Archive for December, 2009

Sleeping on a Bed of Eucalyptus

For many of us, the eucalyptus tree conjures up images of the cute koala bears and the destructive bush fires of the Australian forest as well as the familiar scent of Vicks VapoRub.  For herbalists, the eucalyptus tree is a treasure trove of natural medicines for illnesses ranging from coughs and colds to burns to arthritis.  These medicinal qualities are possible because the eucalyptus tree is rich in tannins and flavonoids, just two of the compounds that provide it with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. Did you know, however, that the eucalyptus tree is now used to make sleeping better while making the environment better, too?  Yes, fibers from the eucalyptus trees are now used in the production of bed sheets, which the hospitality industry has enthusiastically taken up. Production Process, Or At Least What We Know Of It According to the retailer of these eucalyptus bed sheets, these linens are made with non-toxic solvents specifically in the conversion of the pulp into fiber.  Furthermore, 99.6 percent of said solvent is subsequently recovered, reused and recycled.  Thus, the eucalyptus bed sheets provide for positive environmental impact in two ways. Also, the production process for eucalyptus bed sheets uses 100 times less water than the ...

7 Green Beauty Tips You Need to Use

There are many ways that you can work on going green today.  However, did you know that you can even go green in your beauty routine?  If you are committed to saving the environment and living your life as green as possible, here is a look at some of the green beauty tips you need to use. 1.   Start Reading the Labels on Beauty Products - Before you use beauty products, you need to start reading the labels.  This is the best way to find out what is really in them.  Sure, some may say they are safe, natural, or eco friendly, but you find out the truth when you check out the ingredients.  If you cannot figure out what the ingredients are, then don't use the product on your body. 2.   Look for Paraben Free Products - As you choose your beauty products, you want to look for paraben free products.  Preservatives like parabens are actually toxic.  If you continue to use them, you put your health in danger.  Instead of using products that use parabens as preservatives, look for products that make use of natural preservatives, such as grapefruit seed extract, vitamin E, or other essential oils. 3.   Avoid Antiperspirants that ...

Creating a Backyard Habitat

Creating a backyard habitat with your children can be a very exciting endeavor, and a great way to teach children the importance of being friendly to the creatures and plants that we share our planet with.  Creating this is a way that you and your family can take land that was developed for your use, and making it suitable for the plants and animals that once resided in the location.  Natural animal and plant habitats are destroyed daily so that people can develop the land into other things.  These lands may be used to build homes, businesses, recreational areas, schools, and more.  The process of deforestation and even pollution can also have an impact on natural habitats.  Here, you will learn some important facts and tips on creating a backyard habitat. There are many advantages to creating a habitat in the backyard.  You do not even have to use the entire backyard.  Just using a small area in the backyard can be highly beneficial.  Many individuals keep their backyard well groomed and looking picturesque, and this may be extremely appealing to the senses, the home owner’s association, and to the neighbors, but it does next to nothing for the plants and ...

Going Green in the Winter

The leaves may have changed color and fallen from the trees, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be any green in your wintertime.  Check out these tips for going green in the wintertime. Defeating the Cold Air Draft Temperatures vary during the winter but one way or another; nobody likes to live in a cold house.  Stepping out of a hot shower or bath into the cold air of a bathroom can be one of the worst experiences.  Most people end up taking longer showers in the winter because the sudden rush of cold air outside of the shower is very unappealing.   The cold air we all fear surrounding the outside of the shower, the fearful draft, comes from the crack under the door or perhaps a window.  Put an end to this waste of hot air and roll a towel to fit under the crack in the door or window.  Your bathroom window may fog up, but your transition from hot shower to cold bathroom is sure to be a smoother one.  Take this trick from the bathroom and use it in other rooms that may be draft prone, perhaps a door to a backyard patio or the doggie door, both ...

Wind Turbines as Alternative Sources of Energy

The world today is waking up to the catastrophic effects of the overuse of fossil fuels that has led to environmental damage.  Apart from the effect that these fossil fuels such as gasoline and coal have had on the environment, these resources are depleting fast and hence have become very expensive sources of energy.  With erratic climate changes and the fear of global warming looming large, there is a conscious effort that is being put into developing alternative sources of energy that help us in containing the damage that has already been done and prevent further damage to the planet. Efforts now are being made to harness the other sources of energy that are as easily available and do not pose an environmental risk.  Wind energy is one such means of alternative energy that has been used effectively by man for generations.  From being a mere source of pumping water, windmills now spin to run generators that provide electricity.  It can be easily said that this is one of the cleanest sources of renewable energy. However, windmills have been associated with being noisy and have not been accepted as aesthetically pleasing.  The answer to this problem has also been sought with the ...