Ipods!

Two very green thumbs up to one of my favorite companies, Apple, for introducing their new iPod line of mP3 players with the following improvements:

~Arsenic-free glass

~Brominated flame-retardent free

~Mercury-free

~PVC-free

The new line of iPod Nanos also comes in an assorted range of colors with great new features, so you can pick up a green one and rock out to your favorite tunes! Apple has been working hard over the past few years to improve the green-ness of their prodcuts.Take a look at Apple's environmental policies and what they plan to do in the future to reduce their impact on the planet.

Also, if you purchase a qualifying Apple computer, take advantage of their free recycling program for your current computer. It's a great way to reduce the amount of waste produced by the many electronics discarded each year.

With everyone carrying around an iPod these days, I thought it was important to mention Apple's efforts to be more conscious about their impact. Hope you find it as important and spread the word!

Until we meet again,

GB

A Fresh Coat of Paint

I'm getting ready to embark on some little home improvement projects and one that I think is great to do in the autumn season is interior painting. The cool breeze makes it bearable to leave the windows open and get all of the fresh air running through the house. This way Harley -------------> doesn't end up with heat stroke! Unfortunately, there are some pretty nasty volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints that aren't good for us or the environment. And these damaging components are leached out from painted surfaces for years after application. Here is an some info about green painting options for the interior of your home.

There have recently been many products released with little or no VOCs. They have a Green Seal on the can to help consumers identify these products. Eartheasy has a great directory of companies and products as well as the many benefits of using greener paints in your home. It also has tips for painters to ensure that no paint is unnecessarily wasted.

In comparison to traditional paint products, there are also completely natural alternatives that contain no VOCs or heavy metals commonly found in paints. These include clay paint, lime wash, and milk paint. Although these items are sometimes a bit more costly than other types of paint, they are completely natural and won't harm your family or the environment due to their use.

And when disposing of your paint-related items, here are some tips from Eartheasy:

~Avoid Cleaning Brushes and Rollers: Paint brushes and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won't dry because air can't get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job. (This works for water and oil-based paints and stains. It does not work for varnishes or lacquers.)

~ Clean Your Brushes Naturally: Turpentine, made from the resin of coniferous trees, is an environmentally-friendly solvent. It is excellent for cleaning brushes used with oil-based paints, and for cleaning up small drips. Use a short glass jar, filled no higher than the bristles. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. After cleaning the brush, rinse with water.

~ Store partially full cans upside down: Leftover paint can be saved for months if stored properly. Make sure the lids are well sealed, then store the cans upside down. This prevents air from getting insed the can and causing the paint to thicken and dry.

~ Remember the BUD rule: Buy no more product than you need. Ask your retailer for help in assessing the quantity you need. Use up all the product you buy. Give leftovers to a neighbor or community organization. Dispose of leftovers in a safe, responsible manner.

Hopefully you have some fun painting projects that you can complete with these great products. Let me know of any green painting experiences you have had and I will let you know how my projects turn out!

Let The Painting Begin!

GB

Hurricane Season Is In Full Effect

Well, it's been an interesting week. I spent part of it evacuating from Gustav while a trip to New Orleans! It was not the most pleasant vacation experience, but luckily I have family that took me in and made the rest of my trip great. Even with all the feverish stocking up of supplies I encountered while I was there, I managed to spread the green bug. Here are some green supply ideas for stocking up in an emergency situation (which you hopefully will never have to do).

A necessity for any emergency kit is lighting. Candles always come with a safety concern, so here is a wonderful alternative that is hand-crank charged and powered! This handy lantern also functions as an AM/FM radio, cell phone charger, and mp3 player. There is also an option to plug it into your car charger port for power as well. It has some nifty accessory functions like a siren, ultrasonic mosquito repeller, and even a compass. Check it out!

Another item that can be integrated into your kitchen supplies for use on a daily basis is a manual can opener. This handy item uses no energy and saves your counterspace at the same time. It's a necessity in the emergency kit because without power to open your non-perishables, they are pretty much useless. These can openers are cheap, green, and don't take up much space, so pick one up!

Also important, expecially in those stormy summer months is bug repellant. Non-aerosol, DEET free products are the only way to go. Buzz Away is a popular spray with a nice peppermint smell that leaves 'em coming back for more (everyone except the buggies, that is). This company also makes sunscreen with the same yummy scent, so you can get both and add them to your summer stash.

Remember your utensils, dishware, napkins, and trash bags - biodegradable of course! Can't leave your rubbish around after the storm passes.... :)

Hope this gives you some ideas to green up your emergency kit, or at least some items in your household. Take a look at what you may need in an emergent situation and make the effort to green it up a bit. It's easy, so hopefully this has given you the tools to get started and find your favorites. I would love to hear your suggestions/comments on these, or any other, important eco-friendly supplies in your survival kits as well - leave a comment!

Happy Trails!

GB

Take It From WALL-E....

Here is some more WALL-E for all of you. He is my favorite little greenie. Enjoy!