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.

Some of us hire landscapers while others just pick up whatever is on sale at the nursery.  Then there are those who plan out paths and planting areas with specific flora and fauna in mind.  Whatever your method of creating a garden, everyone should approach it in the same way: with an eye towards creating a sustainable outdoor space that not only adds beauty to your life, but also enriches the planet that supports us all.  So if you are looking to build a garden or spice up the one you already have, here are a few tips to help you get the garden you desire with less waste, pollution, or unfortunate side effects.

1. Plan your space.  If you want to add a deck, put in some planters, or reshape your yard in some way, think about how you can do it with a sense of environmental consciousness.  Use reclaimed wood for the deck, hang some old tires or pick up some used whiskey barrels for interesting or rustic planters (rather than sending these items to the landfill), and bring in soil that has not been tainted by fertilizers (look into the benefits of integrated pest management to introduce beneficial insects and discourage those that are harmful).  Don’t forget to place drip irrigation systems and utilize mulch to deliver water directly to root systems and retain moisture, respectively (for less water usage and reduced evaporation).
2. Use native plants.  While you may crave the colors of non-native species, they are likely to be more trouble than they’re worth.  For one thing, if they don’t grow naturally in your particular environment, they may require additional expenditures of water in order to grow or pesticides to keep away insects that they don’t have the natural defenses to fight off.  Alternately, they might go crazy and expand uncontrollably, having no predators to keep down their population in your region.  Either way, it’s better to stick to tried and true plants that won’t adversely affect the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
3. Make your own compost.  Pretty much anything organic can be used to make compost.  Most people like to use yard waste such as fallen leaves, dead plant remains, or clipped grass, but you can also use food waste such as leftover fruit and vegetable matter (anything with fat and bones should be avoided).  There are several ways to set up composting stations in your yard, so you should look into all of the options to pick the one that’s right for your space.
4. Incorporate edibles.  One excellent and useful way to have a sustainable garden is to plant fruits, vegetables, tubers, and even nuts.  You can create your own organic farmer’s market right in your back yard and reap the benefits of fresh produce throughout the summer (and can it for use later in the year).
5. Share the wealth.  If you’ve done all you can in your own limited space, look into forming a community garden.  Often you can get space allocated for a collective by the city council, especially if your co-op includes after-school programs (and volunteer hours) dedicated to teaching others how to create a sustainable garden that everyone can share.

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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.

Not everyone has an entire room devoted to their fondness for cinema, but even for those of us who simply boast a large flat-screen in the living room, there are ways to go green while you enjoy the movies you love.  If you do have the money to create a dedicated home theater, you should certainly consider building your room with the planet in mind, since it is our beautiful terrain that provides the backdrop for the exotic locales in your favorite films.  Here are a few helpful hints to start you on the road to furbishing your green home theater.

1. Flooring.  Starting from the ground up is always best, so instead of that plush multicolored synthetic carpet (which is non-recyclable), consider an eco-friendly tread like wool carpet or bamboo or cork flooring (made from natural, renewable, biodegradable materials).  Or you can go with a recyclable synthetic like Evolution nylon for easier maintenance.
2. Seating.  Of course you want authentic theater seats, but you don’t have to get them custom made.  It doesn’t get any more authentic than reclaiming seats from an actual theater, so think about adding a retro vibe with some old-school chairs.  You’d be surprised what you can find on eBay and Craig’s List if you take a little time to look.  If you just can’t stand the idea of finding ages-old gum from some bygone era stuck to the bottom of your seat, there are several furniture manufacturers who offer lines of home-theater seating that are either made from eco-friendly products or are entirely recyclable.
3. Storage.  You’ll need some place to keep your DVDs, video cassettes, laser discs, and reel-to-reels, and you’re sure to want something that is attractive.  You can purchase bamboo cabinets if you require custom-made (it is a highly renewable wood) or find a merchant who specializes in reclaimed cabinetry to get the hardwood you want without denuding another forest.
4. Curtains.  No theater is complete with a curtain to pull back to announce that the movie is about to begin.  And you can make this standard feature green as well by seeking out sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, or even peace silk.  These fabrics are all made without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and contain low impact dyes, so you can add a little style and sophistication to your room without damaging the planet.
5. Projector.  It wouldn’t really be a theater without a projector, and incredibly, even those have gone green.  Sanyo now offers electronics (including projectors) with the environment in mind.  They have two models that come with an eco stand-by mode that uses about 80% less energy than other projectors (and their packaging is recyclable).  If your space is too small for a projector, then consider an LED flat-screen (as opposed to LCD or plasma), which uses 40% less power than a traditional LCD.

You may not think that “home theater” and “eco-friendly” are two phrases that go together, but in today’s world, everyone is starting to think about ways to be kind to the planet, even while experiencing the heights of luxury.  So if a home theater is on your agenda, consider some of the many ways in which you can have your movie and watch it too; by protecting the beautiful vistas that made riding off into the sunset possible.

Leah Marin is a communications coordinator for Projection Screens.

In today’s uncertain world, with the economy in crisis and global warming threatening our future survival, it’s no surprise that people are turning to eco-friendly alternatives, and trying to save money at the same time.  And with more and more people demanding green options (especially for the home) companies have sprung into action to fill the supply chain with newer, better, and cheaper products and services.  And while there are many inexpensive ways to reduce your carbon footprint, perhaps one of the easiest is by experimenting with eco-friendly lighting options.

The best place to start is by devising ways to incorporate more natural lighting into your home.  It is certainly cheap (you can’t beat 100% free), but finding ways to bring it indoors can get pricey, especially if the amount of light you enjoy in a given day fluctuates with changing seasons, if you suffer from limited or poor window placement, or if your house wasn’t built with natural lighting in mind (in other words, you don’t have an open floor plan).  If your climate is a cold one, you are just going to have to deal with a decided lack of sunlight during the winter months.  However, if you are facing one of the latter two difficulties, consider strategically installing a number of mirrors, large and small, throughout your house to bounce around the light that does come in.  Of if you can afford it, install more window (including skylights), or go to town and knock down some interior (non-load-bearing) walls and open up your space.  You can even invest in the latest option for bringing outdoor light in with sunlight-transport-devices that collect sunlight and transport it through fiber-optic cables to lighting fixtures in your home.  And let’s not forget solar lights.  You may think these are only for outdoor use, but there are portable options that you can leave in the sun to charge and light up later on indoors in lieu of lamps.

You can also fall back on the old-school by simply turning back the sheets when darkness falls (although this could seriously cramp your style), or by lighting a few candles.  However, open flames are, let’s face it, a fire hazard, so you might want to go for something a little more modern.  Luckily, installing energy-efficient lights doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go for all new fixtures.  Most compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), or energy-star light bulbs, will fit into your current fixtures.  They cost a little more than incandescent bulbs, but they last ten times as long and use 75% less electricity, so over the life of a single bulb, you should get your money back and then some.  You can also consider light emitting diodes (LEDs) which, until recently, were only found in items like alarms clocks, DVD players, and traffic lights.  They use up to 90% less electricity than incandescent lights and are said to last up to 60 times as long (they are also recyclable).  And if you’re really into going green (and you can afford the initial cost), another options to consider is installing solar panels to power your house with the only source of green energy that boasts absolutely no emissions.

So from cheap to expensive, there are many ways to illuminate your house and your life.  The great thing about going green with your lighting is that a little effort on your part can go a long way towards reducing waste, cutting electricity use, and keeping our planet healthy for future generations.  Although saving money feels good, saving the planet feels even better.

Kyle Mentz is a communications coordinator for Alluminare where you can find a large assortment of home lighting options.

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.

Why spend a lot of money on commercial organic pesticides when you can easily and cheaply make your own at home? You will be surprised to know how many items that you have around the house can be used for organic pest control in your own garden. Here are just a few ideas.

Garlic

Garlic is technically not a pesticide because it does not usually kill but it repels many pests. They just don’t like the taste or the smell. You can use garlic for pest control in two ways.

First, planting garlic around other plants will keep many pests off. Garlic planted around tomatoes can prevent red spider mite. (Salt water spray is also good against spider mite.) Around fruit trees, garlic plants can repel borer beetles whose larvae would bore into your tree trunk, damaging or even killing the tree.

Second, you can make an organic pest control spray from garlic blended with water or oil. Use the water mixture directly on growing vegetables or flowers to prevent rabbits and other invaders from snacking on your plants. Use the oil mixture to spray onto ponds. It will form a film on the surface of the pond that can kill mosquitoes.

Boric acid (known in other forms as boracic acid, borates or borax)

This was a common product found in most households until recent years and you can still buy it in drugstores or online. It is often used as an ingredient in industrial pesticides, but it is a natural product mined in the Mojave desert.

Boric acid has anti fungal properties so it can be used to get rid of mildew and other molds and fungi. In powdered form it can be very effective against ants, termites, ticks, fleas, bedbugs, slugs, earwigs, beetles, roaches and even scorpions. It will also kill crickets and grasshoppers.

Boric acid is mildly toxic to humans or pets, although not much more dangerous than table salt. A pet would have to eat a lot to suffer symptoms, and humans even more. However, do not take internally and do not use in large quantities on plants that pets will lick or eat.

Soap

Liquid detergent and other soaps can be effective sprayed onto roses and other plants that suffer from aphids or other small fly infestations. It can also work well against slugs. For extra punch, add equal quantities of hot chili peppers, horseradish (roots and leaves), spearmint and green onion tops to your soapy water.

Many home made organic pest control products do not kill the insects and other pests, but simply prevent them from coming near your plants. This will be important to you if you prefer not to kill any living beings for religious or ethical reasons – or just for good karma. However, other products such as boric acid are true pesticides. You can also find many commercial organic pesticides for sale either online o

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.