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Investing in energy efficiency projects is good for everyone. Unfortunately, high upfront costs have historically prevented large entities and low-income customers from addressing energy inefficiencies. One innovative new workaround is something called on-bill financing. In this model...
Today, innovations in both technology and financing are making it increasingly easy for you to install solar panels on your home. Essentially, as long as you have a sunny roof, and live in a state that believes in solar politically, you can install solar today. Not only can you reduce...
Have you ever opened your mailbox only to see a pile of unwanted catalogs and just thrown it out in disgust? Ever realized later that your utility bill was in there as well? Or maybe a letter from your grandmother? Well, it’s time to stop getting what frustrates you, and start reading...
Why Sip Organic Beer and Wine? While we all enjoy our glass of wine or bottle of beer, the cultivation of the fruits and grains of our leisure can be quite harmful to the planet. Grapes are one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the United States. The heavy use of pesticides leads to...
Paper bags take up more space in the landfill and remove more trees from the planet, adding to deforestation problems. Plastic bags expend greater energy in their production and are derived from oil, i.e. they are a petroleum product. Biodegradable bags combine the worst of these...
Complaining about being stuck in the office all day? Well, here’s something that you can do to get you outside and reconnect with the outdoor world. Over the last few years many of us have rediscovered our inner desire to not only reconnect with the outdoor world, but reinvest in...
Join a CSA! A community supported agriculture operation (CSA) is a local farm funded by community members. In return for their patronage, members receive a share of the farm's harvest - typically in the form of a weekly produce box. CSAs offer a convenient way to eat local, organic...
Organic typically refers to foods that are grown with a respect for their surrounding environment. We could spend all day debating the technical differences in organic labeling (and we probably should), but that is for another day. The essence of organic is that plants are grown without...
With gas prices constantly on the rise, carpooling is a great way to mitigate the costs. Find people in your area who have a commute similar to yours and start reaping the benefits! Carpooling enables you to save money, reduce CO2 emissions, and decrease traffic congestion. Having trouble...
As the old saying goes: reduce, reuse, and recycle! And in that order too. Newspaper makes up the majority of the space in my recycling bin, and last week as I carried all that newspaper out to the recycling center, I realized that I should try to figure out a way to reuse...
How about starting a waste diversion program at your work or school? Greeniacs recently published a guide to community recycling that provides a great overview of aspects to take into consideration when establishing a recycling program. This guide got many of our readers wanting...
I love the green, blue, and white glass that wine bottles are made of. And after a bit of research, I found that there are loads of projects I can do to utilize wine bottles long after I’ve taken my last sip of their contents. Let’s start upcycling our wine bottles!
A waste audit will ensure that your new waste management system is optimized for success, allowing it to be as efficient and as user-friendly as possible. With a well-oiled system in place, you will allow all the users of your building to participate and contribute to a greener..
First, let’s establish that birds are awesome! Second, let’s establish that birding isn’t just for the retired folks anymore. You don’t have to be on the hunt for your lifelist to enjoy watching birds. With these simple tricks, you should have enough structure to head out...
25 Energy Saving Tips Under $25! With energy prices on the rise, heating your home and running your appliances are costing more than ever. As this list of the top 25 energy saving tips under $25 demonstrates, there are many ways to cut down on your energy costs and reduce...
Why make a cover for your iPod, iPhone, or MP3 player? So it looks awesome! And there’s the whole not getting scratched thing. These days, everybody has one of those colored plastic iPhone covers. Why not find your inner creativity, be interesting, and make people think twice about...
The problem a lot of people have with trying to make their home or apartment more energy-efficient is that energy efficiency is deadly boring. As a municipal energy management consultant, I know how quickly eyes start to glaze over when I start talking about heating systems...
Do you enjoy fresh herbs and greens but just lack the yard space to grow anything? I found myself in this position as a college student two years ago—a gravel front yard without any protection from stray animals or people, and a real desire to grow some food. While toying with...
Dogs don't care about how much money you spend on their favorite bed or toy. They just want to eat, sleep, poop, play, and be loved! You can go to a pet store and spend hundreds of dollars on supplies for your new pup, or you can make many of them for free in a matter of...
There are a variety of harmful chemicals used in the production of beauty products. When thinking about your makeup and other skin and hair care choices, it is also important to make note of the expiration date. It is easy to get lazy and keep using old mascara rather than going out and buying a new and fresh bottle. However, when these products get...
Plastic shopping bags and disposable water bottles are so 2008. Chances are, you've already given them up in favor of cloth bags and a stainless steel water bottle—if you haven't, what are you waiting for?! But, if your home looks anything like mine, you have a good deal of plastic products lying around. I brush my teeth with a plastic toothbrush...
During a yoga class, at the dinner table, or in the bedroom, a burning candle always sets the right mood. A handcrafted candle sets an even better mood! This guide shows you how to make four different types of beeswax...
Something is wrong with your laptop. It's slow. It crashes. It won't open your files. It's hot. The battery is broken. It's ugly. At this point, you'd rather fork over a grand for a new laptop than deal with this technological nightmare. Not so fast! Most laptop issues are fixable in an hour or two. And no, you don't have to be a computer science...
In Machu Picchu, San Francisco, the Jersey Shore, and even in Jerusalem or Vatican City, there's that same stand of cheap, plastic souvenirs. Who would ever buy that sad snowglobe made in China, that harmonica with the name of the city printed on crookedly, or that $20 T-shirt that feels scratchy? I have a suspicion that we all do buy...
We hit the gym to do our bodies good, but what about doing good for the environment? With their bright lights, plastic machines, and humming motors, most gyms aren't so ecofriendly. By joining a green gym and evaluating your personal gym habits, you'll feel even better about your workout...
Looking for a solid-wood dresser, a beach read, or a baby's first playsuit? I know just the place… at a local yard sale or flea market you can score second hand goods for a fraction of department-store prices! In fact, Americans love buying used almost as much as we love buying new In fact, the United States is home to the world's longest yard sale...
Whether you live with your family, best friends, acquaintances, or people from the classifieds, roommates can be difficult to get along with from time to time. I've shared tight spaces with a roomie who despised fans and open windows in the heat of summer, another who always left the kitchen compost open and smelling, then another who blasted music...
Car washes can be so much fun, but they can also be a huge drain on the environment! In many American neighborhoods, soap suds, bikinis, sunshine, radio jingles, and dancing water hoses are a summertime tradition. But what we now know is that washing your car—either at home or at a commercial car wash—has significant environmental consequences. So...
You don't have to rev up a motor to enjoy a day on the water. Paddle in a kayak or sail in the wind! Row your boat down the stream... and you won't have to renew that gym membership. All this being considered, that's not to say you should abandon your motor boat right away. Forsaken boats, which are becoming more commonplace during the economic...
Air conditioners (ACs) are energy suckers. They use 16% of total home energy in the United States. In warm areas, AC units can account for up to 70% of electric bills during the summer months! This summer, challenge yourself to keep cool while minimizing your AC ...
Interested in a recycling project with a great community-focused result? How about making a cob bench out of used plastic bottles! I live in cooperative housing on my University’s campus, where students live and learn together to promote sustainable living. Our on-campus sister community known as the “Domes,” recently garnered community...
In the heat of summer, the beach is a shimmering paradise that few of us can resist. Once we finally get there—kicking off our flip-flops, running for the cool waves ahead—what we tend to forget is that this paradise is in no way eternal. Beaches are prone to pollution, erosion, and habitat loss. How we treat them matters. Before you hit the sand...
I've always been the creative type—the one who stuck her fists and feet in finger paints, licked her coloring book pages, and glued and smeared away the afternoons. As an adult, I still paint simply because I like watching the colors swirl and run. As that curious and messy child, I assumed that art supplies were made of rainbows and fairy dust...
You are thinking about creating your own website, so how do you make it sustainable? The internet runs on energy, lots of it, and most of this is nonrenewable energy. As you read this, your computer is accessing and processing data, your monitor is displaying that data to you, and some far-away server is hosting all the files that comprise this website...
Credit cards are flashy and plasticky. They're issued by megabanks. They stand in for dollar signs. They rarely appear in the same sentence as “conservation” or “Mother Earth.” However, it doesn't have to be that way. When your card supports the right products and causes, it can be even greener than your paper Benjamin...
When we were children, treehouses enthralled us. Whether real or imagined, they were magical places that were hidden from chores, adults, and schoolwork. As adults, many of us still dream of a little escape from our grounded, fast-paced lifestyles. Some build a treehouse to reconnect with their children, and others build it to reconnect with themselves—to...
Whether you spend most of your time in an office environment, live in an apartment complex or condo association, or are concerned with how green your school is, there was never a better time to get involved and start up a recycling program for your community! This is a great way to bring the community together for a common goal, while...
Old tires are easy to come by. The United States alone generates about 300 million scrap tires per year. That's about one tire for every resident! In 1990, only 17% of scrap tires were reused, retreaded, or recycled in the United States. Fortunately, that figure rose to over 80% in 2003. Today, about 45% of scrap tires are used as fuel, and about...
Eating outside over an open flame, together—it is a simple pleasure that humans have shared for millennia. As the evenings grow longer and warmer, many of us will roll out our grills. But before we do, let's consider the environmental impacts of a barbecue. Not all traditional...
Thinking about building your own “Earthship,” or since the Earthship is a trademarked product, I should say your own passive solar home made out of tires?! What you want is a completely self-sufficient structure, made from recycled and sustainable materials that will allow you to live “off the grid” as much as possible. Well, let’s build...
To make a picnic is to share good food, good company, and sunshine, all during one beautiful afternoon, or even just an hour! As the days warm, many of us will soon plan our own picnics—big picnics with coworkers, loud picnics with family, and intimate picnics with a special someone. Unfortunately, a picnic can easily turn trashy. When garbage...
Ever hear that you shouldn't scratch your pan? Ever wonder why your grandmother's pan lasted for centuries, and why yours only lasted a few years? When it comes to cooking and baking tools, we have more options than the big-box stores would like us to know about. Let’s talk about Sustainable Cookware and Bakeware—how to properly use and clean your...
A farmers market is often loud, crowded, and filled with an astonishing variety of fruits, veggies, and faces. All of that can intimidate a newbie. And there are a lot of newbies out there—sales by farmers to household consumers rose 49% from 2002 to 2007! Here are some tips on how to make your trip to the farmers market more manageable...
The environment isn't doing so well. Society needs to change. You are part of society. You know that you need to be the change. You're also a college student with about a zillion million other commitments. Yeah, sure, you want to be an activist, but where do you even begin? Here are some tips on How to Be a College Activist!
The snow is melting, the ground is thawing, and the birds are singing with gusto—Spring is finally here! It is time to get into spring cleaning mode Let’s open up our cluttered closets and ask: Do I really need all this stuff? Then let's look ahead to next year's spring cleaning and make a resolution to always ask: Do I really need that new thing?...
Green Meals… You don't have to be vegan to eat sustainably! When people think of eating ‘green’ they usually think of eating only vegetables such as broccoli and brussel sprouts, which are not necessarily tasteless, but turn a large majority of the population off from eating healthier and greener. What most people do not realize is that you do not...
Have you ever noticed how many chemicals are in your toothpaste? Before big toothpaste manufacturing existed, people used baking soda and salt to cleanse their teeth or even just pure water. Today there are many chemicals added to enhance taste and to make your mouth feel “fresh” and minty, or to make them whiter (allegedly…)! Fluoride compounds...
Are your closets driving you crazy? Staying organized saves time and frustration, but did you think about how it could also help the environment. By knowing what you have and where you have it, you won't buy the same stuff twice, thus conserving natural resources. By getting your belongings off the floor and into storage, you'll save space...
Have you heard that antiperspirant deodorant is bad for you? This is certainly news to me! The bad components in antiperspirants are the aluminum compounds. There have been links to Alzheimer’s Disease and cancer from these aluminum compounds, which get into your body through the pores in your armpits. So what should we do about it? The best thing...
Winter is the season of sledding, snow angels, snowmen, and little snowflakes that cling to knitted things. Unfortunately, it's also the season of slippery sidewalks, snowed-in vehicles, and icy frustrations. To make matters worse, the conventional tools of snow removal—namely, salt and snowblowers—harm the environment. Fortunately, there are some...
Ten percent of all trees are threatened with extinction. Learning more about nature will inspire you to protect it. There's a difference between cutting down a tree and cutting down a pin oak tree, whose acorns you and your friends played with last autumn...
Sun jars make fabulous gifts for your loved ones, whether for this holiday season or throughout the year! The sun jar was first designed by Tobias Wong from the United Kingdom and sells for about thirty dollars, but you can make your own sun jar at home for much less depending on what items you have lying around your house! So, what is a sun jar? A sun jar stores...
Knitting — the process of turning Earth into the clothes on our backs—is one of the oldest crafts in the world. For many, it’s a meditation, an act that frees one to measure life in needle clinks rather than minutes. And like all forms of meditations, it brings us closer to ourselves and to the natural world around us. Unfortunately, this...
Did you know that a significant portion of your energy bill is caused by your kitchen refrigerator system? It comes in right after your air conditioner expenses at 13.7%! Moreover, many of the fluorine gases—which account for 17% of the planet’s global warming impact—come from the hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in our modern refrigeration...
Cycling isn’t just for kids and spandex-clad athletes anymore. With more communities devoting dollars to bike-friendly infrastructure, bicycles are now a reliable mode of transportation for any Joe or Jane. That’s good news for Mother Nature! 72% of all car rides made in the United States are less than three miles in distance...
Washing machines can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars a year to run depending on your washing machine type, whether or not you use hot, warm, or cold water, your energy company’s prices, water company’s prices, and the number of loads you run per week! Most significantly, roughly ninety percent of the energy used by washing machines...
Are your earbuds and headphones just not cutting it anymore for you and your rock-outs? Instead of at least twenty bucks on a decent set of speakers, consider making your own using the materials you probably already have around your house. Read here to find a variety of ideas for constructing your own speakers that will use less energy than...
Halloween is one of the most popular, and at the same time, most wasteful holidays in the world. All the waste generated on this spooktacular day is quite scary for Mother Nature indeed. Looking for a great time while being conscious of our environmental health? Well, read on!...
Make your own organic baby food at home! Proper nutrition, eating habits, and palate are important at all stages of life. As adults, we have access to fresh food year round, farmers markets, local growers, organic food stores, and so on. However, every year parents in the United States spend up to $3.9 billion on processed baby foods. Many...
Whether you visit faraway relatives, go on a business trip, or take a vacation, almost everyone needs to travel a long distance at least once in their life. Any sort of travel has an environmental impact, but you can take a few simple steps to help reduce the environmental impact of your travels. You’ll be helping the environment, your wallet...
Your house could be filled with one of these six common household toxins—Radon, Ozone, Toxic Dust, Lead, Formaldehyde, and Asbestos—and you might not even realize that they’re there. Fortunately, you don’t have to just sit back and worry. Why not take action and make your home a little cleaner and environmentally friendly...
Despite all of the safety claims regarding industrial soap, no one really knows what effect the myriad of chemicals will have on the environment. One study by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that about 75% of the main chemicals in antibacterial soap are passed through wastewater filtering to be later used to fertilize...
Why Make a Cover for Your Cell Phone, iPod, or MP3 Player? Reusing old clothing fabric or plastic bottles to make a cover for your MP3 player or phone may seem more like an arts and crafts project than an environmentally friendly action, but it can be quite helpful for the planet. Making your own cover instead purchasing one saves resources...
Going to the farmers market is a fun and exciting way to shop for fresh and healthy foods. You get to personally talk to farmers, try a lot more varieties of fruits and vegetables than your typical grocery store carries, and more directly support the local economy. Plus, you lower your carbon footprint by eating locally and reducing your food miles!...
Canning food at home is a way to preserve nutritious, wholesome food without harmful amounts of preservatives, additives, and chemicals found in commercially canned food. Home canned food can sometimes be even more nutritious than produce bought at the grocery store. That's because fruits and vegetables continually lose nutrients after they...
The papermaking industry in the United States has been deemed one of the worst air, land, and water polluters in the country. The process introduces around 212 million tons of hazardous substances into air and water supplies. Well-known dangerous toxins like organochlorines, toluene, methanol, formaldehyde, and hydrochloric acid are among those substances that the...
Air conditioning filters have a dual-purpose. They keep both the air and the unit's component parts clean. If the filter is not cleaned or replaced regularly, the effectiveness of your air conditioner can be significantly reduced. A unit operating at a sub-optimal level requires more energy to perform its function. Additionally, poorly...
Living in the age of iPods, hybrid vehicles, and high-speed wireless internet, many people find the idea of hang-drying clothes ludicrous. With all the technology available, including high efficiency dryers, why would one even fancy the idea of using a clothesline? Don't be so quick to dismiss the ancient apparatus. By using a clothesline...
A motion-sensing light is one that is activated by a motion sensor rather than by a conventional light switch. A motion-sensor can either replace conventional light switches or be placed onto an existing lighting fixture. While motion-sensing lights are normally associated with outdoor lighting applications, they are becoming increasingly...
Why bother reusing water when it is so abundant? Despite the fact that the earth consists of 70% water, only 2.5% of it is freshwater and only 0.3% of that freshwater is readily available to us. According to UNESCO, by 2050 it is probable that 1 in 4 people will live in a country that experiences freshwater shortages. In the U.S. alone...
Hair products, like most cosmetic products, contain hundreds of chemicals that can pose a threat to your health and the environment. Many of the ingredients and chemicals found in these products are made from petrochemicals (originating from crude oil). The chemicals run into our waterways, absorb in our skin, and add to our landfills...
With fashion trends forever in flux, the shoe industry is booming and the life expectancy of shoes is shriveling. In the span of fourteen years, worldwide shoe production increased 70 percent, reaching 17 billion in 2004. Many of these shoes end up finding a home in landfills when their trendiness expires. In the UK, 100 million pairs of shoes...
Making a solar powered fan is one of the easiest and simplest solar projects out there. Solar powered fans are also very portable and useful items, especially during the summer. Here’s your guide to building your own solar powered fan! A solar powered fan is a great way to keep you cool wherever there’s a lot of light. Air conditioning can consume...
Every year, 500 billion new plastic bags are consumed around the world. On average, that means a million bags are used every minute. Unfortunately, only 1%-3% of that amount actually gets recycled, meaning most of that plastic goes right into landfills or into the environment.You could help fight this terrible plastic-filled landfill trend...
Few, if any, electric vehicles sold today can ride on the road, but you could be one of the first people on your block to get one! How? You can actually convert your own gas-powered motorcycle to an electric vehicle! It’s certainly an involved project, but if you’re up to the task, it’s worth the rewards. Here’s a guide to converting your existing gas-powered motorcycle to an electric-powered bike!
Here’s a guide to building a toilet lid sink! Before the water gets used for flushing the toilet, why not use the water to wash your hands? By installing a sink on top of your toilet, you can create a mini-wastewater system to flush your toilet with the water that goes down the sink drain. Even better, it has benefits for the environment...
A lot of gardeners own a greenhouse because they’re great for their plants. Of course, not everyone can afford the big greenhouses that professionals maintain. For the novice or amateur gardener with only a few rows of plants, try building your own mini-greenhouse! It’s good for your plants, good for the environment, and good for...
If you love gardens but hate gardening, there’s a perfect solution for you. And, it also happens to be very eco-friendly. What is this magical solution? It’s a rainwater catchment planter, or a self-watering plant container that harvests rainwater and uses it to water your plants. It works using a combination of gravity, toilet valves, and...
Using a stationary bike is good exercise, but wouldn’t it be much cooler if you made it generate free electricity for you? Converting your old bike into a bicycle generator is great for the environment, beneficial for your health, and protects your peace of mind.
Eating seasonally is a simple and delicious way to help the environment and your health. How do you do it? Remember which foods are in season, check the labels to make sure the food you're buying is from a relatively similar region, then buy and enjoy your food. As simple as it is, it's got a lot of benefits: it helps the environment, it's...
Did you know that on average, 20% of toilets leak? Even if you don't hear a leak, that doesn't mean your toilet isn't leaking. Silent toilet leaks can waste up to 500 gallons a day. Why not check out your toilet to make sure that it's working properly? It's good for the environment, your wallet, and your sanity...
You might be doing all the right environmental actions through volunteering, consumer choices, and eco-friendly habits. But what are you doing with all the money you've saved up? A great way to be pro-actively environmentalist with your money is to invest it with green businesses...
As the days become shorter and the nights become colder, we know that winter is near. Depending on what part of the country you live, the winter months may also be the most expensive time of year. Heating and cooling systems account for almost half of the total annual cost of home utility bills, and during the colder months, a large...
Right now, wind energy is the fastest growing energy resource in the world. Wind energy is quickly becoming so affordable and accessible that you could start your own wind farm. That thought may have never crossed your mind... However, if you own land in a windy, rural area, there's a good chance that your land could be generating a lot...
In order to make most furniture, companies need to use a great deal of energy and extract a lot of natural resources. The high carbon cost of transporting heavy, bulky items contributes directly to global warming, while the deforestation means a decrease in both carbon sinks and biodiversity. Eco-furniture minimizes the materials and...
Skin care products contribute to the thousands of chemicals washed down the drain. These disrupt aquatic ecosystems, seep into the soil, contaminate farms, and contribute to cancer and infertility among populations of marine life and wildlife...
In general, water heating accounts for 13% of your home utility bill. Most homes maintain their hot water heaters at a pre-set temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much higher than needed. By lowering your water heater to around 120°F, you can cut down the cost of your utility bill and enjoy some other unexpected benefits...
To ensure that you are getting the most out of each wash, start by only doing laundry when you have enough clothes to make a full load. Put very simply, if each time you did laundry you only did half loads, you would essentially be using double the amount of energy and water. That means that you and the environment will always be paying...
Honeybees are a crucial part of our natural world. Not only do they produce honey and beeswax, but also they are responsible for the pollination of thousands of cash crops and various other species of plants. Sadly, bee populations are on the decline. According to an article in the New York Times, “The bee losses are ranging from 30...
For whatever reason, lawns have long been a staple of American suburban life. Lawns cover about 40.5 million acres of the country. We spend about $30 billion maintaining lawns every year. 30-60% of residential water bills are because of our lawns. We use 3 million tons of fertilizer and over 30 thousand tons of synthetic pesticides eac...
Yes, you can build your own air conditioner that is eco-friendly and wallet-friendly! I would like to thank my good friend Black Khachatoorian, who is the sole genius behind this creation. He allowed me access to 100% of his design, techniques, and list of materials, so that I could share his handiwork in an effort to decrease national energy...
During the warmest seasons of the year you will be able to cook your food with zero excess green house gas emissions. And when the summer months come around, you will be grateful that your BBQ will still host delicious summer-time cook outs, without contributing to an even hotter summer next year. For those of you who live in climates...
Mosquito season is never an enjoyable time of the year. If you are a pet owner, mosquitoes pose more of a problem than just their itchy bites. Mosquitoes can carry heartworm, a parasitic worm that can infect your dog or cat. An infected mosquito that bites your pet can transfer the larvae to the animal’s tissues. The larvae will then travel...
If life gives you a large plastic barrel, why not make a chair? A chair made out of a plastic bucket may not sound that appealing, but if you have the right equipment to shape and mold the bucket in a certain way, it can look great and feel nice. It has arm rests, back support, and the capacity to hold a lot of weight. Plus, you'll...
Solar energy is one of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment. However, not everyone wants to make the commitment or pay the high cost of the larger, pre-built solar panels. Fortunately, you can actually build your own small solar panel, which will help the environment, your wallet, and your brain...
Tis’ the season for fleas! The warmer months of the year can be a bittersweet time if you have pets. As much as you and your pet may love the longer, warmer days outside, it often comes with some discomfort. Fleas love the spring and summer and their abundance during the warmer months may cause a lot of itching and stress. They thrive...
The amount of waste our country produces is outstanding. We are accumulating, on average, 2 to 5 lbs of waste per person per day. Fortunately, recycling is on the rise. Our country recycles 32% of its waste, compared to only 5% in 1970. At this point, our country harbors 9,700 curbside recycling programs and about 12,000 drop-off centers...
If you've got a manual thermostat, it's the time to switch to a programmable thermostat. This simple technology can make a huge impact in your life. Once you install it, you won't know how you lived without it. They're great for the environment, save you time and effort, and can lower your electricity bill...
Taking a more eco-friendly approach to the world does not have to stop at you. If you are a pet owner, there are several steps that you can take to help reduce your pets’ carbon footprint and make their experience in the world a little greener. The Humane Society of the United States predicts that there are 74.8 million owned dogs and 88.3...
Marathons are one of the most strenuous events known to man, and not just for the runner who must speed—or trudge, depending—through 26 miles on foot, but also for the event staff. Think about what it takes to put on a race: first, tons of volunteers filled with alacrity for handing out water or sports drink constantly; event tents to...
Whether it's winter or summer, you want your home to retain as much heat or cool air, respectively, as possible, so you can comfortably stay at a nice temperature without having to blast your heater or air conditioner. When you insulate your home, you can do just that...
Many environmentalists and nature enthusiasts dream of having zero-waste systems. A zero-waste system is exactly what it sounds like: a system in which every material is useful, and nothing at all is thrown away. Starting in the 1970s, with the advent of composting toilets, people began to realize that even human waste need not be regarded...
If you want your diet to reflect your environmentalist ideals, becoming a locavore is one great way to do it! A locavore is a person who tries to eat only locally grown foods. However, there is no strict definition of what “local” means, so you have the opportunity to develop a definition of what you consider to be local for yourself. Many...
Our parks, forests, beaches, and protected wilderness areas are national treasures for us to enjoy. Henry David Thoreau once said, “In wilderness is the preservation of the world.” Spending time outdoors is a unique way to support and savor our pristine natural areas. However, during camping season, the great outdoors can suffer from a...
Everyone likes a good party, but everyone likes a party more if its eco-friendly. Unless, of course, you are a child, then you probably just like parties regardless of their carbon footprint. If you have a little one of your own you are entirely aware that parties are a kind of crowning social achievement, so obviously they must be...
Gardens can make any yard both beautiful and intricate while providing you with a healthy, outdoor hobby. But just because you're growing your own vegetables doesn't mean your being environmentally-friendly about it. Implementing used water, homemade compost, and native plants can make your backyard a healthful place with a kick of...
Grey water (used water) is okay to use for plants and it reduces water waste a ton. However, there are a few exceptions: Experts advise not to use grey water on seedlings, use once the plant is established and less sensitive. Also, avoid using it on root plants that are eaten raw, such as carrots.9 And, since used water often...
Many people have switched their daily diets to include natural or organic products. This trend can translate to your furry friends as well! Feeding your pet a natural or organic diet has countless benefits but can tend to get expensive once you discover all of the delicious options available now at stores. A good solution to...
You may not have heard of them before, but tankless water heaters are the most common type of water heater in Europe and Asia. By contrast, in the US, the most common type of water heater is the storage tank water heater. Although they are still quite rare, tankless water heaters are slowly gaining popularity in the US. Why? It's because...
Every Christmas, we use trees as decoration for only a few weeks out of the year. Two of the most popular options, farmed trees and artificial trees, have some harmful consequences for the environment. However, many eco-friendly alternatives exist, like living Christmas trees, which minimize these effects. Choosing alternatives to farmed...
Non-toxic pesticides may sound like an oxymoron, but they are becoming more and more popular, as seen in the boom of organic foods. Although most pesticides, by definition, must be toxic to the targeted pests, non-toxic pesticides minimize the effect that the pesticide has on the rest of the environment. Non-toxic pesticides have benefits...
In 2003 the United Nations reported that over half of the global population would live without enough water, and five years later in 2008 some of this prediction proved to be true. Indian farmers were lacking ample groundwater to grow their crops and East Africa experienced battles due to insufficient water supplies. Whether you are a...
If you like the idea of a cob oven, but aren't willing to make such a large commitment to natural cooking, solar ovens are the way to go! Building a solar oven is a simple and cheap way to help save the environment. While many people like to use solar cookers on the road when they don't have access to electricity, you can actually use the...
Green Health Care is a new idea entering into the mainstream healthcare industry that works to improve the health of humans and the environment. Traditionally, naturopathic medicine can be considered one of the “greenest” options for health care. It is a complementary and alternative medicine that emphasizes the body's intrinsic ability to...
Eating sustainable seafood is an easy way to help support the environment just by choosing wisely. Sustainable seafood is that which comes from places that do not harm the long-term survival of fish species and their ecosystems. It has benefits for the environment, your health, and the world's poor...
While a lot of people have heard about the benefits of Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs), not as many have heard about or are as familiar with many have heard about Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). If you are not as familiar with CFLs, or you would just like a quick brush-up, you can read the GreeniacsGuide on CFLs...
Having trees around your house can reduce your utility bills by up to 12%! Trees shade your house on sunny days and block wind on stormy days saving you money on both your heating and cooling expenses. In addition, a mature tree can be valued at upwards of $10,000 and having trees around your property increases its value an average of 10%...
From their contents to packaging, cosmetics have quite an impact on the environment. Many cosmetics consist of synthetic chemicals that are harmful to your skin and the environment. Additionally, many people suffer allergic reactions to these synthetic compounds used by the cosmetic industry. The excessive packaging of many...
Despite all of the safety claims regarding industrial soap, no one really knows what effect the myriad of chemicals will have on the environment. One study by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that about 75% of the main chemicals in antibacterial soap are passed through wastewater filtering to be later used to detailed...
Freshwater ecosystems are the most diverse ecosystems (around 12% of all animal species live in fresh water), yet they are also the most threatened. On top of that, with dwindling water supplies, imagine how many other animals in nature will have to compete with humans for access to freshwater! As water supplies continue to dwindle...
The personal vehicle revolutionized transportation, but it was a step in the wrong direction for environmental stewardship. Today, more than half a billion cars travel on roads worldwide and the number is expected to double within the next twenty years. With the average car releasing more than six tons of CO2 annually, transportation is a...
In truth, the essential components of an ecologically-mindful day trip, or an eco-day trip, need not differ too greatly from the essential components of an environmentalist's daily practices. Seeking to minimize the impact of one's travel, looking to support the local economy, and taking the time to plan well and to Leave No Trace are...
Tired of spending a small fortune at the gas pump? Hate rush hour traffic? Want to get into shape? If one or more of these things describes you, then you might want to consider commuting by bicycle to work. In addition to saving money, time, and traffic angst, cycling is greenhouse gas emissions free, leaving you with a clean conscience and...
Imagine moving your baking projects outdoors. Imagine constructing your own oven out of natural materials in the same way people have for centuries. Imagine increasing your level of self-sufficiency by decreasing your use of fossil fuels in baking. Best of all, imagine a project that your whole family, group of friends, or neighborhood can...
Ecotourism, or sustainable tourism, is a developing trend focused on environmental conservation and the welfare of host cultures. It promotes sustainable travel that will help preserve natural settings for the enjoyment of future visitors. This means making responsible travel choices that will benefit the places visited...
Plastic is everywhere. It is widely used to store our everyday use of foods and beverages. As we may have become accustomed to the convenience, durability, and accessibility of plastic, it is important to use it responsibly. Most plastic products are made from petroleum (a non-renewable resource) and create a large volume of waste in our...
It may be a surprise that a widely used substance such as paint, whether it be for interior or exterior use, can pose a threat to human health and the environment. The culprit: conventional paints containing high levels of volatile organic compounds. VOCs are carbon-based organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures under...
Car sharing is a very practical option for those who do not use their cars on a daily basis. Members of car share organizations can use the cars simply by making a reservation online or on the phone. The cars can be rented at a daily or an hourly rate. Insurance, gas, and maintenance are all included in the fee. Car shares offer a variety...
Libraries are great, but sometimes I want to keep a book, or write in it, or find an obscure book my library does not have. Or perhaps you do not live near a big library. Buying new books can be fun, but sometimes you just want to read a book and then read another and another, without amassing a huge collection. Trading books gives you...
A compact fluorescent light bulb is an energy efficient alternative for your conventional incandescent bulb. If every American changed just one light bulb in their home to an Energy Star certified compact fluorescent bulb, we would save enough energy to light three million homes for a year. This same action would also eliminate greenhouse...
A home recycling station is a sorting system for recyclables. Even though recycling is one of the easiest things to do, at times we neglect to do it simply out of sheer laziness. When it's convenient we have little trouble putting recyclables in the designated container. By setting up your own recycling station, you will make it more...
Heating filters function to keep both the air emitted and your heater's components clean. If the filter is dirty, the effectiveness of your heater can be significantly reduced. Doing just a little maintenance every month or two can go a long way both environmentally and economically...
Why make rugs when you can buy them? Because it's easy and fun! Making "Rag Rugs" became particularly popular from 1890 to 1910 especially among women in the country or frontier. Instructions are often passed orally through family generations. Rugs are a great decoration that add color to boring rooms, and warm up the floor during cold winter...
Chemically infused cleaning products have an undeserved reputation of immaculate cleanliness. The truth is these products that are intended to rid our homes of germs, may be perpetuating the very thing we are trying to avoid - illness. The chemicals found in conventional cleaners contribute to indoor air pollution, which can have detrimental...
All organic matter will naturally decompose in the presence of plants and its nutrients will be returned to the earth. Composting accelerates the speed at which decomposition occurs. It is the environmentally preferred alternative to landfilling or incinerating organic waste. You can start a compost pile in your backyard or you can...
Having a birdfeeder will allow you to observe many different kinds of birds in close proximity. You'll be able to recognize certain species in no time, and bird watching is a relaxingly fun activity! In times of food scarcity you may be a bird's only source of sustenance thus helping maintain the population of the winged community in...
A home energy audit is an evaluation performed on homes to determine areas where energy can be used more efficiently. You can solicit the services of a professional to conduct the audit or you can do it yourself. Professionals are equipped with specialized tools to carry out a highly detailed analysis of energy use and they will...
often cite convenience, health concerns, and safety as reasons to drink bottled water. However, recent studies suggest that bottled water is no safer or healthier than tap water.With a reusable water bottle you don't have to sacrifice the on-the-go convenience of bottled water and you can help reduce the negative impact that the bottled...
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