Living Green

Check out your bathroom and consider using low-flow faucets, shower heads and toilets.  Do you currently use low flow fixtures?

Education is the key!!

Teach your children about environmental responsibility.

Tip # 26

Buy Local….

Yes, it’s been used for thousands of years, the good old solar powered clothes dryer!!  Not only does it save us money,  it cuts down on CO₂ use as well!

When cleaning, use products readily found in most homes and consider making your own cleaning solutions.

OR

When packing a lunch for yourself or your family, strive to make it litter free.

Use reusable containers for your sandwich, leftovers, fruit or snack. (An added bonus of a rigid container is it protects the contents…no more squished sandwiches)

Much of the information contained in this post was obtained from Carbon Diet

• Lower your thermostat by 4-5 degrees Celsius (7-9 degrees Fahrenheit) while you’re sleeping at night and when no one is at home.
• Install a programmable thermostat.  You can save 2% on your heating bill for every degree Celsius you turn down your thermostat.

Tip # 36Real versus Artificial(Christmas trees people…I’m talking about Christmas trees!!)For many years I felt guilty buying a real tree. I was, in essence, killing a living thing and depleting a much needed natural resource.  Deep down I knew most, if not all, tree growers practised a one out, one in system to ensure a constant supply of trees, but, I was still racked with guilt.Every Dec 26^th as I drove by the abandoned tree lots, as I gazed upon the unwanted and unloved carcasses left lying in the snow…I had to cover my ears in an attempt to drown out their mournful cries.Apparently however, instead of feelings of guilt I should have been experiencing pride for making the environmentally correct choice…who knew??Until I started researching this “ethical dilemma” of mine, I was beginning to lean toward an artificial tree. After all, they are re-used every year and don’t generate the waste of their “real” cousins.However, what I didn’t realize was artificial trees are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), one of the most environmentally offensive forms of non-renewable, petroleum derived plastic.  Also, during the production phase of PVC, several known carcinogens, including dioxin, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride are generated.While there seems to be, for many, no definitive answer to the real versus fake question, it is clear that many environmentalists feel real trees are the better choice.In the most comprehensive study of the perennial real vs. fake question, an environmental consulting firm in Montreal found that an artificial tree would have to be reused for more than 20 years to be greener than buying a fresh-cut tree annually. The calculations included greenhouse gas emissions, use of resources and human health impacts.“The natural tree is a better option,” said Jean-Sebastien Trudel, founder of the firm, Ellipsos, which  released the independent study last year.With all of that being said I guess the most eco-friendly option is to have no tree or to purchase a live tree with its roots intact from a local grower and then replant it in your yard when Christmas is over. (For those of us that have cold winters, better dig that hole before the frost is four feet deep.)We’ve always had a real tree and I can’t see that changing in the near future.What about you… real or fake?Much of the factual information contained in this post was accessed from the following websites:http://environment.about.com/od/greenchristmas/a/christmas_trees.htmhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/18/business/energy-environment/18tree.htmlTip # 37
Reuse/Recycle/Re-purpose your old Christmas cards!I met my sisters this morning for an outing to our local market.  During the course of the morning the discussion of old Christmas cards came up.They were both telling me about re-purposing their old cards by cutting out interesting features, such as a snowman, tree, santa, angel, etc.  Using a hole punch to make a small opening in the “tag”, threading some pretty ribbon or twine through the opening and voilà… beautiful gift tags!PHOTO FROM GOOGLE FILESI had forgotten, but our Mom always did this too, what a brilliant idea, she was way ahead of her time!!Tip # 38It may be the most wonderful time of the year but it’s also the most wasteful!  Save energy by choosing LED lights for your Christmas tree.Choose LEDs (light-emitting diodes) instead of incandescent bulbs to decorate your tree and home. They’re more expensive, but last much longer and use 80% to 90% less power than conventional mini bulbs. LEDs, which cast a bright white light, also stay cool to the touch so they won’t singe the tree—or your child’s fingers.The information contained in this post was found at Time Magazine BusinessTIP # 39WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THAT WRAPPING PAPER??? 

• You can carefully remove it and then reuse it…let’s face it; this probably won’t be happening on Christmas morning!!
• Unless it’s the kind that has foil or some kind of waxy lining, most paper, including wrapping paper and tissue paper, is recyclable
• If it is not glossy, does not have a plastic, waxy, or metallic coating, and is not shockingly bright (officially known as Astro bright), it can probably be composted safely. Generally, if it tears easily, it’s okay to compost it.

One thing you should never do with it is burn it. Burning glossy or waxy paper, especially if it is brightly coloured or has a metallic finish, can release highly toxic chemicals into the air.Below is a quick reference chart -

I referenced the following site for the information contained in this post -http://ccetompkins.org/energy/heating-wood/what-do-wrapping-paperTip # 40Get Back to the Basics

Let’s all try to be a little greener in 2012 and get back to the basics by remembering the three “R’s”:

•  Reduce
•  Reuse
•  Recycle

We all need to remember that we are stewards of this planet, if we don’t protect it for future generations, who will?Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and green 2012!

Tip # 41

 Avoid idling your vehicle for more than one minute

Instead of letting your car idle, turn off the ignition. It uses less gas and emits less CO₂ to stop and restart your car than to let it run. In fact, idling uses twice as much gas as driving!  If every driver in Canada avoided idling for five minutes a day, we could prevent 1.6 million metric tons of CO₂ from being emitted.

Tip # 42

Caulking

• To make sure caulking sticks well, clean the surface area thoroughly first and allow it to dry before you caulk.
• The cost of improving the airtightness of your home through caulking is low compared with the subsequent fuel savings and increased comfort.
• Silicone caulking is ideal for metal, glass, glazed tile and plastic surfaces because it sticks, flexes and does not shrink over time.
• Acrylic latex caulking is a general-purpose sealant that sticks best to porous materials like wood and concrete.
• All-purpose caulking is good for both interior and exterior use, including bathrooms and kitchens.
• Polyurethane caulking performs well on both porous and non-porous surfaces, is flexible, paintable, long-lasting and hard as nails.
• A heat-resistant caulking should be used around sources of heat, such as chimneys, light fixtures and fan motors.
• Caulking should be used for its intended purpose only. For example, an exterior sealant can be a health hazard if used indoors.

 Tip # 43 Maintain your vehicle

 

Keeping your vehicle in top shape will save fuel and help the environment.

• Keep tires inflated: Just one tire under inflated by six psi can increase fuel consumption by three per cent and wear up to 40 per cent faster.
• Replace the plastic cap on the tire’s air valve with a steel cap, which seals much better than the standard issue cap. This is the best tool to keep your tires inflated and generally costs less than one dollar.
• Align tires: A misaligned tire will use around two per cent more fuel and cause premature tire wear.
• Use appropriate fuel: Read your owner’s manual before heading to the pumps and use the recommended type of fuel. Using supreme or premium fuels in cars designed for regular fuel is paying a premium price for something that will not work as well. It is a waste of money and fuel, could hurt the engine, and will harm the environment.

 

Keep tank full in winter: Keeping your gas tank full can end up saving you big. When the gas tank isn’t full, the moist air in the gas tank condenses against the inside wall of the tank. This water affects the quality of the fuel, causing starting problems, fuel not being burned efficiently, engine misfiring, and adding strain to the engine.

 

 

 

Tip # 44Lights out!It’s obvious, but turning off lights at night can save you, and the environment, big. A computer left on to run 24 hours a day can increase the electricity bill by $75 to $120 yearly. By putting the computer into standby mode, this amount is reduced to only $15 per year.Tip # 45

Why should we care about a little thing like plastic bags?

 

• Plastic bags are made from oil, a non-renewable resource that contributes to global warming. The energy used to produce all the plastic bags that a typical household goes through in a year is enough to light that same house for six full months.
   
• When tossed away, it takes between 450 and 1,000 years for plastic bags to break down in a landfill. But plastic never really does degrade completely. It ends up as “plastic dust”, lining our landfills and swallowed up by marine animals.
   
• If incinerated, they release harmful toxins such heavy metals (aluminum, lead, chromium, zinc, nickel) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which pose a danger to our health.
   
  Please!  Consider using cloth, reusable or paper before choosing to use plastic.

The information and image contained in this post were obtained from WWF Canada.

 

Tip # 46

 

 

Repurposing your old garden hose

 

 

We’re coming into the season where we’re sorting through everything “summer” and if you’ve come across an old garden hose that no longer can serve it’s original purpose…here are some great tips for reusing it!

 

• Make a slit in a length and use sections as beading to cover sharp surfaces. (such as the edges of metal or steel)
• As padding for wire bucket handles (my personal favourite use!)
• By sealing off one end and making a series of very small holes in the hose, you can turn a standard garden hose into a soaker hose.
• If you have trees staked, run a section of hose over the rope/string/whatever to protect the trunk of the tree.

 

Tip #47

 

Saving water in the garden – 

 

It’s wonderful to have a garden and add a splash of green in an urban environment; but our gardens tend to consume massive amounts of water; something that’s becoming an increasingly scarce resource in many parts of the world.

 

Here are some tips for reducing your garden watering footprint:

 

• Plant selection – purchase plants that are native to or known to thrive in your region without a lot of additional watering.
• Sprinklers – many sprinklers throw out a fine, high, spray of water which is often gone via wind and evaporation before it even reach the garden. Look to buy a sprinkler that throws water closer to the ground in large drops.
• Drip irrigation – This can save you a ton of water. (See tip #46, Repurposing your old garden hose}
•  Irrigation timers – If you use an irrigation timer, set it to run half the normal time, but run it a second cycle a minimum of half an hour later. This will dramatically reduce run off.
• Watering time – The best time of the day to water is either just around sunrise or just around sunset, as this minimizes water evaporation.
• Mulch – Mulching is one of the most effective ways to reduce water needed in a garden – up to 50%.
• Aerate your lawn and garden –  An aerator pulls out small plugs of soil allowing air and water to penetrate deeper. Deeper moisture means deeper root systems; which makes plants more resistant to dry spells and requiring less water.
• Consider a rainwater tank – Given the amount of water gardens require; consider adding a rainwater catchment system to your property.  There’are all sorts of rain water tanks and barrels available to suit your premises, ranging from holding a few dozen gallons, to thousands.

Tip #48

Some uses for your old coffee grounds -

Most everyone knows about my 8-10 cup a day coffee addiction!  I always compost my daily mountain of used grounds but recently came upon these tips for other ways to repurpose them.

Photo credit – Google Images

Whether you’re like me and drink gallons a day or you just brew up a cup or two…I have some great environmentally friendly uses for all those used grounds.

1. Use coffee grounds as a plant fertilizer. Sprinkle the grounds around the base of the plant then dig them in a little. They can also be sprinkled directly on your lawn.  {I will definitely be doing this}
2. Add the grounds to compost piles to enrich nutrient content – the grounds contain Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Sulfur.  Phosphorous is becoming scarce, so we need to conserve it as much as possible.  {We already do this}
3. Add water to the grounds and allow to stand for a day or two. Drain off and then use as a liquid plant fertilizer – cold coffee that you’d usually toss down the sink can also be used in this way.  {it’s gardening time here so I’m going to try this.}
4. After drying the grounds thoroughly, put them in a small open container and use in cupboards and your refrigerator as an odour absorber. {I didn’t realize coffee had this absorbent quality, definitely worth trying}
5. Rubbing your hands with used coffee grounds will remove strong smells such as onion or fish. {Good tip, I’ve heard of using lemon, but never coffee.  I’m going to try this one too}
6. Grounds can be used as a scourer for greasy pots and pans. {I’ve actually done this on non-stick pans and it worked well as a slight abrasive}
7. A ring of coffee grounds around sensitive plants can discourage ants and some other pests.  {We do have a fair amount of ants, so I’m going to try this…wonder if it will repel deer???  lol}
8. Use as a wood stain. Allow them to soak in a small amount of water overnight (or hot water for a shorter period), then drain off. The amount of water you use will determine how dark the stain is. Also good for touch-ups to mahogany furniture.  {We actually have a small scratch on our dining room table so I’m going to try this}
9. If you have a worm farm, dump the grounds in – apparently they love them!  {I don’t have a worm farm but apparently worms and I have a common love for coffee!}

Much of the information contained in this post was obtained from Green Living Tips.

I found a great article at Green Living Tips, outlining 24 Uses for Lemons.  I’ve included a few of them below;  be sure to read the complete article for even more great uses for lemons!

How to make it:

1. Using scissors, cut six to eight small slits in the end of your toilet paper roll (if using a paper towel roll, cut the roll into three pieces before beginning this step).2. Fold the strips down so they overlap.3. Fill carefully with wet soil, and set in a baking sheet.4. Plant one seed per roll. After germination, just plant the whole thing in your garden!If you don’t mind transplanting your seedlings, you can use all kinds of recyclables for germination: Takeout containers, plastic cups, soda bottles and shoe boxes – just to name a few.The information in this post was obtained from Earth 911.Tip # 53Make some popsicle stick garden markers!The hot, humid days of summer mean we’re all eating icy treats to help stay cool.   You could definitely compost those wooden sticks, but better still, why not save those sticks for reuse in your garden and then compost them down the road. 
To use your throw-aways to make customized markers for your garden or seedlings, you’ll need Popsicle sticks, a permanent marker and a reusable cloth.

How to make it:

1. Apply a few drops of rubbing alcohol or a solution of warm water and sea salt to the ends of your ice pop sticks. Use the reusable cloth to rub off any remaining stickiness.2. Let the sticks dry in the sun for at least an hour.3. Label your sticks with permanent marker, and use them to mark crops in your herb garden or veggie plot.If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also make your own customized garden markers from old milk jugs using this simple tutorial from TLC.Information contained in this post was obtained from Earth 911Tip # 54Make a simple self-irrigating water systemAre you like me and keep forgetting to water your container vegetables, herbs and flowers?   I also hate when the water runs over the top and out the bottom…what a waste of water!  Well, I found this simple solution online at Earth911.com.  It’s a simple to set up, self irrigation system that will save you time and water.Sounds tricky, right? It actually couldn’t be easier.  All you’ll need is scissors, a plastic bottle (great way to reuse plastic and when you’re finished with it, you can still throw it in the recycling bin!), a hand shovel and about five minutes to get the job done.

How to make it:1. Using scissors, carefully cut the bottom out of your plastic bottle. Remove bottle cap and set aside for recycling.2. Use a hand shovel to dig a 6-inch-deep hole in the potted plant of your choice, as far away from the plant as possible to avoid damaging roots.3. Place your plastic bottle in the hole, bottleneck end down. Use your hands to pack soil around the bottle so it stands upright.4. Fill the bottle with water as needed, and watch it slowly seep into the soil – saving you time and nurturing your thirsty plants.Information contained in this post was obtained from Earth911.com, drop by and check out there website fore more awesome Earth friendly tips.Tip # 55Recycle collected dehumidifier water!We have a dehumidifier and during the summer months we empty the collection reservoir of several litres of water daily.  Instead of dumping it down the drain, we use the water to water the garden and potted plants.My sister over at Oak Lawn Images and Myotonic Dystrophy – Our Family’s Journey,  dumps the collected water from her dehumidifier into her washer.  When she needs to do laundry she already has a good start on filling the washer tub.What do you do with the water collected by your dehumidifier?  Have any good tips?  I’ll post them here.
Tip # 56

Green plants help to recycle and freshen the air you breath all winter long. Once your home is sealed, you need the plants to help remove toxins and stale air. You will feel better emotionally and physically with the addition of living plants in your home.Information in this post was obtained from Greener Ideal.

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  • The water coming into your home is colder this time of year taking more energy to heat.
  • If  your water heater is stored in a cooler area of your home that result in even additional energy to heat the water.
  • Once the water is warm, it will also cool down faster during the winter months.
  To prevent the water heater from running constantly and racking up your utility bills, you can insulate your  heater with a fiberglass “hot water jacket”.  The insulation will help the water heater heat up quicker and stay warmer longer, reducing your overall cost and usage.Information contained in this post was obtained from Green Living Tips & Ideas.  Photo credit – Green Living Tips & Ideas