Do you have a stash of greeting cards you’ve received – Xmas, birthday, or whatever occasion – that you really don’t want to keep any more? The recycling bin is certainly a greener option that disposing of them with your household waste, but they can also be reused. Even though around half a billion email greeting cards are sent each year globally, paper based cards are still very popular. While unwanted greeting cards can be put in your recycling bin; there are also organizations that can make use of them. For example, check with your local childcare center or primary school as they may be able to re use the card fronts as craft materials. One of the world’s oldest greeting card reuse programs is run by St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Nevada – a refuge for abused, abandoned and neglected children. Children and volunteers make new cards of out card fronts sent in, which are then sold to the public. The children are also paid for their efforts, with the money they receive being divided between spending, savings and a fund for outings. [Read this article]

It’s cold season and runny noses are making their annual appearance. The most eco-friendly way to blow your nose is to use the old-fashioned handkerchief. However, if carrying a used hankie in your pocket adds a stomach ache to your symptoms, look into the option of purchasing tissues made with 100% recycled paper. According to the Resource Conservation Alliance, each American uses approximately 800 pounds of paper per year. By using paper products made from 100% recycled material you not only help protect forests by lowering the demand for trees, but you also help lower the formation of toxic dioxins and furans in the environment by avoiding products bleached with chlorine. [Read this article]

The picture of U.S. electricity usage has changed dramatically over the last few decades. In 1950, total electricity usage was 288 billion kilowatt hours. In 2001, the electricity used by U.S. households alone was nearly four times that, totaling 1,140 billion kilowatt hours. So what gives? Where does all of that juice go? And what are the factors that are contributing to that increased consumption? [Read this article]

If kids can have eco-friendly birthday parties, then so can adults. It may sound daunting, but you really can be zero waste, eco-chic, and still have a blast celebrating your very adult birthday. The zero waste magic happens before and after the party, so while you’re mingling with your guests, don’t worry, just party! Try digital, paperless invites like Evite or Punchbowl. If you really need to use formal paper invites, try recycled or plantable paper cards. If you’re having a small party, real, reusable tableware is the most eco-friendly option. If you’re having a big party, use compostable dinnerware. Use cloth napkins and in general stick with reusables as much as possible. If you do need to rely on disposable items, be sure to get recyclable or compostable items. [Read this article]

Whether you’ve been taking steps toward green living or you’re a newbie and want to jump start your efforts and reduce your carbon footprint on earth, one area of opportunity is your toddler’s room. “Sustainability is a popular subject, and most experts in design agree sustainability has to be a way of living and incorporated into our every day,” says Kristina Held, interior design instructor at The Art Institute of Charlotte. “Wooden toys are a small investment and a good place to start.” Held recommends Plan toys or Haba toys which are wood and naturally antibacterial. For fabrics, consider bedding, curtain treatments and upholstery. “Think about choosing natural fibers such as linens and bamboo,” says Kelly Spewock, interior design department director at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. “Bamboo is the most popular at the moment, and it is also a renewable resource.” A blend of cottons with acrylic and rayon make great upholstery fabrics, Held says. Carefully consider flooring and carpeting because toddlers are just a few feet off the floor and on their hands and knees all day. [Read this article]

Your employees’ behavior can make the difference between whether your company’s energy strategy produces outstanding results or insignificant savings.
In a report, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy distills five case studies on the subject to offer advice. ACEEE Senior Researcher Shui Bin took a look at the federal “Green the Capitol” program in the United States, the Empire State Building’s energy management program for tenants, and programs in Canada at a utility, a government building and a university-owned hospital. Based on that review, Bin found four elements common to each of the efforts: Leadership Set the Tone; Programs Involved Strong Teams; Smart Use of Communication Tools; and Use of Multiple Engagement Techniques. Two other recent reports indicate that now is the time to tap into Americans’ interest in saving energy.
A survey by the Consumers Union and the Building Codes Assistance Project found that upwards of 75 percent of respondents support energy codes being adopted by a growing number of cities and states. [Read this article]