As I’m taking 10 glorious days to rejuvenate from my normally hectic schedule, I can’t escape my green observations & habits. Being green is a part of my lifestyle, and I have “green guilt” if I knowingly do something un-green… Whether I’m on the beach, in our beachhouse, or going for a run. In the past few days, I’ve learned some lessons from my new-found friends in Avalon, NJ, I’d like to share:
Many of us are gearing up for the long holiday weekend away. So it seems like a good time to review how we can put our best green effort forward when away from home, where it’s often more challenging to do so.
Whether you’re hitting the beach, camping or visiting old friends, it’s easy to let go of your good green habits when you have a change of scenery. Just like our eating & drinking habits change on vacation, so can our eco-friendly intentions.
Here’s some things to keep in mind to lessen your carbon footprint this weekend or whenever you’re away from home:
With labor day coming up soon, many of you will be vacationing on the beach for one last hurrah. Make sure to pick up any trash or recyclables that you may have with you (or from nearby beachgoers) in the proper bin.
Continue 3 Comments August 27, 2008
Fossil fuels are used to fertilize, harvest and process much of the food we eat. Gas is spent transporting food from processor to manufacturer.
Considering the valuable resources spent on food processing, it’s disturbing that over 40% of food produced in America is not eaten.
What can you do to lessen the impact?
When filling up your car with that black gold, don’t keep filling once the pump stops. The gasoline can go right back into the station’s pump , and the more harmful vapors settle at the top of your tank - leaking more pollutants into the air. For a more detailed explanation, check out the EPA’s site.
Posted by Julie
Leave a Comment August 22, 2008
Most people are unsure how much energy their household actually uses.
Schedule an energy audit to learn more about your energy habits. Chances are you’ll be motivated to make changes to lessen energy consumption & cut costs.
Many utility companies perform energy audits at little or no charge.
Posted by Beth
Leave a Comment August 21, 2008
The Bush Administration has been deemed the worst environmental cabinet. Lucky for us, we have less than 100 days until Election Day. Bush’s latest proposal (whatever happened to the “Lame Duck” role?) is attempting to weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that protects endangered species and habitats.
The proposed changes include cutting out wildlife experts who protect (often endangered) wildlife during construction or change to natural land & natural habitats. (This proposed step would be similar to the government issuing new drugs on the market, but taking out the pharmacists from testing.)
Continue 3 Comments August 20, 2008
Like many women (and some dudes), I make a decent amount of hair, cosmetic and skincare purchases. I try to choose products that are made from recycled goods or from natural ingredients.
It can be difficult to make the ‘green choice’ when staring at seemingly endless options at the store. But if you familiarize yourself with some of the greener cosmetic companies, you’ll find there’s a good array of affordable, environmentally conscious selections out there.
Here’s the rundown on a few of my favorite eco-friendly cosmetic lines:
Continue 2 Comments August 19, 2008
Turn off the water when you lather those tresses or shave in the shower. You may test your roommate’s patience, but you can save 2 gallons per minute.
Posted by Julie
1 Comment August 14, 2008
Did you know that sitting idle in the drive-thru of your bank or fav fast food restaurant is wasting gas? (With current prices, who needs that?) Next time stretch your legs and get out of the car. You’ll save energy & precious gasoline.
Posted by Beth
1 Comment August 13, 2008
