Technology, industrialisation, plastic money etc, are terms generally associated with development but little do we remember that these same terms are also the cause of ecological degradation. A lot of natural products are exploited for all the modern amenities we enjoy in our day to day life, including our clothes. Today, Earth is endangered with constant exploitation of nature and thus, the term eco-friendly, has gained importance.
For most of us cotton clothes are the definition of eco-friendly clothing but the reality is different. In the process of growing cotton used in our clothes, a lot of pesticide are used which has an inverse effect on the agricultural land. It is also called green clothing and aims at using materials which do not harm the nature and is biodegradable.
Some of the regular products used to make eco-friendly clothing are -
Organic Cotton – There is no use of pesticides, herbicides or insecticides in the process of growing the crop. Plantation of organic cotton is gaining popularity in many parts of the world.
Bamboo Fabric – Such clothes are made out of Bamboo Pulp. It does not need chlorine to bleach it and can be dyed easily with the use of very less amount of water.
Natural Dyes – Usually, harsh chemicals are used to dye the dresses and the same waste is then disposed in rivers and land. This destroys the eco system. Natural dyes on the other hand uses natural products like heena, beet root, berries etc, to colour clothes. These do not have any bad effect on the environment and also has grown up to be a fashion trend.
Jute – Jute is yet another product used in eco-friendly clothing. The process of making jute clothes does not demand chemicals. Jute shoes are also a great alternative to leather. Leather, need a lot of chemicals to polish and a smooth finish, unlike jute.
Eco-friendly Clothing In India
Eco-friendly clothing has grown up to be a leading trend among people and specially with Top brands like Van Heusen, Benetton, Wills Lifestyle, Arrow etc, introducing green clothing, the trend is a hit among teenagers.
In India, this trend was heralded by designer Anita Dongre’s label Grassroot, in 2007. Van Heusen's, brand Mudura Garments, launched it's green clothing as an attempt and was an instant hit.
Levi's, famous for their organic jeans in US has now decided to launch the same in India. The jeans will be made out of organic cotton and natural dyes. The button, on the other hand will be made out of coconut shell.
If natural products are used for clothes all cross the globe, it can reduce the natural degradation to a large extent. So, go -green with your dressing, to save the Earth.
Showing posts with label What we can do. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What we can do. Show all posts
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Environmental Education in Guinea Bissau
Environmental Education in Guinea Bissau
A hot topic for the classrom
Written by Tim
The Presidential Palace in Guinea Bissau lies derelict and burnt out. You can walk amongst the shards of broken crockery, blackened banisters and singed carpets. Its empty rooms are a fitting metaphor for this failing state.
Teachers in the public sector have not been paid in years. Portuguese, the official language, is hardly spoken by young people and the nation is reverting to a creole contributing to its international isolation.
In a country which ranks 10th from the bottom on the UN’s Human Development Index and where life expectancy is 47 there are perhaps more pressing concerns than educating people about climate change.
However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is doing just that. Nelson Gomez Dias, Country Director in Guinea Bissau, described the mobile laboratory used to educate children in Guinea Bissau on one of its most pressing environmental challenges. Biomass fuel.
Biomass fuel (charcoal and wood) is the single greatest contributor to deforestation in the world. The rural roads of Guinea Bissau are lined with sacks of the stuff on sale to truck drivers to transport to urban markets. And there is great demand as 80% of Africans rely on biomass for energy.
The IUCN takes its laboratory to schools across the country. Climate change per se is not on the curriculum. They believe you can only encourage people to act sustainably if you offer them a tangible improvement to their quality of life.
They ask children to boil two litres of water, trialling three methods: the traditional three stone fire with charcoal, with wood, and a biomass burning stove made from termite mud, cow dung and rice stalks. The latter performs better against all criteria: time to boil, amount of fuel required, energy required to fetch fuel, cost of fuel and associated health implications.
The lesson encourages children to use their resources more sustainably, teaching them how to make the stoves, using materials available throughout Guinea Bissau. Children are also extremely effective agents of change, nagging their parents to adopt the new stoves.
The programme targets the most vulnerable members of society, reducing women and children’s daily chores, whilst bringing cost savings and health benefits. Effective environmental education in a country where formal education has gone up in smoke.
Source: http://www.atlanticrising.org/case-studies/view.asp?id=19
http://www.atlanticrising.org/gallery/photo-view.asp?id=21
A hot topic for the classrom
Written by Tim
The Presidential Palace in Guinea Bissau lies derelict and burnt out. You can walk amongst the shards of broken crockery, blackened banisters and singed carpets. Its empty rooms are a fitting metaphor for this failing state.
Teachers in the public sector have not been paid in years. Portuguese, the official language, is hardly spoken by young people and the nation is reverting to a creole contributing to its international isolation.
In a country which ranks 10th from the bottom on the UN’s Human Development Index and where life expectancy is 47 there are perhaps more pressing concerns than educating people about climate change.
However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is doing just that. Nelson Gomez Dias, Country Director in Guinea Bissau, described the mobile laboratory used to educate children in Guinea Bissau on one of its most pressing environmental challenges. Biomass fuel.
Biomass fuel (charcoal and wood) is the single greatest contributor to deforestation in the world. The rural roads of Guinea Bissau are lined with sacks of the stuff on sale to truck drivers to transport to urban markets. And there is great demand as 80% of Africans rely on biomass for energy.
The IUCN takes its laboratory to schools across the country. Climate change per se is not on the curriculum. They believe you can only encourage people to act sustainably if you offer them a tangible improvement to their quality of life.
They ask children to boil two litres of water, trialling three methods: the traditional three stone fire with charcoal, with wood, and a biomass burning stove made from termite mud, cow dung and rice stalks. The latter performs better against all criteria: time to boil, amount of fuel required, energy required to fetch fuel, cost of fuel and associated health implications.
The lesson encourages children to use their resources more sustainably, teaching them how to make the stoves, using materials available throughout Guinea Bissau. Children are also extremely effective agents of change, nagging their parents to adopt the new stoves.
The programme targets the most vulnerable members of society, reducing women and children’s daily chores, whilst bringing cost savings and health benefits. Effective environmental education in a country where formal education has gone up in smoke.
Source: http://www.atlanticrising.org/case-studies/view.asp?id=19
http://www.atlanticrising.org/gallery/photo-view.asp?id=21
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Milk and Juice Carton Recycling Made Easy
Milk and Juice Carton Recycling Made Easy
Tropicana and Waste Management recently announced they are joining forces to launch a national initiative to increase the rate of juice and milk carton recycling. The initiative kicks off the long-term goal to increase beverage carton recycling nationwide, a program being promoted through the Carton Council.
Milk and juice cartons are made largely from paper sources and fall under the material category of paperboard. Though not accepted by all municipal curbside programs, more than 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling.
Though 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling, not all paperboard recyclers will accept milk and juice cartons. Photo: G-can.net
Waste Management will be accepting juice and milk cartons at all its recycling processing facilities across the country in order to increase their recycling rate. Waste Management separates the cartons from the other recyclables and sends them to a secondary mill for recycling.
Recycled through a process called hydropulping, which recovers a material’s paper fibers, the cartons are recycled into paper towels, tissue and other paper products. A typical Tropicana carton is made of 85 percent paper and 15 percent polymer, making the product largely recyclable.
“We are proud to be working with Waste Management to promote the expansion of carton recycling across the country and finding new ways to recycle our products into environmentally beneficial products,” says Andre Hartshorn, senior marketing manager for Tropicana Products, Inc.
This national carton recycling program builds off a successful pilot program in Tampa, Fla., where Tropicana and Waste Management, along with the Carton Council and Dean Foods, successfully expanded carton recycling availability and educated consumers about carton recycling.
Tropicana and Waste Management recently announced they are joining forces to launch a national initiative to increase the rate of juice and milk carton recycling. The initiative kicks off the long-term goal to increase beverage carton recycling nationwide, a program being promoted through the Carton Council.
Milk and juice cartons are made largely from paper sources and fall under the material category of paperboard. Though not accepted by all municipal curbside programs, more than 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling.
Though 85 percent of the U.S. population has access to paperboard recycling, not all paperboard recyclers will accept milk and juice cartons. Photo: G-can.net
Waste Management will be accepting juice and milk cartons at all its recycling processing facilities across the country in order to increase their recycling rate. Waste Management separates the cartons from the other recyclables and sends them to a secondary mill for recycling.
Recycled through a process called hydropulping, which recovers a material’s paper fibers, the cartons are recycled into paper towels, tissue and other paper products. A typical Tropicana carton is made of 85 percent paper and 15 percent polymer, making the product largely recyclable.
“We are proud to be working with Waste Management to promote the expansion of carton recycling across the country and finding new ways to recycle our products into environmentally beneficial products,” says Andre Hartshorn, senior marketing manager for Tropicana Products, Inc.
This national carton recycling program builds off a successful pilot program in Tampa, Fla., where Tropicana and Waste Management, along with the Carton Council and Dean Foods, successfully expanded carton recycling availability and educated consumers about carton recycling.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Super stars of Urban Areas - The Trees
Shade trees are the superstars of congested urban landscapes. In addition to their intrinsic aesthetic qualities, these low-tech workhorses reduce air and noise pollution, provide habitat for wildlife, increase property values, and offer cool respite for harried urbanites. Strategically planted shade trees decrease energy usage in urban buildings, absorb carbon dioxide, and supply fresh oxygen. It's no coincidence that researchers around the world are working to find the best shade trees for all types of urban environments.
Studies have proven on the "cooling effect" of shade trees in temperate urban areas, similar studies for sub/tropical areas are limited. Climate conditions & popular tree species in the tropics or subtropics are quite different from those in more temperate regions. Now, a research team from the Department of Horticulture at National Taiwan University has published a comprehensive study in HortScience that offers recommendations for landscape designers and urban planners in subtropical regions. Bau-Show Lin and Yann-Jou Lin evaluated the differences in cooling effect of trees and bamboo grown in Taipei, Taiwan.
The effect of shade trees on the air and surface-soil temperature reduction under the canopy was studied in a park in Taipei City, Taiwan. Ten species of trees and two species of bamboo, which had tightly clustered tall stems and spreading branches resembling trees, were chosen for the study. Microclimate conditions under the tree canopies and an unshaded open space were measured repeatedly at midday without precipitation. The researchers analyzed four characteristics of each plant related to cooling effect, determining that foliage density had the greatest contribution to cooling, followed by leaf thickness, leaf texture, and leaf color lightness. Regression analysis also revealed that solar radiation, wind velocity, and vapor pressure at the site had significant effects on temperature reduction attributable to shade trees or bamboo.
Twelve species in the study provided 0.64 to 2.52ºC lower air temperature and 3.28 to 8.07ºC lower surface-soil temperature under the canopies compared with the unshaded open site. When analyzed for "cooling effect," Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) and Rose wood (Pterocarpus indicus) were the determined to be the most effective, while Golden shower tree (Cassia fitula), Autumn maple (Bischofia javanica), and Swollen bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa) were the least effective. "The shading of U. parvifolia reduced air temperature by 2.52ºC but that of C. fitula only by 0.64ºC; the difference was almost fourfold," noted the authors.
"This research could help maximize the cooling effect of shade trees by careful selection of species based on their canopy and leaf characteristics," the authors said. They added that although the field studies were carried out in a park, the results can be applied to shade trees in other subtropical urban environments.
So people plant trees for our betterment.....
Each one plant one every year !!!! We cannot expect the Government to do all the works for us... lets take the initiatives
Studies have proven on the "cooling effect" of shade trees in temperate urban areas, similar studies for sub/tropical areas are limited. Climate conditions & popular tree species in the tropics or subtropics are quite different from those in more temperate regions. Now, a research team from the Department of Horticulture at National Taiwan University has published a comprehensive study in HortScience that offers recommendations for landscape designers and urban planners in subtropical regions. Bau-Show Lin and Yann-Jou Lin evaluated the differences in cooling effect of trees and bamboo grown in Taipei, Taiwan.
The effect of shade trees on the air and surface-soil temperature reduction under the canopy was studied in a park in Taipei City, Taiwan. Ten species of trees and two species of bamboo, which had tightly clustered tall stems and spreading branches resembling trees, were chosen for the study. Microclimate conditions under the tree canopies and an unshaded open space were measured repeatedly at midday without precipitation. The researchers analyzed four characteristics of each plant related to cooling effect, determining that foliage density had the greatest contribution to cooling, followed by leaf thickness, leaf texture, and leaf color lightness. Regression analysis also revealed that solar radiation, wind velocity, and vapor pressure at the site had significant effects on temperature reduction attributable to shade trees or bamboo.
Twelve species in the study provided 0.64 to 2.52ºC lower air temperature and 3.28 to 8.07ºC lower surface-soil temperature under the canopies compared with the unshaded open site. When analyzed for "cooling effect," Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) and Rose wood (Pterocarpus indicus) were the determined to be the most effective, while Golden shower tree (Cassia fitula), Autumn maple (Bischofia javanica), and Swollen bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa) were the least effective. "The shading of U. parvifolia reduced air temperature by 2.52ºC but that of C. fitula only by 0.64ºC; the difference was almost fourfold," noted the authors.
"This research could help maximize the cooling effect of shade trees by careful selection of species based on their canopy and leaf characteristics," the authors said. They added that although the field studies were carried out in a park, the results can be applied to shade trees in other subtropical urban environments.
So people plant trees for our betterment.....
Each one plant one every year !!!! We cannot expect the Government to do all the works for us... lets take the initiatives
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
10-Minute Green Home Makeovers
We know it’s not spring yet, and you’re still donning that oversize wool coat and chunky scarf. But we admit that we are still in a post-holiday funk and are in serious need of some organization and motivation.
So we took a room-by-room tour around our own homes to find the solutions the your biggest clutter conundrums, disposal dilemmas and decorating difficulties.
Living Room
Problem: I have a truckload of defunct electronics.
No it’s not a good idea to set that bulky 1980s television on the curb in hopes that your trash collector will pick it up. E-waste is a serious issue for landfills because of the hazardous materials found in electronics (would you like some lead, mercury or cadmium in your drinking water?).
Look cozy? All you may need to spice up your living room is a simple change in the way it is lit
According to a new survey by Pike Research, the average consumer has 2.8 unused electronic devices sitting around the house.
Try searching for an e-waste event or recycling program in your local area on Earth911. Here are some other solutions we like:
DVDs and CDs – Two excellent resources for disc disposal are Back Thru the Future and the CD Recycling Center of America. While you pay the shipping costs, there is no recycling fee at either of these organizations. Remember to use the U.S. Postal Service’s “media rate” for the best prices.
Televisions – After television stations switched to digital signals in February 2009, the number of televisions disposed of increased. For information on television take-back programs and to see how well manufacturers scored on their recycling efforts, visit TakeBackMyTv.com.
Problem: My furniture is less than lack-luster.
This author had a bright red couch, which, at the time, seemed like smart and stylish purchase for her living room. But after countless movie nights, Sunday afternoon naps and TV marathons, that cherry red turned into a dull pink eyesore. But instead of buying a new couch (which could run you more than $1,000), consider using a slipcover. We really like Sure Fit, which has slipcovers of all brands for chairs, loveseats and sofas. If you’re really ambitious, you can even make your own cover.
Problem: It’s just not cozy.
It may not seem like a big deal, but the ambiance of your home is all about the way it’s lit. That off-balance ceiling fan may be directly affecting the “glow” of the room. But before you rip it out and spend hundreds to replace it, consider that it may just be the bulbs. Do you really need four 70-watt bulbs for 200 square feet? Probably not.
Make the switch to a more energy-efficient bulb. Yes, there will be an upfront cost. CFLs can cost up to 10 times more than an incandescent bulb, and the even more energy-efficient LEDs can cost up to $50 for a single bulb. However, the cost difference is typically negated both in energy bill savings and longevity of the bulb. Typical incandescent bulbs last only 1,000 to 2,000 hours, while some estimates quote LED lifespans from 25,000 to 50,000 hours.
Kitchen
Problem: My appliances are outdated.
Then you are one lucky consumer right now. Last the month, the government rolled out its Cash for Appliances program, which will utilize nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund a rebate program that encourages consumers to purchase ENERGY STAR certified appliances. But get out your checkbook. Be prepared to budget about $550 to $8,500 for a refrigerator and $250 to $1,650 for dishwasher. It may seem like more money, but you’ll save $240 to $340 annually.
Running out of cabinet space? Don't forget about your walls for your cookbooks, utensils and other odds and ends.
Problem: I have no space.
We’ve seen great cooks in kitchens that are too small to open the refrigerator and stove door at the same time (true story for this author’s college digs). A tall order it may seem, but creating more kitchen space is easier (and cheaper) than you think, and it doesn’t include a sledgehammer and a week-long kitchen remodel.
* Start by cleaning out your kitchen cupboards. Recycle and donate what you can. This will give you more storage space for items that you may not use every day and do not need on your counter top (such as your blender).
* Think about your space from floor to ceiling – including your walls. You can easily hang pots and pans, oven mitts or your spice rack. Check out Space Savers for creative organization solutions.
* Don’t forget about the cabinet doors. Look for over-the-door organizers to hold lightweight items like Tupperware lids or dish towels.
* Put your dishes on double duty. Use your “I Heart NY” mug as utensil storage, that mason jar for macaroni noodles and your serving bowl for a fresh fruit display.
Problem: I want to recycle, but I don’t know where to start.
Although there are general guidelines for recycling, unfortunately there is no one unified nationwide recycling program. Because of this, you should start out your at-home recycling quest by researching your community’s recycling policies and procedures.
If your local recycling is single-stream, you can put all your recyclables into one bin. If it is dual-stream, your recyclables will need to be separated. You can do this by breaking your waste up into categories such as paper and cardboard, plastics, glass, certain metals and other material types.
Put a personal spin on your bin to really get everyone involved. Once your container system is ready, decorate it and designate its location. Here’s a quick tip: Three things that are recyclable that you will usually find in kitchen are plastic bottles, paper packaging and aluminum cans.
Bathroom
Problem: I use way too much water.
The average faucet flows at a rate of 2 gallons per minute, and a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water. So, we’re going back to elementary school for this one. Turning off the water when you brush and shave, taking shorter showers and flushing judiciously can all save hundreds of gallons of water.
Take it a step further and install a low-flow showerhead or an aerator on your sink. Together they can reduce your household water use by up to 50 percent, which will save you money.
Problem: It’s a mess under my sink.
You know what we’re referring to: half-empty shampoo bottles, lotions with intolerable fragrances and once-trendy-now-gaudy cosmetics. Consolidate what’s possible, and remember to recycle the containers.
Rethinking the way you use hygiene products starts here. Read the backs of your bottles. Some personal hygiene and beauty products contain harmful substances known to be skin irritants, poisons and even carcinogens.
So, which ingredients should you avoid and what products might contain them? In partnership with the Environmental Working Group, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has created Skin Deep, an online database of cosmetics and personal care products where you can check your sunscreen, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream and more for toxic ingredients.
Problem: It needs a super clean, but the fumes are too much for the small space.
The next time you have to wipe down the bathroom counter and clean the mirror above the sink, opt for products with fewer chemicals. We’re all for sparkling counter tops, but most standard cleaning products can irritate allergies, cause headaches and make your eyes burn. In fact, the EPA is reevaluating the health impact of chemicals that are present in everyday products and has developed an action plan for the treatment of four chemicals including phthalates.
Look for nontoxic cleaners such as Seventh Generation. Or save some cash and make a super-duty cleaner with ingredients from your pantry:
Vinegar – Mix one part vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle to clean counter tops, sinks and floors.
Lemon – Scrub surfaces and stains with a lemon that has been cut in half and sprinkled with baking soda on the flat side.
Office
Problem: I literally have mountains of paper.
One of the biggest space hoarders in any office is files. Hundreds upon hundreds of contracts, reports and applications in file cabinets can take up an entire wall of space in your office.
Reassess what you really need in hard-copy form. Many of these documents can be scanned and saved in electronic form. Shred, bag and recycle the sheets of paper. The most important thing to remember here is to back up any information you load onto an external hard drive with password protection. You can go digital and still be safe.
It may seem like a ton of work, but it's worth it. Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 trees, two barrels of oil, 4,100 kilowatts of energy, 3.2 cubic yards of landfill space and 60 pounds of air pollution.
Problem: Nothing is “green” or efficient.
According to the Department of Energy, office equipment accounts for 16 percent of an office’s energy use. The use of computers, printers, copiers and fax machines adds up, but simply turning your computer’s sleep mode on when you’re not using it can save energy. Here are some other energy-saving tips you can implement:
* Turn the machine off when you leave the office for the night.
* Activate sleep mode for printers, copiers and fax machines so they’ll sense inactive periods.
* Consider consolidating these machines by purchasing a machine that performs multiple office functions.
If you’re looking to purchase new office equipment, look for ENERGY STAR qualified products to cut down energy use and pollution.
Problem: I just can’t concentrate in my workspace.
Organization plays a key role in productivity. A clean space allows for more creativity and better concentration. But if you’re still in a jaded funk after organizing your office, a fresh coat of paint may do the trick and get you back on track.
According to Freshome Interior Design, color and mood go hand-in-hand. Blues and greens are great for reducing stress and relaxing. But if you’re looking for a burst of creativity and energy, paint one wall a shade of red or orange.
Earth911 consulted Behr paint to find out more about the color trends for 2010. “Whether light or dark, clean or muted, traditional or contemporary, new concepts in style take shape at the beginning of a new decade,” according to Behr’s 2010 Design & Color Trends report, noting that contrasting shades are tops this year, and that these palettes relate directly to “a world bursting with change, innovation and diversity.”
Garage
Problem: I have boxes of stuff I never use.
The garage is where products go to collect dust. You don’t plan on using them, but you store them in a corner “just in case.” Sporting goods, books, old electronics – all these items can be reused by someone else, reducing the need to manufacture new products.
Due to the various types of cleaning products, there are several methods for properly disposing of them. Household cleaning products that are hazardous should be properly disposed of by household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities
They don’t call it a garage sale for nothing. If you moved all your junk from the garage out to the driveway, you may be surprised what gets sold. Use sites like Craigslist and Freecycle or scout out a second-hand store to get a tax write-off.
Problem: It’s too cold.
Yes, this is an energy-sucking problem. The garage is probably one of your least insulated rooms in the house. It will be coldest in the winter, and warmest in the summer.
Minimize this impact by keeping any doors closed that connect the garage with your house. This will keep your energy costs down for heating and cooling your home.
Also keep in mind that extra appliances, like spare refrigerators and freezers, can take a toll on your electric bill. A refrigerator uses almost five times more electricity than the average television.
Rather than combating constant temperature fluctuations, assess if you really need a second refrigerator. If so, perhaps a smaller unit for beverages will work better than a full-size cooler.
Problem: I don’t know what to do with all these chemicals.
The garage is a popular spot for hazardous products like motor oil, freon, gasoline, pool chemicals, etc. If you’re housing these items, make sure they are properly stored in their containers. If you need to get rid of any old supplies, don’t dump them in the trash. Check for a local household hazardous waste collection event hosted by your municipality, or look for other ways to properly dispose of these items with Earth911’s recycling database.
So we took a room-by-room tour around our own homes to find the solutions the your biggest clutter conundrums, disposal dilemmas and decorating difficulties.
Living Room
Problem: I have a truckload of defunct electronics.
No it’s not a good idea to set that bulky 1980s television on the curb in hopes that your trash collector will pick it up. E-waste is a serious issue for landfills because of the hazardous materials found in electronics (would you like some lead, mercury or cadmium in your drinking water?).
Look cozy? All you may need to spice up your living room is a simple change in the way it is lit
According to a new survey by Pike Research, the average consumer has 2.8 unused electronic devices sitting around the house.
Try searching for an e-waste event or recycling program in your local area on Earth911. Here are some other solutions we like:
DVDs and CDs – Two excellent resources for disc disposal are Back Thru the Future and the CD Recycling Center of America. While you pay the shipping costs, there is no recycling fee at either of these organizations. Remember to use the U.S. Postal Service’s “media rate” for the best prices.
Televisions – After television stations switched to digital signals in February 2009, the number of televisions disposed of increased. For information on television take-back programs and to see how well manufacturers scored on their recycling efforts, visit TakeBackMyTv.com.
Problem: My furniture is less than lack-luster.
This author had a bright red couch, which, at the time, seemed like smart and stylish purchase for her living room. But after countless movie nights, Sunday afternoon naps and TV marathons, that cherry red turned into a dull pink eyesore. But instead of buying a new couch (which could run you more than $1,000), consider using a slipcover. We really like Sure Fit, which has slipcovers of all brands for chairs, loveseats and sofas. If you’re really ambitious, you can even make your own cover.
Problem: It’s just not cozy.
It may not seem like a big deal, but the ambiance of your home is all about the way it’s lit. That off-balance ceiling fan may be directly affecting the “glow” of the room. But before you rip it out and spend hundreds to replace it, consider that it may just be the bulbs. Do you really need four 70-watt bulbs for 200 square feet? Probably not.
Make the switch to a more energy-efficient bulb. Yes, there will be an upfront cost. CFLs can cost up to 10 times more than an incandescent bulb, and the even more energy-efficient LEDs can cost up to $50 for a single bulb. However, the cost difference is typically negated both in energy bill savings and longevity of the bulb. Typical incandescent bulbs last only 1,000 to 2,000 hours, while some estimates quote LED lifespans from 25,000 to 50,000 hours.
Kitchen
Problem: My appliances are outdated.
Then you are one lucky consumer right now. Last the month, the government rolled out its Cash for Appliances program, which will utilize nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund a rebate program that encourages consumers to purchase ENERGY STAR certified appliances. But get out your checkbook. Be prepared to budget about $550 to $8,500 for a refrigerator and $250 to $1,650 for dishwasher. It may seem like more money, but you’ll save $240 to $340 annually.
Running out of cabinet space? Don't forget about your walls for your cookbooks, utensils and other odds and ends.
Problem: I have no space.
We’ve seen great cooks in kitchens that are too small to open the refrigerator and stove door at the same time (true story for this author’s college digs). A tall order it may seem, but creating more kitchen space is easier (and cheaper) than you think, and it doesn’t include a sledgehammer and a week-long kitchen remodel.
* Start by cleaning out your kitchen cupboards. Recycle and donate what you can. This will give you more storage space for items that you may not use every day and do not need on your counter top (such as your blender).
* Think about your space from floor to ceiling – including your walls. You can easily hang pots and pans, oven mitts or your spice rack. Check out Space Savers for creative organization solutions.
* Don’t forget about the cabinet doors. Look for over-the-door organizers to hold lightweight items like Tupperware lids or dish towels.
* Put your dishes on double duty. Use your “I Heart NY” mug as utensil storage, that mason jar for macaroni noodles and your serving bowl for a fresh fruit display.
Problem: I want to recycle, but I don’t know where to start.
Although there are general guidelines for recycling, unfortunately there is no one unified nationwide recycling program. Because of this, you should start out your at-home recycling quest by researching your community’s recycling policies and procedures.
If your local recycling is single-stream, you can put all your recyclables into one bin. If it is dual-stream, your recyclables will need to be separated. You can do this by breaking your waste up into categories such as paper and cardboard, plastics, glass, certain metals and other material types.
Put a personal spin on your bin to really get everyone involved. Once your container system is ready, decorate it and designate its location. Here’s a quick tip: Three things that are recyclable that you will usually find in kitchen are plastic bottles, paper packaging and aluminum cans.
Bathroom
Problem: I use way too much water.
The average faucet flows at a rate of 2 gallons per minute, and a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water. So, we’re going back to elementary school for this one. Turning off the water when you brush and shave, taking shorter showers and flushing judiciously can all save hundreds of gallons of water.
Take it a step further and install a low-flow showerhead or an aerator on your sink. Together they can reduce your household water use by up to 50 percent, which will save you money.
Problem: It’s a mess under my sink.
You know what we’re referring to: half-empty shampoo bottles, lotions with intolerable fragrances and once-trendy-now-gaudy cosmetics. Consolidate what’s possible, and remember to recycle the containers.
Rethinking the way you use hygiene products starts here. Read the backs of your bottles. Some personal hygiene and beauty products contain harmful substances known to be skin irritants, poisons and even carcinogens.
So, which ingredients should you avoid and what products might contain them? In partnership with the Environmental Working Group, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has created Skin Deep, an online database of cosmetics and personal care products where you can check your sunscreen, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream and more for toxic ingredients.
Problem: It needs a super clean, but the fumes are too much for the small space.
The next time you have to wipe down the bathroom counter and clean the mirror above the sink, opt for products with fewer chemicals. We’re all for sparkling counter tops, but most standard cleaning products can irritate allergies, cause headaches and make your eyes burn. In fact, the EPA is reevaluating the health impact of chemicals that are present in everyday products and has developed an action plan for the treatment of four chemicals including phthalates.
Look for nontoxic cleaners such as Seventh Generation. Or save some cash and make a super-duty cleaner with ingredients from your pantry:
Vinegar – Mix one part vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle to clean counter tops, sinks and floors.
Lemon – Scrub surfaces and stains with a lemon that has been cut in half and sprinkled with baking soda on the flat side.
Office
Problem: I literally have mountains of paper.
One of the biggest space hoarders in any office is files. Hundreds upon hundreds of contracts, reports and applications in file cabinets can take up an entire wall of space in your office.
Reassess what you really need in hard-copy form. Many of these documents can be scanned and saved in electronic form. Shred, bag and recycle the sheets of paper. The most important thing to remember here is to back up any information you load onto an external hard drive with password protection. You can go digital and still be safe.
It may seem like a ton of work, but it's worth it. Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 trees, two barrels of oil, 4,100 kilowatts of energy, 3.2 cubic yards of landfill space and 60 pounds of air pollution.
Problem: Nothing is “green” or efficient.
According to the Department of Energy, office equipment accounts for 16 percent of an office’s energy use. The use of computers, printers, copiers and fax machines adds up, but simply turning your computer’s sleep mode on when you’re not using it can save energy. Here are some other energy-saving tips you can implement:
* Turn the machine off when you leave the office for the night.
* Activate sleep mode for printers, copiers and fax machines so they’ll sense inactive periods.
* Consider consolidating these machines by purchasing a machine that performs multiple office functions.
If you’re looking to purchase new office equipment, look for ENERGY STAR qualified products to cut down energy use and pollution.
Problem: I just can’t concentrate in my workspace.
Organization plays a key role in productivity. A clean space allows for more creativity and better concentration. But if you’re still in a jaded funk after organizing your office, a fresh coat of paint may do the trick and get you back on track.
According to Freshome Interior Design, color and mood go hand-in-hand. Blues and greens are great for reducing stress and relaxing. But if you’re looking for a burst of creativity and energy, paint one wall a shade of red or orange.
Earth911 consulted Behr paint to find out more about the color trends for 2010. “Whether light or dark, clean or muted, traditional or contemporary, new concepts in style take shape at the beginning of a new decade,” according to Behr’s 2010 Design & Color Trends report, noting that contrasting shades are tops this year, and that these palettes relate directly to “a world bursting with change, innovation and diversity.”
Garage
Problem: I have boxes of stuff I never use.
The garage is where products go to collect dust. You don’t plan on using them, but you store them in a corner “just in case.” Sporting goods, books, old electronics – all these items can be reused by someone else, reducing the need to manufacture new products.
Due to the various types of cleaning products, there are several methods for properly disposing of them. Household cleaning products that are hazardous should be properly disposed of by household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities
They don’t call it a garage sale for nothing. If you moved all your junk from the garage out to the driveway, you may be surprised what gets sold. Use sites like Craigslist and Freecycle or scout out a second-hand store to get a tax write-off.
Problem: It’s too cold.
Yes, this is an energy-sucking problem. The garage is probably one of your least insulated rooms in the house. It will be coldest in the winter, and warmest in the summer.
Minimize this impact by keeping any doors closed that connect the garage with your house. This will keep your energy costs down for heating and cooling your home.
Also keep in mind that extra appliances, like spare refrigerators and freezers, can take a toll on your electric bill. A refrigerator uses almost five times more electricity than the average television.
Rather than combating constant temperature fluctuations, assess if you really need a second refrigerator. If so, perhaps a smaller unit for beverages will work better than a full-size cooler.
Problem: I don’t know what to do with all these chemicals.
The garage is a popular spot for hazardous products like motor oil, freon, gasoline, pool chemicals, etc. If you’re housing these items, make sure they are properly stored in their containers. If you need to get rid of any old supplies, don’t dump them in the trash. Check for a local household hazardous waste collection event hosted by your municipality, or look for other ways to properly dispose of these items with Earth911’s recycling database.
Top 10 Green Gadgets
1. Solar Necklace With LED night
An increasing number of companies are looking forward towards using green technology and thus a variety of eco-friendly products appear on the market, highlighting a new stage in the field. What you are currently observing is a necklace called Lux.
The device was designed by May Yokohama. The necklace is composed of a set of small solar panels that accumulate energy during the day and then use this energy at night to power the LED lights that beautifully enrich the necklace. The panels need only a couple of hours to gather enough energy to make the LED lights radiate for four hours. The solar necklace is a simple and yet stylish representative of green technology.
2. Solar-Powered and Bluetooth Headphones
Using the energy of the sun these huge Bluetooth headphones were developed by a student from Transylvania University of Brasov, Shepeleff Stephen. The gadget is dubbed Q-Sound and though the headphones will probably make you feel like some kind of weirdo, they are still unique and most importantly they are eco-friendly.
Q-Sound features solar cells installed across the headband's top. These solar cells can generate power for the two removable rechargeable NiMH batteries, both having a capacity of 800mAh with an operating voltage of 1.2V. The headphones allow you to run Bluetooth and an mp3 player. On a full charge the device can run for up to 40 hours.
3. Solar-Powered Netbook from iUnika
Imaging leaving your netbook with a dead battery on the sun and then discover that its battery is fully charged. This beautiful 1.5 pound netbook could be one of the greatest steps towards dealing with the biggest problems of ultra-portable computers, i.e. battery life. Surely the solar-powered Gyy netbook from iUnika will not be able to run graphics-heavy computer games, but it is still stylish, eco-friendly and inexpensive, being available for just $ 180.
The netbook includes an 8-inch monitor, 400MHz processor and 128MB of RAM. It might not be a powerful computer but it is definitely a unique device made of sustainable components. Its body is made of bioplastics and biodegradable materials that were created from starch and cellulose. The back of the Gyy monitor features solar panels. It is expected that the gadget will hit the stores this summer.
4. Coffee Printer Uses Coffee Grounds to Make Eco Ink for Printer
A great idea for coffee lovers - the RITI Coffee printer, which offers a "green" way of transforming old coffee grounds into sustainable source of ink you can use for you printer. The device simply plugs the leftover grounds from your coffee into an ink cartridge, thus making an environmentally friendly source of ink. If your morning ritual involves a cup of coffee and a newspaper, then you will most likely start looking for this gadget in the stores.
5. Solar-Powered Lunchbox
The idea of developing a solar lunchbox came to Teo Song Wei. This green gadget uses solar energy to keep your food warm, which is very useful if you like to take some food to the office or give some snacks to your kids. It is a very interesting idea, which is yet to be developed, since currently it is just a concept.
6. Solar-Powered Wifi Repeaters
Meraki presented this incredible solar-powered Wi-Fi repeater that can provide Internet access to people in remote regions. The gadget is ideal for national parks and rural areas, being easy to set up and entirely energy-independent. Besides, the gadget is powered by a high-tech solar-charged battery.
This solar repeater is composed of a mesh radio, a solar panel and a pole mount. It is a great way of making Internet available in developing countries, but still the only drawback is the gadget's price that can vary from $ 900 to $ 1500.
7. Solarbulb Uses Old Plastic Bottles as Lamps
This is an original solution for lighting up your garden. The miniWIZ brings you this impressive solar-powered outdoor lamp that features the Hymini Portable Wind Charger. Taking advantage of old plastic bottles, the Solarbulb represents an ingenious solution for night lighting. All you have to do is attach the bulb to a bottle and get 6 hours of non-stop night lighting from 0.18 W solar cells. The LED light starts radiating after its sensors automatically identify the darkness.
It is worth mentioning that the casing of the lamp is both UV-ABS weatherproofed and water resistant, which means you can fill the bottles with water in order to intensify the light and weight the lamp down in case you leave in a windy area.
8. Solar Battery Charger from Energizer
The Solar Battery Recharger is Energizer's new eco-friendly gadget. With its help you can charge both AA and AAA batteries using renewable energy. The gadget can hold several batteries simultaneously.
In addition, in includes a USM port that allow charging a number of mobile phones, GPS devices, cameras, as well as iPods. In case you want to recharge batteries in a cloudy day you can use the Solar battery Charger the usual way, i.e. plug it into an electrical outlet. The device comes with two rechargeable batteries. Quite useful in case you like to travel a lot.
9. Solar-Powered Robotic Lawnmower
This smart garner mower is called RBZG001 Solar Lawnmower Robot. The green gadget charges using solar energy. Besides it takes advantage of network technology in order to add intelligence on its mowing behavior.
Special technology allows the RBZG001 Solar Lawnmower Robot to climb slopes and make out its route automatically. The robot can avoid obstacles with the help of integrated image recognition software. The gadget is surely a good helper for any gardener. Though the price is not known yet, the device is expected to be rather pricey.
10. COM-BAT - Solar-Powered Spy Plane
This gadget was conceived by the United States military as a tool of collecting information for soldiers. The design of the robotic spy plane was dubbed COM-BAT. The Army gave engineers at the University of Michigan College of Engineering a $ 10 million grant to create the bat-shaped spy plane in five years. COM-BAT would be powered by the sun, wind and vibrations.
Engineers will use the grant to built a Center for Objective Microelectronics and Biomimetic Advanced Technology (COM-BAT) that will create sensors, communication equipment, as well as batteries for the spy-plane. Some of the concepts for the bat include miniature cameras for stereo vision, a series of mini-microphones able to follow sounds coming from different directions, and tiny detectors able to identify nuclear radiation and poisonous gases.
In addition, the plane will feature "quantum dot solar cells" that have the capacity two times that of photovoltaics. COM-BAT will also include an independent navigation system that is 1,000 times smaller than the systems used today.
An increasing number of companies are looking forward towards using green technology and thus a variety of eco-friendly products appear on the market, highlighting a new stage in the field. What you are currently observing is a necklace called Lux.
The device was designed by May Yokohama. The necklace is composed of a set of small solar panels that accumulate energy during the day and then use this energy at night to power the LED lights that beautifully enrich the necklace. The panels need only a couple of hours to gather enough energy to make the LED lights radiate for four hours. The solar necklace is a simple and yet stylish representative of green technology.
2. Solar-Powered and Bluetooth Headphones
Using the energy of the sun these huge Bluetooth headphones were developed by a student from Transylvania University of Brasov, Shepeleff Stephen. The gadget is dubbed Q-Sound and though the headphones will probably make you feel like some kind of weirdo, they are still unique and most importantly they are eco-friendly.
Q-Sound features solar cells installed across the headband's top. These solar cells can generate power for the two removable rechargeable NiMH batteries, both having a capacity of 800mAh with an operating voltage of 1.2V. The headphones allow you to run Bluetooth and an mp3 player. On a full charge the device can run for up to 40 hours.
3. Solar-Powered Netbook from iUnika
Imaging leaving your netbook with a dead battery on the sun and then discover that its battery is fully charged. This beautiful 1.5 pound netbook could be one of the greatest steps towards dealing with the biggest problems of ultra-portable computers, i.e. battery life. Surely the solar-powered Gyy netbook from iUnika will not be able to run graphics-heavy computer games, but it is still stylish, eco-friendly and inexpensive, being available for just $ 180.
The netbook includes an 8-inch monitor, 400MHz processor and 128MB of RAM. It might not be a powerful computer but it is definitely a unique device made of sustainable components. Its body is made of bioplastics and biodegradable materials that were created from starch and cellulose. The back of the Gyy monitor features solar panels. It is expected that the gadget will hit the stores this summer.
4. Coffee Printer Uses Coffee Grounds to Make Eco Ink for Printer
A great idea for coffee lovers - the RITI Coffee printer, which offers a "green" way of transforming old coffee grounds into sustainable source of ink you can use for you printer. The device simply plugs the leftover grounds from your coffee into an ink cartridge, thus making an environmentally friendly source of ink. If your morning ritual involves a cup of coffee and a newspaper, then you will most likely start looking for this gadget in the stores.
5. Solar-Powered Lunchbox
The idea of developing a solar lunchbox came to Teo Song Wei. This green gadget uses solar energy to keep your food warm, which is very useful if you like to take some food to the office or give some snacks to your kids. It is a very interesting idea, which is yet to be developed, since currently it is just a concept.
6. Solar-Powered Wifi Repeaters
Meraki presented this incredible solar-powered Wi-Fi repeater that can provide Internet access to people in remote regions. The gadget is ideal for national parks and rural areas, being easy to set up and entirely energy-independent. Besides, the gadget is powered by a high-tech solar-charged battery.
This solar repeater is composed of a mesh radio, a solar panel and a pole mount. It is a great way of making Internet available in developing countries, but still the only drawback is the gadget's price that can vary from $ 900 to $ 1500.
7. Solarbulb Uses Old Plastic Bottles as Lamps
This is an original solution for lighting up your garden. The miniWIZ brings you this impressive solar-powered outdoor lamp that features the Hymini Portable Wind Charger. Taking advantage of old plastic bottles, the Solarbulb represents an ingenious solution for night lighting. All you have to do is attach the bulb to a bottle and get 6 hours of non-stop night lighting from 0.18 W solar cells. The LED light starts radiating after its sensors automatically identify the darkness.
It is worth mentioning that the casing of the lamp is both UV-ABS weatherproofed and water resistant, which means you can fill the bottles with water in order to intensify the light and weight the lamp down in case you leave in a windy area.
8. Solar Battery Charger from Energizer
The Solar Battery Recharger is Energizer's new eco-friendly gadget. With its help you can charge both AA and AAA batteries using renewable energy. The gadget can hold several batteries simultaneously.
In addition, in includes a USM port that allow charging a number of mobile phones, GPS devices, cameras, as well as iPods. In case you want to recharge batteries in a cloudy day you can use the Solar battery Charger the usual way, i.e. plug it into an electrical outlet. The device comes with two rechargeable batteries. Quite useful in case you like to travel a lot.
9. Solar-Powered Robotic Lawnmower
This smart garner mower is called RBZG001 Solar Lawnmower Robot. The green gadget charges using solar energy. Besides it takes advantage of network technology in order to add intelligence on its mowing behavior.
Special technology allows the RBZG001 Solar Lawnmower Robot to climb slopes and make out its route automatically. The robot can avoid obstacles with the help of integrated image recognition software. The gadget is surely a good helper for any gardener. Though the price is not known yet, the device is expected to be rather pricey.
10. COM-BAT - Solar-Powered Spy Plane
This gadget was conceived by the United States military as a tool of collecting information for soldiers. The design of the robotic spy plane was dubbed COM-BAT. The Army gave engineers at the University of Michigan College of Engineering a $ 10 million grant to create the bat-shaped spy plane in five years. COM-BAT would be powered by the sun, wind and vibrations.
Engineers will use the grant to built a Center for Objective Microelectronics and Biomimetic Advanced Technology (COM-BAT) that will create sensors, communication equipment, as well as batteries for the spy-plane. Some of the concepts for the bat include miniature cameras for stereo vision, a series of mini-microphones able to follow sounds coming from different directions, and tiny detectors able to identify nuclear radiation and poisonous gases.
In addition, the plane will feature "quantum dot solar cells" that have the capacity two times that of photovoltaics. COM-BAT will also include an independent navigation system that is 1,000 times smaller than the systems used today.
Monday, April 19, 2010
How eco-friendly is Mobile Internet?
Nokia says that updating your Facebook status from a mobile phone consumes about 100 times less energy than if you were to do the same activity from a desktop PC.
Also, if only 100 million people were to use mobile phones instead of desktop computers to browse the Internet one hour a day, the amount of energy saved would be roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 430,000 cars.
There are about 1.4 billion Internet users worldwide and around 46% of them use Internet from both PC and their mobile phones according to this chart from DataViz.
Also, if only 100 million people were to use mobile phones instead of desktop computers to browse the Internet one hour a day, the amount of energy saved would be roughly equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 430,000 cars.
There are about 1.4 billion Internet users worldwide and around 46% of them use Internet from both PC and their mobile phones according to this chart from DataViz.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Top 7 Eco-Friendly Mobile Phones
Let's not waste time on foreplay and get straight to business. Here are the top 7 green mobile phones I selected for my dear readers:
1. Sharp SH002 Solar Phone
This eco-friendly mobile phone provides a number of useful features like GPS and Bluetooth; besides, it's waterproof. The solar panel incorporated here requires only 30 minutes of sunlight exposure, to give you 140 minutes of standby and 2 minutes of communications. If you expose the phone to the sun for 90 minutes, you'll be able to communicate for 9 minutes or get 560 minutes of standby. The phone also has one interesting feature - Golf Mode, which unfortunately works only in Japan. It includes information on 2300 golf courses throughout the country, thus using the GPS you can get to the desired golf field.
2. LG Solar-Powered Phone
Another solar-powered mobile phone comes from LG. The device includes a solar-powered battery mounted into the back cover. Ten minutes of sunlight exposure allow you to talk for 10 minutes. Logically, the more you expose the phone to the sun the more talk time you get. In future the company hopes to pack its green devices into environmentally-friendly boxes, using recycled paper with cardboard that won't include laminate coating. In addition, the company wants to remove from the phone-manufacturing process such chemicals as brominated flame retardants (BFR), chlorinated flame retardants (CFR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by 2010. This model also has the HFB-500 Bluetooth solar car kit that allows you to drive your car while talking on the phone without having to hold the device.
3. Samsung Blue Earth
Samsung unveiled an incredible eco-friendly phone with a full solar panel installed on its back, able to generate power when exposed to the sun. Besides, for an eco gadget the Blue Earth is quite small and comfortable to use. But Samsung went on with its device, making its body from recycle water bottles, without using brominated flame retardants, beryllium and phthalates. You can use the phone's features to turn on the energy saving mode, use a CO2 calculator, as well as a pedometer. The phone's packaging is made of recycled paper.
4. ZTE The Coral-200
The solar-powered device you see here comes from a Chinese mobile phone maker ZTE. Coral-200 represents a solar-powered handset that has one very important feature - its price, which is $ 40. The phone uses the Dutch-based technology and will help those who do not have access to regular power. One hour of sunlight exposure gives its users the possibility to talk for 15 minutes. It's not much considering the previous models, but it definitely catches on them with its (let's face it) incredible price. The company wants to sell its phone to 2 million people who do not have access to the energy network, which is why is achieved a partnership with Digicel, a network provider that does business in developing countries and provides solar-powered charges.
5. Natural Year Phone: Biodegradable Grass Handset
This device might look like a brick of grass, enriched with a keypad, but the Natural Year Phone concept developed by Je-Hyun Kim focuses on the lifecycle of mobile phones (which you don't see that often). After two years of functioning the bio phone degrades into pieces of grass so it would later be recycled - pretty weird, which is why it was listed here. What is worth mentioning here is that the phone biodegrades automatically, right after its two-year lifecycle ends. After that, the pieces can be recycled to create a new cellular phone.
6. Motorola Renew W233
Motorola registered a great slump in sales and it looks forward to come back among the best with a touch of eco-friendliness. With the world's first carbon neutral mobile phone the company wanted to show that it now pays more attention to e-waste. It is worth mentioning that Motorola's Renew W233 is the first certified Carbonfree mobile phone on the market today. It features a 100 percent recyclable case created from recycled water bottles. The phone includes a variety of other green features. After the phone reaches the end of its lifecycle, it can be recycled - all you have to do is place it in a prepaid envelope that comes with the box. Besides, the packaging uses 22 percent less material and the phone's manual is printed on a recycled paper with the help of soy-based ink.
7. Sony Ericsson C901 and Naite
The popular mobile phone manufacturer was not left behind in the field of eco-friendly gadgets. Recently it introduced two incredible phones, the Naite and the C901 cybershot phone. The "green" features of both models include reduced packaging, energy-saving chargers and 100 percent recycled headsets. Besides, you can recycle the phone as soon as you want another device. The paper manual is included in the headset, which eliminates the need of using paper and thus reducing the carbon footprint of the device by approximately 15 percent.
1. Sharp SH002 Solar Phone
This eco-friendly mobile phone provides a number of useful features like GPS and Bluetooth; besides, it's waterproof. The solar panel incorporated here requires only 30 minutes of sunlight exposure, to give you 140 minutes of standby and 2 minutes of communications. If you expose the phone to the sun for 90 minutes, you'll be able to communicate for 9 minutes or get 560 minutes of standby. The phone also has one interesting feature - Golf Mode, which unfortunately works only in Japan. It includes information on 2300 golf courses throughout the country, thus using the GPS you can get to the desired golf field.
2. LG Solar-Powered Phone
Another solar-powered mobile phone comes from LG. The device includes a solar-powered battery mounted into the back cover. Ten minutes of sunlight exposure allow you to talk for 10 minutes. Logically, the more you expose the phone to the sun the more talk time you get. In future the company hopes to pack its green devices into environmentally-friendly boxes, using recycled paper with cardboard that won't include laminate coating. In addition, the company wants to remove from the phone-manufacturing process such chemicals as brominated flame retardants (BFR), chlorinated flame retardants (CFR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by 2010. This model also has the HFB-500 Bluetooth solar car kit that allows you to drive your car while talking on the phone without having to hold the device.
3. Samsung Blue Earth
Samsung unveiled an incredible eco-friendly phone with a full solar panel installed on its back, able to generate power when exposed to the sun. Besides, for an eco gadget the Blue Earth is quite small and comfortable to use. But Samsung went on with its device, making its body from recycle water bottles, without using brominated flame retardants, beryllium and phthalates. You can use the phone's features to turn on the energy saving mode, use a CO2 calculator, as well as a pedometer. The phone's packaging is made of recycled paper.
4. ZTE The Coral-200
The solar-powered device you see here comes from a Chinese mobile phone maker ZTE. Coral-200 represents a solar-powered handset that has one very important feature - its price, which is $ 40. The phone uses the Dutch-based technology and will help those who do not have access to regular power. One hour of sunlight exposure gives its users the possibility to talk for 15 minutes. It's not much considering the previous models, but it definitely catches on them with its (let's face it) incredible price. The company wants to sell its phone to 2 million people who do not have access to the energy network, which is why is achieved a partnership with Digicel, a network provider that does business in developing countries and provides solar-powered charges.
5. Natural Year Phone: Biodegradable Grass Handset
This device might look like a brick of grass, enriched with a keypad, but the Natural Year Phone concept developed by Je-Hyun Kim focuses on the lifecycle of mobile phones (which you don't see that often). After two years of functioning the bio phone degrades into pieces of grass so it would later be recycled - pretty weird, which is why it was listed here. What is worth mentioning here is that the phone biodegrades automatically, right after its two-year lifecycle ends. After that, the pieces can be recycled to create a new cellular phone.
6. Motorola Renew W233
Motorola registered a great slump in sales and it looks forward to come back among the best with a touch of eco-friendliness. With the world's first carbon neutral mobile phone the company wanted to show that it now pays more attention to e-waste. It is worth mentioning that Motorola's Renew W233 is the first certified Carbonfree mobile phone on the market today. It features a 100 percent recyclable case created from recycled water bottles. The phone includes a variety of other green features. After the phone reaches the end of its lifecycle, it can be recycled - all you have to do is place it in a prepaid envelope that comes with the box. Besides, the packaging uses 22 percent less material and the phone's manual is printed on a recycled paper with the help of soy-based ink.
7. Sony Ericsson C901 and Naite
The popular mobile phone manufacturer was not left behind in the field of eco-friendly gadgets. Recently it introduced two incredible phones, the Naite and the C901 cybershot phone. The "green" features of both models include reduced packaging, energy-saving chargers and 100 percent recycled headsets. Besides, you can recycle the phone as soon as you want another device. The paper manual is included in the headset, which eliminates the need of using paper and thus reducing the carbon footprint of the device by approximately 15 percent.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Roll-up for the world’s largest mangrove planting project
Roll-up for the world’s largest mangrove planting project
Seeds of conservation success in Sandicoly, Senegal
Written by Tim
"Become a superhero, plant your mangrove today”, declared the poster.
Eager to enter the pantheon of mangrove superheroes we headed to the Saloum Delta in Senegal where the world’s largest ever mangrove planting project is underway. Organised by local NGO, Oceanium, almost 30 million mangroves have been planted since June.
The mangrove itself is a hero among flora. It provides firewood for cooking and smoking fish, branches for tortoise-shaped village rooftops, and breeding grounds for countless species of fish, including oysters that cling stubbornly to the mangroves’ spider-like roots.
Abdoulaye Diouf, Chef de Zone in Sandicoly, tells us that the fishermen had noticed a decline in the number of fish in recent years. This was attributed to over-fishing and a decline in mangrove coverage caused by unseasonal heavy rains.
As well as replenishing depleted mangrove stocks, Jean Goepp, Oceanium’s Project Coordinator, says that the project teaches people to conserve their resources. “People must re-plant their common resources, not just their gardens”, he says. Mr Diouf says the village is now aware that it must use all its resources sustainably – sea, forest and mangroves.
The mangroves were chosen as the resource to launch this behaviour-changing initiative because once planted they require no human input. Occupying the swampy inter-tidal zone they require no watering and are naturally protected from bush fires and hungry cattle.
80,000 people have been involved in the project, planting and collecting seedlings from the flowering mangrove trees for which they are paid 1,000 CFA (about £1.50) per sack. Oceanium provides a financial incentive to the community as well.
Planting is simple. You create a hole in the wet inter-tidal sand with an extended index finger and plug it with a seedling. Superhero status is easily attained.
In Sandicoly, the project has been accompanied by footballing success and the village is through to the regional cup final. They plan to use the mangrove money to take their supporters to the match. It will be ice creams all round as m
Seeds of conservation success in Sandicoly, Senegal
Written by Tim
"Become a superhero, plant your mangrove today”, declared the poster.
Eager to enter the pantheon of mangrove superheroes we headed to the Saloum Delta in Senegal where the world’s largest ever mangrove planting project is underway. Organised by local NGO, Oceanium, almost 30 million mangroves have been planted since June.
The mangrove itself is a hero among flora. It provides firewood for cooking and smoking fish, branches for tortoise-shaped village rooftops, and breeding grounds for countless species of fish, including oysters that cling stubbornly to the mangroves’ spider-like roots.
Abdoulaye Diouf, Chef de Zone in Sandicoly, tells us that the fishermen had noticed a decline in the number of fish in recent years. This was attributed to over-fishing and a decline in mangrove coverage caused by unseasonal heavy rains.
As well as replenishing depleted mangrove stocks, Jean Goepp, Oceanium’s Project Coordinator, says that the project teaches people to conserve their resources. “People must re-plant their common resources, not just their gardens”, he says. Mr Diouf says the village is now aware that it must use all its resources sustainably – sea, forest and mangroves.
The mangroves were chosen as the resource to launch this behaviour-changing initiative because once planted they require no human input. Occupying the swampy inter-tidal zone they require no watering and are naturally protected from bush fires and hungry cattle.
80,000 people have been involved in the project, planting and collecting seedlings from the flowering mangrove trees for which they are paid 1,000 CFA (about £1.50) per sack. Oceanium provides a financial incentive to the community as well.
Planting is simple. You create a hole in the wet inter-tidal sand with an extended index finger and plug it with a seedling. Superhero status is easily attained.
In Sandicoly, the project has been accompanied by footballing success and the village is through to the regional cup final. They plan to use the mangrove money to take their supporters to the match. It will be ice creams all round as m
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Why should we plant trees?
ABOUT PLANTING TREES
Why should we plant trees?
* It is said that it takes 16 trees to supply the oxygen for one person's life. We each owe the earth 16 trees
* Planting trees now will ensure that our children have oxygen in future
* Trees balance out the negative effects of global warming as trees are the best sponges of carbon dioxide
* Trees bring more rain, so we will be ensuring we will have water for future generations
* Indigenous trees and shrubs bring balance to the environment
* Children will have fruit to eat
What should I plant?
* Fruit trees
* Indigenous trees which benefit local ecology (you can plant seeds, seedlings, saplings or plugs - every seeds counts)
* Indigenous shrubs
* Medicinal plants
Where should I plant?
In your garden at home, at schools, wastelands, farm boundaries, along the river banks, hills, roadsides, playground boundaries, public places, coal mines, military areas, universities and educational institutions, government office premises, municipal areas, government lands, industrial areas, places where there are high levels of pollution, etc. (Note: when planting, always seek the permission and support of local government, schools, business, and the respective landowners.)
How do I plant a tree?
* Dig a square hole, half a metre wide by half a metre wide. Keep the dark top soil separate from the lighter soil beneath it. Put the topsoil in the bottom of the hole.
* Remove the plastic bag and placed the tree upright in the hole, so that the base of the tree is just below the ground level.
* Next to the tree's roots, plant a type of pipe at an angle (or use a 2 litre plastic cool drink bottle, cut holes in the bottom of the bottle). The top of the pipe or cool drink bottle must stick out of the ground.
* Mix a small amount of compost or kraal manure with the left over lighter soil, and pack it firmly in the hole.
* Measure one spade length in distance around the tree. In this area, remove all grass and weeds.
* Water the tree and add 10cm layer of mulch (leaves, straw, or strips of newspaper). The mulch must not touch the tree.
* Fill the pipe with water once a week. This prevents wastage by sending water straight to the roots of the tree. Once you have watered the tree, put the lid on the bottle, to prevent evaporation.
* After the first year, water the tree only when the soil is dry.
* Place a wooden stake/ solid stick next to the tree, and tie it loosely to the trees trunk with soft material, such as a stocking to help the tree grow straight.
* Seedlings can be planted in polythene bags, and replanted when sprouting or donated to schools, townships or the Department of Forestry.
How do I take care of my tree?
Adopt a tree! Nurturing your tree is as important as planting. Take care of the saplings and trees as you would a child, for years to come, until it is strong, blossoming and bearing.
Take care of seedlings for at least three months, until they are ready for planting in the ground. Aftercare should entail proper watch, ward and watering for at least five years.
Where do I get seeds/saplings/seedlings, plugs, trees from?
You can get seeds and saplings from government departments like the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, or visit your local nursery and ask advice on what is suitable to plant.
Why should we plant trees?
* It is said that it takes 16 trees to supply the oxygen for one person's life. We each owe the earth 16 trees
* Planting trees now will ensure that our children have oxygen in future
* Trees balance out the negative effects of global warming as trees are the best sponges of carbon dioxide
* Trees bring more rain, so we will be ensuring we will have water for future generations
* Indigenous trees and shrubs bring balance to the environment
* Children will have fruit to eat
What should I plant?
* Fruit trees
* Indigenous trees which benefit local ecology (you can plant seeds, seedlings, saplings or plugs - every seeds counts)
* Indigenous shrubs
* Medicinal plants
Where should I plant?
In your garden at home, at schools, wastelands, farm boundaries, along the river banks, hills, roadsides, playground boundaries, public places, coal mines, military areas, universities and educational institutions, government office premises, municipal areas, government lands, industrial areas, places where there are high levels of pollution, etc. (Note: when planting, always seek the permission and support of local government, schools, business, and the respective landowners.)
How do I plant a tree?
* Dig a square hole, half a metre wide by half a metre wide. Keep the dark top soil separate from the lighter soil beneath it. Put the topsoil in the bottom of the hole.
* Remove the plastic bag and placed the tree upright in the hole, so that the base of the tree is just below the ground level.
* Next to the tree's roots, plant a type of pipe at an angle (or use a 2 litre plastic cool drink bottle, cut holes in the bottom of the bottle). The top of the pipe or cool drink bottle must stick out of the ground.
* Mix a small amount of compost or kraal manure with the left over lighter soil, and pack it firmly in the hole.
* Measure one spade length in distance around the tree. In this area, remove all grass and weeds.
* Water the tree and add 10cm layer of mulch (leaves, straw, or strips of newspaper). The mulch must not touch the tree.
* Fill the pipe with water once a week. This prevents wastage by sending water straight to the roots of the tree. Once you have watered the tree, put the lid on the bottle, to prevent evaporation.
* After the first year, water the tree only when the soil is dry.
* Place a wooden stake/ solid stick next to the tree, and tie it loosely to the trees trunk with soft material, such as a stocking to help the tree grow straight.
* Seedlings can be planted in polythene bags, and replanted when sprouting or donated to schools, townships or the Department of Forestry.
How do I take care of my tree?
Adopt a tree! Nurturing your tree is as important as planting. Take care of the saplings and trees as you would a child, for years to come, until it is strong, blossoming and bearing.
Take care of seedlings for at least three months, until they are ready for planting in the ground. Aftercare should entail proper watch, ward and watering for at least five years.
Where do I get seeds/saplings/seedlings, plugs, trees from?
You can get seeds and saplings from government departments like the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, or visit your local nursery and ask advice on what is suitable to plant.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
We’ve Got Paper Cups—Why not Bottles?
Hey, look at this cool paper bottle from BrandImage! It may be leading the revolution against plastic.
The “forever in a landfill” environmentalist slogan is quickly becoming cliché and lost on the general public. Each day, Americans continue to throw out 60 million plastic bottles. Only 14% of which actually get recycled. So, forget landfill slogans. We aren’t getting it done.
plastic1Try this on for size: there exists an island of garbage out in the Pacific Ocean the size of Texas? Texas! Due to some interestingly dull oceanographic factors, nearly all of the refuse jettisoned into the Pacific meanders its way over to become trapped in the same area. Also, plastic is incapable of degrading. Not only has this resulted in a pile of trash larger than I am even capable of comprehending, but it will apparently never go away. Ever. Plastic does, however, break down physically into smaller and smaller bits until it resembles tasty krill. Krill is what a very large portion of sea life eats. So, you see the problem.
Plastic is an amazing substance that makes our activities more convenient and saves perhaps billions of lives through food packaging and medical equipment. Plastic has a variety of wonderful properties and high up on that list is the fact that it doesn’t break down. It doesn’t whither or turn bad. It doesn’t chemically react with food or medicine or anything really. But there is the problem. A substance that cannot be broken down by any environmental exposure and cannot be eaten by anything will fill its little nook in the world FOREVER.
A few decades of intense marketing for plastic made it out to be the end-all miracle material (which, it may be), but many great designers and high-end businesses are finally breaking out of that rut and embracing paper.
We are beginning to realize again that there is no loss of class in paper products. Even glass is seeing a packaging decline. Many fine mid-range wine makers have begun adopting boxes in addition to or instead of glass bottles.
The 360 Paper Bottle, for example, is a far more sustainable approach to water bottles and packaging in general. It is totally recyclable paper made from 100% renewable resources. The lining uses biodegradable PLA film. The end result is entirely food-grade material. The 360 Paper Bottle meets all criteria for all liquid categories and is sturdy enough for a variety of applications and multiple reuse. The paper bottle design has had a good critical and market response, including having received an IDEA (International Design Excellence Award) for this design.
Eco experts and enthusiasts will always stress the value of reusing, so keep in mind that filling the same bottle every day is far superior an option than even the most environmental paper alternative. However, we still applaud this great paper design and hope that it sparks the about-face of old industry packaging standards across the board. If we can get all packaging to be made from eco-friendly materials in the first place, then the collective hazardous waste and energy consumption could go down dramatically.
The “forever in a landfill” environmentalist slogan is quickly becoming cliché and lost on the general public. Each day, Americans continue to throw out 60 million plastic bottles. Only 14% of which actually get recycled. So, forget landfill slogans. We aren’t getting it done.
plastic1Try this on for size: there exists an island of garbage out in the Pacific Ocean the size of Texas? Texas! Due to some interestingly dull oceanographic factors, nearly all of the refuse jettisoned into the Pacific meanders its way over to become trapped in the same area. Also, plastic is incapable of degrading. Not only has this resulted in a pile of trash larger than I am even capable of comprehending, but it will apparently never go away. Ever. Plastic does, however, break down physically into smaller and smaller bits until it resembles tasty krill. Krill is what a very large portion of sea life eats. So, you see the problem.
Plastic is an amazing substance that makes our activities more convenient and saves perhaps billions of lives through food packaging and medical equipment. Plastic has a variety of wonderful properties and high up on that list is the fact that it doesn’t break down. It doesn’t whither or turn bad. It doesn’t chemically react with food or medicine or anything really. But there is the problem. A substance that cannot be broken down by any environmental exposure and cannot be eaten by anything will fill its little nook in the world FOREVER.
A few decades of intense marketing for plastic made it out to be the end-all miracle material (which, it may be), but many great designers and high-end businesses are finally breaking out of that rut and embracing paper.
We are beginning to realize again that there is no loss of class in paper products. Even glass is seeing a packaging decline. Many fine mid-range wine makers have begun adopting boxes in addition to or instead of glass bottles.
The 360 Paper Bottle, for example, is a far more sustainable approach to water bottles and packaging in general. It is totally recyclable paper made from 100% renewable resources. The lining uses biodegradable PLA film. The end result is entirely food-grade material. The 360 Paper Bottle meets all criteria for all liquid categories and is sturdy enough for a variety of applications and multiple reuse. The paper bottle design has had a good critical and market response, including having received an IDEA (International Design Excellence Award) for this design.
Eco experts and enthusiasts will always stress the value of reusing, so keep in mind that filling the same bottle every day is far superior an option than even the most environmental paper alternative. However, we still applaud this great paper design and hope that it sparks the about-face of old industry packaging standards across the board. If we can get all packaging to be made from eco-friendly materials in the first place, then the collective hazardous waste and energy consumption could go down dramatically.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
When Winter Returns, Cut Energy While Staying Warm
Using a small and efficient space heater instead of central heating can save a lot of money by allowing you to heat localized areas while appropriately neglecting others. There is no point in heating your living room when you are sleeping is there? Well, maybe you’ve been kicked out of the bedroom, but that advice column is for another website. The point is that eliminating the energy wasted on unused space is a great way to cut utility bills and, more importantly, save electricity.
A small unit mounted on wheels can be easily moved from room to room along with you while still being powerful enough to heat large areas. For example, the Honeywell HZ-315 weighs just under 3.5 pounds but can pump out 1,500 watts of efficiently distributed heat. This model also costs only $25 (USD). Honeywell space heaters come well recommended but really are indicative of what is available in general. Your local home supply store should have a variety of makes and models that are roughly the same power to cost ratio.
With the central heating turned off and your cozy space heater cranked up, you’ll be saving utility money every second you sleep. I estimate that your space heater will pay for itself after a single month of winter use.
A small unit mounted on wheels can be easily moved from room to room along with you while still being powerful enough to heat large areas. For example, the Honeywell HZ-315 weighs just under 3.5 pounds but can pump out 1,500 watts of efficiently distributed heat. This model also costs only $25 (USD). Honeywell space heaters come well recommended but really are indicative of what is available in general. Your local home supply store should have a variety of makes and models that are roughly the same power to cost ratio.
With the central heating turned off and your cozy space heater cranked up, you’ll be saving utility money every second you sleep. I estimate that your space heater will pay for itself after a single month of winter use.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Pumping the Heat Without All the Energy
I’ve had enough with the ebb and flow of the world’s volatile oil markets, causing the price of home heating oil to bounce around like a tweety bird. There is nothing worse than being faced with purchasing $4 a gallon heating oil or freezing to death. At that price -10 degrees becomes sweater weather.
As a result, I’ve taken a completely different approach to heating my house this year. Wood burning stove! That’s right, Cave man style. A cast iron box, a few cords of firewood, and I’m ready for another never ending war in the Middle East, record setting hurricane season, and pirates from Ethiopia.
Wood burning stoves are great options for many reasons. But there are a few negatives: Dispersing the heat from the stove throughout a house can be difficult, noisy, and potentially expensive with the cost of running an electric fan. The folks at Caframo have created a heat powered stove fan. “The Ecofan generates its own electricity through difference in temperature without the use of batteries or plugs. The base of the fan rests on the top of your gas, wood, or oil burning iron stove where the heat temperatures must exceed 150°F. As the base heats up, the difference in temperature between the hot base and cool top of the fan creates static electricity which is directed to the small motor that powers the blades.”
These fans are little, but they can generate up to 150 CFM of moving air. Not bad for being 9 inches tall, 4 inches wide and virtually silent while operating. They come with a few different finishes to match your home décor.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Seven Jewish Principles To Heal Planet Earth
As the U.S. Senate is taking up the issue of climate policy, the world’s governments are trying to shape international policy at a crucial conference starting this week in Copenhagen. The governments will take vigorous action only if the grass-roots public insists on serious change.
This year, Chanukah, the festival of energy conservation, overlapped the Copenhagen conference. It is a period when we recall that one day’s oil met eight days’ needs; when we honor grass-roots action that transformed society despite elephantine top-down power centers; when we celebrate “Not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit, Breath of Life.”
We encourage you to take action—before, during and after Chanukah—rooted in the following Seven Principles that should underlie Jewish and interfaith efforts to shape U.S. and world policy on healing the climate crisis.
1. Our planet has always been a living demonstration that “YHWH Echad” (“the Breathing Spirit of the universe is One”)—but the climate crisis invites us into the clearest awareness in all human history of that truth. The planet is in this as One; policy must reflect that. (Underlying Jewish
principle: the Sh’ma, especially the traditional second paragraph on rain and crops, etc.)
2. The cost of spewing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere must be greatly increased, by taxes and/or “cap & trade” that require payment from the carbon producers according to the damage they are causing. (Underlying Jewish principle: Exodus 21: “If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull must be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull must be stoned and the owner also must be put to death. However, if payment is demanded of him, he may redeem his life by paying whatever is demanded.)
3. The pool of money this brings in must be used to prevent damage to the poor and middle class through higher costs of fuel and energy. The climate healing fund should be used in rebates, more for the poorer people, etc. (Underlying Jewish principles: tithing, gleaning and obligatory tzedakah to
assist the poor, orphans, widows, the landless)
4. Big Coal or Big Oil have great political power, but their power must be limited so they cannot distort needed policy in order to expand their own power and profits. Important example, the EPA must continue to have power to enforce carbon dioxide limits upon coal-burning power plants. (Underlying Jewish principle: resistance to top-down unaccountable powers Pharaoh, Antiochus, Rome)
5. Inside the United States, industries and regions that are specially endangered by climate/energy reform (e.g. coal mining, oil drilling, autos) must be given special help for retraining in green jobs. (Underlying Jewish principle: Maimonides’ eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
6. Outside the United States, poor nations must be given major help by the rich for two purposes: pursuing economic development through non-fossil pathways, and meeting urgent crises already swamping/flooding/scorching them. (Underlying Jewish principles: Again, Maimonides eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
7. Public policy must start encouraging what we usually think of as “personal” choices for non-climate-destroying practices: Much more restful and reflective time for family and neighborhood, much less “production/consumption” time. Frugality in energy use, eating less meat. Simplicity in life-path. More money for learning, arts, etc.; less for making Things. Taxes, subsidies, wages/hours laws, etc., are all ways of encouraging these directions.
Underlying Jewish principle: Shabbat, traditionally an earth-healing as well as human-healing practice, was a communal commitment, not just individual choice.
Of these principles, we suggest the following yardstick for measuring proposed U.S. policies: Do they promote American energy independence and security, and the healing of our planet by: Immediately ending all governmental subsidies to the production of oil and coal? Radically and swiftly reducing the burning of oil and coal from all sources, foreign and domestic? Simultaneously using all possible measures to build an energy base for the American economy on solar, wind and other sources of waste-free, sustainable energy and on urgent steps for energy conservation? Making “green jobs” and the creation of a green infrastructure the central focus of transition to a new American economy? Giving aid to poor nations to pursue a non-fossil path for economic and social development?
If the Jewish community and other American faith communities undertake this effort, not only Chanukah, which means “dedication,” but our lives as a whole can become a practice of Rededication to the One.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, a Baltimore native, is the director of The Shalom Center, http://www.theshalomcenter.org/, as well as the author or editor of many books on Jewish practice, eco-Judaism and U.S. public policy.
This story reprinted courtesy of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
This year, Chanukah, the festival of energy conservation, overlapped the Copenhagen conference. It is a period when we recall that one day’s oil met eight days’ needs; when we honor grass-roots action that transformed society despite elephantine top-down power centers; when we celebrate “Not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit, Breath of Life.”
We encourage you to take action—before, during and after Chanukah—rooted in the following Seven Principles that should underlie Jewish and interfaith efforts to shape U.S. and world policy on healing the climate crisis.
1. Our planet has always been a living demonstration that “YHWH Echad” (“the Breathing Spirit of the universe is One”)—but the climate crisis invites us into the clearest awareness in all human history of that truth. The planet is in this as One; policy must reflect that. (Underlying Jewish
principle: the Sh’ma, especially the traditional second paragraph on rain and crops, etc.)
2. The cost of spewing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere must be greatly increased, by taxes and/or “cap & trade” that require payment from the carbon producers according to the damage they are causing. (Underlying Jewish principle: Exodus 21: “If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull must be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull must be stoned and the owner also must be put to death. However, if payment is demanded of him, he may redeem his life by paying whatever is demanded.)
3. The pool of money this brings in must be used to prevent damage to the poor and middle class through higher costs of fuel and energy. The climate healing fund should be used in rebates, more for the poorer people, etc. (Underlying Jewish principles: tithing, gleaning and obligatory tzedakah to
assist the poor, orphans, widows, the landless)
4. Big Coal or Big Oil have great political power, but their power must be limited so they cannot distort needed policy in order to expand their own power and profits. Important example, the EPA must continue to have power to enforce carbon dioxide limits upon coal-burning power plants. (Underlying Jewish principle: resistance to top-down unaccountable powers Pharaoh, Antiochus, Rome)
5. Inside the United States, industries and regions that are specially endangered by climate/energy reform (e.g. coal mining, oil drilling, autos) must be given special help for retraining in green jobs. (Underlying Jewish principle: Maimonides’ eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
6. Outside the United States, poor nations must be given major help by the rich for two purposes: pursuing economic development through non-fossil pathways, and meeting urgent crises already swamping/flooding/scorching them. (Underlying Jewish principles: Again, Maimonides eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
7. Public policy must start encouraging what we usually think of as “personal” choices for non-climate-destroying practices: Much more restful and reflective time for family and neighborhood, much less “production/consumption” time. Frugality in energy use, eating less meat. Simplicity in life-path. More money for learning, arts, etc.; less for making Things. Taxes, subsidies, wages/hours laws, etc., are all ways of encouraging these directions.
Underlying Jewish principle: Shabbat, traditionally an earth-healing as well as human-healing practice, was a communal commitment, not just individual choice.
Of these principles, we suggest the following yardstick for measuring proposed U.S. policies: Do they promote American energy independence and security, and the healing of our planet by: Immediately ending all governmental subsidies to the production of oil and coal? Radically and swiftly reducing the burning of oil and coal from all sources, foreign and domestic? Simultaneously using all possible measures to build an energy base for the American economy on solar, wind and other sources of waste-free, sustainable energy and on urgent steps for energy conservation? Making “green jobs” and the creation of a green infrastructure the central focus of transition to a new American economy? Giving aid to poor nations to pursue a non-fossil path for economic and social development?
If the Jewish community and other American faith communities undertake this effort, not only Chanukah, which means “dedication,” but our lives as a whole can become a practice of Rededication to the One.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, a Baltimore native, is the director of The Shalom Center, http://www.theshalomcenter.org/, as well as the author or editor of many books on Jewish practice, eco-Judaism and U.S. public policy.
This story reprinted courtesy of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Ultimate Plastic Breakdown
You may have seen the plastic resin chart, but what do those numbers actually mean, and why should they be important to you?
The industry calls it the “resin identification coding system.” It indicates the type of plastic your product is made from and is ultimately your guide to recycling that plastic.
While the codes were initially developed to meet the needs of recyclers, they create a uniform system that is now used by curbside communities and other plastic recycling programs. Today, more than 80 percent of Americans have access to a plastics recycling program.
So, let’s break down the system into simple, non-industry terms. Once you have a handle on what materials make up your plastic, you can make a better decision from purchase to disposal.
Plastic #1 – PET, PETE
In 2007, About 1/3 of the increased bottle use of plastic was from the growth in the use of post consumer recycled plastic for bottles, according to the ACC's report. Photo: vertycle.com
Nearly eight out of every 10 plastic bottles will end up in a landfill. Photo: vertycle.com
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bottles for water, soft drinks, juice, sports drinks, mouthwash, ketchup, beer and salad dressings
* Food jars, such as peanut butter, jelly, jam and pickles
* Microwavable food trays
Why They Use It: Plastic #1 is a clear plastic that is ideal for beverages because of its moisture-barrier properties. This material has smooth surfaces and is made for high impact. So drop it, roll it or throw it – the resin will hold its shape and protect the substance inside.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic #1 is one of the most common and highly recycled resins. Most curbside programs will accept this plastic in bottle form. Plastic #1 is also the main resin targeted with container deposit laws, also called bottle bills. A container deposit law requires a minimum refundable deposit on beverage containers in order to ensure a high rate of recycling or reuse. Currently, 11 states have bottle bills in place, including New York, Connecticut and North Carolina.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt light bulb for up to six hours.
2. Recycled plastic bottles can be made into products such as clothing, carpeting, detergent bottles and lumber for outdoor decking.
3. According to the EPA, while overall recovery of plastics for recycling is relatively small – 2.1 million – recovery of some plastic containers has reached higher levels. PET bottles were recovered at a rate of 27 percent in 2008, according to a recent report.
Plastic #2 – HDPE
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
In 2007, more than 830 million pounds of plastic bags and film were recycled, a 27 percent increase from 2005. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
High Density Polyethylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Shopping bags
* Milk jugs
* Bottles for shampoo, dish and laundry detergent, household cleaners
* Water and soda bottles
* Cereal box liners
* Shipping containers
Why They Use It: Plastic #2 is translucent and relatively stiff. These properties create a strong barrier, are suitable for high temperatures and the material is virtually crack-resistant. It is also well-suited for products that have a longer shelf-life. Its chemical resistance make it ideal for bleaches and detergents.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic bags are generally made from plastic #2. The material can hold up to 2,000 times its own weight, making it the perfect product for transport. However, because of their light weight, plastic bags are often hard to recycle and left out of curbside programs. But most major grocery store chains have in-store recycling bins for plastic bags.
There is a high demand for this material, and in most areas, demand exceeds the available supply, because many consumers are not aware that collection programs are available in stores. The trick is actually remembering to take those excess bags with you the next time you go shopping.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. According to the EPA, only about 12 percent of bags and film were recycled in 2007.
2. Recycling or reusing 1 ton of plastic bags saves the energy equivalent of 11 barrels of oil.
3. Recycled plastic #2 content can be found in plastic lumber, buckets and crates, bottles for non-food items (shampoo, detergent, motor oil) and even curbside recycling bins themselves.
Plastic #3 – PVC, Vinyl
Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie
PVC is considered a difficult and expensive material to recycle. For this reason, much of it ends up in landfills. Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie
Polyvinyl chloride
Where You’ll Find It:
* Blister packs
* Clamshell containers
* Bags for bedding, medical shrink wrap, deli and meat wrap
* Pipes, siding, window frames, fencing, decking and railing
Why They Use It: PVC is very strong and high-impact. Along with its brilliant clarity, plastic #3 is also resistant to grease, oil and chemicals.
The Lowdown on Recycling: PVC is not commonly recycled or recyclable, nor is it biodegradable. More than 7 billion pounds of PVC are thrown away in the U.S. annually, and only 18 million pounds – barely one-quarter of 1 percent – is recycled. The relatively new mechanical recycling process known as Vinyloop® technology, developed by Solvay Research & Technology, allows the complete separation of PVC material from the non-PVC materials that are often combined with it.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. PVC requires 20 percent less energy to produce than other plastics. It is also thought to save on fossil fuel use, as its principal raw material (nearly 60 percent) is chlorine-derived from common salt.
2. To make vinyl products flexible, controversial plasticizers known as phthalates are used, accounting for nearly 90 percent of total phthalate consumption. This translates into more than 5 million tons used for vinyl every year.
3. Energy-intensive chlorine production for PVC consumes an estimated 47 billion kilowatt hours per year – almost equal to the annual total output of eight medium-sized nuclear power plants.
Plastic #4 – LDPE
Photo: Flickr/46137
The U.S. EPA estimates about 31 percent of all municipal solid waste in 2005 was generated from packaging-related material. Photo: Flickr/46137
Low Density Polythylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bags for dry cleaning, newspapers, bread, frozen foods, produce and household garbage
* Shrink wrap and stretch film
* Coating for paper milk cartons and beverage cups
* Container lids
* Squeezable bottles
Why They Use It: LDPE is predominantly used in film and packaging. Its toughness, flexibility and transparency made it ideal for use in products where heat sealing is necessary. It is resistant to acids, bases and vegetable oils as well.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Because plastic #4 is often in film form, it is sometimes not accepted in curbside recycling programs. However, its material is similar to plastic bags, and some major grocery store chains will accept this plastic packaging for recycling. Reducing your plastic packaging waste starts in-store. Go for products with less plastic packaging and film.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. The average growth rate of container and packaging waste through 2010 is estimated to be about 1.8 percent annually.
2. About 3 percent of all U.S. energy consumption comes from the production of packaging materials. Using recycled material for the production of packaging goods takes less energy than creating the product from the material’s natural state.
3. Packaging and containers makes up about 56 percent of all plastic waste. About 75 percent of all of the waste comes from residential households.
Plastic #5 – PP
While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are polypropylene and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are #5 and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polypropylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Yogurt, margarine tubs
* Medicine bottles
* Bottle caps
* Ketchup and syrup bottles
* Reusable plastic containers, such as Tupperware
Why They Use It: Polypropylene has a good chemical resistance, a high melting point and is a strong material. Therefore, it’s ideal for reusable food containers and other packaging that requires durability. But while this resin is as common as a ketchup bottle, it’s still often left out of curbside programs.
The Lowdown on Recycling: According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), plastic #5 is a similar resin to plastic #2, which makes it more appealing to reclaimers who can use the material for water filtration systems, shipping pallets, sheeting and automotive battery casings and garbage and recycling bins. Polypropylene can be recycled back into its original form, or it can be made into products such as buckets, paint pails, automotive bumpers, automotive battery cases, furniture and flower pots. It is also used in many woven reusable bags.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. Sixty-two percent of California communities now have curbside access to non-bottle food container recycling. Out of the 100 largest communities nationwide, about one-third have curbside recycling programs for plastic #5.
2. Even though they typically aren’t printed with a #5 symbol, most plastic bottle caps (like those on water and soda bottles) are made from polypropylene.
3. According to the ACC, at least 325 million pounds of non-bottle plastics were collected for recycling in the U.S.
Plastic #6 – PS
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polystyrene used for food service packaging represents less than 1 percent by weight and volume of all landfilled materials. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polystyrene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Food service items (cutlery, plates, cups, bowls)
* Takeout containers
* Foam packaging
* Packing peanuts
* Compact disc cases
* Aspirin bottles
Why They Use It: Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that can be in both foam and rigid forms. As a foam, it is lightweight and comprised of 97 percent air. General purpose polystyrene is clear, hard and brittle. It has a low melting point but has an excellent moisture barrier, making it ideal for short-shelf products. Its low thermal conductivity also makes it perfect for insulation purposes.
The Lowdown on Recycling: According to a report by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR), more than 65 million pounds of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging were recycled in 2007, while the number grew to 69 million pounds in 2008.
While most curbside programs do not accept plastic #6 or EPS, there are several community programs that will recycle the material. If there are no programs that fit your specific needs or are near your location, AFPR offers a mail-in program for consumers. Average shipping fees range from $1.50 to $9, based on the total packaging weight and volume.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. According to Virginia Lyle, deputy director of AFPR, all foam peanuts have recycled content, and most shape-molded polystyrene has at least 25 percent recycled content.
2. In the early 1900s, The Dow Chemical Company invented a process for extruding polystyrene to achieve a closed cell foam that resists moisture. Commercially known as Styrofoam, the material is the most widely recognized brand in insulation today.
3. Several cities and programs are against using polystyrene foam. In fact, San Fransisco initiated a ban against all food service EPS containers.
Plastic #7 – Other
Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bio-based plastics made from corn, potato or sugar derivatives
* Three- and five-gallon reusable water bottles
* Some citrus juice and ketchup bottles
* Oven-baking bags, barrier layers and custom packaging
* Any plastic product that does not fit into resin categories 1-6
Why They Use It: Plastic #7 the catch-all category for those plastic products that do not fit into 1-6. These plastics are multi-layered combinations of more than one plastic resin. Its usage and properties depend on the types of resins used to produce it.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Programs for the “other” category vary greatly by location. Since it is such a broad category, many curbside programs will not accept plastic #7 at all. Bio-based plastics are often lumped into this category as well. These plastics are often touted as more eco-friendly because they will degrade faster than other resins.
However, consumers should keep in mind that these plastics are only biodegradable in a commercial composting system. Generally, the plastic will not degrade in backyard compost piles because the temperature isn’t high enough.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. The presence of BPA (bisphenol A) is a controversial issue for plastic #7. BPA is typically used as an additive in plastics manufacturing, as it makes the plastic more shatter-proof.
2. Plastic #7 includes two main types: acrylonitrile styrene or styrene acrylonitrile (referred to as AS/SAN), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both are prolific and are used to make high quality, strong plastics.
3. In the few instances when it can be recycled, plastic #7 quickly downcycles to non-renewable plastic. However, some plastic #7 products are considered to be e-waste and can be properly disposed of in an electronics recycling program.
The industry calls it the “resin identification coding system.” It indicates the type of plastic your product is made from and is ultimately your guide to recycling that plastic.
While the codes were initially developed to meet the needs of recyclers, they create a uniform system that is now used by curbside communities and other plastic recycling programs. Today, more than 80 percent of Americans have access to a plastics recycling program.
So, let’s break down the system into simple, non-industry terms. Once you have a handle on what materials make up your plastic, you can make a better decision from purchase to disposal.
Plastic #1 – PET, PETE
In 2007, About 1/3 of the increased bottle use of plastic was from the growth in the use of post consumer recycled plastic for bottles, according to the ACC's report. Photo: vertycle.com
Nearly eight out of every 10 plastic bottles will end up in a landfill. Photo: vertycle.com
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bottles for water, soft drinks, juice, sports drinks, mouthwash, ketchup, beer and salad dressings
* Food jars, such as peanut butter, jelly, jam and pickles
* Microwavable food trays
Why They Use It: Plastic #1 is a clear plastic that is ideal for beverages because of its moisture-barrier properties. This material has smooth surfaces and is made for high impact. So drop it, roll it or throw it – the resin will hold its shape and protect the substance inside.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic #1 is one of the most common and highly recycled resins. Most curbside programs will accept this plastic in bottle form. Plastic #1 is also the main resin targeted with container deposit laws, also called bottle bills. A container deposit law requires a minimum refundable deposit on beverage containers in order to ensure a high rate of recycling or reuse. Currently, 11 states have bottle bills in place, including New York, Connecticut and North Carolina.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt light bulb for up to six hours.
2. Recycled plastic bottles can be made into products such as clothing, carpeting, detergent bottles and lumber for outdoor decking.
3. According to the EPA, while overall recovery of plastics for recycling is relatively small – 2.1 million – recovery of some plastic containers has reached higher levels. PET bottles were recovered at a rate of 27 percent in 2008, according to a recent report.
Plastic #2 – HDPE
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
In 2007, more than 830 million pounds of plastic bags and film were recycled, a 27 percent increase from 2005. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
High Density Polyethylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Shopping bags
* Milk jugs
* Bottles for shampoo, dish and laundry detergent, household cleaners
* Water and soda bottles
* Cereal box liners
* Shipping containers
Why They Use It: Plastic #2 is translucent and relatively stiff. These properties create a strong barrier, are suitable for high temperatures and the material is virtually crack-resistant. It is also well-suited for products that have a longer shelf-life. Its chemical resistance make it ideal for bleaches and detergents.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic bags are generally made from plastic #2. The material can hold up to 2,000 times its own weight, making it the perfect product for transport. However, because of their light weight, plastic bags are often hard to recycle and left out of curbside programs. But most major grocery store chains have in-store recycling bins for plastic bags.
There is a high demand for this material, and in most areas, demand exceeds the available supply, because many consumers are not aware that collection programs are available in stores. The trick is actually remembering to take those excess bags with you the next time you go shopping.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. According to the EPA, only about 12 percent of bags and film were recycled in 2007.
2. Recycling or reusing 1 ton of plastic bags saves the energy equivalent of 11 barrels of oil.
3. Recycled plastic #2 content can be found in plastic lumber, buckets and crates, bottles for non-food items (shampoo, detergent, motor oil) and even curbside recycling bins themselves.
Plastic #3 – PVC, Vinyl
Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie
PVC is considered a difficult and expensive material to recycle. For this reason, much of it ends up in landfills. Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie
Polyvinyl chloride
Where You’ll Find It:
* Blister packs
* Clamshell containers
* Bags for bedding, medical shrink wrap, deli and meat wrap
* Pipes, siding, window frames, fencing, decking and railing
Why They Use It: PVC is very strong and high-impact. Along with its brilliant clarity, plastic #3 is also resistant to grease, oil and chemicals.
The Lowdown on Recycling: PVC is not commonly recycled or recyclable, nor is it biodegradable. More than 7 billion pounds of PVC are thrown away in the U.S. annually, and only 18 million pounds – barely one-quarter of 1 percent – is recycled. The relatively new mechanical recycling process known as Vinyloop® technology, developed by Solvay Research & Technology, allows the complete separation of PVC material from the non-PVC materials that are often combined with it.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. PVC requires 20 percent less energy to produce than other plastics. It is also thought to save on fossil fuel use, as its principal raw material (nearly 60 percent) is chlorine-derived from common salt.
2. To make vinyl products flexible, controversial plasticizers known as phthalates are used, accounting for nearly 90 percent of total phthalate consumption. This translates into more than 5 million tons used for vinyl every year.
3. Energy-intensive chlorine production for PVC consumes an estimated 47 billion kilowatt hours per year – almost equal to the annual total output of eight medium-sized nuclear power plants.
Plastic #4 – LDPE
Photo: Flickr/46137
The U.S. EPA estimates about 31 percent of all municipal solid waste in 2005 was generated from packaging-related material. Photo: Flickr/46137
Low Density Polythylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bags for dry cleaning, newspapers, bread, frozen foods, produce and household garbage
* Shrink wrap and stretch film
* Coating for paper milk cartons and beverage cups
* Container lids
* Squeezable bottles
Why They Use It: LDPE is predominantly used in film and packaging. Its toughness, flexibility and transparency made it ideal for use in products where heat sealing is necessary. It is resistant to acids, bases and vegetable oils as well.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Because plastic #4 is often in film form, it is sometimes not accepted in curbside recycling programs. However, its material is similar to plastic bags, and some major grocery store chains will accept this plastic packaging for recycling. Reducing your plastic packaging waste starts in-store. Go for products with less plastic packaging and film.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. The average growth rate of container and packaging waste through 2010 is estimated to be about 1.8 percent annually.
2. About 3 percent of all U.S. energy consumption comes from the production of packaging materials. Using recycled material for the production of packaging goods takes less energy than creating the product from the material’s natural state.
3. Packaging and containers makes up about 56 percent of all plastic waste. About 75 percent of all of the waste comes from residential households.
Plastic #5 – PP
While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are polypropylene and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are #5 and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polypropylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Yogurt, margarine tubs
* Medicine bottles
* Bottle caps
* Ketchup and syrup bottles
* Reusable plastic containers, such as Tupperware
Why They Use It: Polypropylene has a good chemical resistance, a high melting point and is a strong material. Therefore, it’s ideal for reusable food containers and other packaging that requires durability. But while this resin is as common as a ketchup bottle, it’s still often left out of curbside programs.
The Lowdown on Recycling: According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), plastic #5 is a similar resin to plastic #2, which makes it more appealing to reclaimers who can use the material for water filtration systems, shipping pallets, sheeting and automotive battery casings and garbage and recycling bins. Polypropylene can be recycled back into its original form, or it can be made into products such as buckets, paint pails, automotive bumpers, automotive battery cases, furniture and flower pots. It is also used in many woven reusable bags.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. Sixty-two percent of California communities now have curbside access to non-bottle food container recycling. Out of the 100 largest communities nationwide, about one-third have curbside recycling programs for plastic #5.
2. Even though they typically aren’t printed with a #5 symbol, most plastic bottle caps (like those on water and soda bottles) are made from polypropylene.
3. According to the ACC, at least 325 million pounds of non-bottle plastics were collected for recycling in the U.S.
Plastic #6 – PS
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polystyrene used for food service packaging represents less than 1 percent by weight and volume of all landfilled materials. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polystyrene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Food service items (cutlery, plates, cups, bowls)
* Takeout containers
* Foam packaging
* Packing peanuts
* Compact disc cases
* Aspirin bottles
Why They Use It: Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that can be in both foam and rigid forms. As a foam, it is lightweight and comprised of 97 percent air. General purpose polystyrene is clear, hard and brittle. It has a low melting point but has an excellent moisture barrier, making it ideal for short-shelf products. Its low thermal conductivity also makes it perfect for insulation purposes.
The Lowdown on Recycling: According to a report by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR), more than 65 million pounds of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging were recycled in 2007, while the number grew to 69 million pounds in 2008.
While most curbside programs do not accept plastic #6 or EPS, there are several community programs that will recycle the material. If there are no programs that fit your specific needs or are near your location, AFPR offers a mail-in program for consumers. Average shipping fees range from $1.50 to $9, based on the total packaging weight and volume.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. According to Virginia Lyle, deputy director of AFPR, all foam peanuts have recycled content, and most shape-molded polystyrene has at least 25 percent recycled content.
2. In the early 1900s, The Dow Chemical Company invented a process for extruding polystyrene to achieve a closed cell foam that resists moisture. Commercially known as Styrofoam, the material is the most widely recognized brand in insulation today.
3. Several cities and programs are against using polystyrene foam. In fact, San Fransisco initiated a ban against all food service EPS containers.
Plastic #7 – Other
Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bio-based plastics made from corn, potato or sugar derivatives
* Three- and five-gallon reusable water bottles
* Some citrus juice and ketchup bottles
* Oven-baking bags, barrier layers and custom packaging
* Any plastic product that does not fit into resin categories 1-6
Why They Use It: Plastic #7 the catch-all category for those plastic products that do not fit into 1-6. These plastics are multi-layered combinations of more than one plastic resin. Its usage and properties depend on the types of resins used to produce it.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Programs for the “other” category vary greatly by location. Since it is such a broad category, many curbside programs will not accept plastic #7 at all. Bio-based plastics are often lumped into this category as well. These plastics are often touted as more eco-friendly because they will degrade faster than other resins.
However, consumers should keep in mind that these plastics are only biodegradable in a commercial composting system. Generally, the plastic will not degrade in backyard compost piles because the temperature isn’t high enough.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. The presence of BPA (bisphenol A) is a controversial issue for plastic #7. BPA is typically used as an additive in plastics manufacturing, as it makes the plastic more shatter-proof.
2. Plastic #7 includes two main types: acrylonitrile styrene or styrene acrylonitrile (referred to as AS/SAN), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both are prolific and are used to make high quality, strong plastics.
3. In the few instances when it can be recycled, plastic #7 quickly downcycles to non-renewable plastic. However, some plastic #7 products are considered to be e-waste and can be properly disposed of in an electronics recycling program.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Global Warming / Climate Change: What we can do about it
The Union of Concerned Scientists, a group of over two thousand scientists, has concluded that global warming is beyond dispute, and already changing our climate. The last 30 years have seen the warmest surface temperatures in recorded history, and the past several years have been among the warmest on record.
Scientists have concluded that human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, is the major driving factor in global warming. Read: how global warming has developed.
Global warming can be slowed, and stopped, with practical actions that yield a cleaner, healthier atmosphere. The question is: will we act soon enough?
“Many people don’t realize that we are committed right now to a significant amount of global warming and sea level rise…the longer we wait to do something about it, the more change we will have.”
Gerald Meehl, The National Center for Atmospheric Research
Ultimately it is up to each of us, as individuals and families, to take action to slow down and eventually reverse global warming through everyday awareness of our energy use, and attention to ways we can conserve electricity and minimize fossil fuel usage.
What we can do
The goal is to bring global warming under control by curtailing the release of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping “greenhouse” gases into the atmosphere.
We can contribute to this global cause with personal actions. Our individual efforts are especially significant in countries like the US and Canada, where individuals release over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per person every year.
We can help immediately by becoming more energy efficient. Reducing our use of oil, gasoline and coal also sets an example for others to follow.
Reduce electricity usage around the home
The largest source of greenhouse gases is electric power generation. The average home actually contributes more to global warming than the average car. This is because much of the energy we use in our homes comes from power plants which burn fossil fuel to power our electric products.
To reduce the amount of electricity used in our homes:
* Switch to energy-efficient lighting
Replace the familiar incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. For each CFL bulb replacement, you’ll lower your energy bill and keep nearly 700 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air over the bulb’s lifetime. CFL bulbs last much longer and use only a quarter of the energy consumed by conventional bulbs. LED bulbs are also energy-saving, but have a narrower range of application. Advances in LED bulb technology, however, are leading to more applications for these bulbs in the home. LEDs are more efficient than CFLs and do not have issues surrounding disposal, as do the CFLs. More info.
* Improve the efficiency of home appliances
Home appliances vary greatly in terms of energy-efficiency and operating costs. The more energy-efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run. You can lower your utility bill and help protect the environment. Here’s how.
* Buy energy-efficient appliances when shopping for a new appliance
Do this especially when shopping for a major appliance such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, or air-conditioner – select the one with the highest energy efficiency rating. By opting for a refrigerator with the Energy Star label — indicating it uses at least 15 percent less energy than the federal requirement — you can reduce carbon dioxide pollution by nearly a ton in total. More info.
* Reduce energy needed for heating
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling systems in the U.S. emit over a half billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Much of the energy used for heating our homes is wasted, and yet the prevention is, in many cases, simple and inexpensive. Here’s how.
* Reduce energy needed for cooling
Air conditioners alone use up to 1/6th of the electricity in the U.S. and, on hot summer days, consume 43% of the U.S. peak power load. You can reduce much of the need for air conditioning, and enjoy a cost savings benefit, by using ‘passive’ techniques to help cool your home. Here’s how.
Improve vehicle fuel-efficiency
The second largest source of greenhouse gases is transportation. Motor vehicles are responsible for about a third of all carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. and Canada.
* Practice fuel-efficient driving
Every gallon of gasoline burned puts 26 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. You can boost the overall fuel-efficiency of your car as much as 30% by simple vehicle maintenance and attention to your style of driving. Read these tips for fuel-efficient driving.
* Buy a fuel-efficient car
Even more important is the choice of car or truck you buy. If you buy a new car that gets 10 more miles per gallon than your old car, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction realized in one year will be about 2,500 pounds. The new hybrid cars, using efficient gas-electric engines, can cut global warming pollution by 30% or more. Learn more about hybrid cars.
* Recycle air conditioner coolant
If your car has an air conditioner, make sure you recycle its coolant whenever you have it serviced. You can save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide each year by doing this.
* Drive less
You’ll save energy by taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking. Try consolidating trips to the mall or longer routine drives. Encourage car-pooling.
Conserve energy in the home and yard
Yard maintenance contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions. Per hour of operation, a power lawn mower emits 10-12 times as much hydrocarbon as a typical auto. A weedeater emits 21 times more and a leaf blower 34 times more.
* Reduce lawn size
Lawn size can be reduced by adding shrubs, beds, ground covers and mulched areas. Try creating a lawn area small enough to be mowed using an efficient reel (push) mower. Lawn edging can be set low enough to mow over, reducing or eliminating the need for a weed-eater. More info.
* Recycle whenever possible
Aluminum cans, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, glass – anything recycled reduces the energy needed to create new products. To find the recycling center nearest you, call: 1 800-CLEANUP. For ideas on home recycling, click here for more info.
* Eat locally produced food
Today, the food choices available in supermarkets come from all over the world. All of this ‘traffic’ in food requires staggering amounts of fuel – generally by refrigerated airplanes or transport trucks. Food transportation is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. More info.
* Eat vegetarian meals
Vegetarian food requires much less energy to produce. Enjoying vegetarian meals once or twice a week results in significant CO2 savings. More info.
* Paint your home a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a dark color in a cold climate.
This can contribute saving up to 5000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
* Choose clean energy options
If you can choose your electricity supplier, pick a company that generates at least half its power from wind, solar energy and other renewable sources.
* Buy clean energy certificates and carbon offsets
Help spur the renewable energy market and cut global warming pollution with “wind certificates” or “green tags,” which represent clean power you can add to the nation’s energy grid in place of electricity from fossil fuels. More info.
A “carbon offset” is an emission reduction credit which can be purchased by individuals, businesses and governments to reduce their net greenhouse gas emissions. More info.
While it may be difficult to adopt some of these suggestions, any amount of energy saved is significant. Even small changes are worthwhile, as they spark our awareness. As we become more aware of the importance of saving energy, we find ways of saving where possible.
Making energy conservation a part of our daily awareness is essential to the goal of reducing global warming.
Scientists have concluded that human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, is the major driving factor in global warming. Read: how global warming has developed.
Global warming can be slowed, and stopped, with practical actions that yield a cleaner, healthier atmosphere. The question is: will we act soon enough?
“Many people don’t realize that we are committed right now to a significant amount of global warming and sea level rise…the longer we wait to do something about it, the more change we will have.”
Gerald Meehl, The National Center for Atmospheric Research
Ultimately it is up to each of us, as individuals and families, to take action to slow down and eventually reverse global warming through everyday awareness of our energy use, and attention to ways we can conserve electricity and minimize fossil fuel usage.
What we can do
The goal is to bring global warming under control by curtailing the release of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping “greenhouse” gases into the atmosphere.
We can contribute to this global cause with personal actions. Our individual efforts are especially significant in countries like the US and Canada, where individuals release over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per person every year.
We can help immediately by becoming more energy efficient. Reducing our use of oil, gasoline and coal also sets an example for others to follow.
Reduce electricity usage around the home
The largest source of greenhouse gases is electric power generation. The average home actually contributes more to global warming than the average car. This is because much of the energy we use in our homes comes from power plants which burn fossil fuel to power our electric products.
To reduce the amount of electricity used in our homes:
* Switch to energy-efficient lighting
Replace the familiar incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. For each CFL bulb replacement, you’ll lower your energy bill and keep nearly 700 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air over the bulb’s lifetime. CFL bulbs last much longer and use only a quarter of the energy consumed by conventional bulbs. LED bulbs are also energy-saving, but have a narrower range of application. Advances in LED bulb technology, however, are leading to more applications for these bulbs in the home. LEDs are more efficient than CFLs and do not have issues surrounding disposal, as do the CFLs. More info.
* Improve the efficiency of home appliances
Home appliances vary greatly in terms of energy-efficiency and operating costs. The more energy-efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run. You can lower your utility bill and help protect the environment. Here’s how.
* Buy energy-efficient appliances when shopping for a new appliance
Do this especially when shopping for a major appliance such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, or air-conditioner – select the one with the highest energy efficiency rating. By opting for a refrigerator with the Energy Star label — indicating it uses at least 15 percent less energy than the federal requirement — you can reduce carbon dioxide pollution by nearly a ton in total. More info.
* Reduce energy needed for heating
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling systems in the U.S. emit over a half billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Much of the energy used for heating our homes is wasted, and yet the prevention is, in many cases, simple and inexpensive. Here’s how.
* Reduce energy needed for cooling
Air conditioners alone use up to 1/6th of the electricity in the U.S. and, on hot summer days, consume 43% of the U.S. peak power load. You can reduce much of the need for air conditioning, and enjoy a cost savings benefit, by using ‘passive’ techniques to help cool your home. Here’s how.
Improve vehicle fuel-efficiency
The second largest source of greenhouse gases is transportation. Motor vehicles are responsible for about a third of all carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. and Canada.
* Practice fuel-efficient driving
Every gallon of gasoline burned puts 26 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. You can boost the overall fuel-efficiency of your car as much as 30% by simple vehicle maintenance and attention to your style of driving. Read these tips for fuel-efficient driving.
* Buy a fuel-efficient car
Even more important is the choice of car or truck you buy. If you buy a new car that gets 10 more miles per gallon than your old car, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction realized in one year will be about 2,500 pounds. The new hybrid cars, using efficient gas-electric engines, can cut global warming pollution by 30% or more. Learn more about hybrid cars.
* Recycle air conditioner coolant
If your car has an air conditioner, make sure you recycle its coolant whenever you have it serviced. You can save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide each year by doing this.
* Drive less
You’ll save energy by taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking. Try consolidating trips to the mall or longer routine drives. Encourage car-pooling.
Conserve energy in the home and yard
Yard maintenance contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions. Per hour of operation, a power lawn mower emits 10-12 times as much hydrocarbon as a typical auto. A weedeater emits 21 times more and a leaf blower 34 times more.
* Reduce lawn size
Lawn size can be reduced by adding shrubs, beds, ground covers and mulched areas. Try creating a lawn area small enough to be mowed using an efficient reel (push) mower. Lawn edging can be set low enough to mow over, reducing or eliminating the need for a weed-eater. More info.
* Recycle whenever possible
Aluminum cans, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, glass – anything recycled reduces the energy needed to create new products. To find the recycling center nearest you, call: 1 800-CLEANUP. For ideas on home recycling, click here for more info.
* Eat locally produced food
Today, the food choices available in supermarkets come from all over the world. All of this ‘traffic’ in food requires staggering amounts of fuel – generally by refrigerated airplanes or transport trucks. Food transportation is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. More info.
* Eat vegetarian meals
Vegetarian food requires much less energy to produce. Enjoying vegetarian meals once or twice a week results in significant CO2 savings. More info.
* Paint your home a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a dark color in a cold climate.
This can contribute saving up to 5000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
* Choose clean energy options
If you can choose your electricity supplier, pick a company that generates at least half its power from wind, solar energy and other renewable sources.
* Buy clean energy certificates and carbon offsets
Help spur the renewable energy market and cut global warming pollution with “wind certificates” or “green tags,” which represent clean power you can add to the nation’s energy grid in place of electricity from fossil fuels. More info.
A “carbon offset” is an emission reduction credit which can be purchased by individuals, businesses and governments to reduce their net greenhouse gas emissions. More info.
While it may be difficult to adopt some of these suggestions, any amount of energy saved is significant. Even small changes are worthwhile, as they spark our awareness. As we become more aware of the importance of saving energy, we find ways of saving where possible.
Making energy conservation a part of our daily awareness is essential to the goal of reducing global warming.
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