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 Anyone searching for a healthy alternative to their current salad dressing could do a lot worse than organic apple cider vinegar. A lot of people balk at the taste at first, but given the claimed health benefits for it, it could be one of the best moves you make for your health.

 Not only is it non-fattening (a claim not many salad dressings can make) but some studies show that it may actually be helpful for weight loss. It first grew popular in the 1970s as a weight loss aid due to its mixture of effects, but a recent study showed that the most significant effect is an increase in satiety. That is to say, those who took a spoonful or two of apple cider vinegar with their meal found themselves to feel much more satisfied and full after their meal than when they didn’t. This in turn could lead to reduced instances of over-eating, which obviously could lead to weight loss.

 Apple cider vinegar is not just useful as a weight loss aid however, another study has shown that it reduces glucose levels, making it not only good for blood pressure, but an effective aid for diabetics in managing their glucose levels. It is particularly useful again when taken with meals, in reducing the post-meal glucose spike that can be problematic for many diabetics.

 Taken internally, apple cider vinegar has also been used as a daily tonic for centuries. No lesser man than Hippocrates is said to have taken apple cider vinegar daily for its range of health benefits. These days it is touted by proponents of the alkaline acid balance theory as a method of alkalinising the blood. Their theory is that an acidic PH level can cause anything from anxiety to sluggishness and organic apple cider vinegar can help combat this when taken regularly.

 Aside from the benefits of ingesting organic apple cider vinegar, in common with other types of vinegar, apple cider vinegar also has many external uses (although most other vinegars are mainly recommended for cleaning, particularly rust). Organic apple cider vinegar can be used as a treatment for acne and even dandruff, although users must be careful to dilute the apple cider vinegar as it is very potent and can cause damage to the skin if not diluted effectively. For acne, the typical dilution is one part organic apple cider vinegar to three parts water, dabbed onto the skin.

 Given that apple cider vinegar will typically last for 5 or 6 years (after all, you can use it in a pickle sauce) and its wide ranging health benefits, it’s worth keeping a bottle lying around. After all, it was good enough for Hippocrates.

 To buy organic apple cider vinegar and choose from a full range of natural vitamins, minerals and supplements, visit Higher Nature www.highernature.co.uk

  Although vegetarian shoes are, of course, chiefly marketed for their vegetarian and/or vegan credentials, given the mindset of the designers who are involved in making such shoes, they also tend to be made to have excellent fair-trade and eco-credentials as well; making vegetarian shoes the ethically minded consumer’s footwear of choice.

  Make no mistake, vegetarian shoes are not perhaps the unfashionable hemp footwear that you might at first imagine. Terms like vegetarian shoes do tend to conjure up particular images of trustafarians practising their poi in the local park between protests and between jobs, but a whole new raft of materials and ethically conscious, vegetarian designers have transformed the vegetarian shoe from the noble mark of someone quite obviously dedicated to their principles to the point of ignoring fashion entirely, into desirable fashion accessories all their own.

  One of the natural homes of vegetarian shoes is Brighton in the UK, which famously plays host to the Vegetarian Shoe shop in the North Laines, but has also produced a number of eco-conscious, vegetarian designers, such as Natalie Dean, the founder of Beyond Skin and its sister label Sui Generis. Beyond Skin shoes are made to have the lowest environmental impact possible through a combination of using materials local to their factories, using recycled materials and low-impact synthetics.

 The result of the efforts at Beyond Skin in creating sustainable, beautiful, vegetarian shoes is having been seen on the delectable feet of both Cheryl Cole and Natalie Portman – surely a sign that vegetarian shoes are becoming a serious footwear choice and are only set to grow in their popularity.

  The other great factor contributing to the growing success of vegetarian shoes is of course the internet. Other than the aforementioned North Laines outlet, vegetarian shoes still don’t have a tremendous high street presence, and so are unlikely to be picked up by the casual shopper. However, as the growing market bears testimony to, there are still a great many people on the lookout for ethical, eco-friendly, vegetarian shoes and the level playing field of the internet has allowed online fashion boutiques that specialise in just this sort of product to pop up and carve out a sizeable niche for themselves.

  As such, it is now easier than ever for eco-conscious people to finally toss out the leather in their wardrobe and replace it with something that fits with their principles, but also works with their outfit. That is a real breakthrough that would have been positively unimaginable only a few years ago, and something we should all be thankful for. As more and more of us are replacing our consumer choices with ethical and green products, it’s nice to finally have a viable option to compete against the standard leather shoe: surely one of the last bastions of a non-renewable economy.

  For a full range of vegetarian shoes and vegan fashion, visit Neon Collective at their website  http://www.neoncollective.com

 The finishing touches to a bedroom will add warmth and character to the space- drawing a focus toward the bed and making the space more personal to you. Remember that using vintage pieces will add character and depth to this most personal of places – allowing you to suggest romance, history, and experience to your bedroom.

Being a space where you will sleep you will want to make sure that what you put into your bedroom is free from toxins or chemical residues, but there’s no reason why they shouldn’t also add to the beauty of the space too.

*Duvet covers *

As the one fabric that is closest to your skin as you sleep it makes sense to ensure that your bed linen is made from good things, and not full of toxins or produced in an unethical way.

Organic fair trade cotton has been kept free from pesticides and chemicals throughout its production, which will benefit the farmers, the producers and you as it won’t contain any chemical residues. These are likely to be found mostly in natural shades such as cream, browns and greys due to the natural dying process that organic cotton may undergo. White fabric linen should be made using an eco bleach, so no whitening agents are used.

Although not currently widely available, it’s likely that bamboo fibre bed linen will also make an impact onto the eco market place. Being fast to grow, sustainable and without the need for pesticides means that bamboo would is good for the environment. Whilst being breathable, non-static and super soft it will also feel good as you sleep.

Personally I feel I sleep better knowing that the bed linen I use has been produced in a fair trade manner. Why should others lives have to be compromised so that I can get a good night sleep – last thing at night it’s easier to doze off with a clean conscience.

_ _

*Bedspreads and throws*

Dressing the bed will add visual impact to your bedroom, making the bed look and feel more sumptuous. Buying a throw or bed spread can be a surprisingly costly business particularly if you are intent on using pure organic materials – but you will feel the benefit. Using natural fabrics such as pure organic wool, cashmere or alpaca will give your bed a warm cosy feel that you just won’t want to leave.

A more cost effective method of adding impact is to use a recycled wool blanket (made from recycled jumpers). Due to small quantities of the fabrics available these are produced in checked or tartan fabrics.

Alternatively, look to use vintage fabrics to dress your bed. Whilst covering it in swathes of fabric may be overkill, think about a gentle layering process by adding fabrics just to the foot of the bed. You may be lucky enough to find patchwork fabric throws or why not consider making one up if your sewing skills are up to it. If the rest of the room is kept relatively free from decoration, strong colour and pattern, adding detailed vintage prints to a bed will work wonderfully.

Updating vintage fabrics may just be a case of spending the time to dye them, for them to tie in with the rest of your bedroom’s colour scheme. This can be carried out by hand or in the washing machine, but it’s a good idea to check first that the fabric is natural (such as cotton or silk) and will take the dye.

*Cushions *

Adding cushions to a bedroom will again add more detail and a further layer of comfort to the bed. Whilst a few cushions will add to the visual impact of the bed, over filling beds with pillows (as you often see on TV design shows and magazines) is just ridiculous and it will take you an age to take them off at night before climbing into bed.

Cushions seem to be the darling of the eco interiors world, partly because it’s a great way to use up small left over pieces of fabric, and they make a perfect quick project for designer /makers. As a result there is a wide selection to choose from. You could buy natural fabric cushions such as organic cotton, alpaca wool, or felt.

Alternatively, look for recycled fabric cushions made from a fantastic array of different fabrics, from recycled silk ties (see the case study on Barley Massey) to linen flour sacks; to small patches of discarded wool, and clothing industry leftovers. This is an area that designers can really have some fun, and as a small project it can be a simple and rewarding project to make at home from fabrics sourced in antique shops or markets.

*Mirrors, pictures/frames *

Walls can be decorated with more than just natural paints so consider adding to them with mirrors and picture frames.

Mirrors will provide you with an opportunity to make yourself look your best before you step out of the house, but of course also help to bounce light around your bedroom. Vintage mirrors will add depth and interest, their uneven reflective baking adding real depth and character to its appearance.

Being a private space, use your bedroom walls to display pictures of those you cherish. Whilst new frames are widely available using an assortment of old frames will add individuality to every picture. To make the frames feel more contemporary, think about unifying them by painting each frame the same colour, this will highlight detail but make the differences subtler.

*Furniture, adding chairs*

If you have the space for it, adding a chair to your bedroom will increase the sense that this is a pleasurable space to spend time in and not just one for sleeping in at night. Adding chairs and places to sit, allows a space to become somewhere conversation and communication can happen, and I often feel that this adds to the social variety of a home. So if you can squeeze one in you should try to.

Having said that, we don’t all have space for a languorous chaise longue: so instead look for armchairs or even simple dining chairs with arms. These can be dressed with cushions and throws to be made to feel more relaxing and inviting. If you’re as messy as I am, they inevitably become clothes horses at night – cutting out the need to fold and hang clothes back in the cupboard - a lazy person’s temporary wardrobe.

For more tips and ideas on eco interior design and sustainable building design, visit Heath Design. http://www.oliverheath.com/

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:

• organize a toy swap in your neighborhood, at a school or community center
• ask in your online or other groups, whether someone has a toy they'd be willing to sell or trade
• give your child a temporary substitute for the gift and buy it after the holiday when it may be on sale

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

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.

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

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.

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."

• www.GreaterGoods.com
• www.GreenwithEnvyGifts.com
• www.Zimbio.com

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:

• Look for companies that give back. Many for instance, are members of !% for the Planet (an alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their annual revenues to environmental organizations.) 
• One of the most eco-friendly things you can do when buying a gift for someone of any age is to be sure the recipient will like and use it. This is especially true when it comes to food that if not eaten, may spoil and end up in the trash.
• Avoid buying gifts with layers of packaging and/or whose packaging cannot be recycled.
• When it comes to wrapping, think about whether you really need to wrap the gift at all. How about hiding it? Kids love this, but even adults (at least those with a sense of humor), can get into it as well. A few additional alternatives to buying new gift wrap:
  • Fabric you already own. Scarves are wonderful. And any fabric wrapping can be used again and again. For ways to beautifully wrap any gift: www.bobowrap.com or www.furochic.com
  • Magazine pages
  • Maps
  • Children's drawings
  • Paper bags decorated with drawn or stamped on images
  • Decorated glass jars that can be reused for food storage
  • Decorated cardboard or plastic boxes

Top tips for a green holiday

• 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!
• Commit to saving paper! Gifting a magazine lover? Choose an online subscription.
• Challenge your family to create a no-waste holiday. Buy less. Decorate with items from nature. Compost, recycle and re-purpose as much as you possibly can.
• To save money, take advantage of every holiday coupon available. Before buying online or going shopping, google the name of the store plus "coupon."

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.

• www.MrElliePooh.com
• www.BotanicalPaperworks.com
• www.Coco-Zen.com
• http://www.reusablebags.com/
• www.NubiusOrganics.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 
 

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/ 

  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

1. 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.
2. 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.)
3. Staple or nail the window screen to the back of the frame.
4. 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.
5. 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.

1. 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).
2. Remove the face.
3. Glue it into a bottle cap.
4. Punch a hole in the cap near the top.
5. Fashion a loop from a piece of wire.
6. 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.

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

   By Dan Marvin, Director of Technical Services at Florida Tile

While on business in Turkey, I had an opportunity to visit the Biblical city of Ephesus.  Once you walk past the amphitheater and library, you arrive at the personal houses of the city leaders.  There isn’t a lot left, frankly, just some columns and stone work.  Oh, and their ceramic tile floors, many of them still showing murals and designs as clearly today as they did 2,000 years ago.  Talk about sustainability!

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 US tile industry is alive and growing and quite often there is a factory near you.  Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas are three of the largest producers of ceramic tile in the US but other factories from mom and pop shops to ultra-modern factories dot the landscape from coast to coast.

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 Europe, having a building whose exterior is clad with tile is very typical.  The tile stands away from the building and allows for natural airflow to cool the building in the summer while insulating it in the winter.  The benefits of this type of installation are slowly but surely making their way here to the US. 

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 

Florida Tile’s products are GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD for Children and Schools certified to be low in volatile organics.  Florida Tile is a member of the USGBC and leads the Tile Council of North America’s Green Initiative Committee.  Dan Marvin can be reached at dan.marvin@floridatile.com

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.

http://www.dailyundertaker.com/2008/09/promession-return-to-living-soil.html

Copyright 2008 Patrick McNally, The Daily Undertaker

  Promessa Organic AB of Sweden is developing a new method of disposition for the dead called 'promession'. Promession is described as an environmentally friendly form of burial, and could in fact be the greenest of green disposition options. In addition to its green credentials, promession is offered as a more ethical option than cremation or burial. Susanne Wiigh-Mäsak, biologist and head of operations at Promessa Organic AB recently gave a very interesting and inspiring presentation at the 90th annual convention of the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) and agreed to discuss promession with me for this post.

  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.

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.

 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   

  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 U.S., if your home was built after the mid-1990s there might be asbestos in roof shingles, floor tiles, cement pipes and boards, caulking compounds, and joint cements. However, this is not necessarily something to worry about.

  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 Libby, Montana, a community so contaminated with asbestos the EPA recently declared Libby to be a public health disaster.

  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