Servers That Soak Up the Sun
As we mentioned earlier this summer, Green-Lemonade.com’s hosting has just gotten a little greener. The site is now being hosted by AISO.Net. AISO is “the first and only 100% completely solar powered hosting company that does not use energy credits.” The solar panels (which you can see on their site via a Live PV Cam) power not only the AISO offices but the data center and servers as well.
So, if you own your own site (or already do and are looking to switch) consider soaking up some sun with AISO.Net.
Note: The above photo was taken at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas.
Paw Luxury
Last week, we mentioned an all natural shampoo for dogs that happens to be available at Petco. Unfortunately, eco-friendly options for your pooch aren’t always that easy to find at a local supplier. However, you always have some place to turn to online — thanks to Paw Luxury!
From tasty treats to travel accessories, Paw Luxury offers environmentally-friendly options for your furry friends. In addition to offering products that are all natural, organic, biodegradable, fair trade and made in the USA, Paw Luxury also holds their business to the same standard as many of the brands they sell. Some of their earth friendly business practices include: business cards made from 100% recycled content, using cradle to cradle USPS shipping boxes, using recyclable packing materials, and going paperless by corresponding via email.
In addition to their online store, Paw Luxury also has a blog dedicated to (and written from the perspective of) Lola, the boxer who inspired her owners to launch Paw Luxury. From recipes to an “Ask Lola” column, this dog sure knows her kibble and biscuits!
UPDATE: Lola (and her owners) have offered readers of Green-Lemonade.com a savings of $5.00 on a purchase of $25.00 or more! Use the coupon code: GREENLEM5 from now until June 6, 2008.
SIGG-nificant Debate
If you’re like many people trying to make green choices, you’ve stopped buying water bottles and are using your tap instead. But the big debate right now is: what’s the best way to transport that water?
The idea that standard water bottles (with a #1 recycling code) shouldn’t be re-used has been around for quite some time. The potential of bacteria getting inside (in combination with a small neck that doesn’t allow proper cleaning) has made most people recommend to not re-use these types of bottles. (Just ask Heloise.)
In comes Nalgene who has been around since 1949. Their water bottles used to be most popular with outdoor enthusiasts, but have been seen in the hands of more and more people who are trying to kick the water bottle habit. They even teamed up with Brita in the Filter For Good campaign to reduce water bottle waste. However, as concerns continued to grow about the Bisphenol A (BPA) that was being used in them, Nalgene has finally issued a statement that they will phase out production of consumer bottles containing BPA and will instead offer a BPA free substitute with many of the same properties. (One such company that already does this is Camelbak.)
Want to avoid plastic altogether? You can get a Klean Kanteen (pictured above) or SIGG. However, even the integrity of those can be questioned, as noted in this article on Treehugger.com.
Now what? There is no doubt in my mind that the great water bottle debate will continue to be in the news as more people demand better products. Stay tuned.
Arbor Day: April 25, 2008
People and organizations were all abuzz this week with Earth Day excitement. Events spanned the globe and called people young and old to take action in the movement to make a positive change in the environment around us.
As many people celebrate Earth Day, another holiday that often gets overshadowed is Arbor Day, which is on April 25. Arbor Day has been celebrated since the 1800s and the foundation is still encouraging it’s observance today.
Volunteer to plant a tree, or just save some trees by following a few of these tips:
- Do your banking online.
- Try to eliminate receiving junk mail and phone books.
- Opt out of receipts at the ATM and gas stations.
- Think before you print.
- Send an e-card.
- Send an e-card AND plant a tree.
And don’t forget, when you do need to use paper, be sure to recycle it once you are done!
North, South, East or West
I’ll admit it. I have a horrible sense of directions. But give me a map (even a bad one) and I can get you just about anywhere you need to go. It’s no big surprise that in addition to the map in my glove box, I totally rely on web sites like Google Maps and Mapquest.
Unfortunately, my memory for directions isn’t great either, so I inevitably need to take them with me. I used to hit the “Print” button and go on my merry way (thus wasting a sheet of paper). However, now thanks to modern technology, you don’t have to fire up the printer every time you need some directions. Both Google Maps and Mapquest have the capabilities to send directions directly to your cell phone. Violà! No need for paper.
If your mobile phone doesn’t have the capabilities for these options (or you prefer your directions written) use a scrap piece of paper instead of a fresh one from the printer, and don’t forget to recycle it when your done.
Toilet Water
Happy Earth Day! Here at Green-Lemonade.com, we strive to make an environmental difference by changing the little things we do each day. One such thing is using the restroom. While we would love to go out and buy a dual flush or low flow toilet, they can be on the expensive side (not to mention our current toilets are still in good shape.)
The good news is, there is a budget-friendly DIY project that will take you less than five minutes, and can save you up to 10 gallons a day in a typical home. Find a water bottle (which might be a little hard if you have given up that habit) or half gallon jug, fill it up with water and place it in your tank. It’s that simple! For more detailed instructions, visit the The Daily Green’s “One Easy Thing” page, or watch the video.
Earth Day Event in Albany, NY
If you are out and about this Saturday enjoying the beautiful weather predicted in the Albany, NY area, be sure to stop by Honest Weight Food Co-op Earth Day Celebration.
The event should be educational and fun for the whole family featuring live music, food-related films, food samples, a local foods lunch (I’ve been helping with the prep so I promise it will be good!), free tree and shrub seedlings and much more! It takes place at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, 405 Washington Ave., on this Saturday, April 19, from 11-4.
For more information, check out this flier or contact the Honest Weight Foods Co-op.
Who You Gonna Call?
Perhaps you have already cut back on junk mail, but you are still receiving a plethora of phone books multiple times a year. If you’re like me, you rely on the internet and free information via your cell phone to access your local listings, and don’t really have a need for the traditional printed directory. If that’s the case, you have to check out YellowPagesGoesGreen.org, a site that allows you to sign up and stop the delivery of unsolicited telephone books for free!
According to the YellowPagesGoesGreen.org web site, over 500 million of these directories are printed every year to produce 500 million books: 19 million trees need to be harvested, 1.6 billion pounds of paper are wasted, 7.2 million barrels of oil are misspent in their processing (not including the wasted gas used for their delivery to your doorstep), 268,000 cubic yards of landfill are taken up and 3.2 billion kilowatts of energy are squandered.
So ask yourself if you could go without the Yellow and White Pages, and sign up today. If you do in fact rely on your printed versions, please check for locations in your area that recycles them. (Indy residents can drop them off at Indianapolis Recycled Fiber. See KIBI.org for more details.)
A Side Of Rice
Yesterday’s post was partly inspired by my weekend spent in Las Vegas for a friend’s wedding. Admittedly, one of hardest things for me to avoid when I travel is picking up unnecessary souvenirs for myself, family and friends. Unfortunately, when those souvenirs are mass-produced in other countries, it probably isn’t supporting the economy of the city you are visiting. However, on my trip this past weekend I did purchase something made in another country, and I couldn’t feel less guilty about it.
I’ve had my eye on these Gecko Trader Bags for over a year, but I knew that I didn’t need another tote. However, when I saw these small ones for sale in the gift shop at Springs Preserve, I immediately picked up a pack. They are bright and colorful and perfect for carrying everything from credit cards to cosmetics.
Gecko Traders (a Fair Trade Federation member) employs disabled and disadvantaged workers in Cambodia to make these 100% recycled rice and feed bags. Furthermore, I was glad that I could get them at a place that promotes sustainability, and even has LEED Certified Buildings on site.
So one last tip for when your travel: Don’t be tempted by touristy trinkets. Instead seek out ones that are either made by local manufactures or artists, or look for ones that are made from recycled materials or are fair trade.
Tread Lightly When Traveling
Spring is here, which means that many people across the country are planning or taking a vacation. Traveling can be a great cultural experience but it also can take a toll on the environment if you aren’t careful. Follow some of the tips below so that even though YOU may be on vacation, your responsibility to the environment isn’t.
Before your go, get your house in order. Put a hold on your mail and newspaper, unplug electronics and appliances, set timers on your lights and adjust your thermostat.
If you’re flying, check into offsetting your carbons and don’t overpack. Whether you are flying (or driving), a heavier bag will require more fuel. Check the weather so you can pack accordingly, and try to plan your outfits based on one color scheme so you can minimize the amount of shoes, belts and other accessories that go along with them.
Opt for a hotel that has an environmental conscience and once there, treat your hotel room as you would your home. Take short showers, turn off the lights when you leave and unplug your electronics. Request to reuse the same towels and sheets. Many hotels have simple cards you can put on the bed that make this request for you. If not, just let the front desk know.
Once you leave your hotel, choose your transportation wisely. The best way to see a city is often on foot. If you have further to go (and are familiar with the city), you could rent a bike. If you wish to travel a bit faster, take public transportation or look for a hybrid taxi.
Consider your destination. Research eco-vacations and you may be surprised what options are available. Some sites to check out are Eco Tours, Sierra Club Outings and Sustainable Travel International.
Last but not least, consider being a tourist without leaving town, and you might just leave the lightest footprint of all!
