©iStockphoto.com - Maica

Recycling has become an important part of our lives, with the faithful assumption that disposing is bad and recycling is always good by definition. Pause to consider the science and the economics of every proposition, including segregating plastic containers, bottles, newspapers and metal cans and then placing them in colorful boxes at curbside. Without even questioning either the cost or the outcomes of the process that starts at the curb, or if recycling is economically or environmentally sound.

Saving Trees with Paper Recycling

People recycle paper to save trees. However, most paper comes from trees that are planted with the intention of eventually harvesting them to make things like paper. This means that if we all use less paper, there would be fewer trees planted. Maybe some people ought to use less paper anyway, but no one assume that the people who are in the business of growing and harvesting trees are going to continue to do so even if we don’t buy their products. For every 13 trees “saved” by recycling, 87 will never get planted. It is because of the demand of the paper that number of trees have been increasing in the world. Moreover, recycling newsprint creates more water pollution than making new paper. De-inking old news papers produces a lot of toxic sludge that requires special disposal. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - Falconiaz

I’m writing this article on my laptop. You’re reading this article on your computer. My cell phone is next to me on the table. The TV, VCR, DVD player and stereo are across the room. Face it, we’re an electronic e-culture: we rely on electronic devices for work, entertainment, communication and a bevy of other purposes. And we’re always awaiting the next, latest, greatest models of electronic items: when they hit the shelves, we fork over big bucks for new versions with bells and whistles. But what happens to our old cell phones, computers, TVs and other electronic items when we don’t want them anymore? Often, they’re shipped off to other countries for disposal in landfills, where they pose environmental and health hazards. This is why responsible recycling of electronic e-waste is so important.

What is E-Waste?

E-waste — or electronic waste — is a broad term for old, unused, discarded electronic goods, such as computers, cell phones, TVs, VCRs, CD players and other similar items. According to the Web site, Earth911.com, e-waste makes up only a small portion of the contents of landfills — only about 1 to 4 percent (1). Yet, e-waste is the source of approximately “70 percent of the heavy metals in landfills,” Earth911.com writes (1). The number of discarded electronics sitting in landfills worldwide is astonishing – and growing by 40 million metric tons each year, as we continue to buy new electronics and throw our old ones away (1). (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - PinkTag

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. To commemorate, the Nature Conservancy has five simple ways you can help.

1. Use Reusable Bags

Hundreds of thousands of marine animals die every year from ingesting plastic bags.

2. Eat Sustainably

You eat fish even when you don’t: 36% of world’s fisheries catch is used to feed farm animals. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - CJ McKendry

Whether you’re re-locating across town or across the country, moving can be a major hassle! It’s a ton of work, from packing to transporting to un-packing and setting up in your new place. Inevitably, you’ll need boxes and containers to pack up all your stuff, and a means of transportation to get everything from point A to point B. But when moving day rolls around, how can you minimize waste or pollution? Check out these eco-friendly tips to make your move easier on you and the planet!

Downsize Your Stuff Well Before You Move

You probably have tons of items around your house collecting dust, crammed into closets and shoved under beds - things you haven’t used in years that you’ll never touch again. Why waste time, energy and materials packing this stuff up and transporting it to your new house? It’s not worth it! The solution? Downsize! The less stuff you have to move, the fewer packing materials you’ll need. You’ll also use less fuel to transport everything. (continue reading…)

©iStockPhoto.com - _Ellie_

Easter is right around the corner. Have you thought about greening Easter this year?

There are several easy ways to add a little eco to your Easter without much effort.

One of the biggest wastes when it comes to Easter is the baskets that get tossed in the garbage every year. This year keep the baskets out of the trash. If you use cheap throw away plastic baskets or other disposable containers every year think about finding a nice, sturdy basket instead that can be used again and again. I found heavy duty wicker baskets that get used year after year for my children. It’s an Easter tradition. Each child has their own basket that is refilled with goodies every year. (continue reading…)

©iStockPhoto.com - Inok

When our children are young, we have almost complete control of all other choices. We know what they are eating because we buy the food and cook the meals. We know what chemicals they are exposed to because we clean the house and do the shopping. As our children grow and gain more freedom, we keep a close eye on their choices and expect them to live up to the values we’ve instilled in them. At some point though, those toddlers become young adults and we have to trust that they are making the best choices for themselves and for their environment. This is particularly true the first time we send them off to college. We can play scenarios in our heads and pretend that they are behaving exactly was we would like, but ultimately they are adults now and will make their own choices. This doesn’t,  however, mean that you have no influence at all. The key is to provide subtle hints and hidden advice instead of lecturing.

Most parents worry about the typical issues of drugs, alcohol, and unprotected sex, but “green” moms have other concerns. They want to know that their children are eating healthy, are limiting their exposure to toxins, and are being eco-conscious. So what do you do when your child is surrounded by the processed chemicals that fast food chains and the cafeteria call food? How do you ensure that your children maintain the values of environmental awareness and healthy living that you have bestowed upon them? Simple. Make it easy to be green. College students have hectic schedules just like working adults and parents, so they want convenience. While convenience is typically what leads us to unhealthy choices, convenience can also be the key to living green.

With Easter right around the corner, why not give your college student the gift of convenience and healthy, eco-friendly living by tweeking your typical Easter basket. While the rest of campus is devouring French fries and contributing to the overflowing landfills, you can be the proud parent whose student is the green list. (continue reading…)