Environment | Eco-Friendly Essentials

Jason Mraz: Using his Status to Help the Environment

It is truly a wonderful sight to see celebrities and musicians use their status and fame to bring good into our culture. George Clooney is trying to raise awareness about genocide and Ellen DeGeneres is speaking on behalf of gay rights. Way too many stars are all about getting on the cover of “People” and having their newest Twitter tweet become headline news. “Bad publicity is good publicity,” is an unfortunate but true standard for most high profile celebrities. But there is one musician out there in particular, who is using his high-profile status to make the world a more eco-friendly place.

Jason Mraz is a groovy reggae/alternative rock music sensation. Girls can be seen swooning over his arguably most popular song, “I’m Yours.” But those that follow his Twitter account, and especially those who see him in concert, understand how much the environment means to him. His audience ranges from those in their tweens to those in their fifties or maybe sixties. And what he says resonates with his fans because of his caring attitude and the passion he puts behind not only every song, but behind every message.

During his tour in 2010, Jason Mraz could always been seen on stage with a reusable water bottle. He constantly referred to it during his shows and made it known that he did not plan on purchasing plastic water bottles any time soon. But the most amazing thing he did was regarding the backdrop on the stage. He had lights that would spell out various themes during different song, and the light bulbs were placed in sixteen hundred plastic water bottles. It was a simple, yet powerful statement.

Jason Mraz demonstrated how to use his status to make a difference. It is those types of messages that will captivate an audience, and will motivate them to take little steps in making the environment a better, more eco-friendly place.

Filed Under: Environment Tagged With: Environment

Buying Clothes While Protecting the Environment

If you need new clothes, it’s important to think about where they’re coming from and what’s happening in the lives of the people who make them. You don’t want to encourage sweatshop labor or those kinds of things, and you also want to think about what your clothes-buying habits are doing to the environment. Find out where the clothes you’re buying are made and what they’re made from. If they aren’t made from fibers that are environmentally friendly, you might want to consider switching brands and purchasing clothing that is easier on the planet.

Finding out the impact of your clothing choices can be just a click away, too. You can research your Apple Bottoms and determine where they come from. Sure, they’re great for women with curves, but you can look further to find out if they’re environmentally friendly. That way, you can see what kind of impact you’re making on the planet. Over time, people are becoming more interested in that, and they’re getting more informed about who’s making their products and where those products are coming from.

The future of the clothing industry will be impacted by that, too, because people aren’t going to keep buying clothes that are hurting the environment. Some people will, but not all of them will continue to do so. For the people who don’t want clothing that’s harmful to the planet, clothing companies that don’t want to lose business will have to make a lot of changes. They’ll be willing to do it if they want to keep their market share. They can actually make more money in the long run if they cater to their customers early and often, and show that what their customers want matters to them. That might be stressful for the company at first, because it will be used to doing things a certain way, but making changes can really help to improve business for the future.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Environment Tagged With: Apple Bottoms, Clothing, Environmentally friendly

Going Green by Cooking

For most of us, times are now tighter than they have ever been. Saving a buck here and there is almost a necessity. Yet, when people believe they are doing a great job saving money, they are sometimes wasting it just as much as before.

A lot of people will order take-out after a long day of work, or stop by a fast food restaurant for dinner after a long day of classes. This is perfectly fine to do every once in a while, but over time it adds up even when you don’t realize it. Eating out can cost anywhere from five to twenty dollars every time. Not only are you wasting money each time, but each time you bring back food to your home, your trash bin gets closer and closer to the brim with empty boxes, silverware, and uneaten food. A quick resolve for this is a word some people are not familiar with… Cooking!

The first thing people say about cooking is they do not have time or they are too tired when they come home. That is a weak argument which can easily be dispelled. For those who have at least one day off during the week and about forty five minutes free during that day, you can prepare your meals for that week. If you are on a budget, you can easily find food that is cheap to cook and will last you more than one meal. You can cook it all in one setting and just put it in the fridge and heat it up the next few days. Clean up only requires putting dishes in the dishwasher and the trash can does not pile up twenty feet high in the air.

Cooking is a great way to save money, to eat healthier, and to reduce the amount of trash generated. Learn how to cook; it is a tasty way to go green!

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Environment Tagged With: Cooking, Food, Home

Walk for the Environment

With the invention of electric cars, people are starting to at least become aware that exhaust from automobiles is not the healthiest thing for the ozone layer. Exhaust from Hummers and big SUVs do indeed pollute the air, but it is not realistic, nor fair to expect everybody to get rid of their luxury vehicles to downgrade to a more environmentally-friendly car. However, there is an easy solution to help the environment that does not involve getting rid of or trading in your vehicle.

Walking is, for most of us, one of the very first activities we learn how to do. It takes time and a lot of patience, but before we know it we are hopping around the entire house on our own two feet. Yet, once we get a little older, and especially around legal driving age, walking seems to become more and more of a less appealing option. But the benefits of this elementary task are tenfold.

Busy schedules do sometime force us to get places quickly, thus making driving almost a necessity. But when we have free time, and have a place to go that is not too far and in a relatively safe area, walking there can bring many good things to the table. First and foremost you are getting exercise, which is something a high percentage of people are not getting. Secondly, you are not wasting gas and not releasing toxins into the ozone. Thirdly, if you walk somewhere with a friend, you can concentrate on having a real conversation than having to split your attention between what they are talking about and the traffic whizzing by.

Nice weather is almost a begging invitation to get out there and walk. It is almost as if the environment is offering a trade off. They give you sunshine, and in return you keep your car in the garage and use your own two feet.

Filed Under: Environment Tagged With: Electric car, Hummer, Ozone layer

Tailgating: Needs to Stop Being Such a Mess

It is unfortunate to see many people live their lives as if someone is always going to clean up after them. People assume that if they leave a box of cereal open on the counter, that someone else will undoubtedly close it and put it away. But what is much worse is how people apply that style of living to God’s Green Earth; especially on Football Saturdays.

Living in Athens, GA, Saturdays in the Fall means one thing and one thing only: Football. A seven o’clock kickoff can easily mean tailgating starting at seven o’clock… in the morning that is. It can also unfortunately mean turning the beautiful campus of the University of Georgia into something barely short of a detonated mine field.

People tailgate for hours drinking beers, grilling out, throwing footballs, and watching the day’s football games on portable televisions. It is a tradition like no other. But once it gets close to game time, people get in a rush to go to the stadium and leave whatever is not essential behind, which is more than likely garbage. The University of Georgia crew had to spend around forty thousand dollars to clean up after one football Saturday. It was nice to see people start to put a majority of their trash in trash bags, but these consistent high costs don’t come without consequences. They come with increased fees and tuition hikes and put the students, who are not always the ones causing the damage, in precarious situations.

We are indeed a fast-moving society, but we need to not overlook what we are leaving behind when we move at a frenetic pace. We cannot always rely on others to clean up our mess; we must do whatever is needed to put the time and effort into manning up and taking care of our responsibilities.

Filed Under: Environment Tagged With: God, University of Georgia

Eco-friendly Clothing Stores in Canada

If you like keeping up with fashion trends, but are also concerned about the environment; you can have the best of both worlds by shopping at eco-friendly clothing stores in Canada. Even better news is that the resources on Canada 411 can help you a store near you.

Eco-friendly clothing has many advantages, especially when it comes to protecting the environment. For example, eco-friendly clothing is almost always made from natural fibers. This allows clothing manufacturers to use materials of which the production did not add to pollution or did not require the mixing of artificial materials or even chemicals to produce the material.

Eco-friendly clothing is generally easy to clean. The wearer doesn’t have to worry about using a lot of detergent, bleach, or anything else containing harsh chemicals that can harm the environment as well as break down fabric, thus necessitating the constant replacing of clothing.

Again, wearing eco-friendly clothing does not mean one has to dress as though he or she is stranded on a desert island. Many clothing stores specialize in eco-friendly clothing, while others may carry select items along with their regular clothing line. The resources that you will find on Canada 411 will give you the names and locations of these stores, so that you find one close to you.

If the store has a website, you may even be able to view some of the eco-friendly selections they have as well as see the prices. In this way, you will be able to comparison-shop for the best values, as well as the best selection.

When you use Canada 411, you are also helping the environment in another way besides. When you know exactly where you are going, you don’t waste gas (or petrol, as it is sometimes referred to.) In fact, you may be able to find a store that is within walking distance, which saves gas/petrol as well as providing you with exercise.

Filed Under: Business, Environment Tagged With: Clothing, Environmentally friendly

"Going Green" by Turning off the TV

Going green is not just about recycling and conserving energy. Although those are two main focuses of going green, there is a greater idea behind the concept. Our society is heavily shifting towards “instantaneous results” and “I want my phone to do anything in the world.” But going green means trying to bring the “activity” back into life. And that can be done by enjoying something most people have forgotten about since the invention of smart phones and high-def television: non-electric hobbies.

A lot of people do not appreciate the little things in life as much as they did growing up and “going green” tries to change that. To appreciate the little things, go camping and make sure you are not within access of a cell phone or wireless connection. Or force yourself to go an hour or two every day without using your cell phone, computer, or television. You will very shortly realize what some of your favorite hobbies are. The distractions are too easy when we have them at our disposal.

Books seem ancient to most people. But it can be a core focus of “going green.” By turning of the television and reading any type of book for thirty minutes to an hour every day can dramatically improve your lifestyle. You are not only saving electricity costs, but you are getting an education and possibly even getting into a really good story. This can even motivate you to spend time with other people and do activities like building a puzzle or having a catch; instead of watching the same rerun on television over and over again or surfing the Internet on your smart phone for hours on end.

Once you have to put a little effort in having a good time, you may start to appreciate the little things more and more each day.

Filed Under: Environment

Little Changes, Big Rewards

: Image by Lea LSF via Flickr

It was a quick decision, made after witnessing the unsteady stacks of trash beyond your driveway, the recycling bins that sat lonely beside. They were all empty, without even a slip of paper to wait within. And that… was not good, you knew. It was instead merely lazy. You were guilty of apathy, of refusing to separate your paper and plastic. Each was just tossed idly into a bag, placed on the curb for others to deal with. And, while you watched as it was hauled away, you realized just how much waste you managed to accumulate.

Something had to change.

And so you decided then to make a stand against such practices — you would become a supporter of all green causes; you would eliminate emissions. All of your friends would look to you as a beacon of righteous choices.

That intention has proven to be difficult, however. You’re still dependent on your old ways, still trying to decipher how to lessen their effects. It isn’t easy. But you have discovered a method that offers quick results and far less strain (essential for your less than steady discipline): eco-friendly clothing.

You would’ve once thought this to be impossible — your love of shopping could never be considered a way to help the planet. But, by choosing sustainable resources and recycled accessories, you understand that you’re reducing the worries of chemicals and dyes, hazardous materials. Each outfit becomes a tribute to fashion and wisdom; and the combination is one that makes a difference.

Environmental clothing offers natural alternatives to the typical designs. Brands aren’t soaked in synthetic fibers, packaged in Styrofoam. They’re instead created from renewable elements and will offer longevity. They reduce the impact of carbon throughout the world while still allowing individuals to maintain their style sensibilities.

It’s a gesture you can give again and again.

You aren’t yet the paragon of green living. You can, however, be the example of green fashion.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Environment Tagged With: Environmentally friendly, Sustainable living

Environment Protection: Clothing

: Image by _thebest_ via Flickr

It is the sudden cause, a desire shared across the world — the environment is now to be protected. While there was once a casual disregard for the future (with no concern offered for the bursts of smoke, the towers of slick plastic), there is now an understanding that Earth is to be spared the effects of poor choices. All impulses are to be controlled. All practices are to be tamed. The intention is to save the planet and great efforts have been offered toward this goal; even in unlikely ways.

The concept of helping the environment through clothing is one many don’t believe in. They think it is an impossibility, the fashion industry trying to take advantage of the sudden public awareness. But such cynicism — while understandable — is not needed. There are indeed ways for fabric to assist with this campaign; and they have proven themselves to be invaluable.

Eco-friendly clothing is defined most simply as a choice of materials and productions that does not harm the environment. Specific cloths are used (organic fibers like cotton and linen, which are sustainable and can be used again and again); recycled elements are chosen (such as zippers and buttons); natural dyes are selected instead of synthetic ones; and manufacturers refuse to use more energy than is absolutely necessary, reducing their carbon imprints.

These methods — when combined — yield an unexpected reward: the world is not forced to endure wasted fabrics and leaking dyes. And this helps to ensure a better tomorrow.

Environmentally conscious clothing is a new trend but one that shouldn’t be discounted. It offers obvious advantages (while still maintaining the looks all individuals crave. Social awareness does not translate into unflattering designs. Beauty is still considered). Find brands that suit your life; find fibers that appeal; and discover the difference that can be made through cloth.

It’s protection for the planet. It’s style for you. It’s the right choice for all.

Filed Under: Environment Tagged With: Clothing, Natural dye, Textile

Changing the Footprint: Environmental Shoes

: Image via Wikipedia

It is an unfortunate truth, one you have been trying to deny for weeks — your beloved shoes are falling apart. The laces are withered; the soles are distressed; and the lining is destroyed, mottled now and offering no support. It was bound to happen (though the inevitability of it makes it no less tragic). You’ve had this pair for years, have walked countless miles within them. They have been the rare comfort, allowing you to do what you wished and travel where you pleased. They were easy. They were familiar. And now they must be replaced with something new.

That, of course, worries you. It seems such a difficult thing to find shoes that fit, flatter and offer durability.

There is more to consider than those elements, however — there is instead to need to be environmentally conscious.

The times are being redefined. The once accepted practices of synthetic materials and soil damaging dyes are being replaced to safer, better, methods. The industrial world has realized the flaws in its plans and is seeking to reinvent them. Shoes are no exception to this. They have instead been shaped into eco-friendly styles; and you should now look to them for your walking needs.

Don’t believe these products to be the ugly soles, however — the heavy weights and too wide shapes. The clumsy designs of the past are no more. They’ve instead been offered a modern appeal. Environmental shoes are made from natural materials (such as bamboo or hemp). They utilize unique accessories, such as laces made from yarn and recycled fasteners. And they even come from factories that seek to lower carbon emissions. The entire process is streamlined and made more efficient.

And this is vital in reducing waste and chemical damage.

You have had many adventures with your old shoes. Now, however, you must seek new thrills with ones that won’t wreak havoc on nature. It is — fortunately — simple.

Filed Under: Environment Tagged With: Footwear, Shoe, Shopping