Getting Greener Every Day

Lots of everyday living suggestions this time around! Have a look at this week's submissions:

Support:

Green Depot (greendepot.com): Have any home improvement projects in the works? Make them as green as possible by shopping at Green Depot. They rigorously choose products based on a variety of criteria to make sure that they don't stock any dubiously "greenwashed" materials - in other words, if they say it's environmentally friendly, it actually is. Their website extensively addresses how to make your entire home as green as possible, whether you have the freedom/money to install new countertops (recycled glass, ooh: http://www.greendepot.com/greendepot/product.asp?prod_name=Vetrazzo+Countertops&pf_id=VETRAZZO&dept_id=4700&s_id=0&%22) or, if you live in an apartment like me, there are sections for things like food storage and spring cleaning.

Diva Cup (divacup.com): We have a taker from last post's call to anyone who uses it:

"I've been using a Diva Cup for nearly six years. I originally began using one because I never found tampons or pads to be very comfortable and was eager to try any alternative.

The Diva Cup is a type of reusable menstrual cup (there are many types/brands). It's made of silicon and sits low in the vaginal canal and collects menstrual fluid. You empty it in the toilet when its full.

Initial cost of a menstrual cup is around $30. However, when you consider I've had the same cup for 6 years, and only end up buying disposal menstrual products about once a year (so I have something to keep in my various bags/purses) it does save money as well as the environment!.

For me, it is considerably more convenient and comfortable than pads and tampons. I literally don't have to think about having my period anymore. No worrying about if I have enough products to get me through the day, or when I will be able to get to the bathroom to be able to change things. On a recent weekend trip to Baltimore, I forgot my Diva Cup and when I got my period, I seriously considered spending $30 for a new one so I wouldn't have to go two days with only pads and tampons. Unfortunately, the Whole Foods I went to was sold out.

The biggest concern I hear from women about switching is the perceived ick factor. Honestly, in my experience, you come into more contact with menstrual fluid using pads that the Diva Cup. Everything is contained in the cup, so you can just pinch the bottom, pull it out and everything goes in the toilet.

There is a bit of learning curve. Consider how long it took to get the hang of pads and tampons back when you first started using them. This is a different experience, so it does take some getting used to in how to put in, when to empty it, etc.

There's a very helpful community if you want to learn more: http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com/. This has everything from brand comparisons to insertion tips."

Everyday Living:

Don't idle your car: If you're waiting for your carpool-mates to come out of their house, make sure you're waiting with your engine off. Go to thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/idling to see the stats on saving gas while sitting still.

Pamper yourself with honey: You don't need to buy expensive, additive-laden beauty products in disposable packaging to treat your skin well. Just use honey, which has natural antibacterial properties in addition to being an excellent moisturizer. Local honey cuts down on shipping waste and energy, and what you don't put on your face, you can eat to fight seasonal allergies (since spring is approaching, this seems like a particularly good idea!). Learn about further benefits of honey at http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2012/09/17/honey-four-surprising-ways-wellness-experts-use-it/#honey-four-surprising-ways-wellness-experts-use-it-1.

Stay in green hotels: If you're traveling and have to stay in a hotel, make sure to do your research into which hotels have the greenest record. For an example, check out bostongreentourism.org.

White vinegar for fabric softener: This has the added effect of making your washing machine smell better, as well. Use 1/4 of a cup.

It's spring! Get outside!: Now that it's (finally) getting warmer, if you can walk or bike somewhere you previously would have driven or taken public transport, go for it! I know I'm excited to spend less of my time cooped up.

Use every last drop: Never throw anything away - shampoo, detergent, etc. - without storing it upside-down for a while, to make sure you aren't wasting anything.

DIY projects: Once you finally do run out of them, there are all sorts of products that you can make yourself, and ehow.com has many of them. Check out this one: http://www.ehow.com/how_4406000_liquid-laundry-detergent.html for making your own laundry detergent. (Although if you have a high efficiency washer, this may make too many suds.)

Return dry cleaning hangers: If you get clothing dry cleaned, make sure you return the hangers instead of throwing them away.

Be creative!: Being green doesn't need to be boring. If you're an artistic sort, check out recyclart.com for inspiration - all of the art they showcase is made from recycled products.

Bonus Post: Reusable Diapers and Pads

Hello, everyone! This week on One Green Hour, I'm pleased to present a longer post by the excellent Leah and your humble blogger. If you ever have any topic on which you would like to speak at length, this is how I will present your information from now on. So be as verbose as you like! I love reading about all of your green ideas.

Without further ado, here is Leah with the benefits of cloth diapers:

"Today's cloth diapers are cute, soft, and convenient.

Health - Disposable diapers use chemicals to absorb moisture. Some babies have sensitive skin and these chemicals can cause rashes, blisters, and other problems. Cloth diapers are made of cotton, microfiber, velour - all sorts of soft fabrics. And the only chemicals involved are the ones you choose to use as detergent. You can experiment with detergents until you find a laundry routine that meets your standard for clean diapers and allows your baby a comfortable, irritation-free bottom.

Cost - Disposable diapers are expensive, and then you throw them away. Forever. You don't get any return on your investment. Cloth diapers are expensive up front, but you reuse them until they fall apart after many years (through several children!) and thus drive down the cost-per-use. If you buy $150 worth of store-brand disposable diapers ($9.29 for a package of 27 CVS brand diapers, 436 diapers total), that will be about $0.34 per diaper and will last only 62 days on a baby that needs to be changed seven times a day. Buy $150 worth of cloth diapers (for those who want ease of use, this will get you 8-10 one-size all-in-one or pocket diapers that have adjustable snaps that help them grow with your baby, or for those interested in getting the most from their money, $150 would buy about 8 diaper covers, 35 prefolds, and 5 Snappies [the safe and modern equivalent of a safety pin]), and the more you reuse each diaper, the more you justify the initial outlay of money. These investments will last you several YEARS and maybe even through multiple children.

Environmental Impact - It's a tradeoff, and you have to decide for yourself. I can't measure how much water it takes to wash CDs, or how much CO2 is saved by not transporting disposables from factory to store to home, or how much packaging I save. But I can count how many times I change a diaper and take comfort in the knowledge that that's how many diapers I'm not putting into the landfill.

It's tricky to figure out the laundry at first, and I wouldn't recommend using CDs if you don't have regular access to a washing machine. But a clothesline is fine for CDs - no dryer necessary. In fact, sunshine is a natural stain-fighter. But if you've got a washer, and if this is a commitment you're willing to make, you'll find the rewards are more than just environmental.

If you're interested in learning more, here is a link to more information about the use and care of cloth diapers:

http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth/washingcloth

And here is a link to more information about the environmental impact of disposable diapers:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/149890-environmental-impact-of-disposable-diapers/"

Now that Leah has educated all the parents and parents-to-be and parents-to-be-someday-not-now-don't-worry-mom, I would like to tell you about cloth sanitary pads. Cloth pads carry many of the same benefits as cloth diapers do: they're additive and bleach-free and therefore gentler on the skin, they're expensive at the outset but then pay for themselves extremely quickly, and they won't fill up landfills. While you do use more water rinsing and washing them, infinitely more water is used in the manufacturing of disposable pads and their packaging material. All you have to do with these is rinse, soak, and then throw them in a normal load of wash. 

For the squeamish among you, let me soothe your fears! Yes, I know that no one wants to handle bodily fluids more than they need to. But I promise you will get used to the low maintenance cloth pads require very quickly. You'll be helped along by the fact that they are so much more comfortable than disposable pads could ever be. They are more absorbent and keep you drier. Honestly, I wasn't really looking forward to using them, even though I wanted to produce less waste, but as soon as I did, I wondered why I hadn't been using them since that first memorable event of puberty. I bought mine from Lunapads (lunapads.com), and I've been extremely happy with my choice. 

Another way to go is using devices like the Diva Cup, also sold by Lunapads. I personally can't vouch for these, as I've never used them, but I know many people who swear by them. (If any of you would like to let me know more about them, send me some info for next week!)

Week 3 - Happy Green Spring

Depending on where you are, it may still seem like winter, but it is at least technically spring now - let's make the season as green as the plants hopefully will be soon! Once again, thanks so much for all of your submissions.

Speak Up:

Earthjustice (earthjustice.org/action): Earthjustice is a nonprofit law organization that represents environmental issues. On their website, they give you many ways to represent important issues, as well. You can use their site as a way of keeping up to date with important campaigns. The link above leads you directly to their page where they list campaigns that you can get involved in, with petitions, letter campaigns, and more.

Support: 

Kohl's (kohlsgreenscene.com): Kohl's department stores are very invested in recycling as much as they possibly can - which extends to whatever their customers can recycle, as well! You can bring in your excess plastic bags, and Kohl's will recycle them for you, which is especially helpful if your local recycling pickup services are lacking. The bin is usually near the customer service counter.

Earth Rated Poop Bags (earthrated.com): If you're a dog owner who needs to pick up after your pet, these are a great, earth-friendly option! Earth Rated sells bags made of recycled plastic, as well as compostable bags.

PerfPower batteries (perfpower.com): These batteries not only contain no lead, mercury, or cadmium, they also come with free recycling! Slip your used batteries into the prepaid envelope and make sure they do not end up in a landfill.

Everyday Living:

Inhabit (inhabit.com): Inhabit is a huge, multi-participant blog that tracks green news and technological innovations in design (including architecture, landscape, interiors, furniture, fashion, and more). They provide showcases for green products to buy as well as DIY projects. It's a big site, so go and explore!

GH Green Living (goodhousekeeping.com/home/green-living): More everyday living tips than you could know what to do with. (And here's where I calm my paranoia that people will stop contributing to this blog - I can always just mine one of these lists on a slow week!)

Reuse a Shoe (nikereuseashoe.com): If you wear your sneakers far past the point of donation (as I tend to), you can recycle them using Nike's Reuse a Shoe project, which turns old shoes into athletic surfaces and other products. Click the above link to find a collection location near you.

Get a low maintenance haircut: Less blow drying and hair products - saving energy, cutting waste, and also giving you more time to sleep in the morning!

Dishrags instead of paper towels: For hands, dishes, and when they're old, cleaning purposes.

Reuse plastic bags: If you have excess plastic bags (as many of us do) and work in retail, see if you can use some of them for customers who request them. (And remember, always ask the customer if they want the bag!) Many stores require you to use their personalized bags, but if you have a chance to make sure fewer bags are purchased, this is a good way to reuse items.

Use newspapers, magazines, paper bags, or old calendars to wrap gifts: We accumulate a lot of paper products in our lives; we might as well put them to more than one use!

Borrow clothes: Have an event to go to but don't want to buy new clothing that you'll only wear on specific occasions? If you have friends your size, you may be in luck. Patti says: "It helps if they like to shop a lot and you don't!"

Buy used: If you do need to shop, consignment shops are your friends. Obviously, this varies by availability in your location. If you're in the Boston area like me, though, there are roughly three billion secondhand clothing stores to choose from!

Take Back the Tap (foodandwaterwatch.org/reports/take-back-the-tap-guide/): We all know that using tap water with reusable bottles is better than buying bottled water. If tap water worries you, the above link has a guide to filtration systems and water testing to let you know how to safely take back the tap.


Stay tuned for a bonus post later in the week, in which the lovely Leah and I will try to convince you to reuse products you hadn't considered reusing before!

Week 2: A GREEN St. Patrick's Day!

Hi, all! Slightly shorter post this week, not because you aren't submitting, but because I have a great deal of homework. So if you don't see all of your submissions here, that doesn't mean I didn't see them! I'm just saving them for next week, when I'll have more time to explore all the great things you emailed in, because I won't have two papers due in the next three days. That's almost as exciting to me as all of these links are!

Speak Up:

World Water Day (unwater.org/water-cooperation-2013/home/en/): This Friday, March 23, is World Water Day! Learn all about it at the above link, and then participate in the discussion at worldwewant2015.org/water to let the UN know how important this issue is to you.

Support:

Freecycle (freecycle.org): Do you have things to get rid of? How about something you want, but you're a bit strapped for cash? Freecycle is a group that puts you in touch with people who may want your old belongings, or who may have something you want. Instead of hiring a dumpster, you get in touch with someone local (Freecycle is organized by very local regions, so you don't waste gas) and extend the life of products varying from gym lockers to toiletries.

Enviro-Log (enviro-log.net): Enviro-Logs are safe "logs" of recycled waxed old corrugated containers such as those used for food. They are made of 100% post-consumer material and produce less smoke than regular logs. They do not contain petroleum or binders, and they can be used in fireplaces, campfires, and wood-burning stoves. The old containers are put to good use instead of languishing in landfills.

Eco-Foil Pans (eco-foilpans.com): Eco-Foil baking pans and trays are made from 100% recycled aluminum, and their lids are 100% recycled plastic. Naturally, they are also recyclable after use as well! I'm not exactly a chef, but if you need to use a disposable pan for any reason, go with one that has been and can be renewed again and again.

Leanin' Tree greeting cards (leanintree.com): Have thousands of thank you or holiday cards to write? Leanin' Tree's products use recycled materials and are elemental chlorine free. The new paper they do use comes from mills that comply with the Sustainable Forest Initiative, and they seek to produce as little waste and use as little energy in their facilities as possible. They also make contributions to tree planting initiatives, which I always love to hear about any company!

Green and More (greenandmore.com): One-stop online eco-shopping! And when I say one-stop, I mean it. Among their many categories are kitchen products, furniture, vacuums, bedding, t-shirts, and tea. Next time you're in the mood for a shopping spree, check them out!

Everyday Living:

No more catalogs - this time with a link!: You can get off of all those unwanted mailing lists at catalogchoice.org.

No more credit card junk mail: Call 1-888-567-8688 to get rid of all of that waste.

Renewable water bottles: I'm an enormous reusable bottle evangelist. Don't you love it when you can reduce huge amounts of waste and save money at the same time? The reusable bottles pay for themselves in no time. Check out the selection at Reduce (shopreduce.com/collections/waterweek) in honor of World Water Day.

RECYCLE ALL THE THINGS: Including stuff you didn't know you could! Go to greenchildmagazine.com/things-you-can-recycle to find services for renewing products you didn't know were renewable. Then go to earth911.com to find your nearest recycling center, which is especially helpful if you don't have recycling picked up from where you live. This site also has a lot of suggestions for recycling and reusing products in your everyday life, so explore around for a while!

Week 1

Thank you so much to everyone who submitted! There's definitely some good stuff in here. I think the blog is off to a good start.

Let's get to it, then! Where the participants had a lot to say, I've quoted them. I've also added my own commentary/explanations to a lot of the links. Here is how you spent your one green hour this week:

Vote:

So we're not currently in an election frenzy anymore (huzzah!), but that doesn't mean you can't stay up to the minute on what's going on in green politics. Places like the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (http://www.njpirg.org/) can help you do so. Obviously, this is state-specific, but check out this site for ideas about what to keep up with, and then find your local equivalent so you can stay involved!


Speak Up:

http://yourclimatechange.org/-- This petition will be presented to the United Nations Secretary General in 2014. By then, the petition's originator hopes to have "a billion linked hands." Let's help them get to that! We need to put pressure on world leaders to protect our planet. I know that I sometimes fall into the trap of wishing I could just run everything because then I'd fix the whole world, but it's much more actually helpful to join together with those around you to get things done!

Post-2015 Development Agenda (http://www.myworld2015.org/) -- Ariana says: "As you may or may not be aware, part of the international community is currently involved in dialogue about the Post-2015 Development Agenda (http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?menu=1561), which aims to build on the framework for global action on development established in 2000 by the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). A particular focus of this dialogue has been environmental sustainability and climate change. As part of this ongoing dialogue the UN has set up a global survey where anyone submit up to six priorities. Environmental priorities listed are: protecting forests, rivers and oceans; reliable energy at home (sustainably generated); and action taken on climate change." (The link at the top of this entry takes you to that survey to make your voice heard. Find more ways to take action at http://www.worldwewant2015.org/sustainability.)


Invest:

National Audobon Society (http://www.audubon.org/) -- For all your conservation needs. According to Mary, "Some of their members have actually complained that they have too much environmental content in their magazines. Someone has to safeguard the nesting areas!"

Viridian Energy (http://www.viridian.com/) -- Now, I live in an apartment, and I know a lot of you do, too, so I don't have much control over where my energy comes from. However, it helps to know what options are out there, so you can at least pass them along to people who have more options for things like this. Viridian is a good place to start to learn about alternative energy companies. They service many of the states that are represented in the current membership of this blog.


Support:

LUSH (lushusa.com) -- Elizabeth says: "LUSH sells fresh, handmade cosmetics made from natural ingredients (and obtained from ethical sources). They have donated to a huge number of environmental charities through their "charity pot" project:

http://charitypot.lush.com/charities/350-org/
http://charitypot.lush.com/charities/ancient-forest-alliance/
http://charitypot.lush.com/charities/clean-green-saskatchewan/
http://charitypot.lush.com/charities/canadian-youth-climate-coalition/
http://charitypot.lush.com/charities/ethical-expeditions-2/
http://charitypot.lush.com/charities/friends-of-nevada-wilderness/ (woo nevada)
http://charitypot.lush.com/charities/para-la-tierra/
http://charitypot.lush.com/charities/rainforest-partnership/
http://charitypot.lush.com/charities/the-wetlands-conservancy/

They are all about being green in their products and packaging. See this for an overview of awesomeness: http://www.lushusa.com/Green-Washing/green-washing-a,en_US,pg.html

They make anything that they can into a solid that doesn't need a container (solid lotions, shampoo bars, even toothpaste tabs). For their liquid items, they used recycled plastic (and lure you to bring 5 back in exchange for a free face mask, wooo). They sell fabric "wraps" for giving gifts instead of less sustainable types of gift packaging. I am a huge "lushie" and I can't get enough of their products. Other awesome things include: anti- animal testing campaigns and charities, animal and wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centers, and a boycott against resources that compromise the environments of endangered species (e.g. save the palms for the orangutans)!"

(Blogger's note: LUSH can be a bit pricey, but their products, in addition to being green, are very effective. If you can't afford to buy all of your toiletries there, at least remember them at the gift-giving holiday of your choice! I know they're always on my Christmas list. And I am extremely intrigued by these toothpaste tabs!)

Seventh Generation (seventhgeneration.com) -- Leah says: "One of the easiest ways to improve your relationship with the environment is to put your money into companies that take good care of the planet. You're already spending money on the products you need, so why not support your cause with mindful spending? I'd like to highlight a brand whose products I love and whose practices I greatly respect: Seventh Generation. Their range of natural cleaning products, recycled paper goods, and personal care items are formulated with environmentally-friendly ingredients that do the job at least as well as chemical-laden alternatives. Equally important, however, and perhaps more impressive, is the company's commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. Every decision about the company and about individual products is made with environmental impact in mind.

A few months ago, one of their products underwent a drastic packaging change. The Natural 4X Laundry Detergent used to come in a recycled plastic jug. Now it comes in a recycled cardboard bottle, all the parts of which are recyclable where recycling is available. 4X concentrated detergent means you can use a quarter of the usual dose to get the same amount of laundry clean, so there are more uses per bottle. The cardboard is lighter than plastic, so more bottles can fit in each delivery truck, necessitating fewer trips and saving gas and exhaust. The cardboard can be recycled or even composted. And the product works. What's not to love? I couldn't believe 66 loads' worth could fit in such a tiny bottle, so I kept a tally on my first cardboard bottle with a marker. It wasn't 66, because various family members use detergent differently, but it was enough to convince me (as if everything else weren't enough) that this is a product worth buying and using on a regular basis.

Read more about Seventh Generation's commitment to corporate and environmental responsibility here:

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/responsibility"

Leah also recommends SG's dish soaps and botanical disinfectant sprays.

(Blogger's note: I have actually listened to an interview with some of the higher ups in Seventh Gen for work, and they are EXTREMELY committed to their green mission. And I can also vouch for their super concentrated laundry detergent - it's especially great because you can use cold water while washing, and it's just as effective.)

GYOstuff Hydroponics http://www.gyostuff.com/FAQs.html -- This one's a little in-depth, but I'm excited about it. Growing your own food is a great way to live more sustainably, and hydroponics provides an efficient way to do so. This particular store and workshop center is in Cambridge, MA, but the FAQs can apply to everyone, and then you can search out more local options for wherever you are. Once you actually get started, this can go in Everyday Living, as well. (And if anyone has any experience with growing food this way, let me know for next week!)

Stahlbush Island Farms (http://www.stahlbush.com/) -- Sustainably farmed foods in biodegradable packaging - what a beautiful combination of words! You can find them in the frozen food section of the supermarket. They're not exactly cheap, but Mary says: "they do go on sale occasionally, and then you can stock up."


Everyday Living:

No more catalogs! -- If you get a lot of catalogs in the mail, start saving them. Every week or two weeks, call the customer service numbers on each of them and ask to be removed from the list (make sure you remove everyone in your household!). Save the websites for the companies you actually want to use.

Leave your car at home -- For car owners, if at all feasible, set aside at least one day a week where you don't turn it on. Do whatever you can by foot or bike.

Washcloths for napkins -- Who needs paper napkins? You don't have to break out the good linen every day; just get some washcloths that you can throw in the wash and reuse.

Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide -- Here are some tips: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/green-cleaning/uses-for-hydrogen-peroxide/.

Reusable shopping bags -- This one's a given! Keep your bags by the door so you don't forget them when you go out. Lots of companies are getting in on this action. For example, check out Stop & Shop:





Well, there you have it! Thank you again to everyone who submitted. Remember, keep getting people involved so we can all access more and more ways to live greener! And if there are ever any items that show up on here that are actually problematic in some way, please let me know. A lot of people like to tout their environmental credentials while hiding shadier practices. I'll try to keep them off the list, but if I miss something, please inform me!

I'm very excited about the future of this blog. Thanks for making it a great first week!