Green Lifestyle Magazine
News
July 03, 2009
- The Great Debate to Give a Wedgie or No?
A conversation overheard between my two oldest kids today: Boy: Why is the game not working? Girl: I don’t know… mom says the software is crappy and it stopped working. Boy: Maybe its a computer problem. Girl: No its the software. I am going to go and find those people and give them a...
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]- 1 day
source: (Green and Natural Parenting) - CSX reveals new green goals as an official Climate Leader
Last fall, transportation company CSX invited Ecollo to Chicago to get a first-hand look at their GenSet Locomotives, as well to attend part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leaders conference. During the conference, CSX officially announced a partnership with the program, and now the company has announced its Climate Leaders program goals in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company's commitment to the program is the first from a major U.S. transportation provider and a natural next step from a company that already developed the GenSet, an ultra-low emitting method of freight rale that achieved an 80 per cent reduction in nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions.
Now CSX has set its sights on reducing carbon emissions by eight per cent per revenue ton mile by 2011. This will account for a carbon savings of 2.4 million tons, or the equivalent of removing 441,000 cars from the road on an annual basis. In terms of the company's non-rail operations, goals include using building space more efficiently, improving HVAC systems and installing energy-efficient lighting and automatic computer-shutdown software. And by the end of this year, another 1,200 CSX locomotives will feature fewer emissions and lower fuel consumption (nearly 10 million gallons worth!) thanks to ongoing upgrades.
Freight rail is considered one of the most eco-friendly ways of transporting goods, as a train can transport one tonne of goods on a single gallon of gas, a far greener option than shipping by truck or airplane.
- 1 day“Freight rail is the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly surface transportation option. We are pleased to enhance these benefits with our firm commitment to reduce CSX’s carbon footprint,” said Michael J. Ward, Chairman, President and CEO of CSX. “The Climate Leaders Partnership shows that by working together, business and government can serve our nation’s economic needs while improving our environment.”
source: (ecollo) - Treat a sunburn naturally
In a perfect world you wouldn't have to worry about sunburn. You could go outside without religiously applying lotion to any and all exposed skin and never have cause for concern. However, this isn't a perfect world and few things in the world compare to the discomfort of a sunburn. Anytime you stretch or move the wrong way, you feel it. If a friend claps you on the back - well, let's just say you would probably be forgiven for clocking him or her.
Unfortunately vacations are ripe with the potential for sunburns. If you're in a warm, sunny climate there's a good chance you're probably spending a great deal of time outdoors, whether you're lying on the beach or doing a lot of walking. If you apply sunscreen properly and frequently, especially after going in water, you should be fine. However there's always the chance your sunscreen application may be neglected and even just one time can leave you with a nasty, painful burn.
If you're far from home, you'll want the most convenient option to treat a sunburn. Watch the video below to see a natural way to do so, and even though it's not covered in this tutorial, be sure to travel with aloe vera gel. The general rule of thumb is you hopefully won't need it if you have it, but as soon as you go away without it, you'll be wishing, praying, crying for the cool relief.
How To Treat A Sunburn With Lemon - 1 day
source: (ecollo) - Is Summer for Learning or Fun?
I have gotten tons of emails lately from people offering resources that will supposedly help my kids stay up to snuff academically while they navigate their summer vacation. I also know several parents that are consumed with using the summer months to “homeschool” so that their public...
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]- 2 days
source: (Green and Natural Parenting)
July 02, 2009
- What's green, red, white and blue? Your eco-friendly fourth of July!
The official countdown to fourth of July celebrations across the U.S. has begun. Traditionally red, white and blue are the colors of the day, however if you've embraced the eco-friendly lifestyle you can easily add some green into the mix.
Drink Local
July 4 is a day of celebration and what celebration is complete without good beer? If you aren't sure what your options for locally brewed beer are, stop buy your local liquor store and ask the experts there to recommend a product made close to home. It travels far less miles to get to your store shelves and there's a good chance it will be fresher and less expensive than an import. Plus you can get that warm fuzzy feeling from knowing you've supported a local business (or from an alcohol-induced buzz, whichever you prefer). Alternatively if you know of a local brewpub in the area, find out if they sell six-packs of any of their products that you can enjoy from home.Stay local
Speaking of home, stay as close there as you can. Fire up the grill (using our green grilling guide of course) and celebrate in your yard. If you have plans for the day that will take you away from your area, consider taking public transportation or car-pooling with friends heading in the same direction. Wherever you end up, if you'll be outdoors, make sure to protect yourself and your family with adequate sunscreen and insect repellent.Eat local
If you'll be eating at home or going on a picnic, buy local produce and meat from a farmer's market or local butcher shop.Ditch the disposables
If you are eating at home, use real plates, utensils and cups. If you'll be leaving the home, consider taking along your serve-ware or call up your local natural food market (if you have one) to see if they sell sugarcane-based biodegradable (compostable!) options. If not, consider sticking to finger food.Recycle and Compost
- 2 days
Always recycle the leftovers from your celebration: beer cans or bottles, napkins, you name it, find a home other than a landfill for it. Put your composter to good use with any remaining food scraps.
source: (ecollo)