I am taking the next week off because it is spring break and a vacation from my blog.
Don't be sad.
If you have little children to entertain or still have that inner child within then here is a project that will show the importance and uniqueness of wildlife. There are also two other projects on the pages that follow that project.
Enjoy!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
They DO have candy bars!
After searching through my newly found eco-firms websites, I came across probably the most exciting topic to hit organic foods. Candy, but not just candy, chocolate! Of course it is located in Canada, so it might be difficult for the chocolate not to melt if it’s being delivered to Florida. But this is why they created a thing called dry ice, right?
How are these chocolates considered organic, you ask?
Our Chocolate Gourmet Collection comprises an assortment of premium gourmet
sweet and savory delicacies that have been made with the finest organic
and/or gmo-free ingredients. Items include; chocolate truffles, sugar coated
almonds covered in chocolate, chocolate bars, chocolate butter cookies,
biscotti, crackers, pates, tapenades, cheese, coffee, tea etc...
If you aren’t sure what gmo-free means. I’ll let the wise geek explain.
These candy bars sell for around $42. I’m not sure how many come with an order. I counted six in the picture. This might sound a little pricy for chocolate, but I’m at least tempted to try them out.
If I can eat chocolate that is better for me that doesn’t include all of the harmful ingredients in a regular candy bar then I think I’d do it.
Would you?
*Picture from Fresh Unlimited
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Resources
Need a product or service that consists mainly of eco-friendly materials? There aren’t many companies not listed on this great website. You can search by Product/Service or by the companies Name.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Lunch Time
When you were in high school, or perhaps you still are now, how much food do you think was wasted in your cafeteria? I know I wasted a lot just by myself. A recent article on USA Today’s website looks on the brighter side of cafeteria waste.
This plan seems beneficial for the school and the surrounding environment. Many schools such as Slippery Rock University and schools in Southwest Washington are jumping on board as well.
San Diego State University will use only trans-fat-free oil for cooking. To
minimize environmental effects, the university has a food composting program,
and leftover biodegradable scraps are used by campus landscaping. Last year 50
tons of waste were turned into compost; this year the target goal is 75 tons.
Oil used in cooking is also recycled to produce bio-fuel that runs the campus
vehicles.
This plan seems beneficial for the school and the surrounding environment. Many schools such as Slippery Rock University and schools in Southwest Washington are jumping on board as well.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Paper Please
One of the blogs I read on occasion has an article about recycling paper in Europe.
“The European Union is on target to meet a commitment to recycle 66% of its paper by 2010, representing an uplift of nearly 10% from 2004 when the targets were first measured.”
I work in a retail store and just recently we started to recycle plastic, aluminum, and glass. I must say that by having a separate bin to recycle those things makes a big difference. Our trash doesn’t get filled up as much and I every time I put something in there I feel like I am helping my environment. The bins outside of the stores were just recently added. I am curious to take a poll and see how many other stores are trying to make a difference as well.
Also, lower prices are a great motivation to use recycled paper. Most people complain about prices rising and how much everything is. A higher demand in recycled paper means lower costs. Saving the rain forest is also a great motivation. We should try to prolong our forests for as long as we can, at least until we can grow some new ones and create more homes for animals.
There needs to be a balance somewhere. The recycled paper has an even better quality now then it did before. It has more than enough quality to surpass regular paper that isn’t recycled. I’m sure recycled paper probably couldn’t even be compared to regular paper anymore and you probably won’t be able to tell the difference. If you could tell a difference then it would be that you would find recycled paper looking and performing better than regular paper.
“The European Union is on target to meet a commitment to recycle 66% of its paper by 2010, representing an uplift of nearly 10% from 2004 when the targets were first measured.”
I work in a retail store and just recently we started to recycle plastic, aluminum, and glass. I must say that by having a separate bin to recycle those things makes a big difference. Our trash doesn’t get filled up as much and I every time I put something in there I feel like I am helping my environment. The bins outside of the stores were just recently added. I am curious to take a poll and see how many other stores are trying to make a difference as well.
Also, lower prices are a great motivation to use recycled paper. Most people complain about prices rising and how much everything is. A higher demand in recycled paper means lower costs. Saving the rain forest is also a great motivation. We should try to prolong our forests for as long as we can, at least until we can grow some new ones and create more homes for animals.
There needs to be a balance somewhere. The recycled paper has an even better quality now then it did before. It has more than enough quality to surpass regular paper that isn’t recycled. I’m sure recycled paper probably couldn’t even be compared to regular paper anymore and you probably won’t be able to tell the difference. If you could tell a difference then it would be that you would find recycled paper looking and performing better than regular paper.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
It all adds up
Need to calculate your harmful footprint? I’ve done this once before and I must say this website does it a little differently than most. If you don’t like to read bar graphs then don’t do this. A great plus that they’ve added after you fill in your zip code, home size, and email address and after they show you several bar graphs of what you are doing to our planet you can choose to click on “Projects.”
It is a button at the bottom of the screen and after clicking on it a new page shows up with numerous and I mean NUMEROUS ways to help your ecological footstep be a little bit smaller than it is right now. You could replace windows, install energy efficient appliances, or perform water and energy audits in your household.
This is only the tip of project ideas. There are even prices for products and what it will save you annually and what it will save you in water, energy, and CO2 wise.
If you’re looking for a jumpstart to becoming more ecologically aware then this is the place to do it. You might be surprised at how much of a footprint you are actually leaving; I was!
It is a button at the bottom of the screen and after clicking on it a new page shows up with numerous and I mean NUMEROUS ways to help your ecological footstep be a little bit smaller than it is right now. You could replace windows, install energy efficient appliances, or perform water and energy audits in your household.
This is only the tip of project ideas. There are even prices for products and what it will save you annually and what it will save you in water, energy, and CO2 wise.
If you’re looking for a jumpstart to becoming more ecologically aware then this is the place to do it. You might be surprised at how much of a footprint you are actually leaving; I was!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Almost Natural Beauty
Thanks to my entertainment news friend I received a good tip about organic make-up. To add the eco-friendly icing to the so-called organic cake, I also found a review and information on it from one of my favorite green websites!
AlmostNaturalBeauty.com: Organic makeup from Physicians Formula
AlmostNaturalBeauty.com: Organic makeup from Physicians Formula
Monday, February 18, 2008
A Drink and A Thought
While indulging in my White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks, I decided to read “The Way I See It,” conveniently placed on the side of my cup.
Sarcasm at its best, I do believe. Chip Giller, as I later researched, as the Founder of Grist.org brings to their readers a sense of humor in news. As Global Warming and the thought of our environment going in the wrong direction bring a sudden downpour of depression upon anyone with a conscious, Giller provides interesting and hopeful journalism. After reading some articles on the website about the politicians and their views and ideas about global warming, I realized that this could sway my vote for our new President.
I do not believe that Grist is biased toward a particular candidate but that is up for the rest of you to decide.
Do you think a politician’s view on our environment would help sway your vote in the upcoming election?
"So-called "global warming" is just a secret ploy by wacko treehuggers
to make America energy independent, clean out air and water, improve the fuel
efficiency of our vehicles, kick-start 21st-century industries, and make our
cities safer and more livable. Don't let them get away with it! --Chip
Giller, Founder of Grist.org
Sarcasm at its best, I do believe. Chip Giller, as I later researched, as the Founder of Grist.org brings to their readers a sense of humor in news. As Global Warming and the thought of our environment going in the wrong direction bring a sudden downpour of depression upon anyone with a conscious, Giller provides interesting and hopeful journalism. After reading some articles on the website about the politicians and their views and ideas about global warming, I realized that this could sway my vote for our new President.
I do not believe that Grist is biased toward a particular candidate but that is up for the rest of you to decide.
Do you think a politician’s view on our environment would help sway your vote in the upcoming election?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
It's about time!
To conclude my furniture segment I thought it would be interesting to do something that was a bit more affordable for the average American. The clocks are cute, fun, and stylish. Both clocks retail under $100.
Having an eco-friendly clock is a good idea because every time you look at the clock to check the time it can be a little reminder. It can be a reminder to not be wasteful and to look at the future of our planet.
The Juice Clock (left)is created from recycled plastic and the Square Daisy Clock (right) is created from harvested bamboo.
Having an eco-friendly clock is a good idea because every time you look at the clock to check the time it can be a little reminder. It can be a reminder to not be wasteful and to look at the future of our planet.
The Juice Clock (left)is created from recycled plastic and the Square Daisy Clock (right) is created from harvested bamboo.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
You'll need some green for this
If an EcoPod is too small to fit your entire family on, you could always go for something larger. The Santa Barbara Sectional by RC Green is around $7,700 for the standard size sofas. It comes to two larger sizes, which cost a little bit more as well. The designer uses natural and organic materials to create the piece. The frame is even made out of some certified wood. Recycled steal creates the screws and springs of the sofa. There is even a wide range of upholstery options to create your own personal touch.
This sofa looks stylish and from the description seems like a great addition to an eco-friendly household. The only downfall is the price. Why do eco-friendly products have to come at such a high price? If we want more people to follow environmentally safe ways then we should make it affordable for people to do so.
Of course celebrities can afford products like this and they are usually the ones who are pushing the products on us. If they’d like to treat us to a sofa or two then I’ll accept. I think I’d rather save my $7,700 for a down payment on a house or a car. But if you have the money then I believe it is money well spent. As long as you have a house to put it in.
This sofa looks stylish and from the description seems like a great addition to an eco-friendly household. The only downfall is the price. Why do eco-friendly products have to come at such a high price? If we want more people to follow environmentally safe ways then we should make it affordable for people to do so.
Of course celebrities can afford products like this and they are usually the ones who are pushing the products on us. If they’d like to treat us to a sofa or two then I’ll accept. I think I’d rather save my $7,700 for a down payment on a house or a car. But if you have the money then I believe it is money well spent. As long as you have a house to put it in.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
iPod, iPod mini….. EcoPod???
Yes, that’s right! An EcoPod for all your sitting needs. This isn’t just one EcoPod fits all either. You can create your own EcoPod from a variety of sources and materials (all eco-friendly, of course).
A “naked” EcoPod, without all the fluffy pillows and such retails for $1,079. You can choose from an upholstered with cushions to one upholstered with a bean bag. Those two are priced at around $1,200. So for not even $200 dollars more you can get your EcoPod“fully loaded” to an extent.
The EcoPod reminds me of something that would be used in a dorm room or a 20 something’s apartment. Although you never know, this could be the new design trend and people of all ages, locations, and incomes will have one.
The design is also good for small spaces. The EcoPod doesn’t take up much room. It can be tucked away nicely in the corner of a living room or bedroom. Some might even mistake it for a dog bed because it’s so low to the ground.
A “naked” EcoPod, without all the fluffy pillows and such retails for $1,079. You can choose from an upholstered with cushions to one upholstered with a bean bag. Those two are priced at around $1,200. So for not even $200 dollars more you can get your EcoPod“fully loaded” to an extent.
The EcoPod reminds me of something that would be used in a dorm room or a 20 something’s apartment. Although you never know, this could be the new design trend and people of all ages, locations, and incomes will have one.
The design is also good for small spaces. The EcoPod doesn’t take up much room. It can be tucked away nicely in the corner of a living room or bedroom. Some might even mistake it for a dog bed because it’s so low to the ground.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Need something to set your drink on?
Another piece of furniture that I’ve come across would be a coffee table. It has name: Maku Coffee Table. And it retails for $679.00. Just because the color isn’t green doesn’t mean it isn’t eco-friendly.
The sleek design attracts not only people interested in saving the environment but also people who keep style in mind. The table is made from sustainable plantation grown teak wood. Teak wood is a very durable and strong wood.
Even though this costs quite a few pennies I would say it is well worth it. The life span that you are getting from the piece far exceeds the cost. If you take care of the piece you probably will never have to replace it. And even when it did start to get worn and used you could always stain it or dress it up with linens.
Another plus to having the table? The company makes chairs and other accessories that go nicely with the table. There’s no excuse now. If you can’t afford everything at once you can always get one piece at a time.
The sleek design attracts not only people interested in saving the environment but also people who keep style in mind. The table is made from sustainable plantation grown teak wood. Teak wood is a very durable and strong wood.
Even though this costs quite a few pennies I would say it is well worth it. The life span that you are getting from the piece far exceeds the cost. If you take care of the piece you probably will never have to replace it. And even when it did start to get worn and used you could always stain it or dress it up with linens.
Another plus to having the table? The company makes chairs and other accessories that go nicely with the table. There’s no excuse now. If you can’t afford everything at once you can always get one piece at a time.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
Now, it’s time to go into a few segments about eco-friendly furniture. These pieces are not only good for the environment they are stylish as well. Unfortunately the first product is going to be quite expensive. There are their types: the Illusionist, $1,637, the Liliput, $2,790, or the Louis, $1,559. What is it? A bathroom vanity!
This vanity is painted out of low-water based paint. It won’t give you a headache like most paints. The creators worked with environmentally safe companies to build the countertops as well.
It would be interesting to try and build a house piece by piece with environmentally safe or conscious products. Again, these are not cheap pieces of furniture. But the payoff comes in the end when we realize how much we saved the environment.
More to come soon!
* Picture from Sprig
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I want to play
Let’s face it. Children are the hardest to please. Whether it is food, nap time, or bath time children will cry, whine, and beg until they get what they want. When it comes to being eco-friendly, children can now have a part in helping our environment.
Toys. The magic word to most children when they are bored. Children love toys. Toys keep children quite and usually calm during doctor appointments, car rides, or at home.
1. Xeko Trading Card Game
2. ImagiPlay Puzzles
3. Natural Collection from Sigikid Toys
4. Kallisto Stuffed Animals
5. FantasyLand Wooden Blocks from Haba
The list includes five products that are safe for children and our environment. A couple of the items were made out of organic cotton and stuffed with wool. These were also made in Germany.
The one toy that looks extremely interesting is the trading card game, Xeko. It looks like it could really boost a child’s imagination and interest in the Earth and the environment we live in.
I’m glad these toys are here to help spark awareness in parents and in children. They can make a difference and they can have fun while doing so.
You can find a lot more toys game, and crafts through searching the web.
Toys. The magic word to most children when they are bored. Children love toys. Toys keep children quite and usually calm during doctor appointments, car rides, or at home.
1. Xeko Trading Card Game
2. ImagiPlay Puzzles
3. Natural Collection from Sigikid Toys
4. Kallisto Stuffed Animals
5. FantasyLand Wooden Blocks from Haba
The list includes five products that are safe for children and our environment. A couple of the items were made out of organic cotton and stuffed with wool. These were also made in Germany.
The one toy that looks extremely interesting is the trading card game, Xeko. It looks like it could really boost a child’s imagination and interest in the Earth and the environment we live in.
I’m glad these toys are here to help spark awareness in parents and in children. They can make a difference and they can have fun while doing so.
You can find a lot more toys game, and crafts through searching the web.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Pack your bags!
Part 2: Top 5 eco-friendly destinations.
5. Celestun Biosphere Reserve – Yucatan, Mexico
4. Artisans D’Angkor Silk Farm – Siem Reap, Cambodia
3. Napo Wildlife Center – Quito, Ecuador
2. Sea Turtle Watching in Rekawa – Rekawa, Sri Lanka
And #1… Drum Roll Please!....
1. Buck Island Reef National Monument – St Croix, US Virgin Islands
So I’m not sure if I have the guts to visit all of these places. I know I would definitely go to Sri Lanka because there is a lot of gemstone mining there. I’d like to find a nice big rock! The US Virgin Islands is recently visited place from a relative of mine. They loved it there and said it was beautiful. I can only imagine.
Perhaps for a honeymoon I could go to the Virgin Islands. I’d even consider Yucatan, Mexico. There’s a beautiful picture on their website of flamingos in Yucatan.
The point is if you want to go on vacation to a place you’ve never been before you should look into trying one of these ten. It would be so surreal to visit one of these places and see how they live without internet access every where you go. No television or very little for that matter, no huge SUV’s polluting the air, not nearly as much pollution as we have here in the United States.
5. Celestun Biosphere Reserve – Yucatan, Mexico
4. Artisans D’Angkor Silk Farm – Siem Reap, Cambodia
3. Napo Wildlife Center – Quito, Ecuador
2. Sea Turtle Watching in Rekawa – Rekawa, Sri Lanka
And #1… Drum Roll Please!....
1. Buck Island Reef National Monument – St Croix, US Virgin Islands
So I’m not sure if I have the guts to visit all of these places. I know I would definitely go to Sri Lanka because there is a lot of gemstone mining there. I’d like to find a nice big rock! The US Virgin Islands is recently visited place from a relative of mine. They loved it there and said it was beautiful. I can only imagine.
Perhaps for a honeymoon I could go to the Virgin Islands. I’d even consider Yucatan, Mexico. There’s a beautiful picture on their website of flamingos in Yucatan.
The point is if you want to go on vacation to a place you’ve never been before you should look into trying one of these ten. It would be so surreal to visit one of these places and see how they live without internet access every where you go. No television or very little for that matter, no huge SUV’s polluting the air, not nearly as much pollution as we have here in the United States.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Let's Travel
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Destinations
Part 1: Bottom 5 of the List
6. Rainforest Hike to Middleham Falls & Ti Tou Gorge with Ken’s Hinterland Adventure Tours – Dominica
7. Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge – Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska
8. Volcano Trekking at Gunung Batur – Gunung Batur, Bali
9. Strokkur Geyser – Geysir Center, Iceland
10. Canopy Tour – Quepos, Costa Rica
After going to the website and reviewing the bottom five on the list and reading their descriptions I would like to say that the Canopy Tour (#10) would have to be my favorite eco-friendly spot so far. It seems surreal. Plus I’ve never been to Costa Rica but I hear it’s fabulous.
My second favorite in the bottom 5 would have to be the Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge. The owner built the lodge out of driftwood. There had to have been numerous amounts of hard work. These places range throughout our whole planet. It is nice to see that just because we are on vacation, doesn’t mean that we have to waste energy and resources!
These bottom five are places that seem eco-friendly as well. Alaska, Iceland, Costa Rica, Bali, and the Dominica are places where wilderness and land thrives. Whereas most of the United States we are surrounded by buildings and roads. Not all of the U.S. but some.
Top 5 coming soon!
Part 1: Bottom 5 of the List
6. Rainforest Hike to Middleham Falls & Ti Tou Gorge with Ken’s Hinterland Adventure Tours – Dominica
7. Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge – Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska
8. Volcano Trekking at Gunung Batur – Gunung Batur, Bali
9. Strokkur Geyser – Geysir Center, Iceland
10. Canopy Tour – Quepos, Costa Rica
After going to the website and reviewing the bottom five on the list and reading their descriptions I would like to say that the Canopy Tour (#10) would have to be my favorite eco-friendly spot so far. It seems surreal. Plus I’ve never been to Costa Rica but I hear it’s fabulous.
My second favorite in the bottom 5 would have to be the Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge. The owner built the lodge out of driftwood. There had to have been numerous amounts of hard work. These places range throughout our whole planet. It is nice to see that just because we are on vacation, doesn’t mean that we have to waste energy and resources!
These bottom five are places that seem eco-friendly as well. Alaska, Iceland, Costa Rica, Bali, and the Dominica are places where wilderness and land thrives. Whereas most of the United States we are surrounded by buildings and roads. Not all of the U.S. but some.
Top 5 coming soon!
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