Project: Greenify | Guide to Going Green in Your Home, Office & Life

Vinegar…Not Just for Cooking!

With so many chemicals in our cleaners today, it's hard to know which ones are green or not. That's when I found out the beauty of vinegar. Not only is it cheap, but it’s effective in helping with many household tasks. Best of all, it is non-toxic so it does not pollute and is much safer to store under the sink then other common cleaners. Here are some other household uses for vinegar.   

• Freshen your laundry. For your next load of laundry, try adding a capful of white vinegar and your colors will come out brighter and your whites whiter. It’s also helpful for pesky stains like grass. Just mix 1/3 cup white vinegar and 2/3 cup water, apply to the stain and then blot with a clean towel. Repeat until you've removed as much green as possible.

• Clean your windows. Vinegar can clean your windows as well as any store bought chemical. Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, put into a spray bottle and squirt onto your windows. Interesting tip: scrub with newspaper rather than paper towels to get a streak free window.

• Break a sticky bond. Annoyed when you can't get a price tag sticker off a newly purchased item? White vinegar can do the trick! It not only can take off a sticker but can be used to dissolve many common adhesives like glue. Another bonus is its good at cutting grease.

Click here for more vinegar tips. 

Air Pollution in the World

Until now, measuring levels of air pollution around the world has been difficult, but since new satellite-based imaging has been implemented, researchers are able to determine the extent of pollution in particular areas of the world that previously could not be measured. Satellites are making it possible for experts to get a glimpse of how and where matter settles around Earth, and is also providing a clearer understanding of pollution and the problems it creates.

The harmful level of particulate matter begins at 2.5 micrometers in diameter. Researchers know that material of this size can become embedded in the lungs and will contribute to asthma or other serious health issues. Without the satellite imagery, chances of measuring harmful pollutants around the world have been slim, but now, scientists can begin to measure the quality of air worldwide. 

NASA is instrumental in operating the satellites from space and determining levels of pollution at or near the planet's surface. NASA gathered the information, and researchers Asron van Donkelaar and Randall Martin, both from Dalhousie University in Canada, were able to implement computer models that generated a global map showing where the pollution matter was heaviest.

Western Europe, in the areas of China have seen increases in levels of aerosol pollution since the implementation of satellite imagery, much because of the rapid increase of industrialization. India's levels have also increased due to the heavy areas of black carbon that could, according to some scientists, eventually alter the seasonal cycles of monsoon climates.

No part of the Earth is without some level of pollution, due to winds that naturally scatter the pollutants and dust  from urbanized areas of the world to the seemingly lifeless Saharan deserts. Eastern China and northern India produce pollutants through power plants and factories that are allowed to burn coal without filters. According to the imagery, pollution levels in the United States were relatively low, but were still visible on the satellite models, mostly in the Midwest and in the eastern parts of the country.

Motorized vehicles are blamed for producing particles and nitrates throughout the world, and diesel engines yield increasing levels of soot into the air that are constantly carried through the wind. Researchers are working to update the satellite imagery on an ongoing basis in order to determine pollution that is human-caused or is naturally occurring. The imagery also suggests that 80-percent of the world's population is now breathing polluted air that exceeds what experts recommend. World Health Organization's have determined that healthy levels should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic meter.

Countries that are still developing previously had no way of measuring the amounts of pollutants in the air without surface-based pollution sensors that help measure airborne particles, known as PM2.5, or particulate matter that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. These particles are smaller than a human hair and can easily go undetected by human defenses. Satellites of the past could not determine whether particles were close to the ground or high into the atmosphere. Many times, clouds will still block the views, as will snow-covered land or desert areas. Researchers have created the imagery maps from the NASA satellites and information on aerosol amount levels from computer programs.

The American Heart Association estimates that air pollution in excess of PM2.5 levels is responsible for more than 60,000 deaths each year in the United States. Experts have determined that once pollution is in the lungs, the particles can enter the bloodstream contributing to a wide range of life-threatening illnesses, including heart disease and bronchitis. With the information gathered from the imagery, how pollutants affect human health can be more easily determined, as well as be more accurate.

Scientists at NASA are planning to continue satellite imagery studies, as well as participate in other studies relating to satellite missions. The satellite imagery and resulting knowledge gained from the maps are both important to realizing how pollution impacts every corner of the earth, and how it can be accurately measured.

In the ongoing effort to measure pollutants, scientist will begin to study data from NASA satellites carrying innovative instrumentation known as a polarimeter. This instrument is designed to measure properties in new and different ways, and working with current instruments will measure aerosol pollutants from space.

 

GE's new Hybrid Bulb Helps U.S. Consumers See the Light

As we reported a few months back that by 2014 the U.S. will soon join other countries such as Asia, Europe and Latin America in the initiative to phase out incandescent light bulbs. As consumers prepare to say good bye to the standard light bulb, we welcome the CFL with not so welcome arms. That is until now that GE has developed a hybrid halogen-CFL bulb.

This hybrid bulb fixes the main problem consumers have with a CFL, which is that it takes forever to become fully lit. With the hybrid, it takes the best of both worlds from both types of bulbs, the immediate brightness of incandescent and the energy savings from a compact fluorescent.

Here's how it works, when the light is turned on, both the halogen and the CFL come on so that the bulb has full brightness immediately. Once the CFL has reached its full brightness, the halogen part shuts off. Best of all, this new bulb has a life expectancy of 8,000 hours and lasts about eight times as long as standard bulbs, which is close to the life span of a CFL. As another benefit, this bulb contains less mercury than a CFL.  These new hybrid bulbs should be available at a hardware store near you.

An All-Natural Pet: Tips for Holistic and Healthy Pet Care

People are growing increasingly concerned about protecting their health by carefully watching what they eat, drink and put on their hair and skin. Many people have even switched over to using all-natural products in an effort to improve their health and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals. People who have made the decision to eat well and use natural health care techniques are frequently concerned about their pets’ health and welfare, as well. Luckily, there are simple things that every pet owner can do to ensure that their pets get excellent nutrition, receive safe and natural solutions for ailments, and avoid the dangerous chemicals that are present in many products.

All-Natural Approaches to Pet Nutrition
Food choice is one of the most influential factors in determining your pet’s overall health and lifespan. In the past, pet owners were told to feed their animals a good commercial pet food and to avoid feeding them any “human food”. As the pet food industry has evolved over the years and more quality food options are being manufactured for animals, it is becoming increasingly apparent that our pets’ health is truly influenced by what they eat. Pet owners are now more educated about the ingredients that are put into dog and cat food, and are starting to demand higher quality products for their animals.

Most packaged pet food contains low quality meat, inferior grains, fillers, by-products and toxins like pesticides and preservatives. The food is also processed at high temperatures which destroy many important nutritional components such as vitamins, amino acids and natural digestive enzymes. Some research even suggests that processed pet food can suppress the activity of a pet’s immune system which, unfortunately, can lead to illness and premature death.

Luckily, there are many all-natural alternatives to processed pet food. Some owners take the time to make their own pet food using healthy, lean meats. There are also many natural pet foods available on the market today that do not contain by-products. Look for products without corn, wheat, soy, fillers, artificial colors and chemical preservatives. These products may be more expensive, but all-natural pet food can provide many health benefits to your pet. Many pet owners also use all-natural nutritional supplements to help ensure that their pets receive necessary vitamins and minerals.

After integrating these changes into your pet’s diet, you may notice that you animal has fewer skin ailments, allergies, and digestive disorders. After starting an all-natural diet, many animals also have increased energy and are able to maintain a healthier weight. All of these benefits improve your pet’s quality of life and help ensure that your animal will live a longer, healthier life.

Holistic Pet Care Products for Improved Animal Health
Proper nutrition is an essential component to building a better quality of life and increasing the longevity of your pet, but a holistic approach includes other aspects of animal care as well. Using all-natural pet grooming and pest control supplies can be extremely effective and allow you to protect your pet from the toxic chemical additives that are in many of these products. There are also many eco-friendly toys, beds, training aids and supplies available to environmentally-conscious animal lovers.

Preservatives and foaming agents are commonly used in human and pet products, however, there has not been much research done to test the long-term effects of these ingredients on people and their animals. These components are generally considered to be safe, but many people still choose to avoid using products with these ingredients until their impact on our and our animals' health is completely understood. Luckily, there are many natural pet shampoos and conditioners commercially available that use herbal extracts like aloe, jojoba oil, calendula, chamomile, sunflower seed oil, muru muru butter, neem oil, lemongrass, lavender, and citronella to help protect pets’ skin and keep insects at bay.

Animals are much smaller than humans, so it is no surprise that it is more difficult for their smaller organ systems to filter and eliminate toxins that are encountered in everyday life. Owners can help protect their pets’ health, improve their quality of life, and increase their lifespan by simply taking a more holistic, all-natural approach to their pet care regimen. What organic, all-natural products do you use to keep your pet healthy and happy for years to come?

Cleaning Your Home With Green Products

Most conventional cleaning products on the market today contain harsh chemicals that are less than kind to our health as well as the health of the environment. Yes, said products are effective at shining our woods and cleaning our floors but those same products are also responsible for adding to pollution in our waters and air, and certain conventional cleaning products are linked to several illness and health disorders. But, Lucky for us all, there is a way to kill those germs and clean effectively without compromising our health and the health of the environment.

More and more people are now choosing to use Greener cleaning products as buzz grows of its effectiveness and Eco benefits. In fact, next to recycling and reusing, using Eco cleaners is one of the easiest ways clean up the environment. You can now find quality Eco-friendly cleaning products and supplies just about everywhere cleaners are sold. Below is a handy how to guide to cleaning your home with green products:

• Benefits of Cleaning with Green: The hazardous chemicals often found in household cleaners like air fresheners, wood polish, bathroom cleaners, carpet cleaners and more are deemed as carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and ocean polluters. Eliminating those products from your household is a tiny act with a massive positive impact. Your indoor air quality will increase, the environment will be cleaner and you and your family will be healthier.

• Buying the Greenest Products: It is essential to research and read the labels of the Green cleaning products before you buy them. Eco cleaners should contain no hazardous chemicals like Alkyphenols, mercury, zinc, phosphate, artificial colors, fragrances, optical brighteners and other bad for you elements. Instead, green cleaners should be plant, herb, water or essential oil based; it should be colored naturally and fragranced naturally.

• Make your own Green products: Ingredients like water, baking soda, lemons and essential oils can be used to create quality Eco cleaners. It is a fact that just plain steaming water can be used to kill germs and shine countertops and mirrors. With a little research, individuals can make their own green products, it can be fun way to go green and making your own green products is a huge money saver.

• Reuse: The aids you use to put your green product on before cleaning is an important part of green cleaning. Instead of using paper towels, germ loving sponges and other disposables, you can use old towels, rags and biodegradable sponges to clean; doing so will cut down on unnecessary waste and save money.

• Clean Indoor Air with Houseplants: Most conventional air fresheners and odor eliminators sold today do more harm to our air than not. Instead of getting rid of the odor, these eliminators temporarily cover up the odor while leaving behind toxic chemicals. However, simple and beautiful houseplants have the power to effectively clean up indoor air and drastically improve the quality of it. Often called Nature’s Air Freshener, houseplants absorb bacteria and other odor causing chemicals leaving behind nothing but clean air.

Rain Water Harvesting - A Practical Solution to the World's Water Problems

The world's most valuable natural resource is not gold or silver.  While a handful of gold coins might make you feel rich, without an adequate supply of water, you would not be able to live.  There are many parts of the world where water is scarce.  One of the most promising, environmentally friendly ways to address the problem is by a process known as rain water harvesting.

Rain water harvesting is a relatively simple way to take advantage of Mother Nature's gift of rain.  When it rains and water hits the roof of a house or other structure, it can be directed to drain into a collection tank and then be available for a multitude of indoor and outdoor applications. 

The system requires several basic components. You need a hard surface like a roof where water is not absorbed. Next you need a way to capture the rain such as the gutters on the roof. Once the rain water has been collected, it is then piped into a storage vessel.  The water is usually filtered to some degree depending on how it is to be used and a pump delivers the stored water when and where needed.

How Much Water Can You Capture?

The amount of water you can capture is largely a reflection of the surface area of your roof and the amount of rainfall you receive.  Also important is how effective the rain water harvesting system is at directing the water where it needs to go.  Designers of such systems strive to capture at least 75% of the rain that hits the roof.  Run-off and evaporation make it impractical to try to capture 100% of the rain.  As an example, for every inch of rain that falls on a 2,000 square foot roof and assuming an 85% collection rate, you can recover 1,200 gallons of water. 

How Much Water Do We Use?

According to the EPA, the average person consumes 25-50 gallons of water each day for indoor use.  That equates to between 750-1,500 gallons per month.  That figure includes potable water such as for drinking and cooking as well as water for bathing, doing laundry and flushing toilets.  Outdoor water use for maintaining the lawn and garden, washing cars and so on represents slightly more than half of a family's total water use.  Given a 2,000 square foot roof and an average of 6 inches of rain each month, you would have 7,200 gallons of water at your disposal which is more than enough for a typical family of 4.

Is it Practical to Get Your Water from a Rain Water Harvesting System?

The cost of harvesting rain water is concentrated on the design and setup.  You can spend anywhere from a few thousand dollars on up depending on the size of your system  and its complexity.  For most homeowners, a complete system can be installed and ready to go for less than $5,000.  Once the system has been installed, you will only need to pay for the electricity to run the pump and a small amount to change the filter and perform routine maintenance.  The savings you will realize by not having to pay a water bill every month will help you recoup your investment.

Helping the Environment is Another Benefit

Rain that falls from the sky is very clean.  Once it hits the roof or other dirty surfaces, it picks up pollutants that are washed off the roof and eventually find their way into our waterways.  With a rain water harvest system, the water is captured and filtered so it does not contaminate the rivers, streams and waterways that we hold so near and dear to our hearts.  The low environmental impact will benefit us all in the years to come.

Uses Outside the Home

Not only can these systems provide water for homeowners, but they are also very practical for businesses, agricultural applications and industrial use.  For instance, a golf course can use harvested rain water to keep its fairways green.  Public swimming pools can be filled with treated rain water and all types of buildings from schools and hospitals to warehouses and high rises can use these systems as a primary or supplemental water source.

Looking Toward the Future

As populations increase and the demand for water rises, we must look for alternative methods to provide water.  The potential is great, particularly in Third World and less-developed countries where the lack of clean water leads to disease and all types of problems.  These systems can be effective on both a very small scale like an individual house or on a much more ambitious level like a community housing project.   Rain Water Harvesting is here today and holds even greater promise for the future.

Shake up in the Solar Panel Industry

Thinking about buying some solar panels? 

According to a Reuters report on August 25, the cutting of subsidies in Italy and Germany for the solar panel industry is likely to move the centers of develoment of panel technolgy from Europe to China.  The reason?  Cheap Asian panels led to such thin margins for European companies that without the susidies they can't compete. Q-cells and Norway's Renewable Energy Corp (REC) have both cutting production to lessen expenses.

The effect in the US has been that one solar wafer manufacturer, Evergreen Solar Inc., file for bankruptcy because it couldn't compete with the Chinese panel makers.  Solon SE, a German owned comapny, is closing a plant in Arizona and BP Solar has already closed a plant in Maryland.

There's a LOT of solar panels out on the market now and prices ranging from $1.42 to $3.00/watt depending on panel wattage and number ordered. As such, the industry is experiencing a Darwinian "bottlenecking" where only the strong emerge alive.

Depending on just what companies and how many emerge may determine how much panels cost in the next few years.  Stay tuned!

Green Up Your Office

When it comes to minimizing your ecological footprint, you may have already taken action by implementing changes around your house or by altering the type of vehicle you drive around town. However, most people spend a good portion of their week working in an office, which in many cases is not as environmentally friendly as it could be. Offices are responsible for a large percentage of the total electricity usage in the United States and produce a high level of carbon dioxide emissions. Whether you are an employee or an employer, there are many things that that can be done to create a greener workplace. These simple changes not only minimize your office’s impact on the planet, but they also foster a healthier and more productive work environment.

Rethink Your Commute
If your are able, try to telecommute whenever possible. Even if telecommuting is not feasible, carpooling or taking public transportation can help substantially reduce the carbon dioxide emissions you are responsible for expelling into the atmosphere each day. Some companies even have carpool matching programs and offer incentives to employees that carpool, bike or walk to work. You could consider suggesting the implementation of some of these initiatives around your office.

Minimize Paper Usage
Consider relying on digital records around the office whenever possible. When paper usage cannot be avoided, utilize recycled paper that has a high percentage of post-consumer content and minimal chlorine bleaching. Unfortunately, even recycled paper consumes a large amount of energy, water, and chemical resources during its processing. Conserve the paper around your office as much as possible by printing on both sides of the page when appropriate. Use old or misprinted paper as notepaper, or shred it to use as packing material.

Conserve Energy
Computers and other electronic items are essential in the workplace, but tend to consume large amounts of energy. Help eliminate energy waste by using the energy saving settings on computers and other devices. Always make sure to shut down all of the electronic items on your desk before you leave for the day. Consider unplugging printers, scanners and other items that are used infrequently until they are needed. Also, be sure to turn off the lights in unoccupied areas around the office.

Try to use natural light as a free source of energy whenever possible. This will save energy and has the added benefit of increasing employee efficiency and satisfaction. For areas that require artificial lighting, consider replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights. Finally, resetting the thermostat is one of the easiest ways to conserve energy around the office. A simple one to two degree adjustment can reduce the office’s electricity bill by as much as 10 percent.

Embrace Recycled Materials
Paper is not the only recycled material that can be utilized to help create a greener office. Consider buying some of your work clothes from thrift stores. If you buy new clothes, choose items that are made with organic or recycled fibers. Try to avoid purchasing clothes that will need to be dry cleaned. If dry cleaning is necessary, be sure to use a “green” dry cleaning establishment.

Some office furniture is recyclable, and many desks and chairs are manufactured with recycled materials. Pens and pencils can also be made from recycled materials. When it is time to replace furniture and supplies around your office, consider purchasing some of these environmentally friendly alternatives.

Avoid Waste
There are many ways to avoid generating waste around the office. Consider bringing your lunch to work in reusable containers rather than ordering takeout from the local restaurant. Reusable plates, utensils and napkins can further cut down on the amount of trash created during meals. Use paper towels made from recycled material or cloth towels in the office kitchen and bathroom. In addition, use refillable pens and markers, and purchase supplies in bulk to cut down on waste from shipping and packaging.

These simple steps to a greener office not only help support a more environmentally conscious workplace, but are also economically responsible changes that can help your company’s bottom line! What are you doing to environmentally optimize some of the current practices at your place of work?
 

Green Up Your Home Room by Room

When going green there are many ways to update your house to your new standard of living. Everything from choosing green furniture to making your home more energy efficient will help the environment. This makes you feel happier and helps your health while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. We will explore how to make your home more green with some changes. Some of these tips may be small and some may require more work, in the end they will all be worth the effort.

Living Room/Family Room

One of the first things you can do differently right away is simply lowering the temperature of your thermostat in the winter and raising it in the summer. Changing your thermostat by as much as 5 degrees can save up to 20 percent of your heating bill and saves energy. Putting in a ceiling fan will circulate the air in the room, making it warmer or cooler.

A simple change you can do is replacing your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL’s). Blackout curtain panels and shade help to keep in the heat during the colder months and block the suns rays from coming into the house in the summer lowering your cooling bill.

If you plan to replace your furniture, there are many types sustainable natural wood and recycled plastic furniture available. All covered in organic fabrics that are gentle to the earth and your skin. When replacing your living room floors try bamboo flooring. Bamboo grows and matures much faster then trees and still gives you the wooden floor look.

To help purify the air in your living room try using houseplants. A selective grouping of plants such as Peace Lily’s, Pathos, Spider plants and Bamboo all make lovely accents while cleaning the air.

Kitchen/Dining Room

Update your appliances to energy-efficient models if they are older than 10 years. Energy-efficient appliances, usually called ‘Energy Star’ can use up to 50 percent less the energy and water then regular older models. Be sure to keep your appliances clean and the vents dust free. When dust clogs up the vents, your appliances have to work harder and have a chance to overheat which then means you have to pay for repair bills.

Save water using an aerator on your faucets and not running your water when you do not need it. Only use your dishwasher when it is full, and make sure your dishwater is labeled for water efficiency. Make sure your faucet has no leaks, a leak is usually simple to fix and will only take you a few minutes.

When cleaning use environmentally safe or natural cleaning detergents and products. Vinegar and baking soda are two natural cleaning products that are great for your household and the environment. You can use these same products throughout your house including in the bathroom.

Always keep the air moving and clean in your kitchen and dining room by using ceiling fans or air vents above your stove. A few plants or herbs along a kitchen window also help, and fresh herbs add a great scent to your room.

Bathroom

The toilet and shower are two main water wasters. Since toilets use the most water then anything else in your house, installing and using a water-saving toilet can save gallons of water every day. Be sure to keep recycled toilet paper in stock also. On your sink install a faucet aerator and check for leaks, repair any that you find. Be sure to turn off the water when you do not need it while brushing your teeth or washing up. Installing a low-flow showerhead will reduce the amount of water you are using in the shower.

Another quick thing you can do that will save you money and is a safety precaution is to lower the temperature of your water heater.

 

Doing a few of these steps will save you money, increase you health and help the environment. Everyone has to do his or her part in reducing his or her carbon footprint on this planet, the bonus of increasing the money you save helps you feel even better about doing something good

Eco-Friendly Nissan Leaf

I have always known that electric cars are eco-friendly, but now Nissan has taken it a step further with its Nissan Leaf. In March, Nissan unveiled its Nissan Leaf to Home system, which is planned to roll out for Japan within a year.

In short, the system uses the LEAF charging station to draw energy from the station into a home. The LEAF batteries can store up to 24kWh of energy, which can power an average Japanese home for about two days (which is about half of the energy used in an average US household). With this extra power comes two big benefits: 1) you could use it to cover power shortages and 2) it can help homeowners save money if the battery is charged at night during low use times and draw off the battery during high peak times.    

According to an article from cnet.com, Nissan expects to make this system available to LEAF owners in other countries once it’s been adapted to local electricity systems.  If only we had the system now, during this time of heat advisories and potential rolling blackouts.