The Green Pages

Green Seed Innovations

2009-11-13T13:12:00.001-08:00

We're looking for your ideas...How have you started living greener this year?

Green Planet Blog

2009-11-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

The Green Pages blog is now embedded within the Green Planet website. Working together we hope to foster environmental responsibility. Check us out at www.greenplanet.org!

A single tree...*

2009-10-05T05:26:00.000-07:00

...absorbs almost 50 lbs of carbon dioxide and also absorbs sulfur dioxide ( produced by coal-burning power plants), nitrous oxides (produced by vehicular exhaust), particulate pollutants (produced from burning fuel especially diesel)
...produces enough oxygen to sustain two adults
...reduces noise pollution
...reduces asphalt temperature by 36 degrees F
...reduces storm water runoff and erosion
...increases property value
...reduces interior temperature of parked cars by 47 degrees F

According to the US Forest Service homes with trees use 20-25% less energy than those without. Plant evergreens on the north side to block cool northern winds and deciduous trees to the south, east and west to offer summer shade and winter sun.

Go Harvard!

2009-09-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

As someone who has spent time playing frisbee with kids on Harvard yard's lawn and as someone who is also the daughter of a soil scientist and organic fertilizer salesman - all I can say is "Go Harvard!":

From the New York Times:

THERE is an underground revolution spreading across Harvard University this fall. It’s occurring under the soil and involves fungi, bacteria, microbes and roots, which are now fed with compost and compost tea rather than pesticides and synthetic nitrogen.

The results have so astounded university administrators that what started as a one-acre pilot project in Harvard Yard has spread organic practices through 25 acres on the campus.

Organic is the way to go...even the elite universities are catching the drift. Here's Harvards tips to those of us trying to green up our own lawn care practices:

Organic growing techniques are so simple that any homeowner can get the hang of them. But to do so, it’s necessary to learn some basic facts about the structure and biology of your particular soil. In an organic approach, one bag of chemicals does not fit all. And timing is key.
The first step, Mr. Fleisher said, is to take a core sample of your soil, and send some of it to a good testing laboratory, such as the one at the University of Massachusetts, or one recommended by your state university. A textural analysis will indicate the percentage of clay, silt and sand in your soil, and how well it drains. A complete nutrient analysis will tell you what elements and micronutrients the soil contains. Such tests cost from $13 to $75, and results are returned within a few weeks.
The next step is to do a simple percolation test. Use a shovel or a post-hole digger to make a hole 12 inches deep.

“Make one-inch markings on a stick and put that in the hole,” Mr. Clyne said.
Then fill the hole with water and let it drain for 30 minutes. “Then, fill up the hole again, and see how fast it drains,” he said.

One inch an hour is adequate for a home lawn.

Without good drainage, water and air cannot be properly absorbed by plant roots.
Also, “compaction wreaks havoc on your fungal communities,” Mr. Clyne said. And fungi are key to soil health.

There’s a give-and-take between fungi and plants, as the fungi consume carbohydrates exuded by plant roots and give back water, phosphorus and other minerals. Bacteria also consume carbohydrates. And they in turn are eaten by protozoa and other creatures that convert the bacteria’s protein into nitrogen, which feeds the plants.

Adding compost to soil gets that biological community cooking.

“Once you get that nutrient cycling system going,” Mr. Fleisher said, “it can produce 150 pounds of nitrogen an acre. With that kind of available nitrogen, why would you fertilize?”

The Importance of Sleep

2009-09-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

So here is another sport where my health background creeps into the Green Pages. But I am a huge advocated of SLEEP. Perhaps because I have spent more than my fair share of nights without it. But pay attention as flu season approaches:

In a recent study for The Archives of Internal Medicine, scientists followed 153 men and women for two weeks, keeping track of their quality and duration of sleep. Then, during a five-day period, they quarantined the subjects and exposed them to cold viruses. Those who slept an average of fewer than seven hours a night, it turned out, were three times as likely to get sick as those who averaged at least eight hours.

(source)

Ecology and Pigs

2009-09-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

If I could trace my zeal for sustainable living to one thing, it would stem from my studies of ecology and the interrelatedness of all things living. The idea that we are all (animal, plant and mineral) dependent on each other. I had a Jewish friend once say to me, "Nothing testifies of a God more to me than the complex and co-dependent relationship between man and his environment."

Part, if not most, of our problems with the deteriorating state of the environment come from a total obliviousness to this relationship.

Point in case: No one stopped Eygyptian officials when they decided the best way to combat swine flu was to decimate the country's pig population. A year later, that oversight is haunting those officials as the streets fill up with trash because their country's organic waste disposal system (the pigs) is now dead.

See this The New York Times article for more details, Belatedly, Egypt Spots Flaws in Wiping Out Pigs

Religion and the Environment

2009-09-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

Religion and the Environment

As the whole world awakens to the needs of the environment,

what tools of healing and nurture can religious traditions offer?

The website Patheos has an interesting series running on religion and the environment. They have solicited responses to the question above from individuals representing a variety of different faith. Their answers are presented in the public square section of their website (until 9/29). Check it out!

E-Waste*

2009-09-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

What happens to all those outdated cellphones and prehistoric computers we trade for the latest, newest, faster, better model?

Worldwide 20-50 million tons is sent to the dump

In the USA 65,000 tons ends up in the landfill

Much, if not most, of our outdated electronics are sent to less developed nations where they are refurbished (under varying degrees of scrutiny) and re-used - Shipping it abroad has proved, in many cases, cheaper than properly recycling it here.

Why recycle our e-waste properly?
Because these electronic gadgets often contain toxic substances. While e-waste accounts for only 2% of landfill waste it creates 70% of the toxic waste:

TV and computer circuit boards = lead, mercury and cadmium

cellphones = mercury, arsenic

cables = brominated flame retardants

batteries = toxic heavy metals: e.g. nickel, cadmium, lithium, lead

More than 90% of electronic material can be recycled. Most of the recycled parts are reused in electronics because they are already the right grade for electronic devices. Other components are valuable metals:

cellphone chargers: copper

circuit boards: gold, silver, palladium

Where do I recycle?
The EPA website has information about where to recycle or donate electronics and batteries, check it out at: http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm

Earth 911 is a great site that allows you to search for recycling centers (of all kids) by your zipcode: http://earth911.com/electronics/

Facts and figures above from :The United National Environmental Programme, Earth 911 and Ready, Set, Green by Hill and O'Neil

Clean Water*

2009-09-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

The NY Times has been running an interesting series on clean water. This weekend I thought their gadget which allows you to check the water polluters in your area by zip code was very neat. Check it out:

check the water pollutants in your area

Cleaning the Air with Plants*

2009-09-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

How do astronauts keep their air clean of hazardous gasses? The answer is simple: Plants.

How can we keep the air in our homes free from hazardous gasses? The answer is simple: Plants.

Household plants can absorb gases from the air and store and render them harmless in the soil. Plant leaves release water vapor helping to humidify the air. And, plants emit phytochemicals that defend against mold spores and bacteria.

So GO GREEN, literally!

East to grow houseplants:

English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Golden pothos or Devil's ivy (Scindapsus aures or Epipremnum aureum)
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa')
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
Bamboo palm or reed palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
Snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')
Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium, syn. Philodendron cordatum)
Selloum philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum, syn. Philodendron selloum)
Elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)
Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Cornstalk dracaena (Dracaena fragans 'Massangeana')
Janet Craig dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig')
Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Gerbera Daisy or Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Pot Mum or Florist's Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

List from Huffington Post article siting NASA research.

Each absorbs different pollutants, so mix them up!

Consumption Strategies

2009-09-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

I heard story on NPR a while back that has really changed the way I think. If I remember correctly, they were talking about the European vs. American way of thinking about economic issues. Americans will buy the most for the least amount, versus spending a little more on quality instead of quantity, a more European approach. A caller told the following story, which happened to him in Japan (I know Japan is not in Europe):

He was at work and took a break, walking to the vending machines. He wanted a Coke and saw that there were two sizes: a large can that cost the equivalent of a US $1.00 and a smaller can that cost the equivalent (roughly) of $1.25. He put in his money and purchased the larger can. His co-worker, a Japanese man, came in and put his money in and purchased the smaller can. "Why did you buy that one he asked? It's 25 cents more and you get less." The co-worker replied, "I wasn't that thirsty."

I've thought a lot about this story, because I would have bought the larger can too. And wouldn't most of us? But I've been calculating the fall out from that same scenario multiplied day in and day out and multiplied in scope...waste and overconsumption galore! Doesn't it in some part account for our overstuffed garages, overfilled garbage cans and perhaps our bulging stomachs?

Does money and making a deal overule our sense of fulfillment, quality, aesthetics, sustainabilty? Somehow we must turn into consumers with more lofty values that govern our buying decisions.

I'm trying. The other day I went to the store to buy a new large tupperware-ish container. I found the container I needed, but looking at the sticker, balked at the price. I suppose, it's been a while since I've bought plastic storage containers, but the price seemed outrageous. I put the item back on the shelf and looked around for a cheaper solution.

Then I saw a box of eight different sized containers (including the one I needed) for only a few dollars more. I took the large box off the shelf. "Might as well, right?" the deal grabber in me said. "But wait," I stopped myself, "I hate having to dig through a pile of lids and containers in my storage cabinet. I have plenty of small containers, I only need the large one." I put the box back on the shelf and took back my one container. I paid the hefty price, but with pride now, knowing that I had overcome my money grubbing tendancy and made a more intelligent choice.

Ecological and Carbon Footprints

2009-09-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

I know...I know...Anyone who has even a little interest in the environment has already calculated their footprint. But when was the last time you did so? Have you measured your progress? Shrunk a shoe size? Give it a whirl once again:

Ecological Footprint (how your lifestyle affects the Earth and its ability to regenerate new resources): www.ecofoot.org

Carbon Footprint ( a measure of how much carbon dioxide you use):

www.safeclimate.net

And just a reminder: The average person's Ecological footprint is 2.2 global hectares, while there are only 1.8 global hectares of biologically productive area per person available on the planet. (source: Global Footprint Network) What does this overshoot mean?

depleted groundwater

collapsing fisheries

carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere

deforestation

Dry Cleaning

2009-09-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

I've noticed several new businesse in my area labelling themselves as Green or Organic Dry Cleaners. What does that mean exactly? Well, I investigated and as suspected organic in this instance doesn't necessarily mean healthy. Experts agress, however, that the following two methods of dry cleaning are safe and better than traditional toxin spewing processes.

Wet cleaning, which cleans fabrics using carefully controlled amounts of water, special non-toxic biodegradable detergents and computer-operated equipment.
Carbon dioxide cleaning, a technique that uses high pressure to convert CO2 gas to a liquid that can then act as a carrier for biodegradable soaps. When the wash is done, releasing the pressure turns the CO2 back into a gas, and clothes dry instantly.

The EPA compiled a list (in 2003) of cleaners using wet and/or CO2 cleaning methods. It is available at www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/garment/gcrg/cleanguide.pdf.

Green Cleaning

2009-09-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Wondering how to green your cleaning regime? Throw a party!

http://www.womenandenvironment.org/greenclean/

"Did you know that many household cleaners contain toxic chemicals linked to asthma and reproductive harm? But you can wipe out unsafe chemicals by mixing your own cleaning products!

A green cleaning party is a fun event where you and your friends learn how to make non-toxic cleaners from common ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and essential oils."

How Green Are Your Cosmetics?

2009-09-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Want to see how green your cosmetic bag is?
Check out these websites for useful information...

Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database: cosmeticsdatabase.com
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: www.safecosmetics.org
Teens for Safe cosemtics: www.teensforsafecosmetics.org

Then share with us your favorite green products!

When to buy organic

2009-09-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Always (highest pesticide residue)

apples
bell and hot peppers
carrots
celery
cherries
grapes (imported)
greenbeans
nectarines
peaches
pears
potatoes
red raspberries
spinach strawberries

Buy when you can:

apricots
blueberries
cantaloupe
grapes (domestic)
honeydew melons
oranges
collard green
cucumber
kale
lettuce
mushroom
sweet pototoe
turnip greens
winter squash

Okay to buy conventional:

asparagus
avocados
apple juice
bananas
broccoli
cauliflower
cabbage
sweet corn
kiwi
mangoes
orange juice
onions
papayas
pineapples
plums
sweet peas
tangerines
watermelon

Thank You

2009-09-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to figure out the best way to thank the Facebook users who have so generously created birthday wishes that include raising funds for GreenPlanet. In the end I think spotlighting them on our blog here is the best and easiest (for me) way to manage it.

So today I'd like to thank:

Erick Alberto Guzman Alcantara
Josh Falco
Nikola Jocić
Elisabete Crespo

Thank you for helping us create a more sustainable world.

Water Neutral

2009-05-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

So the new phrase in the sustainable living world is "water neutral". This phrase was first used in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The world is starting to not only recognize what they eat, where they shop, what they discard but now it is coming to realize how much water one consumes. Each day we all waste water and if we can become more aware of what and where we are wasting water, then we can be "water neutral". You can check out this site to help calculate how much water you are using and where you can cut back. You might be surprised at how much you are wasting and how much you can save. Sometimes the first step is just recognizing and becoming aware of a situation. So good luck to you as you become more "water neutral"!

10 Foods To Help Reduce Cancer

2009-02-22T22:14:00.000-08:00

Researches have found that people who eat a better, healthier diet can reduce their risk of cancer by nearly 60%. Below is a list of foods that are known to help reduce cancer risk. Remember, that choosing the organic options in these foods will contain higher levels of antioxidants and the other compounds that are known to reduce the risk of cancer.

1. Garlic - Garlic contains a number of compounds that can protect against cancer, especially that of the skin, colon, and lungs.

2. Dark Leafy Greens - Dark greens are rich sources of antioxidants called carotenoids. These scavenge dangerous free radicals from the body before they can promote cancer growth.

3. Grapes - Grapes (and red wine) contain the chemical resveratrol, which is a very potent antioxidant that can prevent cell damage before it begins.

4. Green Tea - The flavonoids in green tea have been shown to slow or prevent the development of several types of cancer including colon, liver, breast, and prostate.

5. Tomatoes - The compound lycopene, (which is most easily absorbed from cooked tomatoes) has been shown to prevent prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the breast, lung, and stomach.

6. Blueberries - Of all the berries, blueberries are the richest in cancer fighting compounds. They are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.

7. Flaxseeds - Flax contains lignans, which can have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. The omega-3 fatty acids can also help protect against colon cancer.

8. Mushrooms - Many mushrooms contain compounds that can help the body fight cancer and build the immune system as well.

9. Cruciferous Vegetables - Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain strong antioxidants that may help decrease cancer risk.

10. Whole Grains - Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber, and phytoestrogens. These can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.

(List taken from www.eatdrinkbetter.com)

Autism and the Enivronment

2009-01-21T17:03:00.000-08:00

In the past few years, there has been a rising concern that vaccinations have a role in the increased rate of autism. However, a new study done by University of California Davis reports that there is a link between autism and environmental factors. They have found a correlation between fetal and infant exposure to pesticides, household chemicals, and viruses and the rise of children diagnosed with autism. Items such as certain household cleaners and cosmetics containing phthalates, may be a link to autism. So, what can you do? Try finding household cleaners that are "green", use cosmetic products that are more natural, and even try using soaps that are free from chemicals. This study is just another testament of how the environment truly does effect our health.

2009-01-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

Here are some quick tips to help you avoid GMO ingredients and "Frankenfoods."

1) Look for products that voluntarily label themselves as GMO or GE-free.

2) Buy Organic: Products certified as "Organic" are not allowed to contain genetically modified ingredients.

3) Avoid non-organic products that contain the most common genetically engineered ingredients: corn (corn syrup, corn meal, corn oil, etc.), fructose, dextrose, glucose, modified food starch, ingredients including the word "soy" (soy flour, soy lecithin, etc.), vegetable oil, vegetable protein, canola oil (also called rapeseed oil), cottonseed oil, and sugar from sugar beets.

Those Pesky Little Produce Stickers

2009-01-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

Want to know how your supermarket produce was grown? Then check its price look-up code (PLU). Those little stickers affixed to your pears and potatoes reveal a lot more than how much you'll pay. If the number is:

5 digits, starting with 8 - The produce was genetically modified.

5 digits, starting with 9 - The produce was grown organically.

4 digits - The produce was grown conventionally (neither organic nor genetically modified).

New Energy Saving Appliances AFTER Jan 1

2008-12-14T21:54:00.000-08:00

Congress has recently instated a new bill that will allow a $500 kick back to those who buy energy saving appliances after Jan 1. So if you are interested in doing more to be more green and to save some more money...wait just until Jan 1! In the meantime, you can caulk your air conditioner and then fix your baseboards and windows by caulking them as well. Try to keep the warm air in and the cold air- lessening the amount of energy needed to warm up your home. Also, turn down your water heater to 130 degrees- that's still warm enough to get a hot shower. Then lastly, always turn off ligths and electrical equipment- it will save you money and save energy.

Obama is Promising Green

2008-11-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

Our President elect, Barrack Obama, has promised to have a green agenda. This past week he has promised the nation that he will fight climate change. He has plans to reduce emissions and he has promised $15 billion a year to go to low-carbon energy- including solar, wind, nuclear and next-generation biofuels.

Obama has said, "Delay is no longer an option,. Denial is no longer an acceptable response. The stakes are too high. The consequences, too serious."

So our President elect has our hopes up and hopefully he can help deliver a greener tomorrow.

For more information you can read this article.

Aviation Biofuel from Jatropha Trees

2008-11-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

Boeing and Air New Zealand have announced that they will fly an airplane with a 50-50 mix of jet fuel and oil from jatropha trees. This is an effort to help reduce harmful emissions and conserve fuel.

Billy Glover, Boeing’s managing director of environmental strategy, said,

“The processing technology exists today, and based on results we’ve seen, it’s highly encouraging that this fuel not only met but exceeded three key criteria for the next generation of jet fuel: higher than expected jet fuel yields, very low freeze point and good energy density. That tells us we’re on the right path to certification and commercial availability.”

So we can hope that in the future, there will be more efforts to help save fuel and protect our air from the aviation industry.

To read the whole article, click here.