GreenBuild 2008

On November 19-21, an influx of building professionals will converge on Boston, MA and spend three days hearing about the latest technology and practices for environmentally-friendly construction. From over 1,400 vendors to nearly 100 workshops and a guest appearance by the inspiring Archbishop Desmond Tutu, you won't want to miss GreenBuild 2008!

C'Mon - Be Adventurous

With the backing of Wal-Mart, a newly designed milk jug has been launched across the U.S. and already the complaining has begun from the less adventurous.

This new container however, is more environmentally-friendly in a myriad of ways - Because of its shape, the labor needed to pack it into crates and onto trucks has been cut in half and trucks can be filled with more, which means less trips back and forth to stores, saving fuel as well.

So, for you complainers and stalwarts, give it a try and pat yourself on the back for being a little more green.

At Least It's a Start...

While it would just be better for the environment if there was a lot less direct mail, at least some of the biggest companies in the U.S. are making an effort to reduce their impact with this type of marketing, via the Green Marketing Coalition. Microsoft, Washington Mutual and OptimaHealth are just a few of the companies which will be trying to use more chlorine-free recycled paper, reviewing drafts of direct mail via pdf rather than hard copies and keeping better databases to reduce waste.

Another Great Reason to Plant a Tree

Did you know that you can make your air conditioner 10 percent more efficient by simply planting a tree next to it outside?

Orchard Garden Hotel

I am a strong believer in the simple economic theory of supply and demand. The theory goes something like this - If more people choose to spend money on green products or services, demand increases and more will proliferate. That choice is even made simpler with the existence of hotels like the Orchard Garden Hotel in San Francisco. Next time you are in town, check out the LEEDS certified boutique and put your money where your mouth is.

Water + Life Complex

The Water + Life Complex, outside of Los Angeles, received a platinum LEEDS certification in April for the 72,00 square foot campus. Featuring a 3,000 panel solar system, a drip-irrigation system for the gardens and radiant floor heating, this facility serves as beacon of modern and innovative design. Courtesy of Inhabitat blog.

Freecycle

While the layout is not user-friendly, the concept is at least eco-friendly. Freecycle.org is a national website in which you can post and search for free items in your community - This prevents good stuff from ending up in a landfill and instead, it ends up in a new home, starting a new lifecycle.

Bamboo Utensils

When it's picnic time and you don't want to use your silverware, try bamboo utensils instead of plastic. Bamboo grows extremely quickly and can be recycled, while most plastic ware can't be. This particular set is available at Branch Home.

Green Nest

Moving into a new home or just ready for a change in yours? Check out Green Nest - This website features environmentally-friendly and organic products for every room and redecorating project you can dream of.

Ice Machines Be Gone...

At gas stations and supermarkets across the country, ice machines are chugging along wasting energy to keep bags of ice cold for weeks or months on end. Why not cut demand, get more ice cube trays and make your own instead?

Multi-Use Cleaning...

From your mouth to your tile counter tops: When your toothbrush needs to be retired, you can use it again as a cleaning tool around the house to scrub in the cracks and get around small fixtures a sponge can't.

The Little Things

It's about paying attention to the details at work, at home or even in the middle of a mundane task like filling up your car's gas tank. Simply by making sure the cap is secured, you can prevent the gasoline from literally evaporating, thereby eliminating the 147 MILLION gallons lost each year by Americans not paying attention to the little things...

Ingeo

American entrepreneurial spirit is at work again at the Ingeo company. They have processed leftover corn stalks into hypoallergenic, biodegradable and soft fiber which can be used in linens, clothing and furniture.

Proactive vs. Reactive

Today's tip is all about the oft-forgotten notion that proactive prevention can save time, money and the environment - So, schedule a regular maintenance check-up for your furnace and air conditioner systems, instead of waiting for the painful, and expensive, melt downs. Those regular maintenance service calls keep your systems as efficient as possible and extend their life spans as well.

Weather-Stripping

During the dog days of summer, to help prevent hot air from invading your home, weather-strip your doors and windows. In addition, check your ducts and pipes for any seeping holes which can also let the cooler air in your home escape.

Ode to the Obvious

If you have any south-facing windows, make sure to pull the drapes or close your blinds on them during sunny days. This will keep your home from getting too hot, negating the need for air conditioning.

Leave it to Boulder

English Retreads is the brainchild of Boulder resident, Heather English. Local truck stops supply her with the raw material, tires, and she transforms them into handbags, dog collars, wallets and belts. Stylish and environmentally-friendly - What more can you ask for?

Coconut Charcoal BBQs

In honor of fourth of July weekend, the king of BBQ weekends, today's tip features a green BBQ. This BBQ, available at Lowe's, uses up to 75 percent less charcoal and instead, burns charcoal made from coconut shells in the Philippines. Its handles are even made from fast-growing bamboo.