5 Great Green Valentine’s Gifts!

Will you be shopping for your sweetie this weekend? Check out some of our favorite Green Valentine’s Day gift ideas!

1) Earthwise Jewelry, fair trade, conflict free, and environmentally conscious

Twisty (Peridot)

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2) Newman’s Own Signature Series Chocolate

Signature Series Chocolate

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3) FTD Eco-Friendly Flower Options

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4) Men’s North Woods Organic Shaving Kit Gift Set

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5) DayNa Decker White Tuberose Couture Chandel

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The Coke Challenge: Zero Waste at the Olympics

Via Environmental Leader

Coca-Cola

The Coca-Cola Co. and its bottling partners have committed to using hydrofluorocarbon-free (HFC-free) technology for new vending machines and coolers by 2015, according to a press release. The change comes after years of persuading by Greenpeace.

Coke says that the scale of its announcement will help accelerate an industry wide transition to HFC-free refrigeration equipment. HFCs have been shown to affect the ozone layer.

In 2010, Coke and its bottling partners will purchase at least 150,000 HFC-free units. By 2012, at least half of all new coolers and vending machines purchased by Coke will be HFC-free, before reaching the 100 percent threshold in 2015.

Coke and its bottling partners have about 10 million coolers and vending machines in place globally. HFC-free refrigeration equipment emits 99 percent fewer greenhouse gases.

Over the life of the new equipment, the carbon emissions reduction will total more than 52 million metric tons.

Coke said that as a result of its new commitment, a major cooler supplier plans to build a dedicated CO2 compressor production facility. CO2 as a refrigerant is 1,420 times less damaging to the climate than typical HFCs, Coke said.

Before the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Greenpeace challenged Coke to go HFC-free in all equipment used in conjunction with the games. By the 2006 Olympics, Coke had met that goal.

Recently, Coca-Cola began the global rollout of its PlantBottle.

Coke also plans to build 15 energy efficient bottling plants in Europe.

View Original Article HERE

Measure Your Eco-Footprint

Your carbon footprint is the area (in land mas) needed to absorb carbon emissions generated by your home energy use and transportation.

This cool online tool takes basic information on your daily activities and uses it to measure your impact on the environment.

At the end it shows you how many Earths we would need if everyone on the planet lived your lifestyle. It then gives you an extensive list of ways that you can reduce your impact

http://www.myfootprint.org/en/your_carbon_footprint/

Great Eco-Friendly Building Resources

If you’re looking to improve your home’s impact on the environment with your next build or remodel, check out some of these sites for ideas, tips, and resources:

EnergyStar.gov

GreenHomeGuide.com

Buildinggreen.com

Fine Homebuilding.com

ThisOldHouse.com

Tiny House Blog

YoungHouseLove.com

Jetson Green

Ecolect- Discover Sustainable Materials

GreenBuildingAdvisor.com

Natural Home Magazine

Home Power Magazine

Building Design+Construction Magazine

Green Home Building

5 Green Resolution Ideas for the New Year

Resolutions are as much a part of many people’s New Year as presents are their Christmas and Hanukkah. Resolutions often come in the form of difficult to attain goals that we give up on within a few weeks or months. Here are some ideas that are less daunting but can have a big impact!

There are many steps that we can take to help us live a greener, and more environmentally friendly life, which can also help us save money and energy, be healthier, and benefit our communities. Here are just a few:

1. Instead of bringing home all of those plastic bags when you go shopping, bring reusable bags with you to the store. Many stores sell bags made out of recycled plastic, or perhaps over the years you’ve collected canvas bags from local events such as Public Radio drives and networking events. These are a great alternative to the plastic bags you get from the grocery store, plus, they’re much less likely to rip and tear when the contents of the bag are heavy!  You can find reusable bags near the check out lanes of most grocery stores.

2. Use a reusable lunch bag instead of brown bags to take your lunch to school or work.

3. Buy locally grown and organic produce. Not only is it better for you, it’s better for the environment because it does not use toxic chemical anti-pesticides and also doesn’t require needless use of gasoline to transport it across the country.

4. If you’re planning to purchase new appliances this year, make sure you buy ones that are EnergyStar rated. New appliances use much less energy regardless, however those that are EnergyStar rated take the energy saving to a whole new level. You will be reducing your carbon footprint, while also decreasing your monthly energy bill!

5. Buy products made from recycled content. The easiest step is to purchase bathroom tissue, napkins, and other paper products made from 100% recycled content, such as those made by Seventh Generation. But, there are also plenty of other household products, cleaners, and even clothing made from recycled content.

Millions in U.S. Drink Dirty Water, Records Show

The New York Times

Published: December 7, 2009

More than 20 percent of the nation’s water treatment systems have violated key provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act over the last five years, according to a New York Times analysis of federal data.

The water system in Ramsey, N.J., has illegal concentrations of arsenic and the solvent tetrachloroethylene, both linked to cancer.

That law requires communities to deliver safe tap water to local residents. But since 2004, the water provided to more than 49 million people has contained illegal concentrations of chemicals like arsenic or radioactive substances like uranium, as well as dangerous bacteria often found in sewage.

Regulators were informed of each of those violations as they occurred. But regulatory records show that fewer than 6 percent of the water systems that broke the law were ever fined or punished by state or federal officials, including those at the Environmental Protection Agency, which has ultimate responsibility for enforcing standards.

Studies indicate that drinking water contaminants are linked to millions of instances of illness within the United States each year.

In some instances, drinking water violations were one-time events, and probably posed little risk. But for hundreds of other systems, illegal contamination persisted for years, records show.

On Tuesday, the Senate Environment and Public Works committee will question a high-ranking E.P.A. official about the agency’s enforcement of drinking-water safety laws. The E.P.A. is expected to announce a new policy for how it polices the nation’s 54,700 water systems.

“This administration has made it clear that clean water is a top priority,” said an E.P.A. spokeswoman, Adora Andy, in response to questions regarding the agency’s drinking water enforcement. The E.P.A. administrator, Lisa P. Jackson, this year announced a wide-ranging overhaul of enforcement of the Clean Water Act, which regulates pollution into waterways.

View Full Article

7 Kids Toys that are Safe, Green, and Fun!

Safe and appropriate toys for kids is a subject that is always open for discussion. With all of the news coverage in the last few years about lead and other toxins and chemicals in children’s toys, here are a some ideas that you won’t have to worry about.

HaPe Bambo E-Racer LeMans Blue

The E-Racer will delight mother nature and any child who likes vehicles. The streamlined design features bamboo as its raw material and has a sporty look detailed with water-based paint.

Dimensions: 7.3″ x 4.25″ x 3.5″

HaPe Bambo E-Racer LeMans Blue

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe is made of 100% natural rubber. It is BPA, PVC & Phthalates free.Sophie is a true multi-sensory toy that delights and soothes teething babies. The high-contrast spots attract developing eyes. The soft, velvety and flexible body parts invite babies to grab, teethe, squeeze, and play. The gentle squeak, squeak amuses. The natural rubber gives off a gentle, powdery scent that differentiates it among other toys.

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe

My Creative Cookery Club by Educo

More than one cook can prepare and clean up with My Creative Cookery Club by Educo. The all-in-one wood unit has an oven with a see-through door, cupboard or refrigerator, cook top, sink and utensil rack. Velcro’d veggies and bread, pots and pans, and the essential salt and pepper are all included too! Loads of fun! Click “Images” above to view size relative to young children.

Educo My Creative Cookery Club

Eco Football

With soft handling and great performance, this Fair Trade football is an excellent training football. All-weather, high-grip surface means year-round outdoor play. Official size and weight. And Fair Trade certified means the adult workers who produced this ball received a fair wage - at no extra cost to you! Eco-certified and certified Fair Trade. Union-made and vegan. Official weight and size. All after-tax profits go to children’s charities.

Eco Football

Ecotots Project Table & Stools

Take a stand for the environment (or in this case a seat). We noticed that no two toddlers sit the same way, which was the inspiration for our Project Table and Stool. Whether she sits, stands or kneels, our Project Table and Stool will always be just the right height, and our patented, simple no-tools assembly method will ensure mom and dad don’t get a work-out putting it together. Stools nest underneath table and out of the way when not in use. Mix It In® the playroom, family room or kids bedroom.

Kinderkram - Rolling Ladybug

Ladybug, ladybug roll away home! This familiar insect friend will soon become a favorite in your little one’s hands. Watch as the detachable spotted ball spins as the ladybug is pushed across a flat surface.

Plan Toys - Wooden Trike

On the road again! This ride-on toy has been designed with safe and strong construction, allowing your child to steer the wheel and pedal wherever they want.

Ideas for a Green Hanukkah

I grew up in a mixed household with both Christian and Jewish traditions. With Hanukkah beginning on Dec. 11th at sundown, it got me thinking about greening the holiday, and the small steps we can take to make the holidays better. I found this, posted on BrightHub Dec. 1. It has some great tips on to make your Hanukkah celebration a little bit more green.

Celebrating Hanukkah is an unforgettable experience and an important one for friends and family members of the Jewish faith to share together. This year, your holiday can be even more special when you make small changes to make the festivities eco-friendly.

Celebrating Hanukkah

The dates of Hanukkah are set by the Hebrew calendar, but the holiday always falls during the winter. Since the celebrations lasts for eight days, there’s ample opportunities for having fun and diving into what this holiday has been traditionally all about.

Lighting the menorah is the primary ritual of the holiday, according to Jewish law and custom. A different candle is lit on the menorah each night for eight consecutive nights. It’s increased by one each night. Since this is such a focal point, it’s also a great place to start going green. When opting for candles for the menorah, choose organic soy candles. They’re much better for the environment than other kinds. Preparing for the holiday is also a good time to open the conversation to younger kids about different small actions they can take to help while preparing for fun and celebrations as well.

Read more: http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/53530.aspx#ixzz0Ya9O4xWG

Have a truly Green Christmas with a Live Tree

I found this today, published in the Pique News Magazine, based in British Columbia. This company has the right idea, they will deliver, pick-up, and replant the tree after the holidays.

December 2, 2009

By Clare Ogilvie

A Squamish company wants to make your Christmas truly “green.”

Carbonsync will deliver a live potted fir tree to your home, place it, then pick it up after Christmas and replant it, all the while keeping track of carbon emissions and savings.

“We have potted 100 six-foot Douglas firs from a farm where they normally sell cut trees,” explained Brad Major, a certified arborist and Carbonsync’s owner-operator.

“We are doing a complete carbon counting of the project so that would include our green house gas carbon footprint and I crunched all the numbers last night and we should be able to break even after the trees survive for one year.”

Read more here…

Great Green Gifts for Everyone on Your List!

For Kids

Green Toys Recycling Truck - $24.99

 Green Toys Recycling Truck

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For Teens

Eco Trends 5.1MP Digital Camera - $69.99

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For Techies

SolarVoltaic Laptop Charger Bag - $499.99

Solar Laptop Charger

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For Atheletes

Dahon Curve D3 Foldable Bike - $529.99

CURVE D3 - 2008 picture

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For Wine Enthusiasts

Esque Italian Carafe and Glasses - $258.00

italian carafe and glasses black

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For Gourmets

Cuisinart GreenGourmet Eco-Friendly Nonstick Hard Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set - $189.00

Cuisinart GreenGourmet Eco-Friendly Nonstick Hard Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set

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For Dogs

Bike Tube Dog Collar - $24.00

Bike Tube Dog Collar

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For Cats

Bent Ply Feeder by Holden Designs - $98.00

Bent Ply Feeder

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For Decorators

Magno Medium Radio - $250.00

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For Coffee Lovers

I Am Not A Paper Cup - $18.98

I Am Not A Paper Cup

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For Fashonistas

Vinyl Record Cameo - $56.00

Vinyl Record Cameo