tagged w/ Eco-friendly
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No matter what the stigma may be, nourishing the roots of the environment isn’t just for the average tree-hugging hippie.No matter what the stigma may be, nourishing the roots of the environment isn’t... more
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ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
Published: June 25, 2011
Those little boxes that usher cable signals and digital recording capacity into televisions have become the single largest electricity drain in many American homes, with some typical home entertainment configurations eating more power than a new refrigerator and even some central air-conditioning systems.
Enlarge This Image
Todd Heisler/The New York Times
A new study has found that some home entertainment systems eat more energy than refrigerators or central air-conditioning systems.
There are 160 million so-called set-top boxes in the United States, one for every two people, and that number is rising. Many homes now have one or more basic cable boxes as well as add-on DVRs, or digital video recorders, which use 40 percent more power than the set-top box.
One high-definition DVR and one high-definition cable box use an average of 446 kilowatt hours a year, about 10 percent more than a 21-cubic-foot energy-efficient refrigerator, a recent study found.
These set-top boxes are energy hogs mostly because their drives, tuners and other components are generally running full tilt, or nearly so, 24 hours a day, even when not in active use. The recent study, by the Natural Resources Defense Council, concluded that the boxes consumed $3 billion in electricity per year in the United States — and that 66 percent of that power is wasted when no one is watching and shows are not being recorded. That is more power than the state of Maryland uses over 12 months.
“People in the energy efficiency community worry a lot about these boxes, since they will make it more difficult to lower home energy use,” said John Wilson, a former member of the California Energy Commission who is now with the San Francisco-based Energy Foundation. “Companies say it can’t be done or it’s too expensive. But in my experience, neither one is true. It can be done, and it often doesn’t cost much, if anything.”
The perpetually “powered on” state is largely a function of design and programming choices made by electronics companies and cable and Internet providers, which are related to the way cable networks function in the United States. Fixes exist, but they are not currently being mandated or deployed in the United States, critics say.
Similar devices in some European countries, for example, can automatically go into standby mode when not in use, cutting power drawn by half. They can also go into an optional “deep sleep,” which can reduce energy consumption by about 95 percent compared with when the machine is active.
One British company, Pace, sells such boxes to American providers, who do not take advantage of the reduced energy options because of worries that the lowest energy states could disrupt service. Cable companies say customers will not tolerate the time it takes to reboot the system once the system has been shut down or put to sleep.
“The issue of having more efficient equipment is of interest to us,” said Justin Venech, a spokesman for Time Warner Cable. But, he added, “when we purchase the equipment, functionality and cost are the primary considerations.”
But energy efficiency experts say that technical fixes could eliminate or minimize the waiting time and inconvenience, some at little expense. Low-energy European systems reboot from deep sleep in one to two minutes. (more at link)ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
Published: June 25, 2011
Those little boxes that usher cable... more
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Britain’s largest junk removal company, AnyJunk, has released the first iPhone app which makes disposing of rubbish as simple as a few taps on your mobile screen.
AnyJunk has won awards for its customer service, use of technology, and eco-friendly disposal practices. In 2010, 79% of waste collected was diverted from landfill. It has operations across the UK.
Types of junk that can be collected include old furniture, clothes, bric-a-brac, broken appliances, office equipment, refurbishment waste and builders’ rubble and garden refuse.
The junk removal iPhone app can be downloaded at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/junk-removal/id441496778?mt=8 or on AnyJunk’s website at www.anyjunk.co.ukBritain’s largest junk removal company, AnyJunk, has released the first iPhone... more
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Any shoe from Unstitched Utilities is guaranteed to be like nothing you have ever seen. I wan't you to crumple up a sheet of paper and consider that as a textile for your next pair of shoes. I promise this isn't an impossible fantasy trip I'm trying to take you on, this is very much so a reality.
The line was created by three friends with the goal of creating a shoe that embodied creative isnpiration with a defining uniqueness. Their collection includes high and low top designs that look much like that sheet of paper we used in our exercise in imagination just a minute ago.
"They make paper shoes?!"
Yes, and no. The shoes are made of Tyvek®, a recycled material that looks a lot like paper but manages to be stronger than leather. Mindblowing, I know.
I had two of my favorite lads help me out with this MOUTHY video for Unstitched Utilities (notice i'm not in front of the camera this time-surprise!), I hope you enjoy!
Whether you want to do your lady a favor and spruce up the closet or be the most fashion forward of the clan, you'll need to visit www.unstitchedutilities.com
produced by Morgan Lynzi www.mouthymorgan.comAny shoe from Unstitched Utilities is guaranteed to be like nothing you have ever... more
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The Japanese company Genepax presents its eco-friendly car that runs on nothing but water. The car has an energy generator that extracts hydrogen from water that is poured into the car’s tank. The generator then releases electrons that produce electric power to run the car.The Japanese company Genepax presents its eco-friendly car that runs on nothing but... more
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Republicans scrap 'compostable' utensils in House cafeterias
Republicans say 'compostable' utensils were not cost- or energy-efficient, so they bring back the foam and plastic. Green-minded Democrats protest.
Photo: The reversal on utensils is drawing the most attention the House cafeterias have received since a former Republican committee chairman in 2003 renamed the French fries "freedom fries" after France refused to support the U.S.-led war in Iraq. (Jim Young / Reuters)
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By Richard Simon, Los Angeles times
March 24, 2011, 5:39 p.m.
Reporting from Washington—
First the Republicans took over the House. Now it's the cafeterias.
Republicans say the use of "compostable" cups and utensils, a key part of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Green the Capitol initiative, was "neither cost-effective nor energy-efficient." So they brought back plastic utensils and foam cups, ditching the eco-friendly dining wares of the Democratic era.
The replacement spoons, knives, forks and cups are creating quite a stir, dividing lawmakers largely along party lines.
Democratic staffers are talking about boycotting the cafeterias, which serve about 230,000 meals a month, mostly to staff members but also to the public. The issue sprouted a Facebook page, "Stop the Styrofoam Invasion: Bring cardboard back to the House Cafeteria." Some staffers are bringing in their own mugs. Others are becoming office baristas and making their own coffee.
The controversy over cups and forks shows how quickly tensions can escalate in this hyperpartisan Congress, which returns to Washington next week to confront more weighty issues: the stalemate over the national budget and President Obama's handing of the military campaign in Libya.
Democrats see the cafeteria changes as symbolic of GOP hostility toward the environment. Republicans support initiatives that include legislation to thwart regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency budget and the repeal of a national mandate for more energy-efficient light bulbs.
"This seems like a small thing, but it sends a terrible message," said Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) of the return to foam cups.
But Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River), whose committee oversees the cafeterias, ended the $475,000-a-year composting program initiated by Pelosi after a study found it had increased energy use and barely reduced carbon emissions.
"I never thought I'd be known as 'Styrofoam Dan,' " said Lungren, who is surprised by all of the fuss.
In defense of the decision, Salley Wood, a spokeswoman for Republicans on the Committee on House Administration, said, "I think you'd be hard-pressed to find taxpayers who consider blowing a half-million dollars on a failing program a 'small thing' in this economic environment."
Democrats, who have sought to make the Capitol an example of environmental responsibility, are especially upset over the return of polystyrene, long the scourge of environmentalists who say it takes a long time to break down and pollutes the landscape.
"We all support smart cuts to federal government spending, but the use of Styrofoam is contrary to the direction of nearly every major business in our country," said Kyle Anderson, a spokesman for the committee's Democrats. (Styrofoam maker Dow Chemical says the cups aren't Styrofoam; they are made of polystyrene.)
Democrats have urged House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) to reconsider.
"I can hardly wait for the lead paint," Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) said in a sarcastic tweet.
"This GOP leadership has shown that the only thing they are good at is recycling bad ideas," said Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill. The eco-friendly dining ware reduced the volume of materials sent to landfills by 535 tons a year.
Yet some welcome the change, saying that the old cutlery, which was made from cornstarch, would often bend, break or dissolve in hot liquids.
"Plastic ware is back in the Capitol!" lobbyist Maury Litwack cheered in a tweet. "Can't tell you how bipartisan was the anger regarding the melting forks and spoons."
But even soup brews controversy.
Daniel Weiss, chief of staff to a Democratic congressman, said he had eaten a lot of very hot soup from the cafeteria, "and I never had a spoon melt."
It's the most attention the House cafeterias have received since a former Republican committee chairman in 2003 renamed the French fries "freedom fries" after France refused to support the U.S.-led war in Iraq.
As for the cafeteria food, Republicans say they have no plans to remove organic choices.
Nor, they say, do they plan to bring back smoking in the lobby outside the House chamber, even though Boehner is a heavy smoker.
And Republicans said the end to eco-friendly utensils and cups did not close the door on improvement to Capitol kitchenware.
They are planning to experiment with washable mugs in one of the cafeterias, possibly leading to the use of real plates and utensils.
Since a lot of staffers eat at their desks, "you're going to lose silverware or you're going to have drawers full of dirty silverware," Hammill said. "Either way, that's not going to save you money."
Democratic staffer Ken Willis said that while he regarded the return of the foam cups as shortsighted, he welcomed the thought of eating on a non-paper plate.
"I'd be most happy with a good, old-fashioned metal fork, spoon and knife that simply gets washed," Willis said.Republicans scrap 'compostable' utensils in House cafeterias
Republicans... more
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A coalition of manufacturers, including Walmart, J.C.Penney's, and Timberland, has formed to rate the sustainability of globally sourced items, and the companies who sell them. The score reflects not only the ecologic impact of the item, but also the working conditions under which the item was made. With any luck, one day you might pick up t-shirt in Walmart, and find not only a size and price, but also a sustainability rating right there on the tag.
http://adorablenapalm.blogspot.com/2011/03/rated-g-for-green.htmlA coalition of manufacturers, including Walmart, J.C.Penney's, and Timberland,... more
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Last week Leland Yee proclaimed that the elimination of shark fin soup as an attack on ancient Chinese culture. The next day he held a conference serving shark fin soup to the media to show how wonderful and delicious it is.
Then apparently, Leland remembered how environmentally friendly the people of San Francisco Bay Area are. He sent out a rather waffly sounding email that says that while he condemns the finning of sharks, he opposes the ban on shark fins.Last week Leland Yee proclaimed that the elimination of shark fin soup as an attack on... more
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12 months ago
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As the Mercedes F-Cell World Drive heads around the globe on its 125 day world trip– Eco-Trek will bring you the most innovative green ideas, initiatives and projects from the cities, towns and villages we pass though each week. The purpose of the tour is to promote the building of the global infrastructure needed to make this emission free technology available to customers for everyday use around the world. This leg of the tour brings us from Stuttgart Germany to Paris France where we discover some of the many ways Paris keeps its city green. Join us on this weeks episode of Eco-Trek as we:
-Join The Mercedes F-Cell World Drive on the road through Paris
-Investigate the spectacular living wall on the Musée du Quai Branly with landscape designer Patrick Blanc
-Take a look at Paris’s FedEx bike powered fleet
-Visit French eco-artist Mathilde Roussel-Giraudy in her Paris studio
Be sure to be on the look out for next weeks episode of Eco-Trek as we joins the Mercedes F-Cell World Drive for the third leg of there historic trip around world from Paris to Spain.As the Mercedes F-Cell World Drive heads around the globe on its 125 day world... more
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Buy it here: http://www.ecobold.com/products/55-eco-cube
This eco cube done by Way Basics is not only sustainable, eco-friendly and VOC-free but also it's super light in weight, extremely strong and easy to assemble. Now that sustainable furniture is a great new trend to follow you have one of the best ones right in front of you. 99% of the board is made with post consumer recycled paper.
What they have to say about it? Eco design for the eco home. This green Cube can be a fun shelving addition to any lifestyle or storage need! Yet another …easy solution.
Yes, it’s a cube. Yet once you put this most-basic Way Basics piece together, you’ll find dozens of uses for it. It’ll be a cubby to store toys, magazines, DVDs or books in. Use it as a source for your creative genius by decorating with storage bins, stickers and more. The Cube is fun, functional and the first building block to creating your own customized furniture ideas. Lightweight enough to easily move from room to room, sturdy and ample enough to store your largest, glossiest coffee table books. We think of this shelving as both superhero and workhorse. You can think of it as pure possibility. Here's what they have to say about the furniture qualities:
Safe: Formaldehyde-free and VOC-free
We treat the people of the world as our family. We want you to be safe and live the healthiest life possible. You can rest assured that our products aren't polluting the air inside your home. VOC's are chemicals that become a gas at room temperature. As a result, products made with formaldehyde will release the gas into the air. This is called off-gassing. If high concentrations of formaldehyde are off-gassed and breathed in, it could cause health problems. There is no formaldehyde in our products. We also use a water-based glue that is completely environmentally friendly, and recyclable too!
Eco: Saves Trees
zBoards are made almost entirely (99%) from post-consumer recycled paper, and do not consume additional natural resources like trees and the enormous amounts of water needed to make virgin paper. While very strong, paper zBoards are made from the lightest form of wood byproduct. Our patented, environmentally sound manufacturing process turns this post-consumer recycled paper into superbly strong boards that weigh 62% less than particle board with unmatched quality and durability. zBoards are the wave of the future thanks to the basic principles of being simple, fun, practical, and made from one of the simplest materials ever - paper.
As founding members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, a coalition united to promote environmentally healthy practices in the industry, we are helping consumers identify good furniture choices. We also strive to offset our company carbon emissions by being a carbon neutral brand. We invite you to find out more about our products, our company, and our goals. Because we’re pretty sure they’re right in line with yours.
Comes in many colors: brown, natural, white and black.
Size:
Outside: Depth 11.34" | Width 22.83" | Height 30.39" Inside: Depth 11.2" | Width 20.9" | Height 14.2" Sustainably made from zBoard recycled paper and completely recyclable. Water resistant.
Made to congregate and coordinate with all our other furniture - stack it or put 'em next to each other to create the design you need.
Includes white backer board (required for assembly).Buy it here: http://www.ecobold.com/products/55-eco-cube
This eco cube done by Way... more
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Get it at 40% off here: http://www.ecobold.com/products/47-reusable-calendar
This perpetual calendar by A Window of Time will not only save trees from being cut down, it will also save you money every year since you'll never have to buy another calendar again! It's super green because reusable and you're not cutting trees for this calendar. Keep track of your goals and to do list, this will also help your family remember what they have to every day, so no more excuses for not doing their duties. When that month is over you'll start again and the cool thing compared to regular calendars is that you can easily erase a mistake. Simply use a wet erase marker and create a new month from scratch. And they're also very different and cool. You can put them on a window, refrigerator or even a mirror and reuse them over and over again. You can easily add or remove tasks from your agenda and make your life and your family's life much simpler. Organize your 2011, 2012, 2013 and so on with only this calendar. Enjoy our discount price that includes a coupon code.
It's a window calendar that you can put on many areas, you can also take it off and place in different places. It doesn't require special glue and not even water to stick to the surface, it just stays. A Window of Time company can also do a custom business calendar to give your customers. The really neat thing is that you can buy it anytime of the year because it's an erasable wall calendar that you can write the months on.
Highlights:
- Save trees
- Save money
- Don't ever buy a calendar againGet it at 40% off here: http://www.ecobold.com/products/47-reusable-calendar
This... more
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Jean Vernon uses leaves and wood for her garden fires. Here, she looks at eco fuel that can be used to reduce your carbon footprint.
link:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningadvice/8229744/Eco-friendly-kindling-and-fuel-sources.htmlJean Vernon uses leaves and wood for her garden fires. Here, she looks at eco fuel... more
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This green holidays we'd like to say have a Merry Christmas and an amazing New Year. I'd like to specially thank everyone for their support throughout the year, for every kind comment or word of encouragement, thank you so much! Ecobold has come a long way and has many great things cooking for you. In this video we give you two ideas for sustainable holiday gift ideas:
#1 green gift idea: Type a nice letter saying how much everyone in your life is important to you, tell what you appreciate the most about them, what you admire the most and what you'll never forget that they've done for you (maybe picking you up at 3am at a bar when you were crying over being dumped by your ex?!). How many people usually get this kind of letter? Not too many! Why not start this trend that sends good messages to the world?
#2 green gift idea: if you're not that sentimental, just give them a gift certificate valid for a "how to party" where you'll teach everyone your favorite hobby, be it knitting, be it making wine or beer or just teaching a dog how to sit! Imagine what a great time you'll have with all kinds of friends?!
We have a few shout-outs to several people that were really kind to us this year, I'm sure we're forgetting some but please forgive me and comment here so I can put you in the next shout-out.
Green companies shout-out: they're the ones who retweeted our tweet that said: Attention all green companies! Retweet this and you'll be included in Ecobold Xmas video shout out!!
Have a great green holiday season and make sure to subscribe for our newsletter to keep up to date with every video here: http://www.ecobold.com/one_million_trees_projectThis green holidays we'd like to say have a Merry Christmas and an amazing New... more
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Chris Paine's novel approach to gather traction for Revenge of the Electric Car, the follow-up to his 2006 documentary Who Killed the Electric Car has reached their goal of 10,000 fans on their Facebook page so the trailer is now releasedChris Paine's novel approach to gather traction for Revenge of the Electric Car,... more
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More info and coupon code here: http://www.ecobold.com/natural-shaving-by-oliveology/
This natural shaving gel by Oliveology is the best you'll find out there. It's made with 100% natural ingredients and one of them is extra virgin olive oil which helps moisturize your skin much faster. A natural and safe alternative for a shaving gel that's better for you and for the environment.
They say that most shave products contain irritating chemicals, which dries the skin. Oliveology contains no irritating chemicals, and in fact will moisturize your skin because of the olive oil. It combats ingrown hair and prevents cuts and bumps. On top of everything else it preserves the life of your blade and razor. Blades need oil, not foam and the oil helps keep its live much longer, which will also save you money. It works well with all skin types, and it's especially recommended for sensitive or dry skin, as well as hypoallergenic skin. And yes, this is for men, women and for the ladies out there, yes you can use this for the bikini area.
Oliveology was founded by Andy Bello from Naples, Italy and back there they use olive oil for almost everything. His parents, after they were done cooking, had remains of olive oil in their hands and instead of washing it, they'd rub it in their face. At the age of 80 they had better looking skin that most 50 year old who were using chemical products in their face. And this is how the company started.
Per their website, please note that Oliveology is a soothing oil gel. Foaming agents don't influence the quality of the shaving experience, and can actually irritate skin. They also cause oxidation of the blades, shortening their life spa.
Save money by using our coupon code for a 25% off discount. They have two different sizes and the small one can be taken in your check in bag. They will also be coming up with other products such as a natural body gel, shampoo and other skincare products.
Highlights:
- Natural
- Fragrance free
- Hypoallergenic
- No artificial colors
- Extends life of blade
Ingredients list:
Purified water, olive oil, denatured alcohol (from corn), glycerin, hydroxyethyl cellulose (from cotton) isopropyl myristate (from coconut oil), vitamin E, aloe vera, sangre de grado extract, potassium sorbate & sodium benzoate.More info and coupon code here: http://www.ecobold.com/natural-shaving-by-oliveology/... more
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More info here: http://www.ecobold.com/nepalese-paper/
I recently came across Nepalese Paper owner and he told us about how it's made, why it's green, how strong it is and above all, how cool it is! Nepalese Paper introduces a broad range of the handmade paper, made from the inner bark of the wild shrub, known as “Lokta”. This bush has an ongoing growing process, even after being cut. Nepalese Paper was established in 1995 with the main objective of supporting the developing Nepalese traditional craft industry, thereby improving a family's standard of living in the rural and urban areas. Today, several stores carry Lokta paper.
The company’s items are different and exclusive. You can find wedding albums, photo albums and frames, journals and diaries, address books, stationary and boxed card sets, prayer flags, gift & wine bags, wrapping paper and other cool products. Due to the long fibrous handmade paper, it has a nice texture, it's durable and strong. You will be surprised by the variety of colors – they have everything, from plain light colors to dark colors with beautiful prints. Also there are in different sizes on each product category. It can be a useful gift to your relatives and friends! Interesting, unusual, unique, eco-friendly and 100% green, they will love it!!!
For wholesale the company has special offers, terms and conditions.
Highlights:
- Light
- Strong
- Durable
- Tree free
- 100% natural
- resistant to any insects
How is Lokta paper made?
According to Nepalese Paper, the Lokta bush is an evergreen shrub of the Daphne species, found in the mountainous parts of Nepal above 6500 feet. They can grow up to 10 feet in height and 2 inches in diameter, and are usually ready to be pruned four years after they sprout. Although there is no uniformity regarding the method of pruning, the modern method employing sharp knives, is considered superior to the older, traditional practice of breaking and tearing down the stalks. The harvesting of Lokta also serves other important purposes as well. It allows the plants root growth to accelerate to help hold the soil in place during the two monsoon seasons Nepal gets every year, and it is the only export crop the remote villages have, thus giving them a sustainable form of income, making for a better standard of living. Historically, all Nepalese legal and legislative documents are printed on Lokta paper because it is so durable. This authentic tradition has caught on with international interest because of the environmentally sound, and natural production.More info here: http://www.ecobold.com/nepalese-paper/
I recently came across... more
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The 2010 holiday season is finally here and we have some great gift ideas for you! Here are our favorite socially and environmentally conscious picks for the season including products from Socks for Happy People, Ethically Engineered, PACT, Greenbees and Collective Wellbeing: http://www.organicnation.tv/blog/our-eco-friendly-gift-guide-for-2010.htmlThe 2010 holiday season is finally here and we have some great gift ideas for you!... more
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In Conversing with Nature: A Creative Garden Retreat, Urban Gardens (urbangardensweb.com) transformed a utilitarian potting shed and greenhouse into a natural creative sanctuary. The space features a vertical garden wall; mural of moss birds; a “living painting” of succulents and barnacles; a lamp growing air plants; a "lawn chair" made form reclaimed picket fencing with a sod seat; and ordinary garden pots turned upside down repurposed into pendant lamps.In Conversing with Nature: A Creative Garden Retreat, Urban Gardens... more
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