They said it wouldn’t be released until Earth Day 2010, but when I went to the grocery store last week, I found my favorite Garden Salsa SunChips.
The package was created to break down in 14 weeks in a compost pile. It will not break down in a landfill, so add it to your compost pile. The bag is made from plant based materials. It actually makes a loud crinkling sound when you pick it up.
Popularity: 8%
Paper or Plastic? How about neither. Reusable bags would be the more environmentally friendly way to go.
Florida legislature is considering options on how to deal with plastic bag waste from fees to bans on plastic bags.
The agency issued a draft report in October that recommended a graduated fee for plastic and paper bags followed eventually by a ban. But it rescinded the draft and the final version issued earlier this month contains a distinctly softer tone — and no recommendations.
Is plastic bag waste really a problem?
A 2003 study found U.S. residents used 90 billion retail bags that year. In Florida, only 12 percent of plastic bags and 37 percent of paper bags are reused or recycled, according to state figures. Across the nation, about 30 states have enacted or considered bag regulations.
I would like to see every state charge customers for not recycling their waste. It is so easy to recycle and it is the environmentally responsible thing to do. Plastic bags can go in the recycling bin with your other recyclable materials.
Popularity: 5%
Sadly I receive more junk mail most days that actual mail.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) – went into effect on July 1, 2001. Before you can share “non-public personal information” (NPPI) with anybody other than affiliates, you must provide the consumer with detailed notice (see “Privacy Notices” below) and the opportunity to say “no” (opt out).
How do companies comply with this law?
Before you can share “non-public personal information” (NPPI) with anybody other than affiliates, you must provide the consumer with detailed notice (see “Privacy Notices” below) and the opportunity to say “no” (opt out).
Remove your name for credit card offers.
Call or write to the following numbers and addresses to stop the extra mail.
One call does it all for agencies Equifax, Trans Union, Experian and Innovis. Dial 1-888-5 OPT OUT (or 1-888-567-8688) 24 hours a day or online at https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t.
Or write to:
Equifax, Inc.
Options
P.O. Box 740123
Atlanta, GA 30374-0123
Experian
901 West Bond
Lincoln, NE 68521
Attn: Consumer Services Department
TransUnion
Name Removal Option
P.O. Box 505
Woodlyn, PA 19094
Many companies use Direct Marketing Association (DMA) to advertise. Go to their website and complete the form to have your name removed from their list, cost is $1 -https://www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/regist.action.
For Catalogs:
Call the company’s 800 number and have the label handy.
Remove your name from sweepstake winners –
Publisher’s Clearing House (PCH)
You can get the Clearinghouse to stop clogging your mailbox by contacting customer service at 1-800-645-9242 (8:30 am to 8:30 EST), sending a fax to 1-800-453-0272, mailing to 101 Channel Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050, or you can send email to pch@ant.net. PCH will remove any number of names from a specific address, but you have to list each name exactly and insist nicely.
Readers Digest – Readers Digest Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570 Phone: (800) 234-9000
American Family Publishers - PO Box 62000, Tampa, FL 33662 Phone: (800) 237-2400
Local business & supermarket fliers: All mailings must be identified, by postal regulations. Each lose-leaf bundle of fliers, by postal regulations, must be delivered at the same time as an address card. Locate this address card; the cards usually have an advertisement and a photograph of a missing child. You may need to call directory assistance to get the phone number of the sender. Specific senders are:
The DMA also has an Email Preference Service to help you reduce unsolicited commercial emails. To opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial email from DMA members, visit www.dmachoice.org/EMPS. Your online request will be effective for five years.
Most of these requests will take a few months before you start seeing results. If you still get junk mail, please recycle it!
Popularity: 100%
Recently, I switched my hand washing soap products to Method Sweet Water. The hand soap is derived from coconut oils, non-toxic, triclosan free and smells delightful. Method offers a variety of natural products from aromatherapy candles or sticks, dish soaps, specialty sprays, compostable wipes, laundry dryer cloths, fabric softeners, and cleaners for wood, kitchen, bathroom, multi-surface, glass, floor cleaners, steel and granite polish. Method also has a baby and children line of products including bubble bath, shampoos, laundry, and body washes.
Click here to get a $2 off coupon on any method product.
click on each fragrance below to see the products offered
almond almond flower cinnamon bark citrus cilantro citrus leaf crisp apple cucumber eucalyptus mint free + clear french lavendar fresh air fresh lychee frosted fir fuzzy peach gingerbread spice go naked green tea + aloe hollyberry lavender lemongrass lemon ginger mint olive leaf orchard blossom peppermint vanilla pink grapefruit pomegranate tea refresh mint rice milk + mallow sea minerals spiced pear sweet water toasted hazelnut vanilla apple water flower water lily + aloe white tea winter berry ylang ylang
Local grocery stories, Target, Costco, Babies R Us, Lowe’s, Whole Foods, Ulta, Publix, Kroger, etc. Click on where to buy on their website for a complete list of locations.
Method buys carbon credits to offset their employees commute to work and renewable energy credits to offset their manufacturing and office energy uses.
So, detoxify your home and breathe easier knowing that you are purchasing from a company that supports sustainable practices by using plant based products, which are packaged in recyclable plastics.
Popularity: 13%
Compost Cycle
When most people thinking of global warming they worry about the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, but a more important green house gas is methane. Methane is 20 times more effective in trapping heat than CO2. Methane sources are both natural and anthropogenic (human-related). The EPA estimates that 60% of methane emissions are related to human activities.
The chart below shows U.S. Methane Emissions by Source.
| Source Category | 1990 | 1995 | 2000 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enteric Fermentation | 133.2 | 143.6 | 134.4 | 136.0 | 138.2 | 139.0 |
| Landfills | 149.2 | 144.3 | 122.3 | 127.8 | 130.4 | 132.9 |
| Natural Gas Systems | 129.6 | 132.6 | 130.8 | 106.3 | 104.8 | 104.7 |
| Coal Mining | 84.1 | 67.1 | 60.5 | 57.1 | 58.4 | 57.6 |
| Manure Management | 30.4 | 34.5 | 37.9 | 41.8 | 41.9 | 44.0 |
| Forest Land Remaining Forest Land | 4.6 | 6.1 | 20.6 | 14.2 | 31.3 | 29.0 |
| Petroleum Systems | 33.9 | 32.0 | 30.3 | 28.3 | 28.3 | 28.8 |
| Wastewater Treatment | 23.5 | 24.8 | 25.2 | 24.3 | 24.5 | 24.4 |
| Stationary Combustion | 7.4 | 7.1 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.3 | 6.6 |
| Rice Cultivation | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.5 | 6.8 | 5.9 | 6.2 |
| Abandoned Underground Coal Mines | 6.0 | 8.2 | 7.4 | 5.6 | 5.5 | 5.7 |
| Mobile Combustion | 4.7 | 4.3 | 3.4 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 2.3 |
| Composting | 0.3 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 |
| Petrochemical Production | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Field Burning of Agricultural Residue | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.9 |
| Iron and Steel Production & Metallurgical Coke Production |
1.0 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Ferroalloy Production | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Silicon Carbide Production and Consumption |
+ | + | + | + | + | + |
| International Bunker Fuels | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Total for U.S. | 616.6 | 615.8 | 591.1 | 561.7 | 582.0 | 585.3 |
Source: U.S. Emissions Inventory 2009: Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2007
One important way Americans can help curb methane emissions is to reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills. Rotting food releases methane gas and only some landfills capture methane for waste to energy uses.
Around 40 percent of all food manufactured and put on sale in the United States is wasted, and studies show this trend is increasing. Food waste – including waste from farms, manufacturers, retailers and consumers – has risen 50 percent since 1974, reaching about 150 trillion calories per year in 2003.
There are two ways we can help reduce methane emissions.
Popularity: 13%
Honda Civic GX
In the past few years, American automakers have made strides in fuel efficiency and green vehicles but they are still lagging their foreign counterparts.
The natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX retains the title of the “greenest vehicle” for the sixth year running. Toyota’s hybrid-electric Prius, which places second, is the year’s top-scoring gasoline vehicle, while Honda’s Civic Hybrid ranks a close third. Rounding out the top five are the 2009 Smart Fortwo Convertible and Coupe and Toyota Yaris.
Domestically-produced vehicles are inching their way up, after being shut out entirely as recently as 2007. In 2008, the Ford Focus was the lone American vehicle on the Greenest list, sitting comfortably in the 9th spot. This year, the Focus was pushed from the list by the twins Chevrolet Cobalt/Pontiac G5, certified at PZEV / Tier 2 Bin 5, and the Tier 2 Bin 4 Chevrolet Aveo, among others. Narrowly missing out on a spot on the Greenest list were the Ford Focus, the Hyundai Accent, and the Toyota Corolla, all of which score very well but face stiff competition from vehicles with improved and more efficient engines.
The vast majority of the year’s Greenest Vehicles are widely available coast-to-coast. Not too long ago, the list was dominated by vehicles for sale only in California, while today more than 80 percent of the Greenest Vehicles can be purchased in any state.
| Make and Model | Specifications a | Emission Standardb |
MPG: City
|
MPG: Hwy
|
Green Score
|
| HONDA CIVIC GX | 1.8L 4, auto [CNG]c | Tier 2 bin 2 / PZEV | 24 | 36 | 57 |
| TOYOTA PRIUS | 1.5L 4, auto CVT | Tier 2 bin 3 / PZEV | 48 | 45 | 53 |
| HONDA CIVIC HYBRID | 1.3L 4, auto CVT | Tier 2 bin 2 / PZEV | 40 | 45 | 51 |
| SMART FORTWO CONVERTIBLE / COUPE | 1.0L 3, manual [P] | TIer 2 bin 5 / ULEV II | 33 | 41 | 49 |
| TOYOTA YARIS | 1.5L 4, manual | Tier 2 bin 5 / ULEV II | 29 | 36 | 46 |
| NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID | 2.5L 4, auto CVT | PZEV | 35 | 33 | 46 |
| MINI COOPER / CLUBMAN | 1.6L 4, manual [P] | Tier 2 bin 5 / ULEV II | 28 | 37 | 45 |
| CHEVROLET COBALT XFE / PONTIAC G5 XFE |
2.2.L 4, manual | Tier 2 bin 5 / PZEV | 25 | 37 | 45 |
| HONDA FIT | 1.5L 4, auto | Tier 2 bin 5 / ULEV II | 28 | 35 | 45 |
| CHEVROLET AVEO / AVEO 5 | 1.6L 4, manual | Tier 2 bin 4 | 27 | 34 | 44 |
| TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID | 2.4L 4 , auto CVT | Tier 2 bin 3 / PZEV | 33 | 34 | 44 |
| KIA RIO | 1.6l 4, manual | Tier 2 bin 5 / ULEV II | 27 | 33 | 44 |
| [CNG] denotes compressed natural gas fuel. [P] denotes premium gasoline “auto CVT” denotes continuously variable automatic transmission. a Certain other configurations of these models (with different transmissions or meeting different emission standards) score nearly as well. b A listing with two emission standards (e.g., Tier 2 bin 2/ PZEV) denotes a single vehicle carrying both a Federal and a California emission certification. Green Scores for such listings reflect the cleaner of the two certifications. c Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle fuel economy given in gasoline-equivalent miles per gallon. |
|||||
| Make and Model | Specificationsa | Emission Standard a | MPG: City |
MPG: Hwy |
Green Score |
| HUMMER H2 FFVb | 6.2L 8, auto awd | Tier 2 bin 5 | 11 | 18 | 16 |
| LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO / MURCIELAGO ROADSTERc |
6.5L 12, manual 4wd [P] | Tier 2 bin 5 / LEV II | 8 | 13 | 18 |
| GMC YUKON 2500d | 6.0L 8, auto awd | Tier 2 bin 5 | 13 | 19 | 18 |
| MERCEDES-BENZ G55 AMG | 5.4L 8, auto 4wd [P] | Tier 2 bin 5 / LEV II | 11 | 15 | 19 |
| MAYBACH 57S / 62Se | 6.0L 12, auto [P] | Tier 2 bin 5 / LEV II | 10 | 16 | 19 |
| LINCOLN NAVIGATOR FFVf | 5.4L 8, auto Awd | Tier 2 bin 5 | 14 | 19 | 19 |
| GMC SIERRA K2500b | 6.0L 8, auto Awd | LEV II | 13 | 19 | 19 |
| MERCEDES-BENZ ML63 AMG | 6.2L 8, auto stk 4wd [P] | Tier 2 bin 5 / LEV II | 10 | 14 | 20 |
| JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | 6.1L 8, auto 4wd [P] | Tier 2 bin 5 / LEV II | 11 | 14 | 20 |
| DODGE RAM 2500 MEGA CABb | 5.7L 8, auto Awd | LEV II | 13 | 18 | 20 |
| CHEVROLET SUBURBAN K1500b | 6.0L 8, auto Awd | Tier 2 bin 5 | 13 | 18 | 20 |
| FORD F-250 b,g | 5.4L 8, auto Awd | ULEV II | 13 | 17 | 20 |
| [P] denotes premium gasoline. “auto stk” denotes manually adjustable automatic transmission. a A listing with two emission standards (e.g., Tier 2 bin 5 / LEV II) denotes a single vehicle carrying both a federal and a California emission certification. Green Scores for such listings reflect the cleaner of the two certifications . b These vehicles, classified as heavy-duty trucks, are exempt from fuel economy regulations. c The automatic configuration of these vehicles receives a Green Score of 20. d The 2wd configuration of this model receives a Green Score of 19. e The Maybach 57/ 62 (non-S) also receive a Green Score of 19. f The bin 4 version of this model receives a Green Score of 20. g The manual version of this model also receives a Green Score of 20. |
|||||
Also, Honda won the 2009 Kelly Blue Book Award for Overall Best Resale Value. Trust me it is true. When my 8 year old Honda was totalled last week, I got back almost half of what I paid.
Popularity: 5%
NBC Universal had a ‘Green is Universal’ week of programming regarding environmental issues. NBC had GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media, a market research company, conducted a poll to determine how if Americans embrace green living.
Two times of the year, Green is Universal incorporates environmentally themed content across NBC Universal’s multiple platforms. Earth Week always occurs in April and Green Week always occurs in November. This November, primetime will play a significant role during Green Week, with special Green episodes of 30 Rock, Community, The Office and several others. Check out the Programming Guide to find out where and when you can find our green programs.
The poll had some interesting results:
_72 percent were very likely to recycle cans and bottles;
_63 percent were very likely to turn down thermostats;
_62 percent were very likely to buy energy-efficient appliances;
_59 percent were very likely to use cold water for clothes washing;
_59 percent were very likely to buy recycled paper products.
Some of these results are very interesting.
Recycling of bottles and cans only gets 72%. Perhaps, all states should switch to bottle deposits. I would imagine that would get the number up higher for recycling.
I supposed the result for turning down your thermostat is somewhat understandable. Perhaps, you don’t have a programmable thermostat. I let my thermostat drop down to 59 degrees at night and 59 during the day. Needless to say, my energy bills are low.
Only 62% were likely to buy energy efficient appliances – is ridiculous. Energy efficient appliances should be like taxes, you shouldn’t have a choice unless you are dead.
Only 59% were likely to use cold water for their laundry. Seriously, why? These people like paying extra money to heat water? If everyone in the U.S. switched to cold water, it would save 30 tons of CO2 per year. I know warm water removes stains easier, so perhaps you set aside your extra filthy laundry and do that single load with warm water.
The low percentage for the purchase of recycled paper products is a problem. I personally blame Costco. Is there some reason why they offer environmentally friendly laundry detergent and not recycled paper products? I can’t think of a reason.
I’ll end on a positive note; environmental responsibility is becoming the norm with both the American public and businesses.
Nearly eight of 10 people, who were concerned about environmental protection, said they believe their actions are helping to protect the environment.
How are you making a difference?
Popularity: 5%
One of my greening projects is to switch my shampoos and soaps to environmental friendly soaps. I started to use Organix Shampoo Teatree Mint. I cannot say enough nice things about this shampoo. It is like getting in the shower with a chocolate sundae. It smells so wonderful and it is good for the environment. There are other scents but this is my favorite.
The shampoo & conditioners are reasonably priced at $6.99 for an 13 fl. oz. bottle. Organix uses environmentally friendly packaging and no testing on animals; you might call it the complete package.
Organix® bottles are eco-friendly, manufactured from materials containing recycled post-consumer resin. All labels are printed utilizing environmental inks and compostable label film made from annually renewable resource corn, not from petrochemicals.
Maybe you are like my environmentally clueless BFF, who wonders why he should switch to environmental friendly soaps.
In 2004 Stanford University published an article about the effects of synethic soaps:
Those fragrant soaps and shampoos we casually rinse down the drain may be causing long-term damage to aquatic wildlife downstream by interfering with the animals’ natural ability to eliminate toxins from their system, according to a new Stanford University study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Other disturbing chemicals in “non organic soaps” include:
Maybe you think that your local wastewater treatment plant will remove these toxic chemicals, it won’t. Perhaps, if my BFF fished the waters his toxic shampoos rinsed into, maybe he wouldn’t be using these products.
BFF, if you don’t care about aquatic life; perhaps, you would be interested to know that these chemical are absorbed though your skin. So take a long soapy shower tonight!
Best of all, Organix products are available at a wide array of retailers, so you don’t have to shop at creepy ecoterroristic specialty shops to get their products. See the retailer list here.
Popularity: 12%
House Plants
Many people don’t consider indoor pollution. Pollution comes from a variety of indoor and outdoor sources.
According to the EPA these sources include:
These include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies; central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution.
Intermittent sources of pollution include:
These include smoking, the use of unvented or malfunctioning stoves, furnaces, or space heaters, the use of solvents in cleaning and hobby activities, the use of paint strippers in redecorating activities, and the use of cleaning products and pesticides in house-keeping.
There is a solution to indoor air pollution and it is all natural and requires only the energy of the sun, plants.
Indoor air pollution is a realistic threat to human health. NASA research demonstrated that the use of household plants can help remove harmful pollutants from the air we breathe. The results showed that 15 to 20 houseplants can effectively purify the interior of a typical 1,800-square-foot house.
While, I don’t normally suggest the purchase of invasive species, most house plants are from tropical regions. I would never advocate putting these plants directly in the garden where they could enter the environment.
Symptoms of indoor air pollution are irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Long term exposure includes heart disease, respiratory disease, and cancer.
So if you feel like crap, get yourself 15 house plants for every 1,800 sq ft and breathe a little easier.
Some common house plants are:
For a more detailed list of house plants, visit this website.
Popularity: 11%
Even Mr. Clean Loves Vinegar
I love Vinegar. It’s natural, it’s green, inexpensive, and it is a versatile acid. As, I have always said, if it was socially acceptable, I would wear it as perfume. A few years ago, my aunt suggested I use Vinegar to clean the windows and mirrors in my car. Now, I use it for cleaning the whole house, including, my wood floors.
Vinegar is made by:
Two distinct biological processes, both the result of the action of harmless microorganisms (yeast and “Acetobacter”) that turn sugars (carbohydrates) into acetic acid.
A few of its uses are listed below. For a complete list of vinegar’s uses, click the for more information link at the bottom of this post.
Laundry Uses:
Garden:
Household:
Health:
So, get rid of your hazardous cleaners and switch to Vinegar the all natural green alternative. It is good for you and great for the environment.
Popularity: 11%
© 2010 Project Midori · Proudly powered by WordPress & Green Park 2 by Cordobo.
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional | Valid CSS 3
