Category: Green news

Are you crafty/creative? A do-it-yourself-er ? A tinkerer who likes to make all sorts of neat stuff? Readymade has ideas for reusing and recycling products.

According to this Time Magazine article, certain air fresheners contain phthalates, chemicals that can cause cancer, fertility problems, and in babies, sex hormone and developmental abnormalities. Since 2004,the European Union has banned two types of phthalates in cosmetics and in children’s toys. The US FDA does not consider the amounts that Americans are exposed to…

I glanced at the container of disinfectant wipes at work today. I usually use it to clean my workspace – keyboard, mouse, phone, desktop – you know how it is. It’s only today that I noticed: 1. ‘Not for cleaning or sanitizing skin.’2. ‘Precautionary statements: Hazards to humans and domestic animals.’3. ‘Offer empty container for…

From About.com: Traditional professional carpet cleaning products contain perchloroethylene and naphthalene, chemicals that may cause neurological, kidney and liver damage. They can also pollute groundwater if not disposed of properly. Eco-friendly alternatives include making your own solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, AFM SafeChoice,Seventh Generation’s Natural Citrus Carpet Cleaner,Bi-O-Kleen, Capture, Simple Green, NatureClean….

Here’s something nifty: Local Cooling can help computer users fight global warming! Download the 100% Free LocalCooling Application and it automatically optimizes your PC’s power consumption by using a more effective power save mode. You will be able to see your savings in real-time translated to more environmental terms such as how many trees and…

Sleep easy with undergarments and sleepwear made from organic cotton or hemp. By spring 2008, Victoria’s Secret will launch an eco-friendly line of clothing. (According to Ecorazzi, the company also committed to stop using endangered forests for their catalog paper.) Dreamsacks offers pesticide free clothing and beddings made from bamboo. although they do seem a…

Ever used a no-staple stapler? I’d love to stop using staplers, but most no-staple staplers I found only “stapled” up to 5 pages. The documents I work on are usually 8 pages or more. Any suggestions? What’s more, can a no-staple stapler still be considered a stapler when it doesn’t use staples?

Everybody knows that gas prices are skyrocketing. The U.S. Congress passed bills this summer to reduce America’s oil dependence. Sign PIRG’s petition to to bring a final energy bill to the U. S. House and Senate floors. This will ensure that the bill would increase gas mileage standards, thereby setting a strong standard requiring power…

As the temperature changes, adopt this tip from Ideal Bite: Dress in layers instead of reaching for the heat or airconditioner switch. Regulate your temperature by wearing appropriate clothes and you can save $250 a year. This also helps avoid 1,000 lb of CO2 per person, per year.

Here’s a straightforward list you can consult if you want to know how to save the planet, courtesy of Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life (SEQL).