Category: Eco Tips

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Eco Tips

Are You A Green Pet Owner? What You Need To Know

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Pets are the best. Whether you have a cat, a dog or any other kind of furry friend, you probably love them like they are a member of your family. And that’s great! Pets keep us company, they are fun, they reduce stress and are overall a positive influence on our lives. If you want a pet and are able to care for one, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get a new fur-baby. However, just like humans have a carbon footprint, pets have their own “carbon pawprint” as well. This means that being a responsible pet owner goes beyond taking good care of your pet, you should take care of the environment as well.

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Pet shops: just say no

If you are thinking of getting a new puppy or kitty, stay away from pet shops. Consider visiting a rescue center or an animal shelter. That way, you will provide a loving home and care for animals that are already here, instead of encouraging puppy mills and other shady practices.

Feeding your pets: why vegan diets are harmful

We know that producing meat wastes ten times more resources than producing beans and other vegetables. This is why many pet-owners believe that feeding their pets a vegetarian or vegan diet is the answer, but this is far from the truth. While dogs are fairly omnivorous and can sometimes live on a (carefully designed and monitored) vegetarian diet, this should only be attempted after talking with your vet to make sure your puppy is getting everything he needs. Cats, on the other hand, are true carnivores, which means they must eat meat to stay healthy. Attempting to feed a cat a vegetarian or vegan diet will result in harm to the animal and it’s very unnatural. What you can do instead is finding a good brand of organic pet-food, that will give your furry friends all the nutrients they need with less of an environmental impact.

The other end of the problem: green waste disposal

Cat and dog waste is not only smelly and unpleasant, it’s also dangerous. They carry parasites and toxins that can be very harmful to the environment and can even contaminate water sources. When it comes to dogs, the very least you should be doing is immediately bagging and tossing away their poop. However, if you ant a more radical (and permanent) solution, consider installing a specially sealed “doggy loo” that is half-buried in your garden. It will naturally break down the waste and disperse it harmlessly into the soil. Cats should never be taught to poo in the toilet, as that can contaminate the water. Instead, consider switching your clay cat-litter for sawmill waste, hemp or straw litter that is lighter and completely biodegradable.

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Eco Eats Eco Tips

How To Make Grocery Shopping Greener Than Ever

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Being green starts at home. And it continues on the street, in your car and at the store. The way you shop can have a huge impact on the environment. It is worth it to make your trip to the grocery store as green as possible, as that can change your entire family’s carbon footprint. Here are a few tips to make grocery shopping as eco-friendly as possible.

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Get a reusable bag

This one is pretty obvious, but essential. A good tote bag made out of a resistant fabric and with a hard bottom is priceless. Disposable bags do nothing but fill up landfills, even if they are paper and not plastic. Besides, a big reusable bag is much more convenient, as it will probably fit all of your groceries and you can hang it on your shoulder. Say goodbye to pained fingers trying to hold up the weight of multiple plastic bags. And you’ll be able to carry everything in one trip too! If you are prone to forgetting your reusable bag, there are some that old up into a nice little pocket that you can keep in your purse. Or even as a keychain!

Pay attention to the packaging

Whenever possible, say no to goods packaged in plastic or non-recyclable materials. Nowadays, more and more companies are promoting responsible packaging, so take advantage of that. If you absolutely need to buy products that come in plastic packaging, look for brands that made their containers at least with partially recycled materials. Paper and glass are always preferred, of course. If you are buying dry goods, try to do so in bulk, as that means less individual packages that you will go through.

Look for USDA-certified organic products

Organic produce is made using no toxic pesticides and with responsible farming practices. This means that your family will get better quality goods that do not have toxic substances. Besides, you will not support companies and production practices that contribute to the pollution of our water sources and the reduction of biodiversity. While you are at it, try to get goods that are non-GMO verified. Natural and fresh is always best.

Whenever possible, reduce, reuse and recycle

When shopping, less is always more. Always be on the lookout for ways to reduce your spending and by extension your waste. For example, instead of buying bottled water, get yourself a sturdy stainless steel water bottle and keep it filled. Instead of buying disposable batteries, get yourself a reusable set. If you can buy in bulk and store the food safely in your home, do so. If you find products made out of recycled materials, choose them above other brands.

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Eco Tips

How To Make Your House Sparkle Without Destroying The Earth

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We spend so much time making sure our homes are spotless that we never stop to ask how that affect’s everyone’s home. If your own apartment is neat and clean but the environment is a mess, then you are doing it wrong. No need to despair, it is possible to be green even during your cleaning routine, just follow these tips.

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Try to DIY

We live in a wonderful era of information and we can all learn how to make our own cleaning products. Home-mixed cleaners are good for the environment because they avoid toxic substances that can damage your family or pollute water sources. What’s even better, they are usually very cheap to make, so you are helping your pockets as well. If you are afraid you will have to go out scavenger-hunting for obscure ingredients, fear no more: you have them in your pantry. Almost every mess in your home can be cleaned with a mixture of vinegar or baking soda and warm water. Dissolve grease, get rid of mold, shine your surfaces and get rid of water residue without buying a single cleaning product.

Toss the antibacterial cleaners

Antibacterial or antimicrobial cleaners are not as necessary as all those alarming TV ads would have you believe. In fact, they might even be counter-productive, as they carry the risk of breeding “super germs” that can get your family sick and are harder to kill. The FDA found that antimicrobial and antibacterial soaps and cleaners are not better at getting rid of germs than regular hand soap, so you should really avoid them.

Don’t buy air-fresheners

Air fresheners are usually toxic, they make the air quality in your home worse and they can even be harmful to the ozone layer. If you want your home to smell great all the time, get indoor plants. Broad, green leaves are great at filtering and renewing the air in your house, even if they don’t make it smell different. If you do want the smell, boil cinnamon, cloves or any other herb or spice that you like. If your carpets smell weird, sprinkle them with baking soda and let it soak up the smell before vacuuming it up.

Be mindful when discarding toxic cleaners

Whether you are replacing all of your toxic cleaners for greener brands or just tossing out old containers, avoid leaving toxic products in the trash. If the product is toxic for your home, it will be for the environment. Tossing toxic containers in the trash or pouring products down the drain is a great way to make sure the landfill gets full of harmful chemicals and your water supply contaminated. Your neighborhood or community probably holds toxic and electronics recycling days, so you can take them there to be disposed of responsibly.

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Eco Tips

5 Green Gifts For The New Mom

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Do you have a baby shower coming up and still don’t have a gift? Why not pick something cute, practical and green? New moms get enough adorable onesies that the baby will wear only once. Your friend or relative will be extremely grateful if you get her something practical. And the earth will be grateful if you pick something green as well.

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1. Wool diaper covers

Most parents know of reusable diapers (and more and more young families are choosing to use them!), but most still use plastic diaper covers. Wool covers are made of natural fiber, which means that they will breathe better and are more gentle on sensitive skin. Besides, they are naturally anti-bacterial and they can absorb a lot of moisture, so they are perfect for heavy wetters. They are thick enough to double as shorts on warmer months and they can be extremely adorable. Since a family will need only 3-4 covers, you can gift them two and a bottle of wool wash and lanolin to keep the wool moisture-resistant.

2. Reusable wipes

This is such a useful gift, and you can make it yourself. You can buy a used wipe warmer in good condition pretty cheaply and gather cut-up squares of flannel or baby washcloths. Place in a box with some glass jars of scented washing solution and decorate with a cute bow. You can include a homemade card with instructions on how to use the warmer so the wipes are always ready for comfortable diaper changing.

3. Swaddle Blanket

The ideal swaddle blanket is the one that fits well, stretches and tightens up while still being breathable and gentle on the baby’s skin. Look for swaddles made out of light, natural fibers and breathable fabric like muslin. Bamboo fabric is naturally anti-bacterial, sustainable and breathable, while organic cotton is soft and gentle. Stick to light fabrics, as these are great for summer nights and can be paired up with more layers when the weather turns cold.

4. Hand-held baby food grinder

Most new parents are not aware of hand-held food grinders, and they will be so grateful when you introduce them to it. These tools are light, easy to clean, portable and green. They are perfect for parents that want to know exactly what they are feeding their children and want to avoid store-bough food. Besides, they don’t use electricity or batteries, which makes them easy on the environment as well.

5. Green toys

Nobody said you can’t give mom and baby something fun! However, you don’t need to fall back on cheap plastic that will end up in the trash in a month and can’t be recycled. Instead of contributing to our landfill problem, give green and sustainable toys. Keep an eye out for plushies made with organic cotton, bamboo wooden toys, plastic toys that are BPA-free, made with natural rubber or recycled.

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Eco Tips

All-Natural Ways To Treat Sunburns

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We are all familiar with the dangers of sun exposure and why we should all use sunscreen (and reapply often!) whenever we are out in the sun, especially in summer. But no matter how careful you are with your and your family’s skincare, it is still possible to get sunburnt. Instead of running to the drugstore and buying every treatment available, try these all-natural, sustainable options first.

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Aloe gel

Aloe Vera is everywhere. You will see it in most products for sunburn, and for good reason. This fantastic plant has excellent skincare properties and its gel is guaranteed to soothe the pain and itching of a sunburn. Don’t buy a bottled gel, make your own without all the filler ingredients. Cut a thick leaf from the center of the plant and let any yellow liquid drain out. Then, trim all the spines so you don’t hurt yourself and cut the leaf in half. Scoop out the gel with a spoon and mash it with a fork. You can store it in the fridge for that extra coolness that will soothe the burn. If you live in a warm area, consider adding a few aloe plants to your garden. They are super easy to maintain and you will get an endless supply of this miracle gel.

Strawberries

Strawberries are the perfect fruit to snack on during summer. They are fresh and yummy and filled with antioxidants. Even better? They are packed with tannins, which has been shown to soothe sunburnt skin. All you need to do is mash a couple of strawberries until they form a paste and apply it to the damaged skin for a few minutes. Wash it off with cool water (try not to use really cold water). If you have dry skin, it’s better to follow up this treatment with a natural moisturizer, such as coconut oil.

Yogurt

Another snack that is equally delicious and useful, yogurt will help you soothe any sun-damaged area in your skin. It has a creamy texture that is easy to apply and will keep your skin moisturized, which is particularly important when treating sunburns. Yogurt also has anti-inflammatory properties that will help the skin heal faster. Make sure to use plain or Greek yogurt, with no sugar or additives.

Cold water

Sunburns are still burns, so your regular burn treatment will still work. Apply cold, running water to the area and avoid using ice, as that can make it worse. Another thing to keep in mind is that sun will dehydrate you. If you damaged a large area of your skin, you will feel it tight and dry. Drink enough water and moisturize the area to speed up the healing process.

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Eco Tips Green Building Recycling

Five Fun Ways To Introduce Recycling To Kids

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So you’ve come a long way into educating yourself about recycling. Suddenly, you get the feeling that it is time to discuss this topic with your children. Recycling is a matter of raising awareness about the impact we have on the world we inhabit. If our goal is to create sustainable change, then change has to be transmitted to next generations. Thankfully for us, kids are more than willing to learn about planet earth and how to take care of it. So it is just a matter of finding the right approach. Let’s discuss some ideas.

Arrange a Field Trip
Even though it may require a little planning, a field trip to a recycling facility is a great way for kids to become acquaintance with the whole idea.  Besides, meeting professionals and workers at a recycle center will certainly boost their interest in the topic. Remember that kids of all ages are interested on seeing and experiencing things for themselves, so a “hands-on” experience will always work wonders with them.

Start your own recycling project with them
Another great “hands-on” experience for the children is to start a recycling project at home. So why not taking a weekend off to spend some quality time doing something incredibly gratifying like recycling paper with them. There are plenty of tutorials over the internet to draw ideas from. I assure you that kids will love the idea of creating something new out of old waste paper.

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Invent recycling games
Set up some games to educate your kids on recycling issues. Get creative and remember to focus on the experience. Allow them to be the recycling experts for a day or turn them into the ultimate recycling superheroes. Some ideas for you to experience with are to create games related to sorting garbage items, making organic composts and dumping the right kind of waste on the right kind of bin. And always give away prizes, and treats!

Discuss with your children on how waste affects nature
Be honest with them about the current environmental situation. Talk to them about the changes our planet is going through and our responsibility as humans in reverting this process. Educate them about contamination and how human waste has a profound effect on planet earth. Help them realize how recycling can lead to positive environmental changes.

Empower them
Information is power. Education is power. Awareness is power. Do not underestimate your children’s potential to become change agents. Empower them to take active part in every possible way they can. They’ll be more than willing to do so.

Recycling can be fun and games but it can also be a powerful transformation tool in our homes, our schools and communities. Don’t be afraid to raise awareness. As Gandhi once said: “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Encourage your kids to live under the same principle and keep change going!

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Eco Tips

How To Care For Your Pet During The Hottest Time Of The Year

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Summer is great to play outdoors with our loving pets, but it’s important to always keep their safety in mind. Some animals are not well-equipped to deal with the heat, so it’s up to us to care for them so they have a pleasant and safe summer.

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Don’t leave your pets in a parked car – It doesn’t matter if it’s only for a minute, temperatures inside a car parked in the sun can rise faster than you think. Your pet might get dehydrated, suffer organ damage and even die after thirty minutes in the sun.

Limit exercise – On the hottest days, give your pet a break and adjust the intensity and duration of the exercise. Walk your pet early in the morning or during the evening if possible. Remember that asphalt can get very hot and burn its paws, so try to walk through grass. Keep your pet under the shade, especially if they have white ears, as they are more susceptible to sun damage. Always carry extra water and a bowl with you, so your furry friend can rehydrate.

Keep water available and fresh – Have multiple bowls of water around the house and backyard, so your pet can be hydrated. Change the water frequently so it’s always fresh and maybe stick a couple of ice cubes in there if you are going to be busy for a while. If your puppy doesn’t find baths stressful, giving them a cooling spray with the hose might help them out.

Keep your dog indoors – Dogs respond differently to heat than humans. For example, they only sweat through their footpads so they cool themselves down by panting. When it’s too humid outside, that might not be enough and they might suffer from heat stress and physical injuries. Keep your puppy inside and keep a dry climate inside the house with a de-humidifier. Fans are not really effective in keeping dogs cool, your best bet is air conditioner, even if it is more expensive.

Watch out for heatstroke – If you live in a place with extreme temperatures, your pet might be susceptible to heatstroke, so keep an eye out for the telling signs. Rapid heartbeat, glazed eyes, lethargy, lack of coordination, excessive salivation, excessive thirst, difficulty breathing, vomiting, a purple tongue and unconsciousness are all signs that a dog might be suffering from heatstroke. If you suspect that might be the case, quickly move your pet to the shade or inside with air-conditioning. Apply cold towels to your dog’s head, neck and chest. Run cool water over them and let them lick ice cubes or drink small amounts of water. As soon as you can, take your pet to the vet. You might save his life.

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Eco Tips Lawn & Garden

How To Use Less Water During Summer

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Certain regions of the US are going through a pretty severe period of drought right now. And even if that wasn’t the case, summer is the time of the year when we all get a little careless with our water consumption. If you want to reduce your environmental impact all year round, here are some great was to save water during summer.

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1. Pick the car wash – Nothing wrong with wanting a clean and sparkly car, but you need to be smart when you wash it. Before taking out the buckets and sponges, consider that washing your car by hand uses around three times more water than the automatic wash. Even better, the automatic car wash is quicker and easier too, so it’s a win-win.

2. Pay attention to your toilet – Faulty toilet tanks can silently leak water into the bowl without anyone noticing. To check for this, open the tank and pour a few drops of food coloring in the water. Wait an hour and check the water in the bowl. If it’s dyed, you have a faulty tank and you need to fix it. Never use the toilet as a trash can, tissues, q-tips and every other waste should go to the bin, as they can ruin the pipes.

3. Cut down your showers – Most people know that taking a shower is much more efficient than taking a bath when it comes to water consumption. But did you know that you can save up to 150 gallons of water per month by cutting your showers by only two minutes? Two minutes won’t make a difference for your shower routine, but they sure will make a difference for the planet.

4. Green Laundry – Only wash full loads to avoid water waste and avoid the “permanent press” setting, as it uses more water during the rinse cycle. Check the hose and pipes behind the machine to make sure they are not leaking or about to burst open.

5. Get a reusable water bottle – You probably know that getting a reusable water bottle cuts down waste by reducing the amount of plastic disposable bottles that get thrown away. But did you know that it takes three to five times more water to make a plastic bottle than the amount you are drinking?

6. Smart lawn sprinklers – If you use sprinklers to water your lawn and garden, make sure they are positioned correctly. They should only be watering your grass and plants, not your walls, cobbled path, driveway or sidewalk. Install a rain sensor on your automatic system, as it will detect when it’s raining and shut down. Finally, only water your plants early in the morning or after the sun goes down, so the water doesn’t evaporate as fast and it can be better absorbed.

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Eco Tips

How Camping Can Teach Kids To Be Green

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Warm and sunny days call for summer vacation planning. And if you are taking your kids, why not seize the opportunity to have fun as a family and teach the values you hold dear? Instead of wasting away at the beach, consider a family camping trip. Sure, you can go to Disneyland and have them swallow chunks of sugary drinks and snacks, but you’ll have a lot more eco-friendly fun together if you take them camping! Have some bonding moments and also teach your kids some green habits. Just don’t let them know ‘they’re learning’. That’s our little secret.

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Eco Tips

Create An Eco-Friendly Office That Matches Your Green Soul

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When thinking about reducing your carbon footprint, the first things that come to mind usually relate to your home life. But you also spend a significant amount of time in your office or at your job site, so it makes sense to try and reduce your environmental impact there as well. Here’s how to create an eco-friendly office by doing these simple 4 steps.

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