Everyone’s heard about how you can save energy and electricity at your house or when you’re driving.  We all know it’s important to buy organic food and support renewable resources wherever possible.  But, who knew there’s even an eco-friendly route to take when you’re shopping for clothes.

So just how exactly can the things you wear be environmentally friendly?  One of the main factors is the fabrics used to make your clothes.  The type of fabric and the production practices incorporated into the process are what determine an “eco-friendly” fabric.  Fabrics made from crops that have not been exposed to harmful pesticides are considered to be more sustainable because the environment is not harmed by these chemicals during the growth of the crop.  Another factor that contributes to the eco-friendly label is land management.  A fabric that is biodegradable and doesn’t cause harm to plants or animals either in production or disposal can be considered green.  A few popular eco-friendly fabrics include bamboo fiber, organic cotton and hemp, however growth of this crop is prohibited in many countries. Read the rest of this entry »

There are always ways to increase efficiency in your everyday life.  Most people only consider themselves responsible for their at home, personal activities, but since most of us spend the majority of our days at the office, we should focus on going green at work too.  Even if you’re not the CEO of a company with the resources or authority to make major changes, you can politely suggest ways to make your workplace more sustainable.  You’ll find that many of these changes can actually save money as well, which might earn you a pat on the back from the boss.

1. Reduce Paper Waste: Email and digital files have helped to significantly reduce the amount of paper used by companies, but there is still more that can be done.  Switching to direct deposit payment for employees can produce huge savings by eliminating paper checks.  You can also set the printers and copiers to print on both sides.  In the event someone needs a one-sided document, this setting can easily be switched. Read the rest of this entry »

We’ve all become very familiar with the idea of recycling paper, glass and aluminum products and expect to see those blue or green bins for our recyclable trash around the office or at school.  What we often fail to do is open our eyes to the many other products that can and should be recycled for reuse.  It’s easy to neglect your responsibility to practice sustainable product usage habits by falling into the mindset of “my contribution is so insignificant, why waste my time.”  Unfortunately, because most of us think this way, we have a real problem.  Next time you’re throwing something away, consider the ways it could be recycled.

The improper disposal of electronic products is causing serious environmental and health hazards in many underdeveloped countries where this trash is sent.  Next time you are ready to get rid of an old computer, TV, or batteries, look online for ways to more effectively dispose of your unwanted items.  Green Electronics and Earth 911 help you locate potential buyers of old electronics as well as recycling centers in your area, so these items don’t end up in a landfill seeping cadmium into the soil. Read the rest of this entry »

Lately all the rage has been organic food and supporting local farming.  Special labels and farmers markets boast local products and healthier food.  But some may be wondering, what is the advantage to all of this?  As it turns out, this type of food buying can actually bring about significant positive effects on the environment.  When you purchase food locally there are several factors that you eliminate from the process.  Food that is grown or produced within your own town does not require the extensive travel of that of goods from far away.  Therefore, there is a significant reduction in fossil fuel consumption, which helps save this nonrenewable resource and reduces pollutants produced by the burning of fuel.  Buying local also reduces fossil fuel consumption by reducing the need for industrialized food processing. Not only is processed and packaged food less healthy, sometimes containing harmful chemicals, it is also a huge consumer of natural resources.  Another advantage of buying local is the contributions it makes to the economy of your town, city or state.  There are also advantages to the local environment because private farmers typically practice better conservation and land preservation methods. Read the rest of this entry »

During an economic recession most other priorities lose the spotlight to saving money.  Even the government’s focus shifts from combating global warming to bailing out various industries and providing jobs for the unemployed.  While this is all understandable, as it turns out, most energy saving practices actually save money as well.  Both of these issues can be tackled simultaneously.   Here are a few tips to help you be green and thrifty this year in your own home.

1. Seal Cracks and Openings: One of the biggest wastes of energy, which also drives up costs, is wasted heating and air conditioning.  The tiny openings at the bottom of your doors or cracks in insulation and piping, allow heat and air to leak out.  There’s no point in cooling your backyard or heating your unused attic.  Purchase weather stripping at your local Home Depot and seal off all the doors in your house.  For cracks in pipes and insulation, you can purchase spray foams or tape to seal off any openings. Read the rest of this entry »