Eco-News

Gift It Green Giveaway

‘Tis the season for gift giving. And, if you’re looking to gift greener – this giveaway’s for you! We’re partnering with ‘Gift It Green’ to give away three beautiful reusable gift boxes. They include two all-occasion gift boxes in medium and large and one small reusable gift box especially for the holidays. We’re also throwing in a package of eco-tissue paper. These gift boxes store flat and do not require wasteful tape or packaging. All include a “gift it forward” slip inside to encourage the recipient to reuse it! Total value? More than $50. Look below for all the ways to enter through 11:59 PST on November 30, 2012. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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National Recognition For Do Your Part Book

Terri Bennett recently published book, “Do Your Part: A practical guide to everyday green living,” just received the prestigious APEX award. The 24th Annual Awards for Publication Excellence is an international competition that recognizes outstanding publications from magazines to Web sites.

In “Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living,” Terri explores the hundreds of ways we can create a sustainable way of living that is simple, convenient and cost effective. In the foreword, Laura Turner Seydel, environmental advocate, mother and chairperson of the Captain Planet Foundation says “In Do Your Part, Terri Bennett is calling for each one of us “to do our part” for our personal health and our environment – no matter how big or small the act – because together we can truly make a difference.”

Get your copy of the book by clicking here or as an e-book here.

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BPA Now Banned From Bottles & Sippy Cups

Is it too little too late? The Food and Drug Administration will now ban Bisphenol-A from baby bottles and sippy cups. However, manufacturers have recently phased BPA out of  those products. In fact, the U.S. Chemical Council, which is the chemical industry’s main association, had requested this move, according to NBC, to help boost consumer confidence.

The ban of the controversial chemical does not go further than those kids’ products. And that mean BPA is probably still getting into your homes and bodies everyday. There is reason to be concerned.  BPA is linked to everything from developmental problems to infertility.

To find out how you can help ban BPA from your home, watch my Do Your Part video here.

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How Green Will the London Olympics Be?

The 2012 Olympic games in London will be one of the greenest Olympics yet. Organizers say sustainability is at the core of the games – everything from the venues to the food provided for the world’s most elite athletes.

Starting with the venues, many places where the athletes will compete were already in place such as the Wimbledon courts. Public transportation has been significantly beefed up for athletes and travelers. And, new bike and walking routes and paths have been added across London. Olympic organizers have also been hard at work to make sure much of the food is sustainably sourced and minimum packaging is used.

Organizers have also created what they call a revolutionary new system to deal with the waste left behind from all the incoming people – pledging to keep it all from the landfills during the games.

To see more about the eco-friendly efforts surrounding the 2012 games, check out this video.

By |Corporate Spotlight, Eco-News, Food & Agriculture, Recycling, Sustainable Products|0 Comments
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Go Green Before Getting Away



Will you be getting away from the daily grind this summer? Before you jump in the car for a road trip or board a plane to a faraway destination, Do Your Part at home to conserve energy and money while you’re away. Here is my checklist for going green – before you go.

1) Turn Down The Water Heater

One of the easiest ways to save energy while you’re away is to turn down your water heater. For gas water heaters, simply turn the dial to the lowest setting but don’t turn it off. Some water heaters make it even simpler by having “vacation” and/or “pilot” modes. For those with electric water heaters, flip its corresponding circuit breaker off before you leave. Just remember to reset the water heater when you return as it could take several hours to produce hot water.

2) Adjust The Air Conditioning

There’s no need to have the air conditioner running when no one is there to enjoy it. However, turning it all the way off could harm your houseplants and force your refrigerator to work overtime. Consider leaving your AC set to around 85 degrees while you’re gone.

3) Unplug Electronics

Most of our electronics sip energy even when they are not being used. This phantom power accounts for about 10% of the energy we use at home. While you’re on vacation, unplug many of your electronic devices. Those will include everything from televisions, computers, kitchen appliances, electric toothbrushes, and any charging cord.

4) Put Lights On A Timer

Putting a few lights on a timer is a smart idea. It will cut down on your lighting costs and it will also make it look like someone is home. You’ll want to be careful about which bulbs you put in which timer. For instance, certain digital ones are not designed to work with CFL bulbs and can actually create a fire hazard. Make sure to read directions that come with the timer and the particular bulb you plan to use with it.

5) Refrigerator Reminders

Our refrigerators take an enormous amount of electricity to run. If you are planning to be gone for a while, empty it out and unplug it. Don’t forget to disconnect the water supply to it. However, if you’ll only be away a matter of days, you can easily turn up the temperature setting a few degrees since no one will be opening and closing the refrigerator’s doors.

Going away on vacation is a good way to find out exactly how much energy your home uses – even when you’re not there. Read the meter when you leave and again when you return home. That way can Do Your Part to see which energy efficiency methods worked best and if you should do more the next time you’re able to get away from it all.

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Americans Know How To Conserve Energy But Don't

A new poll is shedding light on just how much Americans know about conserving energy at home – and why they still aren’t doing all they can. The poll was recently conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The majority of those polled believe that their personal choices will not add up to a significant energy savings and say they look to the government and larger institutions to execute the bigger energy saving initiatives. In fact, 7% of those surveyed say what they do at home makes no difference at all.

Those surveyed say they understand that driving more fuel efficient cars, carpooling, and evening adding insulation to their homes can result in energy savings but most say those actions are not practical.

The poll also showed that the majority of people polled do not fully understand the government’s Energy Star programs or how to find out how much energy they are actually using at home. For more information, read more on the poll results here.

By |Conservation, Eco-News, Energy, Environmental Education|0 Comments
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New Efficiency Standards For Washers & Dishwashers

Higher energy standards are coming to clothes washers and dishwashers. In an effort to reduce water and energy consumption from our most used home appliances, there will soon be new government energy efficient standards in place.

Starting in 2013, dishwashers will be required to be 15% more energy efficient and conserve 20% more water. This will mean a savings of about $100 in utility bills. Starting in 2015, top loading clothes washers will use 15% less energy and consume 35% less water. The front loading versions will be 33% more energy efficient and use 19% less water. That means a savings of anywhere between $400 and $600 in utility bills for that appliance alone.

Many dishwashers and clothes washers already meet the standards. You can read more on the energy savings here at Energy.gov.

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Household Cleaners Hall of Shame

The Environmental Working Group has just released its new report on the dangers of certain household cleaners and the organization is naming names. We know that many of the toxic chemicals we bring into our homes are actually found in our cleaning products. That’s because meaning popular cleaners people use each and every day are filled with chemicals known to cause all sorts of health problems – everything from cancer to asthma, to reproductive problems. Now, the EWG has released what it calls their Hall of Shame database.

You can read their full report here. In the report they disclose the chemicals that could be lurking behind the term “fragrance” in the ingredient list and also report that some so-called “green” cleaners are actually harmful to the environment. The Environmental Working Group also gives consumers tips to find safer cleaning alternatives.

 

By |Eco-News, Green Cleaning, Health, Pollution, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|2 Comments
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The Main Sources of Pollutants at Home Could Surprise You

Do you know what’s in your home right now that’s polluting the air you breathe? Rodale reports that scientists at the Silent Spring Institute analyzed roughly 200 common products to get the answer. Here are their top 3 main sources of toxic chemicals:

1) Fragranced Products
That includes soaps, shampoos, dryer sheets, air fresheners, and more. Companies don’t usually have to reveal the chemicals used on their ingredient list either.

2) Vinyl Curtains and Bedding
Products made from vinyl (think shower curtains and pillow protectors) may contain hormone disrupting phthalates and BPA. And it’s tough to shop for ones without it because most aren’t properly labeled.

3) So-called “antibacterial” products
These days there are everything from antibacterial soaps to socks. Many of these products contain the controversial ingredient Triclosan. Not only can that ingredient cause health problems but our obsession with killing germs is creating a rise in drug resistant bacteria.

By |Eco-News, Green Cleaning, Head To Toe, Health, In Your Home, Pollution, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
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Antibacterial Ingredient Declared Toxic – But Not Here!

Canada is about to declare Triclosan, a controversial chemical found in many antibacterial products, as toxic to the environment. Triclosan was created more than 40 years ago as a surgical scrub for hospitals. It is now found in commonly used products like soap, toothpaste, furniture and toys. Several scientific studies have shown the chemical may alter the regulation of hormones in lab animals. The FDA says other studies have shown triclosan may contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Canada.com reports that once Canada makes that declaration, health officials will begin work to phase out triclosan especially in personal care products.

Meantime, half of all liquid hand soaps sold in the U.S. are antibacterial or antimicrobial. The FDA plans on reviewing the safety of triclosan in the coming months. Right now, the FDA says the agency does not have sufficient evidence to recommend changing consumer use of products that contain triclosan.

By |Eco-News, Environmental Education, Head To Toe, Health, In Your Home, Pollution, Toxic Chemicals & Metals|0 Comments
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