The German mail order company Otto Group, who quietly rival Amazon.com for their international coverage, found that simple white long-sleeved cotton...
available at treehugger.com
My daughter and I read a picture book recently about Halloween. We both laughed at the appalled look on the children's...
(10/30/09) My daughter and I read a picture book recently about Halloween. We both laughed at the appalled look on the children's faces when they received a box of raisins and a toothbrush from one of their conscientious neighbors. Sorry, but to kids, that definitely qualifies as a trick. Let’s face it–most kids want candy at Halloween. This year, why not satisfy their sweet tooth, while making a contribution to the lives of others by distributing fair trade certified chocolates? It’s kind of like combining candy-giving with making a Unicef donation in one shot–something fun for the kids, something good for the world. Check out the chocolate gold coins and chocolate eggs, made from cocoa grown by farmers in Ghana. Your purchase of these chocolate bars, made of organic cocoa and sugar, and supports small farm families in the Dominican Republic and Paraguay. Yes, these goodies are pricier than the bulk packaged candies at the supermarket, but you get what you pay for. And in this case the payoff is...See less
available at planetgreen.discovery.com
How can you produce ethical skivvies? Tom Chappell, founder of Tom's of Maine, shows us with a tour of his LEED Gold-certified office and Rambler's...
The Building Materials Reuse Association is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to facilitate...
(12/15/09) The Building Materials Reuse Association is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to facilitate building deconstruction and the reuse/recycling of recovered building materials.See less
available at bmra.org
Despite being one of the smaller rooms in most homes, the modern bathroom serves many purposes. It's a sanctuary, a room for pampering, and where we...
Buildings consume 76% of electricity generated; they create 48% of our greenhouse gases; a quarter of our waste in landfills comes from construction....
MEMO: You own the Housing industry now, Here is what you should do with it. Now that the United States Government owns all the mortgages, the...
A rare chance to join us in Borneo, on our 2 or 4 week volunteer programme specially created for you the volunteer to...
(09/01/09) A rare chance to join us in Borneo, on our 2 or 4 week volunteer programme specially created for you the volunteer to come closer to the miracle of the birth of two baby orangutans at the same time, same place, but from two different mothers! Also work along side our dynamic conservation team with other animals at the centre who need immediate help such as the orangutans, sunbears, the crocodiles and monkeys. Miracle births of Orangutan babies! On the 2nd of February 2009, the power of passion paid off with a momentous occasion where two resident female orangutans, Gante and Chiam, at our Great Orangutan Project site, Matang Wildlife Centre in Borneo, each gave birth to a male orangutan within hours of each other. The baby boys share the same father, the alpha male orangutan called George who is also resident at the centre. The great work that WOX does here would not be possible without the hopes, beliefs and active contribution of our volunteer community. Our joint passion paid off...See less
available at orangutanproject.com
Orangutan Outreach - committed to the conservation and rehabilitation of critically endangered orangutans. Reach out and...
(09/01/09) Orangutan Outreach - committed to the conservation and rehabilitation of critically endangered orangutans. Reach out and save the orangutans. Help support Lone Droscher Nielsen and the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Adopt an Orangutan or make a donation today. Watch Orangutan Island on Animal Planet.See less
available at redapes.org
In the past year we've showed you how easy it is to make your life greener in so many areas—your diet, your cleaning...
(08/05/09) In the past year we've showed you how easy it is to make your life greener in so many areas—your diet, your cleaning supplies, your clothing, your travel—but perhaps the single-biggest thing you can do in your life to lower your environmental impact is to sign up for green power. It also happens to be one of the simplest changes to make.See less
Most of us know that baking soda absorbs odors and is essential to a good loaf of banana bread. But you may not know...
(08/05/09) Most of us know that baking soda absorbs odors and is essential to a good loaf of banana bread. But you may not know that baking soda: * Whitens teeth: After you brush, try gargling with water spiked with a spoonful of baking soda. * Polishes metals: Make a paste of baking soda and water and use it to polish your good silver flatware or chrome wheels. * Soothes: A baking soda paste can relieve sunburn and bug bites. * Cleans plastic: Sprinkle baking soda on a sponge to get stains off your Tupperware. * Spruces up wood: A mixture of equal parts baking soda and toothpaste can get white rings out of wood furniture. * Removes calluses: Soak your feet in a warm mixture of water and baking soda to eliminate rough skin. * Cleans up oil spills: If your car leakes oil onto your garage floor, pour some baking soda on it. After an hour or two, you'll be able to sweep the oil away. *These tips are provided for informational purposes only. They'll probably work. They might not.See less
available at science.howstuffworks.com
In the last decade, ecotourism has exploded as a travel trend, now accounting for an astonishing 11.4 percent of...
(08/05/09) In the last decade, ecotourism has exploded as a travel trend, now accounting for an astonishing 11.4 percent of consumer spending worldwide [source: GDRC]. Ecotourism is short for "ecological tourism," and it's a type and style of travel that has two primary, related goals: to minimize the environmental cost of tourism in general, and to actually provide ecological benefit to the travel destination. Imagine, for example, a two-week African safari. An ecotourist might choose a housing destination that uses "green energy," recycles trash, has access to a water-treatment facility so it can reuse wastewater, uses only locally grown food (so it doesn't have to be shipped in from far away) and perhaps even donates a certain percentage of tourism profits to community-improvement projects. That would reduce the environmental cost of a typical African vacation. Going a step further, into benefiting the destination community, that ecotourist might choose to participate in those very...See less
If your body is about average, you're made up of roughly 15 percent fat. Through your movements and body heat, you're...
(08/05/09) If your body is about average, you're made up of roughly 15 percent fat. Through your movements and body heat, you're capable of generating about 11,000 watt-hours of energy every day. If 100 percent of that energy could be converted into electricity, you'd produce about 163 watts just by walking around. You wouldn't power down while sleeping, either -- while asleep you produce about 81 watts [source: Baard]. But as the saying goes, you'll sleep when you're dead, right? True, unless you put your decomposing body to work. Can your body generate power after you die? It sure can. It's not out of the ordinary to will your estate to your children and your body to science -- except instead of harvesting the organs of your donated corpse, one radical new idea would use your body to recharge batteries. The concept is part of the "AfterLife Project," by James Auger and Jimmy Loizeau of the Royal College of Art, and it's featured at MoMA's Design and the Elastic Mind exhibit in New York...See less
Hydroelectric power has never been a small operation. Dams constructed to capture energy from massive amounts of...
(08/05/09) Hydroelectric power has never been a small operation. Dams constructed to capture energy from massive amounts of moving water supply about 25 percent of the world's electricity [source: Bonsor]. The concept is fairly simple: Moving fluid has energy. In this case, the fluid is water, but wind turbines work on the same principle using air as the fluid. So, place a series of turbine blades in the path of rushing water, and the water is going to spin them. In spinning the blades, the water is transferring its energy to the turbine. The turbine then transforms this energy of movement into electrical energy. In its simplest form, the rotation of the blades spins a shaft, and the shaft spins an electrical generator. The generator produces electricity, which travels to a central power grid and gets added to the overall pot of power we use to run our lives.See less
Green building. You've heard the words, but what do they mean? Green building is a trend in the architecture field to...
(08/05/09) Green building. You've heard the words, but what do they mean? Green building is a trend in the architecture field to build structures that are water and energy efficient out of environmentally friendly materials. Manuel Cadrecha, a design director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention building, a structure we'll learn more about later in this article, believes that the green building process not only benefits the community at large but will soon become the norm [source: AIA]. HowStuffWorks picked ten sustainable buildings that stand out as inspirational examples of green building methods -- buildings that just may thrust green building into the realm of standard construction methods. By striving to keep these buildings sustainable in new and creative ways, architects and designers have successfully erected structures that reflect a growing sense of stewardship for the environment. They have found solutions to problems such as water runoff, heating and cooling energy...See less
While it's debatable whether Oz's Emerald City meets the criteria for being an amazing "green" city, many real...
(08/05/09) While it's debatable whether Oz's Emerald City meets the criteria for being an amazing "green" city, many real cities around the world make the grade on lists compiled annually by experts. Model cities are ranked by a combination of criteria. These include urban planning and environmental statistics. They encompass energy sources, consumption and emissions, as well as transportation options and habits. Most lists also make note of green living (such as the availability of public parks, green jobs and sustainable buildings) and green perspective (such as recycling). It's uniquely challenging for urban areas to be green. They have a high volume of people, traffic congestion, trash and air pollution to name just a few obstacles. Seventy-five percent of the world's energy is consumed by the world's cities [source: ThomasNet Industrial Newsroom]. Green cities have to strike a balance of managing their current needs without compromising the city's (and environment's) future. In the...See less
Single-car drivers commuting in fossil-fuel burning cars, smog, pollution, crime -- what other urban scourges can you...
(08/05/09) Single-car drivers commuting in fossil-fuel burning cars, smog, pollution, crime -- what other urban scourges can you think of? Half of the world's population currently lives in urban areas; yet these urban areas make up only 2 percent of the world's land and spend three-quarters of the world's resources [source: MIT]. That's a lot of people in a very small space consuming a great deal. Between now and the year 2050, urban growth will only continue to rise: 89 million homes and 190 billion square feet (about 17.5 billion square meters) of retail and other nonresidential space will be built in the United States alone [source: National Resources Defense Council]. And in conjunction with that density, pollution is soaring. London, for instance, released about 45 million tons (about 41 million metric tons) of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere last year [source: IEEE]. By greening cities and neighborhoods around the world, we have the opportunity to make a positive...See less
Welcome to eConscious Market, the Internet's largest philanthropic eco-marketplace. As a for-benefit company, our...
(08/05/09) Welcome to eConscious Market, the Internet's largest philanthropic eco-marketplace. As a for-benefit company, our business was created to benefit society - to give back rather than merely extract. We're here to drive change towards a more sustainable world. That's why we feature products created by some of the most innovative, socially responsible and ecologically minded businesses available on the market today. At eConscious Market, we do the research for you. We only sell products and support companies that are in alignment with our sustainable living values. We are supporting over one hundred and fifty designers and manufacturers who stand out in the field of ecological and social responsibility as they each move towards taking more responsibility. And this is just the beginning. Also, what really inspires us is our commitment to raising money for our 125 Social-Profit partners. We're here to ignite the innate generosity that lives within all of us. Every time someone shops at our...See less
available at econsciousmarket.com
Thinking about signing up for a CSA but want to learn more about the idea before you commit? Read on. Over the last 20...
(08/05/09) Thinking about signing up for a CSA but want to learn more about the idea before you commit? Read on. Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. This arrangement creates several rewards for both the farmer and the consumer. In brief... Advantages for farmers: * Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin * Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm's cash flow * Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow Advantages for...See less
available at localharvest.org
Green spas are naturally healthy - By eliminating toxins in their skin care products and in their spa’s environment,...
(08/05/09) Green spas are naturally healthy - By eliminating toxins in their skin care products and in their spa’s environment, green spas provide a healthier experience. Green spas are more relaxing - By putting aside the stressors of modern life – including noise, pollution, toxins and waste – green spas are able to offer a more balanced and relaxing experience. Green spa treatments are more effective - Synthetically derived skincare products may produce quick results, but they might also cause damage. Natural treatments are gentler and help ensure long-term health and beauty. Green spas put the body in harmony with nature - Green spas are attuned to the rhythms of nature as well as the rhythms of the human body. When nature and body are in harmony humans feel healthier, stronger and more attractive. Green spas are good business - Although up-front costs for some greening programs may be high, they usually pay for themselves and start to provide savings within one to two years. For example:...See less
available at greenspanetwork.org
Teens Turning Green is a national movement of teens transforming the world through investigating harmful exposures in...
(08/05/09) Teens Turning Green is a national movement of teens transforming the world through investigating harmful exposures in daily lives, schools and communities, advocating for change in policy and habits to protect our world, and educating peers and the community about healthier choices.Through collaborative change, these young leaders inspire us all to work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.See less
available at teensturninggreen.org
I do some combo of these... admittedly I have some half-sewn-together fabric bags... I think I'm moving more toward furoshiki because I can find...
available at re-nest.com
Sixty million Americans put fire to food during the summer, but typical grilling and barbeques leave no small footprint...
(07/01/09) Sixty million Americans put fire to food during the summer, but typical grilling and barbeques leave no small footprint behind; our barbeque celebrations cause 225,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere. Follow our guide for How to Go Green: Barbeques for tips 'n tricks to greener grilling.See less
* Be sure your material gift will get used It may be the thought that counts, but a gift that the receiver does not use...
(07/01/09) * Be sure your material gift will get used It may be the thought that counts, but a gift that the receiver does not use is simply wasted: not a very nice thought. Give material possessions only if you know the recipient well enough to pick out something they were on the cusp of getting for themselves, or which they really need and will certainly enjoy using. * Give a consumable gift Your friend will love your consumable gift twice: once while enjoying the organic teas, fair trade coffee, fresh flowers, fresh or dried fruits and nuts, or other consumable gift; and again when they appreciate that your gift leaves them with no guilty conscience about a gift left unused in the corner of their closet. * Share a piece of yourself Avoid material consumption altogether. Instead, offer your services to baby-sit while your friend enjoys a cozy date with their partner, give a gift certificate for a relaxing massage, or a winter’s-worth of driveway shoveling (in which case you just save that...See less
How much time do you spend every day at your job? How much of that time do you spend frustrated that your green personal...
(07/01/09) How much time do you spend every day at your job? How much of that time do you spend frustrated that your green personal life doesn't translate in the workplace, wanting to do more with your professional life? If you daydream about aligning your personal convictions with a fulfilling and inspiring professional position, then maybe it’s time to think about a green job search. With the stock market scuffling and the economy having a tough time, the conventional job market isn't what it once was. How can you ensure that your job isn't going to go the way of your portfolio? Heed the words of Van Jones, whose new book, The Green Collar Economy, lays out a path to a greener future that starts today. Jones says, "The time has come for the nation to give greater support to the problem solvers -- the clean-energy producers, green builders, eco-entrepreneurs, community educators, green-collar workers, and green consumers. We have the chance now to create new markets, new technology, new...See less
During the past few years, the business world has awakened to the concept that "green," meaning environmentally...
(07/01/09) During the past few years, the business world has awakened to the concept that "green," meaning environmentally conscious, and "green," meaning financially lucrative, are not mutually exclusive. But how can this knowledge translate to individuals who have their own green to invest? Whether or not you knowingly do so, as a conscious consumer you use your purchasing power to demonstrate which products and services you support. If you have money available to invest, you can take this concept a few steps further by investing directly in your favorite environmentally-minded companies and helping to bolster both existing and emerging sustainable industries. The challenge of green investing is twofold: To increase personal wealth while avoiding harm to people and the environment. Ideally, socially responsible investing can help work to help make the world better. That can be a daunting task, but our green investing guide is an armory of tools that help you get started down the path to green...See less
Tell your friends about Green Homes for Sale: | Your name: | Your email address: | Friends name: | Friends email...
(06/06/09) Tell your friends about Green Homes for Sale: | Your name: | Your email address: | Friends name: | Friends email address: | Your privacy is absolutely assured - we do not save email addresses.See less
available at greenhomesforsale.com
Choose Wisely & Make a Difference Learn how your extraordinary travel experience can benefit the environment and the...
(05/24/09) Choose Wisely & Make a Difference Learn how your extraordinary travel experience can benefit the environment and the local people. * Five Easy Steps: Planning your trip * Travel & Climate: Minimizing footprint * Green-Washing?: How to detectSee less
available at ecotourism.org
Sure, you know that saving the earth is important, but buying "green" products can be super-expensive. But there are...
(05/18/09) Sure, you know that saving the earth is important, but buying "green" products can be super-expensive. But there are affordable ways to do your part to lessen your environmental footprint — you'll even save some cash at the same time. Go Shopping (for New Appliances)! If your appliances are from the mid-'90s or before, they're probably so inefficient that it makes sense to replace them. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which means that they use 10 to 50 percent less water and energy than standard models—a substantial savings on your utility bills. (According to Department of Energy calculations, a new clothes washer can save you up to $110 a year on your energy bills.) Find more information on the Energy Star program. Break Out the Baking Soda Baking soda is a nontoxic substance that helps regulate pH, getting rid of bad odors caused by too much acidity (food, BO) and two much base (fish and smoke). Plus, it's a gentle cleanser. Make a paste with BS and water for a...See less
available at everydayhealth.com
You may associate the term "eco-fashion" with space-age fabrics made out of recycled bottles, or with actress Natalie...
(05/18/09) You may associate the term "eco-fashion" with space-age fabrics made out of recycled bottles, or with actress Natalie Portman's line of "vegan" footwear, but stylish, comfortable, and environmentally responsible clothing is becoming more popular and more widely available than ever before. Here are a few ways to get a little green into your closet: * Use what you've got. There's no need to ditch all your old clothes for new ones made with organic fabrics. Recycling (or revamping) the clothes you already have is one eco-friendly way to "green" your closet. Check to see whether you have items that can be mended: Fallen hems, missing buttons, and loose stitches can all be easily fixed. If you want to update the style of a sweater, top, skirt, or jeans, consider whether the item could benefit from an inexpensive makeover. Add a new trim, change the buttons, or cover a hole or a stain with a strategically placed appliqué. Books like Elissa Mayrich's Rip It: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct...See less
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