Save Trees and Stop Junk Mail

Posted on January 15, 2010 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Conserving Resources, Going Green, Greenhouse Gas Emissions / Global Warming

It has been said by some scientists that the simple deed of planting trees (many, many trees) would significantly reduce the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, that we spew into the air at an alarming rate on a daily basis.  The least we can do is try to save the trees already in existence.

The good news is that there are some simple actions that anyone can do to make a difference…stopping junk mail is just one of them, but an important step, since here in the U.S. alone, junk mail is responsible for the destruction of 100 million trees every year.

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Go Green Expo Heads to LA

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Events, For Kids, Going Green

GO GREEN EXPO, the nation’s premier green business and sustainable lifestyle show known for its innovative and interactive programming, returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 22-24, 2010 for the second year in a row as the first stop on a nationwide tour that also includes New York City, Philadelphia and Atlanta. Following last year’s show that reached more than 10,000 attendees, Go Green Expo 2010 will focus on the next steps in environmental responsibility and the growing green revolution.

Go Green Expo invites all business leaders, eco-minded consumers and
their families to explore the latest innovations in energy-efficient and
environmentally-friendly products and services and participate in
interactive seminars featuring leaders in the green industry, local
politicians and community organizations.

Joining the lineup this year are keynote speeches by actress and holistic living author Mariel Hemingway, award-winning actor and director Ed Begley Jr., industry adored eco futurist John Picard, son of famed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Paul Pelosi, Jr., eco-fashion icon Linda Loudermilk and Sarah Backhouse, host of The Planet 100 on Discovery’s Planet Green.

Highlights to include:

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Green Kitchen and Bath Makeovers, Part V

Posted on January 9, 2010 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Green Furnishings, Greening the Home, Kitchens And Baths

This part of my series on eco-friendly makeovers, I’ll focus on another substantial element in any kitchen or bathroom:  cabinetry.  Whether you’re looking for something sleek and streamlined, or cabinets with a traditional flair, the green options available today will modernize and beautify these much-used rooms.

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Recycle Non-Wearable Clothing and Shoes

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Going Green, Green Cleaning, Greening the Home, Recycling

To start off the new year right, you may be cleaning out your closets to make room for new holiday gifts of clothing and shoes.  Likely, you have a pile of old pieces that are still useable, but some are probably not wearable any longer.  It’s easy to donate your wearable clothing to local thrift stores, consignment shops and bins put out by non-profit organizations in shopping center parking lots.  But, what do you do with the worn out items?  By donating, you’ll help divert the billions of pounds of textiles clogging our landfills.

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Eco-friendly Interior Doors, Part I

Posted on January 4, 2010 by Joyce Benson    |    2 Comments
Tag(s): Greening the Home, Reclaimed Materials

Whether you’re building new, or simply replacing common, cheap and, likely, damaged hollow-core doors in your existing home, there are green options to consider.  Whether your home’s style is contemporary or traditional, you can add instant character by adding solid-wood interior doors made from reclaimed wood, FSC-certified wood, recycled content or rapidly renewable resources.   A great resource for antique/old doors in need of restoration is architectural salvage yards, where refinishing is sometimes an option.

Here’s more about reclaimed wood doors:

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High Cost Heating Bills Make Renewable Energy More Attractive

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions / Global Warming, Greening the Home

If high-cost heating and electric bills are making this winter unbearable for you this winter, perhaps it’s time to consider clean, renewable energy options.  It’s a perfect time, since generous state and federal tax credits, rebates, grants, and loan programs are available for those who install solar energy systems, small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and microturbine systems.

These systems significantly reduce your fuel and electricity bills, as well as the amount of air pollution and greenhouse gases that result from your use of fossil fuels (oil, propane and natural gas), or from generating electricity.  (Half of the electricity generated in the USA is by burning dirty coal).

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Green Kitchen and Bath Makeovers, Part IV

Posted on December 29, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Greening the Home, Kitchens And Baths

So far, I’ve written about easy green makeover ideas, energy- and water-saving tips, and eco-friendly countertop options. In this post, we’ll explore the ever-growing choices for stylish and functional flooring in the kitchen and/or bathroom.  Can you guess which type of flooring is shown here?  Wood?  Cork?  Linoleum?  Tile?

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Tips to Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality this Winter

Posted on December 23, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): For Kids, Greening the Home, Hazardous Products / Health Issues

Winter may be a great time to “hibernate”, but if the air inside your home isn’t up to par, then it’s time to follow some tips to improve and maintain the quality of the air you breath.  These tips will be especially helpful for sufferers of asthma, children and the elderly, but of course all members of the household will benefit from cleaner air!  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is typically more polluted than the air outside.  “Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.”

Reduce indoor contaminants by:

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Save Energy and Money This Winter

Posted on December 23, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home, Money Saving

It’s easy to increase your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, while reducing your heating bills this winter.  All around the house, there are ways to increase the “cozy quotient”, take the “chill out of the air” and save money on your energy bills. Plus, you’ll enjoy current Federal Tax Credits for many improvements.

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Increase the Efficiency of Your Existing Fireplace

Posted on December 11, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home

A roaring fireplace definitely seems warm and inviting on cold winter nights, but many older fireplaces are only 10% efficient! How does improved comfort, energy conservation, reduced energy costs, reduced noise, and improved indoor air quality sound? Here are some tips to increase your fireplace’s efficiency:

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