Tag: eco home ideas

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Home Decor

Eco-Friendly Furniture Buying Guide

A great way to help save the environment is to buy eco-friendly furniture. If you are not crazy about purchasing recycled, refurbished or reused furniture, try and reuse the already existing accent tables, lamps or rugs you might have. You can give your existing lamps a new life by switching out the lamp shade and giving them a new paint job. Here is some information on eco-friendly furniture.

Recycled.  When we mention recycled furniture we don’t just mean your neighbors old couch (although that’s great as well!) We’re talking about a piece of furniture that has been re-built from other pieces of sturdy furniture. For instance a wood frame from a couch made from wood parts of other couches and door frames, etc. Since most of the wood is recycled from other pieces of furniture it often has an antiquated look to it, a perfect fit for some homes and decors.

Refurbished. Instead of going out and buying brand new furniture, a good idea is to have your old furniture refurbished. Refurbishing helps save you time and money as well as having a new eco-friendly piece of furniture.

Reused. Reused furniture is furniture that has at least one previous owner. By having previously used furniture it helps reduce your cost and cuts down the demand for new furniture. You can find some really good deals on reused furniture. Check out your local thrift stores, antique shops, check craigslist or Freecycle.com before heading to the store to buy a new couch.

If you are in the market for brand new furniture try to look for some of these features and attributes:

Materials. Look for furniture that has been built out of bamboo, hemp and even wood. The wood we’re talking about is correctly harvested wood. Bamboo is one of the best options because it grows back very quickly and is a very strong material and will last for years to come.

Quality. When looking for eco-friendly furniture be sure to look for quality as well as the important attributes such as, budget friendly and fashionable. You might find that perfect bamboo framed couch, but the quality of workmanship is terrible. If you purchase a well-made couch chances are you won’t have to purchase a new one a couple years down the road because of wear and tear (if you get tired of the couch refurbish it!)

Categories
Recycling

4 Recycling Tips the Entire Family Can Use

It has become more and more challenging for families to recycle these days, especially when society has a great need for plastics, metals and paper. We forget to think about how our actions with such goods affect the earth. According to the Associa Green Foundation, Americans throw away enough paper and plastic products to circle the equator 300 times every year. The good news is that families can help protect our environment by reusing basic household items.

Coffee Grounds. After having your morning coffee, use the grounds for the compost pile. Along with the decomposing leaves and food particles, the acidity from the coffee grounds will give the compost mixture a more nutrient rich combination that the soil will benefit from. If you don’t have a compost pile, simply sprinkle the grounds around plants preyed on by slugs and bugs. The coffee grounds will keep them away.

Recycled Yarn. For all those knitting and crochet lovers, there are companies who make and sell recycled yarn. For example, Nepalese recycled silk sari yarn is created using scraps from the production saris. This yarn is hand spun in Nepal and helps financially support the women who spin this unique and colorful yarn. You can find this yarn online at Himalayayarn.com and Recycledsilk.com. Do you have an old sweater you never wear? You can make your own skein of recycled yarn by simply, and gently, unraveling that old sweater to save for another project.

Reduce Trash. There are many ways you can reduce the amount of trash you and your family create. Use stainless steel water bottles instead of store-bought plastic ones. This is also a great money saver so that you won’t have to go to the store every two weeks replenishing your water bottle supply. Another way of reducing trash is to use plastic lunch boxes rather than paper bags for kids’ lunches.

Paper Towel Tubes. Think of clever ways to reuse your paper towel tubes. Instead of throwing away plastic grocery bags, stuff them in a paper towel tube to reuse later. You can also give the tubes to kids to use for craft projects. Kids can color the paper tubes; make them into telescopes, magic wands or trumpets for playtime. Paper towel tubes can also be used as kitchen knife sheaths when you’re on the way to a picnic or potluck dinner. Just flatten the tube and place some duct tape over one of the ends.

Sources:  Associagreen.com

Categories
Eco Tips Gadgets & Gear

Being Green – There’s an App for That!

Constantly being on the go is not a valid excuse for not being environmentally conscious anymore. With the help of these 5 smartphone applications (most free), expand your knowledge of green living on the go!

Green Globe. Cost-FREE. Green Globe was developed for the “green” traveler. The application currently has several country options to choose from (Aruba, Kenya, Germany and the US) and will provide a wide range of sustainable resorts, hotels, attractions, and conference centers.  This app is perfect for the world traveler looking to leave a small carbon footprint.

GreenITers Mobile II. Cost-FREE.  This app provides users with the latest on green news, eco innovations, and information for living a sustainable life. This application is free to use however you have to sign up to use it which takes about 30 seconds.

EcoChallenge. Cost-FREE. Want to participate in “green” challenges with your friends? This app allows users to do that and more! Challenge your friends to participate in “Meatless Mondays” and “Making a Meal at Home Using Local Groceries”.  This application is a fun method to reduce your individual impact on the environment and will help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.

One Stop Green Mobile App. Cost-FREE. Receive green tips everyday right on your smartphone. This application allows you to conduct your own “energy audit” with the solar, wind, water, and lighting calculator. This application is really interactive and really  user friendly.

Gorgeously Green Survival Guide. Cost- .99.  Gorgeously Green Survival Guide is perfect for the women on the go! It provides you with tips on how to create an eco-friendly home, adopt a healthier diet, how to spice up your beauty ritual with eco-friendly face products.

Categories
Featured Home Improvement

4 Ways to Make Your Air Conditioner Greener

Green air conditioning is becoming more widespread as air conditioner manufacturers phase out ozone-depleting refrigerants in their products in order to meet new government regulations. A number of technological advancements are also making AC units greener. With warmer weather on the way now’s a good time to start looking for a new “greener” unit. Whether by purchasing units with energy-saving technologies or by improving a home’s energy efficiency, here are four ways to make air conditioners greener.

Size Matters

An under-sized air conditioner not only won’t keep the home cool but will keep trying, wasting electricity and running up the household’s energy bills. A too-small unit won’t be able to balance the air cooled in the unit’s condenser with the humid, expended air that the evaporator draws out from the home. Be sure that your unit fits with the size of your home for maximum savings.

Two-Stage Compressors

It’s the compressors of an air conditioning unit that typically uses the most electricity. Compressors have to work hard to squeeze out the heated vapors so that the refrigerant returns to its cooled state. Two-stage compressors automatically compress less on cool days and more when it’s hot, saving energy.

Programmable Thermostats

Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the most affordable ways and one of the easiest ways to green up an air conditioning system. Homeowners can program the thermostat to remain off when no one is at home and to automatically turn on and cool the home for the household’s return.

Regular Maintenance

HVAC professionals should inspect and service air conditioning units at least once each year. Maintenance includes testing refrigerant pressure, accessing the unit’s air flow and checking for leaks. HVAC specialist may also recommend modifications to increase the system’s energy efficiency. By doing routine maintenance you can save yourself money and help out the planet at the same time!

 

Categories
Eco Eats

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-fry for Meatless Monday

Here is a simple recipe for an easy Chinese-style vegetarian and vegan vegetable stir-fry with tofu in a light ginger sauce.

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-fry

Ingredients:

3/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or minced

1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, well pressed and cut into 1 inch cubes

2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil

1/2 cauliflower, chopped

1 bunch broccoli, chopped

2 carrots, sliced

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, any color, sliced

1 cup snow peas

1 cup mushrooms, sliced (any kind)

3 green onions (scallions), sliced

rice, pre-cooked

Preparation:

In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice and ginger. Marinade the tofu in this sauce for at least one hour.

In a wok or a large skillet, cook the cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, onion, bell pepper and tofu over high heat, stirring frequently.

Add the snow peas, mushrooms, green onions and marinade from the tofu. Allow to cook for just a few more minutes. Vegetables should be tender but not soft.  Add the rice and cook just until heated through and well mixed.

Additional Notes:

You can add any vegetables you have on hand to the stir-fry. If you don’t like tofu you can add seitan or tempeh instead, or omit it completely and just have a vegetable stir-fry.

Categories
Eco Eats

Vegetarian Lasagna for Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is here again! We have found a yummy vegetarian lasagna that not only tastes amazing but you won’t even miss the meat!

Ingredients

9 uncooked lasagna noodles (wheat preferable)

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups diced zucchini

1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

1/2 cup diced green pepper

1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1-1/2 cups water

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon fresh basil (dried works too)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese

1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

Directions

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes. Add the zucchini, mushrooms, carrots and peppers; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, water, tomato paste and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove 2 cups sauce and set aside.

Drain noodles; set aside. Combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella and Romano cheese. In an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish, layer a third of the remaining sauce, three noodles and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce and noodles. Spread reserved sauce over top.

Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: Serving Size: About 8/One piece equals 244 calories/ 9 g fat (5 g saturated fat)/ 32 mg cholesterol/ 672 mg sodium/ 26 g carbohydrate/ 4 g fiber/17 g protein.

 

Categories
Eco Eats Featured

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers for Meatless Monday

Agonizing over what to make for Meatless Monday? Have no fear we have found a vegetarian stuffed pepper recipe that is bound to leave you and your family wanting more!

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

6 large sweet peppers

2 cups cooked brown rice

3 small tomatoes, chopped

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

1 small sweet onion, chopped

1/3 cup canned red beans, rinsed and drained

1/3 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 cup cubed Monterrey Jack cheese

1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives

4 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3/4 cup meatless spaghetti sauce

1/2 cup water

4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions

Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the rice, tomatoes, corn, onion and beans. Stir in the Monterrey Jack cheese, olives, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spoon into the peppers.

Combine spaghetti sauce and water; pour half into an oval 5-qt. slow cooker. Add the stuffed peppers. Top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.

Cover and cook on low for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Additional Notes

For a faster cook time heat the filling in a large saucepan until thoroughly heated and place stuffed peppers in oven at 350 for 55-60 minutes until peppers are soft. Add some kick to the dish and add your favorite peppers such as jalapeños.

Recipe adapted from http://www.tasteofhome.com

Categories
Featured Gadgets & Gear Recycling

Solecan™ is Your Single Can Trash & Recycling Solution!

Watch out world there’s a new product on the market that has the ability to change recycling as we know it. The product is called Solecan™ and it was designed and invented by Liz and Jeff Helfrich.

What exactly is the Solecan™? Liz and Jeff have “reinvented” the traditional trash can. The Solecan™ is a dual-sided trash can; the two halves snap together in the middle, with one side designated for trash and the other for recycling.  By unsnapping the two halves, you can easily empty trash into the larger trash can and the recycling into the family’s main recycling bin. You can still use traditional trash bags in the Solecan or you can go without. The Solecan™ is made in the USA and it is made with recycled plastic, so its eco-footprint will be as small as possible. The Solecan™ honestly looks the same as a traditional trashcan but has a lot more functionality. It is a perfect way to get the whole family to recycle and can be used in virtually every room in your home.

Right now they are seeking funding on a website called Kickstarter. Kickstarter is a site that allows creative projects to raise funds from “backers” in exchange for rewards. You can be a part of bringing this product to market by pledging as little as $1. If they reach their target investment (which is preselling about 3,300 Solecans by April 22, 2013, Earth Day) then you will be charged your pledge. For $17 and up you will receive one of the trash cans.

Want some more information or want to get your hands on the perfect Earth Day gift? Check out www.solecan.com for more information or to pre-order your own Solecan™ directly go here!. You can also find them on Twitter or on Facebook.

 

Categories
Eco Eats Eco Tips Featured

Mushroom and Asparagus Fettuccine for Meatless Monday

Looking for a simple and easy dinner recipe? We have found the perfect meatless Monday recipe for you! This recipe will take you about 25 minutes to make and it tastes delicious. Pair with a simple garden salad and a glass of wine!

Mushroom and Asparagus Fettuccine

Ingredients

8 ounces dried fettuccine or linguine (or your favorite pasta)

8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces

3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/3 cup mushroom broth or vegetable broth

1/4 cup half-and-half or light cream

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup chopped plum tomatoes

1 tablespoon finely shredded fresh basil

1 tablespoon finely shredded fresh oregano

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Optional Ingredients

Finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Cook fettuccine or linguine according to package directions, adding asparagus the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking; drain. Return pasta mixture to saucepan; cover and keep warm.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet cook mushrooms, onion, and garlic in hot oil over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until most of the liquid is evaporated. Stir in broth, half-and-half, salt, and black pepper. Bring to boiling. Boil gently, uncovered, for 4 to 5 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened. Stir in tomatoes, basil, and oregano; heat through.

Spoon the mushroom mixture over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. Divide among 4 bowls or dinner plates. Sprinkle with pine nuts and, if desired, Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

 

Categories
Green Building Home Design

4 Sustainable Home Building Materials

Thinking about remodeling your home? The best way to remodel your home is by using green building materials. It is a great way to help save the environment and get the most out of your home.  Since it is sometimes difficult to define if a particular material is green there are some general guidelines to consider.

  • Typically, the best material for any job is the one that performs the best with respect to the green criteria of you and your home. Factors might include: the product’s longevity, how well the material or product works with the rest of your home, whether it contributes to reducing energy or water consumption, or if it helps to improve air quality.
  • If two materials perform the same and have roughly equal expected lifetimes, natural materials are normally preferable to man-made ones.
  • Local materials are generally preferred to ones that must be shipped long distances, but you should weigh each material case by case.

Here is some information about the types of green materials you can choose for your home!

  • Framing — Wood. Two types of wood are gaining traction among green builders — engineered lumber and wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Engineered wood is very common on both green and conventional home because it uses wood scraps and smaller trees to produce framing that’s stronger than traditional logs. Engineered wood also allows the builder to use less wood and use wood scraps that would otherwise go to waste.
  • Insulation — Fiberglass. Builders generally don’t consider fiberglass insulation a green material because it typically contains a toxic binding agent and is very energy-intensive to make. However, “superinsulating” a structure beyond building-code requirements is a fundamental principle of green building. Many green builders take advantage of the low cost and ease of installation to “superinsulate” and save money that they can use for other green features.
  • Roofing – Steel. Steel roofing (both panels and shingles) is an increasingly popular green choice because of its high recycled content and longevity.
  • Interior Finishing — Natural clay plaster.  Natural clay plasters are a great green alternative to the more common gypsum-based plasters.

Sources: isopropertyresources.com, (http://www.isopropertyresources.com/Feature-Story/Articles/Green-Building-Materials.html), greensource.com, (http://greensource.construction.com/products/2013/1303-product.asp)