Author: The GU team

Instead of tossing old batteries and obsolete portable electronic devices into your trash can, you can buy a Big Green Box that you can fill with electronic unwanteds and old alkalines. It comes with shipping prepaid to your recycling facility and you call UPS to pick it up. This will keep hazardous lead,mercury and other…

PET plastic-or polyethylene terephthalate,used to make bottles with the number “1” in the recycling logo-can be recycled to make shoes, carpeting,t-shirts,jackets. Patagonia makes products from recycled bottles and other materials. Go to their website and type “PCR”-for post-consumer-recycled-in the search box.

Staples recently announced that it is offering nationwide computer recycling in its stores. It is the first national retailer to have an electronic waste recycling program on a daily basis. Just bring in used computers, laptops, monitors, faxes, printers to any US Staples store during store hours; they will be recycled according to EPA (Environmental…

Since March 2007, Ikea USA has been charging a nickel for a plastic bag at check out. The money raised will be donated to forest restoration.The program was launched in the UK in June 2006 with an impressive 95 % reduction in plastic bag consumption. Ikea also cut the cost of its reusable shopping totes…

Today: a trip to La Mesa Ecopark in Fairview, Quezon City, Philippines. The La Mesa watershed is the main source of water for practically all of Metro Manila and there was a lot of angry buzzing a year ago because there were plans to develop the area to provide housing for the employees of the…

What better way to enjoy nature than to be outdoors? With Memorial Day long weekend looming ahead of us, I’m sure a lot of folks are there are thinking of going on picnics, barbecues and cookouts. I know I am. Mother Earth Living has a list of picnic items that are good for the environment….

Fuel saving tips for this Memorial Day weekend: Regular car maintenance keeps your vehicle operating at maximum efficiency. Keeping tires inflated to recommended pressure improves gas mileage by 6%. Keeping wheels aligned improves fuel economy by 10%. Keep air and fuel filters clean. Clean out the trunk or cargo area. Pack lightly for vacations or…

Good ol’ reliable Google came up with a “Summer of Green“. Check it out!

New York City’s air quality has consistently been among the worst in the US. The city has the highest asthma mortality rate in the country. In July 2005, Mayor Bloomberg signed the Clean Air Taxis Act, allowing the use of hybrid electric vehicles as taxi cabs. According to the Sierra Club, this could reduce emissions…

In April 2007, Home Depot launched its Eco Options program. It helps customers identify products that have less impact on the environment. The products include all natural insect repellents, biodegradable pots,certified wood, organic plant food, energy efficient lightbulbs and programmable thermostats. For more information, visit Home Depot.