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.
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