Archive for December, 2011

Green Ideas for Your New Year’s Celebration

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Are you throwing a New Year’s Eve celebration? If you’re striving to be more green, there’s no better time to start than now. Plus, you can show your friends and family the lifestyle changes that you’re making and encourage them to do the same. After all, no one will criticize you for being eco-friendly, so be creative, be daring and be fun – and no holding back!

To start, buy locally grown produce where you can. It is winter, so some areas may have more limited selections. Be sure to browse the supermarket or farmer’s market for ingredients that you can use in your foods, sticking with locally grown and USA grown where you can. And don’t think that you need to serve up a whole meal on this holiday. Snacks and appetizers are perfect for New Year’s celebrations and cut down on food waste.

You can use recyclable plates, cups and spoons for the occasion, so look for such terms as “biodegradable”, “sustainable” or “compostable” on the package. Most importantly, keep it simple. For decorations you can do the same. Steer clear of paper-based products that will just get tossed away at the end of the day. Use reusable materials or try decorating with food. If you must go for the easy disposable decorations, look for biodegradable crepe paper streamers, recycled coasters, carpet squares and more.

Get everyone in on the fun by inviting guests via email or an evite; a simple way to reach everyone, track RSVPs and eliminate paper waste and the high price of postage. Since guests are always looking to bring “something”, have everyone bring an organic wine. It will get everyone in the spirit of being green, plus you get to experiment with organic wines that are just as good – actually better – than regular wines.

You can also have everyone write down their green New Year’s resolutions on a recycled index card. Read them or make your guests guess what’s on the card as if you were playing Pictionary. Send your guests home with something fun such as a packet of seeds, a small plant, a stainless steel water bottle or set of recycled coasters. This year is supposed to bring great changes, so let this New Year’s be the starting point for a healthier, greener lifestyle for you, your family and your friends.

Image c/o: delish.com

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I’m dreaming of a “Green” Christmas

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

File:Red Christmas present on white background.jpgNot a white Christmas or a blue Christmas but a green, Eco-Friendly Christmas.  More and more people are jumping on board this idea and why not?   Have you ever considered eco-friendly gifts?  Here are some very unique yet amazing gifts that you may consider for your last minute shopping needs or maybe ideas for next year: (These gifts are mentioned by IzzitGreen and the Environmental News Network)

  1. NatureBag-This is an excellent gift for kids to get them motivated to be in the great outdoors.
  2. GrowBottles-Grow your own herbs and pass to your friends
  3. Presso Expresso Machine-Go unplugged with your expressos.
  4. Miniwiz iPhone Re-Case- Made from 100% trash, your friend’s iPhone will thank you for it!
  5. Wool Striped Scarf-Hand loomed comfort

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone and Happy Holidays!

Source: Environmental News Network

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Eco-Friendly dinnerware choices?

Friday, December 16th, 2011

File:Melamine dinnerware.JPGIf you and your family are looking into living a greener lifestyle and want to make Eco-Friendly choices including dinnerware, guess what?  You are in luck.  There are dinnerware products out there that you may be surprised to know about.

With traditional place settings, like fine china, etc., you don’t have to worry about throwing them away.  Sure, you have to clean them and reuse them but what a perfect way to keep from throwing away paper and plastic products.

Compostable dinnerware comes in a wide variety and according to worldgreen.org it can quite frankly become “overwhelming.”  These products are indeed sturdy but do they really break down over time hence the word compost?  What are compostable dinnerware made of?  They are made from corn, leaves, palm leaves and even sugarcane.  Wow, I definitely didn’t know that there was compostable dinnerware out there.  Did you?

If you just want to use recycled material for your choice of dinnerware this year, Chinet Classic White is the way to go.  Did you know that this company uses 100% recycled materials?  Pretty awesome.  Though this isn’t as beautiful as your grandma’s fine china, it’s still a classic way to host your gatherings.

Sources; World Green and and Green Living Ideas

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Christmas Tree Safety and Tips

Sunday, December 11th, 2011

If your family has a fresh Christmas tree in the home, you know that these real trees add something special to the holiday season. The pine needles, the fir tree smell, the fact that no two trees are the same…these are just a few of the reasons why people choose fresh Christmas trees for the holiday. Yet these trees also include specialized care compared to fake trees. Make sure you know the risks and maintenance that are required when going for the real thing this holiday season.

First, the U.S. Fire Administration has shared some interesting facts:

The leading area for Christmas tree fires take place in the family room or den.

One-third of all Christmas tree fires are started by bulbs, lamps or lighting, while one-fourth are started by cords or plugs.

Sixteen percent of Christmas tree fires occur because the heat source was too close to the tree.

So how can you protect your family this holiday season?

Choose a fresh tree. To determine this, pull a branch firmly toward you so that it falls through your hand. If a lot of needles fall off, the tree is too dry and you need to find another one.

A fresh tree should not lose a lot of needles on the ground when you tap it.

Cut two inches off the trunk and place the tree in a water holding stand to keep it fresh. There should about one gallon of water in the stand. Also water the tree daily to prevent the trunk from drying out.

Place your Christmas tree at least five feet away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces and more.

Use only UL-approved lights and cords.

Do not overload extension cords with lights. Instead, limit to three strings of light on one circuit.

Do not use candles or outdoor lights on an indoor tree.

Unplug all lights when you leave the home or go to bed.

Do not let the Christmas tree block any doorways or exits.

Now is the time to also make sure that your fire and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.

Image: christmas-tree.com

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Carbon Dioxide cuts itself!

Friday, December 9th, 2011

File:CO2.jpgApparently, you can cut Carbon Dioxide with Carbon Dioxide.  CO2 is on the rise amongst power plants, etc.  It is used in oil wells, soda pops, greenhouses, etc.  There are a few new uses you may be interested in hearing about.

  • If the auto industry chooses to use lighter materials for building vehicles, this may help emit less Carbon Dioxide.  It will also help with the fuel economy too.
  • The new Ford Escape is making changes with CO2.  They are using something a little lighter than plastic, it is called Mucell.  This could help with weight savings.

According to green-energy-news, “one way to cut down on Carbon Dioxide emissions from natural gas, while extending its supply, is to blend biomethane into natural gas pipelines.  Natural gas is mostly methane.”

Is it possible for natural gas to be manufactured?  Could this be a part of a great plan?  Apparently, California’s own HyperSolar thinks that it can.  They want to manufacture natural gas by using its “own recipe” of solar energy, proprietary nanoparticles, waste water and Carbon Dioxide.  They pretty much discuss this process on their company website: Hypersolar.com

Source: Green-energy-news.com

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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The year 2050 is showing that the global food demand will double

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

File:Bullocks on the Wychavon Way - geograph.org.uk - 922098.jpgAccording to Science Daily,  “the Global food demand could double by 2050.”  Apparently if we continue to produce food in large amounts, carbon dioxide levels will increase along with nitrogen.  This is a problem as we could see a gradual decline in animal species.  Extinction?  Yes.  Fortunately, all of this can be avoided if fertilizers such as nitrogen fertilizers are used properly and efficiently.  Land clearing is a definite issue if we continue to head down this path.  This specifically reigns true for poor nations.

If the United States can help these poor countries then we can see an improvement in these levels.  Research shows this: “the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that adopting nitrogen-efficient “intensive” farming can meet future global food demand with much lower environmental impacts than the “extensive” farming practiced by many poor nations, which clear land to produce more food. The potential benefits are great. In 2005, crop yields for the wealthiest nations were more than 300 percent higher than yields for the poorest nations.” This is great news if our country is open to continue educating poor countries on this type of farming.  Can it be done?  I believe it can but will it be carried out?  It’s probably a long shot and most likely there will be a decline with species which we most certainly do not want.

The key here is to just help poor countries and nations so that a positive change can take place. 

Source: Science Daily

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Holiday Plant Safety Tips

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

If you’re someone that loves to decorate the home for the holidays, you need to take the proper precautions to protect your family and pets from the potential dangers of holiday plants. Many holiday plants are poisonous and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Not only can these plants cause reactions, but also they can be choking hazards. Here’s how to protect your family without compromising the holiday spirit in your home:

Keep holiday plants out of reach from children and pets. If you have cats, remember that even high places can be accessible to them. If ever in doubt, place the plant in a sealed greenhouse or move it to a pet-free room in the home.

Make sure that any needles or leaves from holiday plants are picked up because they may contain hazardous poisons or compounds. A real Christmas tree drops a lot of needles, which are choking hazards for pets and kids as well.

If you intend to plant any herbs or plants, make sure that you read all the information on the plant. Even some common plants such as holly berry or mistletoe can have severe side effects.

So which plants should you watch for? The following plants can cause skin irritations, vomiting or even death:

Mistletoe

Jerusalem Cherry

Amaryllis

Cedar Christmas Trees

Holly Berries

Poinsettia

Rosary Pea

Are there any safe choices for the home? Actually, yes. A Christmas cactus is one that is considered to be non-toxic, although it probably wouldn’t feel very good going down the throat. A pine, spruce or fir Christmas tree is also non-toxic, although the needles can still cause choking.

Image: activerain.com

 

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