Greener Ways

Hemp - One of the Greenest Materials - Outlawed In the US

2011-01-14T23:14:00.000-06:00

So many of our politicians claim to want to do things in greener ways. They boast about green policies and agendas and claim to have green solutions to our nation's needs. These hypocrites are the same people who have helped to keep one of the greenest materials illegal. In our country it is illegal to grow hemp, even though it has no recreation drug qualities. It is widely mistaken for

Greenest Way To Wash Your Car Or Other Vehicles

2010-08-08T15:52:00.000-05:00

Take it to the wash! The greenest way to wash your car is to take it to a car wash. It's much better for the environment than doing it at home, unless you are just using water to clean your vehicle. Car washes recycle the water used for washing cars. The waste water is cleaned and filtered. If you wash your car at home the chemicals wind up either in your yard or garden or they end up

Get A Free Energy Audit

2010-08-08T15:32:00.000-05:00

Energy audits help you discover ways to save energy! Whether you are already taking steps to reduce your energy use or you are new to energy consumption, a good tool to use is a free energy audit. Many utility companies will send out an energy auditor at your request, often free of charge, to come to your home and inspect and offer ways to reduce your energy usage. An energy auditor will

Fairmont Hotels Save Energy, Costs, and Environment | The Energy Collective

2010-08-08T03:01:00.000-05:00

Fairmont Hotels Save Energy, Costs, and Environment | The Energy Collective

Is Green Air Travel Possible?

2010-08-07T21:15:00.000-05:00

Traveling by air is not green yet. NO, not right now. There are no such things as sustainable airlines, contrary to what some might say. It's just not possible with technology right now. There are ways to reduce your impact from air travel, but it's not possible to do both fly and leave no footprint. Some things you can do to reduce your impact are to research airlines and their standards

Finally Back Online With A New Green Laptop

2010-08-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

After a nearly 3 month hiatus I am finally back online. My old computer bit the dust and since it's summer I've been so busy outdoors that I forget about the internet! I just bought a new Compaq computer. One of the main reasons for choosing it was the price but it came with an added bonus, it was voted the greenest computer by Newsweek in 2009. It even has a sticker: Watch out, blogosphere,

How To Recycle Old Fishing Line

2010-06-26T10:03:00.000-05:00

Fishing line can be a mess to get caught in, and it is disastrous to wildlife. Many states are putting collection boxes for old fishing line near popular fishing areas. If you don't live in a state that does this, you can still recycle your old fishing line. Berkley's conservation department will recycle fishing line and turn it into fish habitat structures. Send your old fishing line to the

Green Shipping and Mailing

2010-06-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

Shipping items is taxing on the environment, but there are ways to reduce your impact on the environment when sending things to friends, family, and customers. Start by recycling a box. Most of us have boxes laying around. If it has printing or labels on it, flip it inside out and re-tape it. Write the address right on the package, there is no need to use a label. For delicate items, use

Best Time to Pick Fruits and Vegetables

2010-06-24T22:11:00.000-05:00

When deciding when to pick fruits or vegetables from your garden it's best to do it in the morning. In the early morning hours plants absorb cool dew, hydrating your fruits and vegetables. Better yet, pick them the morning after it rains!

Sustainable Green Travel Location: Star Island Bahamas

2010-06-23T18:40:00.000-05:00

Looking for a green travel destination? Check out Star Island Resort in the Bahamas. This resort is off the grid, creating its own power through solar panels and wind turbines. The island grows its own food so there is no energy needed to transport food there. Check out their website.

List of Uses For Baking Soda

2010-06-19T10:36:00.000-05:00

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is commonly found in refrigerators and cupboards of our homes. But many young people don't know that baking soda has so many other practical uses that can save you money on expensive cleaners and products. In addition to saving money, using baking soda for other uses is also much more environmentally friendly. Here are a list of uses for baking soda:

How To Make A Rain Barrel

2010-06-18T19:45:00.000-05:00

I enjoy keeping a garden full of vegetables every summer. I could spend loads of money and use thousands of gallons of water every year, but I don't. Instead, I made a rain barrel out of some old materials I had laying around. I haven't turned on our faucet outside in years. I use the rain water to water my garden and also for houseplants and other odd jobs that I need water for. Here are a

SUNCHIPS Goes Green!

2010-05-23T19:57:00.000-05:00

Sunchips may now be the greenest option for chip lovers. According to their website, " Every 10 ½ oz. SunChips® package is designed to fully break down in just 14 weeks when placed in a hot, active compost bin or pile." Now you can snack on chips while working in your garden and just toss the bag into the compost bin! Their website also includes information on how they are using solar energy

Latino shares love for surf to help others

2010-05-16T17:07:00.000-05:00

Latino shares love for surf to help others

Rethinking Packaging

2010-05-08T17:48:00.000-05:00

http://bigthink.com/ideas/19986

Get Paid To Recycle Old PDA's, Cell Phones, DVD Players, and Other Electronics!

2010-04-30T21:08:00.001-05:00

"Get Cash for your Gadgets", and that's what it says at the top of the page at Gazelle.com. This site recycles old electronics and then sends you money. That's right, you can get paid to recycle old electronic gadgets and consoles. Check it out, www.gazelle.com . **image courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Google Uses Goats to Mow Their Lawn!

2010-04-16T20:14:00.002-05:00

According to Google's blog, the company is now bringing in a herd of about 200 goats weekly to mow their lawn. This is an effort to reduce their carbon footprint by saving gasoline and air pollution. What a unique idea?! Google has always been innovative. I hope other companies look at Google's unique approach and adopt similar, greener strategies for their yard work! **image courtesy of

Hulu Has A New Green Channel!

2010-04-16T19:40:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite websites, Hulu.com, has started a "Green" channel with programming related to environmental conservation. Some of the programs include NOVA, National Geographic Environmental Shorts, Design: e2, and FOX Green It Mean It. Check it out!

Great Article From Rider News on Greening Your Dorm Room

2010-04-15T13:00:00.001-05:00

I ran across an article on Google News today that was perfect for my readers, however, the page didn't have an option to share the article to Facebook or blogs. Here it is and be sure to visit their site via the hyperlink below! Eco-Rep Green Corner: Make spring green by keeping your dorm room clean April 8, 2010 As college students, spring cleaning is not always the first thing on our minds.

5 Tips For Greener Golfing and Protecting the Environment

2010-04-15T08:06:00.002-05:00

It's the time of year when many of us dust off our golf clubs and hit the course. Here are some green tips for your next golf outing: Pick a course that advertises green practices. If none advertise this do a quick call around to all the courses and find one who cares. Recycle anything you bring onto the course. If it's not recyclable, carry your trash until you come across a wastebasket.

Book Review: Green Jobs for a New Economy By Peterson's

2010-04-11T19:02:00.002-05:00

While my computer was broken I read quite a few books at the local library. One of them was Green Jobs for a New Economy, written and published by Peterson's. The ISBN number is 076892815X. I DO NOT recommend wasting your time reading it. It goes through several different community colleges and universities, discussing various green programs they have. However, in my state, they left out the

10 Great Green Travel Tips For Staying In Hotels and Motels

2010-04-11T18:37:00.005-05:00

Want to take your green tips on the road? Well, here are 10 great ideas: Return the plastic key cards to the front desk. No, personal information is not stored on them unless it's a resort that allows you to charge things to your card. In that case, return them to the front desk and request that they are wiped clean. Reuse your linens. Do you wash your towel at home after every use or clean

I'm Back! Computer Problem Solved

2010-03-24T23:56:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted. This is because my laptop bit the dust (or so I thought) a month ago. A friend of mine who has a degree in computer engineering took my computer and brought it back to me good as new. I'm not going to get technical here, but after ordering and installing some new parts, I'm back online! I hope all is well with everyone. I've been doing a lot of reading

Long-anticipated fuel cell unveiled - latimes.com

2010-02-24T20:15:00.001-06:00

Long-anticipated fuel cell unveiled - latimes.comPosted using ShareThis

Iowa State University Wins USGBC’s 2009 Excellence in Green Building Education Award

2010-02-14T11:37:00.001-06:00

Here's a clip from an article I read about my alma mater, Iowa State University, making me proud by winning USGBC’s 2009 Excellence in Green Building Education Award. Click on the link below the paragraph to continue to the site where the article was published! "To create a sustainable built environment for the future, architects must understand how buildings can foster a holistic intersection

Green Life: Ways to keep your wedding eco-friendly | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Life/Travel

2010-02-13T21:24:00.002-06:00

Green Life: Ways to keep your wedding eco-friendly | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Life/Travel Posted using ShareThis

Online Travel Agencies Step Up Efforts to Feature Green Hotels - By Glenn Hasek :: Hotel News Resource

2010-02-12T23:24:00.002-06:00

Online Travel Agencies Step Up Efforts to Feature Green Hotels - By Glenn Hasek :: Hotel News Resource Great article on Green Hotels

Greener Emailing: Remind Your Recipients Not To Print Your Emails

2010-01-18T17:26:00.005-06:00

Hello All! At work today I added something to the bottom of my email signature and I encourage you all to do the same. Here's what I added to the bottom of my email signature in small green print: Please consider the environment and only print this email if needed! I have bosses and know of collegues who automatically print off every single email they receive. It's such a waste because most

Check Out Another Great Green Home Site!

2010-01-12T21:33:00.004-06:00

Lindsey at Green Home Improvement has pointed out a great site that I think most of you readers would find helpful. Please check it out, and I'm also including a snippet of an article from her site. Click on the link below it to read the full article. Thanks for the great site, Lindsey!From Green Home Improvement :"Saving Energy At Home""I've learned about a lot of big and small things you can

12 Green New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-01T17:57:00.008-06:00

Here's a list of 12 green New Year resolutions: Plant trees or plan another landscaping project Eat locally grown or produced foods and beverages Start composting Help out an existing or start a new cause or awareness website or group Start taking public transportation, biking, or walking more Turn off lights that aren't being used and switch to CFL's Taking time to enjoy nature Turn off the

Go Digital This Christmas!

2009-12-17T01:27:00.003-06:00

Instead of buying traditional books and CD's this Christmas, go digital! It obviously saves resources like paper and plastic and it will save the recipient from dealing with more clutter. There are many places to purchase mp3's and ebooks online and many online book and music retailers also offer gift certificates.

GLEE Goes Nude To Help Environment

2009-12-07T11:53:00.003-06:00

I came across an interesting story when reading the news yesterday and thought I would share it with you. In the Florida Keys, a group the Green Living and Energy Education, or GLEE, came up with a unique way to raise money to build a park. They posed nude for a calendar called. From what I read, the women are all 40 and older and I think they are all women. They women have sold out of

Get Out The Shovel This Winter and Save Some Gas!

2009-12-06T08:40:00.004-06:00

Some of us have already had snow this year! Save some money and gas by using a shovel this winter when possible. Save the snowblower for when you really need it. In addition to saving money and gas you will also burn some calories. Most of us are more inactive in the winter and shoveling is a great way to get active!

Stop Drafts Under Doors To Save Energy

2009-12-05T01:40:00.006-06:00

When visiting my friend in her apartment the other day I noticed how large of a gap there was between the apartment doors and the floor. It was more than a half inch! Besides the lack of privacy, these large gaps let their heat into the hallways in the winter and the cool air into the hallway in the summer. What a waste?! My friend bought a draft-stopper under her door. It eliminates

How To Unclog Drains The Green Way

2009-12-03T21:47:00.006-06:00

Most of us have experienced a frustrating clogged drain at some point in our lives. It's a huge pain and most of the commercial products are expensive and bad the environment. Let's explore some greener options for unclogging a drain. I use a small plunger for use on non-toilet drains. You'd be amazed at how much of a difference a little plunge can do sometimes. Also, I have small tool

Reconsider Whether Or Not You Need A Fireplace!

2009-11-30T15:39:00.003-06:00

Most fireplaces are a money hole. Yes, they create heat, but when a fireplace is in use, it generally pulls in as much cold air as the amount of hot air it creates. Additionally, when the fireplace is not in use, it lets in much more cold air than a wall would. It's nearly impossible to create an energy efficient fireplace without causing a fire hazard.There are ways to help reduce the drafts

Switch Your Ceiling Fans To Clockwise In The Winter To Save Energy

2009-11-29T22:32:00.004-06:00

Ceiling fans help keep us cool in the winter by pushing the cool air down. In the winter you want to push the hot air back down into your living space, not up into the attic. Most ceiling fans have a switch on them that controls whether the fan will spin clockwise or counterclockwise. Check to make sure your ceiling fan is turning clockwise in the winter and your hot air will linger longer!**

Green Christmas Video From Sierra Club

2009-11-28T00:27:00.004-06:00

I was surfing YouTube and found a great video for this time of year. It confirms what I stated in the last post about green Christmas tree options. Check out the video:

Green Christmas Tree Suggestions

2009-11-27T23:52:00.005-06:00

Obviously, having no Christmas tree is the greenest option for Christmas but for those of you who can't go without a tree, do it the green way! I've heard of some people purchasing small, potted evergreen trees. They decorate them, and then after Christmas they plant them on their property. This is not an option for everyone, but it's definitely something to consider. Some people will say

List Of Green Christmas Gift Ideas For 2009

2009-11-25T21:48:00.003-06:00

Here's a list of greener gifts you can give for Christmas this year:Plant, flower, fruit, or vegetable seeds to be planted in the springDonate time and/or money in the recipient's nameBaked goodsMusic downloadsEbooksBooks or movies about green livingCarbon offsetsNational Park passWooden board game setBike or rollerbladesSolar powered cell phone chargerTickets to an event or concertServices like

Why Can't We Opt Out of Receiving Phone Books?

2009-11-13T20:42:00.004-06:00

Every year I received almost a half dozen phone books, all from different companies but with the same exact information. I can't remember the last time I used one. It's been at least five years. Directory assistance and the internet work better for me. I'm not saying that nobody uses them, and I'm sure they are used heavily by some people. But there are a large number of people who never use

How To Recycle Old House and Car Keys

2009-11-13T00:39:00.005-06:00

How To Recycle Old House and Car Keys Most recycling programs will take old keys. Make sure you remove any rubber around the key. There are also other ways to recycle or reuse old house or car keys. My three year old son loves to play with my keys. There have been times where he has grabbed them off the counter and hid them from me! Old keys make great toys, but be careful and put a large

How To Recycle Wine Bottle Corks

2009-11-12T21:01:00.002-06:00

Do you enjoy wine? If so it's probably common for you to have old wine bottle corks laying around. Here are a few ways to recycle them:Wood corks can be put into compost pilesSome people have collected corks and used them to create mulch.Find a crafty person who can use them.Send them to Yemm & Hart, who turn them into cork tiles. You pay for your own shipping. Their address is listed below.

How To Recycle Microwave Ovens

2009-11-12T20:14:00.004-06:00

There are several ways you can recycle your old microwave. Repairing may be an option. Contact a local small appliance repair shop and get a quote. If you aren't interested in fixing it and want to recycle it, there are several options. If you are handy with tools you can take apart the microwave and separate the materials and recycle them accordingly. You can also contact your local

Great Green Site: 365 Ways To Go Green

2009-11-12T00:40:00.002-06:00

I recently discovered a great website, 365WaysToGoGreen.com, where a guy named Mike is doing something green every day for a year. Check it out and follow him on Twitter!

10 World-Changing Green Trends - Green Trends - Entrepreneur.com

2009-11-09T00:46:00.001-06:00

10 World-Changing Green Trends - Green Trends - Entrepreneur.comPosted using ShareThis

Breaking Through To My Not-So-Green Boss

2009-11-05T22:04:00.004-06:00

Today my boss went to get himself a new chair for his office. His old one broke. He came back with a chair made of eco friendly materials and advertised as the greenest desk chair. Him and I have never really seen eye to eye on environmental issues so this was a huge breakthrough for me. He even paid an extra five dollars to get the ecofriendly one! Here's a photo I snapped with my cell

Green Your Halloween

2009-10-13T20:59:00.004-05:00

There are a number of ways to make your Halloween celebration easier on the environment. From costumes to treats to parties, here are some green tips for Halloween:Think local. Whether you are hosting a party, taking food to a party, or handing out treats at home, try to find locally produced items because this saves pollution from transporting the items, and it also supports your local

Apple Leaves Chamber of Commerce, Citing Green Policies

2009-10-05T19:27:00.002-05:00

Apple Leaves Chamber of Commerce, Citing Green PoliciesPosted using ShareThis

Eco-friendly relationships blossom at green-networking events -- latimes.com

2009-10-05T16:23:00.002-05:00

Eco-friendly relationships blossom at green-networking events -- latimes.comPosted using ShareThis

Perdue says green job sector is 'red hot' :: WRAL.com

2009-10-04T08:25:00.002-05:00

Perdue says green job sector is 'red hot' :: WRAL.comShared via AddThis

Going Green Awards: Green Business Leader of the Year - Birmingham Business Journal:

2009-10-04T08:22:00.002-05:00

Going Green Awards: Green Business Leader of the Year - Birmingham Business Journal:Shared via AddThis

Ask Bill Tauber: Dishwashing neighbor wants to save energy, water and time - Living Green - Bradenton.com

2009-09-29T18:54:00.002-05:00

Ask Bill Tauber: Dishwashing neighbor wants to save energy, water and time - Living Green - Bradenton.comShared via AddThis

Green Your Groceries, Don't Buy Eggs in Styrofoam

2009-09-22T21:01:00.005-05:00

One simple way to help the environment is to stop buying eggs that are packaged in styrofoam. Styrofoam takes up as much as thirty percent of our landfill volume and is a substance that takes a long time to decompose. If your favorite brand of eggs packages their product in styrofoam, consider writing a letter to the company telling them that you will take your business elsewhere until they

Venture Capitalists Have Fewer Dollars For Green Business Startups

2009-09-16T20:58:00.004-05:00

According to a news article I just read, venture capital companies are seeing decrease in the funds individuals willing to invest in green business start ups. Several venture capital firms have cited the recession as well as a drop in oil prices. They say everyone is being tight with their money but the green business ventures are feeling it even more because fuel prices are down. Low fuel

Green Your Laundry By Not Using Dryer Softner Sheets

2009-09-15T17:41:00.000-05:00

Clothes dryer fabric softener sheets are commonly used to help prevent wrinkles in clothing. These sheets work well but they contain chemicals that are not great for your skin or the environment. Here's a tip that will save the environment and your laundry budget: DON'T USE THEM!!!Clean tennis balls work great for softening up clothes in the dryer without the harmful chemicals. Toss a couple

Nasdaq Updates Clean Edge Green Energy Index Green Businesses

2009-09-14T18:51:00.000-05:00

Nasdaq (NDAQ) has added five green companies and removed two from it's Clean Edge Green Energy Index. Nasdaq updates the index twice a year.Broadwind Energy Inc. (BWEN), Comverge Inc. (COMV), Capstone Turbine Corp. (CPST), Esco Technologies Inc. (ESE) and National Semiconductor Corp. (NSM) were added.Orion Energy Systems Inc. (OESX) and GrafTech International Ltd. (GTI)were removed.

2009-09-13T22:55:00.001-05:00

Q: How can I recycle old tennis shoes or sneakers?A: There are several ways you can reuse or recycle them. Here they are:Take them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army or another thrift store is they aren't too worn out for someone else to wear. You could also donate them to a local homeless shelter.Donate them to Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program. They will recycle the rubber in the shoes to be used

Not All Environmentalists Are Tree-Hugging Hippies

2009-09-10T20:10:00.000-05:00

In response to several emails I have received I have decided to write about what motivated me to start this blog. I've been called a "treehugger" and "hippie" many times and also receive emails lecturing me about why global warming is a myth. In reality I am far from being a hippie. I grew up playing basketball and football and I don't care for Bob Marley. My reasons for living green have

Great Video on Making Your Bathroom Eco-Friendly

2009-09-10T19:51:00.000-05:00

Check out this great video I found on YouTube about creating a greener bathroom. Some of these tips can be used to green other rooms in your home too. Feel free to add any other green tips in the comments!

Schools going green big-time -- baltimoresun.com

2009-09-09T12:49:00.002-05:00

Schools going green big-time -- baltimoresun.comPosted using ShareThis

Photos of MidAmerican Energy Windmill At Iowa State Fair

2009-09-06T18:54:00.001-05:00

I was looking through old photos on my camera today and came across a couple I thought I would share. A couple weeks ago I went to the Iowa State Fair. MidAmerican Energy is a power company that has a few windfarms across the state and one of their windmills was donated to the fair. I read that the Iowa State Fair gets a donation of $100,000 of free power every year for the next ten years. It

How To Recycle and Reuse Golf Balls

2009-09-05T00:22:00.004-05:00

Hundreds of millions of rounds of golf are played each year and I just heard a statistic that made me cringe. The average golfer loses 4 balls each round. I find this statistic fairly hard to believe but it still reminds you of how many golf balls are lost, broken, or discarded throughout a single year. Here are some ways to reuse and recycle your golf balls: Search the internet for wanted

Capturing Your Hard Support to Focus Your Green Marketing Efforts | GreenBiz.com

2009-09-04T02:07:00.002-05:00

Capturing Your Hard Support to Focus Your Green Marketing Efforts | GreenBiz.comShared via AddThis

Home to Dozens of Eco Friendly Retailers, New Green Shopping Center, Ecologicmall.com, Celebrates its Grand Opening

2009-09-03T20:33:00.002-05:00

Home to Dozens of Eco Friendly Retailers, New Green Shopping Center, Ecologicmall.com, Celebrates its Grand OpeningPosted using ShareThis

Long Island Green Business Directory & Consumer Guide

2009-09-01T16:06:00.001-05:00

Long Island Green Business Directory & Consumer Guide

Do You Know of A Green Credit Card Company?

2009-08-28T11:07:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I got an email this morning from a reader asking me which credit card company is the greenest. I am stumped and have no idea. Can you help us out? Do you know a a green credit card company? If so, please either email me at greenerways@live.com or post a comment. Any help is appreciated!

Going green applies to back-to-school purchases, too | detnews.com | The Detroit News

2009-08-28T10:30:00.002-05:00

Going green applies to back-to-school purchases, too | detnews.com | The Detroit NewsShared via AddThis

The Greenest Solution to Rodent and Pest Problems: Prevention

2009-08-26T18:00:00.000-05:00

Most pesticides are made from very toxic ingredients. The greenest way to take care of pest problems is to prevent them from happening at all. The fall is the season that most pest problems occur so I thought I would share some tips on pest prevention for your home or business.Visually inspect your home or apartment for holes or cracks and if you find some make sure to seal them.Store all food

How To Reuse and Recycle Old Pots And Pans

2009-08-25T14:53:00.000-05:00

If you've recently updated your kitchenware or you have pots and pans that are worn out, DON'T THROW THEM AWAY! There are many ways to reuse and recycle your old pots and pans.ReuseRemove the handles and use the pans as pet food or water dishes. The heavy weight makes them work well for this.Give them to kids to play with in their pretend kitchen.If they are in decent shape, consider donating

Eco-friendly universities: UCLA, Santa Cruz and Berkeley going greener

2009-08-24T19:01:00.002-05:00

Eco-friendly universities: UCLA, Santa Cruz and Berkeley going greenerPosted using ShareThis

Scientists: Save the planet—have fewer kids -- chicagotribune.com

2009-08-21T18:58:00.002-05:00

Scientists: Save the planet—have fewer kids -- chicagotribune.comPosted using ShareThis

Open Your Windows To Savings; The Pane of Going Green

2009-08-21T18:24:00.000-05:00

An Education in Energy Efficient Schools | Green Business | Reuters

2009-08-19T14:39:00.001-05:00

An Education in Energy Efficient Schools | Green Business | Reuters

Guest Posting From the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center

2009-08-18T15:45:00.000-05:00