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10 Green Resolutions for 2010

Monday, January 4th, 2010

One thing we learned in 2009 is that you can’t wait for big institutions to take the green lead. For every clean tech entrepreneur, there’s a climate change heel-dragger. You can, however, do what you can.

And in that spirit, here are 11 ways to lower your carbon footprint this New Year. Adopting even one of them can help reduce the pollution that’s leading to dire consequences. And while some New Year’s resolutions are hard, and cost you money (gym fees aren’t going down you know), these resolutions are likely to save you money, reduce your exposure to toxins and help you lead a healthier life. We’ve included only those ideas that really make a big impact, and scuttled those that we consider to be “boutique green” — those non-starter nice ideas that matter, but just a little bit.

To help make this list something you can really use, we’ve included some nifty online tools that can help you find a greener track in 2010.

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New Research Finds 1 in 3 Toys Still Contain Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic or Mercury

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

The Ecology Center, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization, today released a report showing that one in three of all toys tested this holiday season still contained one or more harmful chemical including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.

The Center, working with partners across the country, released its findings in the 3rd Annual Consumer Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys at www.HealthyStuff.org. Researchers tested nearly 700 popular 2009 children’s products for lead, cadmium, arsenic, PVC, and other harmful chemicals.

According to researchers, who have tested more than 4,000 children’s products over the past three years, lead has been steadily decreasing in toys. The number of products with lead exceeding current federal standards for lead in toys (300 ppm) has decreased 67 percent since 2007. However, 32 percent of the toys tested for this holiday season still contained one or more harmful chemical including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
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Tags: 3rd Annual Consumer Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Toys, The Ecology Center, Toxic toys
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Eco-Electronics for Greener Gift Giving

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

By Ashley Phillips

More and more electronics seem to make Americans’ Christmas lists. Unfortunately, many electronics waste energy and run up electric bills, even while you are not using them. So here’s a list of environmentally friendly, yet still savvy, electronic gifts.

HYmini can charge using solar, wind and wall outlets

The HYmini is an all-in-one solar, wind, USB and wall charger that can be used to recharge almost any 5-volt gadget. It includes a 6 watt, rechargeable Powerbank that collects energy from a built-in wind generator, a .7 watt mini solar panel, wall outlet, or your computer’s USB. The handheld, lightweight charger even fastens safely so you can charge in motion. Even better, there’s no additional software needed. The HYmini features an LED night-light and charge-in green indicator. This all-in-one charger is affordable, retailing for $49.99.

HP Elitebook 2530p rates "gold" on environmental rankings

HP Elitebook 2530p is one of a new generation of notebook computers that are more mindful of their energy footprint. This is just one example of many, but it is among the top rated with a “gold” rating from the certifier known as EPEAT, which is managed by the Green Electronics Council. EPEAT rates electronics as bronze, silver or gold level by assessing their energy consumption, life cycle plan and use of toxic materials. The criteria for EPEAT ratings is extensive. If you buy electronics with high EPEAT ratings, you’ll know that the manufacturer is not just aiming for the bottomline without paying attention to environmental issues like electricity consumption and waste.

Look also for Energy Star label, which this HP notebook computer also has earned. Energy Star and the EPEAT rankings will help you find the best laptop or desktop computer in the “green class” from manufacturers that are trying to minimize their environmental impact.

ETON Green Microlink radio

The Eton SolarLink FR 160 AM/FM weather radio can be solar powered or operated with a hand crank, so you can stay informed no matter what the weather. The radio also comes with a built-in flashlight. A great present for someone who goes off the grid or just likes to be prepared for the inevitable storm. Retails for $29.99, and is available at several stores, such as REI and Radio Shack.

NeatReceipts is a movie scanner and digital filing system for small business owners, or anyone with a hobby that involves a lot of paperwork. It helps you reduce your paper consumption by transferring receipts, business cards, and documents into a digital form; to better organize and manage your business or personal paperwork. The receipt information can be easily exported to multiple money management software programs such as Excel, Quickbooks, and Turbo Tax, and your contacts from business cards can be exported to Outlook. The product includes the necessary software, and also comes with a one year factory warranty. NeatRecipts, weighing less than one pound, can be used at home, at the office or even on the road. NeatReceipts retails for $149.99.
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Tags: eco-electronics, energy saving electronic gifts, green electronic gifts, green gadgets, household electronics, HP, HYmini, Neat Receipts, Samsung, VIZIO
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Gifts You Didn’t Know Were Green

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

By Barbara Kessler

Let’s shop green without being obvious about it, OK? You can, you know. There are many ways to tweak the holiday list this year to skew it toward recycled, socially conscious, energy-conserving goods. With that in mind, here are a few humble suggestions for keeping it green (and affordable), subtly:

A TOASTER OVEN

Black and Decker CTO6301 Convection Toaster Oven

Mom, dad, a kid on her way to college. Lots of people can appreciate the utility and electricity savings of a toaster oven. Did you know that the average 1500 watts used by a toaster/convection oven is less than half, or even more, than that used by a full-size oven? How many times have you heated the entire oven just to warm rolls for dinner? Or to bake a couple ramekins of dessert? Or broil a tuna melt? Or brown a small brushetta?

Turn that big oven off, and use a tool that’s sized-right for the job. That’s the very sound idea behind this “smart” appliance. There are dozens to choose from. The Black & Decker one shown here is available in area stores for around $60. It gets good reviews for durability, space and function.

RECYCLED TIRE WALLET

Recycled Tire Wallet made by artisans in El Salvador

Number two on our list is black, but so very green. This completely recycled, vegan friendly wallet is made from discarded tires. But it looks so much like the standard leather version we thought it would qualify as a green gift that doesn’t stand out as different. Each 9 x 3.5 inch wallet has a slot for money and six slots for credit cards, just like you’d expect. A Fair Trade artisan group in El Salvador makes these wallets, helping provide jobs and living wages in their community. You can buy it ($30) through the GreenHeartShop in Chicago, at their online store.

Green Heart helps promote artisan craft goods, clothing and food from around the world and in the U.S.

NON ELECTRIC KITCHEN GADGETS

One sure way to think green is to consider the Old Ways. Here are two electricity-saving kitchen gadgets that would make a great little gift for someone in a new apartment or college dorm. The cook of the house might appreciate these as stocking stuffers, if they have the need.

A Mighty Juicer, built to last.

Here are just some possibilities:

The Oxo Hand Can Opener: People have raved about this on Amazon after discovering that for most everyone (save those with hand strength issues) this can opener is easier to use, works better and lasts longer than many electric can openers ($17.50).

The NorPro Egg Beater: This handy, stainless steel gadget doesn’t bowl people over like the can opener, but it gets the job done and when making an omelet, pancake batter and countless other small tasks around the kitchen, you don’t need that electric beater. We use one for omelets and — perfecto — it’s better than a whisk. The handle and gear of this model are polished aluminum and both grips are plastic (about $10.99).

The Mighty Juicer: Who said these gadgets were wimpy? This mechanical kitchen tool exerts 600 pounds of pressure on that orange half, making juice as well or better than electric juicers. Double green points for this one, because with your own juicer you won’t let borderline oranges go to waste. (we found it for $44.99 at Chefs.com.)

A BACK TO BASICS SKILLET

Lodge Logic cast iron skillet

While we’re talking getting back to basics, here’s a gift for the home chef that won’t disappoint, a Lodge Logics iron skillet. If you’ve got some seasoning on you, it’s likely you’ll remember a homemaker mom or grandparent using something like this back in the day. This updated version serves as a frying or grilling pan. The metal cooks uniformly and retains heat and is non-stick (if handled correctly). It imparts a little iron to foods, which can be good supplementation, and ….drumroll….here’s how it’s green: No Teflon coating – so no need to worry about generating dangerous fumes at searing temperatures. And it’s durable. And it’s made in the USA. (Again at Chefs.com, a 12” skillet is $39.50; other sizes available.)

A DUMP TRUCK

Every little tot needs a truck to drive around. This little Dump Truck made by Green Toys is sturdy, classic,

Dump Truck by Green Toys

non-toxic and made from 100 percent recycled plastic from milk jugs. Of course, if you want to get a proper waste management fleet going, you’d have to get the Green Toys Recycling Truck, too. Both trucks are brightly colored and nicely sized, making them competitive with less green goods. And it’s never too soon to start that consciousness-raising. (About $20, at Amazon and other outlets.)

A STURDY TENT

Big Agnes' Salt Creek 2 Tent

For the camper on your list, consider the Big Agnes Salt Creek Tent made almost entirely of recycled PET plastic, which is strong when woven into a polyester. This three-season tent won’t off-gas anything from PVC, like other tents made of that plastic, and it’s dye-free. Big Agnes promises that this tent is easy to set up, light weight and provides good ventilation. Not only is the mesh fabric recycled, so are the zippers and the fly. All the innovations, with less environmental drag; we’re guessing the naturalist in the family will like that. ($350, retail.)

Tags: Big Agnes tent, eco-friendly gifts, gifts you didn’t realize were green, green gifts, juicer, Logics Lodge Pan, non-electric kitchen gadgets, recycled gifts, recycling toy truck, tire wallet, toaster oven, toy dump truck
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Need a Gift Basket? Make It Green

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

(Photo: Noofangle Media)

For this year’s WorldFest event, we wanted to give away a gift basket full of some of the best environmentally friendly products we’ve come across in recent months. So as we head into the holidays, here’s how you can re-create our special “green” gift basket:

PermaFlow P-Trap Pipe Replacement — Replace one pipe and eliminate the need for caustic drain cleaners. We were sold the minute we installed this. It’s available at The Home Depot and other home supply stores, as well as at Amazon.com.

Nicaraguan and Bolivian Coffee from Addison Coffee Roasters — Fair Trade organic coffee that smells great and helps save tropical forests. It’s available at area Central Market stores or directly from Addison Roasters at 15012 Beltway Drive in Addison (972-404-1145).

Vintage Plantations Chocolate – Dark chocolate grown to Rainforest Certification standards; good for the environment. Available online or at World Market.

Dr. Kracker Organic, Artisan-Baked Flatbread – Made in Dallas and great for you, with whole grains and no artificial preservatives. We’ve found them at Sprouts Market and Whole Foods Market.

EarthShell Dinnerware – When you need a “paper” plate, use one made of potato starch that biodegrades completely. The closest store where it’s available is an HEB at 800 N. Hwy. 77 in Waxahachie, so you might want to just order online.

BioKleen Bac-Out Bathroom Cleaner – A non-toxic, rapidly biodegradable cleaner; safe around pets and children. Find it at Kroger, Sprouts Market and at Amazon.com.

G-Wash Totally Green Car Wash and Wheel Cleaner – Wash your car without producing any toxic run off. Available at The Home Depot, True Value Hardware and Amazon.com.

Organic Green Tea from Bigelow — Save the pesticides and bring on the antioxidants. We’ve found it at most area grocery stores.

Pandanus Tote from World Market — We wanted a basket made from renewable resources. This one is made from naturally harvested leaves from the screw pine tree. Bamboo is another great material for baskets.

There you have it — you can replicate this basket or add in your own variations. Happy gift giving!

Tags: Artisan-Baked Flatbread, BioKleen Bac-Out Bathroom Cleaner, Dr. Kracker Organic, EarthShell Dinnerware, G-Wash Totally Green Car Wash and Wheel Cleaner, Gift basket, Nicaraguan and Bolivian Coffee from Addison Coffee Roasters, Organic Green Tea from Bigelow, Pandanus Tote from World Market, PermaFlow P-Trap, Vintage Plantations Chocolate
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Retrofit Your Toilet to Achieve a ‘Perfect Flush’

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

By Barbara Kessler

When it comes to saving water, we all know that the commode can be a sieve, without actually being a sieve. In a typical household – unless people are obsessively washing clothes or taking large baths — more water is used to flush the toilets than for any other single use.

According to the US EPA, toilet water consumes about 27 percent of all the water used in a typical household. So you might say, the throne is king.

But this is one Royal Flush you don’t want.

You’ve likely heard about potential solutions. You could enact a household rule, “When it’s yellow…” If you’ve got the constitution for it. But that might leave squeamish families blushing, and still flushing.

You could stick bricks in the back of the tank, but experts advise against that, saying the clay chaff that will be released could cause a bigger problem by getting caught in that pesky flap mechanism (which tends to go bad unprompted anyway). Then a running toilet would run away with all your water savings.

Perfect Flush (Image: Brondell)

Or you could bring home a solution that you’ve likely seen in airports and other public buildings, a demi-flush toilet attachment that allows you to choose when you need half a flush and when you need a whole flush.

Brondell, a company that develops eco-friendly bathroom innovations is offering just such a device for home use. Its “Perfect Flush” toilet retrofitting kit allows you to cut in half the water used to flush, whether you have an old-style 3.5 gallon toilet or a newer 1.6 gallon.

Retailing at around $99, the Perfect Flush offers a perfectly economical way to start conserving water. (No more waiting for the washer to fail so you can buy a more efficient one.)

You can buy the Perfect Flush at Amazon.com or Brondell.com. Builders can look to a handful of dealers, listed here.

The Perfect Flush control

Brondell also sells a toilet-paper saving bidet-like attachment for the toilet. Called the Swash, it uses water to help you, um, freshen up.

The Swash saves on trees. The company site reports that Americans use 34 billion rolls of toilet paper every day,which requires the destruction of 221,000 trees and consumption of 255 billion gallons of water to process.

So the Swash is eco-friendly with regard to forests and water consumption even though it uses water.

Hey! Use them both and you can Swish and Flush. Not quite that Continental? Try the entry level Perfect Flush.

While cynics will say that water you flush down the toilet returns to the “water cycle,” and therefore it’s no big loss, recent reports about the feminization of fish in our waterways and the contamination of our drinking water from pharmaceuticals suggest that we give flushing a little more review. Many resources are required to cleanse the water, and certain chemicals resist water treatment. The downstream water quality seems to be degrading, because the chemicals and meds we use aren’t.

That debate aside, from a homeowner’s perspective, the Perfect Flush’s ability to save barrels of water, also saves buckets of money.

(And when your toilet’s ready for replacing, you’ll find lots of dual flush options on the market.

Tags: Brondell, commodes that use less water, dual flush toilets, Hotel Griffon, how to save water with toilets, Perfect Flush, Swish, toilet, toilet paper, toilets using less water, Water Conservation, water savings
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