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Greening Up Your Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:59:00 +0000

With the economic pinch forcing families to rethink their Holiday spending, consider the traditional route when it comes to gift-giving!

Crafty Cards
You can make a thoughtful, heart-filled statement making your own Holiday cards! You can buy blank note cards or folded cards and pair it up with scrapbook backgrounds and scrap paper. Here's a great hint: Holiday scrapbooking packs. They have stickers and patterned papers that are already color coordinated. For extra eco-friendliness: collect Holiday paper packaging from stores and simply reuse them.

Sweetness!
Baked goods make an easy Holiday treat, and can be a great present in itself. Many stores sell Holiday-themed tin boxes that you can easily line with wax paper and fill with baked goods. For extra eco-friendliness: Purchase a tin box from a thrift store or reuse one from last year.

Sewing is Not Just for Housewives
If you took home economics in middle or high school, chances are that you can sew. You don't have be so advanced that you can make an elaborate outfit. Anything retangular will make a great beginner's project; like pillows, bags, and even knit skirts. For you more advanced sewers, reconstructed clothing revitalizes worn and old clothing into something completely new. For extra eco-friendliness: Use an old sheet or old clothes to reconstruct into something new. You can make a patchwork quilt, new scarf, or even a shawl.

Needlework Fun
The younger, crafting generation has taken needlework by storm! The beautiful think about knitting and crocheting is that they are extremely versatile; from toys to clothing to household decorations. You might want to rethink your grandma's old blanket and put a modern twist to it. Scarves make a great beginner's project and if you want to up the coolness factor, consider making a snake scarf, or scarf of toasts, or other neat things. If you like miniature, cute things, consider the Japanese art of amigurumi. For extra eco-friendliness: Look for yarn at thrift stores on clearance, or pull apart an old sweater for yarn.

Paper Goods
The scrapbooking boom has made it easier to make personalized, thoughtful scrapbooks for friends as well as family. Consider making a genealogy scrapbook or even a framed page for grandparents. You can also purchase a $1 paper box, wooden trinket box, or dish from a craft store and embelish it with patterned paper. In most cases, a clear veneer of shellac can be used to seal the paper in to give your items a nice, glossy finish. For extra eco-friendliness: Collect paper from grocery stores, recycling bins, magazine clippings, and more.

Hand-Painted on Glass or Ceramics
You can create beautiful designs with simple dots or diamonds on dinnerware. You don't need to know how to paint landscapes in order to make a great piece. After creating your piece, consider its use. If you painted a glass vase, present it with fresh local flowers. If you painted a glass dish, present it with treats or a savory food. For extra eco-friendliness: Purchase glass or ceramic dinnerware from the thirftstore.

Whatever you choose to do this Holiday season, consider these budget-saving ideas and have a little fun while doing it!

Thankful Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:51:00 +0000

In America, it's customary to welcome the Holiday season with a huge family meal, also known as Thanksgiving. For those who are health-conscious, vegetarian, or vegan, Thanksgiving may bring in a sense of dread or wonder, especially when considering the meat-eaters out there.

About 46 million turkeys are prepared for the Thanksgiving feast. For those who believe in animal rights and the liberation of all sentient beings, abstaining from turkey is a statement of, shall we say...taste.

So what do vegans and vegetarians eat on Thanksgiving? The good news is, they still enjoy mashed potatoes, yams, cranberries, and even corn. They also enjoy vegan-based gravy and most often families work together to cook their own recipes. You can always get help with the vegan communities for ideas and considerations.

And there is always the legendary Tofurky or Celebration Roast. It's basically a blend of tofu, tempeh, and seitan (wheat glutten) to make a kind of meat analogue. The stuffing, of course, is still purely vegetarian as it can be full of bread and spices.

Another interesting aspect of a "thankful Thanksgiving" is Adopt a Turkey, pretty much a turkey pardon on a large scale. Many families extend their kindness towards rescuing a turkey from not only slaughter, but allow them a peaceful life thereafter.

Many people may be turned off at the thought of a vegetarian dinner, but the surprising revelation is that many Thanksgiving dishes are already vegetarian in nature (remember the potatoes and yams already discussed earlier?). Although it is agreed that a centerpiece dish is often the talk of the day, you won't have to spend 5 hours basting a turkey when you can simmer a Tofurky loaf in rich spices and gravy for only an hour. Turkeys are rich in fats and other nutrients that you probably are already receiving from side dishes. Mass-raised/produced turkeys have been injected with harmones and other unnatural additives. Unless you've raised the turkey yourself, there is no sure way that your turkey is even healthy at the time of being processed.

The bottom line is; turkeys are not necessary for a great Thanksgiving dinner. If anything, you might benefit more out of a turkeyless dinner. And if that's too extreme, simply substitute a few ingredients like butter and gravy to make your Thanksgiving a little bit more "thankful".

Discount Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:47:00 +0000

In these lean economic times, it's necessary to begin trimming down your expenses. There are thousands of ways to save and be resourceful. While the rest of the world lives on a different standard, one should realize that it's not difficult to adjust your lifestyle to fit frugality. So what are the secrets to saving up?

Live Within Your Means, and Simply
Don't buy that new entertainment system if you don't need it. Don't splurge on that fancy outing because you don't need that, either. The keyword here is need. Many people, especially in the United States, live way beyond their needs. Enjoy a few nights playing board games over watching cable television, even enjoy a candlelit dinner with home-cooked food.

Coupons!
With the internet helping, searching and looking for coupons can be a cinch! Check your mail for penny-saving coupons and keep an organizer handy. Sometimes it's best to keep a coupon book in your bag or vehicle and check sales and advertisements on sales.

Used is Good!
A lot of used items can be reused, such as clothes, dishes, and even appliances. Check out your local thrift store for a variety of great items. Eliminate the word new from your shopping list as much as you can. You don't need to buy that new couch when you can get the same item for half the price at the thrift store.

Walk Around
Try the public transportation system or walk around to where you need to go. Biking is also an excellent source of transportation and travel. You can also sign up for a carpool to keep you using less gas and to also meet a few people along the way. You can also snatch a few naps while someone else drives you to where you need to go.

These are but a few tips on how to save money during these tough economic times. Start a savings of at least 6 months' salary to really solidify your back-up plan, in the event that the economy depreciates further.

Ways to Save Money On the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:18:00 +0000

When you walk into your current discount store or even your local mall, one thing seems evident. The Holidays. Every year it's creeping further and further up past its due time. Christmas decorations are in line with Halloween decorations. "Why are there Christmas decorations already?" you might ask yourself. Either way, how will you save money during these economic times?

One word makes it very simple: time. Although time is indeed money, not many Americans today sew their own costumes, roast their own chicken, or hand-make their Holiday gifts. Some individuals believe they lack the talent for making their own gifts, whether it be clothes or food. But, if you boiled your own water before, you're bound to make jelly and jam preservatives just fine. You can offer sun tea with a pretty ribbon on it as a gift. Bake a cake if you can, and give it to your folks as a present.

Presents and preparations for the Holidays do not have to be bought at the mall. They do not have to reflect commercial interests. Homemade items are unique and thoughtful, and truly from the heart. Although it is no longer acceptable to pass out hand-made treats during Halloween, if you are in the need for sweet treats you may want to make your own caramels. Decorate your home with stretched out cotton balls and tape to imitate webs.

For Thanksgiving, virtually anything homemade will turn heads. Implement a potluck if there is none already, cook your own dishes and decorate using your natural surroundings. If you're experiencing beautiful foilage now, take some of the leaves to press onto homemade pieces of seasonal art.

During the Holidays, you can also make various handmade, homemade gifts like mentioned above. Cards made from the heart seem to resonate more strongly to their recipients. Take the time. The weekends are bound to have a few hours of peace. Schedule yourself and formulate a plan. And don't worry about doing things early! The stores aren't, so why should you?

Having an Eco-Conscious Halloween Costume

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Halloween is coming up and I am already panicking. I came to the conclusion that my 8 year-old, 5'3" sister would probably have some difficulty finding an age-appropriate costume. While we were at the store I was horrified when she handed me a military mini-skirt costume with words "Major Flirt" as its nametag. She had no idea what the words meant.

I was happy that she didn't, not for a few years at least.

There is a huge satisfaction in constructing your own costume. You are given creative freedom and can, with a little bit of thinking, be just about anyone or anything. For my little sister, she came into the store hoping to find a leopard costume. Unfortunately none of the stores carried anything akin to a catsuit, and she left the store a little downhearted. The furthest we found was an "instant leopard" set, of a tail, ears, and mask.

I reassured her that I could, yes I could, sew a costume together for her. Since she is within my own dress range this year, I figured that we could spend a few afternoons together working to make her a leopard suit using my sewing patterns. Yet, we are missing one crucial part, where can we find leopard print fabric?

After a bit of thinking, we've decided that we should take a trip to the thrift store. Thrift store, not crafts store, because animal prints are bound to be somewhere in that treasure trove, and it's more eco-friendly as well. Bedsheets are the thrifty way out of buying yards of fabric. I have made last years' costume out of a red and white polka dot sheet (I was Minnie Mouse).

And of course, you can find used costumes at the thrift store, making it even easier to go about your Halloween shopping. You don't have to be a sewing pro to pull together a costume, either. A friend came in with a peacock blue corset with a shiny yellow skirt and a peacock fan pinned to her tailbone. Another friend came in with a white shirt and black pants, which we spruced up by pinning brown felt patches on top of them, gave him a brown moneybag, applied eyeliner for a rugged beard, and gave him an empty bottle of Captain Morgan. Instant pirate!

On the green side, you are doing the world a lot more good by recycling old thrift store clothes and giving it new life, even if it is for a brief night. When you're done with it, simply give it back or swap costumes with a friend who wears a similar size.

The thrill of Halloween is about making a costume from the heart. With the mass production of costumes, it's much like risking going to prom only to bump into some girl with the same dress. Sometimes it's better to go custom because you want to show the world what it is about you that makes you interesting. For my little sister, going to school as a leopard speaks volumes about her love of cats (she has 11 of them) and her fascination for wild animals.

Of course, there is the pride in saying that you constructed the outfit together, as well.

Shopping at the Farmer's Market

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

While it seems that the Western world has invested in building mega markets, such as Costco, Sam's Club, and other one-stop-shopping experiences, the rest of the world has its deep roots in open-air markets. So what are the differences and what's the advantages and disadvantages of each? While we are born and raised in a megastore-centric economy, there are a lot of perks to shopping at your local farmer's stand. These perks include:

1. Fresher produce. That's right. These farmers probably picked those fruits and vegetables early that morning. In grocery store chains, produce is picked while it is still raw so that it could ripen through the transportation process. This could leave your apples and oranges from fully obtaining the nutrients it needs.

2. Less gas emissions. These farmers sell their produce locally. Local is good, because it means less transportation and that means less toxic fumes in our environment.

3. Supporting community. Supporting your local farmers by buying their produce grows community health. Also, you are doing them a lot more good by buying direct.

4. Shaving off with savings. You're not paying for the middle man to get you that delicious tomato. You're buying straight from the source, which helps take off the unnecessary fees.

If you need assistance locating your nearest farmer's market, look no further than to ask around, or simply web-search it. Several online directories offer advice and farmer's markets are often held weekly at convenient hours for the average American consumer. If you cannot make it or find it too tedious to attend, your local swapmeet is also bound to sell a few nuts and produce to help you get through your week!

Living in the Wild Challenge!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Some of you may think, why should we escape the comforts of our homes to suffer in the cold or heat? Throughout the centuries the human race has fought against nature and tamed her, creating our own habitats out of stone and harvested energy. What we fail to realize that is in most other parts of the world, nature still rules.

Americans and most of the western world has an extremely unfriendly approach to life in regards to our environment. The farming lifestyle is seen as crude and primitive, as well as adopting greener habits such as buying clothes second-hand. Our culture really does not have much room to be completely green, and in being so we are left to depend on power stations and electronics.

But you don't have to go all out Survivor to be green! Consider spending a weekend day with your family without using electricity. Instead of watching TV after dinner, consider playing a board game with your children and cooking over fire instead of a microwaved dish. Hang-dry your clothes and wash delicate clothing in the tub. If you're even more adventurous, try taking a shower using the least amount of hot water tolerable. You can also bask in the warm sun for most of the day or take a trip out to the pool or beach. None of those activities require electricity.

Why Make Compost?

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:27:00 +0000

For all you green thumbs out there, compost is a great way to boost up your plants' health and growth. It's also an economic and fun way to get rid of organic waste without throwing it out. Compost is a made with organic waste set into a bin, and it decomposes to provide a nutrient-rich fertilizer for all your gardening needs.

Homeowners should invest in making compost to boost up their eco-friendliness and to also recycle their waste. Before you begin making your own compost, consider if you have a place to set it. There are some compost bins that can be set indoors, and others outdoors. Where would you like to set your bin, and would your neighbors mind?

Compost IS smelly, but that is just the natural process of decomposition. Remember the old Native American stories about maize? Burying fish with maize seeds ensures that the seed is given all the nutrients it needs.

Even if you are living in a tight apartment, consider beautifying your home with a few hanging plants and make your own compost with the kitchen scraps that you'd otherwise throw away. There are several types of compost, several requires worms to help digest and process the compost, others require nothing but scraps. While looking for a compost bin, consider either making your own or the size and waste it would need.

Compost is an extremely green, economical, and smart way to recycle organic waste into gold. If you are considering making your own compost, check out your local gardening store. You are bound to not only save money on gardening, but you're also keeping the environment much greener.

A Green Pet Owner

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:29:00 +0000

You don't have to be a member of PETA to combine your love of animals and environment together. You can start being more environmentally friendly by purchasing and using pet products that are more ecologically sound. You can begin, first, with their diet.

Diet
Dogs and cats enjoy popularity in the United States as pets. However, their diets the number one ingredient to a healthy and happy lifestyle. Do not skimp on your pet's food, as there are many illnesses that can build-up from eating poorly made, corn-based food. Holistic and natural foods offer your pet the nutrition they need. Remember, in the wild, canines are slight omnivores and felines are carnivores. Feeding your cat grain-based foods is not only unnatural, but unhealthy. Also, dogs and cats, naturally, do not eat cooked food. Their digestive systems have been built to break down foods that we humans would get sick eating. Some of the enzymes they need are destroyed in the process of cooking, so feel free to give them that small strip of fat while you are trimming steaks for dinner.

Bathing
Dogs can enjoy baths as frequently as humans, and at times are necessary to keep their coats clean and shiny. However, cats are afraid of the water for a very good reason! They are capable of keeping clean on their own, due to their trickly, sandpapery tongues. Indoor cats do not necessarily need bathing, so if you don't mind letting your pet clean themselves, you are both saving money and resources to bathe your cat. If your pet is an indoor/outdoor kind of animal, invest in a natural shampoo made from whole ingredients. Bathe them twice a month or less, and remember to trim their claws and groom them at least bi-weekly.

Waste
Not a pleasant topic, however it is equally important to manage your pet's waste as environmentally responsible as ever. Invest in biodegradable pet bags that can be flushed or follows the standards of your state (some bags are marketed as biodegradable but cannot be used in compost). These days there are many new alternatives to cat litter, including pellets made from grain or recycled paper. However, do not flush your cat's feces as it contains a parasite that resists water treatments and enters the ocean, destroying the wildlife. Avoid clumping clay litter at all costs, as it is bad for your cat and the environment.

Green Back-to-School

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:34:00 +0000

Back to school. Ah, those frantic weekends where you'd stop by the nearest store to stock up on spiral bound notebooks, backpacks, and pencils. Don't forget the packages of fruit juice and brown paper bags, either, but if you want to be a little bit more "green" this school year, here are a few things that can help even the average parent stay both economical but environmentally savvy:

1. Lunch. It happens everyday, therefore you can get the most out of investing in an eco-friendly lunch bag and a plastic sandwich box. It might seem cheaper to spend on paper and plastic, but imagine the environmental impact you'd make by simply abstaining to use such products!

2. Backpack. This typically doesn't spell out eco-friendly, but look for a well-constructed backpack or go to a thrift or secondhand store to find a used one. Although having the coolest backpacks may win your children the awes and oohs the first week of school, they are most likely to forget about it within a month. Most children do not need new backpacks each year, so save that extra $30 for something better for them, and maybe something cooler.

3. Clothing. Oh yes, the only thing that sinks money for all parents. Children grow at alarming rates, so shoes, shirts, and pants are constantly in circulation. Uniformed schools often provide a great solution to this dilemma, but what if your child's school offers them to wear just about anything? Regardless, check the thrift and secondhand stores. These days, it's stylish to be retro and Earth-friendly, and these stores often recycle textiles that are not suitable for wear. Afraid your kid will get bullied on still? You can get a pair of pants, and children often cannot tell the difference.

4. School supplies. You can find a great amount of pencils, pens, and paper at year-round, cheap prices at the 99 cent store, or in bulk. Typically your child will not go through a ream of paper or 10 spiral-bound notebooks. If you decide to buy, remember to store them (and don't forget!). But remember, supplies are typically ready-made and supplied to children in elementary school. Invest in notebooks, binders, and pens when your child is of middle to high school age, where they would need that extra organization bouncing from different teachers and subjects.

5. Coupons, sales, and rebates. This applies to any of the above products, so shop safe and savvy this year!

Non-Renewable Sources

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:32:00 +0000

How much of a carbon footprint are you leaving on your environment? As living "green" grows in popularity, so does our knowledge of how our choices impact our Earth. Nowadays products have been labeled with, "eco-friendly" or "green", but what does that really mean? Sure, we may be using an "eco-friendly" television set, but does it matter when we're still using non-renewable sources to keep the tele running?

Non-renewable sources typically means a resource that cannot be replenished within the lifespan of humans. A great example of a non-renewable source is fossil fuel, which consists of coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Despite how hard we try, it's near-impossible to replenish a coal mine to its original state, and it would take millions if not billions of years for such resources to develop.

So what are these non-renewable sources used for? You need not look further from your own computer screen! Coal can be used to generate electricity, as well as provide warming or heating for systems. BBQs, an American tradition, have often used coal although now we often use propane, which is a derivative of natural gas or petroleum (not much of a change there!). Natural gas has been used to fire our stoves, heat our boilers, dry our clothes and heat our homes. Petroleum, on the other hand, is refined primarily as jet fuels and the gasoline that power our vehicles. You can also find petroleum in your beauty products, such as in petroleum jelly and lotions.

Although it's difficult to eliminate all non-renewable sources from your lifestyle, you can start by replacing your everyday products. Many lip balms, for example, are made from oils instead of petroleum. You can easily check the back of most products and search for ingredients that are non-renewable. When you plan for your next BBQ, opt for burning wood for that smoky woodfire grill taste. If you are picking up groceries from the supermarket 1 block away, take 10 minutes to not only walk there, but to get some quality exercise as well! Take public transportation as often as you can, and reduce your carbon footprint and your impact on our precious environment!

Eco-Crafting

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:19:00 +0000

Recycled artwork is not a new idea. I remember visiting Ripley’s Believe it or Not! in Pasadena and eyeing a pretty impressive lint “painting” of John Wayne. There are plenty of creative ways to make use of unwanted items, but where to start? I stumbled across Eco-Artware, which lists different craft projects that you can do on your free time. You don’t have to be a Martha Stewart to tackle these ideas, as each project is comprehensive, easy, and fun! It offers economical, eco-friendly ways to recycle old items, such as a cereal box gift box, an envelope holding shutter, and many more.

Other project ideas can vary depending on the item you would like to get rid of. I once came into a home with a bar made completely out of bottle caps, smashed and laminated into an interesting piece of art. I saw some caps from bottles decades before, and when I asked the artist of such an ingenious creation he said, “I collected whatever I could for years. See this one?” He actually had bottle caps from around the world, including Iraq! (Where he served during 2003.)

One of my favorites includes t-shirt makeovers..! I actually didn’t need to use a sewing machine for several shirts, but with some I dusted off my old home economics textbook and re-visited what I was taught in middle school. The greatest thing about eco crafts is that you are recycling and giving new life to objects that may otherwise spend the rest of its existence in a landfill!

Opportunities to Recycle!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:34:00 +0000

It may surprise you of how easy and environmentally conscious recycling can be.

Spring cleaning takes on a whole new meaning when you clear out all those old electronics. Where do you put it? Do you throw it away needlessly or store it in a pile to take to a recycling center? We all have that guilt; throwing something in the trash bin when we very well know that we can take it elsewhere. But why don't we? Perhaps it matters in waste management. In other countries and cities like in Tokyo, Japan, there are several waste collection days and different waste categories. Not only do they have recyclables but they also have burnables, small plastics, bulk refuse, and more. This is a great way to think of recycling and being environmentally conscious.

With our world growing smaller and the human footprint bigger, it is part of our responsibility to take care of our homes. Chemicals and toxic waste has a detrimental effect on all living things, from green grass to the animals that graze on it, and to humans who rely on the milk and harvest of their labor. There are plenty more opportunities to recycle than you may previously believe! Consider these ideas:

1. Educate yourself, understand where you can recycle and what you can recycle. Earth 911 is a great resource.

2. Start with the smallest rooms first. Offices are perhaps the most time-consuming areas of your home, but a huge plethora of recyclables exist there. You can train your recycling knowledge here.

3. Bedrooms and living room. Do you know where your local donation store is? Many Goodwill and Salvation Army centers accept used furniture and clothing with a smile. Help someone pick out their next 80's outfit by giving away your plastic bangles and Doc Martens.

4. Bathrooms, kitchen. You might not be aware of the dangers of household cleaners or where to recycle or properly dispose of cooking oil.

5. Garage. You probably don't see many of these items or have put them there believing that you could take care of it later. Consider if you really need these items. If not, take the opportunity to recycle it!

So there you have it. Some ideas to help you recycle more and efficiently with the glamorous help of the internet!

Green Roofing...What?

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:20:00 +0000

As we are building more urban areas, we are also losing green space. A great way to revitalize the urban landscape is to invest in green roofing. Green roofing involves high quality water proofing and root repellant systems, as well as a drainage system, a filter cloth, and a lightweight growing medium along with plants. Some of you may be wondering, “Why a green roof? What can it do for me?”

Green roofs will typically last twice as long as conventional roofs because all the sun damage that reaches bare floors will be used to grow plants. There is a lot of energy saving potential as well, depending on the size of the building, climate, and type of green roof. In Ottawa, Canada, Karen Liu found that 6” of green roof reduced heat gains by 95% and heat losses by 26%. Green roofs also absorb sound pollution from airplanes and traffic.

Green roofs also provide a space of serenity and aesthetic beauty. It can be a place for day care, meetings, and recreation. Instead of taking a break in a dull and enclosed room indoors, employees can take breaks taking a scenic stroll on the roof. For the Fairmount Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver, the kitchen saved up to $30,000 annually by growing it’s own greenery,

Although green roofs are still immature in North America, it is an investment worth looking into for your business. Give your employees a place to look forward to while they are at work!

Human Impact on the Environment

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:30:00 +0000

How much impact have humans brought upon our own planet? Animal species have once gone into a very slow extinction where balancing mechanisms can develop to compensate the loss. Animals have lived in a complicated weave of relationships, so complex and magnificent that we humans have only scraped the surface of understanding.

Yet, with our rise, animals have fallen. We’ve created huge agricultural problems with our own invention. With pesticides and insecticides we’ve tipped the balance of ecosystems and cause massive imbalances in our own world. Never have we faced such a crisis; in the last 65 million years we have never had such a rapid rate of extinction as we’ve had in the 20th century.

Who’s next, and what do we do to prevent it? Human beings are not excluded from the food chain. Honey bees, for example, pollinate hundreds of plant species and what are weeds to us may be food to someone else. We should not exterminate living things so rashly without understanding the consequences.

I believe that knowledge was the most simplest answer. We should educate, educate, educate. When I remember how I learned about extinction, I remember my grade school teacher simply saying, “Don’t do like the dodo.”

Summer Transportation

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

As the weather begins to heat up, so does the prices on gasoline and transportation. Families are going on road trips and everyone is booking a vacation of some kind. Teenagers are frequenting the malls at a much higher rate than while in school season. So what are some ideas on how to offset the high energy costs?

Simply put: use your feet. Remember those days in summer where you'd walk or bike to your neighbor's house? Or make it a day trip up to the park? As a kid growing up without an older brother or friend to drive me around, I was left with few options and biked everywhere. My grandmother, who came from a foreign country and was scared stiff at the idea of operating her own vehicle, had spent over 40 years in America without a car. As she was my caretaker most of my childhood, I realized the importance and thriftiness of using public transportation and walking.

I took that mentality through high school, through college, and so forth. I had a car for a brief time while 60 miles away from home, in college, but I soon stopped using it and took the bus. It was not only because my car was not in its best shape, but it was cheaper, too (especially in the summers, talk about a $2 ride versus the gas I burn). What's even better is that these alternative modes of transportation has always been tried and true. Walking and biking are forms of some exercise, so I am still as healthy as I was in my youth. I can still run up a flight of stairs like a 5 year-old without losing my breath, and happily stroll for hours on end.

It is true that where I live (southern California), public transportation isn't exactly the best thing around. Some people may moan and grope about walking on a hot summer's day but my grandma used to simply take out her black umbrella and shield me from the sweltering glare. I was really embarrassed about it at first but after seeing 5 sweaty, miserable kids walk past me I realized how dry, cool, and comfortable I was. Not to mention that my grandmother came from a hot country, so I should trust her practices.

I remember taking the train up to LA and passing by hundreds of cars from the 5, even if we were only going 50 miles per hour. Although taking the train or bus requires some planning, that's exactly the point of saving yourself a few bus and the headaches of traffic. Let's start walking!

College Summers

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:04:00 +0000

For one crazy reason or another, I decided to attend college in the Inland Empire, away from my home near the ocean. I was born and raised in Orange County, and each summer would be filled with prominent tan lines, s'more making bonfires, and car trunks full of sand. I took the cool sea breeze for granted, and once I moved only a few miles inland where the air stayed still, I finally realized what I had taken for granted.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my college days. Yet, compared to Orange County the summers in Riverside were hotter, drier, and much more miserable without proper cooling. I would remember, after a rainfall, how green and lush the wild plants would be in Box Springs reserve and then once the heat wave kicked in, the whole landscape dried to tan dust. The dust eventually got to me. My eczema broke in full force and I had to make it a religion to moisturize my skin.

I never stayed in one place for long. Every 9 months I would be moving; either back home to Orange County or to another apartment complex with different roommates. For the first three summers I dreaded moving back to my parents after my academic year was done. After I had my first stable job, I spent my sophomore-junior summer at home and it was ultimately the last I had there.

My first summer in Riverside was fantastic. I had the apartment virtually all to myself and an absent roommate. It was funny...even though I lived with her for a few nights she finally just disappeared and kept on paying rent up until the end of summer. I figured that her parents must be very rich. But in mid-June, the AC broke down. I wasn't a heavy AC user...as there was a public pool right across the street with a diving board. But then, I began to feel the pain.

Imagine living in 100 degree weather with no AC. I found out cheaper alternatives to keep myself cool, but I ended up borrowing my mother's box fan to make myself comfortable. I loved that box fan. It had years of tear and abuse put onto it; from kicking it down and grimy knobs.

I realize now that college students can really benefit from portable AC units and fans. I know, firsthand, how college living was like...and it was impossible to stay in one place at any given time. I told myself if there was anyone I knew heading off to college, my first gift to them would be a fan.

Energy Hogs, Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:09:00 +0000

I wanted to investigate energy programs geared towards children. I have two younger siblings that are in grade school and have several habits that cause my parents more headaches than they need. My young sister tends to leave the TV on even while she is outside playing with her friends while my little brother has an obsession with running water. My mother had voiced her concerns about these habits with me, so I decided to try to educate them.

As a child I remember my teacher giving me blue pamphlets with cartoons of some water drop mascot. She gave us maybe an hour's worth of "energy conservation tips" such as watering our lawns at night and to brush my teeth without keeping the faucet on. Looking at my siblings now, I know that teaching styles have changed drastically with the availability of the internet. Instead of comic strips and cheesy cartoons, my siblings are brought up in a world of interactive media.

Energy Hog's homepage is directed to two audiences; adults, and children. "NO ADULTS ALLOWED" is written on the children's link, but of course...I click on it.

I'm welcomed by a diverse pair of scientists for my "HogBuster" training. I create an ID badge using my little sister's name and a cat's face for my profile picture. I read through the script and undergo a series of interactive games while "searching for the energy hogs" like matching refrigerators and whacking a digital hog instead of a mole. Unfortunately the shower hog looks like some hideous aunt in a shower cap, but I'm sure other children won't see the resemblance.

Overall I passed my HogBuster training and I had fun while doing it. I don't get the sense that it is corny or cute, but rather very informative. I had more fun playing the games rather than understanding its context, but perhaps that's the best route for young children with short attention spans.

A Fragrance-Free Future for All?

noreply@blogger.com (Judy) — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:40:00 +0000

I am a second-generation Vietnamese American who grew up in Anaheim. I had a variety of friends but I was very conscious about the smell of my house. The Vietnamese are notorious for not only pho (beef noodle soup) but also their nguoc mam (fish sauce). My mother was aware of it too, and we usually wanted the house to smell more "American" so she clipped out coupons for Glade Plug-Ins every weekend.

I remember how the plastic Glade Plug-Ins would soften and eventually burn its plastic cover if we left it in for too long. At one time each power outlet had a Plug-In, but the combination of "Tropical Breeze" and "Pinewood" started to give me dizzying effects. My mother eventually stopped buying them...and now she has turned her passion into buying air filters.

It led me to wonder about the fragrance industry in the world. With Americans generally bathing or showering each day, it's quite amusing to research history. In Elizabethan times, about 500 years ago, bathing once a month was the epitome of cleanliness. Perfumes and potpourri were created from dried organic materials, but nothing was really synthetic at that time. Nowadays, it's much cheaper to create chemical compounds imitating the scents of these fragrances without environmental threats (ex. musk).

I read an article that was reprinted online. It made me think about the fragrance industry and the chemicals we create in pursuit of fragrances.

Synthetic fragrances are used to scent products, and sometimes to mask odors or unpleasant smells that a chemical compound may produce. One good example is a product that I've used in my home for years, Comet, which I recently bought in a lavender scent. I was not particularly happy with the change, as it smelt nothing like lavender.

Since the rise of synthetic fragrances we've been layering ourselves day in and out with chemicals. I have eczema-prone skin and while I lived in Riverside, the dry air caused several major outbreaks. I thought air purifiers would help, which it did, but my condition did not improve as much as simply using oatmeal-based skin products and moisturizers. But beware, just because it is unscented or fragrance-free does not mean that they are chemical free.

Not to mention that some people are just plain allergic to some fragrances. Do you remember any product you've used that caused your skin to break-out? I remember that applying anything on my inflamed skin would cause a burning, itching feel. And have you tried any scented product that gave adverse reactions? For you lucky ones, no. But for those who have...there's a good reason for it. Reactions in fragrances can quickly become medical lawsuits, so much that magazines must adhere to a strict fragrance protocol to prevent accidental exposure.

It is very creepy to know that most fragrances can be launched on the American market without any approval process. Basically, until it makes some kind of adverse reaction, the fragrance manufacturer can go about its business and the FDA would not have any jurisdiction over the matter.

I would recommend simply investing in a good air purifier over the hundreds of dollars you may spend in home fragrances and to begin using organic and wholesome chemical-free products. Granted, some individuals prefer the scent of ocean in the morning, or dew in the evening, but the truth is that it is most likely chemicals and toxins you are exposing your body to. Potpourri may also be an alternative, but keep in mind that some potpourri is also soaked in fragrant chemicals. Fragrance yourself free from chemicals. I am sure it would not only be good for the environment but for your body, too.

Times are a Changing: Time to Update Your Air Conditioner

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Big changes are coming to the world of air conditioning on Jan. 1, 2010. In an effort to comply with an international green treaty and slow down ozone deterioration, air conditioners across the country will be forced to comply with a new level of standards. Here are some key facts to help you stay ahead of the curve and save yourself from the heat, especially during crunch time.

These new standards in air conditioning can be attributed to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to help curb damage to the Ozone layer. It is designed to lead to some actual recovery of the Ozone layer by 2050. Initially established in 1987, it has since been amended seven times and is continually looking to eliminate substances that have defiantly been established as reasons for ozone depletion. Chlorine is one of those substances that has been clearly identified as doing significant damage and has been used since the 1970’s as a coolant in nearly all air conditioning units. This chemical is called R-22 and as of Jan. 1st 2010 will be eliminated.

R-22 will be replaced with a chlorine free coolant called R-410A that has zero ozone depletion. Begin thinking about switching your AC now as R-22 units will no longer be manufactured and that means parts and supplies will make repairs harder and more expensive. In fact, chances are the EPA will make it illegal to sell any R-22 units by the end of 2009.

Don’t be discouraged though. Energy costs have increased 50 percent in the last five years and with the economic climate the way it is, this is a great chance to save money on proper energy efficient air conditioning units. Updating your air conditioner with the proper requirements can save you up to 45 percent. Look at the SEER rating, (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating when purchasing a new unit. A general rule of thumb is that the higher the SEER rating the better the efficiency. Of course, this is entirely depending on your geographic location and many can make do with a low SEER rating where air conditioning is not as drastically needed.

Also be sure to look at rebates and tax incentives while replacing your air conditioning units. Chances are you can get a great deal and save money with a correct purchase. The recent stimulus bill has set aside money for actions like this so search the web or look at your local states Database of State and Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency for proper deals.

The last step to get the most out of your air conditioner is to make sure you obtain proper installation. A key part of upgrading your unit is to get the most out of it and improper and shoddy installation can quickly defeat this purpose. Keep it well maintained as well and you will see a significant reduction in your energy bills. Don’t wait until its 2010, start looking for new and more energy efficient cooling solutions today.

Tips For Saving Money on your Heating and Cooling Bills

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:57:00 +0000

During these times with extreme weather, there is a good chance that you are heavily relying on heaters and air conditioners to optimize your house temperatures. Here are some helpful tips to keep your energy bill low when using heating or cooling appliances.

Keep baseboard heaters, radiators and warm-air registers as clean as possible. Make sure they have open circulation and are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes. Constantly replace your filters for heaters and air conditioners as needed.

Use fans during the summer, in combination with your air conditioners to create a wind-chill effect. Also, try reversing the fans motor during the winter to help drive warm air back down towards the floor for improved circulation.

Install a programmable thermostat that can adjust the temperature according to your schedule, especially when you are away from the house. Set the temperature as low as comfortable during the winter for a lower heating bill.

When using heaters, remember to keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day and closed at night to let the sunshine. For air conditioners, try placing them in a north-facing or shaded when as direct sunlight reduces efficiency.

Be sure to weatherize your home-caulk and weather strip any doors and windows that could be looking warm or cold air. Try placing heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators. Remember to turn off exhaust fans as needed. Seal any holes with caulk or spray foam where TV/cable wires, pipes and vents open your door.

Keep your system up to date, and add a supplementary source or replace your existing heater or cooling. Look for Energy Star products as they have been certified to reach the highest levels of energy efficiency. Replace your air conditioner if it is more the 10 years old as they are probably much less energy efficient then others.

Air Pollution Linked to Developing Asthma While in the Womb

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:54:00 +0000

A recent study has proven that air pollution causes genetic changes while babies are still in the womb and often increase a child’s risk of developing asthma. This study was conducted from 56 children. Scientists discovered that when exposed to traffic fumes which include a wide variety of airborne impurities; children’s genes were actually reprogrammed. These genes just so happened to be the ones that were associated with asthma symptoms that usually develop around age five.

This is a significant study because it is the first time that pollution has been shown to actually influence and change genes. The study also happens to record the mothers exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are a by product of combustion and are usually present in heavy traffic areas. Researches discovered that there is a connection between chemical changes and high levels of air pollution exposure.

This is an example of epigenetic change which is where environmental factors are able to change the activity of genes without creating structural or mutation changes. There is still plenty of research to be done however. Results have shown that exposure to pollution can interact with genes that effect you later on in life. The benefit of the study is that scientists believe that this could help reduce 25% of asthma or at least reduce the potential damage it could have in the early stages of life.

While the test moves on with continued research for more clear solutions, there are some steps that you could take now to reduce the chances of asthma in your baby while pregnant. It is best that if you are pregnant to stay away from air pollution, but if you are unable to there are other options. If you live in a high traffic areas, look towards vacuum cleaners and air purifiers with HEPA to help control the air pollution within your household , office or apartment. These household appliance have been shown to greatly improve indoor air quality up to 99.97%. Remember proper protection will only aid in help preventing or reducing any potential asthma problems while your child is still in the womb.

How to Solve Your Dust Mite Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:06:00 +0000

How would you feel if your house or apartment had thousands of microscopic insects that are known to cause health problems? There is a good chance you already do. Dust mites are small insects that have a tendency to feed on organic detritus and flourish inside human households. 40,000 dust mites can inhabit up to one speck of dust and their fecal matter, which is produced up 20 times a day is a common cause of asthma and allergies making them uninvited guests in your home or office. So how can you stop these nuisances from invading your personal dwelling? Do you call an exterminator? Use harsh toxins to stop shorten their life cycle? A recent study has shown that none of these are needed. There are plenty of inexpensive options to help stop the spread the of dust mites that are cheap, safe and efficient.

Bedding:

Bedding like sheets and pillow cases are prime real estate for dust mites. Remember to keep your bedding cleaned and changed regularly. If you have a tendency to suffer from significant allergies, look into purchasing special covers that help eliminate dust mites.

Washing:

Like bedding, remember to frequently wash your clothes as well. Washing in 130 F water instantly kills all dust mites. Cold water only kills 90 percent of dust mites. Try adding a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil for added efficiency. If you are sensitive to eucalyptus, try lavender of rosemary instead.

Heating:

Steam cleaning your carpets is a great way to eliminate mites found on the floor as they hate heat. Other great ways to use heat to your advantage to help stop dust mites is to tumble dry rugs and carpets in a dryer or open up windows for direct sunlight as dust mites can’t stand it.

Air Conditioning:

Air conditioning is another great way to help dust mites from spreading. Air conditioners help dry out humid indoor environment which tend to be a dust mite feeding ground. By reducing humidity you are in turn reducing the food supply for dust mites.

Air purification:

The best tool against dust mites is a quality air purifier. Through constant air filtering you not only eliminate their food supply but also the mites themselves. Air purifiers are the best way to allow allergy sufferers to breath easy.

Cleaning:

Remember that dust mites do have the word dust in their name and the best way to stop dust is constant and through cleaning. A quality vacuum cleaner will help this problem. Also remember to dust or get a dusting attachment for your vacuum so you can clean hard to reach places.

Environmental Researchers Predict 2009 to Be One of the Warmest Years on Record

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:44:00 +0000

British climate scientists have released a new study predicting that 2009 is going to be among the top-five warmest years on record. They suspect that the average global temperature is going to be more then 0.4 degrees Celsius above the average. This is even factoring the continued cooling of huge areas located in and around the Pacific Ocean that is due to the La Nina weather pattern.

If this is true, this will be the hottest weather since 2005. They also feel that this warming trend will continue with 2010 outdoing 2009. Currently the warmest year on record is 1998 which saw an average of 14.52 Celsius. This beats out all other averages between 1961 and 1990 which were about 14 Celsius.

Usually, warm weather is influenced by the El Nino weather pattern which is an abnormal warming of surface ocean waters in the eastern tropical pacific. There is no real theory on what triggers El Nino or El Nina, yet scientist feel they are an x-factor and strongly influence global weather patterns. The verdict is still out on weather these patterns are attributed to global warming or not.

From 1991 to 2000 the average global temperature is 14.21 degrees Celsius. In 2001-2007 it was 14.44, that is a .21 increase. This would show that the planet is slowly warming, regardless of the theory of global warming. Either way people should be prepared for longer and greater changes in the weather and environment. One should look at purchasing an air conditioner, and if you are conscious about energy consumption one should look for one with an Energy Star symbol.

A great example of this is the Sunpentown Energy Star WA-6591S window air conditioner. Designed to be easily mounted on your window, this window air conditioner has a cooling range of 64-99 degrees up to 250 square feet. The filter is reusable making maintenance easy. It has two fans and a space saving design to keep your floors clear. The remote control makes operation easy. It is economically priced and because it is an Energy Star product it is safe to the environment and will not do any damage to your electric bill.

The Watermill

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:25:00 +0000

Element Four, a company that is constantly looking to the future, recently revealed their plans for the watermill, a device with technology that could provide a limitless source of water from the air itself. The hope is that this device would help in irrigation, personal thirst, peacekeeping and disaster relief.

The Watermill’s process is actually quite simple. It drains moist outside air through an air filter. This moist air then passes over a cooling element causing condensation into moist water droplets. The water is then collected and passed through two other filters. Both the carbon and ultraviolet sterilize the water to help eliminate bacteria making this water extra clean.

The WaterMill is designed to be installed unobtrusively on the outside of your home to catch outside air so it will never dry out the air in your room. Element Four claims that location doesn’t matter at all. Whether you live in a crowded city or the countryside you will be drinking the most pristine of water that is better then tap, bottled or spring water. In a sense all you are really purchasing is a giant dehumidifier that has been combined with a water purification unit.

One of the biggest issues regarding the Watermill is climate control. Skeptics feel that city’s weather patterns might be reengineered through deployment of watermills over time. This could occur accidently or on purpose depending on the area. But the biggest worry is that by sucking condensation from the air a city could quickly go into a drought. Without a steady flow of humidity, areas once use to rainy seasons could end up getting virtually zero rainfall.

But perhaps one of the benefits of moderating the weather is that summer storms and other problems can be stopped before they start. Devices like this could end up helping society in the long as they can help control and curb the weather. One scholar brings up the idea of solar powered air conditioners. These air conditioners could be realistically placed atop skyscrapers and then flood the surrounding streets with downward winds of cooled air, making super hot days more bearable.

But this wouldn’t be the first time that civilization has altered weather patterns. All one really needs to do is look towards history to figure out technology and its impact on climate. The introduction of coal to London’s climate in the 18th and 19th century had dramatic weather effects. In fact, depending on your belief of global warming once can make an argument that most modern technology has had an impact on weather systems. Either way, the creation of the Watermill is quite an astounding feet. Being able to provide water to places that normally have trouble is quite astonishing. As a society we just have to balance the pluses and minuses and figure out where this unique device would have the most impact.