greenliving

The next few weeks, greenliving is going to be a bit silent, as I pack my bags and head off with the family to visit the Canadian Rockies. I am very excited as it’s only something we’ve seen in pictures and documentaries, and I can’t wait to explore its wilderness and soak in its beauty.

If like me, you’re going to be heading outdoors, then I hope you think of taking certain precautions to protect your favorite sites and spots from what I call, camping decay.

Many of us litter and abuse the sites we love, often unknowingly. It takes only a few people, to do a few random acts against nature, to destroy it forever.

SOAP/CLEANERS – Have you seen people sprinkle dish powder around their site to keep it ant free? When it rains, the powder which contains bleach is going to soak into the earth, polluting it. Similarly, emptying your dirty dish water into areas meant for drinking or bathing causes water pollution. Use designated sewer areas or drains for this. Better yet, use environmentally friendly cleaners, when you go camping (and otherwise too).

LITTER- You know that being a litter bug is not very nice. But you may do it anyways.

The following items are non biodegradable and are in fact, harmful to pets, children and the general wildlife around campsites- Aluminum foil, Diapers , Cigarette butts, Styrofoam and PVC, Beer and Coke cans. Other litter may include wrappers, disposable plates and cutlery and the biggest offender, food. The latter not only takes a long while to disintegrate, but also will attract a whole host of wildlife and insects to the site. Take a couple of bags with you and dispose of your picnic into it. And then drop it off in the appropriate bin. Leave the site cleaner for its next visitor.

GRAFFITI- Graffiti is not only offensive to the eyes, often it is impossible to clean off and stays on for a long time. When going outdoors, think of alternative ways of expressing your love for Suzie or Ronald, by taking them to see the sun set from the top of the hill. Or vent your angst by going for a long jog or hike. Not only will Suzie appreciate the gesture and you feel better, but the rest of the site visitors can enjoy the view as nature intended it to be.

So, this is something new I learned today - the average microwave, one that is not in active use on a daily basis, uses more energy to power its digital clock, than it does to heat up a dish! So, if you don’t really need that clock display, you may want to think of turning it off when not in use. Other ways you can save energy are by reheating on low instead of high power. And remember to cover the dish that’s being heated.

When cleaning your microwave, say goodbye to expensive cleaners and instead, dab on a little baking soda on a sponge and give it a good wipe down. The baking soda acts as an abrasive cleaner, while at the same time, absorbing any food odors that remain inside. Another great way to get rid of odors is to heat a bit of diluted lemon juice in bowl, for a few seconds. While still damp, wipe the inside surface. Your microwave will come away clean and nice smelling.

Did you know that plastic comes in many forms and not all are recyclable? No matter how Eco conscious you get, there are times when you can’t get away from using plastic. What you can do however, if learn to differentiate between good and bad plastics.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) - This is one of the most popular of plastics and probably the most recycled as well. You’ll find shampoo, soda and water bottles all made from PET. They do contain UV stabilizers, but probably have fewer harmful additives in them .

High density polyethylene (HDPE) - This is the kind of plastic found in your milk jugs and shopping bags. Some of it can be recycled, a lot, such as margarine tubs, at times, can’t. Check to see if your container has #2 on it, and is the kind your municipality accepts.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - Another popular household name, PVC probably ranks as one of the top Eco offenders of all. PVC is make up of vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen. Used mainly in the construction business, you’ll also find old vinyl records, vinyl sofa seating and vinyl clothing, all containing PVC. If your plastic bottle or container has the number 3 or V on it, it too contains PVC and probably won’t be recyclable.

Polypropylene (PP) - In many municipalities, this cannot be recycled, making it an unfavorable choice for single use items.

Polystyrene (Styrofoam) - Another plastic which commonly cannot be recycled.

You can generally find the kind of plastic your container is made up of, by looking at the embossed logo at the bottom of the container. Try to choose the types that are recyclable, such as a #1 (PET or PETE) or #2 (HDPE). In addition, speak to your municipality to see the kind of plastic they accept.

Apparently when it comes to water usage, we Canadians are the second highest per capita in the world!

Why should we let all that water go to waste? One way of saving is through recycling grey water - i.e. used water from non-toilet sources. There are numerous and easy ways to do it. Place a large bowl in the sink when you rinse out all your veggies. Or place a bucket in the shower next to you, to capture your bath water. I know, it sounds a bit tedious. But think of the amount of water you’ll be saving each day. Water, which in turn can be reused to wash your car, water your plants and garden, or, to flush your toilets.

Envirosink produces cool grey water gadgets that allow you to pour any water collected into a storage tank, to be used at your convenience. You can also purchase more complicated gadgets with filters and pumps that make saving and storing water a breeze.

Remember though, that you do need to take care of what’s in your grey water. It should not contain too many chemicals, especially if you’re going to be reusing it in your garden. Using natural bath products is one way of getting around this. Don’t spray veggies or fruit directly with it and keep in mind, that you don’t want anything in your grey water, that you’re not happy spraying your soil with.

For more information, and to get all your questions answered, visit www.greywater.net

Some cool trivia:

How much of the earth’s water is suitable for drinking water?
1%

Is it possible for me to drink water that was part of the dinosaur era?
Yes - water is constantly recycled

What is the most common substance found on earth?
Water

How much water does the average residence use during a year?
Over 100,000 gallons (indoors and outside)

How much water does an individual use daily?
Over 100 gallons (all uses)

How many miles of pipeline and aqueducts are in the United States and Canada?
Approximately one million miles, or enough to circle the earth 40 times

For more water trivia, visit this interesting site- www.epa.gov and click on kids/water trivia

How much water does an average person use each day?

An average person uses about 123 gallons (466 liters) of water daily. Some individual household activities and the amount of water they consume are listed below:

Sources: Famighetti, Robert, ed.The World Almanac Book…

Hands up those of us who are slaves to take-out!

We all know that cooking at home is a far healthier and energy saving option. But most of us still lack the time to go home and cook that big nourishing dinner, and opt instead for the nearest take out joint or supermarket freezer section. If time is a problem, then try cooking over the weekends and freezing food in small batches, which can be reheated instantly. If you prefer fresh daily cooked meals, then there are loads of 30 minute recipes you can download from the internet (downloading will also save you from buying cookbooks that are rarely used completely), or borrow from the library. When cooking, try the following- instead of cooking your dish on high heat for the time given, switch the gas off 5-7 minutes in advance and let the pan, covered tightly, sit on the hot stove. The food will continue to cook on it’s own. This works well while boiling pasta and eggs too. Similarly, don’t bother preheating the oven unless you’re cooking bread, pastries or souffles. Incorporate stir-fries into your cooking. It takes the same amount of time and energy to do a stir fry, as it does to reheat a pre-packaged meal. And the results are definitely more tasty and nutritious as well. And finally, buy a slow-cooker. This is an excellent time and energy saver for the busy person.

For excellent 30 minute or less meals, some websites to browse are:

Simplified Living Online - http://www3.telus.net/slon/chef.html

Rachel Ray’s 30 minute meals: www.rachelray.com

I’ve stopped going to the gym. I used to find it enjoyable, working out on the treadmill and appreciating the other beautiful men and women running alongside me. But one day, it dawned on me that, there’s nothing quite as unhealthy as being cooped up in an air conditioned, all sweat, enclosed atmosphere, sharing treadmills and bench presses, while watching inane television soap operas. So, I decided to skip the gym in favor of exercising at home or outdoors.

Exercising outside the gym does not necessarily mean boring or…boring. There are a variety of ways to add fun to the mix. Try going jogging with a buddy.  Not only will you have someone to pace you, but you’ll get that extra energy to do the final 100 meters. Or, join an outdoor walking or jogging group. Most communities have these set up and they are easy and fun to join. Want to try something new? You can always take up cycling, swimming or hiking. How about mountain climbing, surfing or skiing? The outdoors offer a variety of exercises depending on where you live and the level of thrill you seek. If you find that you’re not motivated to don those sneakers unless you pay for it, then set up an ‘exercise box’ and drop in $5 each time you exercise. Use that money to treat yourself to something nice when you finish 10 sessions.

If you are going to watch TV while you exercise, then why not use the opportunity to learn something new? Ever wanted to try yoga or Pilates? How about kick boxing or belly dancing. If you’re new to any exercise, always make sure you start at the beginner’s skill level and always with a doctor’s approval.

So, stop that gym membership (put the money into your ‘exercise box’), don a pair of sneakers and head outdoors!

If you can’t afford to take public transport, or swap your car for a hybrid, then the next best thing is to try and maximize the efficiency of your current vehicle. You can do this in a number of ways:

1. Slow down: By sticking to the speed limits, especially on highways, you’ll use 20% less fuel. The slower you drive, the more you save.

2. Use natural air conditioning: Opening your windows and switching off your car’s air conditioning will save you another 20%. On the highways, this may not be possible, but while cruising along city roads, give it a try.

3. Pump up your tires: Proper tire pressure can reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by an eight of a ton a year. So, keep a little tire gauge handy and check tire pressure often.

4. Clean out your trunk: By loading your car with unnecessary equipment, you’ll only be making it heavier and leading it to gobble up more fuel. Unload the groceries and remove your golf clubs as soon as you get home.

5. Carpool: If you are using your vehicle, then get others to share it. And take turns, so yours is not the only car driving around the block.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is an essential component on planet earth. All manner of activities generate carbon emissions, right from breathing to driving a car or operating machinery.

We need CO2, which essentially traps some of the sun’s rays in the atmosphere, causing the planet to remain at a habitable temperature. However in recent years, human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, has led to an increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, creating a blanket of sorts. The current level of CO2 is the highest ever in the last 650,000 years. This blanket could drastically alter the earth’s atmosphere, making life on this planet, impossible. We can already see the results in what is known as global warming, with climate changes occurring throughout the world. And its impact is already being felt, right from the threat it poses to Polar bears who are struggling to survive as the polar ice caps melt earlier in the year, to the rising sea levels, tsunamis and increase in forest fires, tornadoes and volcanic eruptions.

The average American generates around 20 tonnes of CO2 per year. If we are to limit climate change, scientists estimate that we need to reduce it to less than 2.5 tonnes per year. Sounds impossible? It is in fact achievable through a number of changes in our daily lifestyles.

To calculate your carbon footprint no matter where you live, visit http://www.safeclimate.net/calculator

Kids are our future and they are the ones that need to be taught about the environment and world around us. Yet, very often, it is we who inadvertently cause them harm by swaddling them in toxic garments, rubbing chemical filled creams onto their bodies and feeding them processed foods high in fat, sugar and chemicals.

To get them aware of environmental concerns at a young age, without being the most boring or weirdest parent on the block, try and make ‘green activities’ part of your daily process.

1. Walk or bike your children to school. If that’s not possible, then try biking as a family or a walk in the park over the weekends.

2. Make sure their toys are PVC free, so they are not inhaling gasses from plastic softeners on a daily bases. Try buying toys made from wood or other natural products and load their toy bins with books.

3. Feed them organic, non-processed food whenever possible, so they get a pesticide free diet.

4. Don’t reward them with food or toys- select something else as special treats- a bike ride to the park, a trip to the zoo, a swim in the local community pool.

5. Use natural soaps, shampoos, creams and medicine for your child. There are wide varieties to select from.

6. Stay away from disposable diapers where possible and try cloth diapers. If you must use disposables, get unbleached, chlorine free diapers. Stay away from disposable wipes and use wash cloths/water instead.

7. Teach your children about recycling at an early age. They can help you sort out your weekly recycling and dispose of it appropriately. If you have an outdoor garden, make your own compost heap, which the children can help fill.

8. Teach them to love and respect nature. You can hang up a bird feeder or bird- bath at home. If that’s not possible, take them outdoors on a regular basis for walks and hikes, to get them to see nature at its best. Visit your local conservatory, zoo, aquarium and other animal shelters.

I read a note in President’s Choice’s green brochure, stating that if every Canadian household uses post-consumer recycled paper towels and bathroom tissues, we can help divert 250,000 tonnes of paper. Which is the equivalent of 1.3 billion newspapers!

This is easily achieved by purchasing recycled paper towels and tissues. Most stores carry their in-store brand or an equivalent product, so we are spoilt for choice when it comes to purchasing green products.

However, there are options to using paper products in our homes. You can try using kitchen towels or kitchen clothes to mop up spills and stains. Chuck them in the washing machine, and you have a long lasting cleaning tool. In the toilet, avoid fancy antibacterial disposables and wet wipes, in favor of bathroom tissue (from recycled paper, of course) and plain old water and towels. For cleaning purposes, a sponge and Eco friendly cleaning products, either store bought or home-made, work perfectly fine. Remember good old handkerchiefs? Somewhere along the line, we stopped using them and replaced them with boxes of tissue. But cotton hankies (organic if possible) are softer and kinder to your runny nose. And like kitchen towels, they can be washed and reused an umpteen number of times. Old towels and bed sheets can be cut up to make serviceable dusting cloths. Old soft cotton tee shirts make great polishing cloths.

So, look in your cupboard today, to see what you can recycle.