Have you ever wondered what happens to old and worn out tires once you get them replaced on your car? Fortunately, as Green Living notes, the latest improvements in technology have led to more options for recycling rubber tires. According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 80 percent of the 290-plus million tires a year are now saved from going to the dump, and are recycled and turned into other types of products.
Rubber Gets Used
For example, Green Living explained, old tires are often ground up and used in rubberized asphalt, as well as rubber flooring for educational and commercial locations. This style of flooring is especially popular with designers and architects due to its array of colors, designs and durability. In addition, ground-up rubber can be used for athletic turf, mulch, playground surfaces and walking and running trails.... read more
With the warm weather returning, you may be starting to plan for your backyard and deck area.Making choices outside your home that support your commitment to sustainable living is getting easier, with many new recycled product introductions.Non-renewable resources such as non-recycled plastics that create harmful emissions during manufacturing can be completel... read more
More and more people are getting into cleaning their homes and laundry in a more eco-friendly way. Not only can it help protect the environment, the watercourse, plants and animals, but it can also benefit your family as well. In a time where allergies are high, it can be reassuring to use products with fewer harsh chemicals; ones that cause fewer breathing problems, rashes and adverse reactions.
Recently discovered is a very real condition, termed multi-chemical sensitivity or MCS. MCS is an allergic reaction in response to chemicals around the house, even those as seemingly innocuous as air freshener or washing up liquid. Symptoms include depression and anxiety, nausea, headaches and fatigue. Muscle pain and insomnia are amongst the long list of reported symptoms, which can be mild to completely debilitating.... read more
Everyone loves the great outdoors, but we must all work together to take care of the environment. One great way to make an impact right in your own corner of the planet is to “go green” in the back yard. Even a few small, inexpensive changes can make a difference.
Choose Green Materials
Many traditional building materials are not environmentally friendly. For example, typically decks are built of treated lumber that must be retreated with chemicals to prevent rot. Nevertheless, this decking eventually breaks down and requires replacement. The same is true for fencing and even patios. Traditional materials experience wear over time, and they are also made in factories that may not be environmentally sustainable.
Instead of traditional building materials, search for more sustainable options. For example, fences can be made from bamboo, which is long-lasting, prolific and fast-growing, and decks can be constructed from cedar, which is naturally moisture resistant. Both of these options eliminate the need for additional chemicals. Greener still, you can choose a composite product that looks like wood but is made from recycled materials, including plastics and metal.
Look for manufacturers who have a “Cradle to Cradle” certification, which indicates that their products are safe for the environment, safe for people and durable.... read more
You finally have a chance to do something kind for the planet. Before you leave town, be sure you take the time to make your home more eco-friendly. It will save you money on your power bill and it will give you a chance to conserve for the planet.
Forget About Air
Be sure to turn off your thermostat before you leave town. You waste electricity by trying to heat or cool a home when nobody is home. Also, turn out your pilot light on those gas furnaces, but be sure you know how to safely relight it when you get home.
If you are worried a hard freeze will damage your plumbing, simply turn your furnace down as low as it will go and close the vents to the rooms that don’t need heat.... read more
Today we have a guest blog post from our friends at Everest. These tips will help you to stop wasting energy and reduce your monthly bills!
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While it is true to say that home energy use has actually declined in over the last few decades, the cost of household bills has soared. In fact the cost of these bills is up from £960-£1030.
And, with spring barely rearing its head so far, the recent cold snaps have undoubtedly resulted in an increase in energy use in the home. Did you know there are things that we can do to reduce energy wastage in order to save on utility costs?
Here are some suggestions from leading home improvements specialists Everest:
A clean chimney is an energy efficient one.
Sweeping the chimney of soot and debris will ensure your fire burns safely and efficiently – and this will help you to save on fuel.... read more
Many of us are looking for ways to go about our lives in a more eco-friendly manner. Rainwater harvesting is one strategy you can employ.
Here, we’ll discuss the what, the why, and the how on rainwater harvesting—what it is, why you might want to do it, and how to go about doing it.
Consider how much water we underutilize when it rains!
What is rainwater harvesting? Harvesting rainwater is the act of using one of several methods to collect and reuse rainwater prior to its hitting the aquifer, where water is often extracted for well use. It helps to reduce the strain on local water systems and can actually help provide cleaner water to those consuming or utilizing it than that which has run through the soil and absorbed the chemicals and minerals therein.
Why do it? There are many uses for harvested rainwater. Some people use it for drinking water and other domestic uses like cleaning and bathing. Many people use it to water their lawns and gardens, and some farmers use it to save money on providing water to livestock.
Not only can this be a smart financial move, but it also happens to be good for the environment because it places less pressure on the water distribution system, particularly in times when there are water shortages. ... read more
Spring has definitely sprung and tis the season to start your gardens! Growing your own food is a wonderful way to be green and save money, too. Even if you think you might not have a green thumb, gardening certain things can be easier than you think.
Here are some tips for someone just trying to get into gardening:... read more
One of the most breathtaking signs that spring has sprung are the flourishing cherry blossoms. Differing from the fruit-bearing cherry trees that most of us are familiar with, ornamental cherry trees, like the Japanese Flowering Cherry are cherished for their beautiful pink or white blossoms. They are usually in full bloom in late March and early April.
Like snowflakes, no two flowering seasons are ever alike. Cherry trees blossom every year, but they might not produce the same amount of flowers as in years past– which depends on the type of winter we have.... read more
Have you ever wondered what happens to old and worn out tires once you get them replaced on your car? Fortunately, as Green Living notes, the latest improvements in technology have led to more options for recycling rubber tires. According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, about 80 percent of the 290-plus million tires a year are now saved from going to the dump, and are recycled and turned into other types of products.
With the warm weather returning, you may be starting to plan for your backyard and deck area.
More and more people are getting into cleaning their homes and laundry in a more eco-friendly way. Not only can it help protect the environment, the watercourse, plants and animals, but it can also benefit your family as well. In a time where allergies are high, it can be reassuring to use products with fewer harsh chemicals; ones that cause fewer breathing problems, rashes and adverse reactions.
Everyone loves the great outdoors, but we must all work together to take care of the environment. One great way to make an impact right in your own corner of the planet is to “go green” in the back yard. Even a few small, inexpensive changes can make a difference.
You finally have a chance to do something kind for the planet. Before you leave town, be sure you take the time to make your home more eco-friendly. It will save you money on your power bill and it will give you a chance to conserve for the planet.
Today we have a guest blog post from our friends at Everest. These tips will help you to stop wasting energy and reduce your monthly bills!
