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Your Home Made Sustainable in Five Easy Steps

By Alison Wood on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 | No Comments

Sustainability is a concept that has been thrown around a lot lately, mainly in regard to the food industry.  With viral videos of the horrors of feedlots flooding the internet and more and more people suffering allergies from harmful pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, and even fertilizers that seep into our food and water and contaminate fabrics and home items alike, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to protect themselves and the planet from pollution, waste, and the inhumane treatment of animals.  Luckily, there are sustainable alternatives for practically every item in your house, from the floors you tread to the shirt on your back to the food in your fridge.  Here are a few options for those of you who want to make sustainable choices, starting at home.

  1. Think twice before trashing.  Just because your jeans are SO last season doesn’t mean you have to send them to the landfill.  If you can manage, keep your clothing (and other household items) as long as you can.  Once you feel that they no longer suit your needs (or they’re simply ruined), recycle them through donation or try to think of another use for them.  Many items can be turned into something else (fabric can be used to make quilts, pillow shams, or for other craft projects, and old furniture can be reupholstered rather than scrapped).
  2. Eat right.  Whether you’re shopping at the farmer’s market to support local growers, buying organic and humanely treated meats, or becoming a vegetarian, changing your diet to support sustainable foods is as good for you as it is for the planet.  Even though pesticides and fertilizers come to you in small amounts, residual traces can cling to even thoroughly washed produce.  And the hormones and antibiotics found in feedlot animals can wreak havoc on your body’s natural hormone levels and defenses (not to mention the animal cruelty that occurs at those “farms”).
  3. Clean green.  Since sustainability means a policy of non-pollutants, you can clear your cupboards of harmful solvents and opt instead for greener cleaning with products made from all natural elements (like lemon and various oils) that scour, scrub, and disinfect just as well as the chemical-filled options.  And while all of these cleaners are non-toxic (absolutely no chlorine bleach or ammonia), many are also hypoallergenic and non-irritating.
  4. Tune out, turn off, unplug.  If you run your household entirely on eco-friendly energy (such as solar or wind power), then you number among a lucky few who enjoy a useful climate and enough money to install the necessary hardware.  But if a clean-energy overhaul is beyond your means, there are other ways to stay sustainable.  Unplug electrical items that aren’t in use (to avoid phantom drain), use natural lighting whenever possible, and invest in smaller energy- and water-saving devices like compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), energy-star appliances, low-flow toilets, and a tankless water heater.
  5. Consider green housing.  If you’re on the move, look into one of the many eco-friendly planned communities that are popping up throughout the country.  Houses are built green from the ground up, using concrete in place of wood, and outfitted with the environment in mind, using local resources and products that won’t pollute.  While they may be more expensive initially, all of the upgrades will save you tons of money on your monthly utility bills.

Daniel Lawrence is a writer for Yard Sale Search. Check out the site to find garage sales in your neck of the woods.

The Cost of Going Green

By Guest Author on Thursday, July 15th, 2010 | No Comments

Many people have adopted a misconception that acting upon an eco-consciousness is undeniably expensive, when in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.  While you can certainly spend a lot of money to go green (if you want to), you will almost undoubtedly save money in some areas, and even see a financial return on your time, effort, and expenditures.  Plus, you don’t have to go all out.  Even the little things can make a big difference.

For example, recycling is absolutely free.  It costs you nothing to throw a bottle, aluminum can, or paper cup in the recycle bin rather than a trash can (where it will only take up space in a landfill).  In fact, recycling small items can actually earn you some money if you save them up and offload them at the recycling center in bulk.  That means you are getting cash back on products that would normally be polluting the planet.  And there are all sorts of things you can recycle that you may not have considered.  By selling your furniture (or giving it away) instead of tossing it, you are not only keeping it out of the trash, you are stopping someone from buying it new (and thereby contributing to an ongoing cycle of production, pollution, and waste).  You can also recycle electronics (including computers), although you may have to pay a small fee to do so.  Another freebie: your time.  Volunteering at a community garden or planting trees will do great things for the Earth and all it takes is a portion of your day.

There are also many ways to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle with very little expense.  One item that many people have recently adopted is the compact fluorescent bulb (CFL).  While they do cost a bit more that your standard incandescent bulb, they last much longer and save you money on your electric bill, virtually paying for themselves over time.  You can also try eating organic, buying environmentally friendly threads, and driving a hybrid automobile (or biking, or taking public transportation).  These may cost you the same as what you are spending on necessities now, or they might be marginally more (although in some cases, such as transportation, you could end up saving a lot).

Now, if you have the money and long to embrace a totally green lifestyle, the sky is the limit.  You can build a 100% eco-friendly home from the ground up (natural lighting, concrete, reclaimed wood, solar power, organic garden…the works).  It will almost certainly cost you more than the average home (especially if you invest in all the latest bells and whistles), but consider this: many home items come with rebates and government incentives (including energy-star appliances, water-saving devices like low-flow toilets and tankless water heaters, and even solar panels) so you can get some money back on your initial investment.  In addition, you will save a lot over time on your utility bills, and if you live in a very sunny (or windy) area, you may even produce excess energy that can be returned to the power company for a profit (not to mention, you’re sharing emission-free energy with others, cutting down on even more waste and pollution).

The truth is, you can definitely put out a lot of greenbacks in the pursuit of keeping our planet clean, but you also stand to make a return on your investment.  And there are plenty of little ways to help a lot (without spending a dime).  Everything you do to make our planet better, no matter how minute it may seem, will have a big impact over time.  And leading by example is always a good way to start others on the right path.

Elise Pollack is a writer for UK Credit Report where you can find information about credit scores and learn how to improve yours.

Choosing Eco-friendly Home Products Wisely

By Guest Author on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 | 1 Comment

As we all know, “going green” is a hot trend now.

Of course, eco-friendly products are important. Many of us are looking for products that do not harm the environment, help conserve energy, minimize emission of greenhouse gases, and do not lead to toxicity or pollution to the environment. We want products that are biodegradable, recyclable, non-toxic, organic, or compostable.

But the problem is, everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and claiming their products are eco-friendly and safe to the environment. How do you know if these products really live up to their claims? Do these products really complement your values or are they just jumping in on the latest marketing craze?

The responsibility lies with the consumer to evaluate the product. Although a label says “biocompatible” there are no official standards or organization to certify this claim. It’s up to you to be sure that products live up to their claims.

Here’s a few tips to help you:

  • Look for reputable certifications, like Energy Star, Green Seal, Water Sense, Forest Stewardship Council, and EPEAT.
  • Check labels. Eco friendly products tend to use natural ingredients. For example, eco friendly furniture polish will use ingredients like olive oil and orange oils. Or the best natural ingredients to use on windows include vinegar, ethanol (derived from corn) and natural coconut based soaps. Keep away from products that do not include a complete list of ingredients.
  • Stay away from products with labels such as warning, caution, poison, and danger. Also look out for words like corrosive, chlorine bleach, ammonia, phosphates and petroleum products. These chemicals are harmful to your family as well as the environment.
  • Research. If you see an ingredient you don’t recognize and you’re not sure if it’s toxic, look up the names on the Internet. Or call the company and ask specific questions. If a company won’t answer your questions, perhaps you should shop for another product.
  • Also look for words telling you about ingredients NOT in the product, such as “no phosphates” or “chlorine-free.”
  • Pick products that don’t use artificial colors and strong fragrances.
  • If you want something that will be gentle on the environment, look for the term “plant-based.”
  • Steer away from a supposedly eco-friendly product with huge, wasteful packaging. Manufacturers with such packaging are probably not sincere about their mission to save the environment. Instead go for products with simple and recycled packaging.
  • Consider using household ingredients to make your own cleaning solutions. For example, use baking soda, white vinegar or essential oils. The Internet has plenty of recipes to create your own cleaning products.

These tips will help you reduce the impact you have on the environment, as well as reducing the chemicals in your home. If you look carefully, there are many eco-friendly products that truly live up to their claim.

Post provided by APB Pole Barns. APB offers a large selection of pole building kits and provides designs, plans, and building packages for post frame structures.

Create Your Eco-Friendly Love Nest

By Guest Author on Friday, July 2nd, 2010 | No Comments

Honey, nature isn’t just for the birds and bees!  You, too, can create a natural haven for love in the midst of this crazy, fast-paced world, and it’s a lot easier than you think.  You can have the cozy little nest you’ve been dreaming of, and you can do it without denuding a gaggle of geese, supporting harmful pollutants, or contributing to deforestation or the general decline of western civilization.  In order to keep your den of iniquity clean and green, all you need is a little common sense and a lot of motivation.

For starters, there are now many items on the market that you can use to create an eco-friendly boudoir, but you are going to have to look around to find what you want and do some research to ensure what you’re buying is really green.  If you’ve been interested in reducing your carbon footprint for awhile, you are probably well aware of eco fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo and hemp silk that are planet approved because they forego the use of pesticides and herbicides, are manufactured without pollutants, and tend to utilize low- or no-impact dyes.  They are also renewable and sustainable.  You may have even invested in some sheets or drapery made from these great green fabrics.  But did you know they can also be found in pillows, mattresses, furniture, and even rugs?  You can pretty much outfit your entire room in eco-chic fabrics, from floor to ceiling.  And you can also get bamboo furniture, which is often simple, modern, and available in a wide variety of colors and styles.  Or you can always go the antique route and seek out reclaimed pieces for a little signature flair.  And don’t forget the mood lighting.  You can opt for compact fluorescent lights, which draw significantly less electricity and have a much longer life, or go for some handmade candles to reduce energy-use and support a local business.

Now, while there are many products that claim to be eco-friendly, you should be aware that they are not all created equally.  For example, many pillows and comforters that display the EcoDown label are not, in fact, offering green fill.  While they certainly won’t supply goose-down, they are most likely stuffed with polyester fibers.  So you’ll want to check the contents to ensure that you’re getting organic cotton, plant fiber, or recycled synthetics instead.  You should also be aware that many companies offer eco-friendly furniture that only marginally fulfills that claim.   For example, you can get eco-leather.  Oh, it’s still leather, alright.  But just because it’s humanely treated doesn’t mean they didn’t slaughter it all the same to make your chair.  Or you may find wooden furniture that claims to be eco-friendly because it uses “more sustainable” woods.  Good news, it only takes twenty years to grow new trees instead of the thirty required for hardwoods.  And while it never hurts to support products that are at least on the right track (over those that don’t have a clue), you can do better if you try.

Nothing will ease your mind like knowing that through your diligence and effort, the creation of your most intimate space has done nothing to further impact the deterioration of our planet, and that you are supporting the environment that allows us to thrive.  You can feel good about the fact that you’ve created a harmonious space that caters not only to your needs, but also the needs of the Earth, and of generation yet to come.  And having a clear conscience will free you up to explore other possibilities in your brand new love nest.

Speaking of love nests, If you’re looking for pillow covers or an Allersoft mattress cover to help with your allergies take a look at Allergy Guard Direct.

Why Go Green to Remodel?

By Alison Wood on Sunday, June 13th, 2010 | No Comments

If you’re looking to remodel part, or all, of your home, consider working some green ideas into your budget.  If money is not an issue, you can certainly go all out, but with eco-friendly products flooding the market due to an increase in demand over the last several years, you can often find green options that are similar in price or can even cost you less for comparable products.  And with government incentives and continued energy savings, some of these products can be the gift that keeps on giving.  Here are just a few of the many options available if you’re looking to keep the planet healthy while you beautify your home.

  1. Start on the bottom.  Green flooring doesn’t have to be concrete or laminate.  There are a wide variety of materials to choose from that are sustainable, renewable, and energy saving.  You can go with recycled materials like glass tiles or reclaimed hardwoods and stone, or you can opt for something modern like bamboo (which renews in three years, unlike hardwoods, which can take up to thirty).  Many green flooring is also engineered to provide increased insulation to cut down on heat or cooling loss.
  2. Re-use and re-use again.  If you’re looking to upgrade shabby cabinets, consider donating them to a local center that will restore and sell them.  You can also consider purchasing your new cabinets at such a store.  You’re sure to find something nicer than your current cabinets, but at a much more reasonable price than retail stores.  You trade in your car, why not your cabinets?  Plus, that’s two sets of cabinets you’re keeping out of the landfill.
  3. Go low-flow.  Installing low-flow or dual flush toilets can have many surprising benefits.  For one, you probably won’t even notice the decreased water level half the time.  And while you stand to save quite a bit on your water bill, you can also get a mail-in rebate from your water company (most will send you up to half back on your toilet purchase if you mail them a copy of your receipt).  Also, consider a tankless water heater to replace that ancient behemoth in your basement.  It takes up a lot less space and it only heats the water you use rather than wasting energy on warming water that sits all day.
  4. Get energy efficient.  Energy-star appliances will not only cut your electric bill (even light bulbs claim to save you up to $30 over the life of the product), you can also benefit from government incentives.  The federal tax credit will allow a return of up to $1,500 on qualifying items (and installation), so check to see if you can take advantage of these additional savings.
  5. Install solar panels.  These are the greenest of the green when it comes to energy.  They produce absolutely zero pollution.  They do come with a eye-popping price tag, but keep in mind that you can work the system to get some of that money back through government programs (do some research to see what your state or county offers).  And if you do it right, you will not only save the money you would have spent on electricity, you can also sell any extra energy to the power company for use in other homes, cutting down on pollution from other sources.  That’s a pretty sweet deal!

Jennifer Kardish is a communications coordinator at Kitchen Cabinet Mart. You can check out their free design tips for your kitchen and home.

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