Daily Granola

Keep the lid on

2009-05-18T05:59:00Z

A nice summary of why bottled water is bad choice in most situations. (The link should open in iTunes.)

Same old myth - now with debunkable numbers

2009-05-08T23:36:15Z

I've always been suspicious of the claim that it is better to use a dishwasher than to do dishes by hand. Umbra Fisk's latest item repeats that claim and she gets a round of flack from several commenters including me (#7).

Note that my complaint is about the blanket promotion of dishwashers without any consideration of how hand washing can be more efficient. I am not trying to say that no one should use a dishwasher, just that it is misleading to promote it as a 'green' choice for home use.

I think that promoting dishwashers as green is a little like promoting paper plates as a water conservation plan. Yes, I've had people try to pull that one as an excuse for using paper at a party. If you are trying to save yourself some time and hassle then honestly state that but don't claim it's 'eco-friendly'.

un-dry cleaning

2009-05-02T20:29:32Z

I have a navy peacot that was given to me by a dry cleaner about 8 years ago that I've never had to wash. Since it is still in good condition, I'd like to keep using it next winter, but now living with a cat (see icon) the coat has become covered in hair. Since it is made with wool, I was wondering if it has to be dry cleaned?

I know dry cleaning is pretty bad for the environment, and there are no "organic dry cleaners" in my area. With "dry clean" only dresses I usually just wash them like normal and hang them up to dry. With a coat this big and heavy, is that possible? With washing it and hanging it up, there will probably still be mass amounts of hair hair on it though.

Anyone with personal experience, stories, or ideas?

Don't forget!

2009-03-27T17:44:35Z

Earth Hour starts in a few hours in some parts of the world. From 8:30-9:30pm local time turn off all unnecessary power usage. e.g. lights in empty rooms, unplug chargers, do the laundry and dishes after 9:30, switch off the computer and TV and read for an hour instead.

This is not a solution to the climate crisis but it is a statement of solidarity with the world and intent to live a a more conscious lower energy lifestyle. This is not about shivering in the dark which is an infantile scare tactic used by people lacking the imagination to live a better life.

kitchen compost container

2009-03-13T23:29:21Z

I just discovered that an urban farm in my town has a place to drop off compostable scraps. I was thrilled by this discovery as I live in apartment with no place for compost (and a roommate not amenable to the concept of a worm bin) so this would be perfect. Not being able to compost has been annoying me because fruit and veggie leavings are by far the bulk of what I put in the garbage.

This place is near where I shop for groceries, the library branch, etc. so I could probably hope to stop by there once a week--but that's not guaranteed. It's far enough away that I wouldn't want to drive there just to drop off compost. So I don't know if just getting, say, a bucket with a snug lid and sticking it in the corner of the kitchen is going to work or if I'll be growing a swarm of fruit flies (not to mention smells) by doing so. I don't want to spend a lot of money and I want something easy enough to encourage my roommate to use it too. It's just the two of us cooking for ourselves when we have time, so we don't produce a ton of food waste, but I'm sure as many of you know if you buy most of your produce fresh and prepare it yourself there are plenty of scraps.

sustainable agriculture

2009-01-29T00:27:38Z

hey everybody, I'm doing a project for a class I'm in about sustainable agriculture. my focus is on the local vs. big agriculture issue, and the ways world trade plays into food systems. Can anyone recommend resources (websites are best, books would be good too) ?
thanks!

Forever Plastic

2009-01-23T17:07:32Z

Here's a good documentary on problem of plastic:
Forever Plastic

daily_granola @ 2009-01-14T22:53:00

2009-01-15T07:00:26Z

Hi... I'm coming back to this community after a LONG absence. I used to post as OrangeClouds115, BUT I can't figure out how to log into that account anymore!! Anyway, here's what I've got to share...

The year or so I spent building up this community and posting regularly here gave me a much larger awareness about the importance of sustainable and humane food. Believe it or not, I got so into the subject that I'm actually writing a book about it now (it'll be out in July). And I've found a bunch of great food blogs and started one of my own. If you're also interested in sustainable food, check out the following blogs (and set up syndication here if you'd like, too):

My Blog - La Vida Locavore
Chews Wise - blog of author Sam Fromartz
Civil Eats - a relatively new blog with great writers
Eating Liberally
The Ethicurean - one of my favorites!
The Green Fork - The blog of Eat Well Guide
Grist - where you can read the fantastic work of Tom Philpott
Irresistable Fleet of Bicycles
www.livablefutureblog.com/ - Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins University
Not In My Food - Consumers Union's blog
What to Eat - Professor, author, and goddess Marion Nestle's blog
U.S. Food Policy
Yale Sustainable Food Project

TV for tonight

2009-01-02T02:02:21Z

CBC is running "An Inconvenient Truth" tonight at 8pm.

Green Boots?

2008-11-30T05:19:23Z

Hi Guys!
So, for christmas I am asking for these boots, but I am curious if they will actually repel water and snow? They're wool felt, Simple shoes... I just thought maybe someone in the community had some thoughts. I have a pair of their sneakers and I LOVE them, but I am just worried that living in Grand Rapids Michigan I might end up regretting getting the eco-friendly boots if they don't repel water and snow..

Thoughts? Would a repellent work on these? There are also cotton ones I was looking at too...

And I totally recommend this company if you are going to buy new shoes!

daily_granola @ 2008-10-13T16:19:00

2008-10-13T22:19:22Z

One of the best things you can do right now is email all your Canadian friends and family to tell them to vote strategically against the footdragging Harper government. Check Vote for Climate for the best candidates in each riding who are most likely to defeat the Conservatives.

We need to change our politicians even more than our lightbulbs!

New community

2008-10-10T00:32:53Z

Hi folks,

Sorry if you get this message more than once, I'm cross-posting to a few communities. I am looking for members for a new community, csa_chat, for talking about Community Supported Agriculture.

If you are a member of a CSA, or are interested in what happens when you are a member, please join the community! I hope to discuss regional foods, recipes, and to have a forum where people can answer questions about what the heck to do with that big bunch of mustard greens that came with this week's share.

clothing?

2008-09-21T23:14:46Z

Hey all!
Daily earth-friendly action you can take: help a friend make eco-friendly choices!
so.... if you want to help *me*... here's the puzzle.

95% of my closet was not purchased new. I make, re-make, buy secondhand, or elsewise accumulate cool stuff.
so the 5% that remains is socks and underwear. I don't want to spend tons on them, I don't care how high the thread count is or where the cotton came from, I just want some good, solid, useable, organic stuff from a company that isn't powered by the sweat of small children. Where can I look?

leave a comment -- recommend a website -- give me sewing patterns -- whatever you can do! Thanks!
Talitha

connect2earth

2008-08-06T08:35:59Z

Not sure if anyone has seen this site yet - but it's a joint project with WWF, the IUCN and Nokia callled connect2earth.

You can upload content expressing your ideas on how to improve our world - each month the winner gets a phone and then the super winner gets to share their ideas at the World Conservation Congress in October.

Just thought I'd post it in case you want to sign up and upload some ideas . . .

Sustainable goals for housing complex?

2008-07-11T22:07:03Z

Inspired by the last post, I thought I might be able to get some more ideas from you all.

I live in a 400-some apartment housing co-op, with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units. We have a sustainability committee and have been trying to come up with doable ideas for projects.

Things we have managed to get accomplished this year:
- when apartments are cleaned out (after someone moves), low-flow shower heads are being installed
- recycling bins have been painted green and have a list of items allowed in them
- compost bins have been implemented
- monthly news item in e-newsletter
- increased awareness of proper hazardous and electronic waste disposal (still needs work though)

Things we are thinking about:
- more trees planted in order to have more shade to protect the grass from drying out so quickly
- better garden care (plots aren't allowed to rest after a year)
- rain barrels for garden use
- biking seminar to teach people about bike maintenance and pathway system

We have been encouraged by management working with us on our previous projects that we want to dream. Any ideas??

a little more green

2008-07-11T03:17:37Z

Each year for the last three years, I have tried to take on one new green habit. I am getting increasingly frustrated with the warming of the climate and have tried to do things that decrease my impact overall.

Three years ago, I switched to compact florescent bulbs for household use. My house already uses standard florescent for bulbs for the bedroom. Now, I replace all bulbs with compact florescent.

Two years ago, I decided to get off catalog lists. This was not very effective until I found CatalogChoice.org but the website works very well. If you order a lot of stuff on-line, like me, you probably get a lot of paper catalogs. I still get a few, but no where near as many as I used to.

This year, I took on the plastic bag problem. I collected all my tote bags, and got a few for free or very cheap at garage sales. They don't match and they aren't pretty (except the Target ones I got at a fundraiser) but I don't get plastic bags anymore. And being all different sizes, I can really be efficient about packing them. It only took me a couple of shopping trips to remember to take them with me every time. Now I am working on remembering to take them with me when shopping with the boyfriend in his car.

As happy as I am with the changes I have made, believe me, this does not strike me as doing nearly enough. I try to remind myself of the other things about my life that are low impact on the environment. The biggest one is, I never had kids, that is a huge savings of household consumption and waste. My job does require me to drive locally, but never to fly. I don't drink bottled water. I subscribe to a local organic farm all summer, so my fresh produce from June to October is organic and not shipped from overseas. Plus I freeze the excess, so I have frozen produce in the winter as well. I recycle everything that my village takes. My boyfriend and I are very creative about second hand shopping for home improvement and decor items, so that I rarely buy anything new for the house. We either reuse something I already have, or find what we want at house and garage sales. The boyfriend is also a volunteer at a second hand store, so he gets lots of great bargains there.

Lately, I have been experimenting with tips from the hypermilers. I have taken to coasting with my foot off the gas when possible, especially coming up to a stop or red light. Just making this one little change has definitely stretched how long a tank of gas lasts. I am working on gas mileage numbers to track this, but so far, I am pleased with the results. With my regular driving habits (too fast) I was using a tank every seven to eight days. My last full tank lasted 12 days of regular use (work, shopping). I realized with this experiment that I am also very efficient in my shopping habits. My regular stops are mostly right on the way to and from work, so I rarely drive specifically to shop. My boyfriend does our grocery shopping when he does his elderly father's, so he saves a trip there, too. He still gets plastic bags, but I need some for cat litter and for kitchen garbage, so I let that go.

So what changes have you made to make your life a little more green? I am prepared to feel totally inadequate at your great ideas..... ;-)

Resturants and composting

2008-06-30T23:51:33Z

I was curious what do restaurants do with leftover food scraps? Are restaurants in the habit of composting?

Backyard and frontyard CSA

2008-06-28T14:30:35Z

I thought this would be interesting to the community:

Boulder, Colorado's community farming project is the brain child of founder Kipp Nash, who has devoted his attention to the ways in which we can connect our communities to bring traditionally rural ways of living into an urban context. Kipp utilizes the available land in urban settings (particularly front yards) to produce organically-grown produce, which is then sold at the Boulder Farmer's Market or via a CSA membership program (or given to those who have donated their land).

http://www.communityrootsboulder.com/

sweatshop free stores/brands?

2008-06-24T20:12:12Z

I'm wondering if there is a list available (I did a search with no luck) of stores or brands that ares sweatshop free?

I'm not looking for anything in particular just some kind of idea to what is available out there.

thank you in advance.

Mothballs: a question

2008-06-03T17:10:52Z

How do you get the smell of mothballs out of something plastic?
Thanks.

Health effects

Exposure to large amounts of naphthalene may damage or destroy red blood cells. Humans, particularly children, have developed this condition, known as hemolytic anemia, after ingesting mothballs or deodorant blocks containing naphthalene. Symptoms include fatigue, lack of appetite, restlessness, and pale skin. Exposure to large amounts of naphthalene may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, and jaundice (yellow coloration of the skin).

When the U.S. National Toxicology Program exposed male and female rats and mice to naphthalene vapors on weekdays for two years,[4] male and female rats exhibited: evidence of carcinogenic activity, based on increased incidences of adenoma and neuroblastoma of the nose, female mice exhibited some evidence of carcinogenic activity, based on increased incidences of alveolar and bronchiolar adenomas of the lung, and male mice exhibited no evidence of carcinogenic activity.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)[5] classifies naphthalene as possibly carcinogenic to humans [Group 2B]. The IARC also points out that acute exposure causes cataracts in humans, rats, rabbits, and mice, and that hemolytic anemia, described above, can occur in children and infants after oral or inhalation exposure or after maternal exposure during pregnancy.

Over 400 million people have an inherited condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Exposure to naphthalene is more harmful for these people and may cause hemolytic anemia at lower doses.

watch free now!

2008-05-08T01:02:41Z

Tv Show: 30 Days
Episode: Off the Grid
Time: 44:21

Two 30-year-old professionals go "back to the future" and learn to live without the natural resources that will be depleted from our earth in the not-too-distant future.

click here to watch on hulu.com

and here is the place featured on the show: http://www.dancingrabbit.org/

Solar Projects for Under $1000

2008-04-29T21:25:24Z

http://www.sierraclub.org/wecandoit/home/solar.asp

Some utilities offer incentives and rebates for installing solar panels on your home. Contact your local utility to find out if they offer such incentives. (Here's an example of an incentive program in California.) Lastly, the government will pay you back 30 percent of the cost of your solar installations, up to a maximum of $2000.

Here are a few examples of what you can do for about $1000 or less:

- Complete solar hot water heater kit: $825. Minus a 30% tax credit = $577. U.S. Department of Energy's complete guide to solar hot water heaters.

- Outdoor solar lighting for decks, walkways, gardens, porches, and garages: $75 per lamp. These are probably the easiest and cheapest solar additions to your home.

- Complete solar cabin kits to power an outdoor shed, or remote cabin: Starts at $975 for 80 watt output, $1610 for 165 watt output. After government tax breaks, that's $683 and $1127 respectively.

- Even a solar iPod charger! Works with other MP3 players and PDAs also. Only $44.

Changing businesses by... shopping there! in mass!

2008-04-23T21:20:23Z

Carrotmob leveraged the power of several hundred San Francisco consumers to get a local liquor store to make environmentally friendly choices. How did they do it? Organizer Brent Schulkin went to all the liquor stores and asked if he got a ton of people down there to buy on one day, how great of a percentage of their spending would the store be willing to dedicate to making environmentally friendly improvments? The store with the greatest percentage won and the Carrotmob got several hundred people to show up on one day. The line stretched around the block and bouncers had to be used to regulate the inflow. The consumers spent about five times what the store pulls in on a normal day, generating enough money for the store to redo its lighting system and its refrigeration gaskets. "We can harness the buying power of the casual consumer, get businesses to make environmental choices, and we can do it with the carrot," says Brent in the event video after the jump. Pretty freakin' awesome, a total win-win, imagine what could this look like if it were scaled out on a national level...

copied from consumerist.com

apartment composting?

2008-04-22T19:26:54Z

My roommate and I produce a fair amount of produce scraps, and I'd love to have a compost bin. We do have a little bit of space outside in the shade where I could put a small container, but it would have to be closer to 5 gal bucket than garbage can size, and not smell or attract too many bugs because people would be walking right by it on a regular basis. Has anyone tried this on a small scale? How practical is it? Any suggestions for containers? I'm in California so we have a mild climate and I'm sure I could find someone to occasionally take the completed compost for use in a garden.