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Green Clean Water Machine

Clean drinking water shouldn't be a commodity - it's a necessity of life. The Pure appeal of expensive artesian well water is not very appealing when it's stored in plastic bottles that can potentially leach harmful chemicals like BPA. BPA (Bisphenol A), associated with a host of health problems including cancer, is often marked as "PC" recycling label #7 on the bottom of your bottle. Metal water holders may be lined with a plastic coating that contains BPA so read labels carefully.

A number of environmentally friendly water bottles made of stainless steel or BPA free plastics are on the market for bikers and hikers alike, among them Klean Kanteen, New Wave Enviro, Camelbak and Nalgene. Camelbak and Nalgene offer green plastic with rugged and impact resistant materials. Camelbak is constructed of Lexan polycarbonate while Nalgene boasts Eastman Tritan copolyester. Try saying that three times fast. Camelbak tends to be pricier than the less flashy Nalgene but offers a bite valve for ease of sipping.

If your build is larger than Popeye's Olive Oil, you won't mind the weight factor of a stylish stainless steel bottle. Survival of the dishwasher, a wide mouth for ice cubes, recyclability, not to mention damage control is advantage buyer. Sturdy stainless steel Klean Kanteen has a number of cap options whereas New Wave Enviro gets best tasting water reviews (sans the metallic after taste). Get a fashionable Built neoprene sleeve for optimal insulation and avoid nippy fingertips.

Healthy chugging!

Eco-Fashion Fashionista

Eco-fashion appears to be the next big thing as manufacturers rollout a sustainable approach to apparel without sacrificing style or profit. Big name brands like Macys, H&M, Nike and Target launched green fashion lines armed with an increased awareness of the environmental impact caused by processing, treating and dyeing fibers. Of course, it's not only the goodwill of companies that carry sway. Pressure from eco friendly groups urges the marketplace to develop technologies and systems that will demonstrate a socially conscious commitment to the environment.

The greening apparel industry is a significant, evolving trend likely to affect every facet of the global market. However, lack of regulations and standards run broad interpretations of what sustainable apparel actually means.

Sustainable apparel often includes:
  • Certified organic natural fibers (wool, cotton, linen)
  • Highly renewable fibers (bamboo, soy)
  • Low-impact synthetic or recycled fibers
  • Non-toxic or reduced-toxicity fiber processes and treatments
  • Low-impact or natural dyes
  • Design and color choices aimed at longevity rather than fashion trends
  • Fair trade, ethical labor practices, and banning of child labor or other exploitation
  • Reduced energy use throughout the product life cycle
  • Minimal or environmentally appropriate packaging
Although, organic foods and natural cleaners have aced it with consumers, many other sustainable products will infiltrate the lives of consumers as they continue to discover the health benefits of natural living.

Operation VACA

"Boy, you're going to carry that weight/carry that weight a long time." No, the Beatles weren't singing about greening up but it's a start. Most hubbys want wives to lighten the load and most wives compulsively fill the suitcase to the brim with an indispensable fifth pair of cha cha shoes. Weight = energy. Need I say more?

Before you launch operation vaca, remember the choices you make add up. Be aware of what you can do for the environment as you plan your escape. Prior to leaving home, minimize environmental impact by shutting off lights, AC and anything else needlessly plugged in. That goes double for your home away accommodations.

Eco-friendly hotels or resorts constructed from recycled materials use energy efficient light sources, low flow plumbing and contribute to local community programs. You don't have to stay in green digs to be eco-correct, however. Many hotels run programs that save energy by allowing guest to elect when to wash sheets and towels rather than every single day.

Try to take public transportation but if you do rent a car, get a compact or hybrid vehicle for gas conservation. Speed demons on the road do not help conserve fuel so keep below the legal limit. Maintaining a tank two-thirds full or more will keep engines running optimally thereby burning less fuel. Your wallet will be grinning from ear to ear. Whenever you can, walk or cycle.

Once you arrive, consume local meats, seafood, produce and wines. Aside from savoring fresh foods in the area, you'll avoid supporting businesses that leave a heavy carbon footprint on the environment by gassing up to deliver long distance goods.

To compensate for emissions during vacation and promote green living consider purchasing carbon offsets from eco-friendly organizations. Carbon footprint calculators are available online to sum total a viable contribution. Remember, don't ask what your environment can do for you, ask what can you do for your environment.

Greening Up Your Life

Stop! Put down the plug and read this. Cooling and heating devices, suffice it to say, are the biggest electrical monsters to wreck havoc on your abode. Another power vampire is computers and audio equipment we cannot live without. The price to pay is not only to our pocketbooks but our health.

Helpful tips to save the environment and your pocket book:

You Do Have To Be A Star: Most appliances carry a yellow Energy Guide label that shows the KWH per year so at least the average consumer is not buying blindly. Look for the Energy Star rated products as they are the best of the bunch.

Three Little Letters: Use CFLs (compact fluorescent bulbs) or LEDs

Shut It!: You can’t be in every room, unless you're Rubber Man! Don't leave all the lights and gizmos on at one time.

Strip it!: Plug in all your devices to a power strip and turn it off at night or when you leave the house

Don’t Standby: Devices that sleep on standby mode continue to pull the currents

Green Your Gizmos: Use solar powered chargers for your cell phone, Ipod, camera and PDA

Clothes Au Naturale: It may not be the old west but if you have access to a clothesline, you will save big bucks! 

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© © 2009 Marcia Merson. All Rights Reserved.