World Environment Day

June 5 is World Environment Day. It’s a good time to make an environmental pledge, start a green cause, or offer support to environmental groups.

I’m doing 3 things this year:

1.  Get a more accommodating compost bin for our kitchen waste.  We currently have two small pots with heaps of rotting fruit and vegetable peels.

2.  Buy more produce from local farmers to help reduce carbon emission.

3.  Plant a tree via Twitter.  You can do this too by following UNEPandYou on Twitter.  UNEP will plant one tree for every twitterer who follows their twits between now and June 5th, World Environment Day.

To gain a deeper understanding of our production and consumption patterns, watch Annie Leonard’s The Story of Stuff.

One Question

What have you done to help Mother Earth lately? 

Now that we are more aware about the problems of our planet, let's make sure we celebrate Earth Day right.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint. Calculate your emissions.

Plant a tree. Support the United Nations Environment Programme, Billion Tree Campaign. Identify which trees are indigenous to your area and help sustain the ecosystem.

Join the Green Generation.  Be conscious of your role to save our planet by bringing the concern to the workplace or better yet to your school!  The Earthday Network has some wonderful suggestions on how to take that big step against climate change.  

Everyday should be Earth Day.  One small act of kindness for Earth can ensure the future of our children.

Happy Earth Day everyone!

We're dreaming of a Green Christmas

just like the ones we used to have years ago...

  

Can you save the environment and give gifts at the same time?  At first instance it seems impossible but just imagine if all the Christmas wrapping, cards, and boxes are recycled.  We would have helped save the environment and given Mother Nature a present.

Here's a tip from recyclenow.com:  Try a simple test and scrunch up a piece of wrapping paper in your hand. If it springs back you shouldn’t recycle.

Also, instead of buying stuff that just not might be appreciated, how about giving experiences instead like a free concert, a trip to sporting events, or a spa.  You might find ideas from Waste Free Holidays. 

Likewise, sharing or recycling presents can relieve your closets and cabinets of unwanted stuff.  Someone just might find use for that old lamp, clothes, and toys just don't return the items to the original sender.

May we all have a good season.  Share and Recycle, that's our Christmas wish for you.  

And one more thing, don't get too sloshed! 

Save the Environment With Reusable Bags

by Alfred Anderson

There is a growing concern about the environment today. Starting from activists to small children, most people are concerned about the environment. The concept of going green has gained a lot of prominence. However, this concept can only succeed if we a ready to make those small changes in our daily lives that finally result into a collective change in the bigger picture i.e. environment.

Environment conservation is not just about discussing the causes and potential threats; it is about finding good eco-friendly alternatives to the various items that are being used by us.

Plastic bags are one such item that is used extensively. As per estimates, The United States uses more than 100 billion new plastic bags a year. If we can cut down upon this usage or even better if we can stop using plastic bags completely, the environment can be benefitted in an immense way.

The huge consumption of plastic bags leads them to pile up in landfills after they are disposed of. Being low in weight, they fly away and settle in drains beaches and other areas. As a result the drains get clogged and the coastline gets polluted. Further more, estimates say that it takes 12 billion barrels of oil to produce the amount of plastic bags needed in US a year. That's quite a lot of oil and we can easily save it.

Papers bags too are not a good alternative to plastic bags. More paper bags means cutting down more trees which in itself is very bad for the environment. Moreover, paper bags produce much more waste in the atmosphere as compared to plastic bags.

Use reusable bags. These bags are made up of non woven polypropylene which is not only simple to make but also durable and strong in quality. They are available in a variety of styles and prints and can be customized to one's preference.

Alfred Anderson has rich experience in the field of online brand marketing. His interests includes Internet marketing and research on emerging online business trends. London rentals

How to Make Your Christmas Eco-Friendly

by Thomas O Donovan

Christmas can be one of the least environmentally friendly times of year. Just think of the tons of waste created by Christmas gift wrap, cards, decorations and parties. The increased consumption at this time of year can cost a lot for the planet. But it isn't hard to make your holiday celebration a little greener!

Reuse and Reduce
The easiest way to prevent added waste from entering the landfills at Christmas time is to keep it from reaching that point. You can do this easily by reusing and reducing when celebrating.

1. Don't buy new decorations and wrapping supplies each year. If you look after your decorations they can last for years. You can also reuse gift wrap and Christmas cards in a variety of different ways.

2. Try to minimize your Christmas list too. Don't buy for everyone, and don't buy a lot for each person on your list. Take the holiday season as a chance to spend time together or help out your loved ones. They will appreciate your time more than your money.

3. You can also be environmentally friendly by reducing your energy use and lighting your Christmas decorations for shorter amounts of time or hand making your decorations and gifts. There are innumerable do-it-yourself projects for the Christmas holidays!

4. If you take the time to eliminate unnecessary waste you can help prevent the over 300,000 tons of waste produced by the Christmas season.

Alternate Power Choices
While you can save a lot by reusing and reducing at Christmas you can't avoid creating waste completely. You can minimize the impact of your holiday consumption by changing the way you use power throughout the season.

Avoid traditional electric holiday decorations and go solar or find products that use less energy like LED Christmas lights. They are environmentally friend and you will save money.

Christmas Trees
Real Christmas trees have gotten a bad rap because of the waste caused by cutting down a live tree just to put it in your house for two weeks and then throw it out. While Christmas tree farms are attempting to reverse the effects of cutting down trees, you can avoid this by using artificial or living trees. The pollution caused by the manufacture of an artificial tree is matched by the environmentally friendly aspect of reusing the tree for several years.

If you have to have a real Christmas tree, make sure to counter the effects of cutting down a tree by reusing or recycling your Christmas treeit after the holidays. Consider planting a tree to replace the one you cut, too.

It takes a little extra work to keep your holiday celebrations environmentally friendly but it is certainly worth the effort. Your friends and loved ones can share your eco-friendly celebrations and you can all work together towards reducing some of the 300,000 tons of waste created by the Christmas season.

Every little bit counts.

I am involved with a web-site that provides topical information about Christmas. Ever wondered what your Celtic Tree Astrology Sign is? Also, go here if you want some lovely (and free!) Screensavers of Happy Animals, Beautiful Flowers, Amazing Galaxies, etc.

My hobbies/pastimes/life include Astrology, Music, Reading, Sport, Cycling, Chocolate, My cat and a love for animals...our equals.

10 Ways to Go Green Without Breaking the Bank

by Tara Heiser

With the financial crisis looming over the country, and unemployment rates rising, it's only natural for people to be less concerned about greening their habits and more concerned about keeping green in their wallets.

It's important to note that the two are not mutually exclusive. You can have your green cake and eat it too with the following eco-friendly tips that will also save you money.

1. Conserve energy! This is an obvious one but necessary. Save energy by turning off unnecessary lights, lowering your thermostat, cleaning your refrigerator coils, unplugging unused electronics, and washing laundry in cold water instead of hot. Prep your house for winter by sealing drafty windows and doors.

2. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, watering your lawn less often, washing full loads of laundry, and fixing leaky faucets.

3. Organic produce is not always the most expensive option. Watch for sales when you shop - you will find some organic bargains. Maximize your food budget by opting for organic on the items that typically have the highest amounts of pesticides and herbicides including: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes.

4. Buy in bulk or in larger sizes to reduce the amount of packaging that goes to our landfills and lower your grocery bills.

5. Save on gas by going the speed limit, keeping your tires properly inflated, and avoiding the "idle" waiting. Carpool with neighbors when you can. Better yet, use mass transit, ride a bike, or walk.

6. Visit your local library instead of buying a new book.

7. Invest in a water filter and drink tap water instead of buying bottled water.

8. When it's time to cleanup, use cloth towels, washcloths, or napkins rather than paper towels.

9. Skip the expensive and abrasive chemical cleaners and opt for more natural (and less expensive) cleaning alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and ammonia.

10. When a light bulb goes out, replace it with a CFL bulb. It does cost more than a regular bulb but it lasts ten times longer and uses a third less energy which will lower your electrical bill each month.

As you can see, you don't have to spend green to go green. The possibilities are limited only by our imagination and forethought.

By Tara Heiser, Radiant Ideas. Read more green tips and product reviews at the Radiant Ideas blog. Find green gifts and green home decor at the Radiant Ideas store.

Renewable Energy Projects

Build that solar-powered car or that wind turbine! If you are a teacher or student looking for performance tasks/project-based  assessment on renewable energy then check out http://www.re-energy.ca/.  

The projects are ideal for science fairs and even small-scale community projects. 

Re-Energy.ca is a renewable energy project kit that can be downloaded and printed from the world wide web - for free! Re-Energy.ca explores wind energy, water energy, solar energy, biomass energy and more. Build your own working models from one of five easy-to-follow construction plans, including a wind turbine, biogas generator, solar car and more. Re-Energy.ca provides educators with background information, exciting hands-on learning activities, resources and links on renewable energy and sustainable energy technologies.

Re-Energy.ca is a hands-on renewable energy learning experience. Building working models of renewable energy technologies allows students in grades 7 through 12 to discover the fundamental principles of biology, chemistry and physics, and to explore the application of science and technology to social and environmental issues.

May it re-energize your world!