, as Houston was recently ranked the third highest green job market by Forbes.

    

    Where it lacks in recycling rates, Houston makes up with green motivation. Photo: Wikimedia

    Activity: Discovery Green in Houston, a LEED Gold Certified center in Downtown, is home to 12-acres of eco-friendly recreation services, including public art works, amphitheater, gardens, recycling center, co-op green market, bike paths, free dance and exercise classes, free gardening workshops, restaurants and more.

    Don’t miss the September 3-17 featuring of “Las Comadres Recycled: Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition,” where artists create life-size statues promoting ideas and practices for sustainable living.

    The Beer Can House is another must-see for recycling aficionados intrigued by the weird and wacky. Named one of America’s Top 50 Roadside Attractions by Time magazine, the home project was a labor of love for owner John Milkovisch, who used more than 50,000 beer cans in what can be considered the ultimate upcycling project.

    Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad, set out on what would become an 18-year project in 1968 of emptying cans through consumption and using them in home improvement projects.

    He used the tops, bottoms, sides and tabs of the cans to make siding, fences, sculptures, windmills, curtains and garlands for the home, actually contributing to a significant lowering of energy consumption. Admission to the house is $2.

    Phoenix

    The American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2010 report named Phoenix as one of its top 7 most polluted cities in the U.S. However, the city has embraced some green ideas from its neighboring green sister cities, Sedona and Flagstaff.

    

    An oasis in the desert: Phoenix is home to some of the most beautiful landscape, hiking and other outdoor activities. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

    Eat: Phoenix is home to local green restaurant favorite, True Food Kitchen. From its construction and design to its menu, everything at True Food Kitchen is meant to be sustainable.

    A member of the Green Restaurant Association, True Food utilizes seasonal, locally grown and organic ingredients, serves sustainably harvested seafood, eliminated bottled water and participates in a comprehensive recycling program…and the food is great. Average menu $10-20.

    Stay: For those looking to embrace the desert environment, but escape the traffic that comes with the nation’s fifth largest city, a trip north to eco-minded Sedona might hit the mark.

    The red sandstone formations that make up Sedona’s landscape attract visitors looking to embrace the outdoors, serenity and green accommodations that make up the small town.

    Volunteer Vacation: If your getaway to Phoenix includes a couple days headed up to the Grand Canyon, consider a volunteer vacation.

    The Grand Canyon Trust coordinates volunteer trips of varying lengths and effort, with projects ranging from invasive plant removal to site maintenance. Volunteer trips are free, with the organization covering the cost of food, transportation or lodging.

    Philadelphia

    Activity: Greenfest Philly, a one-day free street fair, will take place this year on September 12, featuring live music and entertainment, activities, food, local produce, composting and recycling expos, an Eco Exchange Fashion Show & Clothing Swap, green film festival and more. The theme of this year’s fest is sustainable fashion, highlighting how simple changes can make you fashionably eco-conscious.

    

    The American Commerce Center is slated for completion in 2012 and will be constructed with US Green Building Council LEED Gold Certification in mind. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

    Eat: The White Dog Cafe is a Philadelphia favorite known for its “unusual blend of award-winning contemporary American cuisine, civic engagement and environmental sustainability.”

    The restaurant purchases 100 percent of electricity from wind power, uses a solar hot water system, eliminated bottled water waste, sources its ingredients from local farmers, established a cooperative compost program for area restaurants, engages in a recycling program with the University of Pennsylvania and much more. Lunch ranges from $10-$15 and dinner ranges from $10-$35.

    Stay: Hotel Palomar, the only LEED Gold Certified hotel in Philadelphia, incorporates eco-friendly and sustainable actions throughout the hotel. The hotel provides discounts to guests driving hybrid vehicles, offers in-room recycling for guests, uses eco-certified cleaning supplies and much more.

    The hotel’s comprehensive recycling program goes beyond the commonly recycled objects to include cups, clothing, hangers, batteries and much more. Rates range from $150 and up.

    San Antonio

    Best known for housing “The Alamo,” San Antonio is becoming a surprising green scene for the lone-star state. One of the fastest growing urban areas in the country, San Antonio has been forced to consider water supply, alternative transportation and smart growth to deal with growing pains.

    

    Some regions in Texas, such as San Antonio, are making excellent strides towards improving recycling rates. Photo: Flickr/Austrini

    The popular River Walk area, lined with shops and restaurants, is slated for a multi-million dollar renovation focused on eco-tourism, which will add hiking trails, bike baths, 113 acres of aquatic habitat, 300 acres of riverbank habitat and 20,000 native trees and plants to the area.

    Eat: Green Restaurant is San Antonio’s only 100 percent vegetarian and kosher restaurant, with low impact at the center of its philosophy.

    The restaurant has installed an energy efficient thermal roof barrier to reduce energy consumption, uses biodegradable packaging and is installing a rainwater capture cistern for landscape maintenance. Menu items range from $5-$10.

    Go Local: Texas’ climate makes it the perfect place for readily available fresh produce, and the Texas Department of Agriculture maintains the Pick Texas website, which offers several resources for the locavore, including:

    • An A-Z directory of farmers’ markets by city, from Abilene to Wimberley
    • Availability of produce and recipes to help plan menus utilizing the best of what’s in season
    • A county-by-county directory of places to pick your own produce

    San Diego

    If you’re looking to plan a quick getaway to San Diego, turning it green can be done quite easily as the city engages in a variety of sustainable tourism strategies.

    

    The goal of “Zero Waste California,” stretches from Sacramento to San Diego, locals can find recycling services, reduction resources, gardening and composting outreach programs. Photo: Wikimedia/Microsomen

    Activity: California’s 26th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day is coming up on September 25, with more than 80 cleanup sites planned in San Diego County alone.

    In 2009, more than 80,600 volunteers removed more than 1.3 million pounds of trash and recyclables from California beaches, lakes and waterways. Planned to occur on the same day as International Coastal Cleanup, organized by The Ocean Conservancy, the cleanup becomes one of the largest volunteer events of the year.

    Get Around: In addition to the inexpensive light-rail  trolley system operated by the city, various trolley tours of San Diego are offered through private companies, providing a great way to see the city with a lower impact. Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego offers open-air, hop on & off narrated tours in their propane and biodiesel-fueled fleet.

    Dallas

    Named one of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s “Smarter Cities,” Dallas is a leader in renewable energy use with 40 percent of the city’s energy purchases from renewable sources, mainly wind power.

    

    Texas is also the home of the Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living Fair. Photo: Flickr/austrini

    From green building initiatives to community garden grant programs, the city has launched a major campaign to green its footprint.

    Activity: The Dallas Green Festival will be held on September 18 this year, an environmental stewardship event including such activities as a mass butterfly release, recycled arts and crafts, food and live music and more.

    Indulge: For those willing to splurge a bit, treat yourself to a “treehugger,” “biodiesel,” or “green freak” spa package at Spa Habitat in Dallas.

    The spa, which uses only organic and natural ingredients, plants a tree for every service performed and uses 100 percent wind power among other initiatives. Envy magazine named Spa Habitat one of Dallas’ 30 Most Ecologically Conscious Organizations.

    San Jose

    Like its neighbor to the north, San Jose has proved a leader in sustainable planning and initiative.

    

    With a year-round growing season, Californians can enjoy the freshest fruits and vegetables from local sources throughout the state. Photo: Flickr/roadofthefour

    In October 2007, the San Jose City Council adopted Green Vision, a 15-year plan to transform San Jose into a world center for clean technology innovation, promoting sustainable practices, and demonstrate that economic growth, environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility are intricately linked.

    Attraction: San Jose’s Tech Museum houses a permanent exhibit called Green by Design, allowing visitors to explore the possibilities of renewable energy resources through hands-on activities. Admission to the museum is $5-$10.

    Drink: Many who venture to the Bay Area take a day trip out to wine country, sampling some of the state’s best wines. Santa Clara County winery, Clos LaChance, is one of a dozen area vineyards certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

    The winery utilizes natural biological control, reclamation ponds to recycle water for irrigation, education and community outreach programs and organic and sustainable farming techniques among others. The winery is open daily for tastings.

    Source: http://earth911.com/news/

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• Vishwa gives Green Gyan for a Vishwa gives Green Gyan for a Greener Tomorrow

  • From: yiehk21
  • Description:

    In an initiative to spread awareness regarding green practices that can be adopted through an environmentally friendly lifestyle, Vishwa organized a Green Gyan session in collaboration with the Green Technology Committee ( CCI ) for its members at the Cricket Club of India.

    

    Mumbai, Maharashtra, August 18, 2010 /India PRwire/ -- In an initiative to spread awareness regarding green practices that can be adopted through an environmentally friendly lifestyle, Vishwa organized a Green Gyan session in collaboration with the Green Technology Committee ( CCI ) for its members at the Cricket Club of India. The session set the example that it was never too late to adopt green practices and aimed to educate, encourage and create awareness among the CCI members to cultivate green habits and learn more about the cause and effect relationship the environment shares with society today.

    Mr. Yogendra Vora, Founder, Vishwa believes, "Today our world is at an environmental crossroads largely due to man's irresponsible consumption and production practices. You need not look too far to see and feel the effects - climate change, global warming, mounting non-biodegradable waste piles, irregular monsoons, proliferation of infectious diseases and many such environment related issues are a daily reality. The youth today are already relatively vocal & active and possess knowledge on green practices. It was amazing to see that there is an older generation too who are interested in learning about how they can contribute for a greener tomorrow. There are a number of platforms to discuss environmental issues and look for macro level answers and Vishwa aims to add to these efforts by focusing on simple steps and everyday solutions, things that you and I can do towards building a greener tomorrow."

    Mr. Yogendra Vora, a social entrepreneur, spoke on the topic" Come together for a Greener Tomorrow" which was inspiring and insightful. Mr. Vora discussed about the steps that Vishwa has under taken to have a better and greener future. He also spoke about the upcoming Vishwa 2010 exhibition in Ocotober which is a platform to promote eco-friendly business Solutions. Mr. Vora stated that change starts from a single person and one should not underestimate the power of a single person that can bring about a change in society.

    Mr. Yogendra Vora also enlisted the support of Mr. Anil Ranglani who spoke on managing waste and Mr. Sandeep Sonigra who spoke on water energy solutions.

    Mr. Ranglani discussed "compost" and the exact nature of it of its uses in city life.He discussed about the Daily Dump project which is the first product of its kind in India and elaborated on how it works and how essential it is to dump the waste hygienically. He also spoke about the various products offered like the Leave in pot and Khamba to dump and manage the organic waste. Mr. Ranglani explained that compost could serve very fruitful in urban lifestyles even if one did not have a garden and explained how one could use compost to enrich their lives & the importance of recycling.

    Mr. Sandeep Sonigra spoke on the Orange County constructions in Pune and how the buildings and flats were designed to provide optimum light and ventilation through its designs. He explained the various measures that they took with water energy solutions, elevators & electricity to ensure the maximum preservation of energy. These eco-friendly homes also generate solar energy for their homes which play a big role in their energy preservation solutions.

     

    About the Speakers

    Mr. Yogendra Vora, a social entrepreneur, founded and made Vishwa, his dream, a reality along with the support of ISVS. Vishwa is a Green Movement with the agenda to bring all green solutions on a neutral platform. Through Vishwa he is trying to enable & promote grass root level solutions in today's world with a vision to get the world together. He believes that everyone, even though from a diverse background, can play a role to make the world a better place to live in. Hence Vishwa gives people a platform to unite and bring together the available eco friendly solutions to bring about a change in the environment and to sustain a better life.

    Mr. Anil Ranglani founded Sunsaar a year ago which is the Mumbai clone of Daily Dump that was started in Bangalore. Daily Dump provides products, services and solutions that convert kitchen and garden waste to compost (i.e. organic fertilizer for plants). Essentially, this means creating wealth from waste. Sunsaar provides its solutions for individual homes, societies and commercial units.

    Mr. Sandeep Sonigra is the director of Orange County Foundation. The Orange County foundation is a cohesive group of individuals having vast experience in diverse fields like Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Water conservation, Effluent treatment, Architecture, Civil construction, Eco-restoration in their individual capacity and are clubbed together with the sole wish to ensure healthy and secured tomorrow. The group of individuals associated with Orange county foundation has been instrumental in creating, first of its kind, self sufficient green housing project at Pashan, Pune. This success motivated them to come forward and provide all possible help to individuals or organizations looking for green solutions.

    Notes to Editor

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• Recycled glass is the ultimate Recycled glass is the ultimate eco chic

  • From: arboinks
  • Description:
    • 
      
      

      recycled glass is the way forward

      Whether you want a vodka bottle transformed into a nibbles dish, a wine glass that was once a beer bottle, or a funky vase – recycled glass is unique, eco and stylish – and the way forward.

      Which is a good thing because we get through 3.6 million tonnes of glass every year in the UK alone.

      Glass facts

      • Glass comprises 7 percent of the average household dustbin
      • Over 2.5 million tonnes of this material was landfilled in 2005
      • 1 recycled glass bottle can save enough energy to power  a computer for 25 minutes!
    • The UK recycles and reuses about 1 million tonnes of glass
    • Due to the infinite nature of the material, glass continues to be re-useable without compromising quality, so glass recycling is on the increase

    

    Glass goblets

    Green Glass are specialists in this glass recycling industry and work in conjunction with African countries to make the funky gadgets and goblets, tumblers and flutes we want adorning our kitchen shelves and cupboards.

    Glasses and bottles are generally shaped by hand to achieve the desired artistic look, otherwise each tumbler would be identical and lose its unique design quirk. In addition, Green Glass try to make the most of the different shapes, sizes and colours of glass available through recycling schemes – thus ensuring a constantly changing range.

    

    recycled beer bottles make stylish candles

    Glass candles

    Another groovy use of your old beer bottles, Green Glass have hit home with these stylish candles. The bottles are strong and sturdy to withstand heat and the odd tumble. And just like the glass itself, the candle holders are re-usable. Simply pop in another of your favourite candles  any colour or scent to keep the bottle alive and glowing.

    Juice Flutes

    Ideal for kids or juice loving adults, these sturdy but stylish glasses hold their own in any dishwasher or cocktail bar. But if you prefer not to buy off the shelf – Green Glass will customise  a run of glasses especially for you, so not only can you support the recycling process but you can design your own product – essential for that individual touch to finish your new kitchen or party.

    For an exciting selection of recycled glass vases, check outBiomeLifestyle

     

    Source: http://lorettaecogirl.wordpress.com/ 

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• Green homes are the place to b Green homes are the place to be

  • From: yiehk21
  • Description:

     

    

    ECO-tastic: The Hamilton home, a new construction, is just one of many houses on the WNC Green Building... [More]

    At the time of the inaugural Southern Energy and Environment Expo, green technology was still a fledgling industry. Sustainable living was widely considered the stuff of hippies living on communes; hybrid cars were still viewed as concept-vehicles.

    Times have changed in the past decade, however. The S.E.E. Expo, billed as the South's largest and longest-running sustainable-technology and green-building event, returns this weekend, and interest is as strong (if not stronger) than ever.

    In the expo’s early days, the Hendersonville-based Environmental and Conservation Organization used to host the Clean Air Car Fair. "It was a nice way to allow people to sit in the cars and smell that new green-energy car smell," says David Weintraub, the ECO’s executive director. "In those days, there wasn't a Prius in every parking lot."

    Eventually, hybrid technology became a widely understood concept, the car fair folded into the expo as workshops and displays, and ECO's organizers decided that it was time to move on to other horizons. These days, ECO’s major goal is to see solar panels and recycled flooring become as ubiquitous as the Prius.

    They moved on from cars to homes, in short.

    "Green homes are a critical part of the picture," says Weintraub. "Looking in the paper every day at what's happened in the Gulf of Mexico, we can see what havoc cheap oil and dirty fossil fuels have wrought on our air and water."

    ECO hopes to instill the impression that having a green home is not necessarily out of reach for the ordinary consumer. That's why the organization is hosting the third annual Green Home Tour on Saturday, Aug. 21, in conjunction with the S.E.E. Expo. (To learn more about the expo, please refer to the event preview by Green Scene reporter Susan Andrew elsewhere in this issue.)

    The self-guided Green Home Tour features five local homes that feature solar and geothermal utilities, as well as green "finishes" (think recycled flooring, tiles and countertops). ECO will also host a workshop for ticket-buying tour participants on Saturday, offering hands-on practical experience for those interested in solar-outfitting their own home.

    Weintraub says that the workshop focuses on how solar power works, as well as its actual financial impact. People are often surprised, he says, just how little money it takes to go solar. "Costs to outfit a home with solar technology have gone down substantially over the years," says Weintraub. "There are now some great federal and state incentives for those who go solar and geothermal," he says.

    Adding even further to the value of going solar, says Weintraub, is the view that it’s “very much like having an insurance policy." As fossil fuels become harder to find, they'll surely become more expensive, he explains. Outfitting a home to run on renewable energy helps to protect its owners against the financial and energy shocks of the future.

    One of the stops on the tour, the Hamilton home, is outfitted with solar panels, giving people a chance to see what a newly built solar-powered house looks like. The Hamilton house, says Weintraub, is a good example of how a home can be green from concept to construction.

    In contrast, the Woodruff home is an updated older home, located in the heart of Asheville. "They say the greenest home of all is the home that's already there," says Weintraub. "The Woodruff home is an example of a brown home that's been turned green." The 60-year-old house has been newly renovated with solar panels, bamboo flooring and other green features.

    If a new construction or full remodel seems out of reach, Weintraub says that the Green Tour is fine for those who want to take baby steps down the path toward going green — or simply engage in a little harmless voyeurism. "This is a great opportunity to go to the homes and see firsthand what local home owners have done," he says. "These aren't mega-mansions, these aren't big major developers who are building these homes, for the most part. These are local folks who have turned their brown home green, or who have decided to build from the get-go using all-green features."

    Weintraub hopes that tour attendees will ask themselves what they can do to make their own homes greener. "Not everyone's going to have the funds to invest in solar or geothermal, but here are some good examples of how, slowly but surely, many of these homes… got to the point where they're truly green."
    For more information about the tour, go to http://www.eco-wnc.org. Tickets are $15 per person (or $13 for those carpooling with three or more people).

    Source : http://www.mountainx.com/garden/2010/081810green-homes-are-the-place-to-be

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• ECO 2 SOLAR CHARGER FOR APPLES ECO 2 SOLAR CHARGER FOR APPLES IPHONE 3G / 3GS / 4G

  • From: arboinks
  • Description:

    
    I don’t have an iphone, but I know that if I did I would be constantly loading in new applications and games, as well as connecting it up to the internet to keep in touch with friends. This new powerful solar charger from a Japanese gadget company called “Strapya” is about the size of a match box and weighs just 30 grams, you could easily pop it in your pocket or keep it in your bag for those times when you’re stuck without a power plug in sight. In fact when you think about it, this little green gadget will help reduce your homes total power consumption and you’ll never have to charge your iphone through the main grid again 

    You have 2 choices for charging, either connect it to your computer via the USB lead or point the solar panel directly at the sun and wait about 6-12 hours for a full battery. It works best if you leave the charger and phone outside, taking light coming in through a window is not as efficient. It costs about USD$22 which is not a bad price considering the amount of money it will save you each month.

    Source: http://allgreengadgets.com/
    

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• The Greenman – Eco-friendly So The Greenman – Eco-friendly Solar Lamp

  • From: ashleysoon
  • Description:

    

    The Greenman eco lamp has it all – solar powered, LED bulb, bio plastic corn base trimmed with bamboo.  Could it get any simpler?  Turn the Greenman upside down during the day to collect solar energy.  Turn the solar lamp right side up to use the collected solar energy to power the lamp in the evening.  This lamp is not only energy saving but it is also cordless and waterproof.  Use outdoor and indoor.  A great learning tool for children too.  Truly ingenious!  Sadly, it’s only available in the UK for now at Made In Design.  Crossing fingers it will be in North Amerca soon!

    

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• Clean tech investment gives gr Clean tech investment gives greener products

  • From: arboinks
  • Description:

    

    Throughout the past year, major multinational companies have been some of the biggest investors in cleaner and greener technology, and this has resulted in a series of consumer products that are friendlier to the environment, from smart meters to computer monitors and televisions.

    The latest large investment came from Korean electronics company Samsung, which announced on August 10 an €11 million ($15 million) deal with Nanosys whose nano-particle technology will be used to help improve efficiency and lower the cost of thin-film solar cells. Other heavy investors in green technology include Chevron, which is investigating the possibility of making fuel from algae, electronic manufacturers General Electric (GE) and Japanese corporation Fujitsu.  

    Such investments have already resulted in the development of products such as the Nucleus, a smart meter unveiled by GE in July. The Nucleus gathers and stores data, informing consumers about their real-time household electricity consumption through the use of PC and smartphone applications. The device is scheduled to be released first in America early in 2011 and is expected to retail for around $149-$199 (€115-155).

    Fujitsu released their L and SL line of LED computer monitors which the company claims reduces energy consumption by 46 percent. The use of LED technology also removes harmful mercury substances from the manufacturing process and the lighter weight of the monitors allows for a 25 percent reduction in raw materials. The SL22W-1 56cm (22") monitors retail for around €200.

    Samsung already sells a series of LED TVs; known as series 7, the TV has been awarded the eco label status by the European Union. Samsung claims televisions within the series, such as the UE40B7000, use 44 percent less energy per year than other TVs, require 17 percent less materials, and, due to the use of LED technology, no mercury is used in their manufacture. Samsung series 7 LED TVs such as the 55" UN55C700 retail for around €2000.

    Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/

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• Egregious Packaging Hall of Sh Egregious Packaging Hall of Shame: The Oral B Pulsar Toothbrush

  • From: ashleysoon
  • Description:

    

    Brushing your teeth is a relatively simple task that requires 30 seconds or so of arm movement. Are we so lazy and out-of-shape that we need battery-operated contraptions to move our toothbrushes now? Oral B apparently thinks so. They’ve launched a new automatic Pulsar Toothbrush, that not only takes all the action and fun out of toothbrushing – but, in a move guaranteed to piss off environmentalists everywhere – every part of the toothbrush is disposable as well! In this week’s installment of “Packaging the Future” our guest blogger, green journalist and founder of Eco Chick, Starre Vartan, discusses the utter wave of toxic wastefulness associated with the trend towards disposability. Her case in point? The Oral B Pulsar toothbrush, which boasts the “convenience” of being completely disposable. That right, once you’re finished with it, no big deal, just toss that hunk of plastic, the attendant batteries and its motor in the trash. Wait, what?!

    
    
    Read more: Egregious Packaging Winner: The Oral B Pulsar Toothbrush | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

    by Diane Pham, 08/14/10

    Original Source: http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/14/egregious-packaging-winner-the-oral-b-pulsar-toothbrush/

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• Turn Your Home Into An Eco Hom Turn Your Home Into An Eco Home

  • From: arboinks
  • Description:

    Over recent years there is huge investment to the building of eco-homes, with billions being spent globally on ensuring the next generation of housing is an eco one. These environmentally friendly housing are built to be as carbon neutral as possible and designed to be efficient to heat and light.

    However, whilst new eco friendly homes are great fro those buying a brand new house, most of us are living in properties that are decades (some even centuries) old. An while older properties like these certainly have more character than modern properties, many are quite inefficient to heat and not only does lead to more power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, they also cost more to heat and light.

    However, much can be done with an older property to increase the eco friendly nature of the heating systems and lighting. And almost any home can be turned into a more environmentally friendly home by remembering just three key points:

    * Waste

    * Efficiency

    * Energy Monitoring

    By tackling waste, increasing efficiency and monitoring the energy consumed you can go a long way to increase the green credentials of your property.

    Waste

    Huge amounts of energy is being wasted by many homes because they lack adequate insulation. Insulating your home is perhaps the easiest way of dramatically reducing energy waste. Not only should lofts be well insulated but its important to ensure that heat is not escaping through other areas such as under doors or via chimneys. Use draft excluders and chimney balloons to ensure this doesn’t happen.

    Efficiency

    The efficiency of both heating and lighting can be greatly increased. Use energy saving light bulbs and make sure you have a good light shade to direct the light where it’s needed. Ensur4e your boiler is serviced regularly and make sure the radiator’s are bled regularly. Automatic Radiator Valves are available to do this for you. You can also use radiator panels to reflect the lost heat from the back of the radiators.

    Energy Monitoring

    Monitoring your energy consumption will enable you to identify waste and areas of high usage around the home. There are a wide range of energy and electricity monitors available that make this a simple task.

    Source: http://ecoportal.us/

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• Unique Air Shutter Helps Morph Unique Air Shutter Helps Morph Chevrolet Cruze into 40 MPG Leader

  • From: ashleysoon
  • Description:

    

    DETROIT, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Squeezing out every last drop of fuel efficiency is one of the key tasks for Greg Fadler, aerodynamics engineering group manager at Chevrolet.  

    Fadler and his team worked on making the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco one of the most fuel-efficient small cars on the market, achieving up to an estimated 40 MPG on the highway – hybrid-like efficiency without the hybrid cost.

    Engineers used some of the proven approaches to making the Cruze Eco a gas sipper, trimming its overall weight and lowering the ride height. But the real innovation is behind the front grill where an automatic air shutter system allows the car to change shape and cut through the air more smoothly.  

    The air shutter system uses sensors to feel and sense wind and temperature conditions. The sensors are married to electric motors that open and close the shutters automatically.  With the shutters closed at high speeds, wind drag is reduced. At lower speeds, the shutters open to maximize engine-cooling air flow. The air shutter system contributes nearly half a mile per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

    The cooling systems for all GM vehicles are designed for the worst-case scenario, which is pulling a trailer up a grade in Death Valley. The shutter allows them to significantly improve fuel economy, while still providing the cooling needed in that extreme case.

    "The real fun of the job is when we discover something new or innovative that allows us to do something better than we or our competition has done before," Fadler said.

    Original Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unique-air-shutter-helps-morph-chevrolet-cruze-into-40-mpg-leader-100396499.html

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• Eco Index Reveals True Impact Eco Index Reveals True Impact of Big-name Brand Clothing

  • From: yiehk21
  • Description:

    by Chloe Skye
    Published on August 10th, 2010
    
    

    

    Several big-box chain retailers, including Target, are participating in the new Eco Index program that rates the overall sustainability of clothing. Photo: Flickr/B_Zedan

    A collaboration between 100 major apparel brands and retailers has resulted in a new software tool called the Eco Index, which measures the carbon footprint of their products.

    Set to debut in this month at the Outdoor Retailer Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah, the sustainability index’s development is the industry’s first environmental assessment tool, similar in design to the federal Energy Star rating for electronics and appliances.

    But will this new venture actually attract consumers to buying more eco-friendly clothing?

    Jeff Hamelin, 29, a Queens College psychology instructor, says his main concern is “how easily accessible and straightforward the information is […] because the hassle would not make it worth it for me.”

    However, for some, it really comes down to style. Eighteen-year-old New York student Sabrina Millington says the concept of sustainable clothing piques her curiosity and that she “wouldn’t mind buying clothes from environmentally friendly designers if [they] appeal to my taste.”

    For shoppers like Millington, the Eco Index has the potential to reform common brands’ manufacturing processes to bring sustainability into the realm of public concern and create a more conscientious consumer experience.

    Heavy hitters in the clothing industry are already jumping on board – Levi Strauss, Target, Adidas, Timberland, Patagonia, REI, Columbia Sportswear and Brooks Sports, just to name a few.

    In the realm of product footprint, the index takes the whole lifecycle, as well as labor practices, into consideration. It rates clothing and shoes on a number of factors, including raw material sourcing (land use intensity, water), manufacturing (energy demands, GHG emissions), shipping and consumer-facing packaging, transport, distribution and disposal.

    For some eco-minded shoppers, the new rating system will support practices they have already put in place, but it may not necessarily outweigh other factors, such as price.

    Twenty-year old student Chris Ludvik made a commitment to buy and wear sustainable clothing after hearing two Bangladeshi women speak about factory working conditions. His wardrobe integrates organic cotton, hemp and bamboo, as well as recycled-content clothing.

    Ludvik says the Eco Index would make the clothing more appealing but not enough for him to buy it.

    “If I had a choice between buying the same piece of clothing from Target for less or a smaller company for more, I’d [buy from] the smaller company.” Paying more for these clothes in the short-term, he says, saves him money in the long run.

    However, Anat Soffer, a 54-year old accountant, supports the idea. “In the past I’ve passed up buying clothing that I knew wasn’t produced responsibly, with child labor or without living wages,” she says. “It’s important to pay higher costs knowing that [companies appreciate] fair human values.”

    While the Eco Index is currently an internal supply chain tool and isn’t ready for public viewing just yet, hope is high that it can eventually be used as a green product comparison tool for consumers. Right now, its use by product designers and suppliers promotes in-industry transparency.

    Source : http://earth911.com

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• 5 Green Office Gadgets 5 Green Office Gadgets

  • From: arboinks
  • Description:

    In a previous post we told you about 10 green gadgets for everyday use. But businesses and offices use energy and resources the most. So Mashable has a list of 5 energy efficient office gadgets for businesses to ‘go green’.

    1. Energy Efficient Printer

    

    Image source: Mashable

    If you haven’t yet achieved a paperless office and still have to print necessary documents, use this eco printer from HP. The HP LaserJet P4015x Printer reduces energy use by up to 50% with the “Instant-on” technology.

    2. Water-Powered Calculator

    

    Image source: Mashable

    This useful water-powered calculator uses water-activated batteries that require moisture to activate the carbon particles needed to produce energy. When the batteries seem to be discharged, simply refill the two battery tubes with tap water and the calculator should be good to go for another two to three months.

    3. Mac Mini

    

    Image source: Mashable

    Apple’s Mac Mini claims to be the world’s most energy-efficient computer. According to Apple, “the power supply for Mac mini has been reduced from 110W to 85W and is now up to 90% efficient. A built-in power supply means no plastic housing, less weight, and less cable clutter. The Mac Mini uses less than 10W of power when idle, which is 25W less than the previous generation, and claims to be something no other desktop computer can do.”

    4. Solar Gadget Charger

    

    Image source: Mashable

    This small portable solar panel charging kit can power even a laptop. The Solar Gorilla’s panels can produce 10W of power in direct sunlight, which is enough to charge any number of electronic goods.

    5. The Ecobutton

    

    Image source: Mashable

    The Ecobutton allows you to power down your computer every time you step away, with the simple touch of the Ecobutton.

    Source: http://www.gtrecycling.com/

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• Going Green Tips: 5 More Easy Going Green Tips: 5 More Easy Things to Do At Home

  • From: arboinks
  • Description:

    Eco friendly living, sometimes also referred to as going green, is a growing trend in the United States and around the world.  People are becoming more conscious of the negative impact that our daily actions and choices can have on the environment around us.  If you want to participate in the movement to go green, but aren’t quite sure where to get started, then this article is for you!  Read on to learn about five easy things you can start doing at home today to make a real difference in the world around you.

    1.  Compost.  Composting is a great way to send less waste to the landfill.  Furthermore, compost is the best possible fertilizer you can add to your plants.  Compost bins are readily available for purchase through internet and catalog stores.  Stop throwing away those yard clippings and food scraps, and put them to good use in a compost bin instead.

    2.  Plant a vegetable garden.  Produce purchased at many grocery stores has traveled hundreds, if not thousands of miles to get to your dinner table.  Growing your own produce at home is not only eco friendly, but it will save you a lot of money, too.  For every invested in planting a vegetable garden, you’ll reap an average of -5 in fresh produce.  Your vegetable garden is also a great way to use the compost you’ll be making with your new compost bin!

    3.  Install a programmable thermostat.  These thermostats will automatically adjust the temperature up or down when you’re asleep or away from home.  They are inexpensive, can be easily found at most hardware stores, and can save you as much as 10% on your heating and cooling costs.

    4.  Turn off the lights.  This is such an easy way to save energy, and yet so easy to forget to do.  A lot of energy is wasted every year when we leave lights on in rooms after we’ve left.  Making a conscious effort to always turn out the lights will not only save energy, it will save you money, too.

    5.  Install low flush toilets and low flow shower heads.  A huge amount of water that is used in U.S. households goes down the drain in the bathroom.  Low flow shower heads will cost you less than each, and will save thousands of gallons of water every year.  Furthermore, low flush toilets can save as much as 3 to 5 gallons per flush!  Multiply that by the number of people in your household, assuming each person flushes several times per day, and the water savings will really begin to add up.  For an even more ecological option, next time you need to replace a toilet, consider installing a composting toilet instead.  These toilets cost more up front, but many of them use no water at all, so the savings in the long run can be huge.

    Going green is something that every American household can take part in, even if we just choose a few simple things to participate in.  Remember, eco friendly living habits are learned young, so get your kids involved now; they’ll be learning things that will stay with them for a lifetime.  With just a few easy steps and changes every day, we can all save some water or electricity, and start impacting the environment in a positive way!

    For more information on waterless toilets and how they can save you money, visit The Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Compost_Toilets_s/34.htm

    WatchMojo.com presents… Some tips and suggestions for going green and doing your part to save the environment.

    Source: http://greeneasy.net/

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