Archive for the ‘Recycling’ Category

epOxyGreen, a cutting edge design company based in Los Angeles, CA, has managed to incorporate great art and the ability to use greener materials in consideration of the planet. They are amazingly creative and their use of salvaged and recycled materials is impressive. According to their website,

“One of the main stereotypes about green is its cost. But we know that there are many options in every category of build at every price level.

We have designed our offering of materials in easily approachable price levels.

Customers can find their desired look at any price point, mixing and matching levels to achieve a perfect cost effective result.

Green is now affordable, innovative, elegant and easy.”

Motorola’s MOTO W23 Renew may not be the most advanced phone on the market, but it’s likely one of the only ones made of nearly a hundred percent recycled plastic–a rare feature among products at CES, even the so-called green ones.

Motorola also advertised the phone as a hundred percent recyclable, but most anything is these days.

Whether or not the phone is carbon neutral depends on how you feel about carbon credits. Motorola partnered with CarbonFund to offset the carbon costs of making the phones.

More Efficient Rechargeable Batteries From Ultralast Green

Generally at the heart of any electronic device, green or not, is a battery. Traditionally known for their toxic materials, batteries have seen some good environmental improvements in recent years. For everyday home use, Ultralast, a small company based out of Massachusetts, now makes rechargeable batteries that they say last longer and are less toxic than most on the market. The Green PowerPunch Ni-Zn’s nickel zinc chemistry is not necessarily new, but it does eliminate the use of potentially toxic cadmium, and is more recyclable than alkaline and lithium batteries, according to Ultralast.

The company also says the batteries are nearly a hundred percent recyclable and more powerful and efficient–worth nearly 480 digital camera shots per charge–versus close to 200 with alkaline and 450 with the Sanyo Eneloop battery.

Source: The Green Guide–Tasha Eichenseher

Elizabeth Lundberg Morisette created a very cool 3-D display of bottle caps, title 1,584 Bottles of Beer on the Wall (I’ve Had My Share). Created with bottle caps and nails, I found the piece (approximately 40 x 50) to be awe inspiring. It was influenced by her Grand Father-in-Law and when he passed away, Elizabeth received two cans of nails he had saved. Those nails were used in part of the installation and add a certain rawness to the look of the bottle tops. Elizabeth has a full selection of works, many of which are created from recycled materials, which is the most innovative and compelling aspect to her pieces. The bottle caps have been collected over time from friends and family and that they were often brought back from vacations, or weddings.
c.2007 Elizabeth Lundberg Morisette; Prescription Bottles, pine box; 18″x24″x4″ This piece is for sale.

More Recycled Artwork- This piece is so curious and inviting, it just drew me in the moment I set my eyes on it, even though I am not sure what it is saying, I love it!! I think I have found a new way to express myself and help the planet simutaneously. There is truly no limit to the types of materials that can be worked with in this medium and I am ready to start exploring them all. In today’s world of weird and amazing art some of the most compelling and creative works have been born out of the simplest and most abundant of materials: garbage.

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.)

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

Source: Planet Green.com

Environmental Problems

Environmentally plastic is a growing disaster. Most plastics are made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource extracted and processed using energy-intensive techniques that destroy fragile ecosystems. Plastic packaging – especially the ubiquitous plastic bag – is an enormous source of landfill waste and is regularly eaten by numerous marine and land animals, to fatal consequences.  In order to live a greener way of life we need to reuse our plastic and reduce our purchase of new plastic.

Health Risks

In terms of health risks, the evidence is growing that chemicals leached from plastics used in cooking and food/drink storage are harmful to human health. The most disturbing of these are hormone (endocrine) disruptors, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), which can stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Exposure to BPA at a young age can cause genetic damage, and BPA has been linked to recurrent miscarriage in women. The health risks of plastic are significantly amplified in children, whose immune and organ systems are developing and are more vulnerable. The manufacture of plastic, as well as its destruction by incineration, pollutes air, land and water and exposes workers to toxic chemicals, including carcinogens. The evidence of health risks from certain plastics is increasingly appearing in established, peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Wakefield, 24 September 2009 — In late May 2009, food and chemical industry lobbyists met in Washington, D.C. to discuss communications strategies aimed at keeping the toxic plastic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) on the market and front and centre in the lives of mothers, minorities and the poor. The internal meeting notes were leaked to media and the Environmental Working Group, and indicate plans to use deception-based techniques, including using a pregnant woman as a national spokesperson on the benefits of BPA. The notes highlight the importance of focusing on the impact of BPA bans on minorities (Hispanic and African American) and poor.  Fear tactics are suggested — e.g., “Do you want to have access to baby food anymore?”

Here at Green Local Living we don’t expect most people to be willing to give up their creature comforts at home in favor of houses  made of beer bottles or refurbished airplanes.  However, these creative ideas help live sustainable lifestyles and they show what’s possible if we think about helping out planet and dream of something different.  We can create green living structures that are aesthetically pleasing, Eco-friendly and a definite conversation piece.  You may not be reusing an airplane wing today, but maybe you can reuse some used lumber or furniture, or perhaps switch to paints that are better for your air quality.

You may not believe your eyes but this is an actual Buddhist temple in Thailand built entirly out of used beer bottles.  It was made using over 1 million Heineken and Chang bottles, this temple is by far the coolest use I have seen for recycled beer bottles!

A new trend that is more common than you would think is to buy and convert old airplanes into homes.  I know, this idea struck me as suprising, but I like it, I mean why not? The price is right, an old 727 can go for around $2000 and then the cost to remodel the interior comfortably is around $22,000-$30,000.  These prices all depend on the condition and availability of the planes, so I am sure that the prices can vary widely.

To  view all of the amazingly inventive and planet friendly ideas for homes made out of recycled materials follow this link: http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/recycling-design-technology/treehouses-building-green-recycled-homes-460509?click=main_sr

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 

1. Pick a time period – A week is a good place to start.
2. Get everyone on board – If they live in your house and they make trash, they are involved, so catch ‘em up to speed.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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:

1. Check with your local government to get a list of what materials you can and cannot put in your curbside bin.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 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!