Archive for November, 2009

Carbon Footprints 101: What Is It and How to Reduce Yours

Our existence on Earth generates its own set of carbon footprints by virtue of our use of natural resources, even in the times of the hunter-gatherer society.  As time went on and tools were introduced into society, ostensibly to make life easier on humans, humanity's carbon footprint increased proportionately.  Thus, we now experience troubling events like climate change brought by human activities. Carbon Footprint Defined What exactly is a carbon footprint?  The accepted definition is the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by the activities of individuals and organizations as well as their consumption of natural and manmade products.  It is expressed in terms of the quantity of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted.  At present, global warming can be attributed to more than 90 percent of human activities and products.  As such, the need to lessen one's carbon footprint takes on more meaning and urgency. Causes of Our Harmful Carbon Footprints There are many causes to the increase of our harmful carbon footprints.  For one thing, we cause so much land, air and water pollution by our excessive use of natural and manmade products as well as our activities like dumping garbage without thought to recycling and reusing them.  For another ...

Hosting a Green Birthday Party for Your Kids

Hosting a green birthday party for your kids is a great way to have a positive impact on the environment, and teach your children that being “green” is a fun and entertaining way to go!  As a parent, I know how much waste can be accumulated at a child’s birthday party.  Balloons, paper plates, decorative napkins, plastic eat ware, wrapping paper, packages from gifts, and several items are almost always left behind.  Naturally, all of these items add up when they finally get to the landfill.  Birthday parties generate a lot of waste!  However, there are now many ways to have an “ECO” friendly birthday party.  Here, you will learn about some of the steps that you can take as a parent hosting a green birthday party for your kids. 1.    Now, nearly all birthday parties have a cake and similar types of foods.  While it may be tempting to go out and buy paper plates, you should avoid this temptation.  Simply use the dishes and bowls that you already have in the home, and just wash them afterwards.  This way, you are not producing mounds of trash ...

The Green Solutions to Keeping Electronics Out of the Trash

There are a number of “Green” solutions to keeping electronics out of the trash.  Most of us will eventually come to a point in which we have some electronic device that no longer works, and must be replaced.  In many cases, our device may simply become outdated and we will need to upgrade to a newer type of device.  When it comes to the proper disposal techniques associated with technology devices that have been outdated, malfunctioned, or are completely inoperable, many of us will find ourselves perplexed at how to properly dispose of the products.  In this helpful and informative guide, you will be introduced to the “Green” solutions for keeping all of those electronic devices out of the trash! There are many electronic devices that we use on a daily basis. These include: •    Computer Systems •    Laptops •    Printers •    Cell Phones •    Digital Assistants •    Televisions •    Scanners •    Fax Machines •    Cordless Telephones •    Cell Phones •    USB Devices •    Video Game Systems •    Digital Cameras •    Digital Audio Recorders •    Camcorders •    And, more! Unfortunately, none of these types of machines or electronics last forever.  At one point or another, we will do away with our current devices and turn to newer, upgraded electronic items.  The question is, how do we properly dispose ...

The Top Ten Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is a distinctive yellow-orange spice used as flavoring for ethnic dishes like Indian curry.   Furthermore, research has shown that it is not just a spice for providing pizzazz to food but it also possesses health benefits.  And since it comes in powder form, it can easily be consumed either as supplements or as addition to cooked food. Curcuminoids, which are the active ingredients in turmeric, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thus, making them useful in both prevention and intervention.  Other properties that continue to be discovered include antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antimutagen and anticancer. 1. Inflammation of the Joints Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can significantly reduce the pain felt by rheumatoid arthritis patients.  Keep in mind that the pain can be attributed to the inflammation of the joints, the less inflammation, the less pain felt. 2. Flu Protection It must be emphasized that turmeric is not a cure-all substitute for flu shots and staying healthy in flu prevention.  However, it possesses antiviral properties helpful in protecting against numerous flu strains, thus, preventing its replication in the body. 3. Promotion of Cardiovascular Health A clinical study has shown that turmeric lessens cholesterol levels as potently as Clofibrate.  Other studies have pointed to turmeric's ability to lower ...

Eco-Home: Organic Decorating Ideas

You can furnish and decorate your house the eco-friendly way easier than you think.  You need not remodel your house to achieve the green effect as inexpensive ways are often just lying around the corner, waiting to be discovered.  Here are a few of these eco-friendly ideas. Choose Recycled and Reused Décor and Furnishings This is probably the easiest idea of all.  You can visit thrift stores, garage sales and online auction sites for secondhand things that are still in good condition as well as ask family and friends for their junk just sitting in the attic and basement.  You can then turn them into vintage things that will serve your needs for many more years to come and, hence, lessen their impact on the landfills. Of course, you have to make sure that these secondhand items are good for your health, too.  Keep in mind that furniture can contain harmful varnishes, finishes and components, which you may have to remove first before making them a permanent part of the house.  In some instances, you can always paint over the harmful finishes with white paint. Did you know that by using recycled and reused home décor, you are also lessening your consumption of the ...