Tag Archives: going green

Earth Hour 2009

When the lights go down in the city tomorrow night, it will be to mark the second worldwide Earth Hour. From Paris to New York, the world is banning together as a mark of solidarity to solve the problem of global climate change. Earth Hour 2009 will see lights out or dimmed in a record eight-four countries as plans to dim or completely turn off all non-essential lights between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The event will take place on a time zone to time zones basis, meaning that participants affect their lights whenever 8:30 p.m. hits in their … Continue reading →

Guide to Recycling Electronics 3

In our household there are so many electronic devices that we rely on using to get through the day. But technology is always growing and changing, leaving many of our devices obsolete and in need of being upgraded or replaced. It is important to practice responsible recycling of electronics, for the health of our planet and even the health of ourselves. Let’s keep dangerous chemicals out of the mix with this guide to recycling electronics. Today, let’s talk about recycling cell phones and small electronic devices, such as MP3 players. Cell phones and small devices are some of the most … Continue reading →

Guide to Recycling Electronics

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans toss out about 2 million tons of e-waste, that is electronic devices that are no longer useful. Computers and other electronics can actually provide hazards to the environment beyond just taking up space as trash. Electronic waste can leach all sorts of dangerous chemicals, such as arsenic, lead, mercury and other toxic elements. That is why it is so important to recycle electronics properly. Here is a guide for you to use. Let’s start with the biggest electronic impact to the environment, computers. More computers are tossed ever year over any other electronic … Continue reading →

Making Your Garden Go Green

Although with snow on the ground and more expected, gardening should be the last thing on my mind, I am already planning ahead. The last frost will be here and gone eventually. With everything still dormant, it is a good time to start the planning for the garden season to come. Being more environmentally conscious and gardening go hand and hand. If you want to make your garden really go green this year, try taking advantage of the following tips. Start a compost pile that will nurture your plants with natural fertilizer and plenty of good food. As you clean … Continue reading →

How Green was 2008: Analysts Versus Reality

Back in the beginning of 2008, or even at the end of 2007, analysts were predicting a banner year for going green in the home. Homeowners were said to be very conscious of reducing the energy footprints of their homes and avoiding using common chemicals that may be unhealthy. Even publications such as the Old Farmer’s Almanac got into the act with green predictions saying that there would be a rapid transition to green building. They quote the American Institute of architects that say that 90 percent of home owners would pay an extra $5,000 for an energy-efficient house. The … Continue reading →

Graves are a Solar Energy Source

Here is a news story about being green even after you have passed on from this world. The generations before that contributed to global warming can now contribute to saving the planet through solar energy. One working class town in Spain has taken to putting solar panels on the mausoleums at one cemetery. The 462 solar panels produce enough energy to run 60 homes for a year. In this way, the past is helping the present and the future. An estimated 62 tons of carbon dioxide will be kept out of the atmosphere, thanks to these solar panels. Why did … Continue reading →

Collecting Rainwater

Did you know that the average American uses 101 gallons of water a day for their home and yard? As climate changes bring about increased drought, this number will become even more shocking than it already is. Some homeowners are choosing the green option of collecting rainwater. Rainwater can reduce the reliance on city water and save resources, especially as water ordinances and restrictions are becoming tighter and water more scarce. While non-purified rainwater should not be used for drinking, there are so many other uses for it. Rainwater can be used to water lawns and gardens, do laundry, fill … Continue reading →

Smart Solutions for Non Recyclables

We know that we are doing well for the environment when our recycling is much larger than our garbage. Recycling to reduce the amount of trash you leave behind on the planet is a wonderful thing. But what do you do with all of those things that can’t be recycled, such as electronic equipment or plastics that aren’t collected in your area? Here are some tips. First, if you have something usable, consider posting it to a group such as freecycle. Even items that need a little repair may be wanted by someone who can fix them up. I’ve gotten … Continue reading →

Save $1,700 a Year on Water

According to the Brita company, which makes water filters, you can save $1,700 a year on water if you use a Brita water filter. They have ads on television emphasizing where all of those bottles of water that we purchase end up in a landfill practically forever. Their website, filerforgood.com also talks about the value in using a filter instead of buying bottles of water. I’ve never done the calculations for bottled water. Do some people only consume bottled water even when they are at home? One of the commercials shows a woman sitting in bed reading with a bottle … Continue reading →

6 Ways to Reduce Our Use of Paper Products

Paper products, such as paper towels, paper plates, paper napkins, baby wipes and even printer paper are certainly convenient in today’s world. But, let’s face it, these products aren’t very frugal. We have come to believe that many of these products are a necessary part of our household, but are they really? Reduce the use of your paper products, and you’ll reduce the amount of money that you spend. Here are 10 ways that we can reduce our use of paper products. 1. Purchase inexpensive dish towels or cut up old towels and use those in place of paper towels. … Continue reading →