How to Green
Green concepts, Buying Guides, Plastic replacements
Family, Clothing, Babies & Children, Pets
Food, GMO, Organic, Meat, Green entertaining
Household, cleaning non toxic,
Landscaping, Personal care, Energy, Organizations, Get active.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Concepts
Connections
We are all interconnected to the web of life, everything we do affects the web. Everything we do matters.
Conserve Protect Restore
Conserve - Repurpose
Everything we have comes from Earth. We are using up so many resources that we are not leaving enough for Earth to replenish herself. See Growth .
Use what you have, or reuse what you have for another purpose. Repair items rather than buying new.
For instance: reuse plastic food containers to start seeds in, or for storage.
• Reuse magazines to make bead jewelry with your kids.
• A blog on zero waste: http://zerowastehome.blogspot.com/p/tips.html
Reuse
Find another home for items you don’t need. Sell or give away used clothing, household goods and more. Put them up on a website such as Craigslist or Freecycle . If you need something, get previously used items, tag sales, Freecycle, Good Will etc.
•ReUse Centers and Material Exchanges
Recycle
If you must throw it away, recycle it.
• Compost for food and garden.
http://www.ctrecyclingguide.com/
In CT recycling is mandatory.
• Stamford Recycling http://www.cityofstamford.org/content/25/52/138/164/188/112409/112413/default.aspx
Live Clean Don’t Pollute
We have so polluted Earth that all Earth life is in danger. We can learn clean natural alternatives for everything from energy, gardening, cleaning, personal care, transportation, clothing, furniture, food etc. Watch what you buy, see buying guides above.
Buying Guides
• Very good guide, several categories, Organic Consumers Association.
http://www.organicconsumers.org/btc/BuyingGuide.cfm
•Good Stuff, many categories. http://www.worldwatch.org/taxonomy/term/44
• The Green Guide . www.thegreenguide.com
With everything even these buying guides, buyer beware. Read labels of individual product, not every store, website or brand that appears to be green really is.
Plastic replacements
Absolutely must see video: http://plasticparadisemovie.com
Plastic does not biodegrade, continues to outgass toxins, wildlife eat it and die, it is terrible for the environment. Don’t buy or accept plastic. We can learn to live without it.
A few alternatives: Aluminum, Ceramic, Enamel, Glass, Lacquerware, Stainless Steel, Wood, coconut shell, palm, bamboo.
Some natural fibers. Organic cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, soy, wool, ramie, jute.
• Info. on how to live without plastic:
http://www.culturechange.org/cms/content/blogcategory/18/62//
http://lifewithoutplastic.com/
http://lifewithoutplastic.com/boutique/child-and-baby-products-c-65.html
http://lifewithoutplastic.com/en/home/plastic-alternatives.html
•Reusable containers for bar soaps, bar shampoos: http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/gifts/bags-accessories
•Great shampoo bar, I use it, no plastic container http://compostablegoods.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=42
• Reusable makeup holder, buy refills of your favorite makeup:
http://uniicosmetics.com/index.html
Totes
Please don’t leave the house without a reusable totes for all your shopping. Please don’t accept plastic bags.
• Hemp and organic cotton $6. each if you buy 4
http://www.reuseit.com/store/reuseit-workhorse-hemp-bstock-p-2806.html?show_quickcart=2814#
• More organic cotton totes:
http://www.jiffyshirts.com/bags/tote/anvil/431/
http://www.jiffyshirts.com/bags/tote/anvil/505/
Steel bottles for water and other liquids
Replace disposable plastic bottles with reusable glass or steel.
http://kleankanteen.com/products/klean-kanteens.php
Steel food containers
Replace plastic food containers with reusable steel containers to carry or store food.
http://www.reuseit.com/store/lunchbots-stainless-steel-food-container-large-p-1843.html
Fridge
Replace plastic with glass or steel containers.
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/features/ft_eco_living/658
Other Storage:
Woven baskets / dressers / shelves.
Family
Clothing
Problem: A lot of our clothing is synthetic (petroleum based plastic) or industrial grown cotton. Industrial cotton is the worlds direst crop. It uses 2.5% of the worlds cultivated land and 16% of the worlds insecticides, 3 of the most hazardous insecticides. It also uses GMOs.
Solution:
Buy used clothing or if buying new, buy organic cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, soy, jute, maybe wool.
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1485
• jiffy shirts.com http://www.jiffyshirts.com/search/?form-process=1&query=organic
• organic cotton socks http://www.eco-footprints.net/
• other: http://www.fairindigo.com/index.php/fair_trade/Women
http://organic.lovetoknow.com/Category:Organic_Clothing
Babies & Children
To raise healthy children take them out in nature, encourage their natural empathy, give older children pets, garden with them, develop a love for nature. Have them grow a wildlife garden, even if only in flowerpots. Allow them to develop their natural love of nature. Learn with them. Teach them from the beginning of their lives how to be a joyous and responsible part of this precious web of life. That is the most important thing you can do.
• Things to do outside with kids. http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There.aspx
• Great magazines for kids http://www.nwf.org/ChildrensMagazineCenter/KidsPubs_Offer.aspx?campaignid=NC10HN9XBETSXX
• Linens, Clothing, Toys, Diapering, care products
shirts / Baby & kids http://compostablegoods.com/index.php?cPath=16
• Organic clothing, toys http://www.jiffyshirts.com/rabbitskins-RS2000.html
• also: http://www.miniappletree.com/?gclid=CMWk19GSv6YCFQ915Qod43m3Jw
Diapers: Traditional disposable diapers contain dioxin, which can be toxic for the baby and environmentally hazardous, they also contain petroleum, polypropylene, polyethylene, processed wood pulp, absorbent gelling material and perfume.
Solution: Organic cotton diaper, both disposable or washable, and natural rubber diaper pants .
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5732257_rubber-vs_-plastic-diaper-pants.html
Disposable Diapers Vs. Non-Disposable | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6614435_disposable-diapers-vs_-non_disposable.html#ixzz1BU1tb6jW
Disposable Diapers Vs. Non-Disposable | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_6614435_disposable-diapers-vs_-non_disposable.html#ixzz1BU1MybOn
http://compostablegoods.com/index.php?cPath=16_46
Pets
Make sure their food is organic, and their toys and bedding free of chemicals. Make sure your house and yard is not sprayed with chemicals.
Bowls can be stainless steel or glazed unleaded ceramic, not plastic.
Organic wet food, there are many. I use Petguard organic for cats. Please read labels .
• Safe toys:
http://www.ewg.org/files/petsfortheenvironment/greencattoys.pdf
http://www.ewg.org/PetsfortheEnvironment
FOOD
GMO
Why is it bad? See GMO the problem
http://www.NaturalNews.com/029325_Monsanto_deception.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/beverly-bell/haitian-farmers-commit-to_b_578807.html
How to avoid GMO
http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/
Organic
Organic (food, animals and cloth) is the only defense against the onslaught of GMO contamination. Certified organic means very specific practices of growing plants and animals. In the USA, the USDA Organic Seal is a trusted seal that genuinely indicates organic quality. Claims such as grown local , natural, sustainable do not mean organic.
Less meat
Problem: Meat especially beef and pork are terribly damaging to the environment. Meat causes erosion, pollution, Global climate change, water shortages, oxygen loss. Amazon rainforests are being destroyed for cattle grazing, 20% of the worlds oxygen comes from the rainforest, it’s home to a large part of the world’s species. One pound of wheat can be grown with 60 pounds of water, whereas one pound of meat requires 2,500 to 6,000 pounds. There are 20 billion head of livestock on Earth. Factory farms generated 1.4 billion tons of animal waste in 1996, which pollutes waterways and causes massive fish die offs. Meat contributes to global climate change, vegetation grown on land for cattle would mop up carbon dioxide. Cutting back on beefburgers and bacon could wipe $20 trillion off the cost of fighting climate change.
Green entertaining
One use
When entertaining we tend to use a lot of plastic or paper one use disposables, this adds to the plastic problem and the cutting down of trees. There are alternatives. http://compostablegoods.com/index.php?cPath=36
Candles
Most candles are made of petroleum and have lead in their wicks. You can buy soy or beeswax candles with non leaded wicks and non synthetic scents.
Household
Cleaning non toxic
•Clothes: don’t wash clothes in toxic brand-name laundry detergents, stop using brand-name fabric softeners or dryer sheets, no dry cleaning.
You could use: soap nuts laundry liquid Soap Nuts Laundry Liquid, a biodegradable concentrated "tea" made from the fruit of the soapberry tree.
• Disinfectant organic vinegar and peroxide: http://www.michaelandjudystouffer.com/judy/articles/vinegar.htm
•Healthy cleaning: clean with a few natural ingredients
•Steam cleaner uses only water and electricity. Really does a good job.
•10 non toxic cleaning recipes
•Seventh Generation www.seventhgeneration.com
• Dishes: Use woven cloth dish cloths instead of sponges that are plastic or animal.
• Clean vegetables fruits:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4497214_clean-chemicals-off-fruits-vegetables.html
•Floors http://www.care2.com/greenliving/natural-floor-cleaning-easy-greening.html#
•Other: http://housekeeping.about.com/cs/environment/a/alternateclean.htm
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1484
http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/ShoppersSafetyGuide.pdf
Toilet paper
Buy100% recycled. Buy it by the case. Recycled Paper Printing, Inc. 617-737-9911 Renature 100% recycled toilet tissue.
Water
We have polluted our water with everything from the aluminum toxic byproduct fluoride, to pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. So we need to filter our water. We need to save water. According to the Global Risks Report, everything from growing populations and bad infrastructure to water pollution from fertilizer, sewage and oil spills threatens global water supplies.
How to conserve water: http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/09/conserve_water.php
Filter water: There are many types of filtering. Avoid plastic parts in filtering equipment. I use stainless steel charcoal filter and then a stainless steel distiller. Store in glass jugs. Use stainless containers for travel.
I use Multi Pure for charcoal filtering and Klean Kanteen for steel containers.
Refrig. storage
Use glass or steel instead of plastic.
Renovation
Use environmentally friendly products.
•Non toxic paints http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm
Furniture
• Recycled paper furniture http://www.waybasics.com/shop.html
General
Buy in bulk, it reduces packaging and saves money. Please don't fill your home or apartment with products that off-gas toxic chemicals: Bad Air fresheners, perfumed candles, particle board furniture, carpets, glues, etc.
•Don't cook on non-stick cookware it’s toxic. Use copper-clad stainless steel pans, or iron cookware.
Stop junk mail
http://www.obviously.com/junkmail/
Electronics
Use energy saving electronics, keep electronics out of trash. There will be appropriate recycling options in your area.
LANDSCAPING
Renew Landscape
http://www.roots-to-shoots.com/5373.html
Organic landscaping
Organic is crucial for any plantings or landscaping.
•Organic gardening http://www.organicgardeningguru.com/
•http://www.organicgardeninfo.com/
Trees
Trees are wonderful. Don’t cut them down unless they are invasive species. Plant as many as you can, enjoy their incredible beauty, hug them! Here are a few of their many gifts: shade, they cool temperature in summer, provide nesting, shelter and food for wildlife, they give oxygen, help with carbon, prevent soil erosion, give leaves to use as mulch or compost, moderate the climate, improve air quality, conserve water, act as windbreak (the winds go to the forest to rest), give fruits, nuts, berries, and healing parts for us and wildlife, and they make us feel better.
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/tree_benefits.aspx
Compost
Kitchen and yard waste. Make great soil and compost “tea”. You will never need other fertilizer.
• How to compost: http://www.compostinstructions.com/
• The composter we use: Envirocycle Composter Black
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2718&q=325370&depNav_GID=1645
Permaculture
http://www.permaculture.org/nm/index.php/site/index/
Water
How to conserve water: collecting rainwater in a rain barrel and reusing it (depending on roof type), redirecting water from your downspouts to where it is needed, using native plants that need less watering, and building a rain garden.
Rain barrel materials, durable stainless steel, fiberglass, recycled plastic, old whiskey or wine barrels. Avoid new fiberglass, or plastic. A more sustainable choice, is wood or steel, saving materials from ending up in a landfill.
Veg garden
•A gardening Blog http://www.myearthgarden.com/
•What to plant when New England http://www.motherearthnews.com/What-To-Plant-Now-March-Maritime-Canada-And-New-England-Gardening-Region.aspx
•Other places http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening.aspx
Wildlife gardens
• National wildlife Federation, certify your wildlife garden. http://www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife/certify.cfm?campaignid=WH10A150
Turn your yard into a general wildlife garden. Create a bird, or butterfly garden. Butterfly bush is not good for butterflies because it kills their caterpillars. Use butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) instead. Don't confuse butterfly bush plants (Buddleia davidii) with butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed and serves as a host for the caterpillars of monarch butterflies. Adult tiger swallowtails and black swallowtails enjoy its nectar. Both perennials are sometimes referred to simply as "the butterfly plant." They are, however, unrelated.
Creating wildlife gardens: http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor-Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife.aspx
http://www.nwf.org/In-Your-Backyard.aspx
Wildflower meadow
Instead of a work and water intensive lawn, why not plant a native wildflower meadow? It’s healthy for you, your children and pets, good for wildlife and the environment. Less work, more beauty. No GMOs.
Seeds
No pesticides
Please don’t use pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers or other chemicals, use organic methods instead.
Flower pots
Eliminate plastic. Use ceramic or wood.
For planting seeds, check out CowPotsTM Visit www.cowpots.com
Personal care
Safe cosmetics, soaps
What is safe?
Don't put anything on your skin you wouldn't eat! All mainstream consumer skin care, cosmetics and personal care products may be toxic. Luckily there are alternatives .
•Dr Bronner's are Really good products all organic and fair trade. The downside is they use plastic bottles. http://www.drbronner.com/
•Organic handmade, soaps, cosmetics, solid shampoos etc. many with non plastic packaging. Compostable goods (great shampoo): http://compostablegoods.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=42 Lush: http://www.lushusa.com/shop
• Or Make your own!
http://www.reuseit.com/take-action/diy-resources/health-and-beauty
http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=233
• Is your cosmetic safe? Skin Deep http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1
• Guides http://www.ewg.org/files/EWG_cosmeticsguide.pdf
http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/ShoppersSafetyGuide.pdf
•Reusable cosmetic cases
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pandora-young/keep-your-cosmetics-out-o_b_815248.html
• Reusable toothbrushes, just replace the head.
Feminine care
• Organic cotton tampons and pads both disposable and washable are available instead of toxic plastic
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Organic-Cotton-Tampons
http://www.greenshoppingstore.com/organic-cotton-feminine-hygiene
Energy
Our energy use contributes heavily to climate change as well as pollution of air, water, land and animals, and destruction of ecosystems, like mountaintop removal, flammable water and oil spills, like in the Gulf. It’s important to use less energy and to use clean energy. Clean energy is, solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, small hydraulic. Dirty energy is: nuclear, oil, coal, biomass, gas. Dirty energy is coal, oil, nuclear, gas, biofuels.
Conserve
Plant native shade trees. Wash cloths in cold or warm setting, don’t use dishwasher or clothes dryer, turn down your thermostat and water heater temperature, use low flow shower heads, weatherize your home.
Even when appliances are turned off there is a phantom load, electricity is still running through. Unplug appliances when not in use, especially instant-on, remote control, channel memory and LED clock displays. TVs, for example, are still consuming about 75 % of their wattage when turned “off.” http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/p2/newsletter/p2viewsummer07.pdf
No dryer use close-line or wooden close racks
http://www.realgoods.com/product/home-outdoor/green+living/laundry/new+england+clothes+dryer.do
Electricity clean
Viridian only one in CT certified
http://www.green-e.org/base/re_products
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1488
Solar, wind or geothermal are great if appropriate to your location.
off grid
If you can, solar power, wind, and or geothermal would be the clean way to be energy independent.
Save gas
Walk, bike, car pool, combine trips, don’t go over 60mph, check tire pressure, buy an electric car if you can.
Issues
Climate change
• Learn how to talk to a climate change denier
http://www.grist.org/article/series/skeptics/
Bio diversity
We are causing mass extinctions, the largest mass extinctions since the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.
By the year 2100 human activities such as pollution, land clearing, over hunting, overfishing may have driven more than half of the worlds marine and land species into extinction.
• National Wildlife Federation http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife.aspx
• A short video I made. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG2PFek1PDc
Polluting the planet
From GMOs, nanotechnology, synthetic biology, oil, coal, nuclear, chemical and pharmaceutical pollution, we are poisoning every corner, every being on the planet.
Get informed get active
Orgs. for information and to take action.
It’s easy. Most of these orgs. send out emails to notify you of actions if you ask them to, or just go to their website. Then all it takes to take action is just clicking to sign a petition or letter. Of course you can do more if you want.
• Organic consumers Association
http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagid=60634&redirect=cleartheair
•Center for Biological Diversity http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/
•Defenders of Wildlife: http://www.defenders.org/index_v2.html
•Friends of the Earth http://www.foe.org/
•Greenpeace http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/
• World Watch institute
http://www.worldwatch.org/resources/go_green_save_green
Caveat
There is a lot of greenwashing going on, whether company, organization, product or person, many will claim to be green or organic and are not. A group may have a good record then suddenly sell out. Each thing needs to be looked at individually.
Thank You
Thank you for caring. We are learning together how to live harmoniously with all of earthlife, on this beautiful blue planet. We are all connected, every action affects the web of life.
If you have any comments or suggestions please contact me.