Green Tips & Products

Eco Friendly Showers

2008-02-23T07:11:00.002-05:00

We recently obtained a new shower head. Now I know it's hard to get excited about a shower head, but when you find a good one, a good shower is the only way to start the day. This particular unit saves on water (save more by showering with a friend), yet still provides a wonderful water soaking experience. Good flow, good pressure, and very invigorating. It has 5 water settings, and is direction adjustable.

5 Different Spray Patterns

4" Spray Head with Extra Wide Coverage

Anti-Clog Nozzles

Solid Brass Fittings

Read more about the Monarch Maximum Flow Eco-Friendly Showerhead at http://www.greenandmore.com/eco-friendly-standard-spray-showerheads.html?itemId=844

What is Puffy Stuff?

2008-01-28T09:06:00.000-05:00

PUFFY STUFF is an all-natural packaging material. Unlike other plant based loosefill, PUFFY STUFF is completely biodegradable by ISO definition (100% consumed by bacteria.)

BENEFITS COMPARED TO CORN STARCH AND CONVENTIONAL LOOSEFILL:
100% Biodegradable
Zero petrochemicals
Unaffected by oil prices
Competitive cost
Easy disposal
Reusable

HOW DOES IT BREAK DOWN?
Upon direct contact with water, the loosefill degrades to inert proteins which are quickly consumed by soil bacteria.

IS IT ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE?
Absolutely...as safe as any grain.

IS IT HARMFUL TO WILDLIFE OR PETS?
No. Although not particularly tasty, PUFFY STUFF is even edible and digests easily. Try it!

DOES IT ATTRACT PESTS?

No. Processing removes all food value from the grain and, in turn, the attraction of mice and other pests.

DOES IT HAVE AN ODOR?

PUFFY STUFF has a faint smell similar to popcorn. This, however will not transfer to your shipment. PUFFY STUFF actually absorbs odors!

IS IT STATIC FREE?
Yes. By retaining a small amount of moisture, it conducts the static charge away resulting in no cling or damage to electrical and other sensitive devices.

CAN IT BE REUSED?
Absolutely.

WHERE IS IT DISPOSED?
If not reused, PUFFY STUFF can be put in a landfill or even hosed down in your garden as fertilizer.

WILL IT SHRINK AWAY LIKE CORN STARCH FOAM LOOSEFILL?
No. PUFFY STUFF is hydrophobic and is not subject to shrinking in humid conditions.

HOW DURABLE IS PUFFY STUFF?
The product has a high density for rugged durability. It will not shrink to allow product migration and damage during shipping.

http://www.puffystufftn.com/about.html

ClickGreener Makes All Your Holiday Shopping Greener

2007-12-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

ClickGreener Makes All Your Holiday Shopping Greener - For Free

TORONTO, ON., December 3, 2007 – ClickGreener Inc., a groundbreaking new company, has launched ClickGreener.com just in time for the holiday season.

ClickGreener.com is the world’s first online shopping mall that empowers people to make their ordinary purchases greener – and help raise tens of thousands of dollars for the environment – all at no extra cost to the consumer.

“Each year, online shopping malls earn millions of dollars in referral fees,” said Owen Ward, President of ClickGreener. “We’ve decided to harness this power and use it to help the environment, by donating just over half of our referral fees to environmental non-profits.”

Visitors to ClickGreener.com will find many of North America’s leading online retailers of electronics, books, DVDs, clothing and more. By clicking on their retailer of choice, visitors will be connected to that retailer’s online store, where they can complete their purchase as usual. For every purchase made this way, ClickGreener donates 51% of the referral fee from that purchase to leading non-profit environmental organizations, including Carbonfund.org, WWF-Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Tree Canada. All of this is done at no additional cost to the shopper.

“People are looking for ways to contribute in a positive way to the environment,” continued Mr. Ward. “For every purchase made through ClickGreener, you will make a contribution to organizations working hard to protect and preserve our environment.”
“If only 1% of online purchases in North America were made through ClickGreener, approximately $10,000,000 will be raised every year. With the value of online shopping expected to double by 2011, the possibilities are truly inspiring.”

In addition, ClickGreener gives visitors access to promotional offers from many of its retailers, including deals that are not available to the general public. ClickGreener also identifies green products from its participating retailers to help people maximize their positive impact on the environment.

“Instead of dreaming of a white Christmas this year, we are giving people an easy way to make it a greener holiday season,” Mr. Ward adds. “Moreover, with access to many great deals, visitors to ClickGreener will also save a bit of that green for themselves!”

About ClickGreener Inc.

ClickGreener Inc. was created to harness the power of business to help make the world a healthier and greener place. Partnered with some of the most prestigious non-profit environmental organizations, including Carbonfund.org, WWF-Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Tree Canada, ClickGreener provides people with a simple way to make their ordinary shopping greener at no additional cost.

CONTACT
For additional information or to arrange interviews:
Owen Ward, President
Tel: 416.855.6373 Email: owen@clickgreener.com

WHERE WE STAND: A Surprising Look at the Real State of Our Planet

2007-10-17T14:31:00.000-05:00

WHERE WE STAND: A Surprising Look at the Real State of Our Planet (AMACOM Books; October 9, 2007) by Seymour Garte, Ph.D.

In WHERE WE STAND, Garte makes the case that the environment is in better shape than we have been led believe. He presents evidence that human and environmental welfare have been improving steadily for the past two decades. When crises arise, our urgent efforts to save the planet work. Scientific research, social activism and strong regulatory action have produced changes in the way businesses and people operate and these changes have been largely successful in solving most of the environmental and public health problems that we have faced. Garte combats environmental apathy with illustrations of the environmental movement’s achievements and their goals for the future. Hopeful, balanced, and convincing, WHERE WE STAND will change the way readers view the planet and the future.

Publisher’s Weekly Review of WHERE WE STAND:

Garte, a professor of public health, presents a well-researched, clearly written summary of the health of our planet, with histories of lead paint, ozone and various chemicals as well as analyses of human health and planetary health; the prognosis is surprisingly optimistic, and prescriptions are encouraging. While the environmental problems hyped daily on the news are real and ongoing, things have improved—air and water are cleaner, more food is available, life spans are up and infant mortality is down, diseases are better understood and treated—and will continue to improve if efforts continue. Garte points out the fallacies in standard right- and left-wing approaches—the planet is not in imminent danger of imploding, he says, but neither will it be saved by the free market—and shows how most improvements over the past 40 years have been the result of government intervention. Garte’s reasoned discussion and compelling, honest tone make this a valuable tool for increasing science literacy with regards to the important environmental issues of the day; Garte’s recommendations, to “continue on the paths we have been traveling and finally acknowledge the great progress that we have already made” should put new wind in discouraged environmentalists’ sails, while plentiful references, data and illustrations will give skeptics material to think over. (Sept.)

“OIL IS A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY”

2007-10-17T14:20:00.000-05:00

It doesn't matter whether you are Democrat or Republican, it's hard to disagree with this book. We read it and recommend it! - Steve Spence, Director, Green-Trust.org

NEW BOOK ON AMERICA’S OIL DEPENDENCE DECLARES

“OIL IS A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY”

October 17, 2007 - As oil prices reach record highs, it’s not just in the consumer pocketbook where war is being waged.

In, Freedom from Oil: How the Next President Can End the United States’ Oil Addiction (McGraw-Hill, October, 2007), author and Brookings Institution scholar David Sandalow writes that our current reliance on oil poses economic, environmental, and national security threats to the country:

1. Oil dependence strengthens Al Queda and other Islamic terrorists;

2. Oil dependence strengthens oil-exporting nations that oppose US interests;

3. Oil dependence threatens our men and women in uniform;

4. Oil dependence undermines democracy and good governance around the world;

5. Oil dependence is central to environmental degradation and contributes significantly to global warming;

6. Oil supplies are vulnerable to natural disasters, war, and terrorist attacks.

Writes Sandalow, America must take steps to counter the deeply entrenched use of oil in our society using a powerful combination of already-present technologies and far-reaching agendas, among them:

· Build millions of plug-in hybrid cars that have traditional engines and connect to the electric grid;

· Make competitively-priced biofuels available to every driver;

· Transform fuel efficiency standards to make sure the US fleet helps lead the world; and

· Transform federal transportation policy to level the playing field for mass transit and promote telecommuting.

Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) calls Freedom from Oil “Required reading for all concerned citizens and elected officials.”

Nobel Prize winner Al Gore says of the author, “When David Sandalow writes about energy and the environment, we should all pay close attention.”

Sandalow, a scholar at The Brookings Institution, worked for the Clinton/Gore White House, and spent much of 2005 traveling with Gore and working with him on the lecture that is now part of An Inconvenient Truth.

The book has a foreword from Senator Richard Lugar, as well as endorsements from General Wesley Clark, James Woolsey, Vice President of Booz Allen Hamilton and former head of the CIA, and Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Sandalow is based in Washington, DC and is available for interviews.

Freedom from Oil

Author: David Sandalow

October, 2007

HC, $26.95

For review copies, interviews, and more information, contact:

Ann Pryor, Senior Publicity Manager

McGraw-Hill Companies

2 Penn Plaza, 12th Floor

New York, New York 10121

212.904.4078 tel

212.904.4091 fax

Ann_pryor@mcgraw-hill.com

Worm Poop Fertilizer in Recycled Bottles

2007-07-04T16:58:00.000-05:00

GREEN TRUST RECOMMENDED & APPROVED!

At TerraCycle we manufacture affordable, potent, organic products that are not only made from waste, but are also packaged entirely in waste! TerraCycle Plant Food™ is made by feeding premium organic waste to millions of worms. The worm poop is then liquified into a powerful organic plant food and bottled directly in used soda bottles.

There are millions of soda bottles every day which end up in garbage cans and landfills across America. As an eco-friendly, innovator, TerraCycle packages its organic liquefied worm poop in bottles collected from schools and recycling centers from every corner of the country. It's no wonder that Red Herring Magazine named TerraCycle as one of the Top 100 Most Innovative Companies in 2004 and Inc. Magazine featured TerraCycle on its July, 2006 cover as "The Coolest Little Start-up in America"!

TerraCycle's Bottle Brigade program allows almost any organization to save 20 oz. plastic soda bottles from getting thrown away. Better yet, TerraCycle will donate $.05 to the charity of your choice. If you don't have a charity currently in mind, you also have the option to select from a list of other charities or save 10 square feet of the rain forest with every bottle! There are no signup fees whatsoever.

http://www.terracycle.net/bb/

Organic Goji Berries

2007-04-02T14:49:00.000-05:00

Today's mail included a new snack we have never tried. Organic Goji Berries, from Sunfood Nutrition, is very nutritionally rich, with a interesting flavor that reminds us of dried cranberries and raisins.

Hand Cranked LED Flashlight & Radio

2007-02-16T16:47:00.000-05:00

We stopped at our local Kinney Drugs pharmacy today to pickup windshield washer fluid, and saw a much needed gadget on the shelf. It was a crank to charge AM/FM Radio and LED Flashlight. Not a clockwork mechanism, so no spring to break, no bulbs to burnout, no batteries to replace, just turn the handle. On sale for $15, it was easy to justify.

Organic, rain-forest grown, Yerba Mate

2007-02-15T05:29:00.000-05:00

We recently received a package of Yerba Mate in the mail. We are big tea drinkers, so this sounded like a very good ecological replacement, that is also good for you.

Yerba mate has been shared daily among friends as a healthy and energizing drink, providing 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and abundant antioxidants. Revered for centuries as the "drink of the gods", yerba mate triumphs as nature's most balanced stimulant.

In South America, yerba mate has been revered for centuries as the “drink of the gods” and is drunk daily for optimum health, sustained energy and mental clarity. Of the six commonly used stimulants in the world: yerba mate, coffee, tea, kola nut, cocoa, and guarana, yerba mate triumphs as natures most balanced stimulant, delivering both energy and nutrition. The leaves of the rainforest mate tree naturally contain 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, abundant antioxidants. In fact, The Pasteur Institute and the Paris Scientific society in 1964 concluded "it is difficult to find a plant in any area of the world equal to mate in nutritional value" and that yerba mate contains "practically all of the vitamins necessary to sustain life."

About Guayakí
Our name Guayaki (Gwy-uh-KEE) honors the Aché Guayakí people. The Ache live in the sub-tropical rainforests of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, home of the yerba mate tree. Guayakí Yerba Mate is grown and hand-picked below the shade of its native rainforest canopy, then traditionally wood-aged to complement its natural earthy flavor.

Teach a Man to Fish ....

2007-01-28T20:55:00.000-05:00

You have heard the old adage, "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime."

Well, World Vision ofter fishing kits, goats, and other bootstrap items to needy folks all over the world, and we can sponsor such a gift through their website at http://www.worldvisiongifts.org.

The Switch

2007-01-18T18:08:00.000-05:00

Want a carbonated juice that the kids will think is soda, but has nothing in it but 100% juice and carbonation? At just under a buck for 12 oz., soda is cheaper, but the sugar, caffeine, and color dyes can send the kids off the walls. So switch to the Switch, it tastes good, and it's good for you. My wife's favorite is the Citrus Blend, mine is the Peach and Apricot blend.

Cornstarch Packing Peanuts

2007-01-13T12:03:00.000-05:00

A Public Radio Commentary by Bill Hammack:

My wife and I got a package in the mail that fascinated me. I don't even recall its contents, because I was taken with the the green packing peanuts used to protect whatever it was from damage. As I scooped up the pellets to toss them in the trash, my wife said, with a very knowing voice, "Just toss them on the compost pile." What! Plastic in the compost? No. She showed me a slip of paper that explained: There was no "plastic or polluting gases" used to make these peanuts; they were made of cornstarch.

Toss them on your compost pile or spread them on your lawn and with a bit of water they'll dissolve in minutes. These cornstarch packing peanuts are part of a movement called "green engineering."

It's a design philosophy where the environment is explicitly considered from the beginning: A goal is to find processes and products which are feasible and economical while minimizing pollution at the very beginning. These cornstarch packing peanuts are the work of food engineer Bill Stoll.

Read more at http://www.engineerguy.com/comm/3294.htm and at http://itotd.com/articles/540/biodegradable-plastic/

Available online at $18 to $25 for 12 cu. ft. at a variety of sources including Uline.

Rver's Guide to Solar Battery Charging

2007-01-13T11:07:00.000-05:00

This excellent reference is written for the folks who believe camping doesn't mean hooking up to water, cable, and electric at a mobile version of a trailer park. Off-grid camping doesn't have to mean spoiled food and no lights, or noisy smelly generators. It's also a good start for folks who want to learn more about living off-grid in general in RV's without wheels (camp or primary home). You will learn about solar panels, batteries, chargers and inverters. You'll learn how to hookup and maintain your system. We highly recommend this resource.

Rver's Guide to Solar Battery Charging

Organic Cleaning Products

2007-01-12T17:40:00.000-05:00

Hypoallergenic and biodegradable, these are the cleaning products we use at Green Trust. For everything from washing floors to washing clothes, even washing our bodies, Vermont Soap Organics keeps us clean and smelling nice!

Adjusting Water Pressure to Reduce Energy Waste

2007-01-02T19:51:00.000-05:00

From Conergy:

Water well pumping can be the largest load on a remote home power system. There are several ways to minimize its energy consumption. Here is another technique that applies to any pressurizing system, especially if it uses an AC pump.

If you look at the performance curve of any centrifugal-type pump (including all AC submersibles and jet pumps) you will see that as the pressure increases past a certain point, the flow drops drastically. Here is an easy way to detect this situation at the job site. Release some water, just until the pump switches on. Watch the system's pressure gauge and observe its rate of rise (this indicates flow rate). Does it rise to a certain point and then slow way down? If so, then that is the pressure at which the pump "slips" and loses efficiency.

We had a customer in Colorado whose cut-out pressure had been set to the typical 50 PSI (pounds per square inch). As the pressure got past 40, the flow rate slowed way down. There seemed to be more than enough pressure at the faucets, so we reduced the cut-out to 36 PSI. In doing so, we cut the energy use of the pump nearly in HALF. The owner couldn't detect a change in the water delivery but, as it was gardening season, she saw an immediate increase in the amount of energy available from her PV power system!

Why do most Americans want more than 35 PSI at their home? It's because of undersized plumbing! Most houses in the U.S.A. are plumbed to the legal minimum requirements of the plumbing codes (1/2" and 3/4" pipe). At the end of a long pipe run, the dynamic pressure may be diminished by 30%. Where a house has not yet been plumbed, we recommend using one size larger than minimum, for all cold water lines.

Similarly, when using garden hose, 3/4" hose will cause far less pressure drop than 1/2" or 5/8" hose. When these measures are taken, a pressure setting of 25-35 PSI will please anybody. Where a house is already plumbed, observe water delivery at the faucets. If water flow is satisfying without opening faucets all of the way, then a reduction in pressure may be acceptable.

How to reduce water pressure

Pressure adjustments are made at the pressure switch. On a standard switch there are two adjustment nuts, with a spring under each one. Turning counterclockwise will lower the settings. You will see the result by watching the pressure gauge as the pump cycles on and off. First, loosen the nut on the longer screw. This will reduce both cut-in and cut-out pressure. Set it for the CUT-IN that you desire. Second, adjust the nut on the shorter screw. It adjusts the CUT-OUT only. Cut-out pressure should be around 2/3 of the cut-in pressure.

Once the pressure is set and everyone is satisfied, reset the precharge air in the pressure tank. This will maximize its storage and minimize on/off cycling. To reset the precharge, first make note of the cut-in pressure. Now shut off the power to the pump. Release water until the pressure gauge drops to zero. Measure the pressure of the tank's air bladder using a tire pressure gauge at the fitting on top of the tank. Set the air pressure to 2 or 3 PSI less than the cut-in pressure. Restart the pump. Finally, write down the running time per cycle. Write it on the wall, so the performance can be checked later to detect pump wear or other problems.

The lighter side of green

2006-12-28T08:05:00.000-05:00

Ed Begley Jr, the star of countless quirky movies and the classic TV hit “St. Elsewhere,” stars in “Living with Ed,” which premieres New Year’s Day on HGTV, a show about how his wife, an aspiring Hollywood star, tries to handle his ultra-green lifestyle. The guy’s such a true believer, he’ll ride on a bike just to power his toaster.

The premiere is Jan 1, 1pm (EST and PST) – perfect for starting the new year off with a laugh. Then you can catch it Sunday nights at 10.

You will enjoy Ed’s 10 Tips for Going Green along with other ideas for green living at http://www.hgtv.com/green

TV and movie actor Ed Begley, perhaps the greenest man in Tinsel Town, rides his electric car to the Academy Awards and powers his home with the sun and his stationary bike. But Living with Ed and his environmentalist passion isn't always a walk in the park for wife, Rachelle. This first-of-its-kind reality green show chronicles life with an earth-friendly fanatic with humor and heart. Check out this fresh unscripted docu-soap about the lifestyle of a diehard activist who puts his money and his time where his mouth is 24/7. Definitely not recycled TV.

Comparing Battery Chargers

2006-12-24T19:47:00.000-05:00

I have been using a Radio Shack Fast Charger to charge my NiMH AA batteries. Today I received a Energizer Fast Charger (CH15MN), reporting a 15 minute charge time. The Radio Shack unit takes 4 hours and gets the charger and the batteries very hot. The Energizer unit runs cool, has an integral fan, and showed the batteries charged within the 15 minute time frame. It also has a 11-16 vdc (5a) input on the side, so I can charge it in the car, with solar, or from my house batteries, without using ac. My digital camera confirms the battery status. With the 1GB SD card, I'm ready to take 1096 pictures tomorrow with the HP PhotoSmart 320 ;-)

The charger and four 2500 mah AA batteries (also charges AAA) was $19.95 at our local P&C grocery store.

Green Gadgets for the Holidays

2006-12-15T12:29:00.000-05:00

Green Gadgets for the Holidays
December 2006
Read this issue of Greentips online

Electronic gadgets are popular holiday gifts, but as their popularity and versatility continue to grow, so does their impact on the environment.

Devices that plug into wall outlets are responsible for a small but growing portion of a household's total energy consumption (about five to seven percent). This energy is generated primarily by fossil fuel-fired power plants, which are America's single greatest source of heat-trapping carbon dioxide and the air pollutants mercury and sulfur dioxide.

Battery-powered devices pose problems as well. More than three billion alkaline batteries are thrown away in the United States each year instead of being recycled; the toxic metals they contain (such as lead, mercury, and cadmium) can leak into groundwater supplies and harm local residents or wildlife.With a few simple strategies, you can give your gadget-loving friends and family members a gift with a smaller environmental footprint:

Look for the Energy Star label. These electronics use significantly less energy than conventional models. Energy Star-rated power adapters and battery chargers are also available.

(Re)charge it. Look for models that come with a rechargeable battery. If the gadget on your shopping list comes only with conventional alkaline batteries, replace them with rechargeable batteries and include a battery charger with the gift. (Note: both conventional and rechargeable batteries contain toxic metals and should not be thrown away. See the related links for battery recycling locations.)

Go solar. Consumers can now power electronic devices such as cell phones, music players, and even laptops with solar-powered battery chargers. Some are small and easily portable (including backpacks covered with flexible solar panels), making them suitable for travel.

Shake it up. A variety of gadgets (including radios, cell phone chargers, and flashlights) can be powered mechanically, either by turning a crank or shaking them. For example, winding a cell phone for two minutes can provide six minutes of talk time (or several hours of standby power), while a 30-second shake can power a flashlight for 5 to 10 minutes. These products are perfect for hikers or campers who might want to bring a bit of civilization with them into the wilderness.
If you plan to give someone a new gadget to replace an older model, consider recycling the old gadget as part of the gift. Many companies (see the related links) refurbish older electronic devices, salvage the usable parts, or recycle the toxic components.

More Lighting Alternatives

2006-12-14T07:44:00.000-05:00

You have probably seen them on TV, or even in the stores. The flashlight that doesn't require batteries, just an occasional shake to recharge. Very frugal (no buying batteries), very enviro-friendly (no waste products), and you get a bit of exercise in the end. Usually under $25, these make gifts, and are handy to keep in the kitchen, basement, garage or car. You can always depend on light when and where you need it. We found ours on Amazon.

What is Harmful in Your Home?

2006-12-09T19:16:00.000-05:00

You can not assume the conventional household products you buy at the local department store is a healthy and environmentally responsible product because of its availability. Product label information addresses acute (immediate) effects only and no warnings or discussion of long term health impacts of the products, such as cancer, is required. These common household products are also not required to disclose "inert" ingredients which can very hazardous and toxic.

When considering the purchase of household products, select products that have less toxic, renewable and natural ingredients and are packaged responsibly. The purchase of these products supports companies that help minimize the impact of using these products on your health and the environment.

Household products include cleaners, fresheners, laundry products, drain cleaners, dishwashing detergents, carpet shampoos, polishes and pesticides. Exposure to toxic household hazardous chemicals from ingestion, inhalation or skin contact can produce acute (immediate) or chronic (long term) health effects such as:

- Headaches

- Fatigue

- Allergic Reactions

- Chemical Sensitivity

- Cardiac Damage

- Nervous System Damage

- Burning Eyes

- Skin Rashes

- Runny Nose

- Cancer

- Respiratory Tract Irritant

- Liver and Kidney Damage

Source: http://www.healthgoods.com

Thanks again for your continued support in helping the environment "one solution at a time".

Environmentally Sensitive Solutions (ESS) Inc. is one of today’s leading manufactures of neutral cleaning solutions and environmental products. ESS has revolutionized the industry with the power of nature. ESS manufactures and distributes environmentally safe replacement cleaners for parts washers, floor cleaners, and other industrial applications. ESS products are, in some cases, direct replacements for alkaline and solvent cleaning products.

Rhoades Car

2006-12-08T22:49:00.000-05:00

This item is pricey, and we don't have one ourselves, but we did get to try one once, and were quite impressed. In some cases, a Rhoades car could replace a engine driven automobile, is healthy for you, and with solar charged electric assist, can be downright practical. From their website:

Q. Who is Rhoades Car?
A. We are a division of a 27 year old company by the name of Rhoades National Corporation. Our only goal is to manufacture quality U.S. made 4 wheel bikes diverse enough to suit the needs of our customer. We build our bikes like we would like to have them ourselves. Little things like 3/4" axles, disc brakes, sealed bearings, and powder coat paint, do not come cheap, but it makes us proud of our product and we're sure you will be too.

Carbon Trading

2006-12-05T18:05:00.000-05:00

An aquaintence of ours told us about this site:

Celsias.com - It pays to save the world

Welcome to the world's first online community for households and businesses to get paid for reducing the carbon emissions from their everyday energy usage.

Global warming is caused by the build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases are created by human activity – primarily the burning of fossil fuels to provide our electricity (generated from coal and gas), cars, flights and to create the food, clothes and other things we buy and consume everyday. This climate change crisis is costing billions of dollars right now and we're on a path to an uninhabitable planet.

Celsias is the first company in the world to enable everyone to benefit financially from taking action to solve this crisis and our patent pending service is your opportunity to get rewarded for playing your part – registration is free.

Film vs. Digital, What's good for the Environment?

2006-12-05T07:34:00.000-05:00

We have been using digital cameras for a few years now, and it's our observation that we are saving money in not having to buy film and having it processed, but we are also reducing the chemical load on the environment, as film processing requires chemical that are supposed to be properly disposed of, but often are not. Our cameras (a HP Photosmart 320 and a Pentax Optio M20) both use our NiMH rechargeable AA batteries, so we do not have to purchase and dispose of tons of batteries either. Available from Amazon.

Solar Battery Charger

2006-12-03T16:21:00.000-05:00

Every house has a myriad of small electronics devices that take batteries. From remotes, to digital cameras, wireless mice and keyboards, to handheld video games. Our landfills are filling up with toxic waste from used batteries. We have switched to NiMH AA and AAA replacements. They last for years, and charge nicely in the car, from our off-grid energy system (or your wall outlet), or even with their own solar panel. Our friends at Silicon Solar have a compact Sun Powered travel charger that charges AA batteries quite nicely. We think this makes the perfect companion to the LED Headlamp.

LED Headlamp

2006-12-03T15:57:00.000-05:00

Ever need a handsfree headlamp to see what you are working on, or where you are going in the dark. We did, so we found a line of handsfree headlamps from Black Diamond. Being LED, they consume minute amounts of power, while being very bright. We use rechargeable NiMH batteries charged with a solar charger, so the electric is clean, and there's no battery disposal issues (they last for many years in this application). Dharam bought us a Zenix IQ as an early Christmas present, based on his happiness with one of their earlier models. The company website has the following specs:

Smart lighting for the backcountry, the Zenix IQ provides non-fading, constant illumination in two modes: a collimated one-watt LED for a long-range beam, or two SuperBright LEDs for close-range ambient light. A single switch toggles between four settings for each mode—min, mid, max and strobe—and remembers the last setting you used. This lamp also supplies constant illumination and comes with a battery power meter and Find Me light.

Holiday Survival Tips

2006-11-27T06:20:00.000-05:00

At New American Dream we hear from many families who feel their holidays are overly focused on material gifts. If you are in this boat, as I am, now is an ideal time to talk with loved ones about making changes—while the holidays are on their minds, too, but they haven’t done much in the way of shopping or preparation yet. (If you have the kind of family that starts buying holiday gifts in June, you can at least plant the seed this year without trying to make sweeping changes.)

In my family, gift-giving is a big part of our celebration, and my relatives are proud of their generosity. I’ve always been hesitant to suggest changes that are too different from our regular traditions. What I have done instead is give homemade, second-hand, and thrifty gifts, like used books and hand-knitted scarves, without insisting anyone else do anything differently. I also began giving gifts of donation several years ago to relatives who truly did not need more stuff. I’ve been delighted to receive similar gifts in return the last couple of years, including donations, fair trade handicrafts, and custom-made jewelry and framed photographs from surprisingly enthusiastic family members.

TIP: If you feel your relatives are open to direct suggestions (or you want to test the waters), there are many options you could consider. Such as:

Perhaps the adults in your family would agree to only give gifts to the children this year.

Or perhaps extended families could give one gift to each household (such as a board game, tennis set, museum membership, or tickets to a play), instead of multiple gifts to each person.

You could have a White Elephant party where each person gives one second-hand gift instead of a new gift to every person and the gift-opening celebration becomes a fun competitive sport (this tradition is one of my favorites, and a highlight of New American Dream’s office party every year).

Or you could set a flat dollar limit on gift-buying per person—a move that encourages creative, silly, second-hand, and homemade gifts.

For more inspiration, “Recycled Christmas” is one of my favorite holiday stories about how a real family worked together to do something different, responsible, and fun with their celebration. If you have any tips or new traditions that worked for you, I’d love to hear them.

Cheers and good luck!

Jenn and the staff of New American Dream

Getting more mpg from your car

2006-11-19T15:31:00.000-05:00

Not everyone can drive a 50mpg VW diesel or Hybrid, so here are some tips that everyone can use to get better fuel efficiency from the vehicle they have, and what vehicles to consider when it's time to change.

Drive more efficiently

Keep your car in shape

Plan & combining trips

Choose a more efficient vehicle

Read how at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2006-11-18T07:57:00.000-05:00

Everyone has heard the term recycling pushed into their faces for a number of years now, and although it is a good idea, not everything can be easily recycled, or there may not be local places to take it. A complementary approach is to be smart about packaging and materials so that there is less waste that needs recycling. Reduce the amount of "waste" you generate, reuse leftover materials for another project, then finally, recycle materials into something else. There is an excellent page on these processes, and more eco-tips, found at Global Stewards. Some are easy for the city dweller to accomplish, some tips are more aimed at us country folk, but there is good advice there for everyone.

That is the goal of this blog, something for everyone!

Energy Efficient Appliances - Front Loader Washer

2006-11-15T07:47:00.000-05:00

We have a Sears Front Loader Clothes Washer (stacked with a Sears Propane Dryer). A bit more expensive than the standard top loader, the electric and water savings soon paid for it. We went with a Sears unit because it was less expensive than the typical off-grid Staber unit, and we had a local dealer and local service. EarthEasy explains the advantages of this type of washer:

Larger capacity because of no bulky agitator. The average load increase is 30%. The extra space improves washing of bulky items like sleeping bags, bedspreads and throw rugs.

High-speed extraction. Front-load washers spin at over 1000 rpm in American-made machines, and higher on European models. This is considerably faster than the 600-700 rpm spin cycle on top-load washers. Clothes come out drier and thereby reduce drying time. This saves energy, and helps the dryer keep pace with the washer during multiple-load washing.

Gentler on laundry items. Gentler wash action, with no agitator.

Quieter. No clunky sounds, just the whir of the spin cycle.

Cleans better. Front-load washers clean many stains bettter than conventional top-load washers.

Stackable. The dryer can be stacked on top of the washer for space savings. ( Not all models have this feature.) Models with controls mounted on the front can also be installed under counters.

Energy conservation. Front-load washers can easily save over $100 per year in energy costs, and they use 1/2 as much water. Because they use less water, they also require up to 68% less electricity to heat the water, resulting in more energy savings.

Local Food: Fresh to You, Fair to Farmers

2006-11-14T07:39:00.000-05:00

Nothing beats locally grown food for freshness and flavor. And buying local food is a great way to strengthen our local economy by supporting our farming neighbors.

What Is Local Food?

Food that you grow yourself in a home garden or in a community garden.
Food grown or raised in your local county that you buy directly from the farmer or producer at a farm stand, farmers’ market, through a CSA, or at a U-pick farm.
Food grown or raised in your local county that you buy at a grocery store, food co-op, cafeteria, or restaurant in the county.
Food grown elsewhere in your state or nearby region.

Why Eat Local Food?

Tastes best because it’s freshest
Supports local family farms
Strengthens our local economy
Protects our land and conserves fuel

Remember, the goal is not to ban long-distance food. The goal is to restore a balance of local and long-distance food—for the health of our communities, our farms, our land, and ourselves.

Brought to you by GardenShare.org

How much energy does a product use?

2006-11-14T07:03:00.000-05:00

When we buy electrical devices, or we need to test one we have, we use a special meter called a watt-hour meter to see how much energy a unit uses over time. The meter we have is called a Kill-A-Watt, and it reports volts, amps, watts, watt-hours, power factor, frequency (important for tuning a generator), and time. Approximately $30, this is one tool no conserving household shoule be without. Take it when shopping for appliances for comparing energy consumption.

Steps for Saving Energy, and Money

2006-11-13T06:56:00.000-05:00

1. Take these energy-efficient measures:

Replace and recycle your old refrigerator and purchase energy-efficient models. Units only 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as a new ENERGY STAR® labeled model.
Insulate ceilings to R-30 standards if your attic has less than R-19.
Caulk windows, doors and anywhere air leaks in or out. Do not caulk around water heater and furnace exhaust pipes.
Weatherstrip around windows and doors.
Wrap heating and cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant.
Install energy-saver showerheads.

2. When buying new appliances, be sure to purchase energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® labeled models.

3. Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower, and the air-conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting. 3 percent to 5 percent more energy is used for each degree the furnace is set above 68 degrees and for each degree the air conditioner is set below 78 degrees.

4. If your old air conditioner is on its way out replace it with ENERGY STAR® labeled energy-efficient model.

5. Use compact fluorescent lamps. You can lower your lighting bill by converting to energy-efficient low-wattage compact fluorescent lighting and fixtures.

6. Replace old windows with new high performance dual pane windows.

7. Clean or replace furnace and air-conditioner filters regularly, following manufacturer's instructions.

8. Set the water heater thermostat at 140 degrees or "normal." If you have a dishwasher. Otherwise, set it at 120 degrees or "low." Check your dishwasher to see if you can use 120 degree water. Follow the manufacturer's direction on yearly maintenance to extend the life of your unit.

9. Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets. A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month. That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water.

10. Wash only full loads in a dishwasher and use the shortest cycle that will get your dishes clean. If operating instructions allow, turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle, open the door and let the dishes dry naturally.

11. Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice buildup becomes 1/4-inch thick.

12. Install shades, awnings or sunscreens on windows facing south and/or west to block summer light. In winter, open shades on sunny days to help warm rooms.

13. Close the damper when the fireplace is not being used. Try not to use the fireplace and central heating system at the same time.

Offset your Automobile, Home, & Flight Emissions

2006-11-12T07:29:00.000-05:00

What is TerraPass?

Ever wished you could do something about global warming?
It might seem there's nothing you can do about global warming. The problem is just too big.

Of course, we all contribute to global warming. We all have a "carbon footprint," the total carbon dioxide emissions we create when we drive or fly or use electricity.

Eliminate your carbon footprint with TerraPass
The first step you can take to fight global warming is to reduce your carbon footprint through conservation. Drive less. Turn down the thermostat. Buy locally produced goods.

Then use TerraPass to reduce your carbon footprint all the way to zero.

When you buy a TerraPass, your money funds renewable energy projects such as wind farms. These projects result in verified reductions in greenhouse gas pollution. And these reductions counterbalance your own emissions.

A new kind of environmental movement
Of course, global warming is too big a problem for a handful of people to solve on their own. It's a global problem that requires action on a global scale.

But entrepreneurial groups are leading the way. City and state governments, forward-looking businesses, and enthusiastic citizens are banding together to show that a sustainable future is possible today.

Every TerraPass member has taken a simple positive step to fight global warming. Every TerraPass purchase is a vote for innovation, efficiency, and clean energy. Together, we have eliminated over 150 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

Be part of a group that is driving change today.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

2006-11-11T12:25:00.000-05:00

According to EnergyStar.Gov, If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.

Here at Green-Trust, all 20 of our light bulbs are compact fluorescent bulbs. At 1/4 the wattage of an equivalent incandescent, it saves quite a bit of energy.

Recycled, Recyclable Razor, from Recycline

2006-11-11T09:37:00.000-05:00

Recycline’s New Preserve® Razor Triple is made from Recycled Materials and is Recyclable

My son really likes this one. His is red, looks racy, and keeps his teenage chin whisker free. They grow up so fast.

Waltham, MA (October 17, 2006) – Recycline is proving once again that high-performance consumer products used every day can be designed with an environmental edge. The Preserve Razor Triple is the latest addition to the Preserve brand, which already includes the top-selling toothbrush, razor and plastic tableware in the natural product marketplace. This new razor is the first environment-friendly alternative for high-performance shaving products. “The razor category in the natural channel has been void of a high performance offering and consumers and retailers have been asking for an environment-friendly and high-performance alternative,” says Recycline President and founder Eric Hudson.

Vermont Soap Organics

2006-11-10T22:36:00.000-05:00

Today's spotlight is Vermont Soap Organics. They recently sent us their Lavender Ecstasy Foaming Hand Soap. Made with organic oils, it's easy on the hands, gets them very clean, and smells wonderful. Check them out!

Vermont Soap Organics produces USDA Approved, Certified Organic alternatives to the often irritating, chemical and detergent based personal care products now in general use. We manufacture handmade cold process bar soaps for sensitive skin, liquid soaps for skin and cleaning, the first truly organic shower gels, numerous organic nontoxic cleaners and much more. Our Master Soapmakers blend organic food grade ingredients into soap products the old fashioned way. Our special bar soap process removes excess alkali from the soap, creating a super mild bar for the most sensitive skin.