Simply Green

Cleaning Dirty Laundry? Who Needs Water!

2008-08-18T04:18:00Z

Have you heard? In the future you may be able to launder with a virtually waterless washing machine. For quite some time we’ve been buying Energy Star Appliances for laundering. We’ve also been reducing the temperatures we use and tailoring our water usage to the number of articles washed. These things help, but imagine being able to dramatically reduce energy and water usage.

This can happen with the new virtually waterless washing machine invented by the University of Leeds. Their new method promises to drastically reduce the amount of water and energy for laundering to less than 2% of the current usage. In fact, this washing machine uses only one cup of water for a full wash. The load is left almost dry, which in turn saves on the energy used to finish drying that load. If commercialized, researchers say this invention could save millions if not billions of gallons of water each year. That doesn’t even cover the electricity savings.

I’ll bet your wondering how this works. The new washing process uses about 44 lbs of plastic chips around a half-centimeter in size to absorb and remove dirt. These chips are mixed with a cup of water and a pinch of detergent in the washer. During the washing cycle, the water is heated to help dissolve the dirt. The plastic chips absorb the dirt and your laundry comes out fresh and clean. The plastic chips can be reused up to 100 times, which the inventors estimate will wash around 6 months of laundry. They claim this process can effectively remove all sorts of everyday stains including coffee and lipstick. A great graphic of the process along with more details can be found on dailymail.co.uk.

My main concern is how the plastic chips are dealt with when they wear out. I hope there will be an environmentally friendly way to handle them. As they refine this invention and figure out how to commercialize it, I’m sure these details will be revealed.

The new washing machine may reach a commercial market as soon as 2009. It is unclear which market they will target first. It will be interesting to keep an eye on this. It sounds like it could revolutionize the industry. When you think about it, it is amazing how little many appliances have changed over time. Maybe the washing machine will soon have its day.

Is Garbage Your Green Inspiration?

2008-07-23T17:37:24Z

What was the defining moment for you when you decided to become more conservation-minded? Maybe you were raised that way. Maybe it was gradual and just happened over time. Perhaps you moved to a state where green was “in”, or you had children and worried about the impact products had on them. For me, it was my pets and a move to Oregon. When I first moved to Oregon, I remember overhearing a conversation on garbage. Two people were competing with each other over how often they needed to put their trash out for pick up. The record between the two of them was once a month. I first thought this was just a wacky topic for conversation. Interestingly enough, it stayed with me and got me to think more about how much trash I generate. The other turning point revolved around spraying the garden with insecticide. I was all dressed up in this crazy, full-body, heat-generating garb sweating my brains out to try to limit my contact with the stuff. I thought, OK, this is way too much clothing and gear, and I still think some of it is getting through. Do I really want my animals marching around here even after it has dried? It just seemed wrong. There had to be a better way.

There is a lot more press now about the environment and global warming, so awareness is heightened in general which is good. However, it is still interesting to study what focuses people on being green. Why is that? For me, it is because if we know what motivates people to be green, it will help us motivate others to move that direction. Even if you just do some of the little things, it really adds up over the millions of people in the US and all over the world.

I would love to hear your stories on turning green. Was there a turning point for you? What was it? Have you been able to persuade others to do more? How? No matter what you are doing, small or large, it is just great that you are doing something.

Light Pollution???

2008-07-23T17:39:00Z

On a recent car commute, I heard a radio discussion on the topic of “light” pollution. At first I thought they were talking about people who monitored their pollution, but of course they meant the illumination type of light. It turns out there are many people concerned with how city lighting and personal lighting affect the environment. The most obvious of those people are astronomers since it is more difficult to see stars and planets in a more lighted nighttime environment. Of course, there are others too, and the effects are more wide reaching than I thought. But we need those lights for safety, right? Maybe. Wikipedia states, “it is generally agreed that many people require light to feel safe at night, but campaigners for the reduction of light pollution often claim that badly or inappropriately installed lighting can lead to a reduction in safety if measured objectively, and that at the very least, it is wrong to assume that simply increasing light at night will lead to improved safety.” The safety issue aside, it is good to consider the impacts and how to effectively use light. Not only are there impacts on energy efficiency, but there are also environmental and human health impacts.

Some of the things we can do to control light pollution in the energy efficiency areas include:

Directing the lighting only where it is needed to optimize the amount used

Installing dimmable lights to use only the necessary amount of illumination

Using energy efficient bulbs, including LED and fluorescent types

Implementing solar lighting where possible

Using sensors that turn lights on only when they are needed. Motion and darkness detectors widely available.

One city, Oakland, CA, has installed LED streetlights and saved money while greatly reducing light pollution. Plus LED’s have the ability to be easily dimmed and respond to motion detection. What a great thing to do on a citywide basis!

The environmental impacts include the ability to see the night sky, but also there are examples where light pollution affects the direct mortality in species of birds, turtles and insects. Light pollution also interferes with the reproduction in corals and fireflies and with predation in a variety of species. It doesn’t stop there either; there are more.

So if light pollution affects animals, it probably affects humans too. In fact, there are some studies that show that artificial light exposure at night can be linked to an increased cancer risk. Apparently light suppresses melatonin and melatonin suppresses cancer growth. A reduction in melatonin then leads to an increased cancer risk. Other health impacts include loss in visual acuity, hypertension, increased anxiety, and headaches. Of course when there is unwanted light or “light trespassing”, it can cause disruption in sleep, and a reduction in sleep has many health impacts.

This just scratches the surface of the light pollution issue. Wikipedia is one place where you can learn more. It is an interesting topic, and I know I am going to put more thought into it. What are your thoughts and suggestions on this topic?

Wouldn’t Want to Smell Ya - Adding a Touch of Green to Your B.O.

2008-07-23T17:38:35Z

Ok, this is not an attractive topic but it is definitely an interesting one! I’ve been on the hunt for a “green” deodorant that truly keeps the beautiful scent of sweat at bay. I’ve tried all of the brands that Trader Joe’s offers like the Tom’s of Maine Stick but by the middle of the day I can tell or shall I say smell that I’ve exerted a little perspiration. I don’t search for the scent but because I have a super sniffer it would be hard to ignore anything that doesn’t smell too nice. So, I’ve resulted to falling back on my old, reliable, blue bottle of Secret - that’s until I can find a “green” product that works.

Like I said this is not the coolest of eco-friendly topics but for those of you taking baby steps in choosing healthier deodorant options with no toxic ingredients such as aluminum or fragrance this entry will interest you. You may be asking why we should avoid these chemicals so here’s what I found out in simple terms. The jury is still out but research on what your personal care products are made of and how toxic they are can be seen on the Environmental Working Group’s site Skin Deep which provides reviews on a ton of brand name products like Johnson and Johnson’s.

For example some deodorant brands contain the following toxic chemicals:

Aluminium Chlorohydrate - an active ingredient in many deodorants has been linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity

Fragrance - linked to a class of health problems that can range from subtle developmental delays and chronic nerve degeneration disease

I was happy to see that one of my favorite eco-friendly sites which I learned about from a friend called “The Ideal Bite” did a recent product review on some of the best “green” deodorants out there. They came up with the following:

Weleda Wild Rose Spray - a couple spritzes of this flowery concoction will keep most Biters fresh throughout the day ($15).
Miessence Tahitian Breeze Roll-on - our fave roll-on has a summery scent; reapply every few hours ($10).
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick - it didn’t work for a couple of us, but some swear by its unscented mineral salts; the stick lasts a year or more and works on feet as well ($7).
Alba Clear Enzyme Stick - light lavender smell with soothing aloe vera, and baking soda to sop up sweat ($6).

And for more product reviews from actual users of various deodorant brands check out The Green Guide.

I haven’t tried any of the above mentioned products yet but I’m planning on it. Hopefully, I’ll find a product that really works this time! If you’ve gone on the hunt for a great green deodorant and found something that works please share your fabulous find with me here.

Potatoes Even Low Carb Fanatics Can Appreciate – SpudWare

2008-07-09T23:40:20Z

Last week I was having dinner with some friends when the conversation turned “green”. One of my friends mentioned that Disney uses potato cutlery. That struck me as very odd and stayed with me. I decided to look into it because during the barbequing blog, I remember thinking of the difficulties with home barbeques around saving and washing the eating utensils. For bigger barbeques, that’s a lot of washing. Also, some guests accidentally discard the cutlery. So, when I heard about potato cutlery, my interest was piqued. Could this work?

The answer to that question is…….yes! This cutlery seems ready for prime time. You don’t have to feel guilty about discarding it, and it can be washed and reused too! Because these utensils are made to withstand high heat so as not to melt in your hot beverages, they take a long time to break down in your average garden composter. However, they will break down in a landfill in about 6 months, or they can also be professionally composted. That’s good, right? They are lightweight, and reports say that they are at least as durable as plastic. One article seemed to give the utensils some really crazy stress testing, and they held up well.

I’ve heard of a couple drawbacks. The knives don’t cut quite as well as conventional cutlery, and with overnight water exposure, the utensils can get a little tacky. For now, potato cutlery is also a little more spendy than traditional, low-cost plastic utensils. However, I searched the net and found that potato cutlery is more available than I thought. I even found it offered at reduced prices on some websites. One place to buy it in bulk is at treecycle.com.

So is this cutlery really made from potatoes? Yes, it is! SpudWare cutlery is made from 80% potato starch and 20% soybean oil. I love the name too – SpudWare – very cute. Now, if they could only make strong, edible cutlery out of chocolate, I would be sure to never pick up another plastic eating utensil.

Have you heard of any unique “green” products made out of recycled or natural materials? Share it with us here.

How Fit is Your House? (& Happy 4th!)

2008-07-07T18:03:03Z

Recently I volunteered at the national showplace from Cooking Light called the Fit House. This house celebrates sustainable and healthful living. What a great concept! Every year Cooking Light Magazine picks a different location across the US to showcase a house of this type, and this year the Portland area was chosen. Maybe your area will be next. If so, it is worth a look. For now, let me share some of the clever concepts for you to ponder next time you remodel or purchase a house.

The Fit House utilizes a universal design to age along with its owners, which makes it a more functional, comfortable home for your family throughout the many stages of life. What does this mean exactly? Well, features like lower countertops, sinks, stovetops and light switches help children as well as older adults in wheelchairs access them more easily. However, I wondered if the lower stovetop creates a hazard with children accessing hot burners. While possible, this clever stovetop’s burners only heat when they are in contact with metal. Pretty cool (so to speak)! Also with a lower counter and island height, the higher counter stools can be replaced with easier-to-use, regular-height table chairs. Wider doorways allow wheelchairs and strollers to be easily accommodated. Things like a wheelchair accessible shower, hardwood floors for easier rolling and walking, and levered faucets and windows that are easier to operate as you age, round out the universal design feature set.

I think the universal design aspect itself makes the Fit House “green” because it is useful for a much longer time, creating less waste from remodeling. However, here are some other features that qualify more directly:

A mantel over the fireplace created from a single reclaimed, fir beam showcases reuse of a natural element.
Lots of natural light limits the amount of energy needed.
Convenient, built-in recycling bins encourage recycling.
Dishwasher drawers make it easier to wash a half load at a time to conserve energy.
Less landscaped area limits maintenance and care as you age, but also saves water. Additionally a built-in vegetable and herb garden makes it easier to supply some of your own food locally.
Radiant floor heating provides greater comfort at a lower thermostat setting to save even more energy.
Where desired, lower-VOC, environmentally friendly carpeting creates a cozy area.

Next time you are planning a remodel or house hunting, think about all the ways your house can last longer and provide a healthy, green environment.

Making Memories by Grilling Green

2008-07-04T17:41:27Z

Backyard BBQs bring up happy, summery childhood memories for me. When my little toddler thinks back to her childhood, I am hoping she remembers “greener” or at least “light green” BBQs. If we’re doing our share, being “green” should come more naturally to her. Just think of the impact if everyone adds a little green to their grilling and then passes it on.

And speaking of impacts, I found it surprising that barbequing uses a lot of energy, especially when everyone barbeques at the same time. In fact, one article stated that about 60 billion barbeques happen on the Fourth of July, and they use enough energy to power 20,000 households. I don’t know if that’s accurate, but even if it is close, it’s worth looking at how to green up your BBQ. It turns out there are many ways to be green at the grill.

The most obvious target is the grill itself. Try a cleaner-burning propane or electric grill for lower emissions. Better yet, if you have the time, you could try a solar cooker or sun oven. Natural gas is still better than charcoal grilling, and there are even ways to optimize with a charcoal grill.
For those of you that already own a charcoal grill and aren’t ready to invest, look for lump brand charcoal made from invasive tree species or harvested from sustainably managed forests. Some people even use tree debris from their own backyard. Another bonus of this approach is avoiding exposure to the additives like coal dust that accompany regular briquettes. Cowboy charcoal is a great briquette alternative.
Lighter fluid releases smog-forming Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs, so a better option for lighting briquettes is a chimney starter or an electric starter.
But barbequing green starts before we even hit the grill. Send out electronic invites with RSVP requests, using something like Evite . Pay attention to the number of people who are attending to plan for the right amount of food.
Buy local produce to save on your gas/emissions in getting the food and also the gas/emissions for transporting the food to that location. You can find a local farmers market or coop using www.localharvest.com . Choose organic, hormone-free, lean meat, but also look at providing vegetables and vege burgers which use a lot less energy to make and cook. You can even throw in a little fish and fruit.
Reduce packaging waste by avoiding single servings and buying in bulk. Where packaging is necessary, look for recyclable and biodegradable packaging.
Provide your guests with reusable dishware, silverware and cloth napkins. Also use cloth table covers. If that doesn’t work, buy biodegradable or recycled-paper dinnerware like Chinet Casuals.
Choose locations that are located near public transportation and encourage people to ride it. Arrange for carpooling when that is not possible.
Avoid electric lighting or tiki lamp emissions and set the mood with solar lighting or by using lower-impact stearin candles and/or bug-deterring soy candles.
When cleaning up, send the leftovers home with people or donate them to a food bank if there are large quantities. Compost and recycle waste where possible.

Hype or Not, What Does Biodegradable Really Mean?

2008-06-27T06:44:22Z

So, I was reading our local paper, The Oregonian and took great interest in an article titled “Biodegradable Hype is Misleading Rubbish” written by reporter Shelby Wood . Ok, so the title was in itself provocative enough to catch my eye as my family and I strive to become just a little bit greener everyday.

Doesn’t “biodegradable” denote something good and green? Well, after reading this article it does mean this but if not taken to the next level it means nothing and as Shelby states we’re still on the hook to make this happen. The ironic thing is that the biodegradable stuff that we end up throwing in the trash just sits in our landfill making a big heaping pile of junk. It doesn’t just magically biodegrade on its own!

What surprised me was that Portland which I believe is one of the greenest states in the country doesn’t even have a composting facility. When something is biodegradable it means it will biodegrade only if you are able to either compost it yourself or take it to a large composting facility who will do it for you. This was an ah-ha moment for me! On the positive end I found out Seattle is starting to take compostable food scraps curbside so maybe Portland will jump on that bandwagon soon.

For grins, I looked up the Wikepedia definition of biodegradable which states: Biodegradable waste is a type of waste, typically originating from plant or animal sources, which may be broken down by other living organisms. So, based on this definition if we as “living organisms” on this planet take a little time just to figure out how we can actually take the next steps to help make sure biodegradable items actually biodegrade I think we can make a big difference. Easier said than done, right? Have you embraced the challenge of composting anything in your backyard yet? Would love to hear your stories!

Conserving Water in the Garden

2008-06-07T20:05:09Z

If you are like me when the high temperatures hit, yard watering tends to run up your water bill. Here are some tips for cutting down on water usage (and $$) in that area. You can get a little carried away with it or keep it simple. See if one of these tips will help you.

Water right before sunrise if possible to minimize evaporation and to give plant leaves a chance to dry quickly and thoroughly to avoid fungal disease. If this isn’t possible, watering in the evening is the next best option. Ensure soil isn’t too compacted to allow the moisture to seep in.
Capture rainwater with a rain barrel and/or a gutter/barrel collection system. Not only will this save you money, but this water may also be better for your garden since it doesn’t contain the pH altering chemicals used for making drinking water safe. A fine mesh screen over the top of the barrel will keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in your garden’s new water supply. Rain barrels are available for purchase or you can make your own.
Water the necessary amount. Over watering can cause a multitude of issues, including fungal disease. Look for signs that plants need water before watering. Slightly wilted leaves are a good indicator. Remember that the plant leaves themselves only need occasional watering to remove dust and sweep away insects. Lawns should receive about _” to 1” of water per week as a general guideline. This can be measured using a raingauge or estimated by putting a few small containers around the lawn to see how much water they collect. During the hottest periods, you can allow the lawns to slow down. If you want to cut lawn watering all together, you may allow your lawn to go dormant for the hot weather. For more extensive information on lawn maintenance visit american-lawns.com.
Water plants closer to their roots. Use soak hoses and drip methods to help deliver the water where it is needed without wasting water. Delivering water slightly below the soil line helps make sure the water doesn’t evaporate and places it closer to the roots where it is needed. There are some great methods for watering potted plants too. One involves a water container or bucket with a hose-like attachment which links to a disperser in the pot to deliver water to the plant as it is needed. Another holds water in a container or bulb with a skinny opening at the bottom that is placed deep into the pot to deliver water by gravity when needed. Places like Gardeners Supply Company have these vacation watering systems available for purchase.
Group plants according to water need to optimize the amount of water used in an area, especially when using automatic watering systems. Try to locate the plants with high watering needs close to the house so they are easier to reach with a hose.
Plant more shrubs, more perennials, and fewer annuals. Generally, the larger the root system, the better the plant is able to obtain it’s own water. Annuals require the most maintenance.

Getting Greener in the Garden

2008-06-12T04:51:50Z

The warmer weather has everyone enjoying the outdoors. Like it or not, the warmer weather also brings some amount of yard work. Regardless of whether you have a green thumb, there are things that you can do to help save the planet while saving money in the garden.

Eliminate insect pests the natural way – no pesticides! Birds, Butterflies, Ladybugs and Praying Mantids are natural predators of most plant pests. Ladybugs and Praying Mantids are often for sale at garden stores, especially in the spring. To keep your purchase in the area, be sure to make your yard suitable for nesting. You can attract butterflies and other insect predators with specific plants like the Butterfly Bush or Buddleia. While birds are also attracted to Buddleia, they will be more likely to stay in your area longer if you provide water, food, and shelter. If you still need or desire a spray-on topical treatment to control your pests, look for the least toxic version, like one made with pyrethrum, which is derived from the Chrysanthemum flower.
Plant drought tolerant, native plants. These plants will need less water and care, as they are suited to surviving in your area. They will also attract more beneficial insects and be better suited to fend off detrimental insects. A great site for determining the best plants for your area is enature. Local nurseries can also help point you in the right direction and may even offer seminars. Personally, one of my favorite drought tolerant plants is the Sedum.
Control weeds without pesticides. Great natural weed killers include lemon juice, vinegar, and boiling water. Of course you need to research each ingredient to understand the impact on your soil and surrounding plants. For instance, a solution of salt, vinegar and dish soap can also be used. However, salt will change soil composition and may render your soil useless for some time. Consult treehugger and wikipedia to get some quick information on pesticide-free weed control.
Mulch to conserve water and help control weeds. All landscaping should have 1 to 3 inches mulch to keep the soil cooler and preserve moisture to the plant. Consider using wood chips, pine needles, or grass clippings as mulch. Lawns can be mulched and fed by leaving the clippings after mowing.
Use a manual mower. It will use less fuel while giving you a great workout. Hate mowing? Minimize the amount of grass you have using paving and drought-tolerant ground covers.
Compost to use your organic discards effectively and build healthy soil. Rake a thin layer (1/4 inch) of compost into your lawn after aerating. Also mix compost into garden beds and around plants. Coffee grounds are great for both composting and fertilization. They are a slow release nitrogen fertilizer that works well with most plants and can be applied with little extra effort.
Grow your own food. Avoid transportation costs and fuel usage by growing locally in your own garden. If you can’t grow your own food, shop at near-by farmers markets where the food is fresher and hasn’t traveled as far. It will likely be tastier too!
Grow large trees by your house to help keep the house cool naturally.

Look for tips on effective watering in my next article.

What are your “green” gardening tips? Share them with us here!

Ice Cream, You Scream - Loving the Cold, “green” Creamy Stuff!

2008-06-27T06:42:43Z

I decided to write a fun blog entry today on one of my favorite desserts ice cream! So, with all the talk about organic you’re probably seeing more food labels tauting the “O” word. Well, ice cream isn’t the healthiest thing you can eat but at least you know you can choose an organic version to add to your well balanced meal.

One of the key ingredients in ice cream is milk of course! Normal milk is usually made from cows treated with antibiotics. The use of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST) which stimulates milk production is now outlawed in almost every Western nation. Nearly all Oregon milk makers have stopped using this additive. Organic milk is defined by the USDA as having been produced by cows not treated with antibiotics or bovine growth hormone. The animals must have access to pasture, and their feed must be grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Supporters of organic milk say organophosphates used in chemical fertilizers have been linked to a variety of woes, including cancer and fetal abnormalities. Ok, did I scare you yet? I don’t mean to sound paranoid but only want to help get the word out on what we may be putting into our bodies.

Our daughter drinks a ton of whole milk as a 22 month old and we’ve made a personal choice to give her organic milk after learning about the risks as described above. We also buy non-fat organic milk for ourselves. Buying organic ice cream is a treat for us and if we do buy it we know it’s not only a bit better for our bodies but also better for the planet. Our favorite is Ben & Jerry’s Organic Sweet Cream & Cookies flavor! Try a cold, creamy spoonful and you might just get addicted!

What’s your favorite organic ice cream? Do you have any favorite low-fat or sugar-free organic brands?

Carpet Be Gone? (wool, cork, bamboo…hmmm)

2008-05-20T20:16:56Z

Did you know research shows that carpet can be linked to poor air quality and health issues? Due to the adhesive and backing materials used to make your carpet studies have shown health issues can arise. Recently, low VOC carpet has become more popular as the industry receives more requests for a healthier alternative. Wool carpet has become an organic option because of its material components but can be expensive for the average consumer. So, you might be wondering what you need to look for when considering a low VOC carpet? BTW, for those of us who are just starting to graze down a “greener” pasture (don’t take offense to my cow comparison, please) low VOC means the emission of nasty toxins into the air is minimal. This term is also used to describe safer paint alternatives (low VOC paint).

Andrew Hunt is a freelance writer who specializes in building technology and green building shares the following tip when looking for a low VOC carpet (from www.hgtvpro.com):

“The Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Program (CRI) has established a rating system that sets standards for low VOCs. Looking for the “CRI Green Label Plus” logo is an important place to start.”

What about cork and bamboo as “green” options to carpet? They are definitely environmentally friendly flooring options. These types of flooring are recyclable, renewable, biodegradable, and affordable. Cork flooring is derived from stripping bark away from the beech family of trees that grows in western Mediterranean countries. The bark is removed every nine to fourteen years. The process does not damage the tree. Cork is toxic free, water and fire resistant, hypoallergenic, and resilient. It is also comfortable to walk on and reduces heat loss.

For more info, you can visit the websites: www.corkqc.com or www.treehugger.com.

As for Bamboo, it is similar to oak when it comes to resiliency and stability. In Hong Kong, bamboo can be seen through out the city being used for scaffolding. This material is unquestionably durable and can be used repeatedly. It definitely grows faster and easily than oak trees. Bamboo matures in about three to five years.

Overall, cork and bamboo are two great options that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. You also have a cost advantage as well. These environmentally friendly flooring price ranges from 30%- 50% less expensive than the other conventional materials.

So, readers have you looked at replacing your carpet or involved in a recent remodel and going green? Share your tips and experience with us here

Add a Little of the “Green Stuff” to Your Coffee

2008-05-20T16:52:07Z

On a recent visit to Seattle with my good friend Jil, we found ourselves surrounded by coffee shops (not a surprise since Starbuck’s headquarters is here). This inspired me to ponder the green aspects of enjoying coffee, and I found there are several things you can do to add more “green” to your coffee. The good news is that Coffee shops themselves are doing more every day to strengthen their green position.

Check the tips below to rate the “green” in your coffee.

Employ reusable filters in your drip coffee maker. Gold filters are reusable and long lasting. They are easy to clean and add to the taste of your coffee by making it “brighter’, ‘livelier’, and/or more complex. Most importantly by using the gold filters, you aren’t adding to the landfill. Read more about gold filters on Wise Geek . Another reusable type of filter is made from cloth. If you can’t make the switch to reusable, try recycled, unbleached paper filters. Finally, French Press coffee makers don’t required added filters.
Find a use for your left over coffee grounds. Did you know they make a great, slow-release, nitrogen fertilizer for your garden? Many coffee shops offer their grounds for these uses. Refer to Sustainable Enterprises for a concise list of garden applications to get you started.
Try one of the fair trade, organic, or co-op coffee blends. These blends are available at large coffee shops now, including Starbucks and Peets. The fair trade coffees work to ensure that farmers receive a fair price for their coffee and to help strengthen coffee farms for the future. Organic coffee is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizer to help maintain healthy soil and ground water. The end result is an organic cup free of chemical residue.
If you are going out for coffee, bring your own thermal mug. It will keep your coffee hotter longer, increase your drinking enjoyment, and decrease the number disposable cups in our landfill. These cups are naturally cool to the touch, so no jacket required! Don’t have one of these mugs yet? Many coffee shops will give you a free drink of your choice if you buy one of their mugs. Coffee shops may also offer discounts for bringing in your own mug.
Clean your coffee pot with organic materials. Lemon juice and white vinegar help remove calcium carbonate deposits from hard water naturally.
Support coffee shops with green agendas. These are shops that offer organic and fair trade blends, offer their grounds for garden uses, have recycle bins, encourage recycling, and offer discounts for using your own reusable mugs. Also look into the background of the coffee shops. Some coffee makers are doing more for the rainforests and to prevent climate change than others. For instance, Starbucks is teaming up with Conservation International to address climate change and preserve the future for coffee farmers. Read more at conservation.org .

If you have a favorite organic or fair trade coffee brand you like please share it with us here! Caffeine fix with a little green flavor anyone?

Be Creative and Re-use Your Throw Away Items

2008-05-12T20:58:02Z

I found a great article on Lifehacker for reusing commonly disposed or recycled products. I doubt you will find all of these useful but I’m sure that you’ll find one or two tips that you could use and make a difference. Remember every little baby step you make to being green is so vital to preserving our planet for our children. Unfortunately, most of these just delay the inevitable disposing or recycling of the item in end, but by putting it to another use you may not need to purchase something else.

Being green for me means purchasing less products that will have to be recycled in the first place. For instance, we do not purchase pre-filled water bottles in our house. Instead we’ve replaced using bottled water with a Brita Filter and a BPA free water bottle which fills our hydration needs perfectly.

My favorites from this list are:

“Used dryer sheets will clean your iron - just run the iron over it on medium heat.”—kuisine
“Stick used dryer sheets into drawers to keep clothing smelling nice.“—ac042186.
“Plastic yogurt containers make great starter pots for seedlings.”—elsifer.
“… The Stonyfield quart-sized yogurt containers are marked as dishwasher safe. We make our own chicken stock, and freeze it in those yogurt containers.”—skyesong.
“The plastic bags that newspapers are delivered in make for a great umbrella bag (when you have to carry your wet closed umbrella into your office, etc.”—Thunderpants.
“Plastic Chinese food containers: store miscellaneous parts in my garage.”—gargouille.

Make sure you read all of the comments at the bottom for even better tips!

Unique Tips to an Eco-friendly Office

2008-05-07T14:12:46Z

Punch in the key words “green office tips” and you’ll find 933,000 resources available on the internet. In this post I’ll share some popular and unique tips to help you eco-fy your office.

Popular Green Office Tips:

Turn off your monitor when it is not in use
Shut off your computer if you won’t be using it for several hours
Use recycled paper that has at least 30% post consumer waste
Open the blinds and use more natural light and less artificial light
Work from home/telecommute
Purchase carbon offsets to become carbon neutral

The unique list below is something you cannot find by doing a Google search, but maybe now with its unveiling it will end up on the first page of a search!

Unique Green Office Tips:

Purchase refill kits for ink cartridges - Printer cartridges can be refilled with high quality ink, by purchasing this option you create less consumer waste and you create demand for your used cartridge when it is time to throw it away. You can also buy kits that will allow you to refill your printer cartridges yourself.

Purchase refill kits for toner - Your copiers, faxes, and laser printers all use toner cartridges, but the toner runs out long before the useful life of the cartridge has been reached. There are refill kits available for toners similar to ink jet printers which will allow you to extend the life of the cartridge and save some serious $$. This will allow you to refill the cartridge 3 times, give or take. Find refill kits at ABC Ink and Toner Refill Yourself.

Use technology to print less - There is a company called GreenPrint that has created a solution allows you to maximize what available print space. If you have ever printed something that contained 3 useful pages and a fourth that had just the URL or legal disclaimer? The solution from GreenPrint allows you to decide what to print so you only waste as much paper as you want to. The downside of GreenPrint is that currently it only runs on Microsoft based systems. So, while this will handle 94% of computers it won’t help business like mine that run on Macs.

Buy used or refurbished office equipment - In addition to saving loads of money, buying previously owned machines means one less machine has to be manufactured, with one less box, and one less instruction manual. If you don’t mind being slightly behind the bleeding edge this tip will allow the money you save to be used for more important things.

Buy used or refurbished office furniture, or make your own - I love the story about how Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder, was too cheap to buy desks and instead chose to make his own out of old doors and 4″X4″ pillars. By making a statement that your company is serious about both cutting costs and being more green, people will think twice before buying unnecessary items or items that are not good for the environment. You do not have to do it all yourself as their are a number of ways to purchase used and refurbished office furniture, I searched Google for “used office furniture, portland” and came up with more than enough hits.

Use Thin Clients instead of PCs - Thin Clients are an old technology that is making a comeback. Previously referred to as “dumb terminals” these devices let a larger computer handle all of the processing while the Thin Client basically displays the output. Sun Microsystems* has a version that let’s users
“hotdesk” from SunRay (product name for their thin client). So with an employee specific card they can use any terminal in an office once they slide their card in and enter their password. This helps fully utilize office space by letting anybody use a system that is available. The most green thing about thin clients is in the energy savings. The typical PC requires 100+ watts of power for it to function, but Sun’s SunRay product uses between 4 and 7 watts. Granted another server or more needs to be used for the back end processing, but better to have a couple 100+ watt servers than a whole office full of them.
*Disclaimer - My husband works for Sun Microsystems.

Switch out CRT monitors for LCD - LCDs use roughly 1/3 the power that a CRT does (50 watts vs 150 watts). While LCDs are more expensive, buying used will allow you to recover your costs within a year or two, depending on usage.

So, do you have unique tips on going green in your office? Please tell us about them here.

Old Cell Phones Collecting Dust in My Dresser Drawer

2008-04-30T17:26:19Z

In the past four years I have accumulated two cell phones that take up space in my dresser drawer. I’ve been thinking about how I should dispose of them. They are still totally operational. So, I decided to do some research on the affects of old cell phones thrown in our landfill and also find the best way to recycle them. Recycling does two very important things, one is you are protecting the earth from toxins and the other is you are saving new metals from being mined to create new cell phones (or other electronic products).

One of the fastest growing problems in our nation’s waste stream is electronic discard. Cell phones, PDAs, pagers, digital cameras, TVs, computers, radios, and other electronics contain toxic materials. The materials can be lead, mercury, cadmium, lithium, arsenic, brominated flame retardants, phosphorous coatings, and/ or PVC plastics. These materials can create dioxins posing a threat to the environment and human health.

To help the environment and keep our landfills free from these toxic elements you can recycle or donate the products to various recycling programs. For example, you can donate your wireless electronics to non-profit charities across the USA like Recycling for Charities. Another option is to check with the manufacturer and see if they have a recycling program. In some cases your cell phone can be donated to a non-profit organization for people who can’t afford to buy a cell phone.

For more information about how to recycle your e-waste go to the following websites:

Environmental Protection Agency

Electronics Industry Alliance maintains a national list searchable by state.

International Association of Electronic Recyclers Directory of the Electronics Recycling Industry allows you to search for organizations that are involved in electronics recycling. Most of the database focuses on companies that provide recycling services for electronic products.

National Recycling Coalition (NRC) hosts the National Database of Electronics Recyclers, Reuse Organizations, and Municipal Programs

Make Traveling with Baby Lighter & Greener!

2008-04-30T17:27:04Z

I found this cool company called Baby’s Away when I read an article in AAA. It’s a company focused on helping make your travel a ton easier and lighter because you can rent baby’s crib, stroller, high chair, beach umbrella and a bucket of clean, gently used toys. How convenient is that? No more lugging around a ton of baby gear or worrying if the hotel you’re staying at has a decent baby crib you can use. I know my husband will be happy about that since he’s the one that lugs around most of our baggage! If you have traveled with a baby you know what I’m talking about. Additionally, you don’t have to waste your money on buying beach toys or a beach umbrella that you wouldn’t be able to fit in your luggage to bring home anyway.

I like this company for its green-ness because it gives a good example of the benefit of recycling gently used baby items. If you’re worried about cooties, have no fear, everything is sanitized and kept in good condition. Cost will vary by location, item, rental time, and delivery fee. An example of cost for a family who stayed in Maui for a week where their items were delivered to the west side of the island was about $180 which included the delivery fee. They thought paying for this service was worth every penny!

Baby’s Away has operators in major ski and beach resorts areas from Wyoming to San Diego to Hawaii. Most operators are either parents or grandparents. Is your city a travel hot spot? Maybe this would be a great entrepreneurial venture for you!

What’s All of this Bisphenol-A Buzz About Anyway?

2008-06-27T06:43:48Z

If you’ve been following the news on BPA you’re probably sick of reading about it but I wanted to give you the latest news and also provide some helpful tips on things to avoid when making your purchases. The great news is that large corporations are beginning to ban products that contain BPA which means safer and healthier products on store shelves for the consumer.

Definition of Bisphenol-A otherwise known as BPA: Used to make transparent, hard plastic known as polycarbonate (#7), such as baby bottles and the lining of infant formula cans. Exposure may cause prostrate cancer, breast cancer, female infertility, endocrine disruption, and obesity.

Recently in the news Canada decided to label BPA as toxic and will ban BPA in baby bottles and is pushing infant formula companies to replace BPA in their packaging. This is a big step in forcing companies to stop using BPA all together. Nalgene and Playtex are two manufacturers who have announced a phaseout of BPA plastics. Big box retailers like Wal-Mart and Toys”R”Us will discontinue sales of these products which is a huge move!

EWG has done a great job asking federal agencies to fully assess the safety of children’s BPA exposures from formula, baby bottles and other sources. Thank goodness!

Tips on Avoiding BPA:

Avoid plastics #3, 6, and 7 - these plastics often contain toxins that leach into food and water, especially when heated. Safe Mama provides cheat sheets and helpful information to parents needing a one-stop resource on avoiding toxins. For more resources check out Itsabelly’s Scoop on Plastics article.
All plastics leach in the long term so it’s better to use glass or ceramic containers instead.
Don’t use plastic water bottles - use stainless steel bottles like Klean Kanteen, SIGG, Thermos or Think Sport.
Eat less canned foods. Studies show containers food and drink cans are lined with BPA.
Purchase non-toxic baby bottles, sippy cups, children’s feeding utensils in glass or safer plastics including polyamine, polypropylene and polyethylene from sources like The Soft Landing. Note that soft or cloudy-colored plastic does not contain BPA.
Medela - a breast feeding supply manufacturer produces BPA-free bottles which are used to pump and store expressed breast milk.

If you have other tips to share or know of some great resources please share!

Cheap Green Groceries (saving pennies, saving the planet)

2008-05-14T04:32:51Z

Since I’m a new blogger to Sparkplugging I thought I would share a little bit more about me and what I love to do on Saturday mornings with my family which is going to our local farmer’s market (held in downtown Portland, OR). Normally, I would be with my family right now enjoying the beautiful booths of fresh veggies and fruits along with a bit of sunshine but I’m so excited to get my blog launched in a few days so I’m here typing away.

The purpose of my entry will be to give you some tips on the best way to go green on groceries when you’re on a budget. Let’s face it not all of us can afford to go completely organic but there are great short cuts to a healthier lifestyle. I’d like to first share a few reasons you should go organic where possible on your groceries and then I’ll go into inexpensive ways to buy organic.

WHY ORGANIC IS GOOD FOR YOU & OUR PLANET:

Buying organic helps you avoid pesticides, growth hormones and antibiotics that can potentially harm your body and also helps to protects from polluting our planet. EPA Research shows that our children are especially sensitive to pesticides since their organs are still developing.
23 of the world’s 28 most commonly used pesticides are suspected carcinogens, and several are possible neurotoxins and endocrine disrupters.
Research shows that drinking organic milk is healthier because it has 75% higher levels of beta-carotene, 50% higher levels of vitamin E, and was two to three times richer in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthine.
Eat fresh foods and stay away from canned goods where possible. The Environmental Working Group found that BPA (Bisphenol-A) was in over half of the 97 cans of name-brand fruit, veggies, soda and other common canned goods. BPA may cause cancer, female infertility, endocrine disruption and obesity.
It’s a great way to support our organic farmers who have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment. See more reasons to go organic here.
You’ll get a boost to your immune system. A study at the University of California-Davis showed that organic produce had 19-50 percent more cancer-fighting antioxidants than conventional produce.
Do you want more proof that organic is better for you? Check out the Organic Consumers Association article here.

INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO GO GREEN:

Buy only organic fruits and veggies that have the most pesticides. Conventional fruits and veggies that carry the most pesticides are apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, raspberries, spinach, and strawberries.
Buy organic in the foods that you consume the most of like milk or beef to avoid the chemicals found in them. Basically, do your research and know what organic foods to buy and where.
Comparison Shop - you can find less expensive jar of organic baby food at Target than your local grocery store.
Shop local - find your local farmer’s markets and support your community. Buying local eases our dependence on petroleum, helps clean up the air, and reduces the climate change that’s associated with transportation.
Check out The Eat Well Guide which is a free online directory of thousands of family farms, restaurants, markets and other outlets that offer local, fresh and sustainable food in the United States and Canada.
Join a CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. You’ll get a direct connection to very fresh food and help to promote sustainable agriculture.
Buy in bulk (Costco is constantly adding more organic goods to their selection of products)
Buy in season (fruits and veggies out of season can cost a few dollars more)
Cook fresh & healthy foods at home at least twice a week to save money on eating out

Do you have other inexpensive ways to go cheap and green on groceries? Please share your comments here. We’d love to hear about them!