Author: Stephanie Kling

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Featured Recycling

How to Safely Recycle Prescription Bottles

While all prescription bottles may look the same, there can be subtle differences in disposing of them safely for your family and in an environmentally-friendly way. With spring cleaning underway, now is a good time to finally clean out your medicine cabinet and get rid of expired or empty prescription bottles.

However don’t just toss the bottle in the recycling bin, here are tips to keep in mind to properly and safely recycle your prescription bottles.

  • Don’t flush unused or expired medications down the toilet. This water eventually ends up in our waterways, where trace amounts of your medicine can cause contamination.
  • Do figure out ahead of time if you can recycle your prescription bottles with your regular trash. Most of the “brown” prescription bottles are #5 plastic, which is polypropylene. The clear prescription bottles, like the kind you get from Target, are #1 plastic or PETE. This is the same stuff that soda bottles are made from. While many recyclers now accept plastic #1 through #7, not all do. So double-check that you can recycle the bottles with the rest of your household containers before assuming you can and tossing them in the bin.
  • Don’t trash prescription bottles if you can’t recycle them—reuse them instead. There are plenty of reuses for prescription bottles—after you give them a good washing. I’ve heard of scouts who put matches in these bottles as a way of keeping them dry. I know crafts people who used them as mini containers that hold like items, such as push pins, beads or needles.
  • Check to see if your local town or city offers a take-back program for unwanted prescriptions/expired prescriptions before just tossing the medicine in the trash.
    • If no instructions are given on the drug label and no take-back program is available in your area, throw the drugs in the household trash, but first:
      • Take them out of their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter. The medication will be less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through your trash.
      • Put them in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the medication from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag.
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Eco Tips Featured Green Building Home Design Home Improvement

Save Money This Winter With New Windows

Do you have old creaky windows or your winter energy bill outrageously high? Have you recently been considering remodeling your house and replacing your old windows with new energy efficient windows? There are many benefits to replacing your old windows.

How windows lose and gain heat. Windows lose and gain heat by conduction, convection, radiation and air leakage. This heat transfer is expressed with U-values, or U-factors (U-values are the mathematical inverse of R-values. So an R-value of 2 equals a U-value of 1/2, or 0.5). Unlike R-values, lower U-value indicates higher insulating value. Conduction is the movement of heat through a solid material. Radiant transfer is the movement of heat as long-wave heat energy from a warmer body to a cooler body. Air leakage siphons about half of an average home’s heating and cooling energy to the outdoors due to poor weather-stripping or single paned glass windows. For more information on ways windows lose and gain heat check out this website.

Different Types of Energy Efficient Windows.  Make sure to check for the Energy Star rating seal when looking to purchase new windows. Here are the different types of windows you can purchase.Energy Efficient Windows

  • Awning. Hinged at the top and open outward. Because the sash closes by pressing against the frame, they generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows.
  • Casement. Hinged at the sides. Like awning windows, they generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows because the sash closes by pressing against the frame.
  • Fixed. Fixed panes that don’t open. When installed properly they’re airtight, but are not suitable in places where window ventilation is desired.
  • Hopper. Hinged at the bottom and open inward. Like both awning and casement, they generally have lower air leakage rates because the sash closes by pressing against the frame.
  • Single- and double-hung. Both sashes slide vertically in a double-hung window. Only the bottom sash slides upward in a single-hung window. These sliding windows generally have higher air leakage rates than projecting or hinged windows.
  • Single- and double-sliding. Both sashes slide horizontally in a double-sliding window. Only one sash slides in a single-sliding window. Like single- and double-hung windows, they generally have higher air leakage rates than projecting or hinged windows.

Energy and Cost Savings. Windows have typically represented a major source of unwanted heat loss and unwanted heat gain, but there has been a major technological revolution. According to National Geographic, “Energy Star estimates that homeowners can save at least $27 a year by replacing windows. If you have single-pane windows, replacing them with Energy Star-qualified products will save you between $126 and $465 a year, depending on the number of windows you replace and where in the United States you live. The cost savings of replacing double-paned windows, however, is less than 25 percent of that amount; the most you can save by replacing double-paned windows is $111 per year”.

Sources: Green Living,  Efficient Windows, Energy.gov

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Eco Eats

New Year’s Resolution: Be Greener

New Year’s resolutions is a great time to change your habits. While normally it can be hard to stick with your resolutions, this one will be easier. Resolve to green your shopping habits (especially grocery shopping). The average American family gets rid of around 14% of their food every year. When you do the math that is about 600 dollars every year in food, just thrown away. Food that is uneaten and thrown away gets sent to landfills where it rots and releases methane (which is considered a greenhouse gas).  Just storing your food incorrectly can cause it to rot prematurely. However with some of these simple and easy implemented tips you can help to reduce the amount of food wasted and helps the environment out in the process!

Choose A Different Container. The most reached for reusable container mostly is mainly plastic; however glass or metal containers are better for the environment and for you as well! A problem with plastic is the chemicals that are in the plastic itself can seep into the food that is being stored in them, especially if the plastic container is being used in the microwave. If you like to use plastic containers there is a solution! Some plastic containers are made from recycled plastic and plastic containers are a lot better for the environment compared to Styrofoam.  If you are going to use the plastic containers make sure to hand wash them to keep their longevity.

Pack your lunch in style.  Get a reusable, fabric lunch bag. It helps save all those brown paper bags made for lunch and it can help add some style to lunch. See if there might be a matching napkin set (that way you don’t waste paper products). Stores now offer organic cotton bags and can be used instead of plastic sandwich bags.  Also some whole foods stores carry wax bags which can be used instead of plastic and are great for the environment (they are biodegradable and compostable).

Try to buy organic and recycled products. Choosing organic food means fewer pesticides in the ground and means healthier food for you and for future generations. Organic products tend to be a little on the pricey end so the next best option is to buy locally grown produce. When you buy locally grown produce you are helping the local farmers and local economy. Lastly the next time you are at the grocery store try and look for products that are made with recyclable packaging.

Source: Ecoexpert Blog

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Eco Tips Recycling

Stop Drinking Bottled Water

Bottled water isn’t as healthy as marketers would lead us to believe.  Not only is it a waste of plastic it is potentially dangerous to your health. So why do we keep using bottled water? It could be a variety of different reasons, (habit, convenience, taste), however you really should switch to tap water, a reusable filtered pitcher (such as Brita or Bobble) or a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. Here is a great infographic from JasonPollock.tv, it has a lot of great information on why you should kick the bottled water habit. Some of the points that really struck home was the fact that bottled water isn’t that much different than tap water at a fraction of the cost!                                                                                                     Make the switch from plastic water bottles to reusable water bottles, to not only save the environment and landfills of unnecessary plastic bottles but help keep your family healthy and happy. Source: JasonPollock.tv

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Articles Eco Eats Featured Recycling

Green Your Shopping Trip

A simple way to green your life is by choosing eco-friendly products. When walking down the grocery isle at your local market so many products are labeled “eco-friendly”, “recycled”, and “organic” just to name a few. With so many “green” and eco-friendly products on the market, how do you know which is the real deal? These tips will give you the knowledge on how to choose which eco-friendly products are right for you and your family.

Look for certification.  There are a handful of reliable and trust worthy certifications you can reference. Use these as your guide to choose the best eco-friendly products. These are the seals you are going to want to keep an eye out for “federal government’s Energy Star designation on appliances and electronics; the USDA organic seal on food and cosmetics; Green Seal (and, in Canada, EcoLogo) on household cleaning products; and the Forest Stewardship Council logo on wood and paper products.”

Be Aware. With the current trend of “going green” companies are changing the product packaging to remain part of the trend, when they really aren’t going green! Look for specific words such as “natural,” “green,” “eco,” “nontoxic” and even “biodegradable”. These words make a product look eco-friendly however they aren’t currently regulated however “organic” and “recycled” are!

Buy Local. One of the best ways to be certain your fruits and veggies are fresh and organic is simply purchasing from your local farmers. Produce bought from your local growers do not have to be sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals.  You are also supporting your local economy and local produce tends to be a little bit cheaper than produce from the grocery store.

Trust Your Gut. If it sounds too good to be true, unfortunately most times it is. Make sure to do your research before making any major purchases and check out consumer reports as well as GoodGuide.com. Good Guide rates products from 1-10 on their eco-friendliness. Just because a company is saying they are “green” does not mean that they are.

Sources: NBCNews.com

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Articles Gadgets & Gear Green Building Home Design Home Improvement

Energy Saving Appliances

It seems that every company on the market claims to have energy efficient products that can lower your bills. How many times have you been walking through the store and you see the claims of “lowering your heating bill” or “eco-friendly dishwasher”? Just because an appliance company might claim to be “energy efficient” that does not mean it is necessarily true.

Every appliance is different and every appliance has a different rating scale. The good news is that the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection agency have started working with Energy Star to label products when they are energy efficient thus protecting you from .

The Energy Star label states that the products either exceed federal energy consumption standards (normally by at least 15 percent or more) or they have energy saving features built into them. All products that have the Energy Star label are energy efficient products made to save you money and save the environment.

All products have different types of ratings and rates. When shopping for a new energy efficient product make sure you check the labels for the corresponding rating.

Central Air Conditioner:  SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is the measure that is used to rate efficiency. The higher the number the more energy efficient the unit is try and look for a unit with a SEER of 12 or more.

Washing Machine:  EF (Energy Factor) indicates the number of complete cycles a washer will operate while using one kilowatt-hour of electricity. The current federal standard for energy efficient washers is an EF of 1.18, while Energy Star washers require an EF of 2.5.

Dishwashers:  EF (Energy Factor) indicates the number of complete cycles a dishwasher will complete while using one-kilowatt hour of electricity. Dishwashers that qualify for the Energy Star label have an EF of 0.52 or greater.

Refrigerators and Freezers:  The labels indicate the number of kilowatt-hours of electricity the appliance will use in one year of operation. The smaller the number, the more efficient the appliance and lower your bills.

In addition to saving you money every month, buying certified Energy Star appliances can also give you a tax credit at the end of the year. To find out if your new appliances make the cut check out Energystar.gov here for a complete list and details and to see if you qualify. Buying energy efficient appliances will help reduce your carbon footprint and will also lower your water bill and electric bill.

Source: housewares.about.com

 

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Articles Eco Eats

Have a Green Thanksgiving

 

iStock_000010991193SmallLooking to make your Thanksgiving more eco-friendly this year? It’s a lot easier than you might think. Every year Americans waste on average 200 millions pounds of turkey this year (Latimes.com). Don’t be apart of that staggering and frightening statistic. Do your part and go green this Thanksgiving.

Use real plates. Although buying paper plates, napkins, and cups might seem easier, it’s actually worse for the environment. It’s far better for the environment if you were to just wash your dishes. Feel free to use the dishwasher! Just make sure to not choose the “high heat” setting because it uses a lot of extra energy.

Use to-go containers. Use reusable to-go containers instead of plastic wrap. According to life.gaiam.com Americans use enough plastic wrap to cover the entire state of Texas. This year do your part and boycott the plastic wrap.

Actually eat your leftovers. I’m not a huge fan of leftovers and I know that I’m just as guilty as the next person for contributing to the 200 million wasted pounds of fowl. Make delicious left over turkey sandwiches or hot turkey gravy sandwiches. After you have finished all the meat, use the carcass and make a turkey stock. You can use the stock later this winter for hearty winter soup.

Buy organic. This year try to buy organic. All the same items you use year after year have an organic alternative. Organic food is free of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and is not only better for the Earth but better for your body.

Do you have any tips for an eco-friendly Thanksgiving?

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Eco Eats

The Good and Bad of Kale

Kale is one of the most underrated super foods available to you. It has a lot of vitamins and nutrients that is vital to your diet.

What exactly is Kale?

The green or purple veggie is related to cabbage and is classified by leaf type (curly, plain, etc.). It’s hearty enough to survive winter frosts and grows in individual stalks. It’s actually one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat.

Why it’s good for you.

Kale is truly a superfood. It’s filled with micronutrients, including vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and chlorophyll.  Kale is popular among cancer patients, since it is helps one achieve a healthy alkaline balance and thus a neutralized body system; it can also help improve circulation and reduce inflammation. It’s also high in fiber and zeaxanthin, which is a carotenoid that protects eyes from vascular degeneration [Source: Super Kids Nutrition]

How to add kale to your diet.

Try making a green smoothie in the morning by mixing some kale, fruit, and a liquid base (try almond milk, water, or coconut water). Kale chips are a great introduction to the veggie, and a popular choice among children. Sautéing some kale for a side dish is always a good option, or you can throw some leaves into a soup after taking it off the stove.

Homemade Organic Green Kale Chips

We have included a delicious recipe for Kale Chips. They are easy to make and taste delicious!

  • Wash kale. Use fresh, velvet like kale, that’s green or purple,
  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Wash and thoroughly dry. Flat kale dries easier and quicker than curly kale. It’s essential to have completely dry kale before you bake -if you have to use curly kale, use a salad spinner to dry.  You can always buy prewashed kale at the grocery.
  • Tear Kale into bite sized pieces (or about the size of chips).
  • Pour a small amount of organic canola, grape seed oil or olive oil in a bowl.
  • Dip your fingers in the oil and rub the oil into the kale leaves very lightly coating the entire back and front.
  • Put torn medium size pieces of kale on a baking sheet making sure they don’t touch.  Place on top or medium rack.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes checking to make sure tips are NOT browning.  Chips should come out crisp (especially if you dried the kale completely).
  • Add a dash of salt and enjoy!

 

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Articles Home Improvement

Give the Gift of Green

Everyone probably has a little box of tools in their garage meant for screwdrivers, hammers, measuring tapes, and other random but helpful items. But did you know you could have “green” tools instead of regular tools? The green tools not only cost about the same as regular tools and power tools but they are also a lot better for our earth and are completely sustainable. A lot of the green tools are made from recyclable materials which helps reduce the amount of  The green tool box is not only a good idea for yourself but makes it the perfect present. Give the green tool box to your favorite handy-man and include a how-to book for ideas and you can pick it up from your local thrift store.

Battery-operated Drill

This one might seem like a no-brainer but you would be surprised by the amount of people that are still using electric drills. Not only is the cord annoying and gets in the way but they use a lot of energy. A rechargeable drill packs a lot of power while using far less energy.

Measuring Tape

An important and basic tool that everyone needs in their toolbox is a measuring tape. Manufacturers offer a greener option when compared to traditional measuring tapes. Green measuring tapes are made from recycled materials and have many features traditional measuring tapes have such as your desired length, a cam-activated lock, etc.)

Screwdriver

Another really important “must-have” tool is a screwdriver. However you don’t have to have your traditional basic screwdriver, they offer rechargeable battery-operated screwdrivers. They also have screwdrivers that are made from corn and other recyclable materials.

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Eco Tips Featured

Be Green on Halloween

Halloween is a fun time filled with candy, costumes, and most importantly fun, family bonding time. It might be scary to think of all the waste that accumulates on Halloween but have no fear, we have come up with tips that will help reduce your Halloween waste.

  • Instead of buying plastic pumpkins  for trick-or-treating that might get ruined, make your own candy knapsack. Take old pillowcases and decorate them with your children.
  • Buy re-usable decorations instead of one-time-use ones. This might seem like a no-brainer but you would be surprised at the number of people that buy disposable decorations because of convenience or price. I personally think that you should invest a couple more dollars for products that will last a couple of years compared to one Halloween.
  • After Halloween is over, don’t throw away your costume. Re-use it or donate it to a local thrift store.  If you want to keep your costume, you can always take certain pieces of each costume to make a new one for next year!
  • Before buying decorations, make your own. A simple Pinterest search turned up creative and cleaver decorations using all sorts of household items. One popular craft is to make your own ghost lanterns out of old gallon sized milk jugs.
  • Make your own scarecrow out of old clothing and household materials. Your scarecrow doesn’t have to be scary, you can decorate him or her with leaves, hats, flowers, old scraps of material, and old clothing. Make your scarecrow unique, like you.

What are your green Halloween tips?