If you're looking for a local source of information about a myriad of ways to conserve, look no further than the Center for ReSource Conservation. From building green to saving electricity to efficiently using water, they've got answers to your questions for commercial, residential and government purposes.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye Colorado Residents
If you're looking for a local source of information about a myriad of ways to conserve, look no further than the Center for ReSource Conservation. From building green to saving electricity to efficiently using water, they've got answers to your questions for commercial, residential and government purposes.
Not to be a Grinch, but...
Christmas is over and it's time for those lights to come down. Especially at those houses that went completely overboard, AGAIN. Every year, millions of kilowatts of electricity are wasted by those neighbors on your street which can't seem to resist every giant whirling snowglobe, blinking string of lights and rotating Santas. How about next year we downsize just a bit?
Another Green Website
Just can't get enough green information? Then check out The Daily Green, another green resource with the latest news, suggestions and events created by Hearst Digital Media.
Mountains O' Paper
Hard to see your floor, with all the wrapping paper laying around after Christmas? Well, try these tips from Real Simple Magazine (December 2007 issue) to reuse that paper, instead of sending it to the landfill:- Donate scraps to your local elementary school for kids' art creations.
- Receive any fragile ornaments as a present? Then use the paper to store them for next year.
- Finally, frame a favorite picture and use the paper as the mat.
Hemp 101
Much has been said in the discussion about hemp and here are some points to consider:- The plant grows extremely quickly.
- It does not need chemicals to protect it while growing or while it is processed into a product.
- Hemp plant seeds have a high nutritional value.
- Nearly all portions of the plants can be used in production for fabric, paper or skin care products, to name a few. (Photograph courtesy of Tree Hugger.)
Forestry Standards
The Forest Stewardship Council is a non-profit organization which helps educate the world about sustainable forestry as well as provide certification for eco-friendly practices. Their standards set green precedent for the construction, paper and printing industries.
Wrapping Paper
You've missed the Christmas shipping deadline for Fish Lips, but there's always hope for the next birthday in your life. Fish Lips makes eco-sensitive wrapping paper for all occasions - Utilizing soy-based ink and 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper. Just ignore the 1980's style web site design and go straight to their creative wrapping papers designs. (Thanks Amy!)
Last Minute Cards?
Crunch time has hit and if you haven't sent out your holiday cards yet, annie/catherine might be the card manufacturer for you. Based in Maine, they offer cards made of recycled paper, soy-based ink and they donate 5 percent of their profits to local charities. They've even started working with the Forest Stewardship Council to guarantee their paper is responsibly harvested. (Another huge thanks to Amy for this great tip.)
Bows A Flying'
Before you buy that ordinary wrapping paper for your mountain of gifts this holiday season, try Paporganics, a line of gift wrap that is made from recycled paper and organic materials. They also sell stationary and natural ribbon too at their website and at retailers around the US. (Thanks Amy for this tip!)
More Holiday Shopping...
Looking for just the perfect gift this season? Then check out Crescent Moon Snowshoes, an environmentally responsible company in Boulder, CO - Not only do they buy wind energy to offset their electrical needs, but they have also refused to make their snowshoe frames from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a commonly used building material. PVC is cheap to make, but extremely expensive to break down, so it does not get recycled.
Win a Green Office
Corporate Express is out to change the business world, one office at a time. They are sponsoring a contest to encourage businesses in Colorado to go green as well as show how to sustain the efforts. Simply write a 600 word or less essay explaining how your office has gone green and why it's important by December 19 and you could win a $20,000 package of green products and expert advice.
Solar Tubes
Think skylight, but easier and cheaper to install...Solar tubes or tubular skylights as they are known in the industry are green alternatives which do not use any electricity. They are simply a tube, attached to your roof and ceiling, which utilizes natural light and is perfect for ceilings in small rooms. They look just like a regular light and are available at Home Depot and Lowe's.
Consume Less...
During this crazy shopping holiday season, the best way to be green is to remember that by consuming less, you have less impact on the environment. Consider giving a donation to a favorite charity in your friend or family member's name, instead of the latest technological gadget. Or cook or bake a favorite dish for when they want a home cooked meal. There are a lot of opportunities to think creatively and still be green...
Party Tips
Hosting a party this holiday season? Then consider buying recyclable cups, plates and other accessories from Eco Products, located in Colorado. They feature a large variety of these items made from corn, sugarcane and other compostable ingredients. And they offer bulk size orders too, if you want to mention it to your favorite local restaurant, coffee shop or bar.
Eco Options from Home Depot
The Home Depot has jumped on the green bandwagon and actually created a labeling system, Eco Options, to help you find environmentally friendly products in their stores. Whether you're looking for energy efficient products or water saving appliances, this easy system will cut the guesswork out.
Shopping for the Holidays
Looking for a unique gift that didn't leave a carbon footprint when it was manufactured? Try the Eco Thermo 6 sleeping pad from Pacific Outdoor Equipment. This pad was created with bamboo fibers and the company, based in Bozeman, MT, buys solar and wind energy to offset the electricity needed to create it. Sleep even better...
Recycle Those Greens
If you can't forgo the live Christmas tree this season in favor of a plastic one, then make sure to at least recycle it after the big day is come and gone. If you live:- In a city, check your local government website as many park departments collect the trees, chip them and then offer free mulch to residents in the spring.
- If you live in a coastal area, many preservation groups use the trees to help prevent further erosion on beaches.
- Near a lake, some municipalities use trees to help rebuild fish habitat.
- Finally, if you are highly motivated and have your own garden, chop single branches off your tree and cover your flower beds.
What's Biomass?
In the field of energy consumption, biomass is simply fuel made from biological material, such as wood, hemp, corn, willow or switchgrass. (Also known by another name - biodiesel.) These fuels can be used to run vehicles, but are not 100 percent without drawbacks. For example, if forests are cleared to make room for the production of these crops, they can still contribute to global warming.
Samsoe Island Goes Off the Grid
On the 44-square mile island of Samsoe off the coast of Denmark, 4,200 residents are officially off the grid - The entire island's electricity needs are being met by wind turbines and 70 percent of their heat derives from solar panels, hay building construction techniques and biomass. Next step? Residents are rallying to use biodiesel fuel in their automobiles. (Thanks to my friend Kelley, a very talented photographer, for this tip.)
Holcim Awards
If you are in the field of architecture or construction, you might want to check out the international competition for sustainable construction, the Holcim Awards. There is $2 million dollars of award money at stake and bragging rights in the green design world. For everyone else, check out the innovative and inspiring design ideas.
200 Acres of Parks
In another initiative to green the city of Chicago, officials are turning vacant lots and river edges abandoned by private owners into small, green park spaces. In addition, they are converting asphalt school yards into green landscaped parks for kids to enjoy during the week and neighbors to enjoy on the weekends.Not only do these mini-parks, totaling over 200 acres so far, provide green places for people to recreate, but they also become home to new trees, grasses and flowers, helping to cool temperatures in the city.
Clinton Foundation Grants
In yet another move to solidify Chicago as a leader for green projects, the William J. Clinton Foundation gave the city a grant to retrofit the Sears Tower, Merchandise Mart and smaller, residential buildings with energy-saving enhancements. By working on such a high-profile building as the Sears Tower, city officials and Clinton foundation staff hope to prove the financial long-term viability of such projects and inspire others to follow suit. Chicago: Taking the Lead
A few months back, I wrote a few entries on Chicago's green roof movement, which is cooling the city and recycling water. Well, city officials are at it again, so I'll be featuring some of their innovative projects all week.The first starts with the "green alley" initiative. Chicago has the largest network of intertwining alleys in the country and they are slowly replacing the pavement in older alleys with recyclable material. This material absorbs the sun rays, keeping the city cooler, allows water to pass through it to the underground water table and even costs less than traditional concrete.
Telephone Books
Did you know that 10 percent of trash at the dump is actually telephone books? Call your local distributor, cancel your delivery and use the on-line versions instead.
Bike Programs in Europe
Innovative thinkers and supportive government officials in Lyon, Paris, Vienna and Brussels are making history with "free" bike programs. In Paris alone, over 20,000 bikes were placed all over the city this summer for citizens and visitors alike. The first half hour of your ride is free and then only one euro for each hour afterwards. All in the attempt to reduce pollution, traffic and encourage exercise.
Portable Solar Charger
There's nothing worse than running out of juice for your cellphone or iPod, which is why this ingenious charger is a must-have. It runs on solar power and comes with every kind of adapter you could need - Stay off the grid and always have a back-up for your electronics.
EcoSpot Update
The results are in and people from all over have voted for their favorite green commercial. There were over 5oo submissions, so check out the winners and pass them along to spread the green message.
Shop Responsibly
With holiday shopping looming before you, try a socially responsible company like Nau, which produces athletic clothing. Not only do they use sustainable fabrics for their clothing lines, but they also feature a "ship-to-you" mail order program to reduce visits to their retail stores, saving you 10 percent on each purchase.
Safecoat
If you're working on a home improvement project or perhaps building a new home, don't forget to check out Safe Coat. This company produces paint and finishes which do not give off dangerous emissions and better yet, are not made with all the toxins of traditional paints.
Win $25,000 from Keen
Keen Footwear wants to hear your sustainability story, in the hopes that it will inspire others to think green. Visit their "STAND" web site to enter the contest in one of three categories worth $25,000 each - From activists to artists to athletes, let your passionate ideas make a difference for the environment and your wallet.Sadie Cove, Alaska
Alaska holds a dear place in a corner of my heart - Anyone who's been there knows - You can't forget it. Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge sits in the middle of this pristine wilderness and offers the weary traveler an eco-lodge experience. The lodge built from driftwood and powered by alternative energy sources sits in the cove of the Kachemak Bay State Park. Don't miss it.
Eco-Traveling in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is known for world-class cheese, friendly people, Packers mania and Friday night fish fries, but I'll let you in on a little secret you might not know. Wisconsin is also home to the Journey Inn, a wonderful eco-retreat on 66 acres of prairie in Maiden Rock. From solar design to organic food to an air exchange system, this hotel sets the standard.
Soul Fabric Films
Not only do "green" ideas come in the form of tips or housing projects, but they also emerge through art. Visit Soul Fabric Films to read about "Last Hat in Town" to learn about the personal and compelling stories of three people who have been affected by the oil and gas drilling in Western Colorado. Hopefully with the viewing of this film, the world will learn about the devastating effects of this industry on farm and ranch lands.
Organic Cotton
As the holidays approach and the shopping begins, if you're on the lookout for clothing, be sure to check the tags for organic cotton. Farmers from around the US and the world are starting to plant this organic crop in growing numbers. From using less chemicals in the soil to harnessing beneficial insects, organic cotton is a great example of innovative farming techniques.
121,000+ and Counting
A collaboration of environmental organizations have created an AMAZING web site to help stop the deluge of catalogs which get delivered via snail mail. Visit Catalog Choice to sign up for this free service which has helped over 121,000 people across the US. The only downsides are that (1) you need to input your customer number off the catalog for them to process the request and (2) it takes about 10 weeks for them to contact the catalog companies and remove your name from their lists.
Green is Universal
All this week, NBC is hosting a myriad of segments and programs about innovative technology and tips about the green movement. Check out this link for a schedule: http://www.greenisuniversal.com/programs.php There are a number of ads and relatively lackluster content in other sections, so browse at your own risk... :)
What's Your R-Value?
Physics 101: R-value is the measurement of heat loss through glass and when you have older windows with a single pane, extensive energy is lost. Instead, try replacing those windows with double pane windows, which utilize a thin layer of air, trapped between the panes. Or really make an impact with triple pane windows with a special glaze that reflects heat.Picture courtesy of http://www.arielwood.com/
More Flooring - Kirei Board
Another option for environmentally-friendly flooring is kirei boards. These boards are made from leftover stalks of Sorghum plants and are pressed together with adhesive. (Sorghum plants provide food for millions of people around the globe.) By utilizing "leftovers," farmers make additional revenue and forests can remain intact, as less trees are cut down to build houses.
Bamboo Flooring
What's not to like about bamboo? It's strong, hardy (doesn't need pesticides to keep it growing) and matures in only three years. And did you know that bamboo is actually a grass, not a tree?
EPEAT - Fancy Name for Awesome
EPEAT, otherwise known as an on-line database of computers, allows consumers to conduct research for environmentally friendly laptops and desktops. Categories measured include energy consumption, use of recycled parts, reduction of toxic chemicals in the production phase, corporate policies regarding the environment and lots more.
The Good Old Days in Gym Class
I think everyone has a memory (or two) about gym class and P.E. teachers, but Matt and Tina Ford are creating new and favorable memories in the Shade House Condos with those same floors. After contacting a local school in the Houston area which was ready to be demolished, they were able to salvage the planks and utilized them for the stairs and floors in the units.
Radiant Barrier Wrap
Another green feature of the Shade House Condos in Houston is the radiant barrier wrap the builders used underneath the exterior. Radiant heat is reflected away by the tin-foil looking material, officially named "radiant barrier wrap."It's most effective when using two layers of the material, with firring strips between it and the foam, inside walls of homes.
Shady House Condos
Every month, I look forward to the latest issue of Dwell to arrive in my mailbox and this month did not disappoint. All this week, I'll be featuring snippets from the November issue, starting with the Shade House Condos project in Houston, TX.These compelling units utilize a number of green aspects, starting with the builder's (Matt Ford) innovative method to reduce heating and cooling costs. Simply by increasing the space between the roof and attic floor and adding a large vent, the hot air rises and leaves the building. In addition, when the Houston sun really gets kicking, fans powered by solar panels on the roof can blow the hot air out of the roof space as well.
Vintage Barns
Reclaimed lumber from vintage barns - A small company in Pennsylvania is changing the way houses are built. If you are in the market for wooden flooring, panel or beams, check out their web site for a list of recently collected materials. By reusing this lumber, you can have the vintage look and preserve trees.
Stating the Obvious
After today's post, I'm taking a short break from the blogging world to travel in the outside world to Thailand and Cambodia. Check back in early November for more green tips and projects...Today's tip is stating the obvious: If you have a yard and live in a sunny climate, try line drying your clothes instead of using an electric dryer.
Choose Sustainable Beef
The meat production process in America consumes a huge amount of resources and by choosing to eat meat just once less time a week, you can save up to 840 gallons of water. At the very least, make sure to eat pasture-fed beef, as they use less grain, thus less transportation resources to get food to the animals.
America Recycles Day
Get out your calendars and don't forget to mark off November 15 - It's America Recycles Day and it's time to up the ante and either start recycling or recycle more. Currently, Americans only recycle 30 percent of the waste we create, so there is a lot of room for improvement. To read more about this event and how you can get involved, check out http://www.americarecyclesday.org/home.html
Reducing Junk Mail
Every day, I look forward to checking my mailbox on the off-chance a friend has sent old-fashioned snail mail and every day, I am dismayed at how much junk mail I receive instead. Check out http://c3.newdream.org/, the Carbon Conscious Consumer web site, which has several forms to send to organizations which can reduce the amount of unsolicited mail you receive.
Green Pressure
Money talks, or at least that how the saying goes. Ceres is a consortium of environmentalists and business executives striving to make a difference by influencing business practices around the country. With research and "green" pressure for change, Ceres has worked with huge corporations to ensure that they adopt and promote social objectives and an environmental commitment. Making the economic argument for going green sounds good to me too.
Innovative Plastic
Technological advances come in many shapes and sizes and this one is worth leaping about - BASF, a chemical company, has created biodegradable plastic, which can be used in grocery bags, packaging, etc... It's stable for a year and then decomposes over several weeks. Can't wait until it hits the market!
Vote Green
Adopting green habits and changing to a more green lifestyle is not the only way to make a difference. Take that mindset to the voting booth during your next election. You can check out U.S. candidates environmental voting records and stances at http://www.vote-smart.org/index.htm
Cool It Down
Next time you start a load of laundry, wash your clothes or sheets in cold or warm water. Hot water takes more energy to heat and you can save electricity (as well as up to 500 pounds of carbon dioxide per year for the average American family.)Like Shower, Like Faucet
Just as a low-flow showerhead can save water without impacting your shower experience, a faucet aerator can accomplish the same task at the sink level.Check the side of your faucet and if the rated flow on the side is higher than 2.75 gpm (gallons per minute), you should replace it with a lower gpm model. They normally cost between $3-10 each, but can save you hundreds during the course of a year.
Shower Efficiently
An easy way to save water in your house is to replace your showerheads with low-flow ones, available at most hardware and retail stores. These showerheads can be aerating, which means that air is pumped through with the water, or non-aerating, which pulses the water and keeps it at a higher temperature.They cost between $8-50 depending on the brand, but when you consider that 22 percent of all water use in an American household originates from daily showers, you'll see the impact in your water bill immediately.
Green Art
The Grand Rapids Art Musuem in Michigan can lay claim as the world's first LEEDS certified (Gold) art museum, when it opens to the public in October.There is a unique rainwater collecting system which reuses the water for toilets and the xeriscape landscaping, skylights and large windows with ultraviolet protective coating throughout to provide natural sunlight, wood flooring from sustainably harvested forests as well as recycled insulation and carpeting. Not to mention an educational exhibit about green building.
Kudos to Sukle
Sometimes marketing can just hit it perfectly and this new water conservation campaign in Denver proves that keeping it simple, can make a huge impact. "Use Only What You Need" is the slogan for Denver Water and check out their web site for free downloads to help spread the word. Clever, inspiring and hopefully making a big impact for the environment. Campaign created by Sukle Advertising of Colorado.
A Green Pool?
In the growing effort among hotels to be more green, the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington D.C. has started with their two-lane pool. Instead of the traditional chlorinated water, laden with chemicals, they switched to natural saltwater. A little ocean in the middle of the city...
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