Posted by Tara Burner on March 3, 2009
zBoards… I just love these products from waybasics.com
Quoted from waybasics.com
zBoards are created through a patented, proprietary process that’s revolutionized paperboard manufacturing. Developing this process took more than 10 years, and it combines techniques of plywood craftsmanship, paperboard composition, and furniture manufacturing. It leads to extremely sturdy yet lightweight boards that hold up to plenty of use.
What are zBoards made of?
Glad you asked – we’re proud to say that zBoards are made from 99% post-consumer waste paper. That means recycled paper that’s already been used, so we’re not chopping down any more trees to create zBoards. Also, we’re saving the enormous amounts of water that are used to make virgin paper. Our purpose was to eliminate as much environmental impact as possible and create a sustainable product. When you’re done with your Way Basics furniture (after long, long use), you can recycle it again by simply putting it in your recycling bin. The remaining 1% of the non-post-consumer material we use is the veneer paper in which the zBoard edges are wrapped. This is also completely recyclable.
The only “down side” for me, there are no local locations to me so there is shipping which isn’t exactly green but I can offset in other ways, so the advantages of using these is greater than the shipping effects.
My daughter has them in her room in black (can’t include a pic of that since it’s all her stuff) but here are a few pictures of different products I’ve bought from them.
They’re so easy to assemble. Remove the “film” over the adhesive and put together.
Woola, you’re done! It’s that easy!
They’re versatile too.
I use one cube as an “end table” which as you can see has my books, etc. on/in it.
I use another by the front door for the kids to put their shoes (note most the shoes in this pic are my daughters–go figure! I own 2 pairs of shoes…both lower left…yoga sandles and sneakers!)
Note the LED light there. It has an automatic on/off light sensor so it goes on when it’s dark and off when it’s light out automatically. (pretty cool!) No more need to leave a light on so you can see when you come in your door! This works perfectly.
and we have lots of these shelves (and yes, lots of dvd’s too!)
Note: the warmer on the shelf, it’s great with water & essential oils in it!
We have others as well that hold all of my daughter’s books, etc. but can’t take a pic of that one right now either as it’s blocked by all the materials I’m using to build Edward a new rabbit house.
But you get the idea:
these are versatile
come in different colors & shapes
easy to assemble
and eco friendly!
You can get yours at WayBasics.com and the customer service ROCKS!
Irene and the others there are attentive to everything! First big company that I’ve ENJOYED purchasing from in a long time! They’re on phone and quick on emails too. Wonderful all the way around!
Posted by Tara Burner on February 24, 2009
People are talking about tankless water heaters.
Facts: Instead of wasting power to keep 30 gallons (or whatever size your tank is) of water hot all day , tankless heaters only heat water when you need it.
They also take up much less space than your typical water heater.
For more information to determine if a tankless water heater is for you, read full article here.
Posted by Tara Burner on February 10, 2009
February 14th, Valentine’s Day, is quickly approaching.
It’s a day for love.
Here are some interesting stats about Valentine’s Day:
~~25% of card sales are for Valentine’s…consider sending an ecard instead to be green or making your own.
~~over 36 million heart shaped boxes of candy are sold for Valentine’s…consider sending organic chocolate.
~~10% of engagements happen on Valentine’s Day…consider wood rings.
What are you doing to celebrate?
Are you expecting gifts?
Are you the type that wants perfume, chocolate, flowers or do you prefer other types of gifts?
Not that I’m getting anything for Valentine’s Day but I’d not want any of that, give me something useful any day!
Ok, so I’m weird like that. Hmmm perhaps that’s why there’s nobody giving me anything! lol
Are you giving gifts?
If you’re giving…are you giving green, eco friendly gifts?
Need help…try giving some of these:
organic gift bags, Fairtrade items, organic chocolate, eating locally, giving organic or live flowers, organic bamboo sheets…the list goes on.
Are you going to propose? Instead of a diamond, consider wood rings.
What are you doing to be green for Valentine’s Day?
Are you staying home for a relaxing romantic dinner? Making a personal special Valentine’s card? eating locally? buying living flowers? what…
Post in comments section and you might be the lucky winner of a surprise green gift.
Posted by Tara Burner on January 27, 2009
Interesting article at tree hugger outlining all the details of hand washing dishes vs using a dishwasher. You may be surprised at the results of their findings.
Citra Dish Soap is good for when you need to quickly hand wash a few items.
Seventh Generation dishwasher detergent is a good one to use for your automatic dishwasher.
Posted by Tara Burner on January 20, 2009
The Austin Pet Air Cleaner is a must have for anyone who has pets in their homes. You may not realize the pet odor, dander or dust that’s floating around in your home because you’ve become accustomed to it. However, your guests surely notice when they walk in and get hit with the pet smell. It can aggravate allergies, asthma and other health conditions. Consider clearing the air for not only your guests but yourself. You’ll notice an improvement in the air quality and wonder how you lived without this.
Item #: 500AACPM
Austin Pet Machine
The Pet Machine Air Cleaner from Austin Air Systems is certified to remove 99.97% of airborne particles.
It has 60 sq. ft. of medical HEPA and traps airborne dust, dander and pet odor in an area up to 1500 sq. ft.
The Pet Machine is a specialty air cleaner with 60 sq. ft. of medical HEPA and is certified to remove 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns and larger. It contains 15 pounds of a specialty carbon blend, which is geared towards reducing pet odors that linger in the air. It effectively cleans an area of 1500 sq. ft. with normal ceiling heights. It stands 23 inches tall and 14.5 inches wide, has a weight of 45 pounds and comes with wheels for easy portability.
It also comes with a PERMAFILT Prefilter, which traps large dust particles that can be vacuumed from the outside. It includes an air filter that has been designed to last up to 5-years under normal residential use. It has a 3-speed control switch, which consumes only 115 watts at the highest setting. There is a 5-year manufacturers warranty on all parts and labor.
Versions are also available for regular households, people with severe allergies, those who are chemically sensitive and baby rooms.
Available in Sandstone, White, Black and Silver.
Posted by Tara Burner on January 13, 2009
It’s a thrill to announce that The Green Parent has a new book coming out…The Green Teen: The Eco-Friendly Teen’s Guide to Saving the Planet. I know myself and my daughter, Trendy Diva are anxiously waiting for the book release!
Jenn Savedge is the author of The Green Parent: A Kid-Friendly Guide to Environmentally-Friendly Living as well.
Jenn Savedge also has a Ning network for The Green Parent. It’s an excellent forum, source for green parenting information.
Additionally, you can keep up to date with Jenn on Twitter and LinkedIn
Posted by Tara Burner on January 6, 2009
Wind Energy:
Wind energy systems generate electrical energy by capturing the power using wind turbines or windmills.
From eia.doe.gov:
Since ancient times, people have harnessed the winds energy. Over 5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians used wind to sail ships on the Nile River. Later, people built windmills to grind wheat and other grains. The earliest known windmills were in Persia (Iran). These early windmills looked like large paddle wheels. Centuries later, the people of Holland improved the basic design of the windmill. They gave it propeller-type blades, still made with sails. Holland is famous for its windmills.
Yet in today’s age we can’t seem to get more people on board to realize that wind is a source of energy that we need to use more. How sad.
Here’s an article previously posted about 2 years ago about the myth that wind turbines kill birds.
Small wind electric systems can deliver serious energy. This is just one lesson people are learning all around the world. From remote homes and cabins to rural communications towers and monitoring stations, people are using small wind system to generate inexpensive energy, right where it’s needed.
Today, Air Breeze, the new generation of the world’s best-selling small wind generator, powers countless lights, radios, computers, tools and appliances. It is also used widely to complement solar PV systems. Air Breeze is a perfect choice for hybrid wind/solar systems that provide you with the most reliable year-round energy supply.
Wind energy is clean energy:
This isn’t just any energy. Air Breeze produces non-polluting electricity. No fossil fuels are mined or burned to make this electricity. No carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. With Air Breeze and the power of the wind, you can forget about carbon footprints.
Air Breeze Land Wind Turbine – $ 604.00
From: GoGreenSolar.com
Posted by Tara Burner on December 30, 2008
Tips For Green Travel
When traveling by car:
Reduce your speed to 55 mph from 65 mph to increase your fuel efficiency by as much as 15%.
For a 23% improvement, instead of driving 70 mph try 55 mph.
Increase your fuel efficiency on the road by making sure to inflate your tires to the proper level.
If possible, travel close to home…the less you drive, the less damaging the trip is on the environment.
Rent a hybrid or purchase carbon offsets.
If you’re traveling far from home, take an alternative form of transportation, like a train or a bus.
Posted by Tara Burner on December 23, 2008
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, toxic gas. Carbon Monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of the fossil fuels (gas, oil, engines, oil burners, gas fires, water heaters, solid fuel appliances and open fires). It is also formed in many chemical reactions and in the thermal or incomplete decomposition of many organic materials. Dangerous amounts can accumulate when, because of poor installation, poor maintenance or damage to an appliance in service, the fuel isn’t burned properly, or when rooms are poorly ventilated and the Carbon Monoxide isn’t able to escape.
Since it has no smell, taste or color, it’s hard to detect. Carbon Monoxide poisons your body by entering the lungs displacing oxygen from the bloodstream. That puts the functions of your heart, brain and other vital functions of the body at risk. Children, babies, expectant moms and pets can be affected faster than grown adults.
To be safe, purchase a Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector and Alarm. For $50 the Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector and Alarm provides you and your family with a warning signal to protect you from dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home.
This AC powered, plug-in carbon monoxide alarm utilizes sophisticated electronic components and unmatched sensor technology to protect you and your family from the dangers of CO. The 900-0076 includes a 9V battery backup that provides continuous monitoring of CO levels, even during power outages, when AC-only units are not providing protection. It will detect and store measured data of concentrated CO levels as low as 11 and up to 999 PPM with its peak level memory display. This alarm gives you several mounting options, including: direct-plug, a 6’ power cord or table top.
# Home Safety Experts recommend having a CO detector in each bedroom, as well as near all combustion sources such as furnaces and water heaters
# Easily installed in any of your AC wall outlets with backup protection provided during power outages from a 9-volt battery
# Digital display feature allows for easy viewing of carbon monoxide levels from 30–999 parts per million(PPM)
# Peak level memory lets you track levels over time with readings updated every 15 seconds
# Compact design is UL listed
Get yours now
Posted by Tara Burner on December 16, 2008
I know many are confused as to which is greener…real tree or fake tree.
You can find one answer here.
UPDATE: You can visit thegreenparent.com for more information on eco friendly aspects of your christmas tree!
And if you decided to have an indoor Christmas tree, you’ll want to recycle it after the holidays. Some really good information on Earth 911 Treecycling, check it out.
You can also check with your local cities or towns to find out if they’re offering a tree recycling program after the holidays. Some cities will accept your trees and turn them to mulch to use in parks, etc.
