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Great green holiday gift buying tips!
It's a fact of life--most Americans' wallets (and credit card limits), are slimmer this year. But that doesn't mean we should give up our eco-conscious ways. Why would we when there are so many opportunities to save green while celebrating green?
Kids
If your young children are pining for expensive gifts, it's hard to deny them (not that a bit of denial isn't good for us!). A few solutions--there are others--just say no, find ways for your child to raise some cash toward the dream or see whether you can find a used gift. (You might be surprised that a clean, used toy without the packaging is just fine with most kids.)
To find a previously loved toy:
Help your child contribute toward the purchase by going through his current toys, selecting as many as you like and selling them on your local Craigslist. Another idea is to discuss the situation with your child and ask, "Would you be happy if you only get this one gift this year?" If the answer is "yes," and you have friends and relatives who normally gift your child, ask for a contribution towards her heart's desire. Teens Ask your teen to give you a list of chores she doesn't like to do. Your gift can be doing one or more for a limited period of time. (We know this won't be a favorite of yours, but it costs nothing but your pride and patience!) Teenagers also may be much more willing than you anticipate, to help others. Especially when times are tough, learning that there are others worse off than you are can help quell the self-centered longings adolescents experience. You can give teens a real gift by inviting them to participate in one or more volunteer activities during the holiday season. Let them experience the real meaning of giving. We know one teen who, after volunteering at a home for abused kids, told his parents he didn't want anything for Hanukkah except to make a contribution to the organization. Adults And if you're "all thumbs," great green gifts are available by the truckload, many for under $25. There are many sites featuring inexpensive gifts. Here are a few. Find more by doing a search for "green gifts under $25." But the best buys from an eco-perspective, are those made and purchased locally. Check out local eco-friendly stores as well of course, as holiday craft fairs. Other excellent eco-friendly gift buying habits: Top tips for a green holiday Top picks for shopping green and saving green with gifts under $10 Not all the gifts in the stores below cost less than $10, but all these online shops carry a number of great gifts at this price point.
When it comes to teens, think "downloads." What teen doesn't love music or movies? Purchasing music and movies online is inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Of course, if you're crafty, you already know that amazing gifts can cost next to nothing. Short on ideas? Two great sites are Instructables and eHow, though you can google just about any item and find out how to make it.
Plan, plan, plan. Avoid driving all over town, especially to pick up just one gift. In fact, getting together with a group of friends and carpooling to shops not only saves money and is better for the Earth, but it's fun too!
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net
Healthy Computer Habits
by Carl Foner, Verdant Computing Founder
Shutdown your computer. When you're not going to be using it for a long time, turn it off. The same can be said for peripherals, too: monitor, printer, scanner, cd burner. It all adds up. Not only will you save energy and money, you'll also protect your computer from unnecessary wear and tear.
Put your computer to sleep. If you're going to be away for a little while, and turning off your computer isn't practical, try putting it to sleep. All modern computers have a sleep mode which consumes a lot less energy. It'll save a lot more than your screen, and a lot more energy than your screen "saver".
Don't buy until you need to. By waiting, not only do you extend the useful life of the equipment you own, you'll also get a better deal. Computer price points stay roughly the same or even go down over time. However, the speed and power keeps improving. By waiting, you'll end up with more bang for your buck!
Don't try to keep up with the Joneses. Some people think they're missing out if they're not constantly upgrading to the latest and greatest. They're not. I started this company using a 6 year old computer. Not a screamer by anyone's stretch of the imagination. But it works just fine. Remember, there will always be something new. Make sure you buy something that does what you need now and what you think you'll need a little further down the road.
Upgrade. One way to teach your old computer new tricks is to upgrade. Add more memory. Install a bigger hard drive. Get yourself a faster processor. Why spend all that money on a brand new computer, when you have something that works perfectly fine, but just needs a little boost? We'll be happy to show you what upgrades will make the most of the computer you already own.
Buy upgradeable. When people buy a house, they don't necessarily buy the smallest house possible. They buy something a little bit bigger, one with room to grow. The same holds true for computers. Upgradeability should be one of the factors in your purchasing decision. Spending a little bit more now could save you from having to buy a whole new system later.
Don't cram equipment. Keep under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine. While you don't need to give a computer it's own room, it should have some space to breathe. The air vents on the computer are there for a reason. Computers produce heat. If the vents are blocked and they don't get to breathe, they'll heat up more quickly. The hotter they get, and the more often they get hot, the quicker they breakdown. Give a computer good air flow, and you'll lengthen its useful life.
Plug equipment into a surge protector. This has a couple of benefits. First, and very importantly, it can protect your computer against electrical surges. The second advantage is the energy you'll save. All those adapters draw power even when they're off! That's because they're not really off, just dormant. But turn off a surge protector and you'll quickly and completely cut the power to anything that's attached to it.
Share equipment. While we all use the computer a lot, no one uses it all the time. Consider sharing: in your family, in your apartment building, in your neighborhood. You can build a sense of togetherness and community. Think of all of the resources that could be saved if we shared!
Reuse/Recycle. If your computer has outlived its purpose, don't throw it out. There's lots of things you can do with it. See our article Before You Throw Out Your Computer... for ideas. Or check here for information on recycling programs.
Printing. The easiest way to green your printing is not to print at all. These days, with so much communication being done online, it's easier than you think. For those times when printing is a must, be sure to use recycled paper. Reuse your ink cartridges. Print double-sided. Re-use paper as scratch paper or shred it up and use it as packing material. And when you're really through with it, recycle.
Click here or here for some additional information on greener printing.
Have ideas of your own that you want to share? Email us at suggestions@verdantcomputing.com.
Verdant Computing: http://www.verdantcomputing.com/
Simple, earth-friendly, meaningful crafts for Mother's Day.
Money is tight right now. But money doesn't have to stand in the way of honoring your mom (and Mother Earth). You can make a beautiful and more importantly, meaningful, gift for Mother's Day. And what mom would not be thrilled to receive an item infused with meaning made by hand from someone she loves?
Here are a few ideas. Most cost little to nothing in money or environmental terms because you're rescuing items that often are tossed or left sitting in a closet or drawer.
Picture frame jewelry holder
- Choose an old picture frame and remove any backing. You can decorate the frame with paint, fabric or other appropriate decoration to match mom's bedroom or bathroom decor or leave it plain.
- Cut a piece of window screen that overlaps the back of the frame 1/2 inch. (Remember when the dog charged through the screen and ripped it to shreds? If it's still lying around, here's the perfect use for it.)
- Staple or nail the window screen to the back of the frame.
- Screw in some cuphooks along the bottom of the frame to hold rings and/or in the top corners to hold necklaces and bracelets. Earring backs fit through the screen.
- If you want the holder to hang, add a picture hangar to the back. Otherwise, it can sit on a small easel or rest against the wall.
Picture ball
No doubt you've got bunches of photos lying around from B.D. (Before Digital). One picture ball uses up 20 of them. This is a fun project that takes about a half hour and while a little tricky, once you get the basic idea, they're easy to make. Craft several with different themes--you as a baby, you as a teenager, you and your siblings. Watch how one is made here or see the directions here.
Meaningful charms
Most moms have a several necklaces from which they can suspend charms. How about adding to mom's collection with a little creative crafting?
Any object in which you can punch a hole can be turned into a charm. Think about your mom's talents, work or leisure activities. For a teacher, make a pencil charm. For an artist, one from a tiny paint brush. If she's sentimental, a delicate baby spoon that belonged to you.
Artists are using this technique to create amazing and wonderful jewelry from objects that would normally be tossed. One of our favorites is Susan Lenert Kazmer.
Here's how to make the watch charm pictured here.
- If your mom has an old watch that sits in her drawer, ask her if you can remake it, or pick one up at a yard sale (although it will be more meaningful if you use one one she already has).
- Remove the face.
- Glue it into a bottle cap.
- Punch a hole in the cap near the top.
- Fashion a loop from a piece of wire.
- Add to a necklace or present on its own.
And here's a "charming" container for any small gift
Remove the label from an empty soup can. Wash it. Paint mom's favorite color. Let dry. Glue paper or ribbon all the way around the top edge. Punch a hole on each side near the top and insert a piece of wire through the two holes forming a handle. (You can string on some buttons and charms after feeding one side through as done in the example.)
Once this is done, mash down on the top of the can so that the opening is no longer round, but more oval (although you don't have to do this either if you prefer a perfectly round can).
Glue on decorative accents and /or words cut from newspapers or magazines. A quote about mom or simply the words, "I love you, Mom," will work well.
If you have a shredder, fill the can with shredded paper (from a magazine to add color if you like). Fill the can leaving just enough room to rest the gift on top.
The can later can be filled with flowers and hung outside.
Top eco-tips for Mother's Day
1. Don't assume you know what mom wants to do or as a gift. She may prefer a picnic over brunch in a fancy restaurant.
2. When buying gifts, think locally made.
3. Avoid using wrapping paper. Substitute fabric wraps you make yourself from scarves or other fabric you have on hand, or purchase from a mom-owned company like Bobowrap. These can be used over and over again.
4. Give the gift of yourself. Whatever you can do for mom most certainly will be appreciated whether it's washing her car, cleaning her gutters, or sorting and organizing old photos. Find something you can do that costs nothing but your time. Repeat once a month for a year!
Top eco-picks for Mother's Day
1. Many moms appreciate receiving gifts that give. Give her a gift card from www.tisbest.com and she can donate to any of more than 300 non-profits.
2. Organic flowers are best for mom and the planet. Order from a local farm or online from www.OrganicBouquet.com
3. If you don't have a store nearby that offers sustainable gifts, try any of these:
- www.Gaiam.com
- www.BestEcoStuff.com
- www.EcoArtware.com
- www.Ecomeme.com
- www.Greenfeet.com
- www.TheGreenGiftBox.com
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net
Ceramic Tile - Flooring for the Ages
While on business in
At some point, you’re likely to choose some flooring to put in your home. You want it to be attractive, durable, and to have a minimal impact on our environment. That’s really not too much to ask. As you start to research your choices, you’ll quickly discover that the marketing departments of the other guys have been working over-time, trying to convince you that carpet or vinyl floors are your best choice. You can even find web sites telling you how healthy imported wood flooring can be. Unfortunately, the reason they’ve had to crank up the marketing machine is because few of them can compare with the choice that’s been natural for 2000 years, ceramic tile.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably better informed about environmental choices than most so I’m going to level with you about the negatives before I point out the positives. Ceramic tile has to be fired in (usually natural gas heated) kilns or it won’t be ceramic tile. However, these kilns have been vastly improved in the last 25 years. What used to require 48 hours of firing now requires 48 minutes of firing. Tile kilns are 75% more efficient than they used to be. And, frankly, all products require some energy to turn one thing into another.
Next, tile is heavy and requires energy to transport. There’s an easy way around this though, buy regional. The
The rest of the story is actually pretty rosy. Most tile factories are located very close to their source of raw materials so the cost (environmental and monetary) of transporting these materials is minimal. The materials themselves (clay, feldspar, sand) are very common elements so tile doesn’t deplete dwindling reserves of oil, for instance. Tile is heated to over 2,000 degrees so there are no volatile organics left to come off during or after installation. Tile is also hypo-allergenic and doesn’t allow mold to propagate. You probably know someone who has replaced their carpet with tile to help their allergies.
A typical tile installation will probably outlive the house in which it is installed. If you don’t have to remove it, you don’t have to dispose of it. However, when it is time to dispose of your tile flooring, it can be used as clean fill instead of sent to a landfill because nothing will leach out of it. Most ceramic tile factories are ‘closed loop’ and recycle their waste right back into the product. Some even integrate pre- and post- consumer waste into the formula to offer various percentages of recycled content.
There are also some non-traditional benefits for using ceramic tile. In
The LEED standards for green building allow points for many of these attributes. EQ section 4.3 covers the low VOC emissions from tile. MR sections 4.1 and 4.2 offer points for recycled content. MR Credits 5.1 and 5.2 offer points for regional availability. Section SS 7.1 allows points for using tile outside.
I’m not a marketing guy and I’m not trying to ‘sell’ you on tile. I know there are pros and cons to every product and it’s up to you to decide if our products fit into your lifestyle. However, I am convinced that the harder you look, the more you will see that ceramic tile is still the natural choice, even 2000 years later. For more information on ceramic tile, you can go to http://www.floridatile.com
Does that come in green?
By Cristin Frank, co-owner of www.carrycargot.com, author of blog.carrycargot.com
New products are popping up daily under the category of “green” or “eco-friendly.” These items range from organic to recycled to those incorporating reductions in resource or energy usage. This isn’t a trend or a fad. Ecological conservation is a movement that’s being adapted into a lifestyle.
Over five years ago my husband and I decided to downsize to one car. At first it looked like a sacrifice and an inconvenience. So often we’d say, “When the kids are in school we’ll break down and get a second car.” Well, the kids take the bus to school, we do one grocery getting surge a week and activities in our home and neighborhood keep us entertained. The challenge has made us more organized, creative and resourceful. We, as well as fellow eco-friendly companies use the same recipe for our product development. We have sought ways to produce in the US, which supports our economy and reduces resources of importing. We’ve also employed sustainable resources and earth-friendly practices.
The over-riding caveat I’ve found as a green product manufacturer is that to genuinely be green, we must also reduce and reuse our consumerism. In other words, the lifecycle of a product becomes a joint effort of creativity between the producer and the consumer.
A friend of mine received a creatively reused gift from his neighbor this Christmas. It was a grocery bag made from his neighbor’s old t-shirt. My friend actually remembered seeing the neighbor wearing the shirt that had been remastered into a shopping bag. Now, even though the armpits had been cut out in its new form, I’d qualify this as going a little too far under the reuse category; but you get the picture. As a consumer, look for suggested reuses of a product so it’s still viable as your life changes. A great example is infant cribs converting to toddler beds. I recently bought my son rollerblades where the boot size was adjustable.
We sell eco-friendly organizers for baby supplies under the brand Cargot. To me, it’s the anti diaper bag. Moms can put all their supplies in our organizers and toss them in any bag they already have. I laugh when I see the diaper bag get reinvented a million different ways and sold for hundreds of dollars. Our roll and go organizers do just that. They are made with recycled cotton and have a lifespan long after the baby years.
A consultant recommended I look at some of the big companies that make baby gear. She referred to them as the “competition.”
I had looked at those companies and simply replied, “They are not in my league.” It’s about core values. Plastics, synthetics and China are just not a part it. Green companies stand together, protecting something big: a planet, one we all share.
And let’s face it, we’re always going to need new things, but having sustainable, eco-friendly options builds in an added dose of responsibility.
Promession: A return to the living soil
http://www.dailyundertaker.com/2008/09/promession-return-to-living-soil.html
Copyright 2008 Patrick McNally, The Daily Undertaker
Promessa Organic AB of
The process of promession involves a promator, freezing human remains in liquid nitrogen (a byproduct of the compressed oxygen produced already for medical purposes.) Once frozen, the casket and remains are agitated with a shaking motion from a table below them, causing them to shatter into tiny pieces. These pieces are then freeze dried to remove all the moisture from them. Metals are then separated, and after being laid in a biodegradable coffin can be buried, returning all the nutritious components to the soil.
I asked Ms. Wiigh-Mäsak how she came to develop this process. She is both a biologist, and an engineer, and has been keenly interested in gardening and science since youth. A special interest has been composting, and she is careful to point out the difference between decomposition and rotting. According to Ms.Wiigh-Mäsak, proper composting involves decomposition, which requires the same conditions that sustain life: air, proper moisture and proper temperature. These conditions allow for a substance to break down to the nutrient level that can replenish the earth's living soil, and are necessary for enzymes and microorganisms to do their work as well. The alternative to decomposition, says Wiigh-Mäsak, is rotting. Rotting occurs when the remains are too large for the air and soil to act upon their surface readily enough to break down in a positive manner. In the case of rot, the body's substances return to the earth, but not in a form that is enriching and replenishing to the living soil.
Because of her deep interest in composting, Ms. Wiigh-Mäsak was struck by the idea that kitchen scraps are treated with more reverence than the bodies of our loved ones. The nutrients of an apple core, that have been taken from the earth, can be returned to it through proper composting techniques, but the six and a half billion human bodies that have drawn life from the living soil are destined to burn off, rot away or lock away their nutrients, rather than return them in a positive way to the earth.
Swedish Town Recycles Heat from Cremation - Is it Green?
http://www.dailyundertaker.com/2009/01/swedish-town-recycles-heat-from.html
Copyright 2008, Patrick McNally, The Daily Undertaker
In the news today on treehugger.com, was a story of a Swedish town that after evaluating the environmental impact of their crematory, decided to recycle the heat normally released from the retort, back into heating the building, and in turn into the town. At first this may seem like they are heating their town by burning bodies, but that is not the case at all. Cremation requires an enormous amount of energy to accomplish the combustion of a body. The body is not fuel, natural gas is. What is happening, is that the heat that is used for the combustion is rerouted back into the system, rather than just being released into the atmosphere.
Whether this recycling is really 'green' depends upon your perspective. It is greener than cremation without the recapture of heat energy, but it is certainly not the 'greenest' way of dealing with human remains. In my opinion, promession is ultimately the greenest, and following that, would be local burial in a burlap shroud, we would go quite a way down the list before arriving at cremation. Certainly this is not the greenest or most efficient way to heat the town, either.
Great Green Ideas for Children's Birthday Parties.
Celebrating an eco-friendly birthday can be loads of fun and cost next to nothing. All it takes is a little thought and planning.
Once you and your child (assuming she's old enough), have chosen a theme, look at each aspect of the event: decor, food, activities and gifts, and ask yourself the following questions. (We're talking about children's birthdays here, but the same principles apply no matter the age of the honoree.)
1. Can I reuse or re-purpose items I already own for decor? Avoid purchasing paper goods like tablecloths, even napkins. If you're crafty, take a plain white sheet and color in animals, pirates, tea cups or whatever matches your theme, or visit a thrift store and see if they have some fabric that could be used. The most practical solution for napkins is washcloths. If you don't have enough, you can pick up a dozen for less than $10 in many discount stores. These can be used as every day napkins until they totally deteriorate at which time they transform nicely into dust rags.
For table decorations, check your house, especially your child's room, assuming it's her party. Among her toys, we bet you can find enough items related to the party theme to create a unique tablescape. If she's old enough, she can set it up on her own.
There's no need for conventional balloons which, unless disposed of properly, can be a threat to wildlife and also post a choking hazard to children. Instead, make a few pinatas with recycled paper and fill them with some healthy treats or treasures.
2. What can we eat that everyone will enjoy but that's healthier than the usual birthday fare? Avoid planning a full meal. Much of the food goes to waste as kids are notoriously picky or just too excited to eat. Instead, lay a table with a choice of healthier snacks (depending on children's ages), like raisins, peanut butter (be sure to ask parents beforehand whether their children are free of allergies), fruit, 100% fruit leathers, or organic "bars." Instead of juice or soda, put out pitchers of cold filtered water, homemade lemonade, or if it's a winter birthday, how about making real organic hot chocolate?
When it comes to the cake, save money and create something healthier by making one yourself. It's not that difficult or time consuming. If you have a small group, donning chef hats and making the cake can be a fun part of the celebration.
Another option for do-it-yourself fun is cookie baking and decorating. Individually decorated cookies make great no-waste party favors.
Be sure to set out a container for composting leftovers.
3. Do we really have to haul the gang to an amusement park, restaurant or skating rink to enjoy a memorable party? The answer is absolutely not! Think about what your kids love doing daily. For instance, one four-year-old we know lives and breathes hide 'n seek. Why shouldn't her party involve several variations on the game? Not only can all the partygoers play, but how about hide 'n seek with some gifts, both for the birthday girl and the guests? Or why not hide and seek for objects instead of people?
If your child loves animals, call your local 4H club and see if a teenager will bring a rabbit or other animal for the children to learn about and pet.
We're betting that no matter what your child enjoys, he'll love integrating activities based on his passion into the party.
Neither of ideas the above costs a penny. And remember that when you focus on the child instead of the event, magic can happen.
4. How do we take the focus off gifts? At the same time parents may decry our nation's emphasis on overconsumption, they equate a great birthday (or Christmas or Halloween for that matter), with giving and receiving lots of stuff. But more people are beginning to believe that children's birthday parties, especially the gift giving parts, have gotten out of control. Parents and children alike, are starting to look at the whole gift giving idea in a new light. Some parents are asking for gently used or homemade (by the guest, not the parent)items. Others are opting out of asking other children to bring gifts to parties, while keeping family gift giving intact. Many have started donating to charities in the child's name, or a combination of these ideas. For a terrific list of alternatives, visit www.BirthdaysWithoutPressure.org.
The birthday child isn't the only one who is showered with gifts, though. At many events, tiny guests return home laden with so many items, you'd think it was their birthday! Downsizing prizes and party favors is not difficult. Every game does not have to have a winner who is rewarded with a trinket. How about making a craft project the centerpiece of the party, with the children taking home what they make? Even better,donate the projects to a children's hospital.
Birthday parties should be fun for everyone and there is no reason to create waste and shower anyone with carloads of stuff. Instead, aim to create a memorable event that focuses on simple pleasures.
For more simply green children's birthday ideas, check out this post.
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net
Is There Asbestos in My Home?”
The short answer to the question, “Is there asbestos in my home?” is “Yes, probably.” How much, where, and whether you should worry, depends mostly on when your home was built and what condition it is in.
In the
Asbestos is a mineral that breaks into small fibers. The fibers are dangerous to breathe, because if they settle in the lungs they can cause mesothelioma, a deadly lung cancer, and asbestosis, a debilitating disease that interferes with breathing. You should also avoid ingesting asbestos. However, as long as the asbestos fibers are encased in something so that the fibers can’t be breathed, or get into your water — generally the case with newer construction materials — you can safely leave it where it is.
Insulation in Home Built Before the mid-1990s
Homes built between 1920 and 1950 may have asbestos insulation. Also, be aware that homes built after 1950, and possibly as recently as the mid-1990s, may contain an insulation called Zonolite made of vermiculite contaminated with asbestos. The vermiculite came from a mine in
As long as the insulation is enclosed in a wall where fibers cannot escape, it is not hazardous. However, if walls are damaged, or if your remodeling plans involve cutting into a wall, you must arrange for state-certified asbestos abatement specialists to deal with the insulation. They may either remove it or find some way to contain it. But do not handle the insulation yourself.
Asbestos in Homes Built Before 1980
Here are just some of the other places you might find asbestos in an older home:
Shingles and walls. From the 1920s and until 1978 asbestos cement shingles were a popular choice for housing exteriors. Also until the 1970s, cement sheet, millboard, and paper with a high asbestos content were used around fireplaces and wood burning stoves. Cutting or drilling these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air you breathe.
Soundproofing. Until the 1970s, soundproofing material containing asbestos was sprayed on walls and ceilings. Asbestos also was used in textured paint and patching compounds until 1977. The asbestos in these applications can become loose and release asbestos into the air, if they haven’t already.
Hot water and steam pipes.These may be coated with asbestos or wrapped with asbestos tape.
Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets. Replacing an old basement furnace in your home can create an asbestos hazard.
Inspection and Abatement
At this point, you may be worried about the cracks, chips, and flaking in your older home. It cannot be stressed enough that if asbestos really is present, you need professional help to deal with it. Deal only with asbestos inspectors and asbestos abatement contractors that are licensed by your state.
The first step is assessing whether there really is an asbestos danger in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you hire an inspector who is independent from any abatement contractor you might use to avoid a conflict of interest.
Even if there is asbestos in your home, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have it all removed immediately. If the asbestos is in a place where it won’t get into the air or water, it may be left alone. But be aware that renovations or damage to your home might release the asbestos, and then you must call in an asbestos abatement contractor. Don’t try to deal with it yourself.
Written by Barbara O’ Brien
