Acts Of Green- Easy Ways To Live Green

It's amazing how much packaging it takes to ship something. Even something as simple as a book takes a box, shrink-wrap and something to fill the empty space between the box and the book - typically bubbles, foam peanuts or shredded paper. Where does all this packaging go once you've received your item? In the garbage, of course. And we haven't mentioned the packaging of food and items in your grocery. Here are five ways to cut down on packaging and save resources.

#1 Buy in bulk. Whether you're buying books online or cereal at your grocery, when you buy in bulk you cut down on packaging. Think about it - if you buy one book at a time online then you're going to receive a box for each book and all the packaging that goes along with shipping that item. When you buy a regular box of cereal, you consume it and toss the box. However if you buy a bulk box of cereal it may last as long as three regular boxes of cereal, you get more cereal and less packaging.

#2 Buy from retailers who package using reusable or recyclable materials. And when you're shopping, use reusable or recyclable containers. This trend is really catching on. Stand in any grocery store line and you'll see people shopping with reusable shopping bags - that's an example of cutting down on packaging because you're not taking dozens of plastic shopping bags home.

Additionally, some retailers who manufacture and distribute processed foods are beginning to package them in reusable and/or easily recyclable containers to minimize landfill waste.

#3 Don't buy prepackaged foods. Juice boxes, for example, are incredibly useful; however, a large bottle of juice is a more sustainable practice and you can just as easily pour a serving into an aluminum water bottle for your children to enjoy. You throw away less waste.

#4 Buy used. Used products rarely come packaged. You just pick them up as is from the store. No packaging, no waste.

#5 Barter and/or trade items rather than shopping. Bartering and trading for products is a great way to save money and conserve resources. Many people are forming book swap groups to save money and materials by simply sharing books. And some people are banning together to share clothing and other items.

Packaging does more than fill landfills; it costs money and resources to produce. When you take a few simple steps to cut down on packaging you're having a significant effect on your environment. You're making it a better place to live for you and for future generations.

If you DON'T have a windmill and you live in a location where there are good winds for most of the year then you are wasting money. Homemade wind power generators like this one can be made with a little bit of DIY.

The Make Power at Home manual will show you all of the parts you need and how to construct your own wind power generator.

I will show you the cheapest parts you need to purchase and where you can get these parts from. You can create a wind power generator for just a few hundred dollars using easy to find parts.

These 2 green energy solutions are easy to make and most of the parts can be found at your local hardware store. With each system costing less then $200 there really is no excuse for ALL OF US to get involved.

This is the way of the future!

Most of us want to recycle. However, understanding what's recyclable and what isn't can be overwhelming. Some communities offer support including bins to sort your items in and clear definitions about what is acceptable. Yet other communities leave their residents alone to figure it out for themselves. Regardless, here's the low down on how to understand recycling and what to do with those extras like cell phones, paint cans and computers.

What is Recyclable?

Essentially just about everything is recyclable however, most recycling programs divide items into four main categories:

* Paper
* Plastic
* Metal
* Glass

Paper items include newspapers, magazines, paper bags, books, cardboard and cardstock. Just about any type of paper can be recycled and most programs do not limit types of paper however, some do not take cardboard or glossy magazines.

Plastic is typically where it gets confusing. Here's a basic rundown of plastic types and how they're labeled for recycling.

1. PET (polyethylene terephthalate): Soda and water bottles are made from this type of plastic.

2. HDPE (high-density polyethylene): Milk, juice and detergent bottles are made from this type of plastic.

3. PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Plumbing pipe, shower curtains, and some plastic toys and infant materials.

4. LDPE (low-density polyethylene): Grocery bags and food wrap are made from this plastic

5. PP (polypropylene): Many food storage containers are made from this type of plastic.

6. PS (polystyrene): Also called Styrofoam, this plastic is used to make take out containers, cups and packing materials.

7. Other: Anything labeled 7 cannot be recycled. This includes many squeezable bottles, older reusable water bottles and dishes. This type of plastic leaches Bisphenol A, which is toxic and best not to be used.

Metal items include cans, which commonly hold tomatoes, beans, and other vegetables, as well as soda cans and coffee cans.
Glass items include any glass bottles or jars

For those extra items like cell phones and computers or items like paint cans or car batteries, check with your local recycling center to find out if they offer special drop off days. If they do not, often you can find recycling businesses in your community. They may charge a small fee but it's better than tossing them into a landfill. Online you'll also find many companies that will pay you for your used cell phones and computers.

Preparing Items For Recycling

The steps to recycle and to prepare your items are easy. You need to simply wash them. Don't worry, you don't have to scrub them clean, a simple rinsing will get the job done.

Remove caps from plastic and glass items. They're not recyclable.

Recycling is a relatively easy way to be environmentally conscious. If your community doesn't offer curbside service then a sorting bin and a monthly trip to the recycling center while you're running other errands will get the job done. Don't let recycling intimidate you, it's easy and well worth the effort.

There is some startling information that I would like to share with you.

When you consider all the people who are using dangerous chemicals for housekeeping without knowing the risks, it's very frightening. I know because I was one of those people and I had no idea just how bad these chemicals could be.

You can find more chemicals in the average home than in many chemistry labs. Walk into your bathroom or kitchen and look in the cabinet below the sink, what is in there?

Cleaners and personal care products? You likely have window cleaner, draino, toothpaste, detergents, toilet cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, floor cleaners, furniture polish, chemical powders, bleach and more.

Even The Label On The Toothpaste Warns You Not To Swallow!

Any one of these products has the ability to kill or seriously hurt you and the members of your family.

150 of the common chemicals available for home use have been linked to birth defects, cancer, allergies and psychological problems. Is it any wonder we have a higher rate of children with learning disabilities and cancer than any time in history?

Let The Green Clean Book Be You And Your Families Guide To Good Health.

Saving energy at home means saving money, something everyone can appreciate. It also means conserving resources so we can ensure a healthier planet for all. Here are some simple home energy savings tips you can start using today.

#1 Smart strips. Every day appliances consume energy even when they're turned off. Microwaves, coffee makers, computers, televisions, the list goes on and on. Rather than let this valuable energy go to waste, plug your appliances and electronic equipment into a smart strip. A smart strip is a strip of outlets with an off/on switch. When you're not using the appliances and equipment, say at night when you're asleep, simply turn the smart strip off. You'll save thousands of watts each year.

#2 Compact Fluorescent. Compact fluorescent bulbs use significantly less energy, about 75% less. The added bonus is that while these bulbs cost a bit more at the store, they last for years. The average light bulb used in a high traffic area lasts 4-6 months. A compact fluorescent bulb lasts up to 10 times longer.

#3 Adjust your thermostat. Simply adjusting it a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer will save energy. A programmable thermostat makes it easy.

#4 If you use automatic drying with your dishwasher, turn it off and let your dishes air dry.

#5 Your water heater uses energy to keep your water hot and ready for those steamy showers. Turn it down to 120 degrees. Your water will still be good and hot, certainly hot enough for a steamy shower, and yet not too hot to scald. And you'll save energy.

#6 When replacing appliances, look for energy star appliances. They conserve energy and many communities offer rebates and credits when you purchase these appliances.

#7 If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper works well and is closed when not in use. You can lose a significant amount of heat during the winter and cool air during the summer through an open fireplace damper.

#8 Check doors. Many doors don't seal well. Particularly if you live in an older home where the walls and floors may have settled and shifted. Air can easily escape through cracks around your door causing your furnace or air conditioner to work harder thus wasting energy.

#9 Embrace passive solar. The sun is fantastic for heating and lighting our homes. If your home has a southern exposure you can harness the power of the sun to heat your home in the winter and to provide daylight year round. Eastern exposures can open the curtains in the morning to heat and light the home and western exposures can open the curtains in the afternoon.

#10 Check your insulation. Too much insulation causes your energy to be lost through your windows while too little insulation causes energy to be lost through your roof or attic.

Home energy savings doesn't have to require a home overhaul. A few simple steps can save you hundreds of dollars a year and conserves energy.

Ever rush from the bathroom coughing and gasping from the cleaning fumes left behind after you clean the shower or tub? Those fumes and chemicals aren't just bad for your lungs, they're bad for the environment. Here's why:

Long term health benefits. The majority of cleaning products are full of toxins that have lasting health results. In fact, according to data published by the Western Regional Pollution Prevention Network, six of every 100 janitorial workers injured on the job each year are hurt by the cleaning chemicals they use.

Environmental benefits. Cleaning products, we're talking about everything from common dish soap used in your kitchen to laundry detergent to floor polish and bathroom milder removers, cause immense pollution. Not just when we use these products in our homes but also when these products are manufactured and when they're transported from the manufacturer to the stores.

* Cleaning products pollute the air with their toxic chemicals.

* Cleaning products tossed into land fills pollute our soil having a detrimental effect on our plants and animals.

* Cleaning products pollute our water supply when they're washed down the drain. They end up in our lakes, rives and oceans having a negative effect on our health as well as the health of nearby wildlife.

* Cleaning products contribute to the depletion of the ozone causing global warming and a loss of resources.

How to Get Started Using Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Clean out your cupboards. Get into your cleaning cupboards and pull out anything that is full of chemicals you cannot pronounce. Set them aside in a box and call your hazardous waste pick up folks to get rid of them.

Now that your cleaning supplies are down to the bare bones it's time to find eco-friendly replacements. Look for cleaning products which are biodegradable and non-toxic. Rather than try to memorize a list of acceptable ingredients, many of which are still unpronounceable, simply look for danger, poison, or toxic warnings on the label. If the label is free from those, then you can reasonable assume it's eco-friendly.

You can make your own. Many of the items in your pantry and refrigerator are excellent cleaning products. You can use these common household items to make home made cleaning products which are not only safe for you and your family but also safe for your environment. Common cleaning items include:

* Baking soda
* Club soda
* White distilled vinegar
* Tea tree oil
* Lemon juice

Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products aren't just good for your health and the health of your family they're good for the environment. They're also good for your pocket book, particularly when you make them yourself. Embrace eco-friendly cleaning products, you'll be glad you did.

As the price of gas begins to rise again and the threat of limited supply hangs over our heads people are looking for smart gas saving alternatives. Here are a few handy tips to get started.

Slow down or speed up. The optimal speed limit for gas preservation is actually the 55 mph speed limit on most state highways. Of course that doesn't mean if the speed limit is 25 that you should go 55 or if the speed limit is 75 you should drive 20 mph under the speed limit. However if the posted speed limit is 55, go for it and take pride in the fact that you're saving gas.

Maintain your speed. It actually uses more fuel to accelerate and brake accelerate and brake repeatedly. Choose your speed and stick to it as much as possible.

Accelerate slowly. The lead foot syndrome is a sure fire gas waster. When you press on the gas you're releasing vast amounts of fuel. Your engine can only burn so much and all the extra simply goes to waste.

Drop the weight. Did you know that for every extra 100 pounds in your car you lose 2% in fuel efficiency. Hop into that trunk of hatchback of yours and pull out all the extra junk. Leave the jack and the spare tire of course! However, that bag of workout clothing you've had sitting in the back for months and the empty picnic cooler can go.

Change your spark plugs and keep your car in tip-top shape. The more efficient your car's systems the more efficient it uses fuel. In fact, changing your old spark plugs can boost fuel mileage up to 30%.

Make sure your tire has enough pressure. Underinflated tires cause a significant reduction in fuel efficiency. The reason is that you actually have more resistance on the street.

Change your air filter. Your air filter feeds the air directly into your engine and if it's dirty you're losing performance. Typically, your air filter is changed when your oil is changed however, it's important to make sure.

There's an age old dilemma regarding which is more fuel efficient to drive with the air conditioner running or to drive with the windows open. The truth is that both waste fuel and are relatively equal. However, if you're driving at high speeds the air conditioner may save a bit more gas and if you're driving at low speeds then having the windows open is slightly more fuel-efficient.

Ultimately, the most fuel-efficient thing you can do is to carpool, take public transportation, walk or ride your bike. And the smaller the vehicle you're in, the more fuel efficient it tends to be. Try adopting one gas saving habit each week or month until you're not only saving the environment and conserving resources, you're saving hundreds of dollars each month.

I came across this list in the April 2007 issue of Parents magazine. It's very simple but a nice, easy way to explain to our children why we need to take care of the earth.
1) So our kids will always enjoy our natural wonders: the Grand Canyon,
Old Faithful and bald eagles.

2) So the Amazon's plant life and animal species continue to flourish.

3) So we can continue to see lions and rhinos and elephants, oh my!

4) So the penguins still have a glacier to march on.

5) So the Great Barrier Reef remains rife with coral, fish and sea turtles.

6) So the ocean's whales and dolphins have a home to frolic in.

7) So the giant pandas retain their habitat.

1) Cut down on your intake of meat. According to Moi & Cie Magazine, a reduction of 20% of your meat consumption equals changing from a Berline type vehicule to a hybrid.

2) Drink water from the tap instead of bottled. It takes plastic bottles about 500 years to break down.

3) Start composting all of your organic fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells and even cheese crusts. Even if you don't have a large yard there are compact composting bins available and there are even some communities that will collect your composting garbage for a fee and return it at the end of the season already broken down

4) Buy local products. This cuts down on the pollution from transportation.

5) Avoid prepared foods. This cuts down on packaging, transportation, as well as additives and preservatives making it healthier for you and the environment.

6) Avoid buying individual portions of things like cheese, cookies and carrots. Buy larger packages and divide portions into reusable containers.

7) Instead of throwing out your individual milk bags, cut of the tops, rinse them and use them as freezer or snack bags.

8) Don't buy plastic containers to store leftovers, use margarine, yogurt or plastic raisin containers. They do the job just as well.

1) Refuse to use plastic bags when shopping. Use reusable bags or don't take a bag at all if you only have one or two items.

2) Try to buy items in bulk to avoid excess packaging. Just transfer smaller amount into reusable containers.

3) Use rechargeable batteries. Better for the environment and your wallet.

4) Instead of buying tools that you will only use once in a blue moon try renting them instead.

5) When possible buy used. Check out garage sales, second hand stores or online auctions like eBay online classifieds like Kijiji and Craigslist. Remember, one man's junk is another man's treasure.

6) Use a USB key to save information instead of CD's. A USB key can be used over and over while a CD will most likely end up in the garbage after awhile.

7) Use bars of soap instead of liquid. They use less packaging and last longer.

1) This is a no-brainer. Recycle all of your cans, bottles, boxes, plastics.

2) Donate your used clothing, toys or other household articles to charity.

3) Return all unused medications and empty pill bottles to your pharmacy.

4) When getting a new cell phone return your old one so that it can be recycled.

5) Many optometrists have a program for recycling your old glasses by sending them to third world countries where most people can't afford to buy much needed glasses. You're helping the environment and someone in need.

1) Take advantage of the sunlight by placing your desk or reading chair next to a window.

2) Always turn out your lights when leaving a room.

3) Use energy efficient light bulbs instead of the old incandescent ones.

4) Use dimmers to cut down on consumption when you don't need bright lighting.

5) Dust your light bulbs to keep them bright and effcient.

6) On hot summer days take a cool shower. You'll feel more refreshed and you'll have saved on your hot water bill.

7) Paint your walls in lighter shades, you won't have to use as much artificial lighting to make your rooms seem brighter.

8) Try not to use electric appliances when it isn't absolutely necessary. Mix your cookies by hand, let your hair dry naturally (it's better for it anyway), open your cans with a manual can opener.

9) When possible use your microwave instead of your oven, it cooks fatser and uses less energy.

10) Defrost your freezer regularly, this will keep it running more efficiently and consuming less energy.

11) Cover your pots when bringing water to a boil, they will boil faster.

12) Dust the vents on the back of your fridge to keep your fridge running efficiently.