Archive for December, 2009

A step in the right direction

December 26, 2009 · Filed under Did you know? · Tagged , , , ,

Did you know that 2010 is going to be a great year for energy savings?  Companies are realizing the need for consumers to save money and go green, so you will be seeing in increase in energy saving products.

Lowes is one company that is starting to sell do-it-yourself solar panels.  Their stores in California are already stocking the shelves for the New Year.  Manufactured by Akeena Solar, Inc., one solar panel will generate about 175 watts.  That is enough energy to power a flat-screen television. This is great news because people will be able to see the effects of solar energy without having to spend money to hire a professional installer.  The homeowner will need to get clearance from their electric company and a permit and do their own rebate application, but the benefits will be worth it.  The panels will sell for about $900.00 each.

This is a turning point for Americans who consume about a quarter of all the worlds energy.  Having more options on how they consume this energy is important.   “Pocono Green”

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Cow Farts

December 13, 2009 · Filed under Interesting info · Tagged , , , , ,

In my blog post  on cow farts in “Go Green Questions For Thought”, I talked about cows and methane gas. I recently found an article about cow burps.  I found it interesting.  Scientists are developing a new cow diet to cut global warming by decreasing methane in bovine burps.  Cow burps along with cow farts are a source of greenhouse gas.  The feed prepared with garlic extract and oats could reduce the amount of belching and cut stinky animal emissions by up to 25% reports  “The London Daily Mail”.  Researchers began measuring the amount of methane burped out of the animals mouths and adjusted their diet.  Methane has been linked to the global warming trend.  The burps from bovines and other farm animals produce some 4% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Wales is trying to improve the green credentials of the country with this research.  They are hoping to partner with farmers.  One drawback for Welsh farmers is that garlic extract might change the taste of the beef and milk.  This might be all right  in meat, but I don’t think I would like a garlicky milkshake. What do you think?

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Plastic Is The New Black

December 13, 2009 · Filed under New Technology · Tagged , ,

“Plastic Is The New Black” is the cover of Italian Vogue, June 2009.  Designers Prada and Versace featured lucite plastics in recent collections.  Plastics have recently adorned models from their jewelry to their heels.  This year plastic has become the new trend, from Paris to Milan to New York.  Plastic is showing up in a variety of innovative ways including jewelry, shoes and dresses made from plastic bottles.  “Plastics Make It Possible” a program sponsored by plastic industries of the American Chemistry Council is parterning with Gen Art to create a nationwide design competition creating womenswear made from fabrics with plastic based fibers. With many advances in technology, todays plastic water bottle can be tomorrows black dress.

Plastic Dress by Plastic Girl.

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Christmas Wrapping

December 5, 2009 · Filed under Green Tips · Tagged , , ,

With only a short time until Christmas, everyone will be rushing out to buy wrapping paper for their gifts.  It is estimated that during the holiday season there is an increase of 25% in garbage from paper and boxes that are thrown away.  Using re-used materials to wrap just three gifts will save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. If every family used two feet less ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved would wrap around the planet.  Something to think about when we are making our bows and buying our wrapping paper this year.  Many papers have dangerous dyes and inks and I am sure that glitter is not good either. According to Eco-chick.com most paper will have tape on it also which is not good for the recycling process.  If you do use wrapping paper or you receive wrapped gifts, try to save the paper to re-use. Some people are buying “green” gifts that the stores are promoting which is a step in the right direction.  Many good ideas include solar powered products. But, even more important than the gift may be how we wrap it.  There are many ways to be creative.   If you have children, let them help.  They always come up with ideas.  You can make the wrapping part of the gift.  Get a basket to fill with items, a decorated box or use a resuable tote bag.   Children love to draw. Let them decorate the box.  You can use fabric to wrap presents in or to make cloth bags.  It will be fun to use your imagination to come up with ideas instead of using the standard store bought papers.  Your gift recipients will be impressed with the thought you put into their gift.  Be proud to be part of  the green movement and let your friends know why you are wrapping the gifts the way you do.  This is a good opportunity to spread the word.  You can find beautiful ‘green’ shopping bags in all the stores.  These are perfect to put your gift in.  If you knit, you can make a bag. Instead of spending the money on paper you will throw away, why not let the bag be an extra gift.  The comics from your newspaper are a great way to wrap kids presents; saves you money also.  You can make a pecan pie or bake cookies.  These do not have to be wrapped. There are many things you can give without wrapping them.  As you celebrate this holiday season, have fun experimenting with different ideas.  We get caught up in doing things in the same traditional ways and sometimes a change can be a welcoming surprise.  There is no better time than now to become imaginative.  Enjoy!

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