"Due to the nature of paper’s specific recycling process putting used pizza boxes in can make the entire process pointless. This is because one of the worst possible contaminants in the paper recycling process is food. Residual greases and oils are less of an issue for plastic, metal and glass, due to the heating technique which is part of their recycling process. Paper and cardboard products on the other hand are mixed with water and turned into slurry when recycled. Once oil or grease is introduced into this process it contaminates the water based slurry and floats to the top as it separates."
So, that might leave you wondering...how should you dispose of a pizza box? ... read more
An infographic from our friends over at eLocal.com comparing green products and older, less-green counterparts. The graphic compares a normal showerhead to a low-flow showerhead, incandescent lights to LED lights, and more. It also advises you on how to make the best use out of those older products, such as cutting your shower down by 6 minutes or miminizing air conditioning use.
The British government's reward scheme for renewable energy systems was launched amid much publicity on 1st April 2010. Owners of renewable energy systems such as solar panels and air source pumps would receive payment for the electricity their systems produced. Excess electricity that would be returned to the national grid would receive a bonus payment. Upon its launch, the Feed-In Tariff paid 43.3 pence per kilowatt (unit of electricity) created by a qualifying system. An additional 3.1 pence was paid per kilowatt for any unused power that was returned to the national grid. Owners stood to make a substantial profit in the 25 years that the tariff was guaranteed to run for. Indeed, owners of an average domestic solar panel system would likely make over £1,000 a year. An additional bonus was the fact that all the tariff payments were tax free.
Here are some tips for staying cool this summer while decreasing your energy consumption. If you're not ready to go solar, there are still plenty of changes you can make to reduce your carbon footprint.
1. Turn your thermostat to 120 degrees. Run a meat thermometer under the water 5-6 hours after you lower the temperature and adjust the settings on the thermostat as necessary.
One of my favorite summertime activities: BARBECUES! Who doesn't love sitting in the backyard with their friends and family, sipping some cold lemonade, and chowing down on corn on the cob grilled just so?
It's actually really easy to throw a green barbecue! If you want to make your barbecue a little more eco-friendly, here are some tips:... read more
Ah, summertime. The sky is blue, the sun is shining and everyone is out and about enjoying the outdoors—which means lots of barbeques, pool parties and patio time. If you're planning to host any of the inevitable get-togethers, there's a chance you might want to update your outdoor entertaining space.
Sure the half-broken fold-out lawn chairs sufficed when you were a poor college student barely getting by, but now that you are an eco-friendly consumer you long for a bit more. If this sounds like you, there are a number of options available from which you can choose. Read on for a list of just some of the choices you have when furnishing your outdoor space.
Gaiam Outdoor
With numerous products made from recycled materials, Gaiam offers its customers lots of sustainable furniture and décor options. From glass wasp catchers to door mats made from old flip flops, the selection is far and wide—ensuring there is something for everyone.... read more
Every once in a while construction materials from certain, relatively exotic locations become aesthetically and artistically desirable, particularly in the west. In the last few years this seems to have become the case with the African tropical timber known as Wenge.
Wenge is popular probably due to its physical aesthetic, it is an extremely dark, oddly porous wood and it has a distinctive figure with what is known as a partridge pattern. It is often compared to mahogany and ebony and is known by several names including: African Rosewood, Bokonge and Faux Ebony.... read more
Energy experts agree that roughly 30% of your cooling is lost due to heat entering through windows. That adds up to a lot of money! Energy efficiency window films are one way you can intercept that solar heat from getting into your house and zapping your cool air, especially if your home was built before 1980.
There are many types of window film available that serve a variety of purposes – to provide shade, UV protection, privacy, solar heat reduction, and heat retention. Heat rejection film, more commonly called energy efficiency window films, can reduce energy loss by 30-50% and is inexpensive compared to other energy saving home improvement projects. Window films are dyed, metalized, or ceramic in order to reject solar heat back from the window instead of letting it flow through into your house.... read more
We are pleased to be parterning with Green Kid Crafts for a fantastic giveaway! Earlier this week, I reviewed Green Kid Crafts - and loved it! Now here is your chance to win a box filled with eco-friendly craft materials for you and your kids to enjoy. Here's how to enter:... read more
Our friends at Easy Finance look at some different stats for the finances of going green and saving money.
They go on to explain: "There are a number of ways to help our environment almost effortlessly and without spending a single dollar. Some principles of a sustainable lifestyle are pretty straightforward and easy to put into practice."
Check out the graphic below to learn more. ... read more
We've written before about how
The British government's reward scheme for renewable energy systems was launched amid much publicity on 1st April 2010. Owners of renewable energy systems such as solar panels and air source pumps would receive payment for the electricity their systems produced. Excess electricity that would be returned to the national grid would receive a bonus payment. Upon its launch, the Feed-In Tariff paid 43.3 pence per kilowatt (unit of electricity) created by a qualifying system. An additional 3.1 pence was paid per kilowatt for any unused power that was returned to the national grid. Owners stood to make a substantial profit in the 25 years that the tariff was guaranteed to run for. Indeed, owners of an average domestic solar panel system would likely make over £1,000 a year. An additional bonus was the fact that all the tariff payments were tax free.
One of my favorite summertime activities: BARBECUES! Who doesn't love sitting in the backyard with their friends and family, sipping some cold lemonade, and chowing down on corn on the cob grilled just so? 
Ah, summertime. The sky is blue, the sun is shining and everyone is out and about enjoying the outdoors—which means lots of barbeques, pool parties and patio time. If you're planning to host any of the inevitable get-togethers, there's a chance you might want to update your outdoor entertaining space.
Energy experts agree that roughly 30% of your cooling is lost due to heat entering through windows. That adds up to a lot of money! Energy efficiency window films are one way you can intercept that solar heat from getting into your house and zapping your cool air, especially if your home was built before 1980.
We are pleased to be parterning with