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

Green Your Valentine's Day Gifts This Year!

At its origins, Valentine's Day commemorates St. Valentine who, according to one legend, rebelled against the ancient Roman ruling from Emperor Claudius II that unmarried men made better soldiers. St. Valentine was imprisoned by bucking the system and secretly marrying lovers. Each year on the days leading up to February 14th, sweethearts follow in this spirit by searching diligently to find the most amazing and personalized gift, hoping to make just the right impression upon their cherished object of affection.

We believe that anyone can easily make the shift from red to green this Valentine’s Day, and it will still smell as sweet. By merely adopting the ideals of sacrifice evinced by St. Valentine, lovers of the Earth can remain eco-friendly and exchange sweet nothings along with giving something more sweetly tangible in the form of an environmentally conscious green gift. Valentine's Day can serve as a time to define each person's values for being environmentally conscious and reinforcing the idea that gifts can be as simple as respecting one another's values and commitment to being green, which may sometimes mean that gifts will not be something concrete but rather something intangible and with a higher purpose.

In that very spirit, here are just 10 of the many energy efficient, Earth-friendly and thoughtful green Valentine's Day gifts:

1. Say it with an E!   Instead of heading to the standard brick-and-mortar greeting card store, Valentines can simply go online and select a Valetine's Day E-Card. These cards not only say everything a traditional card says, in terms of words of love and devotion, but they are often animated with charming graphics to create a swell of emotion.
2. Buy Certified Organically Grown Flowers.  Going green with flower choices is an option with the proliferation of certified organic flower growers. Online companies will ship and pack flowers, fruit, and chocolates to ensure freshness. Certified organic flowers are grown without pesticides and chemicals.
3. Adopt an Endangered Animal with World Wildlife Federation.   Adopting an animal is a considerate gift for any animal lover and is also a precious gift to an animal whose existence may be in peril because of extinction.
4. Seek Out Fair Trade Goods.  By choosing a gift that is certified Fair Trade, your  Valentine's Day gift will be helping developing countries increase sustainability and independence while offering their loved one fine quality gifts such as chocolate, clothing, accessories, and much more.
5. The Greenest of Green Gifts: Planting a Tree.   Planting a tree in a loved one's honor serves as both a reminder and relationship analogy that we need to cultivate positive growth and invest in the future.
6. Search for Green Gift Certificates.  Searching the local business directory for green-friendly restaurants who do business with fellow locally-grown and organic sellers is a great way to show love and support local green companies. Many may be offering Valentine's Day specials so call around and see what you can find.
7. Light Soy Candles to Spark Romance.  Soy candles are a great spin on a traditionally romantic Valentine's Day gifts and a handy, romantic Valentine's Day accessory. Many local candle makers choose soy as an alternative primary ingredient to traditional candles. Soy candles can be found in a wide range of scents.
8. Shop Local Microbrews or Wines.  As an accompaniment to Valentine's Day dinner, or for a gift to a Valentine, purchasing locally brewed beer or wine from a local vineyard is a great way to support local business as well as providing a unique and special libation for a loved one.
9. Buy Recycled or Re-purposed Gifts.  Sometimes finding a second life for an item turns it into a truly unique find and something that a Valentine can appreciate for years to come. Items range from clothing to household items and much more.
10. Give the Gift of Fitness or Adventure.   Selecting a gift certificate for the local running club, the climbing facility, or simply a membership to the local fitness club shows a love for someone's fitness goals or athletic pursuits and a desire to support them in health and fitness.

 

American Heart Month: How Living Green Can Help With a Healthy Heart

The hearts that fill out eyes in February aren't just because Valentine’s Day - it's also American Heart Month. Each year, the greatest danger to Americans is heart disease: in particular, it's coronary heart disease that reveals itself in the form of a heart attack. However, you don't have to be a victim to the silent killer that plagues our country. Instead of falling prey to heart disease, use February as a starting point for living healthy. Your heart will love you for it!

While most people associate living a green lifestyle with being environmentally friendly, you can incorporate this philosophy in your daily life and dietary choices. In doing so, you will be giving your heart a fighting chance against heart disease as you improve your body inside and out. Here are some examples of ways to combine healthy living and a green lifestyle:

Stop eating processed and pre-cooked foods

Eat only foods that have a natural source, such as whole vegetables and fruits, in order to keep your arteries free of plaque-forming cholesterol. You will also be able to give your body a better nutrition level, fewer saturated fats, and lower sugar intake. Instead of feeling sluggish and out-of-whack, eating foods that fuel your body correctly will greatly increase your energy levels. Foods that have been manufactured and processed in a factory have reduced amounts of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients remaining in the product. This is due to the high temperatures necessary for package sealing, which are required to prevent bacteria or fungus from spoiling the food during shipping and storage. This manufacturing process has a further negative effect on the environment due to the amount of oil and gas used for heating as well as the chemical byproducts released when clean-up of the equipment occurs.

Cut out the salt

Another issue with processed and pre-cooked foods is that they are often laden with salt, which is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. High levels of sodium are a literal heart-stopper for those with high blood pressure - another pronounced risk factor for heart disease.

Limit your intake to farm-raised organic animals

This specifically refers to animals that were not fed antibiotics, steroids, growth hormones, or other unhealthy additives while being raised. Also, animal products are high in saturated fats, so eliminating red meat from your diet is a good way to trim your fat intake. Better yet, steer clear of animals and animal products all together - go vegan for an extra-healthy diet that is really beneficial to the environment.

Say no to sugar

White processed sugar is chemically processed, and it adds unnecessary calories to your diet without providing any nutritional value. Consuming a high level of sugar is also a proven way to develop diabetes, which is an increased risk factor for those suffering from heart disease.

Ride your bike  

More urban dwellers across America are using their bikes for transportation rather than cranking up a car’s engine or even using public transportation. This way, you can get some much needed exercise, while reducing your carbon footprint. Physical inactivity is one of the risk factors for heart disease, so the more chances you give yourself to exert your body, the more chances you have to lose weight and become fit.

Stop smoking

With so many tests showing why we should not smoke, it makes you wonder why people still do it. Besides the addictive nature of cigarettes, smoking has proven especially dangerous to those who are already at risk for heart disease. The smoke from cigarettes, either from smoking cigarettes or via second-hand smoke, causes blood vessels and arteries to shrink, thereby reducing the circulation of blood circulation throughout the body. Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease, while second-hand smoke increases a person’s risk for the disease by 30 percent. Performing cardiovascular exercises, such as running or bicycling, can become nearly impossible as lung capacity is drastically reduced due to the effects of smoking.

Now that you are aware of the different ways you can save your heart and improve your health, your next step should be to put a plan into action. Use American Heart Month to commit yourself to eating healthier and increase your physical activity in order to reduce your weight and improve your heart-health. As a result, you will soon find yourself living a more green lifestyle, as living healthier and living green go hand-in-hand. You will feel happier knowing that you are benefiting far more living things than just yourself.

Make Some Green Resolutions This Year!

As we enter the New Year, most of us start making New Year's Resolutions. What better way to start the year off right then making those resolutions green? Here are a few examples of green resolutions that you may want to incorporate in this year’s resolutions.

Recycle.  If your area/neighborhood doesn’t provide containers for recycling, designate a bin for recyclables. This can make it easier to recycle items such as newspapers and aluminum cans. 

Stop using plastic or paper bags. The next time you have to decide between paper and plastic, remember this: 12 million barrels of oil were used to make the 88.5 billion plastic bags consumed in the US in 2011. So choose the green option and use reusable shopping bags.

Say good-bye to paper towels.  This is the biggest problem in my household. We use paper towels all the time! So instead of using paper towels, try using some reusable microfiber towels. They attract dirt and dust like a magnet even if they are wet and work well for countertops and mirrors. If you are still hooked on paper towels, switch to recycled ones.  According to the Daily Green website “[i]f every household in the United States replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels (70 sheets) with 100 percent recycled ones, we could save 544,000 trees.”

Wash clothes in cold water. It’s a hidden secret that most clothes come out clean in cold water. And since about 90% of energy is used to warm the water, washing in cold water not only saves energy but saves money too. If you find yourself needing to wash in warmer water, switch the settings from hot to warm.

Switch to green energy. A green energy plan comes from renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, wind and biomass. Whereas, standard energy comes from nuclear reactors or fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil. Bounce Energy, a Texas energy provider, offers a varity of green energy plans to choose from, one is sure to fit your needs.

Happy New Year!

2011's Top 10 Hottest Fuel-Efficient Cars: Recap

Over the past few weeks we've compiled a list of 2011's most fuel-efficient vehicles for the best value.  Here is our series in its entireity, in order of ranking, of the cars we thought were the best fuel-efficient cars of 2011.

#10 - Chevrolet Volt

 

#9 - Ford Fusion Hybrid

 

#8 - Honda Civic Hybrid

 

#7 - Honda CR-Z Hybrid

 

#6 - Honda Insight

 

#5 - Lexus CT 200h

 

#4 - Nissan Leaf

 

#3 - Smart Fortwo Electric

 

#2 - Tesla Roadster

 

#1 - Toyota Prius

 

2011's Hottest Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: #1 Toyota Prius

In 1991, most drivers paid $1 a gallon for gasoline. Twenty years later, filling up a car or truck costs at least $3 per gallon, which is putting a strain on bank accounts. Federal and state tax incentives mixed with dealer incentives are making it possible for many drivers to afford a fuel-efficient vehicle.

We've compiled a list of 2011's most fuel-efficient vehicles. Each week, we will highlight a different car that will save consumers on their gas prices. This week, we present the #1 most fuel-efficient car.

 

At $21,600, the Toyota Prius is one of the most affordable fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. In 2012, an all-electric Prius that takes three hours to charge will be hitting the market. The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid car that is estimated to get up to 50 miles per gallon. Some key features of this car include the LED tail-lamps, UV reduction glass winshield, rear window defogger, roof-mounted XM radio antenna, and a top of the line navigation package. This is one of Toyota's best-selling models in the United States, and since it's a great fuel-efficient vehicle with an affordable price tag and great amenities, there is no wonder why.

Annual CO2 emissions (tons): 3.8
Fuel cost: $888
Mileage between fill-ups: 50 mpg

 

 

Giving a Little Consideration to Trees

Trees—biggest and longest-lived of all plants—provide innumerable benefits to humankind and the rest of the biosphere. For one thing, they function as great carbon sinks: They absorb carbon dioxide, one of the Earth’s premier greenhouse gases, in order to conduct photosynthesis, the process by which trees generate their carbohydrate fuel. Recent evidence suggests areas of significant timbered extent, such as the eastern United States, may notably buffer against the large-scale emission of carbon dioxide from human industries.

Trees also provide significant habitat for a host of species, from bark-burrowing insects to denning martens. A forest stringer shouldering a stream and surrounded by open agricultural or developed land may function as an utterly crucial corridor for large mammals negotiating such inhospitable terrain. A tree shelters the nests of songbirds in the spring, provides resting roosts for migrants in the autumn, and services as scouting vantages for raptors year-round.

These magnificent plants also affect the microclimate of a given area—the localized characteristics of precipitation, wind, and other weather factors. By condensing water vapor on their leaves and twigs, and simply by shading from drying sunlight, trees can increase moisture under their canopies. This benefits a plethora of other plants growing at the base of the trunk. As every Great Plains farmer knows, a woodlot can provide a substantial wind break, too; during a big windstorm, the air in the understory interior of a large forest may be quite calm, protecting shrubs and herbs.

Just as significantly, trees are beautiful—and this aesthetic value should not be understated. There’s a reason community activists in inner-city labyrinths often initiate tree-planting events: It brings together neighbors for a productive activity while greening an otherwise concrete- and asphalt-heavy landscape (not to mention imparting some of the ecological benefits mentioned above).

All things considered, trees are one of the planet’s most valuable natural resources, and we’d do well to approach them sustainably. We’ll always use wood products, but a few simple choices can minimize the amount you personally use—and waste. Switching over to paperless billing is one easy idea: Do your banking online, for example, and cut down on all those updates, queries, and notices from your financial institution. Certain companies even reward you for going paperless.

Even in this age of email and smartphones, the sheer weight of junk mail you receive in your mailbox (the physical one) can still be staggering. Take the time to specially request that the offending companies remove you from their mailing list.

Using double-sided pages for printing can substantially cut down on wasted paper. So can requesting, at the ATM, that a bank send your transaction receipt via email or to an online message center, rather than printing out a paper copy you may scarcely glance at.

Our ever more versatile and powerful smartphones can play a role in tree preservation, too, in terms of cutting back on paper. These days you don’t need to print out directions; you can reference the map on your portable screen. The same goes, increasingly, for things like coupons; many smartphones and businesses allow you to pull up the discount offer on your handheld device to be processed.

These are all little steps, but, conducted routinely and by more and more people, they can have a big impact. The deepest message is not that our 21^st-century, computer-technology society has no more use for paper, or that all paper products are inherently unsustainable. Rather, it suggests that paying more attention to where our products come from and how we use them is the right way to move through the world—for the sake of forests and all other resources we depend on. If printing that next report on double-sided paper gives you a moment’s reflection on the myriad benefits trees render for us, it’s been worth it on more than one level.

 

2011's Hottest Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: #2 Tesla Roadster

In 1991, most drivers paid $1 a gallon for gasoline. Twenty years later, filling up a car or truck costs at least $3 per gallon, which is putting a strain on bank accounts. Federal and state tax incentives mixed with dealer incentives are making it possible for many drivers to afford a fuel-efficient vehicle.

We've compiled a list of 2011's most fuel-efficient vehicles. Each week, we will highlight a different car that will save consumers on their gas prices. This week, we present the #2 most fuel-efficient car.

 

At $109,000, the Tesla Roadster is not a car for a driver on a budget, but it is definitely a vehicle that suits someone looking for a fun, flashy sports car that does not look like your typical electric car. The super-sleek exterior combined with a variety of high-end amenities make this a coveted electric dream car. The Roadster's light-weight design makes it possible to go from 0 to 60 in under four seconds. This fuel-efficient car allows you to drive 245 miles per charge. The comfortable seating feels almost like it's been hand-crafted for you body, and the touchscreen controls makes traveling so much easier and pleasant. This zero-emissions ride offers style, class, fun all in a fuel-efficient package.

Annual CO2 emissions (tons): 0

Charging time: 3.5 hours for a full charge
Cost to charge: $561 per year
Mileage between charges: 100 miles or the equivalent of 99 mpg

 

2011's Hottest Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: #3 Smart Fortwo Electric

In 1991, most drivers paid $1 a gallon for gasoline. Twenty years later, filling up a car or truck costs at least $3 per gallon, which is putting a strain on bank accounts. Federal and state tax incentives mixed with dealer incentives are making it possible for many drivers to afford a fuel-efficient vehicle.

We've compiled a list of 2011's most fuel-efficient vehicles. Each week, we will highlight a different car that will save consumers on their gas prices. This week, we present the #3 most fuel-efficient car.

The electric Smart Car comes in a coupe or cabriolet model. The first round of Smart Fortwo vehicles go on sale in 2012 and are already available for lease only. As of September 2011, the Smart Fortwo Electric price has not been announced, though experts believe the price will be in the range of $27,000.

The compact, stylish, environmentally friendly car has zero-emission monitoring and will be available in spring of 2012. The third-generation Smart Fortwo Electric car has upgraded its battery, which allows this car to hit higher speeds than the previous models. Specifically, this boost in acceleration gives the vehicle the ability to reach highway speeds of 75 mph and 0 to 37 in 5 seconds flat. Other amenities include the quick-charging function that allows owners to charge your car in just an hour, and the air conditioning system is equipped with a pollen filter device. This car also offers a Smart Drive app for iPhone, with features that include navigation systems, hands-free phone call system, and the car finder.

Annual CO2 emissions (tons): 0
Charging time: Eight hours for a full charge or 3 ½ hours for 80 percent
Cost to charge: $547.50 per year based on average usage of 40 miles per day
Mileage between charges: 98 highway miles or 63 city and highway miles

If one of your New Year's Resolutions was to be more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly in 2012, then check out the Smart Fortwo Electric car in the Spring of 2012 to see if this is the car for you.

 

2011's Hottest Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: #4 Nissan Leaf

In 1991, most drivers paid $1 a gallon for gasoline. Twenty years later, filling up a car or truck costs at least $3 per gallon, which is putting a strain on bank accounts. Federal and state tax incentives mixed with dealer incentives are making it possible for many drivers to afford a fuel-efficient vehicle.

We've compiled a list of 2011's most fuel-efficient vehicles. Each week, we will highlight a different car that will save consumers on their gas prices. This week, we present the #4 most fuel-efficient car.

 

If you are looking for an affordable, eco-friendly, family car, then the Nissan Leaf may be the car for you. The Nissan Leaf is a 5-door hatchback electric car that is 100% electric and has zero tailpipe emissions, making it a zero emission vehicle (ZEV). This environmentally friendly car provides comfort, class, and safety. Some features include front UV-reducing solar glass, aerodynamic LED headlights, front & rear heated seats, automatic temperature control, Nissan Intelligent key and push-button start, and a state-of-the-art audio and navigation system. The 2011 Nissan Leaf starts at $32,780, but federal tax credits drop the price by as much as $7,500. Additional state tax credits bring the price of the car down to as little as $20,000. If you want to have a "greener" 2012, then check out the Nissan Leaf for an affordable environmentally friendly car.

Annual CO2 emissions (tons): 0
Charging time: Eight hours for a full charge or 30 minutes for 80 percent
Cost to charge: $561 per year
Mileage between charges: 100 miles or the equivalent of 99 mpg

 

Positive Lifestyle Changes That Will Impact Your Health and Your Finances

With fast food restaurants lining up on nearly every street corner in many suburban neighborhoods, people find it difficult to eat healthy. After all, you work all day long and the last thing that you want to do is make things more difficult by having to go home and cook. However, living a healthier lifestyle means eating foods with more nutritional value, such as fruits and vegetables. It also means becoming more active and exercising three to four times a week for 30 minutes. The intake of excessive amounts of tobacco products and alcohol is also not recommended.

To live a healthier lifestyle you should:

Eat healthy. Try to cut out or at least cut back excessively on fast food. If you really feel the need to eat it every once in a while treat yourself no more than once or twice a month. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Try to purchase them from local area farmers. Stop or cut back drastically on alcohol intake.

Stop smoking. Smoking can shorten your life severely or create irreversible damage that will affect your elder years negatively. If you are having trouble quitting, join a support group.

Exercise. Exercise several times a week for 30 minutes. Find an exercise regimen that you enjoy, so that you are more likely to stick with it. Choose something that you enjoy doing, such as biking, walking or aerobics. You can even combine the three doing a different form of exercise each session. Find a buddy to do it with. Go to the gym or join an exercise class. This is often a great form of encouragement and will keep the spirits uplifted. If you hate the exercise that you are doing you are likely to stop doing it altogether.

Exercising will not only tone your body, but will help to decrease your weight if you want to drop a few pounds. Being at a healthy weight will add years to your life.

Changing your lifestyle may be a big undertaking depending on where you are starting out. For some it could mean a complete turnaround. For others it may involve making only minor adjustments.

Here are some tips on how to get started living life healthier:

Start slowly. Wherever you are starting out just remember that lifestyle changes do not happen overnight. The best thing to do is to start out gradually, so that it becomes a way of life. View the changes as lifestyle changes. Avoid using the word diet when you are eating low cal and healthy. Start eating a few meals a week with increased vegetables and slowly build up to more. Start exercising for two days a week and then gradually build up to three or four days each week.

Commit. Make a good effort to change. Remind yourself of the benefits of living healthier. Set up a schedule for exercising. Make up healthy choice menus for meals. Do not allow yourself to slack off. Don’t think too long about exercising or it may not happen. Just get up and start moving yourself in the right direction.

As these changes become more a part of your life you will likely enjoy the changes that take place in your body. You will firmer and more toned. You will likely shed weight and admire what you see in the mirror. If you were a previous smoker you will wake up feeling better in the morning. Your taste buds and other senses will come alive. You will appreciate the financial benefits as well. With a healthier body there will be less doctor visits and a decreased need for medications. You will save money on tobacco if you were a smoker. You will have more money in your pocket to spend in a more productive manner.

Start living a healthier lifestyle today. Don’t put it off a minute longer, so that you can enjoy a healthier and happier life now.