EcoTalk's Daily Greens

#17 Lighting the way

Today’s compact fluorescent bulbs are not the buzzing, flickering, sickly-tinted lights of their early days.
Incandescent bulbs may seem like a bargain, but over their lifetime they waste money and energy. Compact fluorescent bulbs last 10 times longer and use 66% less energy, and they’ve come a long way. The quality of today’s fluorescent bulbs is excellent. They come in all shapes and sizes and are available in full spectrum to chase away those winter blues. There are also an increasing number of lamps and fixtures that are designed to accommodate the often-larger size of compact fluorescent bulbs.  LISTEN

More information

This post was written by Shana Weber  

 

 

#16 Greening Our Smog-producing Lawnmowers

A new 2006 lawnmower is 93 times more polluting, gallon for gallon, than a same-year car.
 Cars have catalytic converters, which remove smog-producing chemicals from the exhaust. Lawnmowers don’t. The US EPA and State of CA are working to require converters on lawnmowers to help ease air pollution, against stiff opposition.  Some manufacturers argue that engines will run hotter, creating a fire hazard…the same argument automakers used 30 years ago when afraid the modification would lower their profits. Today’s proactive manufacturers say they can safely overcome the heat problem.  I’d happily pay a little extra to help prevent asthma in my kids.  Source:  Clean Air Watch

LISTEN

This post was written by Shana Weber  

#15 Responsible e-products

There are now computers, printers, monitors and all sorts of e-products that no longer contribute to the international e-waste pollution problem.   High tech companies have stepped up to the plate to help solve the problems of e-waste. Many electronics end up overseas where low-wage workers are exposed to heavy metals and other toxins in abysmal working conditions. The toxins also pollute local waterways. Dell, HP, NEC and IBM all offer “take-back” policies for old machines, and promise to recycle them safely. Look for TCO and Blue Angel ecolabeled products that have cut out many of these toxic materials.  LISTEN

SOURCE: The GreenGuide Nov/Dec 2005 (but you have to be a subscriber)

This post was written by Shana Weber  

#14 Buried in a Mountain of Packaging

Did you know the average person in the United States throws out 300 pounds of packaging every year?  Most of the time we don’t need the packaging that comes with many products, and there are lots of simple ways to reduce waste. Try carrying a mug for those hot drinks to go, and a reusable water bottle. Tuck a stash of used shopping bags in your car to re-use again. Avoid taking bags at all when you only buy a few items. And consider reducing the amount you order take-out since the packaging is often wasteful and non-recyclable.  LISTEN

SOURCE: Paper or Plastic. By Daniel Imhoff. A Watershed Media Book.

This post was written by Shana Weber  

#13 All-purpose home-made natural cleaner

Did you know you can make an inexpensive, natural and healthy all-purpose cleaner with common household ingredients?   All you need is vinegar and salt, or baking soda and warm water. Vinegar and salt mixed together will clean just about any surface. Vinegar breaks up soaps, oils and other grime and the salt acts as a natural nonabrasive scrub. But if you don’t want the vinegar odor, then try 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. You’ll get the de-odorizing and scrubbing power of baking soda without any of the harmful chemicals in bleach and ammonia-based cleaners.  LISTEN

SOURCE: Healthy Home Workbook

This post was written by Shana Weber  

#12 Natural drain cleaner

Do you have a stubborn clogged drain? Before you pour in the chemicals give the nontoxic approach a try.
You’ve probably already frustrated yourself with the plunger. The next natural step to open clogs is to pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain and then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Then cover the drain. Remember not to use this method after trying a commercial drain opener—the combination can create dangerous fumes. Let it sit overnight and see what you get in the morning. If it’s not cleared, it might be time for that plunger again.  LISTEN

Read Vicki Lansky and more information

This post was written by Shana Weber 

#11 Natural fibers in the bathroom

Beware synthetic fabrics in your bathroom.
That decorative shower curtain, soft towel, or cheery bathmat might look lovely and fresh, but is it? If it's made with plastic, vinyl, or synthetic fabric, it can give off harmful compounds that can cause immune dysfunction, allergies, and other reactions in many people. But don’t feel limited! The wealth of natural fabrics and furnishings made from organic, unbleached cotton, hemp, and linen will amaze you! Try a hemp-linen blend or hemp-cotton blend for towels and shower curtains. Hemp is naturally mold-resistant! LISTEN  (sorry little delay for the podcast)

More information.

SOURCE: Natural Home Workbook

This post was written by Shana Weber 

#10: Full-spectrum light bulbs light the way

Do you get the winter doldrums? Full-spectrum light bulbs can light the way and help our environment.
In the home office, art studio, or anywhere you work, read, or sit for extended periods of time, full-spectrum light bulbs can be a simple but dramatic change toward healthy light quality. These light bulbs simulate the natural spectrum of light found outdoors and are much better for your eyes, sense of well-being and overall health than other types of artificial light. They are also designed to last longer than standard bulbs so are cost-effective and create less waste. LISTEN

For more information

This post was written by Shana Weber 

#9 Sleep Soundly in Organic Bedding

Make your bed a healthy place to sleep.
We spend up to 1/3 of our lives in bed, so sleeping in a healthy environment is very important. If you have synthetic pillows and blankets, consider purchasing 100% organic natural-fiber covers for them until they can be replaced. Even once you have switched to healthier pillows and mattress, you may still want to keep covers on these items as they decrease the dirt, dust, and skin cells that contaminate the filling, inviting dust mites. And when cleaning your bedding be sure to use natural laundry soaps.

LISTEN

For more information visit EcoBedroom

This post was written by Shana Weber   

#8 Throw rugs hide a thousand sins

Can’t afford to replace your carpets but worry about chemicals released into the air? Just cover them up! If you have carpeting that is there to stay, especially newer carpet, throw down a natural-fiber area rug on top of it to limit the amount of chemicals released into the air. Another option if you’ve just installed standard new carpet is to air out the house for a few weeks and let those new-carpet smells escape. Those odors are toxic volatile organic compounds and no good for you. Then lay down your natural fiber rugs to prevent further offgasing. LISTEN

For more information

SOURCE: Healthy Home Workbook, Natural Home Magazine

This post was written by Shana Weber