tag:www.naturalawakenings.com,2005:/categories/green-living?page=55Green Living Green Living | Natural Awakenings Magazine Page 55Healthy Living Healthy Planet2019-08-28T16:27:16-04:00urn:uuid:2b529845-fde1-45c1-949e-27c9a9fc2fb42019-08-28T16:27:16-04:002019-08-28T16:27:16-04:00Green Holiday: Rapping on Wrapping2008-12-01 15:56:00 -0500Anonymous<p>
<span class="dropcap">T</span>his year many green folk, recalling garbage bags from past Christmases stuffed with mounds of wrapping paper and ribbon, will opt for alternatives, such as reusable fabric covers, Sunday funnies and old road maps topped by natural accents like pine cones. But some, like Heather Lionette, of Boston, are taking this waste-reducing idea a step further: They’re not wrapping gifts at all.</p>
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Lionette says she may just put some presents under the tree Christmas morning and heighten the surprise by creating a scavenger hunt for her young son. She muses that the experience may even contribute to his fledgling environmentalism. She also reports that she’s received positive reactions to her <em>au naturel</em> presentation ideas from friends and family.</p>
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Children are used to hunting for things at Easter, and advocates suggest that when little ones grow up without the tradition of holiday wrapping paper, it will be the genesis of a new tradition.</p>
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“Wrapping paper for the typical child is just an impediment to getting what is underneath,” advises Bob Lillenfeld, author of Use Less Stuff. “There’s no need for fancy bows and expensive paper for kids.”</p>
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<em>Source: </em>The Christian Science Monitor</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:873f89ac-f7ae-4b97-8a79-c70cf42be8a32019-08-28T16:27:15-04:002019-08-28T16:27:15-04:00Awaking Populace: Bottled Water Makes No Sense2008-12-01 15:39:00 -0500Anonymous<p>
<span class="dropcap">F</span>or the first time this century, U.S. bottled water guzzling is slowing as people wake to the concept that “being charged for water is like being charged for gravity,” as one tap water promoter puts it. “Instead of being a badge for health and status, bottled water has now become a badge for environmental wastefulness.” According to the Beverage Marketing Corporation, our annual bottled water consumption, which had shot up nearly 46 percent between 2002 and 2007 to nearly 30 gallons per person, will grow only 6.7 percent in 2008, the smallest increase this decade.</p>
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Earlier this year, the U.S. Conference of Mayors passed a resolution to phase out city spending on bottled water. The resolution, though not binding, received strong support from more than 60 mayors across the country.</p>
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“The fact is,” says San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, “Our tap water is more highly regulated than what’s in the bottle.” Millions of barrels of oil go into plastic bottle manufacturing, and cities have been spending some $70 million annually on bottle disposal. Too, many bottled water brands come from the same source as public tap water, sold back to citizens at thousands of times the cost.</p>
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<em>For more information visit <a href="http://ThinkOutsideTheBottle.org">ThinkOutsideTheBottle.org</a>.</em></p>
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<em>Source: Adapted from <a href="http://Grist.org">Grist.org</a></em></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:dc9fed48-2acc-4869-a93f-d01d6827b9dd2019-08-28T16:27:04-04:002019-08-28T16:27:04-04:00Eco-Bag It: Wal-Mart Aims to Cut Plastic Bag Use by a Third2008-12-01 13:55:00 -0500Anonymous<p>
<span class="dropcap">W</span>al-Mart is extending its waste-reducing initiative to cash registers, with a goal of eliminating one in three plastic bags in the next five years. That should cut 135 million pounds of plastic waste and associated petroleum use in their manufacture. The Environmental Defense Fund will consult with the retail giant to design the program and measure and assess its success.</p>
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The goal is to make reusable tote bags the norm. The trick is to carry a few in the car and remember to use them, rather than let unused totes pile up at home in the closet.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:4b29a493-970f-43ff-aff0-1b1e122f68342019-08-28T16:22:06-04:002019-08-28T16:22:06-04:00Golden Opportunity: Spinning Waste into Liquid Plant Food2008-11-01 21:12:00 -0400Anonymous<p>
<span class="dropcap">O</span>rganic Recovery of Pompano Beach, Florida, is converting Publix supermarkets’ food wastes into a liquid plant food for farmland, crops and golf courses. The company expects to divert about 17,000 tons of food scraps a year from local landfills. Launched earlier this year by 40-year-old cofounder and CEO, Jeffrey Young, Organic Recovery began by collecting about 166 tons of food scraps weekly from 56 Publix supermarkets in Broward County. By mid-2009, the firm expects to work with all the Publix stores in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties.</p>
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A Publix spokesperson said that participating stores expect to boost their recycling rate to 80 percent, up from 47 percent last year. Even leftover grease is recycled into biodiesel to fuel Organic Recovery’s trucks. Customers buying Organic Recovery’s plant food pay less than for chemical fertilizers, and it doesn’t produce greenhouse gases.</p>
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<em>Primary Sources: South Florida Sun-Sentinel and <a href="http://OR-dev.com/technology.html">OR-dev.com/technology.html</a></em></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:65c1c135-d6c7-4c19-97ea-8e34a14a62b52019-08-28T16:22:06-04:002019-08-28T16:22:06-04:00Shopping Detox: No Purchase Necessary on Buy Nothing Day2008-11-01 21:12:00 -0400Anonymous<p>
<span class="dropcap">A</span>mericans can participate by not participating, in a global move to tune out from shopping and tune into life. Buy Nothing Day here, is the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally one of the biggest shopping days of the year. As many as 65 other countries will fast from unrestrained consumption the following Saturday.</p>
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Adbusters Media Foundation launched the annual celebration in 1992 as an escape from the frantic consumerism and marketing mind games that characterize modern life. Since then, the focus has shifted to highlight the environmental and ethical consequences of a consumer culture and our commitment to recycling more and buying less stuff.</p>
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Currently, <a href="http://BuyNothingDay.co.uk">BuyNothingDay.co.uk</a> reports that 20 percent of the world’s population is consuming 80 percent of Earth’s natural resources. Imaginative activists make their point with credit-card cut-ups, shopaholic clinics in malls and zombie shoppers shuffling among stores chanting, “Buy, Buy, Buy.”</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:47e6239b-4b6a-4bef-b259-949e69f50c5f2019-08-28T16:31:42-04:002019-08-28T16:31:42-04:00E-Transport: Zippy Electric Commuter Bikes2008-08-01 03:00:00 -0400Anonymous<p>While soaring pump prices raise even mass transit fares, and Oslo-based Think Global prepares to mass market its $25,000 electric cars—with a range of 110 miles per charge—electric commuter bikes, good for 10 miles, or up to 25 miles if using it only for uphill assists, are picking up speed. More good news is that Currie Technologies’ Mongoose Motorcross and Razor’s Dirt Rocket models can be found for just $150-$350 (<a href="http://www.Treehugger.com">Treehugger.com</a> reports that other e-bikes start at $700). Currie even offers an E-zip Mountain Trailz edition.</p><p>Mongoose users report that the standard battery takes two to three hours to come to full charge. The battery detaches for convenient recharging at home or office. A second battery is optional.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:f5d7f2cd-aefa-43a4-bf2e-d2e3992690ad2019-08-28T16:12:54-04:002019-08-28T16:12:54-04:00Travel Minder: Cheap Gas Tips2008-07-01 03:00:00 -0400Anonymous<p>With gas hovering close to $4 a gallon ($9 in Europe!), following these five driving tips will save us $20 to $50 a month at the pump, according to <a href="http://www.BigGreenPurse.com">BigGreenPurse.com</a>.</p><p>First, drive smart, using cruise control on the highway and avoiding quick starts and stops and idling. Using the cruise control alone can improve fuel efficiency as much as 14 percent. Second, drive the speed limit; every five miles per hour above 60 is like paying an extra 10 cents a gallon. It obviously helps to combine trips and drive less. Buy the cheapest gas around. And keep vehicle tires properly inflated to improve gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Bonus tip: replace worn tires with the same make and model as the originals.</p><p>With the Alliance to Save Energy estimating that Americans will spend $3,400 to fuel their cars and other types of vehicles this year, we can use every efficiency tip we can get. Keeping a vehicle tuned up and with a clean air filter helps, as does banishing unnecessary cargo. The good news is that we are responding to record prices at the pump by driving less, the best way of all to save energy.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:9ab5a4e7-eddb-4af1-9bb3-697c4da0d6c62019-08-28T16:13:02-04:002019-08-28T16:13:02-04:00Poisonous Plastics: Target Commits to Clean up Shelves2008-07-01 03:00:00 -0400Anonymous<p>Last year, Target, the fifth-largest U.S. retailer, fired the starting gun on meeting its commitment to eliminate toxic polyvinyl chloride (PVC), commonly known as vinyl, from many of the products it sells by the end of 2008. The company is working with suppliers to systematically reduce its use of PVC in infant products, children’s toys, shower curtains and packaging, beginning with its own brands.</p><p>“Study after study has found that chemicals in vinyl can cause health problems in children and adults,” says Dr. Peter Orris, director of the Occupational Health Services Institute at the University of Illinois, Chicago. “While using PVC products, people may be exposed to toxic additives like phthalates and lead, and when incinerated, PVC is a major contributor to [environmental] dioxin.”</p><p>Target joined the growing list of companies convinced to clean up their act by a coalition of organizations led by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice. Earlier converts yielding to similar activist pressure include Wal-Mart, Microsoft, Nike, Apple and Johnson & Johnson.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:ccd3ae34-44a0-4c15-8126-6f9dc0abab3e2019-08-28T16:13:07-04:002019-08-28T16:13:07-04:00Green-up Your Picnics: Make Simple Switches to Have an Environmentally-friendly Excursion2008-07-01 03:00:00 -0400Crissy Trask<p>Hooray, summer’s here! It’s the time of year to gather family and friends, pack a picnic basket and head for the beach, the park or that secret spot only you know about. As you plan your next picnic, in addition to including healthy local organic foods, take another look at those familiar picnic staples. Consider switching from traditional items that generate pollution and waste, such as charcoal briquettes and disposable cutlery, to greener, more conscious choices.</p><p>You can feel good about eliminating the downside of outdoor picnics simply by implementing a few alternatives. These substitutions will make cookouts cleaner and meal prep through cleanup an easy exercise in reuse and recycling.</p><p><strong>Cooking</strong> ~ A camp stove that runs on white gas or propane is cleaner burning than charcoal, because it produces fewer toxic emissions. If you don’t own a camp stove or want to cook over hot coals, choose a cleaner burning charcoal, such as Goodwood mesquite hardwood charcoal from Summit Views (See <a href="http://www.GoodwoodProducts.com">GoodwoodProducts.com</a>). Their pure charred wood burns hotter, cleaner and longer than briquettes. To start them, just light the all-natural jute bag they come in.</p><p>If opting for conventional charcoal briquettes, avoid using lighter fluid to ignite them, as it contributes to ground-level ozone pollution. Instead, use a charcoal briquette chimney and plenty of old newspaper and matches to get the fire at the base of the chimney burning hot quickly. Charcoal started in this way cuts the amount of smoke.</p><p><strong>Tablecloth</strong> ~ Don’t be tempted to buy a cheap paper or vinyl tablecloth; the former will end up as garbage and the latter requires hazardous chemicals in its production. If you don’t have an old tablecloth, visit a reuse store and pick one up. A blanket or quilt also can serve as a durable, reusable table cover or picnic blanket, or just wipe off the table.</p><p><strong>Serving Items</strong> ~ Choose one of the following options to bleached, disposable paper products and virgin plastic cutlery:</p><p><strong>Reuse</strong> ~ If your group comprises fewer than 12 people, take along a set of non-breakable dishes from the kitchen cupboard or purchase a set from a reuse store. They may be mismatched, but that’s part of the fun. Different sizes, colors and patterns lend themselves well to a picnic. For flatware, check thrift store bins for lightweight metal utensils that are ideal for pack-and-go outings.</p><p><strong>Recycle</strong> ~ Consider serving-ware made from 100-percent recycled plastic. Recycline’s Preserve brand of plates, cups and cutlery are made from recycled plastic and are reusable. (Visit <a href="http://www.Recycline.com/products/preservetbw.html">Recycline.com/products/preservetbw.html</a>.)</p><p><strong>New and Renewable</strong> ~ If the above suggestions don’t pan out, purchase a new set of dishes that will travel well and last for many years. Instead of nonrenewable plastic, consider dishware made from natural and renewable bamboo (a la <a href="http://www.BambuHome.com">BambuHome.com</a>).</p><p><strong>Better Disposables</strong> ~ For larger groups, furnish special occasion picnics with tree-free, renewable and biodegradable alternatives to conventional disposable serving-ware, such as compostable items made from sugar cane or corn (shop <a href="http://www.Treecycle.com">Treecycle.com</a> or <a href="http://www.GreenHome.com">GreenHome.com</a>).</p><p><strong>Napkins</strong> ~ For a small group, cloth napkins are practical. Selecting napkins of different colors ensures that guests won’t be confused. Try to assemble a set from a reuse store before buying new. If using paper towels or napkins, choose a brand that is chlorine-free and is made from a high percentage of recycled content (try <a href="http://www.SeventhGeneration.com">SeventhGeneration.com</a>).</p><p><strong>Beverages</strong> ~ Bring beverages made from concentrate in reusable pitchers or jug coolers. Consume prepackaged beverages from aluminum cans, the container of choice. It is lightweight, has the highest recycling rate of any beverage container and contains a minimum of 40 percent recycled material.</p><p><strong>Campfire</strong> ~ Check for burn bans before lighting a fire, and come prepared with manufactured logs. Goodwood and Java-log are made from reclaimed wood and coffee grounds, respectively, and burn cleaner than firewood. (See <a href="http://www.GoodwoodProducts.com">GoodwoodProducts.com</a> or <a href="http://www.Java-log.com">Java-log.com</a>.)</p><p><strong>Clean-Up</strong> ~ Use a public restroom sink for washing hands instead of disposable wipes. If no public facilities are provided, collect water from another source (e.g., a nearby stream, a cooler or a water station) and carry it 200 feet from any waterway before washing up. Use a small amount of biodegradable soap and share a hand towel brought from home.</p><p>Take along separate garbage bags for trash and recyclables. Tape or safety-pin a label to each bag, so there’s no confusion about which is which, as no one will want to fish recyclables out of the garbage later. Pack absolutely everything out or secure refuse bags in designated receptacles onsite.</p><p><em><br>Crissy Trask is a green lifestyle consultant and the author of </em>It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living<em>. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:CT@GreenMatters.com">CT@GreenMatters.com</a>.</em></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:946aa14d-40b0-477b-9e85-24ab96bd35592019-08-28T16:10:47-04:002019-08-28T16:10:47-04:00Trash to Treasure: Freecycle Network Makes Sharing Fun2008-06-01 03:00:00 -0400Anonymous<p>Five million Americans have joined more than 4,000 community groups around the globe to give and get good stuff for free from neighbors all around town. Reuse keeps it out of landfills, and everybody’s happy. It’s called freecycling, or freesharing, and easy to do at <a href="http://www.Freecycle.org">Freecycle.org</a>.</p><p>“It’s a place to give or receive what you have and don’t need, or what you need and don’t have,” note members. “It makes it possible to clean out the garage without filling up a dumpster.” Members simply register their stuff on the Web, and neighbors they didn’t know they had, take it off their hands.</p><p>Membership is free. The only rules are that everything must be offered for free, and no illegal or adult-themed materials are allowed. The most popular items that folks browse listings for tend to be appliances, furniture and clothing.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>