Packing a No Waste Lunch is healthy eco-friendly and more economical than buying prepackaged food. The average disposable “brown bag” lunch creates between 4–8 ounces of garbage everyday. That can add up to as much as 100 pounds per year! Not only do prepackaged and processed foods contain excess packaging, they are also up to 25% more expensive. And with the alarming increase of childhood obesity and diabetes, it’s more important than ever to teach healthy eating habits, especially when bringing your own lunch can save you money too.
A No Waste Lunch differs from the conventional brown bag by eliminating disposable paper and packaging. Everything is packed in reusable containers, disposable paper is replaced with cloth, and disposable cutlery is replaced with reusables.
As landfills across North America reach capacity, more and more schools are working to educate students on the importance of the other 3Rs: reduce, reuse recycle. And many are beginning to adopt No Waste Lunch programs, since lunch refuse is one of the leading sources of trash generated by schools.
The reduction of waste translates to savings in cleanup costs and a reduction in CO2 emissions. In California, the California Waste Free School (WFS) program has helped local schools to succeed in diverting over 6928.4 tons of material from local landfills, saving participating school districts approximately $413,518 to date. http://www.wastefreeschools.org/PDF/away_waste.pdf
The basic steps to waste reduction as outlined by WFS are simply translated:
1 Reduce the amount of disposable waste you pack
2 Pack Reusable products
3 Recycle anything you have left over
As families begin back to school preparations, now is the perfect time to incorporate No Waste lunch ideas to make a positive difference for your health, the planet and your wallet.
Easy Tips for a No Waste Lunch
1 Replace your disposable lunch bag with a reusable lunch tote. When half of the stuff we throw away each day comes from food waste and packaging, you’ll make a difference for your health and your wallet by switching to reusables.
2 Bring your drink in a BPA-free reusable bottle. It not only reduces waste, it promotes good health since you’re assured no toxins will leach into your drink. With an average savings of $200 per year over disposable water bottle costs, reusable bottles are a safe and sensible solution.
3 Eliminate disposable foils, plastics and bags by replacing them with reusable containers and sandwich wraps. Available in a variety of materials, reusable containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit most any size lunch tote. Buying food in bulk is a great way to reduce packaging in general, and often saves money too.
4 Choose reusable cutlery as an alternative to disposable plastic, or bring your stainless steel cutlery from home. Reusable cutlery is available in a variety of sustainable materials. Stainless steel travels well when wrapped in a cloth napkin, just rewrap after use for easy cleanup at home.
5 Cloth Napkins are a money-saving, tree-free alternative to paper. You can green your kitchen and save an average of $40 per year by eliminating disposable plastics from your shopping list.
6 Insulated Thermos-type food and beverage containers keep foods and beverages at the right temperature, so the soup you made over the weekend will stay warm enough for lunch. You may also be surprised at the number of leftover meals that will suddenly become lunch options with the right travel containers.
For more information:
Elizabeth Borelli, Nubius Organics
Phone: 888-600-7004
Email: Elizabeth@nubiusorganics.com
Web Site: www.nubiusorganics.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Green Remodeling
Going green when remodeling can be a daunting task. It can also be an expensive one as well. But, there’s a great deal of satisfaction in using recycled, resourced and sustainable materials. The prices of these green construction finishes continue to drop as the demand increases. More often than not you’ll find that green remodeling comes with higher quality items that can lead to a better resale price for your home down the road. Pick wisely and you’ll help the environment, create a safer home for your family and benefit financially when it’s time to sell!
1. Sustainable flooring is a great way to get started when remodeling or building green. Bamboo and cork are two products that come from quickly renewable sources. Be careful with some bamboo as it tends to be a bit “soft”. Opt for edge grain and/or carbonized bamboo as these are as tough as regular hardwoods like oak and maple.
2. Carpet is now being made with recycled PET plastic. What a great idea! It’s also superior in quality because it is naturally stain resistant, stronger than traditional fabrics and nylons, moisture resistant and comes in vibrant colors that won’t fade over time. Mohawk makes their everSTRAND™ brand out of 100% recycled PET resins. The company uses three billion recycled plastic bottles every year! Don’t forget about the carpet pad while you are at it. Recycled plastic padding is also available. And, car tires are now being recycled into an amazingly resilient and comfy pad. Check out www.ecosurfaces.com for their ECOcomfort underlayment.
3. Recycled glass tile is a great way to create a custom look while using a material that would otherwise end up in our landfills. Sandhill Industries makes mosaics in 36 beautiful colors (www.sandhill.com/colorpalette.asp). Other manufacturers of recycled glass tiles are Aurora Glass, Bedrock Industries, Bonfire Glass Tile and Oceanside Glasstile Company.
4. No VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are green and create healthier indoor air quality for you and your family. We like Green Planet Paints. These paints are made from natural earth clays and pigments without any petrochemicals. Since our indoor air can be up to 5 times more toxic than outdoor air, this is a smart and healthy choice. Other manufacturers including Benjamin Moore (Natura™ line) have come out with quality “No-VOC” paints. Keep in mind that under EPA guidelines, they can have up to 5 grams/liter and still be considered “No-VOC”.
5. Low VOC adhesives are also available for the construction process. These glues for framing, flooring, drywall and tiles will lower the chance of your indoor air being polluted with chemicals. Companies like Titebond® manufacture a whole line of low VOC adhesives.
6. Make sure to purchase Energy Star appliances when upgrading your kitchen or laundry room. These appliances use less energy and are more efficient at cooking, washing dishes and clothes, baking, and microwaving!
7. Green insulation? Yep, that’s right. There’s money savings here by reducing your energy bill and using a recycled material for your walls and attics. Cocoon Insulation makes a cellulose insulation made from 85% recycled paper products. This insulation is also healthier for us and the workers as it contains no asbestos or fiberglass. And, it can offer up to 26% better performance than traditional fiberglass batting at the same thickness! And now we even have insulation made from recycled blue jeans! You heard it right. Check out www.cottonfrombluetogreen.org to see how you can get involved. This insulation is also non-toxic and safe while using our resourced Levis®!
8. A tankless hot water heater is a green building device that will pay for itself in a short period of time. These water heaters create unlimited hot water by heating water quickly and efficiently only when you need it. They don’t continually run like your traditional gas or electric hot water storage units. This saves your energy bill and reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted. Now that’s a win-win scenario!
9. You can now build your deck or patio using recycled plastic lumber made from your old milk jugs. The added upfront cost is more than worth it in the saved maintenance expenses in the future. The recycled plastic lumber will not warp, crack or twist like wood. It requires no staining or sealing while being resistant to termites and other boring insects. The lumber is also used to make patio furniture that will outperform any other material, last a lifetime and is warm and comfortable to the touch - www.tuwa.com/site/sub_home_decor.html.
10. Porous pavers for your driveway help the environment by letting rain water seep into the soil. Under normal conditions the water runs down into the street carrying along with it chemicals and other toxic ingredients into our rivers and streams. The porous pavers allow the water to flow down into the soil as it would normally in nature. This helps recharge our aquifers, reduce flooding and the soil filters any contaminants naturally. K.B Industries even makes a porous paver with recycled rubber from automobile tires. Flexi-Pave is slip-resistant, flexible and available in many colors.
Other green building technologies are larger investments and take longer to see a return on your money. Solar panels, grey water retention and reuse, and geo-thermal HVAC are just some of the technologies that are the future of green construction. The higher quality of many of these green building products will save money in the long run by reducing future maintenance costs and extending their life expectancy. A small investment now can return dividends later on. And, we can reduce our impact on the environment at the same time!
A special thanks to Mathew Standish, President, http://www.tuwa.com/ for sharing this article.
1. Sustainable flooring is a great way to get started when remodeling or building green. Bamboo and cork are two products that come from quickly renewable sources. Be careful with some bamboo as it tends to be a bit “soft”. Opt for edge grain and/or carbonized bamboo as these are as tough as regular hardwoods like oak and maple.
2. Carpet is now being made with recycled PET plastic. What a great idea! It’s also superior in quality because it is naturally stain resistant, stronger than traditional fabrics and nylons, moisture resistant and comes in vibrant colors that won’t fade over time. Mohawk makes their everSTRAND™ brand out of 100% recycled PET resins. The company uses three billion recycled plastic bottles every year! Don’t forget about the carpet pad while you are at it. Recycled plastic padding is also available. And, car tires are now being recycled into an amazingly resilient and comfy pad. Check out www.ecosurfaces.com for their ECOcomfort underlayment.
3. Recycled glass tile is a great way to create a custom look while using a material that would otherwise end up in our landfills. Sandhill Industries makes mosaics in 36 beautiful colors (www.sandhill.com/colorpalette.asp). Other manufacturers of recycled glass tiles are Aurora Glass, Bedrock Industries, Bonfire Glass Tile and Oceanside Glasstile Company.
4. No VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints are green and create healthier indoor air quality for you and your family. We like Green Planet Paints. These paints are made from natural earth clays and pigments without any petrochemicals. Since our indoor air can be up to 5 times more toxic than outdoor air, this is a smart and healthy choice. Other manufacturers including Benjamin Moore (Natura™ line) have come out with quality “No-VOC” paints. Keep in mind that under EPA guidelines, they can have up to 5 grams/liter and still be considered “No-VOC”.
5. Low VOC adhesives are also available for the construction process. These glues for framing, flooring, drywall and tiles will lower the chance of your indoor air being polluted with chemicals. Companies like Titebond® manufacture a whole line of low VOC adhesives.
6. Make sure to purchase Energy Star appliances when upgrading your kitchen or laundry room. These appliances use less energy and are more efficient at cooking, washing dishes and clothes, baking, and microwaving!
7. Green insulation? Yep, that’s right. There’s money savings here by reducing your energy bill and using a recycled material for your walls and attics. Cocoon Insulation makes a cellulose insulation made from 85% recycled paper products. This insulation is also healthier for us and the workers as it contains no asbestos or fiberglass. And, it can offer up to 26% better performance than traditional fiberglass batting at the same thickness! And now we even have insulation made from recycled blue jeans! You heard it right. Check out www.cottonfrombluetogreen.org to see how you can get involved. This insulation is also non-toxic and safe while using our resourced Levis®!
8. A tankless hot water heater is a green building device that will pay for itself in a short period of time. These water heaters create unlimited hot water by heating water quickly and efficiently only when you need it. They don’t continually run like your traditional gas or electric hot water storage units. This saves your energy bill and reduces the amount of greenhouse gases emitted. Now that’s a win-win scenario!
9. You can now build your deck or patio using recycled plastic lumber made from your old milk jugs. The added upfront cost is more than worth it in the saved maintenance expenses in the future. The recycled plastic lumber will not warp, crack or twist like wood. It requires no staining or sealing while being resistant to termites and other boring insects. The lumber is also used to make patio furniture that will outperform any other material, last a lifetime and is warm and comfortable to the touch - www.tuwa.com/site/sub_home_decor.html.
10. Porous pavers for your driveway help the environment by letting rain water seep into the soil. Under normal conditions the water runs down into the street carrying along with it chemicals and other toxic ingredients into our rivers and streams. The porous pavers allow the water to flow down into the soil as it would normally in nature. This helps recharge our aquifers, reduce flooding and the soil filters any contaminants naturally. K.B Industries even makes a porous paver with recycled rubber from automobile tires. Flexi-Pave is slip-resistant, flexible and available in many colors.
Other green building technologies are larger investments and take longer to see a return on your money. Solar panels, grey water retention and reuse, and geo-thermal HVAC are just some of the technologies that are the future of green construction. The higher quality of many of these green building products will save money in the long run by reducing future maintenance costs and extending their life expectancy. A small investment now can return dividends later on. And, we can reduce our impact on the environment at the same time!
A special thanks to Mathew Standish, President, http://www.tuwa.com/ for sharing this article.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Eco-friendly Lawn Care
Eco-friendly living and your lawn care have much in common. Unfortunately, we use a lot of chemicals and water to have green yards at home here in the United States. In fact, more chemicals are sprayed on our home lawns than in the fields to grow our crops - 70 million tons of fertilizers and pesticides per year! We also use much of our water on our lawns. 30% of our water on the East coast and 60% of water on the West Coast is being consumed by our lawns! Green, healthy lawns can be grown with less water and chemicals if we take the time to understand the science of the soil:
1. Let your grass grow! Set your mower for 2.5 to 3.5 inches in height. The longer grass shades the weed seedlings to help prevent their growth and allows the grass roots to grow deeper in the soil. You’ll have less weeds and stronger grass. You may have to mow more often, but in no time you’ll see the difference. Stronger and longer grass roots mean you will…
2. Water your lawn less – yes, we said less not more. Watering your lawn t frequently feeds the weeds better than the grass. Less watering will help the grass develop deeper roots and the weeds don’t like to compete at lower levels. Water your lawn when the grass just starts to curl and avoid watering on a set schedule. When you do water, set a cup in the middle of the lawn. Water until you get ½” in the cup, wait 45 minutes and then water for another ½”. Water in the morning and you’ll lose less to evaporation. Your grass will love you and so will your water bill!
3. Grass needs nitrogen in the soil as its fertilizer. Weeds like nitrogen from the air. An abundance of weeds can indicate a low nitrogen-rich soil down below. Use a natural organic fertilizer that is time released. The Ringer brand has many types of all natural fertilizers. Look for natural ingredients like alfalfa, blood meal, and soybean meal.
4. Chemical lawn treatments kill our earthworms (and other microorganisms). Why is that so important? These critters aren’t just good to fish with, they also provide our soil with some of the best natural fertilizers – yep, worm poop! Eliminating the earthworm is robbing our soil of precious nutrients that don’t cost us a thing.
5. It’s all about the pH level stupid! Ok, this is one we probably don’t think about. The acidity level of our lawns is critical to a healthy yard. Test your lawn with a pH tester kit or have a professional do it for you. The proper pH level should be about 6.5. A number below this requires an application of lime and above 6.5 needs some sulfur.
6. Mow with a push mower like your grandfather used. These pushing type mowers finely cut the grass and create a mulching affect leaving the nutrient-rich clippings on the lawn. Did you know that gas powered mowers actually pollute the air up to 20 times more than our cars? So, if you don’t like pushing your way to shorter grass, try an electric mower and/or trimmer. Either way, these mowers require much less maintenance and will last longer than the foreign-oil gulpers!
7. The dandelion army is a good indicator that your lawn has a high pH level!
8. Corn gluten is a good natural weed preventer. Apply this natural byproduct of corn processing to your lawn in the early spring and again in the fall. The gluten kills weed seedlings and adds nitrogen to the soil.
9. Use Milky Spore to treat lawn grubs. This natural pesticide leaves all other microorganisms unharmed and is safe for pets and children.
10. Compost, compost, compost. Create a compost pile at your home or buy some compost from your local facility. Spread the compost evenly on your lawn. There’s nothing better than natural, nutrient-rich organic matter that would otherwise end up in our landfills. And, it’s a fun exercise for the whole family!
Two great resources for natural lawn care:
A. http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/catalog/greenscaping.pdf
B.http://www.seattle.gov/util/stellent/groups/public/@spu/@csb/documents/webcontent/
naturalya_2003112617020011.pdf
A special thanks to Mathew Standish, President, http://www.tuwa.com/ for sharing this article.
1. Let your grass grow! Set your mower for 2.5 to 3.5 inches in height. The longer grass shades the weed seedlings to help prevent their growth and allows the grass roots to grow deeper in the soil. You’ll have less weeds and stronger grass. You may have to mow more often, but in no time you’ll see the difference. Stronger and longer grass roots mean you will…
2. Water your lawn less – yes, we said less not more. Watering your lawn t frequently feeds the weeds better than the grass. Less watering will help the grass develop deeper roots and the weeds don’t like to compete at lower levels. Water your lawn when the grass just starts to curl and avoid watering on a set schedule. When you do water, set a cup in the middle of the lawn. Water until you get ½” in the cup, wait 45 minutes and then water for another ½”. Water in the morning and you’ll lose less to evaporation. Your grass will love you and so will your water bill!
3. Grass needs nitrogen in the soil as its fertilizer. Weeds like nitrogen from the air. An abundance of weeds can indicate a low nitrogen-rich soil down below. Use a natural organic fertilizer that is time released. The Ringer brand has many types of all natural fertilizers. Look for natural ingredients like alfalfa, blood meal, and soybean meal.
4. Chemical lawn treatments kill our earthworms (and other microorganisms). Why is that so important? These critters aren’t just good to fish with, they also provide our soil with some of the best natural fertilizers – yep, worm poop! Eliminating the earthworm is robbing our soil of precious nutrients that don’t cost us a thing.
5. It’s all about the pH level stupid! Ok, this is one we probably don’t think about. The acidity level of our lawns is critical to a healthy yard. Test your lawn with a pH tester kit or have a professional do it for you. The proper pH level should be about 6.5. A number below this requires an application of lime and above 6.5 needs some sulfur.
6. Mow with a push mower like your grandfather used. These pushing type mowers finely cut the grass and create a mulching affect leaving the nutrient-rich clippings on the lawn. Did you know that gas powered mowers actually pollute the air up to 20 times more than our cars? So, if you don’t like pushing your way to shorter grass, try an electric mower and/or trimmer. Either way, these mowers require much less maintenance and will last longer than the foreign-oil gulpers!
7. The dandelion army is a good indicator that your lawn has a high pH level!
8. Corn gluten is a good natural weed preventer. Apply this natural byproduct of corn processing to your lawn in the early spring and again in the fall. The gluten kills weed seedlings and adds nitrogen to the soil.
9. Use Milky Spore to treat lawn grubs. This natural pesticide leaves all other microorganisms unharmed and is safe for pets and children.
10. Compost, compost, compost. Create a compost pile at your home or buy some compost from your local facility. Spread the compost evenly on your lawn. There’s nothing better than natural, nutrient-rich organic matter that would otherwise end up in our landfills. And, it’s a fun exercise for the whole family!
Two great resources for natural lawn care:
A. http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/catalog/greenscaping.pdf
B.http://www.seattle.gov/util/stellent/groups/public/@spu/@csb/documents/webcontent/
naturalya_2003112617020011.pdf
A special thanks to Mathew Standish, President, http://www.tuwa.com/ for sharing this article.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
10 Green Living Tips of the Month – Greening Your Home Through Energy Savings
A green life doesn’t have to mean spending thousands of dollars on solar or changing our lifestyles drastically. We can actually live more green and save money at the same time through home energy conservation. How do we do that? It’s easy, reduce the amount of energy needed to heat your home in the winter, cool it in the summer, and power the lights all year. By using less energy you are reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses released into our atmosphere while lowering your utility bill. Green living that actually puts money back in your pocket! Let’s get started…
Tip #1 – Turn the light switches off when you aren’t in the room. We think this is probably the easiest way to live green. You will lower electricity bill and prolong the life of your light bulbs at the same time. Teach your kids to always flip the switch when they leave the room. Your pocket book will love you and so will mother earth!
Tip #2 – Switch out all of your light bulbs to CFL (compact florescent light) bulbs. CFL’s use 75% less electricity than standard filament bulbs. Yes, they do cost more but, CFL’s last up to ten times longer than their incandescent counterparts. If you can’t replace all of your bulbs, start with one room at a time. A house using CFL bulbs can reduce its electricity consumption up to 25%. That’s a lot of green!
Tip #3 – While we are on the subject of lighting, let’s talk about motion and light sensing activated devices. There are three overall automatic lighting options for you to choose from. First, light sensor activated lighting turns the bulb off when it’s light and on when it’s dark. Motion sensor lights will turn on the light when movement is detected near the fixture. And, finally the best of both worlds, a light that turns on when both darkness and motion are present. You can buy these sensors to fit in your existing light fixtures or a light fixture with the sensor built-in. We like the First Alert model #PIR 720R for indoor use and the American De Rosa #D2430 for exterior lights.
Tip #4 – Washing the dishes. The automatic dishwasher uses a lot of energy to clean your plates, cups, and forks. Run the dishwasher only when it’s full. You’ll also be saving water if you run the dishwasher less. But, that couldn’t possibly save much water, right? Try this, don’t rinse the dishes prior to putting them in the dishwasher and run it only when full – you could save over 7000 gallons of water each year!
Tip #5 – Speaking of hot water, our home water heaters require a large amount of electricity or natural gas to keep the water at our desired temperature. The standard hot water heater turns on and off constantly in order to do its duty, wasting energy along the way. Wrapping your water heater with an insulating blanket can reduce its energy consumption by 20%. These blankets slow the heat loss of the water, thus causing your water heater to run less frequently. Check with your local hardware store or home center. These blankets are very affordable and easy to install.
Tip #6 - Install a programmable thermostat…and use it. A programmable thermostat can reduce your utility bill up to 15% or more. Every 1 degree change over an eight hour period can equal a 1% savings. So, set the thermostat to 10 degrees cooler when you’re not at home during the winter, a 10% savings! Or, set it 5 degrees warmer in the summer when you aren’t around, a 5% savings! You can program most thermostats to operate around your work schedule, the weekends, evenings, and vacations. Most programmable thermostats will pay for themselves in energy savings within just a few months. Chances are you may already have one of these thermostats, but have you programmed it or do you just hit the up and down arrows? Gotcha! Spend a little time, program the unit, and you’ll enjoy lower energy bills all year long.
Tip #7 – Insulation for your home. Most homes are sorely under insulated, especially in the attic. You remember high school science – heated air rises and cooler air lowers. Well, the heated air in the winter goes up and out mostly through our attics. Check your attic insulation thickness to estimate its R-value (thermal resistance). New homes are required to include a minimum R-30 insulation in the attic. There are several types of insulation material, but a good general rule is that you want at least 12” of the stuff up there. Anything less and you could be losing 50% more heat than is necessary. Hire a contractor to add insulation or do it yourself. While this is certainly a more costly way to conserve energy, the extra insulation will most likely pay for itself in just a few seasons. Another way to see if you have enough insulation in the attic is to look at your roof after a good snowfall. Does the snow melt quickly (one day or less)? Compare it to your neighbor’s roof, do they have snow on their roof and you don’t? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you’re losing a lot of heat through the attic. Time to insulate!
Tip #8 – Speaking of heat loss, check your windows and doors for air gaps. These gaps allow heat to escape (and water to enter). A little over 20% of all heat loss goes out through the doors and windows of your home. Check to make sure the weather stripping is in good shape and that it runs all the way to the corners. A simple way to test for these gaps is to hold incense or a lit candle next to the area of concern. Pick a windy day and you may be surprised at the results. While you are at it, check other areas like around outlets or other exterior wall penetrations. It’s affordable and easy to install new weather stripping. And, the new spray foams do wonders around electric boxes and other wall gaps.
Tip #9 – Clothes drying 101. Clean out the lint screen every time you load the dryer. Also, make sure you don’t overload the dryer. Sounds a bit boring, but the savings is anything but – try 5% off your utility bill!
Tip #10 – Here’s one that will save you time as well. Cook with micro waves. Yep, the microwave is 3 to 5 times more energy efficient than a standard oven. So, if you spend $100.00 cooking meals in the oven, the same meals in a microwave could cost you only $20.00. Who said nuking was a bad thing?
A special thanks to Mathew Standish, President, http://www.tuwa.com/ for sharing this article.
Tip #1 – Turn the light switches off when you aren’t in the room. We think this is probably the easiest way to live green. You will lower electricity bill and prolong the life of your light bulbs at the same time. Teach your kids to always flip the switch when they leave the room. Your pocket book will love you and so will mother earth!
Tip #2 – Switch out all of your light bulbs to CFL (compact florescent light) bulbs. CFL’s use 75% less electricity than standard filament bulbs. Yes, they do cost more but, CFL’s last up to ten times longer than their incandescent counterparts. If you can’t replace all of your bulbs, start with one room at a time. A house using CFL bulbs can reduce its electricity consumption up to 25%. That’s a lot of green!
Tip #3 – While we are on the subject of lighting, let’s talk about motion and light sensing activated devices. There are three overall automatic lighting options for you to choose from. First, light sensor activated lighting turns the bulb off when it’s light and on when it’s dark. Motion sensor lights will turn on the light when movement is detected near the fixture. And, finally the best of both worlds, a light that turns on when both darkness and motion are present. You can buy these sensors to fit in your existing light fixtures or a light fixture with the sensor built-in. We like the First Alert model #PIR 720R for indoor use and the American De Rosa #D2430 for exterior lights.
Tip #4 – Washing the dishes. The automatic dishwasher uses a lot of energy to clean your plates, cups, and forks. Run the dishwasher only when it’s full. You’ll also be saving water if you run the dishwasher less. But, that couldn’t possibly save much water, right? Try this, don’t rinse the dishes prior to putting them in the dishwasher and run it only when full – you could save over 7000 gallons of water each year!
Tip #5 – Speaking of hot water, our home water heaters require a large amount of electricity or natural gas to keep the water at our desired temperature. The standard hot water heater turns on and off constantly in order to do its duty, wasting energy along the way. Wrapping your water heater with an insulating blanket can reduce its energy consumption by 20%. These blankets slow the heat loss of the water, thus causing your water heater to run less frequently. Check with your local hardware store or home center. These blankets are very affordable and easy to install.
Tip #6 - Install a programmable thermostat…and use it. A programmable thermostat can reduce your utility bill up to 15% or more. Every 1 degree change over an eight hour period can equal a 1% savings. So, set the thermostat to 10 degrees cooler when you’re not at home during the winter, a 10% savings! Or, set it 5 degrees warmer in the summer when you aren’t around, a 5% savings! You can program most thermostats to operate around your work schedule, the weekends, evenings, and vacations. Most programmable thermostats will pay for themselves in energy savings within just a few months. Chances are you may already have one of these thermostats, but have you programmed it or do you just hit the up and down arrows? Gotcha! Spend a little time, program the unit, and you’ll enjoy lower energy bills all year long.
Tip #7 – Insulation for your home. Most homes are sorely under insulated, especially in the attic. You remember high school science – heated air rises and cooler air lowers. Well, the heated air in the winter goes up and out mostly through our attics. Check your attic insulation thickness to estimate its R-value (thermal resistance). New homes are required to include a minimum R-30 insulation in the attic. There are several types of insulation material, but a good general rule is that you want at least 12” of the stuff up there. Anything less and you could be losing 50% more heat than is necessary. Hire a contractor to add insulation or do it yourself. While this is certainly a more costly way to conserve energy, the extra insulation will most likely pay for itself in just a few seasons. Another way to see if you have enough insulation in the attic is to look at your roof after a good snowfall. Does the snow melt quickly (one day or less)? Compare it to your neighbor’s roof, do they have snow on their roof and you don’t? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you’re losing a lot of heat through the attic. Time to insulate!
Tip #8 – Speaking of heat loss, check your windows and doors for air gaps. These gaps allow heat to escape (and water to enter). A little over 20% of all heat loss goes out through the doors and windows of your home. Check to make sure the weather stripping is in good shape and that it runs all the way to the corners. A simple way to test for these gaps is to hold incense or a lit candle next to the area of concern. Pick a windy day and you may be surprised at the results. While you are at it, check other areas like around outlets or other exterior wall penetrations. It’s affordable and easy to install new weather stripping. And, the new spray foams do wonders around electric boxes and other wall gaps.
Tip #9 – Clothes drying 101. Clean out the lint screen every time you load the dryer. Also, make sure you don’t overload the dryer. Sounds a bit boring, but the savings is anything but – try 5% off your utility bill!
Tip #10 – Here’s one that will save you time as well. Cook with micro waves. Yep, the microwave is 3 to 5 times more energy efficient than a standard oven. So, if you spend $100.00 cooking meals in the oven, the same meals in a microwave could cost you only $20.00. Who said nuking was a bad thing?
A special thanks to Mathew Standish, President, http://www.tuwa.com/ for sharing this article.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Green Living at Home – Indoor Air Quality
Green living is synonymous with healthy living. And, during the winter when we are hibernating in our homes, our indoor air quality is something to think about. Did you know that the air inside our homes can be ten times as toxic as outdoor air? The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. Asthma rates are on an alarming rise, affecting 20 million people in the US alone! Sadly, the largest growth rate of asthma cases has been in children under the age of five. Let’s take a look at the components commonly found in our indoor air and then we’ll suggest some ways to fight them.
The problem:
1. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) – the term used to describe the emission of gases into the air. VOC’s include all kinds of chemicals which are released in the air from everyday household products like paint and wood finishes, furniture, cleaning agents, air fresheners and carpet to name a few. The effect to our health includes headaches, loss of coordination, nausea and damage to our liver, kidney and central nervous system. Some of these chemicals include formaldehyde, phthalates, benzene and perchlorothylene which are all known human carcinogens.
2. Mold – mold reproduces using spores which are invisible to the human eye. The health effects include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation. Severe reactions include fever and shortness of breath. Small amounts of mold spores are present in almost every home’s air.
3. Radon – this colorless, odorless and tasteless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. The gas is emitted from the ground and is a result of a natural process of uranium in the soil breaking down. It is found in all areas of the United States. Visit the EPA’s website for an interactive radon map of your state and county: www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html.
4. Smoke – secondhand smoke is particularly troublesome for children who are growing and developing. Because children have higher breathing rates than adults, their lungs are susceptible to the negative health effects of smoke. The result can be asthma, respiratory infection and ultimately lung cancer.
5. Pet dander – a little gross, but true; your pet’s dead skin flakes can be found in high concentrations in the air of homes with dogs and cats. These particles can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma.
6. Dust mites – these tiny insects are invisible to the naked eye. Every home has them and they reside in pillows, mattresses, carpets, furniture fabric, clothes and even stuffed toys because they feed on our dead skin cells. The byproducts of these mites can cause asthma and allergic reactions, especially in children who have not had previous symptoms.
The solution:
VOC – store all paints and varnishes in the garage or away from the home. Use natural plant-based cleaning agents and solutions. Paint walls and woodwork with a natural no-VOC paint. Capture chemical particles in your air through specialized filters. These carbon filters absorb chemical compounds from the air and some also include zeolite, a porous mineral that helps with absorption of even the smallest particles.
Mold – mold spores thrive in moist conditions. Make sure any leaks around your home’s foundation, windows, doors and roof are repaired immediately. A crawlspace should have a layer of plastic over the ground to eliminate moisture rising from the soil. Keep bathrooms and laundry rooms well ventilated to prevent high humidity. Use a dehumidifier for moist areas of your home including basements. Make sure your attic is well insulated to prevent condensation. A quality HEPA air purifier should screen mold spores as small as .3 to .1 microns.
Radon – test your home for radon gas. You can get a test kit from most home improvement centers for around $10 which you then send to a lab which will cost about $30 for the results. Or, visit the EPA’s website for a list of every state’s agency that assists in radon testing as well as resources to fix your radon problems: www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html. Most state health offices offer reduced pricing or free test kits. Radon levels above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air) should be addressed immediately.
Smoke – if you must smoke, consider using an air filter or purifier. Don’t smoke when children are present and provide some ventilation through an open window if possible. Never smoke in the car with children.
Pet dander – cleaning often will help prevent these particles from wandering from location to location. Use a spray cleaner (preferably a natural plant-based product) to moisten surfaces before wiping. This will keep the particles from becoming airborne again. Purchase quality furnace filters and change them often, especially in the winter (once a month at a minimum). Consider a reusable furnace filter. These filters can be washed frequently, will last a lifetime and will actually save you money over time. Have your furnace and ductwork cleaned by a professional annually. Limit pets to certain rooms and keep them off of the furniture and beds if possible.
Dust mites – wash your bed sheets and blankets often (once a week). Cover mattresses in dust-proof and/or removable covers. Use pillow covers that can be removed and washed with the sheets. Consider buying wool pillows and comforters that are more resistant to dust mites. Buy washable stuffed toys and keep them off of the bed. Vacuum the carpet AND furniture fabric frequently. Change vacuum filters at three-fourths full or sooner.
A special thanks to Mathew Standish, President, http://www.tuwa.com/ for sharing this article.
The problem:
1. Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) – the term used to describe the emission of gases into the air. VOC’s include all kinds of chemicals which are released in the air from everyday household products like paint and wood finishes, furniture, cleaning agents, air fresheners and carpet to name a few. The effect to our health includes headaches, loss of coordination, nausea and damage to our liver, kidney and central nervous system. Some of these chemicals include formaldehyde, phthalates, benzene and perchlorothylene which are all known human carcinogens.
2. Mold – mold reproduces using spores which are invisible to the human eye. The health effects include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation. Severe reactions include fever and shortness of breath. Small amounts of mold spores are present in almost every home’s air.
3. Radon – this colorless, odorless and tasteless gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. The gas is emitted from the ground and is a result of a natural process of uranium in the soil breaking down. It is found in all areas of the United States. Visit the EPA’s website for an interactive radon map of your state and county: www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html.
4. Smoke – secondhand smoke is particularly troublesome for children who are growing and developing. Because children have higher breathing rates than adults, their lungs are susceptible to the negative health effects of smoke. The result can be asthma, respiratory infection and ultimately lung cancer.
5. Pet dander – a little gross, but true; your pet’s dead skin flakes can be found in high concentrations in the air of homes with dogs and cats. These particles can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma.
6. Dust mites – these tiny insects are invisible to the naked eye. Every home has them and they reside in pillows, mattresses, carpets, furniture fabric, clothes and even stuffed toys because they feed on our dead skin cells. The byproducts of these mites can cause asthma and allergic reactions, especially in children who have not had previous symptoms.
The solution:
VOC – store all paints and varnishes in the garage or away from the home. Use natural plant-based cleaning agents and solutions. Paint walls and woodwork with a natural no-VOC paint. Capture chemical particles in your air through specialized filters. These carbon filters absorb chemical compounds from the air and some also include zeolite, a porous mineral that helps with absorption of even the smallest particles.
Mold – mold spores thrive in moist conditions. Make sure any leaks around your home’s foundation, windows, doors and roof are repaired immediately. A crawlspace should have a layer of plastic over the ground to eliminate moisture rising from the soil. Keep bathrooms and laundry rooms well ventilated to prevent high humidity. Use a dehumidifier for moist areas of your home including basements. Make sure your attic is well insulated to prevent condensation. A quality HEPA air purifier should screen mold spores as small as .3 to .1 microns.
Radon – test your home for radon gas. You can get a test kit from most home improvement centers for around $10 which you then send to a lab which will cost about $30 for the results. Or, visit the EPA’s website for a list of every state’s agency that assists in radon testing as well as resources to fix your radon problems: www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html. Most state health offices offer reduced pricing or free test kits. Radon levels above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air) should be addressed immediately.
Smoke – if you must smoke, consider using an air filter or purifier. Don’t smoke when children are present and provide some ventilation through an open window if possible. Never smoke in the car with children.
Pet dander – cleaning often will help prevent these particles from wandering from location to location. Use a spray cleaner (preferably a natural plant-based product) to moisten surfaces before wiping. This will keep the particles from becoming airborne again. Purchase quality furnace filters and change them often, especially in the winter (once a month at a minimum). Consider a reusable furnace filter. These filters can be washed frequently, will last a lifetime and will actually save you money over time. Have your furnace and ductwork cleaned by a professional annually. Limit pets to certain rooms and keep them off of the furniture and beds if possible.
Dust mites – wash your bed sheets and blankets often (once a week). Cover mattresses in dust-proof and/or removable covers. Use pillow covers that can be removed and washed with the sheets. Consider buying wool pillows and comforters that are more resistant to dust mites. Buy washable stuffed toys and keep them off of the bed. Vacuum the carpet AND furniture fabric frequently. Change vacuum filters at three-fourths full or sooner.
A special thanks to Mathew Standish, President, http://www.tuwa.com/ for sharing this article.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Garden Plants as Natural Pesticides
The following plants act as natural pesticides:
Ants - mint, pansy, pennyroyal
Aphids - mint, garlic, chives, coriander, anise
Bean Leaf Beetle - potato, onion,turnip
Codling Moth - common oleander
Colorado Potato Bug - green beans, coriander, nasturtium
Cucumber Beetle - radish, pansy
Flea Beetle - garlic, onion, mint
Imported Cabbage Worm - mint, sage, rosemary, hyssop
Japanese Beetle - garlic, larkspur, tansy, rue, geranium
Leaf Hopper - geranium, petunia
Mice - onion
Root Knot Nematodes - French marigolds
Slugs prostrate - rosemary, wormwood
Spider Mites - garlic, cloves, chives
Squash Bug - radish, marigolds
Stink Bug - radish
Thrips - marigolds
Whitefly - marigolds, nasturtium
Ants - mint, pansy, pennyroyal
Aphids - mint, garlic, chives, coriander, anise
Bean Leaf Beetle - potato, onion,turnip
Codling Moth - common oleander
Colorado Potato Bug - green beans, coriander, nasturtium
Cucumber Beetle - radish, pansy
Flea Beetle - garlic, onion, mint
Imported Cabbage Worm - mint, sage, rosemary, hyssop
Japanese Beetle - garlic, larkspur, tansy, rue, geranium
Leaf Hopper - geranium, petunia
Mice - onion
Root Knot Nematodes - French marigolds
Slugs prostrate - rosemary, wormwood
Spider Mites - garlic, cloves, chives
Squash Bug - radish, marigolds
Stink Bug - radish
Thrips - marigolds
Whitefly - marigolds, nasturtium
Monday, June 15, 2009
Economical and Green Father's Day Gift
What to get dad for Father's day? Another tie he won't wear? A desktop pool table set? Here is an idea that would work with families with young children.
1. Take your kids on a nature walk-to give Dad some down time. Bring a bucket on your walk and collect rocks large and small. Don't pick too many rocks because you will have to carry them.
2. Wash off the rocks and let them air dry
3. Collect all of the old and broken crayons you have lying around the house. The more colors the better.
4. Place your rock on a cookie sheet covered with foil. Place the cookie sheet in your oven at 200 degrees. Leave them in there for 2 hours.
5. Remove the cookie sheet and place your rocks into a table covered with newspaper. Be careful the rocks are hot!!
6. Have your kids take the crayons and go over the surface of the rocks. The wax will melt and become one with the rocks. Kids can be creative and make patterns or pictures.
Depending on the size, the rocks can be used in the garden or as paperweights. They look great and last forever!! This is a economical green Father's day gift. Try it. Send us your pix.
1. Take your kids on a nature walk-to give Dad some down time. Bring a bucket on your walk and collect rocks large and small. Don't pick too many rocks because you will have to carry them.
2. Wash off the rocks and let them air dry
3. Collect all of the old and broken crayons you have lying around the house. The more colors the better.
4. Place your rock on a cookie sheet covered with foil. Place the cookie sheet in your oven at 200 degrees. Leave them in there for 2 hours.
5. Remove the cookie sheet and place your rocks into a table covered with newspaper. Be careful the rocks are hot!!
6. Have your kids take the crayons and go over the surface of the rocks. The wax will melt and become one with the rocks. Kids can be creative and make patterns or pictures.
Depending on the size, the rocks can be used in the garden or as paperweights. They look great and last forever!! This is a economical green Father's day gift. Try it. Send us your pix.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Composting
A good way to create fertilizer from items in your house and garden is to start a compost pile. I've read up on this and you don't have to have a compost bin. You can clear a small area in the shade away from a large tree and surround it with movable fencing. If you want to buy a bin, I'm sure all big box home improvement stores sell them. But you could make your own. Go to www.recyclesaintlouis.com for information on how to build a compost bin.
2. Once your bin is in place (if you choose to use one), put a 4"to 6" layer dead plants, twigs or small branches on the bottom. (I have extra if you need them :) Remember, organic materials decompose without human intervention (great for lazy people like me), but to speed up the process, it is best to layer materials with equal amounts of greens (materials high in nitrogen such as grass clippings, non-woody plant trimming, and the remains of garden plants and browns (materials high in carbon such as dry brown weeds, dry brush or sawdust)
Here's how to make a compost pile:
1.Select a level area in your backyard with good water drainage-partially shaded is best.2. Once your bin is in place (if you choose to use one), put a 4"to 6" layer dead plants, twigs or small branches on the bottom. (I have extra if you need them :) Remember, organic materials decompose without human intervention (great for lazy people like me), but to speed up the process, it is best to layer materials with equal amounts of greens (materials high in nitrogen such as grass clippings, non-woody plant trimming, and the remains of garden plants and browns (materials high in carbon such as dry brown weeds, dry brush or sawdust)
Maintaining your compost pile:
Keep your pile as damp as a well-wrung sponge. Add air to your pile every two to three weeks by poking holes through the compost pile with a broom handle or by loosening and turning it with a garden fork.
Following this instructions will yield a pile of rich compost in three to six months.
Following this instructions will yield a pile of rich compost in three to six months.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Pristine Planet Helps with Bike to Work Day
We stopped by for a few hours to help our good friend KC, a bike advocate, organize the aid stations today. Jack in the Box (headquartered in San Diego) let the Bike to Work organizers use their corporate parking lot to coordinate the aid station handouts. (JBX also catered lunch. No sign of Jack though. Is he still in the hospital?) Aid Station volunteers picked up the necessities today so they will be prepared to man over 50 aid stations throughout San Diego county on Friday. Cliff Bar donated several boxes of organic energy bars.
Bike to work day is a great event and if you’re in San Diego and can ride on Friday be sure and check out the aid stations. There is lots of great schwag.
http://www.ridelink.org/EventsPromo/BiketoWorkDay.aspx
Bike to work day is a great event and if you’re in San Diego and can ride on Friday be sure and check out the aid stations. There is lots of great schwag.
http://www.ridelink.org/EventsPromo/BiketoWorkDay.aspx
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Dirt on Household Cleaning Products
Many people do their heavy cleaning this time year, being that Spring is a time of renewal and all that stuff. So I thought it would be interesting to find the dirt behind "green" cleaning products. As someone who has grown weary of large companies following fads just to gain customers, I found it interesting that Women and the Environment conducted an independent set of tests of so called environmentally friendly cleaning products. According to their tests, many of these products are not green in the true sense. Some ingredients are not even listed and many are harmful to people with asthma. With the growing number of findings suggesting that certain chemicals may be the cause of autism, Kawasaki's disease (cause professional carpet cleaner fumes) and of course asthma, I wonder when these companies are going to wake up and smell the lawsuit। My friend of over 20 years has a child with both autism and down syndrome, if we knew more of the ugly truth behind autism, she might not be locked in a sometimes sensory deprived/overloaded world। I have a feeling that ugly truth could be in our kitchen cabinets under the sink। Check it out। At least one of the company's results will probably surprise you.http://www.womenandenvironment.org/newsreports/media/News%20Item%202008/news_item.2008-10-21.8348650556/view?searchterm=dirt
Friday, January 16, 2009
The 6 Worst Fad Diets
This blog was taken directly from www.newsweek.com.
I thought all Fad Diets were bad, but apparently these are the worst:
If you've visited a bookstore this month, you probably weren't able to avoid the giant pyramid of diet books that magically appears right after Jan. 1. Whether you find those titles inspiring or just guilt inducing, one thing is certain: many of them sound too good to be true. And often they are. These popular weight-loss fads usually aren't all that new, but they come around every year with new names—and maybe even a fresh celebrity connection. Here are the six basic diet trends, why they don't work and why they may even be unhealthy. You won't find these exact titles on a shelf near you, but hopefully you'll be able to recognize the gimmick when you see it no matter how it's been tarted up.
1. The Fat-Free DietThe theory: Eat whatever you want as long as it has no fat. If your diet contains no fat, you won't get fat.Reality check: While it's true that extra fat in your diet adds calories, just sticking to foods touted as fat free doesn't necessarily help. Supermarket shelves are crammed with products advertised as fat free that are loaded with sugar and empty calories and that offer little in the way of fiber, vitamins or minerals. Check product labels before you buy.
2. The Snack-Pack Diet The theory: Cookies and chips sorted into 100-calorie packs help limit the damage from an attack of the munchies.Reality check: The dozens of 100-calorie snack pack foods on the market now may offer a lower-calorie alternative, but few of them are truly healthy choices, and they aren't likely to be very filling or fiber rich, which can send you running for another bag or something less healthy. Rather than knocking back a 100-calorie bag of Cheetos or Oreos, look for more nutritious alternatives, like half of a sandwich made with whole-wheat bread or a piece of fruit.
3. The Couch-Potato Diet The theory: Who needs exercise? You can lose weight without working out! Cutting back on calories is enough.Reality check: Who needs exercise? You do. Studies have shown that dieters who change what they eat and increase their regular activity are more likely to lose and keep weight off. Increasing activity has other health benefits as well, such as lowering your risk of heart disease, the leading killer of women. Even a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk most days of the week can make a big difference.
4. The Detox Plan The theory: You'll lose weight when you clean out your insides by downing a concoction made from orange juice and molasses or some other bizarre mix.Reality check: There's no evidence that purging your intestines of "toxins" makes you any healthier or more likely to lose weight. A high-fiber diet is all you really need.
5 . The Beef and Bacon Diet The theory: All protein, all the time, and don't worry too much about fat.Reality check: Cutting down on carbs, especially empty carbs like white flour and white rice, can help you lose weight, but a diet that contains large amounts of fatty meat simply isn't healthy. A better choice would be leaner proteins, like fish or chicken (grilled or broiled without the skin), plus five servings of fruit and vegetables, a serving or two of whole-grain carbs and some low-fat dairy.
6. The Twinkie Diet The theory: Calories are all that counts, so eat whatever you want, including nothing but Twinkies, and you will lose weight as long as your total is under your daily limit.Reality check: Although calories do count, the source of those calories is important. If you eat only junk, your body will lose out on vital nutrients and that can have long-term consequences for your health. So watch those calories, and watch where they come from.
So instead of spending $25 on another book advocating one of the above approaches, try going back to basics.
The first, admittedly obvious, step is to eat less. You may not even be aware of how much or what you are eating. Keep a food journal for a few days. It will help pinpoint trouble spots. Studies have shown that writing down what you eat is one of the most effective ways to cut back and that dieters who do so tend to lose more weight than those who don't. One of the most helpful books out there on the psychology of why we eat is "Mindless Eating" (Bantam Dell) by Brian Wansink, head of the Cornell UniversityFood and Brand Lab. In addition to explaining the many reasons it's so easy to overeat in American culture, he offers tips that can help you reduce consumption more easily, like buying smaller plates or even just moving the candy dish a few feet farther from your desk.
The second step is also pretty simple: get more exercise. One upside of the current economic downturn is that lots of gyms are offering discounts on membership. Take advantage of that.
For more diet and exercise tips, check out mypyramid.gov. It's a free government site with easy-to-use diet and exercise trackers.
I thought all Fad Diets were bad, but apparently these are the worst:
If you've visited a bookstore this month, you probably weren't able to avoid the giant pyramid of diet books that magically appears right after Jan. 1. Whether you find those titles inspiring or just guilt inducing, one thing is certain: many of them sound too good to be true. And often they are. These popular weight-loss fads usually aren't all that new, but they come around every year with new names—and maybe even a fresh celebrity connection. Here are the six basic diet trends, why they don't work and why they may even be unhealthy. You won't find these exact titles on a shelf near you, but hopefully you'll be able to recognize the gimmick when you see it no matter how it's been tarted up.
1. The Fat-Free DietThe theory: Eat whatever you want as long as it has no fat. If your diet contains no fat, you won't get fat.Reality check: While it's true that extra fat in your diet adds calories, just sticking to foods touted as fat free doesn't necessarily help. Supermarket shelves are crammed with products advertised as fat free that are loaded with sugar and empty calories and that offer little in the way of fiber, vitamins or minerals. Check product labels before you buy.
2. The Snack-Pack Diet The theory: Cookies and chips sorted into 100-calorie packs help limit the damage from an attack of the munchies.Reality check: The dozens of 100-calorie snack pack foods on the market now may offer a lower-calorie alternative, but few of them are truly healthy choices, and they aren't likely to be very filling or fiber rich, which can send you running for another bag or something less healthy. Rather than knocking back a 100-calorie bag of Cheetos or Oreos, look for more nutritious alternatives, like half of a sandwich made with whole-wheat bread or a piece of fruit.
3. The Couch-Potato Diet The theory: Who needs exercise? You can lose weight without working out! Cutting back on calories is enough.Reality check: Who needs exercise? You do. Studies have shown that dieters who change what they eat and increase their regular activity are more likely to lose and keep weight off. Increasing activity has other health benefits as well, such as lowering your risk of heart disease, the leading killer of women. Even a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk most days of the week can make a big difference.
4. The Detox Plan The theory: You'll lose weight when you clean out your insides by downing a concoction made from orange juice and molasses or some other bizarre mix.Reality check: There's no evidence that purging your intestines of "toxins" makes you any healthier or more likely to lose weight. A high-fiber diet is all you really need.
5 . The Beef and Bacon Diet The theory: All protein, all the time, and don't worry too much about fat.Reality check: Cutting down on carbs, especially empty carbs like white flour and white rice, can help you lose weight, but a diet that contains large amounts of fatty meat simply isn't healthy. A better choice would be leaner proteins, like fish or chicken (grilled or broiled without the skin), plus five servings of fruit and vegetables, a serving or two of whole-grain carbs and some low-fat dairy.
6. The Twinkie Diet The theory: Calories are all that counts, so eat whatever you want, including nothing but Twinkies, and you will lose weight as long as your total is under your daily limit.Reality check: Although calories do count, the source of those calories is important. If you eat only junk, your body will lose out on vital nutrients and that can have long-term consequences for your health. So watch those calories, and watch where they come from.
So instead of spending $25 on another book advocating one of the above approaches, try going back to basics.
The first, admittedly obvious, step is to eat less. You may not even be aware of how much or what you are eating. Keep a food journal for a few days. It will help pinpoint trouble spots. Studies have shown that writing down what you eat is one of the most effective ways to cut back and that dieters who do so tend to lose more weight than those who don't. One of the most helpful books out there on the psychology of why we eat is "Mindless Eating" (Bantam Dell) by Brian Wansink, head of the Cornell UniversityFood and Brand Lab. In addition to explaining the many reasons it's so easy to overeat in American culture, he offers tips that can help you reduce consumption more easily, like buying smaller plates or even just moving the candy dish a few feet farther from your desk.
The second step is also pretty simple: get more exercise. One upside of the current economic downturn is that lots of gyms are offering discounts on membership. Take advantage of that.
For more diet and exercise tips, check out mypyramid.gov. It's a free government site with easy-to-use diet and exercise trackers.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Just a Thought...
Do you feel like you are currently living up to your potential? What about your spouse? Are they?
Upon talking with some of the ladies at work today, I’ve realized that quite a few feel that their life has ended up nothing as they had hoped and planned it would twenty years ago.
Now, of course, at the age of twenty, most people don’t set high expectations and goals for themselves and actually achieve all of them without having setbacks. Life happens; people make mistakes, you to take detours and do what you can with what you have.
I’m not implying everyone is unhappy and wishes their life was something it isn’t. However, I do believe that there is a medium for most people. While it is possible to be content with your life, I also think that most have a natural passing thought here and there of, “If I only would have…” or “Why didn’t I just….”
With that being said, assuming you are one of those who has not fulfilled your every dream in life—are you currently living up to your potential? Have you learned from your past and are you currently doing everything you can do so that your life is as fulfilling as it could possibly be at the moment? Are you happy? Do you feel like your life thus far has had serious meaning with little regrets?
Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear your comments and opinions.
Upon talking with some of the ladies at work today, I’ve realized that quite a few feel that their life has ended up nothing as they had hoped and planned it would twenty years ago.
Now, of course, at the age of twenty, most people don’t set high expectations and goals for themselves and actually achieve all of them without having setbacks. Life happens; people make mistakes, you to take detours and do what you can with what you have.
I’m not implying everyone is unhappy and wishes their life was something it isn’t. However, I do believe that there is a medium for most people. While it is possible to be content with your life, I also think that most have a natural passing thought here and there of, “If I only would have…” or “Why didn’t I just….”
With that being said, assuming you are one of those who has not fulfilled your every dream in life—are you currently living up to your potential? Have you learned from your past and are you currently doing everything you can do so that your life is as fulfilling as it could possibly be at the moment? Are you happy? Do you feel like your life thus far has had serious meaning with little regrets?
Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear your comments and opinions.
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