greenliving

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.

We all want to help. But sometimes it’s hard to think of ways to make the world a better place. One easy way to start is to dispose of the disposables. Check your recycle box each week (you do recycle, right?) and see how you can cut back on all that is thrown out. The following are a few tips to get you started:

1. The multi-layered packaging found on most products today, is often more of a hindrance than help. And of course, it’s totally detrimental to the environment. One option is to buy non perishable items in bulk packages, from the bulk bins. If possible, bring your own container.

2. Look for products sold in refillable containers, and make an effort to refill/reuse these containers.

3. If you do buy products in packaging, make sure it’s recyclable. Cardboard, aluminum, steel, glass and plastic containers marked 1 and 2 can all be recycled.

4. Take a packed lunch to work in either a paper bag or a reusable lunch box. And add a non disposable coffee mug to the mix. If you have school going children, buy them lunch boxes and water/juice bottles which can be refilled at home.5. Instead of plastic wrap and aluminum foil, try covering your food with a plate or putting it in reusable containers with lids.

6. Mop up spillages with dish towels or washable kitchen cloths, instead of paper towels.

7. For parties, barbecues and picnics, think of investing in lightweight unbreakable dishes as opposed to paper plates and cups.

8. For daily usage, invest in a set of dinner napkins. Not only will they make each meal feel more special, but they can easily be washed and reused.

9. Leave the wet wipes for emergencies and when traveling, and use wash cloths or cut up towels, to clean baby’s bottom.

10. Carry reusable bags to the store with you. If you don’t have any, most stores nowadays sell them at a very affordable price.

11. Instead of single use disposable batteries, buy batteries which can be recharged. And a recharger. Better yet, look for products which don’t need batteries.

Happy EARTH DAY to all readers!

Hopefully you’ll be doing something special today to make the planet a little greener - biking to work, taking in your packed lunch, a quick shower instead of a bath….you know what you can do, so go ahead and make today the day that counts!

In the meantime, some quick tips on how to get those nasty stains removed, without using harsh chemicals.

Adhesives and glues - On fabrics- Wash glue stains with cold water. If still sticky, dab on diluted household ammonia.

Alcohol - On fabrics- Rinse the spot out immediately in cold water if possible. If outside, try dabbing on a bit of club soda.

Ballpoint pens - On fabrics- For fresh stains, sprinkle with salt and leave for an hour. Wipe and repeat if necessary, till stain fades. For stronger stains, try dabbing on some alcohol, but beware that this may ruin certain fabrics.

Blood - On fabrics- If it’s a fresh stain, then soak it in cold water for a few hours and wash as usual. Soak old stains in cold salty water with lots of detergent. Wash as usual, in warm water. For stains which have dried, you can try spraying on a bit of hydrogen peroxide. Leave for 10 minutes and wash clean.

Candlewax - On fabrics- Place a newspaper sheet on the ironing board. Lay the cloth with the wax stain on top. Cover with more paper and run a warm iron over the paper. The heat melts the wax, while the paper absorbs it. Repeat until wax is lifted off.

Chewing gum - On fabrics- Freeze gum by dabbing it with ice and then lift off.

Chocolate - On fabrics- Rinse in cold water and wash in hot soapy water. If the stain is bad, apply glycerine and leave for a few hours. Wash in hot soapy water.

Coffee and tea - On fabrics- Soak overnight in soap and water solution. Dab on some white vinegar and wash. If the stain is bad, dab on some glycerine and leave for a few hours and then wash as usual.

Deodorant - On fabrics- Sponge with a detergent in its concentrated form. Leave for a few hours and wash off.

Egg - On fabrics- Soak in undiluted detergent for one hour and then wash off.

Felt tip pen - On fabrics- Dab liberally with glycerine and leave on for a few hours or overnight if possible. Wash as usual.

Fruit juice - On fabrics- Cover the stain with salt and pour hot to boiling water over it.

Grass - On fabrics- Dab with glycerine and leave overnight. Wash as usual.

Grease - On fabrics- For stubborn stains on cottons, try dabbing on a little eucalyptus essential oil. Hang to dry until the scent of eucalyptus has evaporated. If the fabric won’t fade, you can also try a bit of hydrogen peroxide. For silks and other delicate material, dab with powdered chalk until the stain fades, then rub off the chalk.

Heat marks - On wooden surfaces - Mix equal parts methylated spirits and linseed oil and stroke gently into the stain, until it vanishes.

Ink - On fabrics- Rinse immediately if possible in cold water and then wash in cold and soapy water. You can also try soaking the stain in a little milk before washing. Or, pour on 1 tbsp lemon juice with 1 tbsp salt. Leave out in the sun and then rinse.

Iron marks - On fabrics- To reduce surface scorch marks, rub in a mixture of 1 tbsp lemon juice with 1 tbsp salt. Wash out immediately.

Lipstick - On fabrics- Try using liquid dish soap. Dab on a generous amount and let it soak before washing in clean cold water. Repeat if necessary.

Nail polish - On fabrics- Use a non-acetone nail polish remover. Dab on wait 30 minutes and rinse with vinegar and water. Repeat if necessary and then wash in lots of soapy water.

Perfume - On fabrics- Dab on glycerine and then wash in cold soapy water.

Perspiration - On fabrics- Mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar and wash in this solution. Rinse out well and wash as usual.

Red wine - On fabrics- Pour on lots of salt on the stain while it’s still wet/damp. Wash in cold soapy water or a solution or 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water.

Water stains - On wooden surfaces - Make a thin paste of salt and salad oil. Rub on in gentle circular motions. Wipe off with a clean dry cloth and buff till the stain disappears.

What does changing one little light bulb do? A lot, actually. Electricity usage for lighting purposes usually consumes around 25% of a household’s energy budget. While switching to a CFL or LED light bulb may cost more in terms of purchase price, you save a lot of money in the long run, as these bulbs have a much longer lifespan than incandescent light bulbs. In addition, they come in a variety of size, shapes and wattages and are easy to fix. Newer CFL’s give a warm light, don’t flicker and produce instant brightness. They can also be used with dimmers. And of course, they reduce air and water pollution. Replacing a single incandescent bulb with a CFL, will keep a half-ton of Co2 out of the atmosphere.

A single CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light bulb) lasts up to 10 times longer, from 5-7 years depending on frequency of usage. And, it uses one quarter the electricity of an incandescent light bulb. Those that are Energy Star rated use 75% less electricity. CFL bulbs come in a variety of sizes, shapes and wattage. They generate less heat, thus saving on your cooling costs as well. And of course, they give off fewer gas emissions. A single CFL bulb can save up to 500 pounds of coal. With regards to wattage, because they are very efficient, a low watt fluorescent bulb will brighten the room with the same intensity of a high watt incandescent bulb. So you may need to buy a lower watt bulb to achieve the look you want. More money saved!

LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are mercury free, use one-tenth the electricity of an incandescent light bulb, and are a great Eco-alternative to incandescent and halogen light bulbs. Each bulb can last 10,000 - 50, 0000 hours, depending on wattage and usage. They are hardy and resist vibration and shock, making them a reliable light source.

Halogen bulbs use a mixture of tungsten filament and halogen gas to last up to 3 times longer than an incandescent bulb. They also emit more light per unit energy, making them ideal for desks and work stations.

So, what are some of the sites you can visit?

Department of Energy: Learn about energy usage on www.doe.gov

Eco Logo: A North American certification program that rates the Eco-safety of around 7,000 products in 120 categories. Visit www.ecologo.org

Energy Star: A rating that ensures the product is significantly more energy efficient that the minimum government standards. Visit www.energystar.gov

Green Seal: An independent non profit organization that ensures products meet environmental leadership standards. Visit www.greenseal.org

What are some of the ways to save electricity?

1. One obvious way is to turn off the lights when you leave a room.

2. You could also fit movement sensors so lights are activated only when needed. Great places to fit these are on your porch or home entrance.

3. Use natural light effectively. Place your work station close to a window to let maximum natural light in. Use blinds, drapes and thin curtains to get privacy, yet allow the light to come in.

4. Paint your walls with a lighter color to reflect the natural light.

5. Switch to Eco friendly bulbs. If you can’t switch to them, then try using lower wattage bulbs. You’ll save both money and energy.

6. Use dimmers to control the amount of light you need. These can be really effective in places like bathrooms, where you need just a little amount of light on your night trip to the WC.

You may try sucking herbal lozenges when you’re ill, but as soon as you feel really sick, you’re off to the nearest doctor to get a prescription. And a few pills later, you feel better, the tablet box is thrown away (hopefully in the recycle bin), and you forget about it till the next time illness strikes. Sounds familiar?

US health spending will constitute 18.7 percent of the gross domestic product by 2014, up from 15.3 percent in 2003, according to estimates by financial experts from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

In Canada, total health care spending in 2005 exceeded $4,400 per person or over 10% of gross domestic product (National Health Expenditure Trends, 1975-2005). Canada’s health care spending continues to rise and reached $160.1 billion dollars in 2007, up from $150.3 billion in 2006.

But what happens to all those pills we pop, and how exactly do they affect the environment?

Production: Along with producing synthetic pills by the billions each year, by-products in terms of vast amounts of pollutants are also produced.  Many of the chemical solvents released are considered hazardous and can’t be treated by waste-water treatment plants. In addition to this, pharmaceutical plants also produce toxic particles which are released into the atmosphere, including cyanide and neuro- toxin toluene.

Sewage: Sewage treatment plants degrade most drug residues that come out of our system, but a lot pass through the treatment facilities unchanged. Drug residues then end up flowing into our rivers and oceans and sometimes, pouring back out of our taps! Overall, roughly 100 pharmaceuticals have been found in the waters of Europe and the US, and while this may be a small drop in the ocean so to speak, it can have a larger effect on marine life.

So what can be done?

Take them back to your pharmacy: If you do have expired drugs, then take them back to your pharmacy and ask them if they have a drug disposal programme. Do not throw them into bins, your recycle box or flush them down the toilet. If your pharmacy doesn’t have a program, your municipality should be able to direct you to one that does.

Switch to natural, gentler remedies for everyday illnesses: Remember what you mother and grandmother did when you were ill? Maybe brewed you some nice chamomile tea and made a hot cup of chicken soup? And put a few drops of eucalyptus or tea tree oil on your pillow? They made you poultices when you sprained your ankle, and used menthol to ease your head-aches. There are a number of healthy alternatives to popping a pill. Give them a try and see if they work for you!