Green Teens at Christmas

Are you trying to come up with ways to keep your teens environmentally aware? Do you keep the conversation turning back to why we only take 3 minute showers or why we should shut the lights off as we leave a room?
It's the holiday season and an easy time to continue with a teens green education. What gift can you give that promotes green living allowing them to see green in action. Yes , they see us compost and hang up the clothes but is that fun or just necessity to environment awareness.

A green christmas gift should pack a punch, especially with a teenager. We go through the typical stocking stuffings Itunes cards, earbuds, but what else could be interesting and fun? and Green?
I have a few suggestions.

Mindware has some great solar powered toys such as a Hydrogen-Powered Remote-Controlled Car! ages 12 and above. $129.

Fatbraintoys has a Kreechers pillow made out of recycled materials. $30.

Uncommongoods has recycled vinyl records into handmade cuff braclets $50.

Arbor collective has snowboards, skateboards and clothes. Eco friendly click here to find a location near you.

For more Greener gifts to give during this holiday season click here

Taming Mold with Tea Tree Oil

Are you tired of looking at mold growing in the grout of your bathroom, AGAIN? Dragging out hazardous chemicals once a week to clean mold from around the tub and tile. Don’t you think that by know there should be a natural safe product to clean and keep mold away? I don’t want to have to light off a toxic gas bomb in the bathroom just to have a shiny clean tub. Well, I have an answer, Tea Tree oil, this oil kills mold in bathrooms and kitchens as well as retarding the growth of new mold. That is HUGE! If I could get one day or one week longer without having to bring out smelly toxic chemicals I would do it. Now you can too!

How to Kill Mold with Tea Tree Oil: Using tea tree oil to kill household mold is one effective natural cleaner. Tea tree oil is antibacterial, antifungal as well as being capable of killing all types of molds. Tea Tree oil is an essential oil which is harmless to people and pets (although it can irritate your skin if used in a highly concentrated strength).
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Green guide tips: Composting

Green guide tips: Composting: "Compost: What is it? Compost is the decompostition of any organic material. It's that simple. Compost's are humus, which resembles topsoil ..."

Composting

Compost: What is it?

Compost is the decompostition of any organic material. It's that simple. Compost's are humus, which resembles topsoil and is dark in color, peat like, has a crumbly texture and earthy odor. This end product has no physical resemblence to the original waste from which compost is created. Good quality compost has no weed seeds or organisms that may be pathogenic to humans, animals or plants.

There are many uses for composted materials. There are many reasons to create compost heaps. Insect control, disease control, fertilizer or just to have a place to put food and yard waste.
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Natural Pet Care

Is natural pet care better than your vet? Is using herbs and organic ingredients the right answer for your pet? Does your pet have allergies? Is your pet lethargic and tired all the time?
Check out www.greenguidetips.com

Eco Friendly question Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers

Eco Friendly Diapers
Choosing the right diaper: Cloth verse paper. Diaper service's were the only option when it came to diapering needs. Back in 1940. Nowadays moms and dads are looking to be responsible as well as having that convienence factor. Picking the right way to diaper your child, has to do with your thoughts on the environment, benefits to your new baby and convenience for you. Take your time going through this article.

Where do diapers come from? Disposable diapers are made from wood pulp and plastics; the plastic derived from petroleum. Buried inside most disposable diapers is a salt based polymer that increases absorbency. Reusable diapers are made from cotton and created using lots of water and bleach, unless you choose an eco friendly company for your cloth diapers. see more

Green cleaning

For some, green cleaning means only using products such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemons to clean surfaces. Others may seek out cleaners created with our environment in mind avoiding chlorine, phosphates, artificial fragrances and added coloring.Pre-packaged cleaning products can make use of recycled packaging or donate a portion of their profits to environmental causes and a few cleaners on the market are said to be biodegradable.

You can create your own cleaners following these simple formulas.

All Purpose Cleaner

This formula disinfects and can be used
on any washable surface in your home.
Since it’s antiviral and antifungal it’s particularly
suitable for kitchen’s and bathroom’s.

1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar,
2 tsp. liquid castile soap (usually sold as a concentrate)
25 drops essential oil of Thyme, Eucalyptus,
Tea tree, Lavender, Sandalwood or Lemon
Add all ingredients to a large spray bottle
(about 22 oz. and shake before using)

for more money saving formulas check out http://bit.ly/bi0Ryz

Sustainable Produce

The modern Organics Movement got its start in the late 1960’s and the early 1970’s when a band of farmers began to cultivate a more natural alternative to the industrial chemical agribusiness that had been feeding the country since the end of WWII. From the early experiments grew the organic industry we know today: small scale farming grounded in chemical free and ecologically sound strategies.

Instead of employing nitrogen fertilizers which feed the plant but not the soil these organic pioneers used plant compost and manures which nourished both. They targeted pests not with toxic sprays but with natural bug enemies. Crops were rotated into different fields every season allowing the ground to re-nourish itself some fields were allowed to lie fallow.

The approach produced harvests that were smaller then those on conventional farms but were fresher and safer. Over time some of these farms grew into small companies. The population that bought their produce was small mostly vegans and other health conscious shoppers.

If you want to support the small organic farmers in your area or the independent organic company and the values they bring to the movement? You’ll find them in the following venues: Farmers Markets, CSA’s and Buyers clubs.

Farmers Market
USDA farmers market

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
CSA’s are local organic farms that provide their subscribers with a supply of organic produce once a week , from May to November. Produce is typically delivered to drop-ff points close to subscribers. To join you pay farmers for your produce in advance of the growing season. To locate the CSA farm nearest you look at the online USDAs alternative farming system center.
Search for CSA

Buyers clubs
Get together with other organic consumers in your area and purchase organic food in bulk directly from the suppliers themselves, buy from small, independent organic companies. (grower may not be local) You’ll get a discount on your purchases. To find a club in your area contact your natural foods store for a list of whole sale suppliers.

source: googlebooks

Ocean City, Maryland

I vacationed in Ocean City, MD this year with full intention of shouting out to the world how green OC was going, well , I was disappointed they have stopped recycling due to the cost. I did see one (1) organic restaurant but the menu was overpriced plus you needed to be "dressed", my idea of dressed at the shore is shorts and flip flops at all times. Superfresh at 94th Street carried more organic produce, milk, jams, bread, water, etc, then I was normally accustomed to. I also saw Edwards store on the board walk carrying Stainless steel water bottles.

I want to send a special shout out to a local artist that created my new avatar for GGT. His name is Mike and he sits on the boardwalk drawing caricatures. Amazing artist, take a walk down to Fat Cats at 13th Street on the boards see some local talent...thats what eco friendly is all about!

I have concluded that Ocean City still has a way to go. Every visit I make I will continue to ask ,bug, and bother store owners, condo renters, etc, with green questions.
Why shouldn't our vacation spots be green? Who says you stop caring about the environment and ecosystem when you leave your little part of the world?

It doesn't take much to think green!

GGT
http://bit.ly/bKh8Sj

BP Poll

How do you feel about BP?
Would you like your voice heard?

Take our poll and give your opinion
http://bit.ly/bKh8Sj

Power of the Sun

I came across an article written by Susan McQuillan called
10 Easy Ways to Harness the sun.

I thought it was worth repeating.
So here goes.

1. Sun dry a batch of tomatoes. You can use any variety. Halve or thinly slice them, depending on size, remove seeds, and arrange in a single layer on a clean screen or mesh rack. Cover loosely with cheesecloth to keep out dust, debris and insects.Lay the covered screen on a table outdoors in direct sunlight. If more drying is needed, take them indoors at night and set them outside the next day.
2. Dry your clothes outdoors. When the sun is high, your clothes will be dry in an hour or so. You'll have to forego fabric softner sheets; try Green Way Lavender and Rose scented liquid softner in the wash.
3. Remove stains. Use the suns bleaching/fading power to remove stains from white and light colored laundry by leaving clothing, cloth diapers and linens out in direct sun for several hours longer after they've dried in the sun.
4. Freshen up throw rugs and fabrics. Direct sunlight destroys musty odors and even some bacteria. Air out shower curtains, small rugs, table linens, and anything that's been sitting in the linen closet over the winter.
5. Dry your hair outdoors. Put down the blow dryer, put on some Live Better! sunscreen, go out in the backyard to brush your hair dry under the sun.
6. Highlight your hair. Instead of using chemical lighteners, stop at the supermarket and pick up a few fresh lemons or a container of real lemon juice for light hair or a box of America's Choice chamomile tea for darker hair. Combine lemon juice with an equal amount of water, or brew the tea. Streak, spritz or saturate your hair with either liquid, and be sure to apply protection to your skin before going out in the sun. Wash it out before the end of the day.
7. Catch some vitamin D. Natural vitamin D forms under your skin, using ultraviolet rays from the sun. Go out for 10 minutes during low sun periods (in the morning or later in the day) to pick up enough rays to supplement your diet without getting a burn.
8. Kill some weeds. Cover fall planting sites with plastic tarp for a couple of weeks to kill weeds with trapped heat. (This method is only effective in areas where there is a lot of sunshine.)
9. Make sun art. Purchase sun sensitive paper or even simple construction paper at a local art supply store. Have children gather a variety of natural items like leaves, rocks, and flower petals. To make prints, follow directions on the paper package or at www.ehow.com/how_5779488_make-sun-art.html
10. Learn to use a compass.
Both old fashioned, hand-held compasses and newer smartphone compass apps use the sun to help you find your way.

For other ways to incorporate green into your everyday life http://bit.ly/bKh8Sj

Toxic chemicals

90 degree weather is here! Time for restocking sunscreen, lotions, bug sprays and bathing suits. Do you know the ingredients or additives in the products you consume or wear?

Check out the top five toxic chemicals in our everyday life.

Water wise

I was reading about water conservation, which started me thinking about what we can do in our own homes to save water and money. You can take a few steps inside your home like taking a shower instead of a bath. This can save 40-55 gallons of water.

You can install water saving showerheadsalong with the great standby taking 2 minute showers. Turn off water when brushing teeth. Use an egg timer to brush teeth and don't turn the water on until the timer is up. (that helps with the little ones)

Run only full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine. Lastly check your water using appliances for leaks, especially your toilet, a leaky toilet can waste up to 100 gallons of water every day.

Outside your home you can utilize quite a few ways to conserve water. Water lawns and gardens only when needed. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios and walkways.

Plant flowers and vegetables that are drought tolerant.
Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants. A four inch layer helps to keep the soil moist and roots cool. Bathe pets outside in areas that need water.

source: www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com

Green goofs

How many times have we just grabbed for the papertowels because it was the easiest thing to do, honestly because they were just there. We knew handy rags were positioned in the corner waiting to be used but paper towels just called our name. We listened we didn't think twice. I've done this more then once, sad to say.

I'll say what most of us think time to time...this is not easy being green! Having to look at our planets needs and our children's futures before ourselves can at times be quite a pain in the you know where!

The next time we ball up the tin foil instead of reuseing or just throwing it in the trash can don't be so hard on yourself. Having a green household can be achieved with baby steps one day at a time. Thinking about what you can do to help save yourself money and be eco friendly takes time and work.

I leave you with one guarantee you will make some green goofs.

Organics

Organics

Organic or not organic?
Much information is being discussed in public conversations about organic food. One friend says conventional is poisonous another says come on the government looks out for us while there are some that say who even cares. Here is what we do know. What the FDA says is true.

If a food bears a USDA Organic label, it means it’s produced and processed according to the USDA standards and that at least 95 percent of the food’s ingredients are organically produced. The seal is voluntary, but many organic producers use it.

Products that are completely organic — such as fruits, vegetables, eggs or other single-ingredient foods — are labeled 100 percent organic and can carry a small USDA seal. Foods that have more than one ingredient, such as breakfast cereal, can use the USDA organic seal or the following wording on their package labels, depending on the number of organic ingredients:

• 100 percent organic. Products that are completely organic or made of all organic ingredients.
• Organic. Products that are at least 95 percent organic.
• Made with organic ingredients. These are products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients. The organic seal can’t be used on these packages.
• Foods containing less than 70 percent organic ingredients can’t use the organic seal or the word “organic” on their product label. They can include the organic items in their ingredient list, however.
• You may see other terms on food labels, such as “all-natural,” “free-range” or “hormone-free.” These descriptions may be important to you, but don’t confuse them with the term “organic.” Only those foods that are grown and processed according to USDA organic standards can be labeled organic.

Green Laundry

Levi & Strauss Asks what is the future in line drying? enter their contest "Care to Air" , you can make a difference with your ideas!

Saving energy in summer

Here are 8 ways to green up energy in summer.

1. Use fans instead of air conditioner.
2. Change your air conditioner filter.
3. Seal or fill in cracks around windows and door.
4. Walk to work or shopping just one day a week.
5. Lighten the load in your car.
6. Wash clothes in cold water.
7. Dry just one load of laundry on clothes line everyday.
8. Use crock pot instead of stove.