The following is a guest post from Jakob Barry:

Let’s face it, mothballs are pretty old school, but upon discovering half-eaten clothing in your closet, many people still consider them an option.

The main problem, however, is the little white spheres are dangerous to all living things including people, pets and beneficial insects.

For starters, it’s important to note that moth larvae are the main problem; not the moths themselves. In other words, killing moths isn’t as important as keeping them away, but mothballs will usually do both.

Made from naphthalene, an odorous and flammable white chemical that studies have shown is carcinogenic, mothball fumes can cause terrible sickness when inhaled, or even death if mothballs are digested. A separate ingredient, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, is also used in some versions and produces similar effects.

That’s why if you’re worried about clothing being damaged by moths but don’t want to take risks with these noxious substances exterminators may spray in your living space, there are plenty of recommended green alternatives:

• HERBS:  Like many insects, moths don’t like the smell of most fresh herbs, especially lavender, mint, rosemary, thyme, cloves and cinnamon. While branches of herbs can simply be cut and placed wherever clothing is stored, it may be more practical to fill little packets or sachets with the leaves. That way the herbs won’t dirty your outfits.  Tea bags are a great reusable item for making the sachets, but any old fabric will do. Just make sure it’s made of a breathable material allowing scents to exit from all directions.  Also, remember that fresh leaves will have better potency against moths so be sure to change the contents every few months.
• CEDAR WOOD:  Another natural odor moths have a great disdain for comes from cedar wood. In fact, people used to have closets made from cedar for just this reason –it protected cloths from moths.  However, an entire closet isn’t necessary as cedar wood chips, cedar moth balls, or essential oil from cedar wood poured on cotton balls are also good options.  As with the herbs, eventually cedar will also lose its potency, but the odor can be reignited by rubbing or scrapping the wood, and reapplying essential oil.
• BETTER STORAGE:  If using herbs or cedar isn’t your preference, there’s always proper storage of your clothing.  Just remember that if moths laid eggs in sweaters or jackets prior to putting them away, the larvae will still have a chance to eat three meals a day.  A good tip before storing is to wash clothing at high temperatures or dry clean (at an organic, perc-free cleaner), which will kill larvae that may be waiting to hatch and feast on the wardrobe.

Jakob Barry writes for Hometalk.com, a growing community of homeowners and contractors getting the most from their resources by sharing and monitoring projects together. He covers various eco-friendly home improvement topics including green living.

photo courtesy of calfinder.com

This post is brought to you by the Electronics TakeBack Coalition.

“Did the holidays bring you new gadgets?  Here’s how to recycle your old ones.

Electronic gadgets were at the top of many holiday shopping lists again this year, with iPads and Kindles fueling a lot of the buying frenzy. The biggest sellers were e-readers, tablet computers, smart phones, HD TVs and video games consoles and accessories.

So what should you do with your old stuff – the items these shiny new gadgets replaced? Or the even older ones – the dead cell phones, PDAs, and iPods stashed in your dead gadget drawer, or the old printer or TV tucked away in the basement?  It’s pretty easy to keep a recycling resolution, with the help of the our Guide To Recycling Your Electronics. Here are the basics, with a lot more information available in the Guide.

Don’t Trash Old Electronics
The easiest (but worst) thing to do is to toss the old items in the trash. These gadgets contain toxic chemicals, which we don’t want seeping out of landfills and into groundwater, or creating toxic air emissions from incinerators. Plus they take up a lot of room in overcrowded landfills. And most contain metals that can be recovered and reused.

Donate for reuse
If your old item still works and is pretty current, it can probably be reused. Many cities have local, non-profit reuse organizations, which will refurbish electronics for use in local underserved communities. You can usually find these by contacting your local county solid waste agency.  If you don’t find one, consider the National Cristina Foundation, which matches donated computers to charities and agencies, or the World Computer Exchange, which sends requested working items to educational institutions in developing countries.

Recycle
If reuse is not an option, then please take it to an electronics recycler. Make sure your old product gets to a responsible recycler – one who will actually recycle it, and not ship it off to a developing nation, where old electronics are causing terrible health and environmental harm. The best way to do that is to work with a recycler who is part of the e-Stewards network. E-Stewards recyclers adhere to the highest standards in the industry, including a firm commitment not to export non-working or untested e-waste to developing nations. Many e-Stewards also refurbish products for reuse.

If there is no e-Steward near you, then there are many takeback programs run by the manufacturers and retailers (especially Best Buy), most of which are free. See our website’s Guide to Recycling Your Electronics for information and links to all of these manufacturer takeback programs. Some of these programs have trade-in options, which will give you money back for certain items, especially cell phones and laptops. The Guide includes details on these trade-in options as well.

Happy New Year and thanks for taking the time to recycle!”

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:

• Changing filters in forced-air heating systems every 3 months, or when they become dirty, whichever comes first.
• Cleaning and freshening the air with non-toxic products.  See my earlier posts on inexpensive, home-made cleaners here and here.
• Avoiding harmful VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, if you’re sprucing up the house with paint.  Low-VOC paint and paint that contains zero VOCs are readily available and can be color matched just like any other paint.
• Making sure combustion appliances, like gas stoves, fireplaces, boilers, and furnaces are working properly.
• Regularly cleaning, dusting and vacuuming to reduce allergens such as dust mites and pet hair & dander.
• Fixing plumbing leaks and getting rid of excess moisture, in the bathroom, kitchen and basement.  Throw away items that have been contaminated with mold and mildew, and thoroughly clean surfaces, such as bathroom tiles, that have become moldy and mildewy.  Make sure exhaust fans vent to the outdoors.
• Eliminating secondhand smoke in your home (and car).
• Being aware of sources of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and toxic gas that causes health effects which are often mistaken for the flu. Install carbon monoxide detectors in living spaces.
• Testing your home for cancer-causing radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can enter a home through cracks and openings in floors and walls that are in contact with the ground.  Testing your home is simple and inexpensive.

photo courtesy of Muffet

THE LAWN

Of course, one of the greenest things you can do outdoors is to minimize lawn areas.  The lawn as we know it has many negative effects on the environment.  First, it consumes a lot of water; is typically cared for using synthetic pesticides and other chemicals that are detrimental to clean air, water, soil, and human and animal health;  and is typically composed of non-native species of grass, which affects biodiversity.  Plus, lawns are high maintenance!

Substitutions for lawns include mulch and/or flower beds of native plants, xeriscaping, and incorporating rock gardens and riverbeds of recycled glass.

Since most of us have some grassy areas in our yards, the next greenest thing we can do is use natural lawn care:

Aerating:  Fall is a great time to aerate your lawn to loosen up compacted soil where water and nutrients are unable to reach the grass’ root system.  For a small lawn, use a pitch fork to punch holes in the soil every few inches.  For larger areas, rent a walk-behind aerator at your local garden center.  Be sure to avoid any sprinkler heads.  After aerating, add a light coating of a sand-and-compost mixture to further improve drainage. The rich compost will also help feed the turf.  For a denser turf, follow by over-seeding thin areas of lawn with grass seed blends recommended for your area.

Mowing:  Mow regularly and remember that mulching mowers leave grass clippings (not clumps) on the lawn, which also helps to feed the soil.  Be sure not to mow shorter than 3″ to avoid the scorching your lawn and the invasion of crabgrass and other weeds.

Watering: Whether you have an established lawn, or newly seeded areas, watering can be done with rainwater collected in rain barrels.  Not only does this minimize the demand of our precious resource and strain on public water systems, but it also reduces your water bills.  Water deeply, but infrequently, to moisten the whole root zone.  Let the soil dry between waterings to prevent lawn disease and save water. Lawns need only about one inch of water a week in summer, including rain, to stay green.

Fertilizing / Composting:  The best method is natural and organic.  Compost goes a long way in keeping your yard nice and healthy.  It helps sandy soils hold nutrients and water, loosens clay soils, and feeds the beneficial soil life so it can feed and protect your plants.  Dig or rototill 1 – 3 inches of compost into 6 – 12 inches of top soil when planting new lawns (or making new flower beds). Top dress existing lawns with a 1/4 – 1/2 inch of compost every Spring or Fall.  Whenever possible, avoid using phosphorus fertilizers since they wreak havoc on beneficial soil life, as well as on aquatic life, when washed away by rain into waterways. If your grass is really waning, it may need a dose of nutrients.  The best way to determine exactly what your soil (and grass) needs, is to have the soil tested every few years.  You can obtain information and soil testing boxes from your local Agricultural Extension Service office.  Locate one here.

Weeding:  The best defense against weed invasions is a healthy lawn. Manually pulling, digging, or hoeing goes a long way in keeping your yard weed-free.  Also, pull weeds before they go to seed and spread.  Mowing weeds prior to flowering can reduce spreading, as long as clippings are collected.

Pesticides:  Pesticides sprayed on lawns have been banned in many countries due to the damaging effects they have on birds, beneficial insects, fish, wildlife and domesticated animals, and human beings.  By following the aforementioned tips, you’ll be doing your part to help the environment.

Sources:  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cornell University, and Integrated Pest Management for Turf Managers.

photo by Ruthanne Reid

Energy and sustainability fuel many facets of life in the United States. With a growing amount of education and technology in sustainable resources, many countries are leading the way towards a paradigm of green building and construction. In the world of home remodeling, there are many things that should be taken into consideration.  Asbestos is one of them.

Asbestos was highly regarded throughout the 20th century as an ideal building and construction material. Its fire resistant, durable and versatile qualities made it sought after by many industries. Asbestos was used in industrial applications such as insulation, piping, roofing and in automobiles.

Many homes, buildings and public facilities built prior to 1980, may still contain asbestos and other hazardous materials. In many instances, the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air. If any asbestos is located or suspected, experts advise not to touch or disturb it, as this will cause its fibers to become airborne. If asbestos needs to be removed, it should be performed by licensed abatement contractors. These contractors are trained in the proper handling and disposal of asbestos in public facilities and homes.

The inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to the development of rare, but severe lung ailments such as malignant pleural mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos-related illnesses have long latency periods, sometimes lasting 20 to 50 years after exposure. Due to the fact that symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to less serious conditions, diagnosis is a difficult task for physicians.

GO GREEN!

As long term cost and technology continues to evolve, so is the need for environmentally sustainable and healthy materials used for construction.  Implementing green methods of building can have positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include: conservation of natural resources, enhance air quality, protect ecosystems, energy sustainability, increase property value, improve quality of life, improvement of pulmonary and cardiac health, and reduction of waste.  Most people are unaware of the fact that eco-friendly products can cut energy costs by 25 to 35% per year. Green insulation options include recycled cotton fiber and cellulose, lcynene spray foam and soy-based spray foam.

Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Included in this act were extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using sustainable technologies. For existing homes, tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010, for adding:  energy efficient doors, windows, roofs, insulation, HVAC systems, and biomass stoves.  For existing homes and new construction, tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016, for:  geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar hot water heaters, small wind energy systems, and fuel cells.  Visit the Energy Star website for more information.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).  Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.  Allergic responses include hayfever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis).  Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people.”

Controlling moisture and preventing mold growth in the home:

• Dry water-damaged areas and items, whether due to flooding, leaky plumbing or other sources, within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.  If mold is already present, wash it off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.  If absorbent items, such as carpeting or ceiling tiles, become moldy, they’ll likely require replacement — a great opportunity to purchase more sustainable items.  Better flooring options include natural wool carpeting or hard surface flooring (tile, natural linoleum, hardwood, cork or bamboo).
• Reduce indoor humidity to 30-60%.  Vent bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside (not the attic); use (Energy  efficient) air conditioners and de-humidifiers in hot, humid climates (be sure to clean or replace filters when necessary); increase ventilation and open windows to allow for fresh air; and use exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning.
• Prevent condensation on cold surfaces (windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation (recycled cotton, cellulose, or soy-based spray foam).  Caulking around windows and using storm windows keeps the interior glass warmer and reduces condensation of moisture there.  It also makes your home more energy efficient.
• Increase air circulation around the house by:  using ceiling fans and other fans, moving furniture away from walls; and by opening closet doors and doors between rooms.
• Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Stained concrete floors can serve as thermal mass to help keep temperatures comfortable year-round.  Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood).

If you suspect hidden mold, it may be growing behind wallpaper, drywall or paneling; the top side of ceiling tiles; or the underside of carpets and pads.  Other possible locations include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes); the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms); inside ductwork; and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Consuming some fish has its benefits, such as providing a low-fat, high-protein meal.  Oily fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids which:  help maintain cardiovascular health; reduce tissue inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis; and play an important role in prenatal and postnatal neurological development.

Fish that are high in omega-3s, low in environmental contaminants and are eco-friendly include:  wild salmon from Alaska, Arctic char, Atlantic mackerel, sardines, sablefish, anchovies, farmed oysters, and  farmed rainbow trout.   Other foods rich in omega-3′s include walnuts, wheat germ and ground flaxseed.

Human health concerns include:  ingesting too much mercury, PCB’s, lead, dioxins, DDT, and dieldrin, which can lead to birth defects, neurological problems and cancer.  These substances find their way into our waterways via stormwater runoff, industrial and municipal discharges, agricultural practices and pesticide use.

Detrimental effects on the ocean environment include:  the spread of parasites and disease to wild marine life near fish farms; damage to the habitats where fish feed and breed; the death of bycatch (unwanted or unintentional catch) which limits the rebuilding of depleted fish populations; overfishing which means catching fish faster than they can reproduce.

Seafood to avoid includes:  Chilean sea bass; some tuna; grouper; orange roughy; rockfish; farmed Atlantic salmon; imported Swordfish; Atlantic cod; imported king crab; Atlantic flounder/sole; Atlantic halibut; octopus; imported shrimp/prawns; Asian tilapia; red, silk, vermilion, and imported snapper.  Also, look for the Marine Stewardship Council label for sustainable seafood.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s website for more information and a pocket guide to the best and worst seafood choices.  Check out the Environmental Defense Fund’s sushi pocket guide here.

1. Paint:  A new color on the walls can dramatically change the look of a room.  Opt for non-toxic paints or clay plaster which don’t contain any VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
2. Bed Linens:  The fabrics and materials on which you rest your weary head should be as safe as possible, especially for newborns and children as they are still developing and are more vulnerable to toxins.  Look for pillows, sheets and comforters made from natural materials such as hemp and organic cotton.
3. Window treatments:  Non-permanent press draperies and shades made from natural materials will minimize off-gassing of chemicals into your room.
4. Mattresses:  A super comfortable and eco-friendly option is a natural rubber latex mattress.  These mattresses are treated with non-toxic fire retardants and are comprised of materials that don’t emit formaldehyde and VOCs unlike conventional mattresses.
5. Furniture:  When shopping for new furniture, opt for solid wood and reclaimed wood furnishings finished with non-toxic wood stain.  Avoid pressed wood furnishings as they contain formaldehyde.   For kids rooms, check out my previous post here.
6. Flooring:  Floating floors made from sustainable wood, cork or linoleum will increase the comfort factor in the bedroom and are easy to install.  Be sure to ask if non-toxic finishes were used.  If you prefer carpeting, keep in mind that a hard surface flooring material will last a lot longer than carpet.  Modular carpet tiles allow for versatility in design, and if one square gets damaged, replacement is inexpensive and easy.   Another great, green option is cozy and non-toxic wool carpeting.
7. Ambiance:  Looking to add some romance?  Lighting a few soy-based candles will certainly do the trick!  If you’re lucky enough to have a wood-burning fireplace, try using these cleaner burning logs.

Not only are Indoor AirPlus qualified homes built to have better indoor air quality, but they also meet Energy Star guidelines for efficiency.  This results in healthy, comfortable homes that cost less to operate and maintain.  The EPA set additional construction specifications for builders to follow, such as the careful selection and installation of:  moisture control systems; heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems; combustion-venting systems; radon-resistant construction; and low-emitting building materials.

Now through June 15, you can tour the HGTV green home in Port St. Lucie, Florida, which has earned the EPA’s Indoor AirPlus label.

Indoor AirPlus measures include:

• Moisture control to minimize the growth of mold and water/condensation issues.
• Radon control to reduce the risk of radon-related lung cancer (mesothelioma).
• Proper Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure ventilation and filtration to dilute and remove indoor air pollutants.
• Combustion venting to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide and airborne pollutants from mechanical equipment and appliances.
• Building Materials which are protected from weather damage during storage and construction.  Materials containing fewer chemicals are used, and the homes are ventilated prior to move-in to allow for minimal off-gassing of new materials during occupancy.
• Pest Management which is done by proper sealing and screening the home.
• Homeowner Education which minimizes indoor air quality problems.

The EPA’s website even contains a directory to help homeowners find building professionals who comply with the program.

• Fertilizers and Weed Control:  Organic fertilizers encourage microbial activity in the soil, which keeps lawns and planting beds rich and healthy.  TerraCycle, Cockadoodle Doo, Jobes, Espoma, Burn Out II, and Concern All Natural products are brands that create earth-friendly gardening products.
• Deer Repellent (deer may be enchanting to look at grazing in a field, but not when their nibbling on your prized plants!):  TerraCycle, Deer Out, Liquid Fence.  Also, you can deter deer by planting native, deer-resistant plants.
• Insecticides (products designed to kill soft-bodied insects):  Insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, pyrethrins, Bt (bacillus thuringiensis), and non-toxic traps such as Safer Sticky Whitefly traps.
• Beneficial bugs to control insects:  Ladybugs, Praying Mantis, Green lacewings larvae, Parasitic nematodes, Predator mites, and Trichogramma wasps are a few bugs that will seek and destroy all kinds of insects, grubs, and moth caterpillars.
• Fungicides (products that inhibit or kill fungi or fungal spores):  Neem, sulfur.

photo courtesy of Paul Schultz