Is There a Better Plastic?

Posted December 10, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

Recycling plastics 1-6 is usually pretty straightforward, as each category correlates with a specific resin.

But plastic #7 is literally the “catch-all” category. Dubbed as “Other,” plastic #7 includes those resins that do not fit into categories 1-6. Many of these plastics are multi-layered resins, and common materials include plant-based and bio-based plastics made from corn, potato or sugar derivatives.

Plastic #7’s usage and properties really depend on how it is used and what is used to produce it. But what do you need to know about plastic #7 when it comes to the most important component, recycling? We debunk some common myths and get down to the mystery of the “other” plastic.

The Juice on Bio-Based

Bio-based, or plant-derivative plastics, in theory seem like the best idea since sliced bread. Bioplastics are used to create (and replace) products typically made from natural gas or petroleum. They are biopolymers, derived from renewable biomass sources such as corn starch or vegetable oil. Polyactic acid (PLA) is one form of bioplastic, produced from glucose.

However, the debate on recycling bioplastics, specifically PLA, with mainstream PET continues to rage on, and studies on the subject seem to contradict each other.

The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) recently voiced its concern for potential contamination of the PET recycling stream associated with PLA bottles. The trade association for the PET plastic industry in the U.S. and Canada cited its concerns involving cost of separation, increased contamination, yield loss and impact on recycled PET (RPET) quality and processing.

Bio-based plastics are often touted as “biodegradable.” But this term has several stipulations behind it. While these products may in fact have components that are capable of degrading, this process only occurs under specific conditions and biodegradable plastics cannot be composted in a backyard compost pile. Because the material requires very high heat, these plastics can only degrade in a commercial composting facility.

But is PLA better than your average PET bottle? According to Keith Christman, senior director Market Advocacy for the American Chemistry Council (ACC), it depends heavily on the product. In fact, in a study of traditional HDPE milk jugs versus glass jugs and PLA jugs, HDPE out-performed both materials.

“It depends on how that product is made and its end-of-life options,” Christman says. “It is not clear that using a bio-based material is better for the environment. There are some cases that use less plastics and resources during production, making it the better choice.”

In the end, plastics that are “compostable” may make sense in an area that has disposal options. But if commercial composting is not available, it’s better to choose a material that is accepted for recycling.

What We Know (and Don’t Know) About BPA

Bisphenol A (BPA) is typically used as an additive in plastics manufacturing, as it makes the plastic more shatter-proof. In addition to plastic bottles, BPA is used in dental fillings, household electronics and as a lining for many food cans.

As scientists and recyclers continue to study the effects of BPA, the trace amounts sometimes found in plastic #7 have become a cause for concern for some.

Most recently, SIGG announced its reusable bottles manufactured before August 2008 utilized a liner that contained trace amounts of BPA. Considered by many as a “safer” alternative to traditional polycarbonate plastic bottles, some SIGG consumers now feel they were misled by the Swiss manufacturer when it did not openly disclose its use of BPA.

SIGG maintains that while its older bottles contained BPA, rigorous lab testing showed no leaching of the material. The verdict is still out on the actual health effects of BPA, and depending on who you ask, the effects range from harmless to serious health risks. While the reviews continue to be mixed, according to the FDA, commissioner Margaret Hamburg will soon determine how to proceed with BPA concerns.

Recycling and Disposal Options

According to the ACC, more than 1,800 U.S. businesses handle or reclaim post-consumer plastics. Plastics recycling starts at the material recovery facility, where they are sorted either mechanically or manually from other recyclables. The resulting mixed plastics are sorted by plastic type, baled and sent to a reclaimer.

The scrap plastic is passed across a shaker screen to remove trash and dirt, then washed and ground into small flakes. A flotation tank then further separates contaminants, based on their different densities. Flakes are then dried, melted, filtered and formed into pellets, which are shipped to product manufacturing plants and made into new products.

Recycling programs for the “other” category vary greatly by location. Since it is such a broad category, many curbside programs will not accept plastic #7 at all. However, according to Christman, recycling programs are changing collection guidelines, throwing out resin codes and accepting materials based on product.

“When recyclers simply say, ‘We take all plastic bottles,’ consumers tend to recycle more because it is easier to understand,” Christman says. “Some communities now say ‘we’ll recycle this container, no matter what the resin is,’ this includes products categorized as #7.”

According to Christman, in some cases, some plastics are labeled with #7 because of requirements but can actually be recycled with other plastics, such as PET. These tricky aspects mean that double-checking what’s accepted in your local recycling program is a must-do for plastic #7.

By Amanda Wills at Earth911.com

Pollution Linked to Oil Sands

Posted December 8, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

oil-sands
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

by David DeFranza from Treehugger

It’s not a huge surprise that the oil sands—which have been described as the “most destructive project on earth” and were likened to Mordor by a United Nations water advisor—are leaking toxins into nearby streams.

Still, the Regional Aquatic Monitoring Program (RAMP), the body responsible for monitoring water pollution from the project, has not found what it considers abnormal levels of pollutants downstream from mining operations.

Now, in a report that contradicts the findings from both the Canadian government and mining industry, a group of researchers claim to have found a definitive link between tar sands operations and higher levels of pollutants in nearby streams.

Establishing a Natural Background

Since the beginning, pollutants have been present in the streams in this part of Alberta. The claim, which has been buoyed by RAMP research, has been that their presence is the result of a natural source: The oil in the soil that the tar sands operation hopes to extract.

David Schindler, a researcher at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, and the lead author of the report, explained that “industry’s response has always been ‘of course there are carcinogens in the water, there’s a natural source’…but it defied logic to think that all that was going in was natural.”

Toxic Enough to Harm Fish

Schindler’s research, to be published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found a 10 to 50 fold increase in the levels of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) downstream from mining operations. Samples taken from locations downstream on the Athabasca River were compared to samples taken from upstream sites.

This increase, reaching concentrations as high as 0.7 micrograms per liter, is well above the 0.4 micrograms per liter threshold that can be toxic to fish.

The Truth is in the Snow

Researchers also took snowpack samples near an upgrading facility. When the snow was melted, an oily residue was left floating on the top. Its proof, they argue, that mining operations are polluting the surrounding air and water with chemicals known to be carcinogens, mutagens, and teratogens.

RAMP and its Discontents

Established in 1997, RAMP is composed of representatives from the government, aboriginal communities, environmental groups, and industry. The organization explains that it:

Employs scientifically credible methodology, and has typically restricted access to its data in order to encourage membership

The authors of the study, however, point to what they call “serious deficits” in their research. Criticisms included “an inconsistent sampling design, a lack of strong government leadership, and datasets that aren’t open to the public.”

Simon Dyer, from the Pembina Institute, an environmental group that withdrew its membership from RAMP in 2001, commented that “There have been a number of critiques of RAMP to suggest it’s scientifically not adequate.”

RAMP representatives point to the $380,000 the Alberta government spends annually to audit environmental reports and the fact that less than half of the group consists of members of industry. Still, David Schindler says “It’s a bad idea to have industry monitoring itself…sort of like abolishing the police and asking people to pull over if they see they’re speeding and report themselves.”

Instead, he suggests that the federal government should take complete control over monitoring and that all data be made public. He also recommends operations install scrubbers on smokestacks, wet down roads covered in mining dust, and keeping mining operations from moving to the water’s edge.

Green Your Kitchen & Bathroom

Posted December 5, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

When it comes to trying to live a greener lifestyle it is easiest to start at home. Many people believe that taking steps to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle will take up too much time, energy and money which is untrue. There are many changes that can be made with little to no effort and minimal expense. Here are some tips from the DIY Network that can give you a headstart on your new greener way of life.

BATHS
1. Fix a drip.
Drip, drop, drip, drop. That leak in the bathroom sink is not just annoying. It’s costing you loads of cash in water and energy bills and wasted gallons. Get it fixed ASAP, and if you can’t get the plumber scheduled right away, use this old trick: Tie a string on the faucet and allow the drops to dribble silently down into a cup or small bowl. Use the collected H2O to water your houseplants.

2. Get clean.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners in favor of natural cleansers (soap, water, vinegar, baking soda). You’ll do a favor for the environment and yourself.

3. Be water wise.
Low-flow toilets have come a long way. New models max out at 1.6 gallons of water per flush, but the very latest models can use even less.

4. Be water wise some more.
Tankless water heaters are a great energy saver. There’s no reason to keep a giant tank of heated water at your beck and call all day and night. Bonus tip: Go the extra mile when you turn on the shower by placing a bucket or other container under the showerhead. In the few moments it takes for the water to heat up, you can gather enough for the dog’s bowl and the houseplants. Don’t waste a drop!

5. Smell Sweet.
Cut down on harmful chemicals and gasses released into your home by using low- or no-VOC paints when giving the bath, or any other room, a fresh color.

KITCHENS
6. Be water smart.
A simple hardware store doo-dad called an aerator on your kitchen (or bath) faucet cuts down on water consumption, sacrificing very little if any water pressure. For less than $15, you can install one of these yourself and save up to 500 gallons per year.

7. Vent a little.
Proper ventilation in the cooktop hood of your kitchen keeps bills down and air quality up.

8. Think small.
The kitchen is the energy gobbler of the home. If you’re planning a remodel, building new, or just replacing an old appliance, remember that bigger isn’t always better. In addition to looking for energy-efficiency ratings on your new purchase, consider going for a smaller model that uses less energy to begin with. Bonus tip: New drawer-style dishwashers help cut back on water use for smaller loads.

9. Lighten Up.
Opening up a kitchen with skylights and windows that allow natural sunlight to stream in not only helps your mood stay perky, it is a natural, free way to light your space. No budget to add windows? At least let the light in by removing heavy, lightblocking window treatments.

10. Divide and Conquer.
Dedicate a little space for recycling bins or bags to make living green convenient for the whole family. You can purchase color-coded units with separate compartments and lids, or create your own recycling center with inexpensive bins from the home center or discount store.

11. Go, greens!
Try your hand at going green by growing herbs or salad greens in the kitchen. Bringing in a natural element adds some coziness to your home’s busiest room, and naturally cleans the air you breathe. (And of course, nothing beats adding your own fresh basil to that pasta at the dinner table.)

Reasons to Eat Organically

Posted December 4, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

For the last ten years I have tried to eat organically as often as possible. There were times when the financial expense of eating only organic foods was too much. Now the problem is that my local supermarket doesn’t carry much in the way of organic produce and because I work full time I find myself limited when it comes to where I shop for food. Organic.com is a great resource that I turn to for information on reasons to eat organically as well as a tool for finding local farmers markets. Here are their top 10 reasons to eat organically:

1. Reduce The Toxic Load: Keep Chemicals Out of the Air, Water, Soil and our Bodies
Buying organic food promotes a less toxic environment for all living things. With only 0.5 percent of crop and pasture land in organic, according to USDA that leaves 99.5 percent of farm acres in the U.S. at risk of exposure to noxious agricultural chemicals.

Our bodies are the environment so supporting organic agriculture doesn’t just benefit your family, it helps all families live less toxically.

2. Reduce if Not Eliminate Off Farm Pollution
Industrial agriculture doesn’t singularly pollute farmland and farm workers; it also wreaks havoc on the environment downstream. Pesticide drift affects non-farm communities with odorless and invisible poisons. Synthetic fertilizer drifting downstream is the main culprit for dead zones in delicate ocean environments, such as the Gulf of Mexico, where its dead zone is now larger than 22,000 square kilometers, an area larger than New Jersey, according to Science magazine, August, 2002.

3. Protect Future Generations
Before a mother first nurses her newborn, the toxic risk from pesticides has already begun. Studies show that infants are exposed to hundreds of harmful chemicals in utero. In fact, our nation is now reaping the results of four generations of exposure to agricultural and industrial chemicals, whose safety was deemed on adult tolerance levels, not on children’s. According to the National Academy of Science, “neurologic and behavioral effects may result from low-level exposure to pesticides.” Numerous studies show that pesticides can adversely affect the nervous system, increase the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility.

4. Build Healthy Soil
Mono-cropping and chemical fertilizer dependency has taken a toll with a loss of top soil estimated at a cost of $40 billion per year in the U.S., according to David Pimental of Cornell University. Add to this an equally disturbing loss of micro nutrients and minerals in fruits and vegetables. Feeding the soil with organic matter instead of ammonia and other synthetic fertilizers has proven to increase nutrients in produce, with higher levels of vitamins and minerals found in organic food, according to the 2005 study, “Elevating Antioxidant levels in food through organic farming and food processing,” Organic Center State of Science Review (1.05)

5. Taste Better and Truer Flavor
Scientists now know what we eaters have known all along: organic food often tastes better. It makes sense that strawberries taste yummier when raised in harmony with nature, but researchers at Washington State University just proved this as fact in lab taste trials where the organic berries were consistently judged as sweeter. Plus, new research verifies that some organic produce is often lower in nitrates and higher in antioxidants than conventional food. Let the organic feasting begin!

6. Assist Family Farmers of all Sizes
According to Organic Farming Research Foundation, as of 2006 there are approximately 10,000 certified organic producers in the U.S. compared to 2500 to 3,000 tracked in 1994. Measured against the two million farms estimated in the U.S. today, organic is still tiny. Family farms that are certified organic farms have a double economic benefit: they are profitable and they farm in harmony with their surrounding environment. Whether the farm is a 4-acre orchard or a 4,000-acre wheat farm, organic is a beneficial practice that is genuinely family-friendly.

7. Avoid Hasty and Poor Science in Your Food
Cloned food. GMOs and rBGH. Oh my! Interesting how swiftly these food technologies were rushed to market, when organic fought for 13 years to become federal law. Eleven years ago, genetically modified food was not part of our food supply; today an astounding 30 percent of our cropland is planted in GMOs. Organic is the only de facto seal of reassurance against these and other modern, lab-produced additions to our food supply, and the only food term with built in inspections and federal regulatory teeth.

8. Eating with a Sense of Place
Whether it is local fruit, imported coffee or artisan cheese, organic can demonstrate a reverence for the land and its people. No matter the zip code, organic has proven to use less energy (on average, about 30 percent less), is beneficial to soil, water and local habitat, and is safer for the people who harvest our food. Eat more seasonably by supporting your local farmers market while also supporting a global organic economy year round. It will make your taste buds happy.

9. Promote Biodiversity
Visit an organic farm and you’ll notice something: a buzz of animal, bird and insect activity. These organic oases are thriving, diverse habitats. Native plants, birds and hawks return usually after the first season of organic practices; beneficial insects allow for a greater balance, and indigenous animals find these farms a safe haven. As best said by Aldo Leopold, “A good farm must be one where the native flora and fauna have lost acreage without losing their existence.” An organic farm is the equivalent of reforestation. Industrial farms are the equivalent of clear cutting of native habitat with a focus on high farm yields.

10. Celebrate the Culture of Agriculture
Food is a ‘language’ spoken in every culture. Making this language organic allows for an important cultural revolution whereby diversity and biodiversity are embraced and chemical toxins and environmental harm are radically reduced, if not eliminated. The simple act of saving one heirloom seed from extinction, for example, is an act of biological and cultural conservation. Organic is not necessarily the most efficient farming system in the short run. It is slower, harder, more complex and more labor-intensive. But for the sake of culture everywhere, from permaculture to human culture, organic should be celebrated at every table.

Go Green by Working From Home

Posted December 2, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

Working from home can be a great alternative to a desk in a cubicle, but, as many people who try it will tell you, it isn’t as easy as slapping your laptop down on the dining room table. And, while wearing pajamas all day might sound nice, it doesn’t make the cut for many who work from home. Still, whether you embrace the romantic-sounding ideals of managing a home office or not, one thing remains true: It can be way greener than commuting to an office every day.

From cutting out the commute to scaling back on unnecessary paper or energy use, there are tons of ways that working from home can help make you just as happy, healthy, and successful as you might be working in an office, but it isn’t quite as simple as inserting recycled paper in your printer tray. You’ll want to take action to insure you create and maintain a healthy home working environment, and do things like schedule sufficient breaks, to help keep your mind and body moving throughout the day.

And, while it’s easy to concentrate on the environmental benefits of working from home, the mental and emotional ones are sometimes just as important, which is while it’s important to carefully consider a space in which you can comfortably, productively work (and not just an empty closet you don’t have anything else to do with). The benefits—environmental, emotional, or otherwise—can be myriad, so if you hate commuting, if you’re most productive outside a traditional 9-5 schedule, or if you just got laid off, then working from home might be the answer. And while some of the green changes you’d make by skipping the office are obvious—like cutting your carbon output by not commuting and saving on disposable lunch containers—there are dozens more choices, from desks to chairs to pencils, that you can turn into an opportunity to support eco-friendly products. Read on to learn how to go green while working from home.

Top Green Work from Home Tips

Find a job
Ideally, you’ll be able to talk to your employer about formatting your current job into one you can do from home-even working from home just one or two days a week can make a big impact on the environment. But if your boss is one of the many who aren’t willing to let employees telecommute, then it might be time to look for a position that’s based out of your home, or become a freelancer or consultant in your field. Even better: Find a green job you can do without leaving your house, or start your own green business.
Choose a workspace
Before you can start greening your office, you need an office to green. And the kind of surroundings that make someone else productive might not work best for you—just look at the differences in TreeHugger writers’ home offices, which range from urban enclaves to living room sofas to moving trains. General wisdom is that setting aside a space dedicated only to work helps you stay focused and motivated; keeping it free of distractions—kids, non-work phone calls, and the UPS guy—lets you concentrate. If you can find a space that actually inspires you-because of the view, the architecture, or any other quality-even better. Of course, fresh air, big windows, and plenty of sunlight won’t hurt either; studies have shown that pulling the curtains and opening a window to catch the breeze makes workers more productive.
Find a desk
This is going to be the place where you spend most of your days from now on, so think carefully about what kind of desk you want, need, and have space for. Looking for tons of drawers? A big work surface? Or something modular that you can push out of the way when company comes? No matter what your preferences are, you can find environmentally-safe desks that fits the bill. Skip the particleboard (sorry, IKEA lovers: It’s full of VOCs) and opt instead for sustainable wood or recycled metal with non-toxic finishes. Another good plan is to check antique stores, thrift shops, estate sales, yard sales, or even your attic for used desks in good condition; you can even fashion a desk out of an old door supported by filing cabinets for more character.
Grab a seat
Spending the majority of your day staring at a computer sounds like it wouldn’t be physically demanding, but it does take a toll on your posture, muscles, and long-term productivity. Key in an office chair: find one that’s ergonomic, with good lumbar support, and adjustable to fit you. Herman Miller, Steelcase, Haworth, and Trey all offer models made in large part from recycled materials, and in colors and fabrics that are recycled and colored with non-toxic dye. For extra sustainability, look for chairs that are Greenguard or Cradle-to-Cradle certified (we’ll get more into this in the Getting Techie section). And don’t be afraid to splurge on a high quality chair. Once you’re sitting 40 hours a week on a cheap one, you’ll find the extra money is well worth it. Check out our guide to Buy Green: Office Chairs for more info on which chair might be right for you.
Power up
If you’re making the switch to working from home, a computer is a non-negotiable necessity. But the kind of computer? That can be up for some debate. If all you need is an internet connection, word processing, and some basic photo editing tools, then buying the fanciest processor around is a waste—you might be able to make do with what you have, or buy a smaller version, for basic use. (It’s not a bad idea to buy a larger monitor, though; it’s easier on your eyes and lets you see twice as much with the same power.) If you are buying a new laptop or desktop, look for one that’s EPEAT-certified, so it’s made with less hazardous waste than non-certified brands, or that meets Energy Star requirements. Better yet: buy used.
Get connected
Along with your computer, you’ll probably need a few other gadgets to stay in touch with bosses and coworkers-especially if you want to be available no matter where and when they need you; think cell phone, Blackberry or iPhone, scanner, printer, and fax machine, depending on what kind of work you do. Our How to Go Green: Gadgets guide offers plenty of tips for finding the best product with the least environmental impact—check it out for information on energy ratings, recycled and recyclable electronics, renewable chargers, and buyback programs.
Stock up on supplies
In a perfectly green world, your desk needs would be minimal—you’d make do with just a pen and paper for jotting quick notes, instead of an overflowing drawer of post-its, address books, notepads, pens, pencils, highlighters, thumb tacks, staples—need we go on? But if you’re the type who can’t pass a stationery aisle without shelling out for the fanciest fine-points and a clean, new notebook, you can still choose eco-friendly options: pencils made from sustainable wood or old denim, refillable white-board markers, recycled paper, and compostable packing materials, to name a few. Though if you’re anything like we are, you likely have plenty of pens, pencils, and old notebooks in your home already; try rummaging through those junk drawers before buying new.
Go paperless
Using recycled paper is great, but using no paper is even better. You’re likely already using online billing for your personal life; transfer that to your professional accounts with electronically-submitted invoices and direct deposit. Investing in a good scanner lets you shred documents (try reusing them as packaging materials) and navigate them as searchable PDFs. If you have the kind of job that’s impossible to do without any printing at all, try to cut back; these free downloadable software programs let you print just what you need from websites (without all the extra formatting), while Greenprint shows you the whole document before it prints, so you can select just the pieces you’re looking for and eliminate waste.
Sweat the small stuff
The green factors you don’t need to think about in a corporate office still add up when you’re working at home. We’re talking light bulbs, thermostat settings, air quality—it’s up to you to stay on top of these in your home office. Luckily, the solutions are pretty simple. Recycle any paper you use, install compact fluorescent bulbs, wear a sweater in the winter to keep from cranking the heat (or consider using a space heater to keep your office comfortable), and open the windows in the summer (or, if it’s uncomfortably hot, relocate for a few hours to your local library or coffee shop with wi-fi). Turning off your computer overnight saves energy and gives you a mental break from work, while adding a plant or an air filter can help you breathe easy.
Stay healthy
While it’s great for the planet that you’ve cut out your commute, spending all your time in the same building can drain your energy and cut into your social interaction. Make time every day to get outside, whether it’s to run errands, go for a walk, or hit the gym, and get a free conference program like Skype to chat face-to-face with your boss and coworkers. Take a few minutes to look away from your computer every hour, and plan your meals and snacks to cut back on mindless munching. And when you are lucky enough to step away from the computer for extended periods of time, turn off your lights and gadgets to cut back on wasted energy.

Source: Planet Green.com

10 Tips to a Greener Pregnancy

Posted December 1, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

1. Trim consumption of animal fats
When you’re pregnant, it’s more important than ever to choose lean cuts of meat, trim away fat and opt for fat-free dairy products. Here’s why: Some toxins linked to prenatal nervous system and hormonal damage are stored in fatty tissue. These include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which pose risks of reduced intelligence to the developing fetus; brominated fire retardants; dioxins and other pollutants that persist in our air and water.

2. Put a stop to insecticides in your home and office
Organophosphates are a family of insecticides that attack the nervous system. In two New York City studies conducted last year, babies of women who had been most exposed to two organophosphates, chlorpyrifos (Dursban and Lorsban) and diazinon (Spectracide), had significantly lower birth weights. Fortunately, these insecticides were phased out of residential and school use by the EPA in 2001-03. However, other organophosphates are still in circulation, as are similar compounds called pyrethroids. Pesticides also release inhalable volatile organic compounds (see below).

What to do instead? Researchers at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) recommend that pregnant women switch to sticky traps and other bait stations, “which are safer, last longer and are more effective,” while keeping surfaces clean of food residue, removing trash and treating cracks with boric acid, classified by the EPA as of low toxicity, then sealing with caulk. (Keep boric acid and baits out of the reach of children and pets.)

3. Select foods to minimize pesticide residues
Chlorpyrifos and diazinon (see above), along with many related toxic pesticides, are still used widely on food crops. Prioritize your grocery list to allow for the purchase of the following organic fruits and vegetables that, when conventionally grown, tend to harbor the most pesticide residue: apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach, strawberries and peppers.

4. Pass on high-mercury fish
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can harm a developing fetus. Say “no” to high-mercury fish such as fresh tuna, canned albacore, wild bass, swordfish and tilefish. (One meal of moderate-mercury fish, such as canned light tuna, can be eaten once a month.) Eat up: low-mercury “yes” fish such as sardines, wild salmon and farmed striped bass.

5. Let Old Paint Lie
Since lead has been banned from gasoline (in 1996) and paint (in 1978), most exposures now come from old lead-based paint. This heavy metal, which can also contaminate water and soil, can interfere with nearly every aspect of fetal development, causing brain and kidney damage, according to the CCHE. If your old house has lead paint in good condition, cover it with fresh paint rather than removing it, which releases lead dust into the air. To test paint for lead, see www.epa.gov/lead or call the EPA’s lead hot line at 800-426-4791.

6. Make sure your water is safe to drink
Your local utility must by law provide you with an annual “Right to Know” report listing the EPA-recognized pollutants that exist in your water at potentially unsafe levels. Trihalomethanes, for instance, can increase the risk of miscarriage. See Green Guide #101 for contaminants to avoid and best filters. If you suspect there’s lead in your pipes, allow the tap to run for 30 seconds to clear them before using water. Find lead-testing services at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/labs/index.html.

7. Avoid the VOCs that offgas from paints, glues, air fresheners
Toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can evaporate from many conventional building, decorating and other household products, including air freshener sprays. Exposure to air fresheners during pregnancy and within the first six months of life was associated with diarrhea and earache in infants and headaches and depression in mothers, according to a study published in the October 2003 Archives of Environmental Health.

If exposed to fumes at work, speak up: Thirty-two children exposed in utero to organic solvents had lower scores on language and other developmental tests, according to a study published in the October 2004 Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. In the workplace, their mothers had come into contact with such solvents as toluene, xylene, mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol and trichloroethylene.

8. Steer clear of vehicular and smokestack emissions
Research conducted by Columbia University links “combustion-related” chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with shorter gestation periods for pregnant women, resulting in smaller babies. PAHs are in car or bus exhaust and emissions from residential heating and power generation. Before exercising outdoors, check the EPA’s Air Quality Index at epa.gov/airnow. Keep windows closed during peak traffic hours.

9. Stay away from phthalates in vinyl, personal-care and cleaning products
Chemicals called phthalates, known hormone-system disruptors that have caused birth defects in lab animals, are widely used as plasticizers in nail polishes and vinyl and as solvents in synthetic fragrances. Avoid soft vinyl products and cosmetics containing “Fragrance.”

10. Get rid of those crumbling foam cushions, already!
The latest chemicals found to be approaching possibly unsafe levels in American women’s breast milk, as well as umbilical-cord blood, are fire retardants known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs. Furniture foam tends to release PBDEs into house dust when it breaks down.

Ways to Make Your Trash Greener

Posted November 30, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

We are always hearing about how to make our lives greener by incorporating more efficient ways to garden, cook, buy furniture and so much more. It seems that a greener way of life can touch every aspect of our lives and now that includes our trash. I know that some people may want to draw the line when it comes to their garbage but here are some easy and effective tips from Earth911 :

1. Get Audited!

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about your taxes.

Think back to what you learned in seventh grade biology about the discovery process. The first step in the scientific method (trash is, after all, a very technical thing) is to ask questions about something you observe in your environment. Since you are reading this, you must already be aware of the fact that your trash is in need of a makeover, so we think it’s safe to move directly to step two: research.

Though this isn’t the most pleasant job, a trash audit is a necessary step to really getting a grasp on what you currently throw out, and more importantly, what you can save from the trashcan. The audit itself is simple, just follow these easy steps:

Is it time to shed some pounds from your waste? Photo: Adonisfitness.com

Pick a time period – A week is a good place to start.
Get everyone on board – If they live in your house and they make trash, they are involved, so catch ‘em up to speed.
Throw stuff away – Go about your normal routine, and throw away what you usually do. It is important that you be honest with yourself and not try to be on your “best behavior.” Remember, you are trying to get an accurate measurement of your waste output.
Weigh in – If you can, weigh your trash. Each time you take a trash bag out of the house, plop it on the scale. This way you can have a baseline for comparison (sort of like “before” and “after” photos when you’re starting a new workout program). Though you will visually be able to see your trash dwindle, the satisfaction of cold, hard facts is the icing on the cake.
Put on some gloves – Check daily to see what you threw away that could have been recycled, composted, reused or avoided. This part is the “eeewwww” moment – we are talking about trash here. But, by doing it daily, it wont be as bad. Don’t be deterred by what you find. Remember your mission. You can do it!
Get graphical – Make a list, chart, pie graph, power point…whatever you want. Just write down your findings, and use those findings to make a plan. What can you recycle that you are currently tossing in the trash? What can be composted? What can be reused and, in turn, what didn’t need to be there in the first place?

2. Recycle – Know the rules

The U.S. EPA estimates that 75 percent of our waste is recyclable. This is great news, especially since the American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) states that 87 percent of the U.S. population, or 268 million people, have access to curbside or drop-off recycling programs. This means that many materials can be recycled and programs are, for the most part, accessible.

So what’s the holdup? For many people, it is knowing exactly what goes in the recycling bin and what to do with stuff that doesn’t. Here’s a checklist:

Check with your local government to get a list of what materials you can and cannot put in your curbside bin.
For everything that can’t be put in your curbside bin, check Earth911’s recycling database for drop-off locations near you. This includes items such as paint, batteries, CFLs and pesticides.
Use mail-back and store drop-off programs. This option is great for electronics and automotive waste. Most auto parts stores and mechanics will take used motor oil and old tires, especially if they do the work for you. As far as electronics are concerned, many products such as cell phones can be mailed to manufactures or traded in for money. Drop-off programs, such as Best Buy’s and the EPA’s eCycling Progam, are making electronic recycling more accessible for consumers across the nation.
Trade-in programs can often be an option when you are purchasing new items from that same company. Computers are a great example of this. In fact, by planning ahead while purchasing your computer, you can build the cost of proper disposal right in from the get-go, saving you money and time in the long run.

3. Compost Your Scraps

According to the U.S. EPA, every American throws away an average of 1.3 pounds of food scraps daily. In addition to this, yard trimmings and food waste combined make up 24 percent of our nation’s municipal solid waste (MSW) stream. Even if half of this can be diverted and recycled through composting, our daily trash levels could start to decrease.

Starting a compost pile is easier than you think. From your kitchen, to your backyard, to a worm bin, composting can make a huge dent in your waste and produce a rich product you can use to help maintain your yard, give to friends or even sell at the local farmer’s market or garden center.

4. Reuse – You Already Have It

The act of reuse can have a huge impact on your waste production. Reuse is simply finding a second (third, tenth or hundredth) use for a product to prolong its usable life. Reuse is also an important step after you’ve reduced, but before you are ready to recycle. The most common forms of reuse to minimize household waste are:

Using reusable bags while out shopping – no more paper or plastic
Purchasing a reusable water bottle
Getting a reusable mug for your morning trips to the coffee shop
Washing out an empty pasta sauce jar – no Tupperware will ever be as good as “Its-Already-Paid-For-So-Why-Not-Use-It” ware

Think before you get out something new to use or purchase a one-hit-wonder. Get in the habit of asking yourself, “how can I make this moment a trash-free one?”

5. Spread the Word

All this knowledge is great to have, if you’re the only one making trash. But if you have roommates, or live with loved ones, you need to make sure they are playing by the same rules. To make it easy, post signs around the trash can, recycle bin and compost pile until everyone gets the hang of it, and list the dos and don’ts. Also, designate a space in your garage or shed for those harder-to-recycle items, and make sure to let everyone know when you are doing a drop-off.

6. Shop for Better Trash

When at the store, check out a product’s trash profile before you purchase it. If you can choose between a few options, pick the one that has the least amount of waste associated with it, such as a product using less packaging or packaging made from recyclable materials.

Also, buy in bulk and bring your own reusable containers to the store to hold these items. Make sure to know the weight of the container when it’s empty, so they can subtract that from the price when you’re checking out. If you need help with this, just ask the customer service desk at your local store. Once you know the weight, just write in on the container and it will be easier to reference in the future. Buying in bulk not only saves waste, but money.

Even better, keep an eye out for these guys:

Recycled-content products are made from materials that would otherwise have been discarded. That means these products are made totally or partially from recycled material, such as aluminum cans or newspaper. Also, if a product is labeled “recycled content,” the material might have come from excess or damaged items generated during normal manufacturing processes – not collected through a local recycling program.
Post-consumer content is a material that has served its intended use and is being reused in a different product. “Post-consumer” also indicates that the material is not from the manufacturing process, but from a finished product that has already been used.
Recyclable products can be collected and remanufactured into new products after they’ve been used. These products do not necessarily contain recycled materials and only benefit the environment if people recycle them after use. You can also take this one step further and think about what products recycle better than others. For example, glass is an easy material to recycle that doesn’t downgrade. If you can, choose glass over plastic (which downgrades once recycled).

This system is an easy way to make a big impact with a few, small items and trash you already have. Photo: Amazon.com

This system is an easy way to make a big impact with a few, small items and trash bags you already have. Photo: Amazon.com

7. Green Your Accessories

Regardless of how much you can save from the garbage can, you are still going to need it for some things. Since it is a household staple, make sure you keep it aligned with your lifestyle. There are lots of products to keep your green trash momentum going:

Think outside the can – With some of the new designs available, you gain flexibility in reusing plastic bags from your shopping trips. This design, from DCI, reuses wood and clothes pins for your trashy needs. Use this concept for inspiration and make your own collection unit.
Keep your trash in…trash – Buying recycled trash bags is a simple switch to make and helps close the loop in the recycling process.
Clean it up – According to eHow.com, “undiluted distilled white vinegar (5 percent solution) – the kind you can buy in the supermarket – kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses).” Who knew? Why purchase harsh chemicals to clean those cans, when some simple salad dressing can do the trick? If the smell bothers you, add some essential oils or keep the area well ventilated until it dries. Another natural option is tea tree oil. This leaf, from an Australian plant, contains terpenoids which have antiseptic and antifungal properties.

8. Stop Buying!

It can be as simple as this: If you don’t buy waste, you can’t make waste. For example, a group in San Francisco set out to buy nothing new for an entire year. While that might not work for everyone, the essence of it is definitely applicable in different-sized doses. Do you really need another (fill in the blank)?

Do you already have something at home that will work? Do your friends or family have something you can use or borrow? Even if it ends up that you need to buy it anyway, just getting into the habit of thinking about alternatives is a step in the right direction. Be open-minded and see where it leads you!

Make Your Thanksgiving Green

Posted November 25, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

Earth 911’s 8 Green Thanksgiving Tips

Earth911 has some wonderful ways to green your Thanksgiving this year as well. Something unique you’ll find there is how to execute efficient “crowd control” and not waste pounds and pounds of food. Check it out:

“At least 28 billion pounds of edible food is wasted each year – more than 100 pounds per person. One of the best ways to reduce your waste this Thanksgiving is to plan ahead for the meal and practicing portion control.

Use Less Stuff created a handy list of approximate per person food and drink portions:

Turkey- 1 pound
Stuffing- ¼ pound
Sweet potato casserole- ¼ pound
Green beans- ¼ pound
Cranberry relish- 3 tablespoons
Pumpkin pie- 1/8 of a 9 inch pie

After the meal, evaluate how many people were present and how much of each dish was consumed. By keeping track each year, you can make a more efficient, less wasteful Thanksgiving meal in the future.”

That’s a great tip right there!

Save money at Farmer’s Markets

Planet Green, as always, has one of the most conclusive guides to greening your Thanksgiving.

They recommend shopping for your non-perishables and staple items at your local Farmer’s Market about a week in advance:

“Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to hit up your local farmers’ market for organic, locally-sourced produce. Since these traditional recipes typically rely on food that’s in season, you can pretty much find everything you need in the way of root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams) as well as specialty items like honey or even beeswax candles to adorn your table.”

Go on, mozy on down to your farmer’s market. You’re going to find the quality much better and prices MUCH lower than your grocery store.

You may even consider sourcing everything in your Thanksgiving meal within 100 miles of your home.

Vegetarian Q & A

Posted November 23, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

To feed your body nutritionally is by far the best way to live a healthy and active life. However, many people say it’s too difficult for them to pay attention to getting proper nutrition because their lives are too busy and they have too much going on. If you’re ready to make a lifestyle change and have better health, take the time to consider all of your options for diets and exercise. Having the best nutrition doesn’t have to be as hard as people make it out to be. You just need to find healthy alternatives, learn about portion control, and make a decision to do whatever it takes to make the best choices possible. . If you want to eat correctly then find a diet that is based on common sense. If the diet sounds extreme — no carbs, no fat, etc — then run! When examining any diet, stop and take a minute to ask yourself: Is this an eating plan that I could follow for the rest of my life? Go for moderation. You don’t have to pay a lot of money to experts for diet books and information.

One way to get better nutrition is to adhere to a vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diet. Because a vegetarian diet consists most of plant-based foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, it usually has less fat and cholesterol, and often has more fiber. To get started you’ll need to understand the types of vegetarian diets available. They typically fall into several groups defined by the types of animal foods they eat:

Vegans eat only plant-based foods. Nothing they ingest comes from animals. This means no meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs or cheese. Lacto-vegetarians still eat milk and other milk products in addition to fruits and veggies. They do not eat eggs, meat, fish or poultry. Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat everything that lacto-vegetarians eat with the addition of eggs. They forego red meat, fish and poultry. If you decide to try any form of vegetarianism, you may find that you need to cook at home more, at least in the beginning. When you do go out to a restaurant, skip the fast food where most of the non-meat items will be fried. Many restaurants offer a selection of vegetarian options. Those that don’t can easily leave the meat out of any item on the menu. Unless you go vegan – the strictest form of vegetarian – eating out will become much easier with a little practice. It’s worth the effort to find ways to eat nutritious food and follow a sensible eating plan. Having the best nutrition is the foundation to living a healthier happier life.

Seventh Generation the Greener Choice

Posted November 21, 2009 By Freddi Bear and has no comments yet.

img_article_7-truths

One of the country’s first self-declared “socially responsible” companies, Seventh Generation is a business that operates according to a new and different set of principles and values that in many ways are a marked departure from those long considered “traditional.” Its business practice is focused on offering people avenues to express their idealism, passion, and commitment to causes larger than themselves at every point along its supply chain—from suppliers and partners to shareholders, customers and its own staff.

The company derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquois that states, “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” Every time you use a Seventh Generation product you are making a difference by saving natural resources, reducing pollution, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations.

Educating This and Future Generations

Seventh Generation is committed to helping consumers make informed choices.

Seventh Generation provides information in several formats: on packaging, on this Web site, in 7Gen News (look in the upper right corner on any Seventh Generation web page to sign up) and in booklets and presentations by Chief Inspired Protagonist Jeffrey Hollender, company co-founder and Executive Chairperson as well as other members of our community.

A complete line of non-toxic household products

Seventh Generation brand-name products include: non-chlorine bleached, 100% recycled paper towels, bathroom and facial tissues, and napkins; non-toxic, phosphate-free cleaning, dish and laundry products; plastic trash bags made from recycled plastic; chlorine-free baby diapers, training pants, and baby wipes; and chlorine-free feminine care products, including organic cotton tampons.

Our donations program

They dedicate 10% of our profits to non-profit community, environmental, health, and responsible business organizations working for positive change.

Green Living Tips – What to Eat. Where to Live. What to Buy.

The Juice on Bio-Based

What We Know (and Don’t Know) About BPA

Recycling and Disposal Options

By Amanda Wills at Earth911.com

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Establishing a Natural Background

Toxic Enough to Harm Fish

The Truth is in the Snow

RAMP and its Discontents

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Top Green Work from Home Tips

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1. Get Audited!

2. Recycle – Know the rules

3. Compost Your Scraps

4. Reuse – You Already Have It

5. Spread the Word

6. Shop for Better Trash

7. Green Your Accessories

8. Stop Buying!

Related Reading:

Earth 911’s 8 Green Thanksgiving Tips

Save money at Farmer’s Markets

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Educating This and Future Generations

A complete line of non-toxic household products

Our donations program

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