Category: Eco Tips

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Eco Tips Featured

8 Simple Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Has Many Eco-Friendly Uses

Coconut oil has become one of the most favored organic and eco-friendly products on the market due to its rewarding qualities.  I noticed the increase in popularity of coconut oil over the last few months and asked myself, “What is so special about this stuff other than cooking?”  I normally use coconut oil as a substitute for olive or vegetable oil in cooking because it contains healthier saturated fat.  So I did some research and learned that coconut oil can be used for more purposes other than a cooking aid.  It can be used for hair, skin, health, and household duties.  Who knew that coconut oil could cover such a broad spectrum of functions?

Coconut oil has the same consistency as lard and Crisco; therefore it is seen primarily as a cooking aid.  However, because of its consistency and natural qualities, it can be used to help with other functions such as body and household care. Here are four of many ways to use coconut oil for personal hygiene.

Coconut Oil Moisturizer – Extra virgin coconut oil would be the best for this.  You can find this at an organic food store or in the health and body aisle of a grocery store.  Just simply take some from the jar and apply to skin and use as much as needed. Simple!

Coconut Oil Deep Treatment Hair Conditioner – This is an overnight treatment, so a shower cap will be needed.  Apply a teaspoon of oil to the ends of your hair and run your fingers through.  For deep treatment, apply a teaspoon of oil to your scalp and massage it through to the ends of your hair.

Coconut Oil Ointment – This can be used for scrapes, bruises, or any other form of “boo-boo” that comes your way.  Apply a thin layer to the scrape or bruise.  This coating protects the area from dust, bacteria, etc.  It also gives a more pleasant odor than the medicinal brand.  Place a bandage over the affected area.

Make-Up Remover – Put some oil on a cotton ball or pad and wipe away the make-up.  It’s like Vaseline but without the harsh smell. It’s impressive how well this works!

Here are some interesting ways to utilize coconut oil for household purposes:

Coconut Oil “Goo Gone” – Mix equal portions of coconut oil and baking soda, then apply the mixture on the sticky residue area.  Wait for about five minutes before scrubbing the “goo gone” with a washcloth or scrub sponge.

Coconut Oil Furniture Polish – Mix oil with a bit of lemon juice for furniture polish.  Work the polish on a small portion of the furniture to test the consistency and strength you desire.

Coconut Oil Bronze Polish – Simply put some oil on a wash cloth and rub it over the bronze surface for a lustrous shine!  This will clean and deepen the color of the bronze.  This also works on stainless steel.

Coconut Oil Bug Repellent – Mix with some peppermint extract and rub into the skin.  No more chemicals and has a pleasant smell!

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Eco Tips Featured

Four Ways to Switch Up Your Exercise Routine

Winter weather means comfort food, sweaters, holidays, family time and boots. That also means we get comfortable with all the big, baggy clothes. Don’t get comfortable, get fit! Here are three tips to green your exercise routine.

Get Rid of Cotton

Cotton is a common fabric but it isn’t the most eco-friendly material. Did you know that it takes on average 400 gallons of water to grow the cotton required to make one t-shirt? Imagine how much water it takes for a sheet set. However many designers for home and fashion have started using bamboo. Bamboo is a great material for work-out clothes because it’s softer and wicks moisture and harmful bacterial away from the skin and it’s better for the earth!

Exercise Outside

While gyms are super convenient to work out, they are super hard on the environment. Many of the exercise machines stay plugged in all night, whether or not their being used. Talk about a phantom load! That also doesn’t include televisions and lights that are used every hour inside.  Our advice? GO OUTSIDE! Ride your bike, go for a run, clean up your yard and more. It’s more eco-friendly and some studies show that spending time outside will help naturally boost your spirit.

Water Bottles

We all know that one-time use plastic water bottles are bad for the environment. It’s time to commit to using a refillable water bottle for your workout routine. By using a refillable bottle means less waste in landfills and more money in your wallet!

Recycle Your Sneakers

Bought a new pair of sneakers because your old ones are starting to have holes in the soles? Instead of just tossing them to the curb, give your shoes a new purpose with Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Old shoes are used to build tracks, basketball and tennis courts!

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Eco Tips Featured Gadgets & Gear

Tips to Help Keep Your Reusable Bags Clean

Reusable shopping bags are a great way to be eco-friendly and stop yourself from using plastic bags. I not only use them at the grocery but also when I’m out clothes shopping, sometimes when I need a gym bag in a pinch, or even to run errands. I was recently told how dangerous it was to use the reusable bags without a washing in-between. When I thought about it I realized I don’t think I have ever washed my reusable bags! However I’m sure I’m not alone. A quick study was done of patrons in a grocery store and 97 percent of shoppers admit that they have never washed their reusable bags!

A recent study funded by the American Chemistry Council found that nearly every reusable bag examined for bacteria contained bugs, coliform bacteria (suggesting raw-meat or uncooked-food contamination), mold, yeast or E. coli. The study didn’t specify what strands of E. coli were found (many of which are harmless).

If you take a moment to really think about it, people are putting meats, unwashed foods and all sorts of items in these bags. Logic would tell you these bags could get unsanitary pretty quickly, however don’t just toss your bags just yet.

Some simple tips to help keep your reusable bags clean and sanitary:

  • Reusable bags should be washed after every use when carrying food just as you would clean a kitchen towel
  • Use more than one bag and label them “Meat, Dairy, Produce,” etc.
  • Don’t leave any unwashed bags in your car, the heat can help bacteria grow

How to Wash Reusable Bags

Some bags have labels with instructions on how to launder. For those that do not, if the bag is a woven canvas bag launder in hot water with your usual detergent. These can be line dried or tossed in the dryer.  Plastic-lined reusable bags should be scrubbed using hot water and soap and air-dried.

Make sure that both the cloth and plastic-lined reusable bags are completely dry before storing them.

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Articles By Topic Eco Tips Featured

Best of the Best: Green Laundry Detergent

With so many “green” laundry detergents out on the market, how do you know which is the best for the environment and which is the one that is the best for your family? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a system that allows consumers to find out which laundry detergents live up to their claims. The EPA asks the manufacturers to submit a list of all the active ingredients and if they are using the safest chemicals they will earn the seal of approval (the Design for the Environment Seal to be more specific.)

Even when you know which chemicals are harmful, the manufacturers don’t have to list them. That’s where the Design for the Environment logo becomes extremely helpful. You know that you’re buying the best eco-friendly product. However when you are picking out laundry detergent and the product does not have the seal, be sure to check the label for some of these worrisome ingredients/chemicals:

  • Phosphates– especially nonylphenol ethoxylates
  • Chlorine
  • Petroleum

According to consumersearch.com these are 3 of the best laundry detergents you can buy to help keep your family and yourself safe and help the environment out as well!

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  • Seventh Generation Natural Powdered Detergent (*Est. 36 cents per load). Currently Seventh Generation is waiting for the Design for Environment Seal; however the consumer reviews are very positive.  You can order online at their website here.
  • Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day (*Est. 24 cents per load).  Mrs. Meyer’s Clean day has attained the Design for the Environment Seal and also has a strong fan base.  Consumers that have reviewed the product have mentioned that the variety of scents is not too overpowering and the detergent does what it claims. Go here for more information or to purchase the detergent.
  • Arm & Hammer Essentials Liquid Laundry Detergent (*Est. 37 cents per load). Good housekeeping has ranked this #1 among 9 detergents tested for effectiveness.  Currently this product is only sold as a liquid and does not have the Design for the Environment seal. Click here to read reviews and purchase this product.

Not ready to make the switch just yet? For consumers unwilling to make the switch to green laundry detergent just yet, try purchasing eco-friendly laundry products and avoid buying fragranced products. That may help eliminate some of the worst chemicals in your laundry detergent (from a health perspective).

Sources: consumersearch.com

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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 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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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?

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Eco Tips Featured Home Improvement

5 Reasons to use Zero-VOC Paints

 

According to the EPA indoor air is up to three times more polluted than outdoor air and is considered one of the top 5 hazards to human health (eartheasy.com). Paints and finishes are among the leading causes. Do you have a new baby or pets? These are two very good reasons to improve the health and eco-friendly aspects of your home. Also you can’t forget your long-term health.

You’ll want to look beyond the furniture, cleaning products, and carpet: Start with the walls themselves. Choosing a paint that’s low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — or, even better, totally free of them — can improve indoor air quality (and your health).

But keep in mind that even paints labeled “low” or “zero” VOC aren’t always created equal. The current standard for a paint to be labeled low-VOC requires that it have fewer than 250 g/L; zero-VOC paints have to meet a less-than 5 g/L requirement.

Health.

Reduced toxins benefit everyone, including those with allergies and chemical sensitivities.

Environment.

Reduces landfill, groundwater and ozone depleting contaminants.

Effective.

Low-VOC products perform well in terms of coverage, scrub-ability and hide-ability (covering flaws on previous coats).

Water-Based.

Easy cleanup with soap and warm water.

Little or No Hazardous Fumes.

Low odor during application; no odor once cured. No off-gassing. Painted areas can be occupied sooner, with no odor complaints.

Not Deemed Hazardous Waste.

 Cleanup and disposal greatly simplified.

Sources: eartheasy.com, (http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm)

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Eco Tips Featured Furnishings

4 Benefits of Buying an Eco-Friendly Mattress

Traditional mattresses are created using a wide range of chemicals and glues which are bad for both your health and the environment. There are a couple of different types of eco-friendly mattresses, such as a mattress with a latex core (entirely made from the sap of rubber trees) which is a renewable energy source. It is hard to find an eco-friendly mattresses you can try out before buying, so your best bet is calling your local mattress stores and asking if they carry any brands of eco-friendly mattresses (and if not, ask if they can point you in the right direction). Before buying an eco-friendly mattress make sure to do plenty of research beforehand.

Here are 4 important benefits to keep in mind when deciding to purchase an eco-friendly mattress.

Healthier

When it comes to your health, everything is a factor from what you eat, to how you move, and how you sleep. Your sleep is actually a vital factor in your health. And if you don’t get good quality sleep, you won’t be able to function properly. With an eco-friendly mattress, you can sleep soundly knowing not only that you’re on a bed that is full of support and comfort for a good night’s sleep, but it also anti-microbial and made of biodegradable materials and a mattress that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals.

Comfort

You will spend about one third of your life in bed, so why go for anything less than comfortable? Unlike others, eco-friendly mattresses have many comfort pros, but no cons. Their main comfort features though are their ability to regulate body temperature more freely and easily than other mattresses, and they match themselves to the shape of your body, allowing you to have a more natural sleep.

Eco Friendly

Latex mattresses are made out of the sap from rubber trees, (which attributes to their comfort and health benefits), and allows them fully bio-degradable. With the use of these materials to make the beds, this means that they are the most eco-friendly mattresses available, unlike other mattresses that are filled with synthetic chemicals and fumes.

Durability

Durability is an important factor when making such a large purchase. On average, most mattresses will show signs of sagging within 2 years and need to be replaced between 7-10 years of use. But with a latex mattress, they will last up to 20 years before a replacement is needed. And since they’re eco-friendly, this not only saves you money but it saves on the environment too

Keep in mind

Purchasing a queen-size mattress made with all certified organic fabrics and an all-natural latex core starts around $1,400 and can travel upwards of $6,000. Green mattresses tend to last much longer – some come with 20-year guarantees – but that’s still a major investment over a conventional product that costs a third as much.

Sources: treehugger.com, ( http://www.treehugger.com/green-home/how-to-buy-mattress.html ), sleepjunkie.com, ( http://www.sleepjunkie.org/all-about-eco-friendly-mattress-options/)

 

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Eco Tips Featured Gadgets & Gear

4 Kitchen Appliances You Can Live Without

An easy way to start reducing your electric bill every month is to cut back on appliances you do not really need. If you are like the typical household you have drawers and cabinets filled with gadgets and small appliances. To help conserve energy, resources, and money consider getting rid of some of these gadgets and using the alternative instead.

Electric Knife

Most people break out the electric knife twice, maybe three times a year (Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, and maybe Easter). However why not ditch your electric knife and use a nice sharp knife instead? It does the exact same thing as an electric knife but does not use any electricity.

Juicer

Are you surprised to find an electric juicer on the list? This is an easy switch that won’t screw up your healthy juice regimen. Hand-held juicers require a little muscle, but they produce big energy savings.

Electric Mixer and Stick Blender

An electric stick immersion blender has a single mixer attachment, so to make something like whipping cream, a hand-held mixer is your best bet. The old fashioned, quiet hand mixer works like a dream. Often you can find these in antique stores with wooden handles. Don’t forget vintage is totally in right now.

Coffee Grinder

It’s early in the morning and it’s awfully easy to plug in the coffee grinder to pulverize fresh beans. Just think how much faster you’ll wake up if you have to do it yourself.