An eco-performance aerator, like the one in Moen's Eva single-handle bathroom faucet, allows water to flow at 1.5 gallons per minute, reducing water usage by up to 32 percent.

Simply stylish (and sustainable) upgrades for your space

(ARA) – There are many ways to “go green” nowadays; it can often be difficult to decide which sustainable elements to incorporate into your own home. Instead of being overwhelmed by all of the options and trying to be the greenest house on the street, follow these suggestions to create an elegant and eco-friendly bath that’s fit for a greener lifestyle.

1. Rethink surfaces
Green materials do more than upgrade the sustainability and style of your bath: They also provide sound health and hygiene practices — and the surfaces within your bath are no exception. Most materials have more features than simply being environmentally friendly. For example, bamboo is anti-microbial and water-resistant, and it can be used in a variety of applications. It’s an elegant and versatile choice for flooring and countertops. Not interested in using wood? Natural linoleum has similar qualities to bamboo, but it’s also biodegradable, non-toxic and easy to maintain. Best of all, natural linoleum will last for nearly 40 years and is available in a large selection of colors, patterns and borders.

2. Spruce up the vanity
Looking to create a new focal point in your bath? Do so by updating your vanity. Fight the urge to run out and purchase a brand new cupboard or cabinets; reusing existing furniture can be the best and kindest choice for the environment. Try repurposing an old chest you already own or find one at a garage sale, antique store or flea market. Use the secondhand piece as is to achieve a vintage look and feel. Or, customize the piece to suit your color scheme and style with a fresh coat of paint or stain — but be sure to use one with low or no volatile organic compounds for healthy, indoor air quality.

Can’t find a piece you love in the used marketplace? Try to buy responsibly and find something made from sustainable materials or that has environmentally friendly certifications. Look for Greenguard and MBDC Cradle to Cradle certifications on products, as well as items that utilize Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. These indicate that the products have been produced in a sustainable fashion with little environmental impact. If you’re planning to build a new vanity, utilize eco-friendly raw materials, including bamboo, beech wood, reclaimed lumber or bent plywood. For an added benefit, try to buy locally; you’ll avoid shipping costs and reduce the carbon footprint associated with your purchase, which is even better.

3. Smart water savings
The most important environmental benefit of a green bathroom is reducing the amount of water used. In order to get the most out of your eco-friendly bath, be sure to install fixtures that use less water and energy. The easiest upgrade to make is switching to a water-efficient showerhead, like the Envi Eco-Performance rainshower showerhead from Moen. Envi is Moen’s first eco-performance rainshower showerhead and features its innovative Immersion technology — a self-pressurizing system that increases the force and flow of water delivery, all while using up to 20 percent less water than the industry standard. Now you can still have the rain drenching experience you’re used to in the shower, while saving one of Earth’s most precious resources.

Another way to reduce your water consumption is to install a lavatory faucet that is certified to meet WaterSense criteria. WaterSense, a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to decrease indoor and outdoor water use through water-efficient products and simple, water-saving practices. The new Eva single-handle faucet from Moen has been certified to meet WaterSense criteria, thanks to Moen’s eco-performance aerator that allows water to flow at 1.5 gallons per minute, versus traditional aerators that flow at 2.2 gpm. This new aerator provides consumers the sensational water experience they are accustomed to, while reducing water usage by up to 32 percent. Eva features transitional styling and understated details, such as a tapered handle and sophisticated lines, giving it timeless appeal.

4. Earth-friendly accessories
Want to make a sustainable impact on your bath without remodeling? Be aware of how you decorate the space. For example, a rubber bath mat or plastic shower curtain can wreak havoc on your indoor air quality, especially if you have a poor ventilation system.

In the shower, look for PVC-free plastic or natural fabrics, such as cotton or bamboo, for your next shower curtain and liner, as PVC emits off-gassing chemicals that can be dangerous. Or, go for a more permanent solution, like hemp, which is naturally resistant to mold, as long as you keep your bathroom well-ventilated.

To increase the elegance of your bath, incorporate towels and rugs made from organic cotton. Since organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment, it’s an unbeatable and hypoallergenic option for you and any guests.

5. Updates that last
One of the main components to greening any space is to consider designing for longevity. Ensuring your new bath is built to last is key — the amount of waste that goes to landfill sites from new construction and remodeling is massive; nearly 40 percent of all waste. A well-designed bathroom also means less maintenance and fewer repairs, and can even postpone the need for costly remodels. So be sure to consider materials and products that are durable and can withstand the rigors of everyday use.

For more information about the Envi Eco-Performance rainshower showerhead or the Eva single-handle faucet from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: eco-friendly bath

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Ready to pack away your beach chair for a cozy nook next to the fireplace? Use autumn’s brisk and breezy days to conquer deep-cleaning chores for a clean and comfortable winter home.

“Mr. Fix It” Lou Manfredini, national home improvement expert and host of the nationally syndicated television and radio show “HouseSmarts,” knows that fall cleaning is not just about fluffing pillows and dusting bookshelves. It is power cleaning areas you don’t regularly clean throughout the year, eliminating ground-in dirt, tough stains and hidden bacteria. Power cleaning can save you money year round – allowing your home to work more efficiently. And, it can be good for the environment.

“CLR is one of the most powerful formulas available for dissolving tough calcium, lime and rust quickly and easily,” says Manfredini. “CLR uses all-natural ingredients that are safe and gentle enough to use every day, yet effective in getting the job done.”

Check out some of Manfredini’s favorite cleaning tips for in and outside your home, offering money-saving efficiencies and green cleaning power.

* Kitchens and bathrooms are perhaps the two most difficult rooms in your home to keep clean. After time, tiles dull, soap scum builds and appliances take on a worn-out, dirty look. Give these important areas in your home some extra TLC with environmentally friendly CLR Bathroom and Kitchen cleaner. It wipes away soap scum and everyday grime from faucets, shower heads, ceramic tile, grout and appliance surfaces. CLR Bathroom and Kitchen uses all-natural ingredients that are powerful enough for your deep cleaning needs, yet safe and gentle enough to use every day.

* Have your ducts professionally cleaned once a year. It will help make your home’s heater run more efficiently, saving you money on your monthly bills.

* De-clutter the core of your home. Remove boxes, tools and other household storage items from the space around your furnace, water heater and other core areas. And while you’re at it, lower your water heater’s temperature from the typical 140 degrees to 120 degrees. This slight change could save you more than 10 percent of your total energy usage.

* Keep your water pipes flowing efficiently and economically all winter long with CLR Power Plumber. This environmentally safe product unclogs hair, grease and soap build-up in drains in seconds. It works on sinks, toilets, bathtubs, garbage disposals and floor drains.

* A thorough window cleaning each season will remove heavy-duty dirt and grime. Use a micro fiber cleaning cloth to clean your windows. It leaves windows smear and streak free, inside and out, using warm water only (instead of a window spray cleaner) – saving you time, money and the use of paper towels. It’s also a good time to check the weather stripping and seals of your windows to make sure no repairs are needed.

* Clean and store patio furniture. Use a powerful cleaner specifically designed for outdoor furniture, such as CLR Outdoor Furniture cleaner, to keep it looking new year after year.

* Clean and repair all gutters and downspouts. You’ll need gloves, a bucket or plastic bags, and a hose. Gutters are fraught with sharp edges and no place for unprotected hands. Use rubber gloves and keep a bucket nearby instead of tossing the muck over the side of the gutter to the ground below. It helps keep the periphery of the house tidy. Once the gutter is reasonably clean, use the hose to flush out the last of the debris. Look for leaks or holes that need repair and note their location. Cut back any trees or vegetation that comes in contact with the roof of your home to help maintain the gutters.

* Reorganize your garage. Before diving in, look around at all the items you have. Develop categories for those items and then sort your goods into those categories. Examples of categories include car care, lawn care, household storage, seasonal storage, sporting equipment and tools. When putting your goods back into the garage, place similar items near each other and label the location for each category so it’s easy to find what you need when you need it.

* Look for the DfE (Design for the Environment) designation to recognize cleaning products that help protect the environment and are safe for your family.

For more power cleaning tips and information, visit www.jelmar.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: green cleaning, green cleaning tips

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Being eco-friendly isn’t just limited to the car you drive or the appliances you buy, and it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience, quality or budget. In fact, it’s time to stop feeling guilty about not being able to do it all and make a few small changes to help the environment.

One easy way to live a more earth-conscious lifestyle is to turn brown bag lunches green this school year. By thinking green every time you pack a lunch, you can save money and take a small step forward for the environment.

Do right by your wallet and the environment with these simple tips:

* Buy local foods
Look for a farmer’s market or grocery store that promotes locally grown and produced food.

Local foods are produced close to home and deliver the freshest taste. Buying local supports a more sustainable food system, since real sustainability goes beyond the methods used in food production. The closer a food source is to where you live, the less fuel it will take to get it to your table.

* Tote a reusable lunch bag
Instead of using an old-school brown paper bag, invite your kids to help pick out a reusable lunch bag. This small lesson in sustainability is an easy way for kids to help the environment. Older kids won’t have to settle for a lunch box covered in cartoon characters — stylish bags are available that will satisfy even the pickiest seventh grader.

Many reusable bags are insulated to help keep lunches cool. Reusable lunch bags come in a variety of fabrics from neoprene, recycled plastics, polyester and canvas.

* Try sandwich bags that are better for the environment
Feel better about using plastic sandwich bags to pack your family’s lunch with new Ziploc evolve sandwich and storage bags.

The protective, ultra-light bags are made using 25 percent less plastic than traditional sandwich bags, and manufactured using wind power – a cleaner, renewable energy source. The bags are also manufactured with less energy overall, which is a step towards reducing greenhouse gases.

The bags, which are widely available in grocery, mass merchandise and drug stores nationwide, offer the same quality seal, freshness protection, convenience and price that you rely on to preserve lunches and leftovers.

Visit www.ziploc.com to learn more about Ziploc evolve bags and discover new food storage tips and ideas.

* Double fruits and veggies
Make lunches extra green by packing plenty of fruits and vegetables. You will encourage a lifetime of healthy eating habits by making fruits and vegetables part of every meal, including lunch. Additionally, whole foods typically consume less energy and water compared with processed foods.

Teach your kids to eat a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables to get the most nutrients. Think beyond carrot sticks and apples and try a simple salad of red peppers, cucumbers and green beans dressed with vinegar.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: brown bag lunches, local foods

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Outdoor fun in the form of football games, festivals, concerts, and running events is a great way to enjoy the fall. However, these activities can also generate a substantial amount of trash. Bottles, cans and other materials from public events are often thrown away, but they present a great opportunity to help the community and the environment through recycling.

Americans are accustomed to recycling at home and in the workplace. In 2007, Americans recycled 85 million of the 254 million tons of garbage generated. This recycling rate of 33.4 percent is more than double the rate in 1990. Even more impressive, more than 37 percent of plastic soft drink bottles and 49 percent of all aluminum beverage cans are recycled each year. Still, recyclable materials used at outdoor events — such as glass and plastic bottles, paper cups, aluminum cans and corrugated cardboard — often end up in the trash.

Recycling and waste reduction conserve natural resources, yield energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturing goods from recycled materials typically requires less energy than producing an item from virgin material, thus reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that are produced. The energy savings from recycling can be substantial: The 85 million tons that Americans recycled in 2007 saved enough energy to power more than 7 million U.S. homes for a year.

Encouraging waste reduction and recycling at public events keeps public spaces clean and protects the environment. It can also cut waste disposal costs, generate extra revenue for event organizers and sponsors and educate the public about the importance of recycling. While the benefits of recycling at community events vary greatly, small efforts can add up.

St. Louis Earth Day’s Recycling on the Go program demonstrates how effective recycling in public places can be. In 2008, the program collected 25 tons of materials. If all U.S. cities the size of St. Louis or larger had similar results for their events, we could save the annual emissions from 690 cars.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Recycle on the Go initiative promotes recycling at public events. EPA’s Recycle on the Go Web site offers tools to help you start a recycling program, success stories and tips for including concessionaires and vendors in the recycling process.

You can encourage waste reduction and recycling at public events in your community. If your family has a favorite community event that you attend each fall, contact the organizers and ask if they will offer recycling opportunities at the event, and suggest that they look for ways to reduce waste. Make them aware of the Recycle on the Go initiative and offer to get involved coordinating. If your fall activities involve travel, look for recycling efforts while on the go, including airports, train stations and rest stops.

To learn how you can incorporate waste reduction and recycling into your event, visit EPA’s Recycle on the Go Web site at www.epa.gov/recycleonthego, or EPA’s communities Web site at www.epa.gov/epawaste/wycd/community.htm, and read the Guide for Multi-Cultural Community Groups. Earth911 is another valuable resource, with local recycling information, including recycling materials, markets, facilities and drop-off centers. The Runner’s World Green Team Web page also offers useful information, including a green guide, case studies and an application form to have your race certified “green.”

Content provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Courtesy of ARAcontent

——————————————————————————–
SIDEBAR:

Eight easy steps to recycle at your event

1. Select a recycling coordinator who will manage all aspects of the program, from choosing and working with a hauler to assisting vendors and concessionaires in implementing the program.

2. Determine what will be recycled. Assess waste to figure out what potential recyclables are currently being thrown away and how much of each material is being thrown away. Use Earth911.org to find the recycler nearest you.

3. Reduce the amount of waste generated. Waste prevention can include buying products that use less packaging or have high recycled content, and buying in bulk.

4. Involve everyone in planning your recycling program, including concession operators, event staff and volunteers.

5. Determine logistics. Decide if you will have recyclables removed by event staff or volunteers, or if you will hire a third party to do the job. If you decide to use a third party, ask if the company can handle both trash and recycling. Often this is the most economical option.

6. Place recycling bins in areas near where the waste will be generated, such as concession stands. Choose bins that look different enough from waste cans and place signs or banners above the bins so recycling locations are easily identifiable. Signs on the bin should clearly identify what items should be placed in the recycling bin (e.g., “Cans and Bottles Only”) and be designed for the materials that go in them (e.g., round holes in the lids for bottles and cans, slots for paper).

7. Educate. Use signs, displays and announcements to let attendees know why they should recycle, what they should recycle, where they should recycle and how they should recycle. You can download free recycling signs from Social Change Media at http://media.socialchange.net.au/recycling.

8. Track your success. Measure the weight of recyclables collected. Recycling not only helps the environment; it can also help offset the costs of staging a public event. Many festival and event coordinators have found that recycling programs reduce waste disposal costs and create revenue through the sale of recyclables. In addition, recycling programs can increase the appeal of an event by reducing litter and promoting an environmentally friendly atmosphere.

Tags: Recycle on the Go, recycling at events, recycling outdoors, St. Louis Earth Day’s Recycling on the Go program

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – If the current economy has you thinking you don’t have the time or money to reduce your impact on the environment, think again — you might be surprised to know that living a greener lifestyle can actually put money back in your pocket. It’s a matter of figuring out what works best for you and making simple changes that often require little or no time or investment.

To shave your budget and also do your part for the environment, consider these easy environmentally preferable, money-saving tips.

Make Fewer Trips to the Grocery Store

Frequent shopping trips add up, and not just in the cost of what you’ll spend at the store. Minimize trips to the supermarket by creating a weekly meal plan and taking note of the ingredients you’ll need to pick up. Take advantage of off-peak shopping hours that offer better in-store sales, utilize your coupons and stock up on frequently-purchased pantry items and dry-goods. And always be sure to review the contents of your pantry and freezer before heading to the store – it can save you money and repeat trips.

Pick Up Environmentally Preferable Entertaining Supplies

When entertaining, consider convenient and energy-effective alternatives. The average dishwasher uses six gallons of water per cycle, so when hosting parties, pick up environmentally preferable tableware such as Bare by Solo cups and plates. Bare products are made with recycled plastic or annually renewable resources like bamboo, sugarcane or corn. You will have fewer dishes to wash and use less water – and enjoy more time with your guests.

Reduce Your Electricity Usage

Shut your computer down when not in use to cut down wear and tear on your hard drive and save on energy costs. The Department of Energy recommends shutting off your monitor if you aren’t going to use it for more than 20 minutes, and the whole system if you’re not going to use it for more than two hours. Doing so can save you an average of $90 of electricity a year.

Opt for a Paperless Billing Option

Save natural resources by opting for online bill-paying options. Going paperless will save trees, save you money spent on stamps and eliminate the energy needed to mail and process billing envelopes.

Cut Back on Your Water Waste

Take low-flow short showers and try to keep the temperature at a lukewarm setting for the last few minutes while you rinse. The change in temperature will help prepare you for the drop in temperature as you step out of the bath and save on the cost of heating. Apply that same idea when washing your clothes. Avoiding the hot cycle will save on water heating costs and extend your wardrobe’s useful life.

Taking a few minutes to make simple adjustments can lead to more savings for you as well as for the planet. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to do your part on any budget.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Bare, Bare by Solo, greener lifestyle, living green on a budget

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Kids are increasingly aware of the issues impacting their environment, and are even more engaged and excited about making their world a greener place. Parents can involve their children in “going green” with a few simple steps, and show them how they, too, can make a big contribution to Mother Earth.

Families can celebrate Earth Month all year long by turning everyday tasks into fun and productive steps for children that illustrate how they can help make our planet a greener and healthier place. It doesn’t take a lot of effort — helping your kids “go green” can happen at home, at school or even through play.

The first step is to learn about the issue and start a conversation with your child in a way that makes sense to them. Parents can utilize eco-themed toys or movies as a fun way to start a dialogue with their kids about the importance of protecting their planet. Look for a green theme in products, toys and shows they already love, like the new “Barbie Presents: Thumbelina” DVD. Thumbelina, the star of the DVD, harnesses the magic of nature to save her home in the wildflowers from developers, and sets out to prove that even the smallest person can make a big difference. The movie can ignite a conversation between parents and children about the small things they can do as a family to help give back to their environment.

“One of the most powerful ways my daughter Lola can learn about protecting the environment is through play,” explains Sophie Uliano, eco-expert, blogger and author of “Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life.” “’Barbie Presents: Thumbelina’ offers an inspirational message as well as an engaging product line that allows us to do green activities together, such as gardening and recycling in a fun fashionable way.”

Inspire your kids to start thinking “green” with a few of these simple eco-tips that can make a big difference:

Thumbelina Solar Garden Activity

* Plant a garden at home — Carve out a small patch in your yard just for your child to plant a garden. Incorporating toys like the Thumbelina Solar Garden Activity set are a great way to introduce kids to gardening.

* Turn recycling into a game — Turn this chore into something fun that the whole family can participate in by creating a fun sorting game or by decorating different recycling bins with recyclable materials.

* Choose reusable goods for everyday eats — Take a reusable water bottle to sports or dance practice and pack lunch in a fun reusable lunch box or bag.

* Conserve water — Talk to your kids about how much water they save by taking a shower instead of a bath and by turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth.

* Save electricity — Assign a “Power Captain” of the household — someone responsible for turning off the lights whenever the family leaves leave a room or the house; give the Power Captain points or small rewards for every light they turn off.

Before you know it, your kids will be on their way to an eco-friendly lifestyle. Encourage them to spread the word to other family members and friends to join the green movement. Together everyone can help preserve a green, clean and healthy Earth for generations to come.

For more eco-tips on how you and your family can protect Earth, visit www.epa.gov/kids.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Barbie Presents: Thumbelina, kids and the environment, Thumbelina Solar Garden Activity

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

Low profile solar collectors blend well with rooflines.

(ARA) – Green-minded homeowners can continue to turn to the sky for help in coping with rising energy costs for years to come thanks to an extension of the solar tax credit program by Congress.

The legislation extends the benefits for residential systems under the old law for eight years. This will enable consumers to recoup 30 percent of the cost of solar thermal water heating up to $2,000.

Jim Cika, manager of solar products for VELUX America, recommends that consumers do their homework on the various solar technologies available, as well as reviewing calculations for how solar-friendly their homes may be. “They need to factor in geographic location, orientation of the roof for solar collectors, costs, and tax incentives and rebates that may be available to arrive at an economically sensible and environmentally-sensitive decision,” Cika says.

While a solar thermal system usually costs more to purchase and install than a conventional water heating system, it can save money in the long run and is much kinder to the planet.

Cika says that the cost of an installed ENERGY STAR certified system from his company will vary depending upon the volume of heated water required in a home. Two to three rooftop solar collector panels will usually be installed and solar hot water holding tanks are available in 80- and 120-gallon sizes. An average installation is projected to cost $8,000 to $11,000, with some complex installations running as much as $12,000.

“On average,” he says, “if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50 to 80 percent — not an insignificant sum when you consider that the Department of Energy says that water heating can account for 14 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in our homes.”

According to Cika, in the construction of a new home, where the cost of the system is rolled into the mortgage, homeowners can save more on their monthly energy bills than the increase in their house payment. “Solar water heating provides a positive cash flow from the day of move in,” he says, “effectively giving an immediate payback.”

“In the case of an installation in an existing home in an area that has both federal and state rebates and incentives,” he says, “the payback can vary from three to nine years.”

Solar water heating cuts energy use and saves money.

There are two primary solar technologies available in the market right now, solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal. The photovoltaic process uses the sun to generate electricity and solar thermal uses the sun to heat water. Solar thermal often is the technology of choice for homeowners for a number of reasons. Kevin Hughes, a writer for GreenBuildingElements.com, who installed a solar thermal system in his San Francisco home, explains why.

“I prefer solar thermal, specifically solar hot water, a much older technology. It is much cheaper to install, much more efficient, and has a much faster payback,” he says.

For homeowners considering an installation, the Internet offers a number of Web sites that can be helpful with an analysis and then with locating products and installers. Findsolar.com and nabcep.org list certified installers by state. Solar-rating.org lists certified solar equipment manufacturers and certified installers for VELUX units are listed at www.veluxusa.com.

Eere.energy.gov/consumer includes a link to a calculator for initial cost, annual operating costs and determining payback, as well as a consumer’s guide to solar thermal, while nrel.gov offers a consumer’s guide to photovoltaic. Federal and state tax credit information, by geographic area, is available at dsireusa.org.

Cika says that solar water heating represents a logical first step for homeowners who want to harness the power of the sun because it is relatively simple technology compared to generating electricity from the sun. “The technologies accomplish different objectives,” he says, “but they both will pay increasing dividends to homeowners who utilize them now and in the future.”

For more information on the benefits of solar water heating, call (800) 283-2831 or visit www.veluxusa.com/solar.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: ENERGY STAR, solar collectors, solar photovoltaic, solar tax credit program, solar technologies, solar thermal, solar-friendly homes

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

Going Green at the Grill Is Easy, Tastes Great and Helps Saves the Planet One Bite at a Time

(ARA) – Each spring, millions of grilling enthusiasts dust off the grill in anticipation of another fun-filled summer of backyard barbecues. But at what cost to the environment? According to Sierra magazine, the estimated 60 million barbecues held on the Fourth of July alone in the U.S. consume enough energy — in the forms of charcoal, lighter fluid, gas and electricity — to power 20,000 households for a year.

If this statistic has your grilling outlook going from sunny to overcast, don’t panic. It’s quite easy to minimize your environmental impact while grilling by taking a few simple steps that won’t diminish your grilling experience. Yes, you too can grill green, and these simple tips will help you get your grill on while keeping Mother Earth on your good side. After all, charcoal has been in use since the days of Henry Ford, but you’re not still driving a Model T, are you?

One of the biggest factors in grilling green is the fuel source used to grill. All grilling fuels use natural resources and emit pollutants into the environment, but some do so at a much greater cost than others. Charcoal grills and lighter fluid contribute more to ground-level ozone, which is produced when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic chemicals combine in hot weather conditions. In addition, charcoal produces more carbon monoxide and particulates than other grilling options.

Though gas grills offer one of the quickest ways to barbecue, the grills can be expensive to purchase, liquid propane gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel and many a barbecue have been put on hold due to empty propane tank syndrome. But charcoal and gas aren’t the only fuel sources to consider when grilling. Recent innovations in the industry have opened the door to a greener grilling experience.

One such innovation is the FlameDisk — a charcoal alternative made from solid ethanol, a renewable biofuel. Food grilled on the FlameDisk tastes just like it was grilled over charcoal, but using this eco-friendly grill fuel emits 99 percent less carbon monoxide and 91 percent fewer VOCs than grilling with charcoal. Plus the by-products created when ethanol is burned include only water and a modest amount of carbon dioxide.

And unlike lighter fluid and propane gas, the FlameDisk is not derived from non-renewable petroleum. Wood is another green grill fuel option, but like charcoal it burns dirty, producing tiny soot particles that pollute the air and can cause health problems. However, unlike charcoal, the ash from wood can be disposed of in your garden, and is a greener option when obtained from a sustainable source like hickory or mesquite.

Your selection of grilling accessories also determines how much impact your grilling experience has on the environment. Not only can using real plates and silverware add some class to your next cookout, you’ll be reducing your waste by steering clear of the paper and plastic. In addition, many highly biodegradable disposable options have recently become available on the market. If you’re wrapping food in aluminum foil, consider using 100 percent recycled aluminum. Cleanup can be both easy and green when you use natural cleaners, many of which you can make safely and affordably in your own kitchen using common ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and water.

While charcoal reigned supreme in the days of Henry Ford, there’s no reason the modern day barbecue can’t save the earth one burger or tofu dog at a time. While no one expects you to cook your next turkey with a solar oven, it’s just good sense to consider grilling green as an eco-friendly barbecue option in the 21st century. While it might not be as green as switching over to a hybrid car, any reduction in your carbon footprint can make a difference over time. So move over charcoal, here comes something greener!

For more information on the FlameDisk and how you can grill green this summer, go to www.FlameDisk.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: eco-friendly grill, FlameDisk, green grilling, grilling green, grills

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

New Research Indicates Consumers’ Level of Interest in Green Products

(ARA) – If you thought green was a trend primarily embraced by Gen X and Yers, think again.

Information gathered by Moen Incorporated, the No. 1 faucet brand in North America, and Iconoculture, a leading cultural trend research firm, indicates that key values and financial status, rather than age, are the defining characteristics in determining consumers’ level of interest in green products.

“The research divided consumers into four primary groups, based on their level of eco-consciousness,” says Jack Suvak, Moen’s director of research. “Each group is very distinct — in terms of both interest in green and their key values.”

Which shade of green are you?

Dark Green
The most eco-conscious of the four groups, Dark Greens are motivated by a sense of responsibility to the planet. Dark Greens come from all age groups, and tend to be from mid- to upper-economic levels. They are driven by products that are eco-friendly but effective, and they will not use products that sacrifice performance just to be green.

Examples of products that fulfill the wishes of Dark Greens are Moen’s new environmentally responsible showerheads. The Envi and Nurture water-efficient showerheads each feature three settings and a flow rate of 1.75 gallons per minute (gpm) — using up to 30 percent less water than the industry standard 2.5 gpm. Both showerheads still provide consumers with a superior shower experience with full-body, high-performance coverage.

Key values for this group were identified as a belief in the green movement, a strong sense of community and personal pride.

Medium Green
The next green group, Medium Greens, has a heightened consciousness of green issues. A large contingent in this set consists of young parents concerned about protecting the Earth for their children and grandchildren, as well as protecting their families from toxins and other chemicals. Another significant sub-group within Medium Greens is affluent individuals interested in going green. With regard to purchasing drivers for Medium Greens, they will assess the value against the price point, and are motivated by products that make it easy for them to go green.

Key values of Medium Greens include hope, convenience and prevention.

Light Green
“Green is the new cool” is the motto of the Light Green group, which primarily consists of twenty-something city dwellers, uber-urbans and the emerging middle class. Many within this group embrace the eco-friendly movement because it’s trendy and desire the status associated with green’s chic factor. However, this group tends to be somewhat cost-sensitive, so pricing is a critical factor in determining whether they buy green products. They tend to look for products that are eco-chic in design.

Key values for this group include thrift, practicality, self-expression and status.

Non-Green
The last group encompasses those individuals who aren’t necessarily interested in the green movement … yet. Non-Greens are split between those who are newly affluent or income-challenged — so they tend to focus on green if it brings material gain and/or survival benefits. They will only buy green products if they carry the lowest cost.

Key values for the Non-Green group include stability, security, choice and entitlement.

“Greenvenience” is Key
Beyond the learnings of the four distinct green interest groups, Moen also gleaned information about consumers’ green purchasing behavior. Most consumers felt there was an intrinsic value in going green, whether it comes from an interest in the planet or a desire for the status of going green. A few key highlights included:

* When consumers were asked, “If a retailer raised prices to be more environmentally friendly, would you pay more?” — nearly 40 percent said they would.

* Consumers rated retailers in terms of location, prices, selection of products, customer service and a firm’s environmental consciousness, and more than half (52 percent) rated a firm’s eco-consciousness as “very” or “somewhat” important, compared to 32 percent who were neutral, and only 16 percent who said this was not very important.

Ultimately, “greenvenience” is key for consumers looking for green products. “It isn’t easy being green, but it’s getting easier – and that’s a strong sell to consumers who want to continue to live on their own terms,” adds Suvak. “Consumers expect convenient, no-sacrifice products that make it easier to be green.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: greenvenience, Which shade of green are you?

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – In the early days of the “green” movement, some practical-minded Americans may have considered an eco-friendly lifestyle a costly luxury they couldn’t afford. Now, however, people are increasingly viewing green habits as cost-cutting measures they can’t afford to pass over. 

Small, simple steps can green your lifestyle and save you some money at the same time. Shopping, for example, is one area where you can apply the principals of recycling in a way that benefits the environment and your wallet. Here are a few tips for greening your buying routine: 

* When you buy something online, save and reuse (or recycle) the packaging materials the item is delivered in. 

* Buy products made from recycled, organic or sustainable materials like bamboo, hemp or soy. WorldofGood.com by eBay is a new marketplace that relies on independent organizations like Green America and Rainforest Action Network to verify that products are environmentally friendly — not to mention affordably priced. 

* Shopping online and combining shopping trips can also help reduce your carbon footprint. 

Buying vintage, pre-owned and refurbished items instead of new ones is another way to protect the environment and your cash flow — and possibly make a style statement at the same time. The greenest products are generally the ones that already exist, because no new raw materials are consumed to make them or deliver them to you. 

If you’re ready to shop pre-owned and vintage, keep in mind a few tips for getting the best deal. 

“Giving a used product new life reduces waste, the demand for raw materials to make new products, and the energy needed for new manufacturing,” says Constance White, style director for eBay. “Purchasing pre-owned, vintage and refurbished items online can have a very positive impact on the environment.” Some eye-opening eBay statistics support this theory: 

* In 2007, the sale of used laptops saved the production of 69,000 tons of carbon dioxide – the equivalent effect as saving 437 acres of forest. 

* The sale of used handbags over the past three years cut greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to planting 2.4 million trees. 

* Purchases of used golf clubs in the past three years had the same impact on greenhouse gases as would removing 22,000 cars off the road for a year. 

“Repurposed items that are ‘new to you’ can offer great savings and unique style,” White says. To get the most of your online search, use search terms like “pre-owned,” “one-of-a-kind,” “gently used,” “rare” or “vintage.” You can find deals on pre-owned items from jewelry to children’s clothing, even shoes. “Many kids now keep their pricey sneakers in pristine condition,” White notes. 

For more ideas on how small changes can add up to a big, positive impact on the environment, visit eBay.com/greenteam. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: carbon footprint, eBay, eco-friendly shopping, Green America, green shopping, Rainforest Action Network, repurposed items, used, WorldofGood.com

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...