There are plenty of ways to choose a green-friendly lifestyle, but it all resumes to personal convictions and beliefs. There is a common belief that green-friendly products equal lack of comfort, and if we think how eager we are to pamper our bums with ultra-soft toilet paper, we may understand how true this is. Well, you may not care or know that the fiber used for such products comes from virgin wood fiber taken from tree pulp. Next time when you consider yourself a green-friendly person, think about your daily habits and see whether you really live up to your standards or simply make superficial claims of environmental concern.
The food you eat tells a lot about how green-friendly you are. Whether out of preoccupation for personal health or care for the environment, lots of people buy local food instead of the non-organic products available in hypermarkets. A private vegetable garden can provide food 100% free of pesticides. This could very well cover a family’s needs of tomatoes, carrots, peppers, peas or beans in a very inexpensive way. Local green-friendly farms need all the support they can get from communities in order to sell their products; think about that, next time you go to the hypermarket.
Then, to continue the list of green-friendly lifestyle examples we come to the importance of outdoor activities. How much time does your child spend in front of the computer or watching TV? The choice of the leisure activities should be from those that require spending time outside. Sports like climbing or cycling, family camping and other activities in natural settings will encourage children to seek a nature-oriented life. If more parents thought like this, there would be fewer video-game consoles sold all over the world.
A green-friendly life is defined by several other elements. From the effort to reuse and recycle to the building of a sustainable house, there are many ways to stay environmental. We do separate our waste for recycling but very sometimes not even that happens and we don’t even care where the garbage goes. We forget that the very fish we have for dinner comes from a dirty ocean and that it could carry the germs and toxins that we fed it in the first place.
If you have purchased, own are considering purchasing an electric bike you should familiarize yourself with battery recycling
Most of us recognize the importance of recycling paper, plastic and glass, but forget about recycling batteries. That less than 5% of batteries get recycled proves the point. That figure should be much, much higher, as recycling batteries is no more difficult that recycling anything else. So, if you are not currently recycling the batteries that you use, the question is – why not?
Many supermarkets and shops that sell batteries now have collection boxes for used batteries. Also, some town halls, libraries or schools have also set up collection points for recycling batteries. So, it is no excuse to say that recycling batteries is too inconvenient. If you spend five minutes looking online for places to recycle batteries in your local area then you will certainly find a few.
Let’s now look at the most common battery types in a bit more detail…
Button batteries : These are the small circular shaped batteries that are commonly found in watches and hearing aids. Button batteries are typically collected and recycled by jewelers, hearing aid stores and pharmacies. Those places actually want you to give them your expired batteries because the mercury-oxide or silver-oxide used in them can be reclaimed.
Car batteries : Companies who sell car batteries are legally obliged in most countries to help with the recycling of expired car batteries, and so you can take your old ones to them and let them take care of the rest of the process. They will have contacts who can melt down the plastic components (to be used for new plastic products) and turn the lead into new batteries.
Household batteries : It is a shame that these batteries, which are the most common type (used in children’s toys, clocks, torches, etc.), cannot really be used for anything else once they have run out, however, that does not mean that you should not take them to a battery recycling point. They need to be properly disposed of to avoid causing damage to the environment, and the only way that can happen is if the chemicals are drained from them before they are disposed of.
We still see electronic waste piling up at the dump although several medias reported about the problems made by wrongly disposing of obsolete or defective e-waste.
It does not make sense because a lot of the material: steel, glass, copper, aluminum, plastics and precious metals – can be recovered and be used again to make new items. Computers are being replaced more frequently than ever, cell phones are frequently breaking and electronic is now looked at as something that is disposable rather than a material possession. The average turn-around for upgrading a PC is shorter than two years in North America.
The gadgets are not always needed; it is not all about a real need but mostly because we just seem to appreciate having new stuff, with the latest gadgets and features. Electronic has become a fashion article that will not be wanted as soon as something that looks newer will come to the market.
Is there a motive for people not recycling their electronic equipment? Much noise has been made by associations like Greenpeace concerning the poor practices of some recycling companies outsourcing their recycling to Asian and African countries or simply exporting waste towards these countries. The message from Greenpeace has chocked many individuals and I think the result has not been quite what was to happen. Greenpeace demonstrated to the whole world how big quantities of hazardous material ends being wrongly recycled in China. So we can deduct that some individuals and organizations are holding on their material, unsure if it will ends in a proper place.
It is not a good idea to put our head under the sand and not recycling our e-waste at all. A few associations such as CARI-ACIR are there to verify that their members are going trough some rules such as avoiding exports to third world countries and not sending e-waste to landfills. All accredited companies are verified and customers can be insured of a proper recycling of their equipment when they send to one of their member.
Many people are still in the belief that they should get money returned to them for their electronic waste. Others think that a company could go bring up the electronic material, properly sort and separate it, unscrew the plastic pieces from the metal parts and pay North American salaries without asking for a cent to their customer. People have to understand that recycling obsolete computers only bring back a few cents per kg of material. Recyclers offering free pickups and free recycling are most probably doing something unethical if they are not financed directly by the government to do it. PC Recycle, a company started fifteen years ago still has to fight against unethical players in the field with no physical place, literally managing their business from a cell phone and a pickup truck. Those “recyclers†are saving what they can put back on the market and the remaining is most probably shipped to landfills even though the contrary is told to their clients. At least, nobody can verify because these false recyclers are not accredited by any organization.
Before choosing someone to recycle your electronic, check around and find who their competition is. If the company does a free recycling, it should raise a red flag. You should always verify that your recycler is part of an association. And make sure that your recycler is open to show you his recycling center: a clean recycling will happen from a recycler that is totally transparent in his operations.
What is a common feature between laptop computer bags, hair loss products, skin care treatment? The common feature is plastic. Plastic is extracted out of petroleum. Petroleum is extracted from the earth and taken to a refinery. The crude oil is refined into gasoline, LPG, ethane, butane, propane, naphthalene, tar, grease and other products.
The propane and ethane are cracked into propylene and ethylene at about 3000 degrees centigrade. A catalyst is combined in propylene and ethylene making what is known as fluff which is a powdery material which looks like washing detergent. The fluff is put into a blender other additives are added to it continuously. Now becomes a polymer where it is fed into an extruder and melted.
This melted plastic is cooled while making pellets in a pelletizer. These pellets are the plastic, which is shipped to the customers. The customers then mould the plastic through various processes of moulding by injection, blowing and extrusion. Plastic is considered as the greatest innovation of the 20th century and is used in all aspects of life.
Some desirable properties is its lightweight, does not rot rust, as it is light more bottles or packets can be transported thereby reducing transportation cost. It is believe the save natural resources, because sand to make glass is not removed off the beaches which is a home to many intertidal species endemic to the seashores only. Trees to make paper and cartons are saved, too.
The trees cut to make cartons and paper is saved. Inventors are working all over the world to make great gadgets like a television on a plastic sheet which folds away to make more space. Why is the use of plastics banned from various places even though it is a wonder material?
After domestic sewage and industrial waste, plastic is the most toxic anthropogenic pollutant. It remains in the environment for more than 700 years as there are decomposers to degrade it and is highly toxic.
Unless a plastic-eating bacteria is made like we have oil-slick eating bacteria. Since the onset of the manufacturing process, carcinogens like Vinyl chloride and benzene besides other chemicals are used like certain gases and hydrocarbons, which violate the atmosphere and the earth. Not only this, they slowly degrade even when food and drinks are contained in them and pollute and sicken our bodies. Reasons enough to avoid them.
You can’t escape the power of TV and the media, and there are many new things we learn about via the medium of ‘news’. One thing that has really got people talking is the news of artificial trees being used as a way to cut carbon emissions, with a potential 100,000 trees being ‘planted’ in a forest in the next 10-20 years.This is great news for environmentalists, as the carbon emissions will be significantly reduced.
As a nation, we are always using more environmentally-unfriendly products and the dangerous levels of carbon monoxide is damaging our planet. Doing something about it though is a different matter and not everyone is willing to make a change or even discuss potentially feasible options in reducing the carbon emissions. Artificial trees could be the answer through as it means people don’t have to change the way they live. The only thing they have to do is warm to the idea of artificial trees.
The question is though, would people buy artificial trees to put in their garden? Many homeowners will reject the idea because they feel it destroys the beauty and innocence of nature. On the other hand, there are some people that will love the idea of owning artificial trees as it means less garden maintenance, and we can all appreciate that. Lets not forget that we are all a part of the convenience culture and thus plastic artificial trees might be the perfect solution.
Artificial trees can serve a purpose for the homeowner as well as the environment, so its wins all round, right? Obviously, we don’t want tacky plastic trees, but there are artificial trees out there today that are very lifelike, just without the fuss. The environment is a concern for all of us, both now and in the future, so artificial trees could do something about it.
During the Second World War, resources were scarce and Governments ran big recycling campaigns to ensure nothing was wasted. Waste was segregated for the following uses:
- Tins and metal were collected for use in aircraft, tanks and weapons.
- Kitchen waste provided feed for chickens, pigs and goats and people would bring their scraps to communal bins.
- Rubber was recycled to make tires.
- Boiled bones were used to make glue for aircraft or turned into glycerin for explosives.
People were also encouraged to repair belongings, such as clothes, rather than buy new. Campaigns such as ‘Make Do & Mend’ gave advice on how to recycle textiles and make clothes last longer. As a result, knitting became very popular during the Second World War.
On war time rations, families had to plan meals carefully to ensure that food did not go to waste. Perishable food had to be bought in small quantities and substitutes had to be found for foods that were no longer available. Meat fat was commonly saved to make pastry, and the cream from milk was stored in a jar and shaken to make butter and buttermilk.
It is sad that it took people so long to recognize the importance of recycling, and also that it took such unfortunate circumstances to bring it to our attention. Nowadays, we know the importance of recycling to preserve the Earth’s resources and to reduce pollution.
However, we are still falling well below targets for diverting waste from landfill sites. The reasons for recycling are different now from what they were during the War, but we can still look to our grandparents and the older generations for tips and inspiration.
There are so many people out there that think that riding a bicycle is a bit like acting like you were in your early years again. Is this something that is true or are the people saying it being a bit childish themselves?
I can see their point in certain ways, some of the cycling clothing does look a bit out there and those cycling shoes look simply ridiculous on some of the people that wear them.
I have taken a look at their point and they are without doubt, wrong. It is very hard for me to understand how someone riding to work getting a nice bit of excercise and doing some good for the environment is acting like a child at all? It is also very true to say that people that think this way are very overweight, unable to ride or very arrogant people. They are the people that tend to drive to work in the morning whilst having a nice puff on a cigarette and tucking into a nice fast food morning meal. How nice does that sound!
Other Reasons People Associate Bikes With Children
The fact is that most people have not been on a bike since they were a very young child and it is one of the very first things they remember doing too. It is certainly one of the first things that a parent will teach their child to do other than potty training and helping them to walk and talk. Most adults do not remember the times in the nappies and one of the first memories to pop into the mind is those training wills.
On the other hand it is more than possible you had a bit of a fall when you were younger and have never really liked bikes since.
The real truth is that bikes are certainly not for kids and by riding one you are helping the environment and there are going to be more and more of them on the road soon.
Anyone can lead a more sustainable lifestyle with the right information and enough environment awareness; anyone can learn how to go green too. The grounds of any earth friendly initiative is the reduce, reuse and recycle effort. Even if you are not a tree-hugger, your daily actions can cultivate the decrease of pollution, the prevention of waste, the health improvement and the possibility to achieve financial savings.
How to go green? Well, it is first and foremost a matter of perception. Carefully analyze your daily habits, the peculiarities of your lifestyle and then see where you stand. You can even keep a closer track by using some ‘green journal’ for a week, and then come to a conclusion. From the foods you choose, the clothes you wear, the electronics you use to the car you drive, all express your attitude towards the environment.
Even if you haven’t so far looked for suggestions on how to go green, there may be things in your life that correspond to the eco trend. If you are eating organic food, recycling, using economic lights, then that’s the right track to stick to. In case you still need solutions for how to go green, here are a few tips about what you can do.
- Put a stop to food waste in your home. It is better to buy less than to throw food away.
- Try to avoid impulse buys and thus reducing the number of non-essential purchases.
- Read newspapers, magazines and even books in digital format in order to save paper.
- Limit the number of shopping errands.
- With a single drive tour, get everything you need.
- Keep an eye on vintage products, they make good alternative to new and expensive stuff.
- Do your best to reuse household items.
These are just a few general tips that may show you how to go green, but the truth is that more comprehensive information is available for more specialized fields. Check specialized web pages that can help you with detail information on a certain life area. Or read more about recycling solutions. As long as you are determined to adopt green living standards, there are many ways to get informed and ready for the change.
Some of the best thing about how to go green living, is by using eco-friendly pest control instead of using chemicals to get rid of pests from our environment. You can check out the reviews on squirrel pest control site, where you can get useful information on preventive pest control. Compared with all the other methods, using these pest control will be the safest and most convenient method.
Two of the most cited reasons for switching from the traditional light bulbs to environmental bulbs are mostly 1) saving the environment while 2) saving money. Since the fluorescent bulbs last up to ten times longer than the incandescent bulbs and generate less warmth, you do not have to replace them as often and the cost of air conditioning – especially in large offices – also declines. Another fact is that the environmental bulbs use only one-third of the energy usage of the traditional bulbs, which is good both for the Earth and also your pocket.
Except for running a MLS GTA agency, I’m always looking for ways to help my client’s lifestyle a bit more Earth-friendly. The selection of fluorescent light bulbs in the stores is very rich, and if you are not an experienced buyer, you might get a little puzzled while standing in front of the shelves. In order to help you choose while shopping for light bulbs, we have summed up some easy guidelines for you.
The right bulb
These bulbs come in all shapes and sizes so the best idea is to bring the traditional bulb you wish to change to the store and compare it with the available environmental bulbs. When using the fluorescent bulbs, check the wattage – the new bulbs use up only one quarter of the energy needed by the traditional ones (60 watt traditional bulb = 15 watt environmental bulb). If you need a bulb for a dimmer light, make sure your new bulb works in these – it should be mentioned on the label.
The right place
Think about the place where you are going to use the new bulb – if it is too warm with no or little air circulation, the fluorescent bulb won’t be a good choice here (for example in recessed ceiling fixtures). The bulb takes anything between one and three minutes to light up and doesn’t like to be switched on and off often. Thus the best places for an environmental bulb are those where you don’t need to turn the light on and off too much and it can stay on for the minimum of 15 minutes, so that the light bulb can work properly and lasts longer.
The right light
After your light bulb has served you its time, you should always recycle it at your local recycling spot. Be very careful if you smash an environmental bulb. There is some mercury in it, which is a poisonous heavy-metal. Do not try to clean it with a vacuum cleaner. You also shouldn’t touch it with bare hands. Instead, try to sweep the mercury bits with a piece of carton paper. Pick up smaller bits with sticky tape and wipe the affected space with a damp cloth. Open the window for at least 15 minutes to avoid mercury exposure.
During this economic crisis and continued global warming, the need for sustainable development has become a now issue instead of a later issue. Both private and government entities (including the EPA ) have come up with programs and products that promote “green” production and consumption. These environment-friendly practices are now being used in numerous firms and industries.
But what about our humble abodes? Are our homes as "anti global waming" as they should be? Continued efforts to sustain the environment should first and foremost be undertaken under our own roof. These can be done with the use of products that consume less energy and other resources. Over time, the use of these products can result not only in savings but also in the reduction of waste and materials harmful to our homes and the environment.
Here’s a quick list of 10 items I’ve discovered that can make a world of a difference.
1.Heat-energy recovery system
· Sensible Heat Energy Recovery System (SHERS) uses heat generated from an air-conditioner or refrigerator to heat water. Payback period is anywhere from six months to two years
2.The Eco Bio Block
· Made of volcanic stones and beneficial bacteria, is used to purify water in home aquariums, water tanks and big bodies of water such as ponds, lakes and marshes. When placed in aquariums for the home, there is no need to filter, clean or change water for a period of one to three years.
3.Biowash ball
· Washing clothes without using a detergent may seem strange. Introducing the Anabess biowash ball, it’s made of natural ceramics & alters the chemical composition of the water so it can wash clothes more effectively without liquid detergent. It should last over 3 years. Think of the savings in wear & tear on the car from running to the store for more detergent.
4.Air-con with inverter technology
· The Panasonic Envio series of air-conditioners makes use of an “inverter technology” that changes compressor operation speed to match a changing room temperature and adjust power output accordingly, which leads to reduced energy consumption of up to 50 percent, while product only costs about 14% more than the average AC. The payback period may be expected in about seven months..
5.Low Flow faucets
· Moen has heeded the call for water conservation by coming up with WaterSense-certified bathroom faucets. With the help of new aerator technology these Moen faucets use 30% less water than other models but still feel just as powerful on your hands.
6.Compact fluorescent lamp
· Much has been said about the efficiency of compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs. They last about 5x longer than incandescent lamps and consume 80 percent less energy with the same level of brightness. Companies such as Purely Products even carry CFLs that double as ionizers for the room, eliminating the need for an unsightly ionizer on the floor.
7.Reusable shopping bags
· The impact of just one person changing to reusable bags over a two-year period is significant. Used twice a week for two years a consumer would save 832 plastic bags from going in a landfill.
8.Biodegradable Cellulose Sandwich bags
· Typical plastic bags are derived from petroleum and take well over a lifespan to decompose. These biodegrade in 30 to 90 days in soil BUT actually keep food lasting longer, unlike plastic, they don’t release gases which spoil food taste.
9.Smart Surge Protector
· Green Home introduced a smart surge protector. The power strip can ‘sense’ the flow of electrical current through the strip’s control outlet. The Smart Strip can fully power off selected items when not in use with this patent pending unique feature!
A small electronic device inside the Smart Strip monitors the current on a single outlet. Let’s say the computer is plugged into that single outlet. When your computer is finished shutting down, the current draw from the computer drops to its idle current — and the Smart Strip senses the current change, automatically shutting off all of the computer peripherals.
The Smart Strip Power Strip is the only surge protector on the market today with energy saving electronics. The 10 outlet surge protector version has 1 Control Outlet, 3 Constant Hot Outlets, and 6 Switched Outlets.
10.Compostable Trash Bags
· These BioBags are made from GMO free starch and are 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable.
Now that you know about these products start using them daily. We each can do our part by changing our daily routines just slightly.
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