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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a college student, you are no doubt opening your eyes to the world and beginning to developing a social consciousness. As you study economics and sociology, you may start to notice the iniquities inherent in a capitalistic society. Psychology classes will make you look at your own genetics and upbringing in a whole new way. And you, like many other students, may look around in horror at the many ways humans pollute the planet that is our very source of life. But let’s face it, you’re on a tight schedule and what can one person do, anyway?

Actually, there’s a lot you can do when it comes to making your dorm room environmentally friendly. And you can start before you even hit campus. Instead of going to Target to get the latest offering from Todd Oldham, (or whoever they have designing for them this year) think about buying green bedding. Linens in eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and hemp can be found online (along with towels, drapes, and even clothing). It can be more expensive than Target, but websites like Overstock (www.overstock.com) often have prices similar to discount home stores. As for furniture, the best way to be green is to re-use. Go to local thrift stores and see if there’s something unique and retro that will fit your style just as well as something new. Chances are, older furniture will be a lot more sturdy than something new anyway, and it can save you a bundle of money. If you have to have it new, at least skip the hardwoods or plastics and go with something renewable like bamboo (you can find desks, chairs, beds, and storage in this highly sustainable alternative). And don’t overlook the basics like a recycle bin and energy saving light bulbs and appliances.

The last thing you can do to help the earth is also excellent for your health: eat green. Organic, free-range, and sustainable foods will not only do wonders for the planet, they will also keep you going through those long study sessions. Unfortunately, you will almost certainly have to go off campus to find these foods, but you should petition to bring them to your cafeteria. There are probably a lot of other students who will support your cause and champion healthier dining options. You may even be able to get a local business to partner up with your school on deliveries.

You will find that going green in your dorm is not nearly as difficult as you think. And you can feel good about the fact that you’re doing your part to ensure that the world you enter when you leave college is a little better than before because of your efforts. Plus, if you do a little legwork, you can save a lot of money and still have a totally chic living environment for the next four years!

Alexis Montgomery is a content writer for Online Schools, where you can browse through various online degree programs to find a college that suits your needs.

We hear it everywhere nowadays, but what does it really mean to “go green?” Are there really benefits?

Scientists are constantly discovering new information about how our bodies work, and perhaps more importantly, how certain chemicals affect us. For most of human history, we lived without houses, cable TV, Slurpees or video games. Hard to believe, but it’s true.  We lived a radically “green” life compared to today.  It’s only in the last few hundred years that we’ve regularly exposed ourselves to harsh chemicals that can be harmful if not handled properly.

One of the biggest controversies concerns the use of pesticides on our food. Cheap chemical mixtures sometimes called organophosphates are used in farming, primarily to control bugs. The effects of some of these pesticides can cause cancer, ADHD in children and even infertility. Feeding your family organic fruits and vegetables, which have not been sprayed with pesticides can greatly reduce these risks. Getting to know your local farmers is a great way to verify the quality of the foods and which, if any, pesticides are used. There are many natural ways to control pests and smaller farmers tend to have a lot of knowledge about these alternatives. Another option is to grow your own! Nothing brings a family closer together than planting and tending to a pesticide free family garden.

Meat, eggs and dairy products are also receiving a lot of attention when it comes to being green.  Because so many factory farms crowd so many animals into cages or feed lots, high doses of antibiotics are given to animals preventatively. (Or, in other words, all the time.) The animals are also fed growth hormones so they grow bigger faster, meaning there are more animals on the land in less time than ever before, and that means a lot more animal waste. All of this ends up in our water, polluting our air and rendering the soil useless. This practice is extremely damaging to the environment, which has negative health effects on humans. We are also at risk of health problems such as e coli and salmonella by eating animal products not raised in organic conditions. Seek out organic sources of animal products or just skip them altogether.

Around the house we can unsuspectingly expose our families to chemicals that may be harmful to them and the environment. Bleach is a very strong chemical that can damage lungs and is particularly dangerous for individuals with heart or respiratory conditions. Chlorine is extremely caustic, damaging the environment, polluting the water, soil and air. There are dozens of safe, chlorine-free products available to clean your home with. (You can even try regular white wine vinegar for much of your cleaning needs. It works just as well and costs less than any fancy brand name chemical cleaning product.)

In many cases, going green can save you money, but even more valuable, it always saves you peace of mind.

Guest Post by Michael Krauss of DiscountVouchers.org where you can find Apple Discount Vouchers.

You’ve always felt very strongly about keeping our environment clean for future generations.  But now that one of them is living in your house, you’re not sure how to get your little bundle of joy started on the right path.  Kids can be stubborn when it comes to doing what is right.  They often prefer to push the boundaries by doing exactly the opposite of what you ask them.  So how can you raise your child to respect the earth and go eco-friendly?

For starters, there are areas in which you don’t have to give them an option.  As a parent, you control most of your child’s consumer choices, from food to toys to clothing.  They are pretty much stuck with whatever you get them.  But in order to ensure that they continue on a path of responsible spending as they enter their teenage and adult years, the best thing you can do is talk to them.  Explain why it’s better to buy organic foods (no pesticides to pollute the planet) or humanely raised meats (they’re sure to get on board with this one, although keep in mind that stories of the slaughter-house may not be appropriate for young children).  Let them know that eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo are preferable to those that pollute because they don’t use of pesticides and they opt for low-impact dyes and green processing.

But education is only part of what you can do to get your kids to go green.  One area in which kids can really see the outcome of their efforts is recycling.  They can even get instant gratification if you have them sort bottles and cans and then take them to the recycling center.  Let them keep whatever money you make and use it to buy a treat or toy they want.  This way they can learn to associate recycling with rewards (and the feeling of satisfaction that corresponds).  They can also recycle clothing and toys for needy children (make them feel good about helping another child in need) and shoes can get turned into flooring for tracks, playgrounds, or gymnasiums through programs like Nike’s Re-Use a Shoe (www.nikereuseashoe.com).

If you’re still having trouble getting your child on board with going green, you can make it a game.  Engaging your child’s mind is a good way to get them interested, and there are a lot of websites available to help you out.  Sites like Kid’s Planet (www.kidsplanet.org) and Web Rangers (www.nps.gov/webrangers/index.html) will teach kids about how to protect animals and nature, while Recycle City (www.epa.gov/recyclecity/mainmap.htm) is a fun way to show them the recycling process and The Green Squad (www.nrdc.org/greensquad/) will help them find ways to implement eco-friendly processes at school.

It’s never too soon to get your child involved in learning to live responsibly, and protecting the planet is a big part of that.  And with all the resources at your fingertips via worldwide web, it’s easier than ever to get your kids to go green.  There’s just no reason a cleaner future can’t start in your home.

Guest post by Sarah of Maxi Dress Mania where you can find maxi dresses for your body type.

Would you like to cut down on using synthetic chemical products to clean your home?  Chemicals used in synthetic cleaners contribute to indoor air pollution.  Studies show that the air quality inside of our homes is often worse than outdoor air, even when we live in areas that have air pollution.

This is because there are so many toxic chemicals used in processing the building materials, the walls, the floor coverings, the cabinets and the furniture in today’s houses.  It’s hard to avoid them, but you don’t have to add to them when you clean.  Just by making a couple of substitutions, you can keep your home a little greener.  And you won’t have to spend a lot of money.

You probably already know that you can use baking soda to keep your refrigerator smelling fresh.  But there are lots of other ways to use this inexpensive but versatile product. Mix it with a little water or vinegar, grab a soft cloth and baking soda can clean a lot more of your house than you ever thought possible.

You can replace chemical scouring powders that you use to clean your counter tops, stove tops, bathroom fixtures, shower tiles, and even your grungy pots and pans.  Use a paste of baking soda and water on a sponge, and then start scrubbing just like you would with a chemical cleanser.   The baking soda will get scum off of your bathroom tiles and even the toughest burned on food off of your pots and pans.  It actually gets the grime up faster than artificial cleaners, and doesn’t leave behind any chemical residues or odors.  This is especially good for kitchen surfaces that come into contact with food that you prepare.

You can replace glass cleaners with a paste made of baking soda and a little white vinegar.  Use a soft cloth or old newspaper.  This trick will make your windows, mirrors and glass-topped tables sparkle, and leave your rooms smelling fresh.

You can even replace your toilet bowl cleaner by adding a little baking soda and vinegar to the bowl.  Stir it up and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.  Then scrub with your toilet brush as usual.  Your toilet will be clean, with no lingering chemical fumes in your bathroom.

It’s no wonder that all of the uses of baking soda are such a well-kept secret.  The companies that make chemical cleansers will lose millions if people realize they’re not needed. But now that you know about baking soda, you can save yourself some money.  And at the same time, you can clean up your indoor air.