Tag: green living ideas
Eco-Vacations: When You Must Drive, Drive Efficiently
Eco-vacations are all the rage with trips to the rain forest or stays on organic farms increasing in popularity. Sometimes the only get away is a road trip to a nearby state or town. The most eco-friendly vacation is one spent at home, but not everyone can enjoy a “staycation” and most can’t afford those extravagant ”greencations”. So if you need to hit the road and enjoy some down town this summer, there are some tricks to help make your road trip more eco-sound.
When you must drive, here are some ways to drive efficiently.
Packed car
Drive Efficiently by Driving the Speed Limit
The posted speed limits aren’t just a suggestion, they’re the law. Furthermore, driving the speed limit is good for the earth. Driving above 70 miles per hour uses up to 25% more fuel. Lead foot got you down? Use the cruise control if your vehicle has this option or make it a point to check your speed more often. Saving bank at the pump more than makes this simple task worth while. Of course not paying a speeding tickets also sweetens the deal.
{car photo via bradleygee on Flickr}
Think About Aerodynamics
You can increase CO2 emissions up to 20% by adding more items to the outside of your car and by leaving the windows open at higher speeds. This aerodynamic drag is caused because air is no longer flowing fluently around the car. If you’re bringing bikes, you might want to consider rentals where you’re vacationing. Biking is becoming popular enough that many vacation hot spots offer inexpensive rentals.
Drop the Weight for More Efficiency
Think about the “family truckster” in the movie Vacation, that’s exactly what you should avoid. If you have belongings piled in the trunk and on top of the car than you definitely need to pare it down. You might start with each person’s gear. Make sure you bring the basics and the least amount of clothing. Most hotels have washers and rental until should as well. Toiletries are staples at hotels or you can buy bath essentials when you get to town. When possible, use multi-purpose toiletries. Try a two-in-one shampoo/conditioner and maybe try it as a body wash as well. Think cautiously about what goes in the vehicle. Do you really need it? Will it be used enough to call for its weight on the drive?
Keep on Moving
Stop and go traffic is pure death for eco-driving. Highway driving offers the least harmful effects on CO2 footprints so try to drive during off peak hours. If you’re cruising into Los Angeles at 5:00, be ready for disturbing amounts of stopping.If you can time your trip right though, you might be able to slide in before or after the traffic poses a problem. Also, don’t tailgate. Not only is this practice unsafe, it causes more braking. If you stay far enough behind you might be able to cruise a while longer before having to brake.
Airing up tires
Air Up Those Tires
Fuel Economy reports improvements in gas mileage of up to 3.3% with properly inflated tires. Also, start with tires in good condition. This not only increases safety, it helps promotes better gas mileage and lower CO2 emissions. It extends the life of the tire giving a little more relief to Mother Earth before she accepts another used tire.
{tire photo via Rosa Say on Flickr}
{Source: Fuel Economy}
So Are you headed out on a road trip this summer? What are your tips for easing up on carbon emissions and gas mileage?
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Eco-Vacations: When You Must Drive, Drive Efficiently
Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts for Eco-Moms
Mother’s Day is a few days away, unless you’re in Mexico than you really blew it. If you waited until now for mom’s gift, don’t despair, we got you covered. We also think Mother’s Day is a perfect holiday for honoring Mother Earth and that special woman in your life.
Here are some last-minute Mother’s Day gifts for Eco-moms or lovely women looking to go green.
Clever Mother's Day cupcakes
Last Minute Gifts
Regurgitate Valentine’s gift ideas. Hey, we did a great job offering superb last-minute sweetheart gifts and most are perfect for mom so go check out the list.
Shop Indie for sustainable jewelry and wearable gifts. If you have a local Farmer’s Market, many take place on Saturdays, take a look at the amazing handmade products for sale by local artisans. Local Harvest offers a helpful tool for finding local markets.
Take a cue from Food Inc. and by from local ranchers. The Meat Shop in Phoenix, Arizona has a special Mother’s day package that includes breakfast meats from local farmers, a $10 gift card and a floral reusable tote for $35. This is a great way to help mom start shopping local. Not in Phoenix? No worries, most cities have a local butcher selling local, grass-fed meat. Again, Local Harvest will help find them.
Buy Used Books. But don’t head online to Amazon or some other big wig store, visit your local indie bookstore selling used books. Instead of buying a just one or two you’ll be able to buy a stack. Many of these shops also carry work from local artisans as well.
Wrap it Eco-Friendly. Once you find the perfect gift you’ll want to make it look amazing. Visit our tips on green wrapping ideas.
Feed Your Mama. Guess what? All those tasty gift ideas we talked about for Christmas are also perfect for Mother’s Day. Instead of Christmas tree cookies make flowers or something representing your special mom.
Give Her Memory-Making gifts. Speak to mom’s heart and buy non-materialistic gifts that matter and bring delightful memories for years to come.
{Cupcake photo via clevercupcakes on Flickr}
What are you buying that special woman in your life? Have any other green ideas to share? Leave them in the comments.
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Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts for Eco-Moms
The Blu Inspires and Educates Using Oceanic Art @intheblu
Have some fun, enjoy some relaxation watching digital ocean scenes and show the world’s oceans some love.
The blu launch May 4th from 5pm to 11:00pm
TheBlu is global interactive screen saver working to increase awareness for our stressed oceans. You can learn more about the project from their website. On May 4th they would like everyone one to send love letters to the ocean celebrating their project launch. On that day, from 5:00-11:00pm they will be broadcasting their stunning app on the Time Square screens while participants can log into theblu on their smartphones and Facebook IDs. Upon completion, participants will receive a digital souvenir. Tweet your love notes with the hashtag #theblu. You can also follow their twitter for updates on this special occasion. Like them on Facebook for updates on the project and ocean activism.
Dearest ocean, what I love most about you…#theblu
Inspiration+passion+new technology+talented artists+ocean lovers= @intheblu! Dive in! #theblu
Are you going to take part? How are you helping our oceans??
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The Blu Inspires and Educates Using Oceanic Art @intheblu
Global Health and Innovation Conference by Unite for Sight
I had the honor of attending 9th Annual Unite For Sight Global Health & Innovation Conference at Yale University over Earth Day weekend.
Unite for Sight is a 501(c)(3) non-profit global health delivery organization that eliminates preventable blindness and it sponsors world’s leading global health and social entrepreneurship conference that attracts over 2000 participants from all over the world every year. The goal of this conference is to exchange ideas and best practices across disciplines in order to improve public health and international development on various aspects, including community development, environmental health, social entrepreneurship, refugee health, maternal and child health.
Keynote Speakers
One of the keynote speakers this year was Jeffrey Sachs, Director of Earth Institute, Columbia University, Professor of Sustainable Development, Professor of Health Policy and Management, Columbia University; Special Advisor to Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon. Sonia Ehrlich Sachs, wife of Jeffrey Sachs, who is a Director of Health, Millennium Village Project at Earth Institute, Columbia University also presented as a keynote speaker. They both spoke about the challenges of fighting malaria in Africa and how technology, like GPS and smartphones, is being used in keeping in touch with case workers in these remote regions, at the heart of the problem, thereby saving lives.
Another keynote speaker was Seth Goldman, President and CEO of Honest Tea, who spoke about the importance of staying with company’s ethos on using organic ingredients and less sugar for better health for people and the planet. Honest Tea doesn’t compromise when it comes to sustainability!
All three speakers were knowledgeable, empowering, and filled the audience with hope for a better world, while reminding us how much more work, still, has to be done for public health, poverty, and healthier environment worldwide.
There were over 300 presenters and workshops and it would be impossible to feature all of them. But one company struck a special chord with me; a solar LED light fixture company Nokero that provides safe, affordable and environmentally friendly technology that eliminates the need for harmful and polluting fuel, kerosene, that is used around the world.
Nokero
Nokero means, No-Kerosene.
Nokero is a for-profit social enterprise that works with Lights for Life, a Project C.U.R.E., to help bring Nokero solar light bulbs to people who might otherwise suffer the terrible health effects of burning fuels for light in remote areas.
Nokero N200 Lights
You can buy and give a Nokero N200s light bulb to Project C.U.R.E. and the Lights for Life program for $15 per bulb – a discount of $5 per bulb. Once donated, the bulbs will be distributed to families living in poor environments. The company works with C.U.R.E. Kit for Kids, Navajo Nation, Child Fund, and Morocco, Solar Sister in Africa.
Kerosene related accidents and fires are totally preventable since solar lighting system can eliminate accidents, burns, deaths, and chemical exposure from kerosene light fixtures that many of these remote areas use.
Nokero N200
Nokero N200 is just one of many lighting options available from the company. What is unique about their fixtures is that they are affordable, durable, and practical for many uses, not just in remote areas in Africa, but also for camping, rural areas, or even in emergencies during black outs. In many off-grid regions, the Nokero N200 pays for itself in 15 days to 2 months by eliminating the need for expensive candles or kerosene. It also makes an ideal camping light, or a portable RV light, emergency light, or marine light. The battery will last for approximately 1.5 years, and can be replaced to keep the bulb in operation. The N200 is about 13.5 lumens on high, and about 5 lumens on low. DBT 1.9 hours when tested with 5000 watt-hrs/m^2-Day on hi setting, 6.6 hours on low.
Why Nokero is different from most solar lighting fixture companies
There are many solar light fixtures in the market that are reasonably priced that we can use, in case of emergency, when we have no access to electricity. But Nokero products are designed for use in off-grid environments – their products are in more than 120 countries and territories – around the world. The company partners with organizations to take them where they’re needed most, using solar energy to power lighting for life.
Solar energy is not only for providing energy efficient power source for homes but providing safe light in areas that otherwise would go dark. And Nokero is the company that have been providing that light source, all over the world for years.
Check Nokero’s website. Donate a light, or two, and buy one to put in your emergency kit for yourself.
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Global Health and Innovation Conference by Unite for Sight
Bountiful Baskets Brings Produce and More to Co-Op Newbies
Bountiful Baskets is a food co-op available in 19 states. The co-op offers 1/2 fruit and 1/2 vegetables at reasonable prices every other week. The produce is available for pick up at several locations within the specified states. It is run by volunteers allowing expansion as more families become involved.
Bountiful Baskets is a simple idea bringing produce and more healthy food options to co-op newbies.
Bountiful baskets produce
What is Bountiful Baskets?
Bountiful Baskets began as an idea from Sally Stevens and Tanya Jolly who already had experience running small co-ops. Seeing a need for expansion as more families yearned for healthy meals, they added some technology to their plan and Bountiful Baskets bloomed. What started with two locations grew to several across nineteen states. The sites are run by volunteers who give their time weekly or when possible. Volunteers get the baskets ready for pick up and do necessary check-ins.
{basket photo via pandavsbear on Flickr}
Sampling of bountiful baskets
Bountiful Baskets Offers Organic or Regular Options
Starting at $15 per order, Bountiful Baskets offers traditional produce along with some more exotic fare like papayas, pineapple and mangoes. Organic baskets were added this year at $25. Again, there’s a good sampling of several fruits and vegetables. They try to support local growers when possible but do use producers from out of state.While buying local is the best way to shop, there are demands from purchasers and that requires searching for products as close to home as possible.
{Bountiful basket photo via Inspired RD on Flickr}
Sourdough bread
Bountiful Baskets Offers Bread More
An added bonus in becoming a Bountiful Baskets member are the additional items available with subscriptions. Add ons include homemade bread, tortillas and specialty produce like Asian vegetables and salsa mixes. This helps families green their meals creatively without reaching too far out of their comfort zone. Sometimes there are nuts, granola, grains and even raw honey. At times there are larger bushels of fruit, great for canning and sharing. I can’t speak highly enough of the homemade bread and honey. Both were delicious and the sweet honey came from local bees, great for allergy sufferers.
{bread photo via Inspired RD on Flickr}
Produce from Bountiful Baskets in backpack and bike basket
Carpool or Take a Bike to Pick Up Your Bountiful Basket
The best part of the co-op is the proximity to many of its members. Here in Phoenix our local is within biking distance. With a backpack and bicycle basket it’s easy to bring your veggie treasures home. Some families take turns picking up all the baskets and delivering them or carpool to the spot. Remember to bring your reusable bags. They’ll have your bounty waiting in a basket but you’ll need a bag or box for delivery. They usually have some extra boxes or flats around but it’s always helpful to bring your own. Also, volunteering is easy and really adds to the community atmosphere. You also can discuss recipes and get great ideas from others.
{bike photo via TinyTall on Flickr}
For more information you can visit the FAQ page at Bountiful Baskets.
Have you tried Bountiful Baskets or a similar co-op? What has been your experience?
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Bountiful Baskets Brings Produce and More to Co-Op Newbies
Beef Replacements: Meat Alternatives for the Mad Cow Blues
Looking for beef replacements after the Californian dairy cow tested positive for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy(BSE), often called Mad Cow Disease? BSE is transmitted to humans as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) causing neurological dysfunction including memory loss, motor dysfunction and eventually, death. While cases in the U.S are rare, the disease incubation is up to 40 years. Instead of risking further exposure, low as the risk may be, why not find alternatives for beef while enjoying added health benefits.
Here are some beef replacements sure to please the pickiest palates and avoid the Mad Cow Blues.
Black beans provide protein as well as fiber
Black Beans As Tasty Beef Replacement
The Cattlemen’s Association questions black beans as a replacement for beef because it takes more calories from black beans to make up the amount of protein in a serving of beef. It takes one and half cups of black beans recording 374 calories to equal the protein in 3 ounces of lean beef with only 180 calories. However, the important detail left unreported is how those beans are a complete meal in themselves with equal amounts fiber to protein. You are also getting antioxidants to fight off free radicals and decrease your risk of heart disease, some cancers and the signs of aging. Black beans mashed with spices and Bulgar wheat can become faux meatballs, hamburgers and even ground beef. Try them for your next beef enchiladas, tostadas or burger recipes.
{black bean photo via Morguefile}
Marinating Portobello mushroom
Mushrooms Instead of Meat
Mushrooms are one of the easiest substitutes for meat, all meats but especially steak. Portobello mushrooms have a rich meaty texture and taste requiring little treatment to transform them into a quality meat replacement. Simply brushing off a big Portobello and drizzling on some olive oil, salt and pepper becomes an elegant main course when grilled on the barbecue or on an iron-cast skillet. Using Bragg’s Aminos adds even more flavor additionally, sautéed onions and a smaller variety of mushrooms is simply divine. Of course the big cap makes a great burger especially when adding lots of toppings. A Hawaiian burger is pure indulgence by marinating the mushroom cap in shoyu and pineapple juice with a little agave nectar or honey. You can sprinkle in a little sesame oil and grated ginger for even more flavor. Drizzle the leftover sauce while cooking and top with pineapple slices.
{mushroom photo via digiyesica on Flickr}
Tempeh with broccoli
Tempted by Tempeh?
You will be. Tempeh is made from cooked, slightly fermented soybeans and has more flavor than traditional tofu. Its firmer texture makes it easier to cook with while still absorbing flavors during marinating. Slice the tempeh thinly and marinate in shoyu, with a little liquid smoke, sesame oil, ginger and garlic and saute with broccoli for a healthy alternative to beef and broccoli. Marinate in green chilies, garlic, cumin, pepper and red chili powder for delicious fajitas. Don’t forget the sautéed onions and bell peppers. You can also use both tempeh and Portobellos together to make a pretty delicious Philly cheese steak sandwich. I have made the Fake-Out Mac and Cheese with much success and instantly thought this “cheese” would be perfect for Philly cheese steak sandwiches. It has the gooey loveliness that you must have along with the peppers and onions.
{tempeh photo via sleepyneko on Flickr}
What’s your favorite beef replacement? What beef do you miss or would you miss most?
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Beef Replacements: Meat Alternatives for the Mad Cow Blues
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