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Earth-Friendly Blue Jeans

Have you ever considered the environmental impact of your favorite pair of blue jeans? When it comes to water use, it’s a lot. Levi Strauss and Co. says the typical pair of jeans consumes 919 gallons of water during its life cycle. Growing cotton for blue jeans accounts for 49 percent of the water used, more than all of the washings blue jeans go through after they are bought.

One of the largest demin producers in the world wants to cut the eco-footprint of its blue jeans. Levi Strauss is releasing two million pairs of jeans made with sustainably grown cotton. The Levi’s and Denizen jeans are made with Better Cotton, grown as part of the Better Cotton Initiative that reduces the environmental impact of cotton farming and improves the lives of farmers.

Levi’s joined the Better Cotton Initiative in 2009 along with retailers GAP, Adidas and IKEA. The non-profit group promotes water conservation, reduced pesticide use and encourages better working conditions for cotton farmers and laborers. A recent study found Better Cotton farming techniques raised farmers’ profits by up to 69 percent and reduced water and pesticide use by one-third.

Five percent of the cotton used in Levi’s Better Cotton jeans hitting stores this fall was grown using sustainable methods. The New York Times reports the company wants to increase that number to 20 percent by 2015. Last year, Levi Strauss introduced a line of blue jeans called ‘Water<Less’ jeans. The manufacturing process of Water<Less use an average of 28 percent less water, in some products up to 96 percent less water.

 

By |Conservation, Corporate Spotlight, Eco-News, Food & Agriculture|0 Comments
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Luxury Designer Creates Eco-Shoe

Photo Credit: Women's Wear Daily

Renowned footwear designer Manolo Blahnik is adding some green to his shoe designs. Blahnik is creating two eco-friendly shoe styles made from sustainable materials. The footwear giant is teaming up with sustainable designer Marcia Patmos to create the shoes which will be made entirely of discarded tilapia skins, raffia and cork .

Patmos tells Women’s Wear Daily,  “I am always researching sustainable materials and developments. I love the idea of tilapia skin because it is a by-product of the food industry that would otherwise be discarded, but it’s actually a beautiful material perfect for small leather goods. I love bringing the idea of sustainability into the luxury market, it doesn’t have to be limited to T-shirts and grocery bags.”

One design is a double-strap, open-toe, flat sandal while the other is a high-heel style. Both shoes will come in nude, yellow, black and electric blue. The shoes will retail for $895 dollars and be available in the spring.

By |Eco-News, Sustainable Products|0 Comments
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Upcycled School Supplies

We are thrilled to partner with TerraCycle to give away six exclusive, upcycled school supply items. Up for grabs is a large tote bag made from a large potato chip bag, spiral notebook created from smaller chip bags, pencil case and homework folder made from drink pouches, circuit board clipboard, and a package of eco-friendly printer paper. Total value? $50! Read below to see all the ways you can enter to win. One winner will be selected at random. Entries will be received through 11:59 PST on October 27, 2011. Good luck!


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Thrift Stores Thrive at Halloween

October 12, 2011

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and cost effective option for Halloween costumes, check out your local thrift store. Second-hand shops like Goodwill do a bulk of their business around this time of year and provide a treasure trove of ideas. Goodwill Industries says 10 to 20 percent of its business occurs around the Halloween season. It’s estimated Americans spent nearly $6 billion dollars on Halloween costumes, decorations and treats last year. And each year, an increasingly large portion of that is going to thrift stores.

There are more than 30,000 resale, consignment and thrift stores in the United States. Goodwill Industries says Halloween sales accounted for a good portion of its $2.3 billion dollar store revenue last year and October has the most sales of any month. Year round, Goodwill diverts 3.4 billion pounds of usable goods from the trash and landfill. Goodwill even has a Halloween Headquarters page on its website with ideas of how to create your own costume with second-hand clothing and accessories.

Halloween shoppers at Goodwill are also investing in the community since 90 cents of every dollar generated funds job training programs for the disabled and disadvantaged. Goodwill says many shoppers continue the eco-friendly cycle and donate the clothes or costumes they bought back to the store.

By |Eco-News, Sustainable Products|0 Comments
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Boeing's New Eco-Friendly Jet Takes Off

Image Credit: Boeing

September 29, 2011

The newest and most efficient plane made by Boeing has just been delivered. The 787 Dreamliner landed in Tokyo marking the biggest innovation in commercial aviation since the Boeing 707 introduced the world to passenger jet travel more than 50 years ago. The 787 will use 20 percent less fuel and produce 20 percent fewer emissions than planes the same size. Boeing says the design of the aircraft also reduces waste and energy use. The airplane features large fuselage pieces rather than thousands of individual parts like aluminum sheets and thousands of fasteners.

The company says newer engine technology is the biggest factor in increasing the plane’s fuel efficiency. The 787 is also made up of lightweight carbon-fibre composites which also contributes to efficiency. Boeing says the 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-sized airplane capable of flying long range routes. The cabin of the Dreamliner also features roomier seats, more storage and manually dimmable windows. Bulbless LED lighting inside the aircraft will save energy while the 128 different color configurations ease the transition for passengers between day and night.

 

 

 

By |Corporate Spotlight, Eco-News, Green Machines|0 Comments
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Chai Something New!

This week, we’re partnering with Zhena’s Gypsy Tea to give away their new line of chai teas. Not only are they delicious, they’re also certified organic and fair trade. Up for grabs are six tins each filled with 22 delightful satchets. Included are two varieties of carmel, hazelnut, and vanilla chai teas. In all, it’s worth more than $50! Read below to find out all the ways you can enter. We’ll pick one winner at random. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 PST on October 13, 2011. Good luck!

To win, simply leave us a comment HERE and let us know why you should win.

Entries will be received until 11:59 PM PST on October 13th.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook for more giveaways!


Do Your Part® Green Giveaway Rules

Enter the Do Your Part® Green Giveaway by leaving us a comment below.

Winner will be selected at random and notified by email.

Additional rules and requirements:

• You must be over 18 and live in the U.S.
• Entries must be received before 11:59pm of posted end date.
• One entry per person.
• No transfers, substitutions in prizes will be allowed except by Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC, who may substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
• No purchase necessary.
• Void where prohibited by law.
• Employees, representatives or agents of Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC are not eligible.
• Liability for any applicable taxes will be the sole responsibility of the winner.
• Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC will not share your email address with anyone else.
• By entering and/or accepting a prize, you agree to be bound by these rules and to release Terri Bennett, LLC from any and all liability arising out of your participation in this Green Giveaway with respect to the awarding, receipt, use and/or misuse of any prize.
• As a winner, you agree to allow the use of your name and likeness in any communication originated by Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC without compensation.

By |Green Giveaway|29 Comments
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Top 5 Ways to Reuse Kitchen “Trash”

There are a ton of thing we use each day in the kitchen that we later toss into the trash because we just don’t know what the green solution is. Instead of trashing it – reuse it! Here are my ‘Top 5 Ways to Reuse Kitchen ‘trash’.’

1) Egg Cartons
Whether the eggs you buy come in paper, foam, or plastic packaging – you can reuse it all. These containers are perfect for preschool art projects, storing and sorting small items like nails and screws, or as seed starters. Or, give them to the golfer in the family because each slot is the perfect size to hold and store a golf ball.

2) Wine Corks
If you are a wine lover, chances are you’ve thrown a few wine corks away. While you can recycle them at Whole Foods Market and a few other places, there are lots of other ways to give them more life. There are easy ways to turn them into bulletin boards, coasters, or even funky picture frames. They can also be cut open and put under furniture to keep pieces from sliding.

3) Milk & Juice Cartons
Those wax-coated milk and juice cartons are downright difficult to recycle. However, there are an endless number of ways to reuse them. Watch this video to see how to create fun bird houses with them. The bottoms are also perfect for dirty projects such as holding paint or if you flatten them out, they can quickly be turned into disposable cutting boards.

4) Cereal Boxes
A creative project for school aged kids is to make notebook holders from cereal boxes. Any tall rectangular paperboard box will do – whether it’s a cereal box, pancake mix box, or even those larger warehouse buys. Watch this DYP video for the full instructions.

5) Plastic Food Containers
Those lunch meat, yogurt, or similar containers are too useful to wind up in the trash! You can easily use them again to help pack waste-free lunches, store small items, or save leftovers. And, just imagine how much you’ll save by not by even more reusable containers.

By |Green Living, Terri's Top 5|1 Comment
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Top 5 Chemicals to Avoid in Food

Food manufacturers aren’t going to advertise the fact that controversial chemicals are actually in their food. If you want to be informed and eat better, here are my ‘Top 5 Chemicals to Avoid in Food’ so you can eat without worry.

1) Sodium Nitrates & Sodium Nitrites
These two similar ingredients are used in many processed meat products (think hot dogs, bacon, and lunch meats) because they act as food preservatives. However, both have been linked to different types of cancer. A better bet is to opt for meats labeled “nitrate-free” or “nitrite-free”.

2) Aspartame
This artificial sweetener is found in thousands of diet drinks and foods. While it’s been around for decades, it is one of the most controversial ingredients in our food chain. Some research suggests it is actually linked to many medical problems and even weight gain. Check with your doctor about making the switch to a new ingredient available known as Stevia. It’s a natural zero-calorie sweetener that comes from the Stevia plant.

3) Certain Food Dyes & Colorings
More and more parents are becoming increasingly concerned because of research which suggest food dyes are linked to hyperactivity in children. Think about all the artificially colored food items on the market such as juices, boxed foods, and bakery items. The safer choice is to avoid foods with numbered dyes on the ingredient list. Also, seek out organic foods which don’t contain synthetic food dyes and colorings.

4) BHA & BHT
Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated Hydrozyttoluene are two similar additives which are common food preservatives. They work by preventing fats and oils from spoiling so you’ll see them used in chips, cereals, and even chewing gums. The concern is that they can cause cancer and can alter behavior. These additives aren’t banned from foods but they do have to be on the label. Also, remember that it’s usually so-called ‘junk food’ that contains them.

5) Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
While PFOA is not added to our foods, many of our foods are contaminated with it. That’s because it’s used in food packaging and cookware. This chemical is linked to cancer and once it’s in your body, it can stay there for years. PFOA is used in many microwave popcorn bags and certain non-stick cookware. If you want to keep it out of the foods you eat, consider banning microwavable popcorn from your home and using non-toxic cookware such as cast iron or stainless steel.

Remember, eating better begins with knowing what you actually eat. Inspecting the ingredient list is always your first line of defense. And, when possible, go the organic route. It’s another important way to Do Your Part to not just eat better but to keep unnecessary chemicals out of our environment.

Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, syndicated columnist and author, and founder of DoYourPart, everyday green living ideas that are better for you and the planet. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com and follow DoYourPart on Facebook and Twitter. Terri’s new book “Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living” is now available at DoYourPart.com

© 2011 Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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By |DYP Columns, Green Living|0 Comments
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Top 5 Chemicals to Avoid in Foods

If you want to feed your family healthier food, there are a few things to make sure aren’t in the food you serve. Here are Terri’s ‘Top 5 Chemicals to Avoid in Food’ so you can eat without worry!

1) Sodium Nitrate & Sodium Nitrite
These two similar ingredients are used in many processed meat products (think hot dogs, bacon, and lunch meats) because they act as food preservatives. However, both have been linked to different types of cancer. A better bet is to opt for meats labeled “nitrate-free” or “nitrite-free”.

2) Aspartame
This artificial sweetener is found in thousands of diet drinks and foods. While it’s been around for decades, it is one of the most controversial ingredients in our food chain. Some research suggests it is actually linked to many medical problems and even weight gain. Check with your doctor about making the switch to a new ingredient available known as Stevia. It’s a zero-calorie sweetener which comes from the Stevia plant.

3) Certain Food Dyes & Colorings
More and more parents are becoming increasingly concerned because of research which suggest food dyes are linked to hyperactivity in children. Think about all the artificially colored food items on the market such as juices, boxed foods, and bakery items. The safer choice is to avoid foods with numbered dyes on the ingredient list. Also, seek out organic foods which don’t contain synthetic food dyes and colorings.

4) BHA & BHT
Butylated Hydroxyanisole and Butylated Hydrozyttoluene are two similar additives which are common food preservatives. They work by preventing fats and oils from spoiling so you’ll see them used in chips, cereals, and even chewing gums. The concern is that they can cause cancer and can alter behavior. These additives aren’t banned from foods but they do have to be on the label. Also, remember that it’s usually junk food which contains them.

5) Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
While PFOA is not added to our foods, many of our foods are contaminated with it. That’s because it’s used in food packaging and cookware. This chemical is linked to cancer and once it’s in your body, it can stay there for years. PFOA is used in many microwave popcorn bags and certain non-stick cookware. If you want to keep it out of the foods you eat, consider banning microwavable popcorn from your home and using non-toxic cookware such as cast iron or stainless steel.

Additional information:
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A Big Green Clean Giveaway!

We’re giving away some of Shaklee’s most popular household cleaning products. We love Shaklee because their non-toxic cleaning solutions come in concentrated form without all that extra packaging and water. Plus, the cleaning power can’t be beat! Up for grabs is the “Get Clean Household Mini Kit” which contains the Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, two packages of quick cleaning wipes, Scour Off, and a three pack of spray bottles. Total value? Nearly $50! To enter to win, simply leave us a comment HERE and tell us why you want these products. One winner will be selected at random. Entries will be received through September 15, 2011 at 11:59 PST. Good luck!

To win, simply leave us a comment HERE and let us know why you should win.

Entries will be received until 11:59 PM PST on September 15th.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook for more giveaways!

Do Your Part® Green Giveaway Rules

Enter the Do Your Part® Green Giveaway by leaving us a comment below.

Winner will be selected at random and notified by email.

Additional rules and requirements:

• You must be over 18 and live in the U.S.
• Entries must be received before 11:59pm of posted end date.
• One entry per person.
• No transfers, substitutions in prizes will be allowed except by Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC, who may substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
• No purchase necessary.
• Void where prohibited by law.
• Employees, representatives or agents of Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC are not eligible.
• Liability for any applicable taxes will be the sole responsibility of the winner.
• Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC will not share your email address with anyone else.
• By entering and/or accepting a prize, you agree to be bound by these rules and to release Terri Bennett, LLC from any and all liability arising out of your participation in this Green Giveaway with respect to the awarding, receipt, use and/or misuse of any prize.
• As a winner, you agree to allow the use of your name and likeness in any communication originated by Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC without compensation.

By |Green Giveaway|40 Comments
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