Preserve® and a Packaging Update

I mentioned the other day that I was making an effort to use more environmentally-friendly packaging, so I wanted to give an update on my comics order. I am pleased to report that I got my comics in a very small package this month! Whether it was because I requested it or they did it on their own, I do not know. But I will keep adding that note to my orders just in case. It was brought to my attention that it might be even better if I went to an actual store and bought the comics there instead of having them shipped, but I don't live within walking distance of a comics shop so I am not sure it would be that much better. I am going to stick with one baby step at a time for now, I think.

In other packaging news, I recently came across Recycline, a company that makes lots of neat products out of recycled plastic. You've got to love a company that makes toothbrushes out of recycled yogurt containers, right? The product line is called Preserve® and you can check out this Sundance Channel video for more interesting facts on the company and its products:

Since I am always looking for ways to incorporate stuff made out of recycled materials in to my green repertoire, I am going to look for food storage containers  next time I am at Whole Foods. What sort of innovative and environmentally-friendly products have you come across lately?

Understanding Conservation Easements

Though it's one of the most important terms in conservation, a conservation easement isn't exactly a linguistic equivalent of a freebie. I'll be the first to admit that my mind landed on the term with an audible thud, but upon visiting the Nature Conservancy Web site, I learned it is really an interesting concept.

A conservation easement essential places restriction on a piece of property, protecting certain landowner rights and selling or donating a chunk of those rights. Most often the right to develop or subside that portion of land is give up, so to speak, and that particular piece of land is then protected from future development.

What is interesting about an easement is the ability to target very specific rights that are necessary to protecting from environmental damage—water quality for example. The landowner retains certain rights, and the easement is designed to work synonymously with the landowner so that any personal needs remain uninterrupted.

Big Foot Sightings in the US!

Is your carbon footprint reaching Sasquatchian proportions?  A recent Science Friday NPR podcast says you aren't alone. According to a recent survey done by research students at MIT, even if you use less energy than the average American, you still probably have a carbon footprint that is about twice as high as the average global citizen!

Check out the Calculating Your Carbon podcast for more information about what the study results mean, and what kinds of changes you might need to make to have a more significant effect on emissions.

Yowsers! NYC First To Require Electronics Recycling

In the city known for it's bright lights, dense traffic and cultural wow factor, New York City is adding an attractive label to it's eco-friendly repertoire. NYC is set to become the first U.S. city to require electronics recycling, rather than adding to the already overflowing city landfills.

What the city council calls "trailblazing environmental legislation" amounts to stiff fines if companies fail to meet specific recycling standards. New Yorkers introduce 25,000 tons of wasted electronics to landfills annually, which produce a large percentage of lead, mercury and other toxic chemicals.

By 2012, manufacturers are required to take back 25 percent (weight) of old TVs, computers, etc. That percentage will increase to 65 percent by 2018, but the city won't begin refusing to accept wasted materials until July 2010, so it will be up to companies to start the charge when the legislation kicks off in 2009.

Is My Seafood Green?

No, we are not talking about spoiled fish! Seafood fans know that finding tasty and environmentally-smart food choices can be difficult. Not only do you have to worry about mercury levels, there are also concerns about the impact the actually catching of certain seafoods has on the environment. Thankfully, the Environmental Defense Fund has created a list to help you Make Smart Choices When Eating Seafood!

Ranked from eco-best to eco-ok to eco-worst, their list of seafood can help you choose fish that are good for you and the ocean. They even have a handy printable pdf pocket guide you can take with you next time you head to the seashore or the local sushi house. The site also includes eco-friendly recipes, information on the benefits of eating fish and how to substitute more eco-friendly fish for your favorites that ended up on the eco-worst list. Surf on over the next time need help finding a greener Nemo!

Hybrid Theory: What Makes a Green Car Go Vroom?

Since when did hybrid vehicles gain Jetson status? Unreachable? In the case of hybrid vehicles, the basics tend to be muddled in with the complications people view as the primary reason not everyone can drive a hybrid.

Let's go with a few basics of the green car:

1. The gas-electric hybrid is your most common type of green car, attempting to merge reduced emissions and improve efficiency.

2. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge as you drive, assisting in acceleration and helping slow the vehicle down. In a sense, the motor is both an accelerator and a generator.

3. When stopped in traffic, the motor shuts the engine off until acceleration occurs.

4. The aerodynamics are re-tooled to maximize efficiency and minimize drag.

Now obviously there are finer and more technical aspects of the green car—this is but a mere scratch on the surface. Whether or not that means you should buy a hybrid is not the point here. Understanding how a hybrid operates (you don't necessarily have to plug them in to charge) is just as important. How else will you be able to debate your passion for green energy?

Besides, hybrids have feelings too ya know...

Five Gas Saving Tips You Can Count On

High gas prices got you down? Save money and help the environment with these five ways to save gas:

1. Maintain It
   When is the last time you took your car in for a tune up? It may feel like it's running like a dream but you could be wasting fuel. A poorly maintained engine can increase gasoline consumption by as much as 15 percent. Check your owner's manual for the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
2. Take Ten
   Slowing down from 75 to 65 MPH can drop your gas consumption up to 15 percent. Plus, you can tell your parents you listened to their safe driving tips.
3. Check Your Oil
   Look for fuel-efficient motor oil that is labeled "Energy Conserving" by the American Petroleum Institute. These motor oils have additives that reduce friction which can increase a vehicle's fuel economy by 3 percent or more.
4. Sharing is Caring
   Make your commute more earth friendly by sharing a ride to work, telecommuting or using transit. The national average commute is about 10 miles each way. With a 20-mpg vehicle, you would save 236 gallons of gas each year by skipping that drive and finding an alternate way to get to work. If you have to drive, see if you can take an extra passenger. If every commuter carried just one more passenger once a week,  America's gasoline consumption would be cut by about 7.7 million gallons!
5. Cut It Out
   Don't be one of the idling cars that waste millions of gallons of gasoline every day. Trapped in a never-ending traffic jam? Waiting for a long train to go by? It's the perfect time to turn off your engine. If your wait is longer than 30 seconds, restarting the engine uses less gas than leaving it running.

These are just a few ways you can cut back on gas consumption. What are your favorite ways to conserve and save money on gasoline?

Packaging Priorities

I have to confess that I do a lot of shopping online and, until recently, I hadn't really given much thought to the sort of packaging my purchases arrive in. However, the other day I got my monthly order of comic books (yes, I order comics online!) and the small order of four issues came in a ridiculously large box filled with packing peanuts! I realized that other things I order tend to come in lots of unnecessary packaging as well. Even the things offered at your local grocery story seem to be packaged like a confusing Russian nesting doll!

So I started thinking about ways that I could make small changes in the way I look at packaging to try to make a little difference on my own. I mean, I'm even old enough to remember when McDonald's changed from Styrofoam to cardboard-base packaging, so you'd think I'd have some ideas on how to be greener. The first thing I did was request in my most recent order that the comics shop try to avoid packing my small order in such a large box. We shall see if they listened when it arrives later this month!

I also checked out a site recommended by a green-conscious friend: Sustainable is Good. The site says it covers all aspects of sustainable packaging including new innovations, branding, marketing, materials and news. I'd say that's an excellent description! There is a wealth of information throughout the site. They cover everything from biodegradable gift cards to lightweight wine packaging. It's pretty interesting to read about current trends in more environmentally-friendly packaging as well as learn about some companies who haven't quite got the hang of it yet.

Small steps can make a big difference, so I'll certainly be looking for more ways to cut back on the amount of packaging I buy and receive.  If you are trying to do the same, I'd love to hear more suggestions.

Add a Dash of Verde to Your Cinco de Mayo

It's the first day of May, which means Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner. If you are planning to celebrate the victory of the Mexican Army over the French at the Battle of Puebla (or you just like to throw a good party), here are some tips and tricks to make your Cinco de Mayo celebration a little greener:

• Skip paper invitations. Stick with environmentally-friendly evitations. Evite has a selection of Cinco de Mayo e-cards to help you get the word out. Just make sure your boss isn't reading your e-mail if you plan on not inviting him.
• Look for the greenest drinks for your fiesta. Ideal Bite has some great tips on finding organic and eco-friendly tequilas and Environmental Grafitti shares their search for the three most environmentally-friendly beers. Don't forget to serve all your drinks and food on sustainable dishware!
• Stick with natural lighting. Candles help set a festive mood and save money on electricity. Be sure to designate a sober candle-watcher if you think your party might get out of hand. If you have to keep the lights on, replace your old bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Recycle your decorations. Skip the piñata! Use things you already have around the house to spruce up your party space. If you have to buy new decorations, be sure they are made out of recyclable materials.

For more on green party planning, check out the Epicurious guide to green entertaining How to Throw a Green Party.

5 Signs That You May Be an Environmentalist

1. Your Car Purrs Like a Golf Cart
You are fascinated with the concept of a hybrid vehicle, and your's looks like Tokyo Drift met up with the Jetsons somewhere on the road to a Tron sequel. I can't really argue with 50+ mpg though, even if I accidentally drive by and ask for refreshment on my way to a tee time.

2. Your Favorite Cleaning Product is Baking Soda and Water
Which is a fantastic and simple way to scrub away the grime from last month's cook-a-thon you're gracious and considerate roommate forget to clean up. It's eco-friendly fun for every—wait, never mind. Going this one alone again huh. Well at least your good manners and cleanliness are good for the environment, even if your roommate is too busy watching Rock of Love to lend a hand.

3. You've Replaced Every Light Bulb in Your Home with CFLs
Compact Fluorescent Lights and their high efficiency are a great way to cut down on energy consumption, and you've accomplished this with a vengeance. Now if only you could replace the bulbs in your vintage Lite- Brite, then I'd commend you for your Macgyver-like prowess. 

4. Your Favorite Color is Green
Everything and I mean everything relates to your love for green. Not only are you way into green energy, green living, green cooking, green cleaning and everything environmental, you've also wiped eBay clean of Kermit dolls, figures, movies, socks, toothbrushes, scooters, roller skates and snap bracelets (don't know if these still exist, but why not).

5. Your Reading This Very Blog, Right Now
I couldn't help myself.

All kidding and ballyhooing aside, waking up and realizing just how green you really are is a fabulous thing. I wish all of us could take a few minutes out of each day to pay closer attention to our habits, and find simpler ways to bring the green in all of us to the surface.