Ways To Protect Our Environment

Eco Friendly Cleaning Products

Lately there’s been a huge number of companies coming out with “green” or “eco friendly” cleaning products. I certainly get all excited when I see the latest commercial for the latest green innovation.

However, some manufacturers may be promoting their products as being good for the environment without their truly being eco friendly. How can you tell if the products in the store are good for the environment, or if they’re just using that phrase on their labeling to make you think they are?

There are no standards to verify a product as “green” or “eco friendly.” Some products on the market are listed as eco safe, environmentally friendly, environmentally safe, green, or non-toxic. Any manufacturer can choose to use those labels. But do these “labels” really mean that the products are safe for the environment?

If you can’t tell if a product is environmentally safe just by reading the labels, how do you know if it is safe to use or not? Until there is some type of certification to very that a product is “green,” the consumer is responsible for evaluating the products they use and whether the products claims are true.

You can always use household products like white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to make home recipes that would be very effective in cleaning your home. (I’m definitely too lazy for that lol) Be sure to label the homemade cleaners clearly and store them where children cannot reach them. Also, NEVER mix ammonia and chlorine bleach; the results are extremely toxic.

One product that has been used widely to disinfect modern homes is chlorine bleach. However, chlorine bleach has chemical compounds in it that should not be used in the home, and are extremely toxic. If you need an alternative for chlorine bleach, try hydrogen peroxide bleach, leaving it on the surface to be cleaned for a minimum of ten minutes. Wiping it up any sooner will not kill the germs.

What if you need another cleaner? Throw your support behind companies that list each and every ingredient in their product. Two such companies are Ecover and Seventh Generation. Although they are not required by law to list all of their ingredients, they are proving that the product is safe by doing so.

Choose a product that specifies how long it takes for them to decompose in nature. Being labeled “biodegradable” doesn’t necessarily mean that you should choose this product. Use a product that specifies that it will biodegrade completely in “X” number of days. You will know that after that time, the product will no longer affect the environment.

Here are some labels that you should avoid:

corrosive

chlorine bleach

ammonia

phosphates

petroleum products

You’ll also want to avoid products that have artificial fragrances and those made with animal by-products. All of these labels indicate that the product is harmful, not only to the environment but also to your family.

Finally, if you’re not 100% sure about a product, you can always call the toll-free telephone number on the product. Ask them questions about the ingredients. Request as much specific information about it as you can. And, if the manufacturer refuses to answer your questions, you might consider finding another product.

Finding truly economic-friendly products that are safe and effective for cleaning your home is not impossible. It takes a little time reading labels but the time is worth it. The only other option would be to make your own.

My favorite eco friendly natural cleaning product brands:

Ecos (I love their liquid laundry detergent)
Ecover (Their Dishwahser Tablets are the best)
Seventh Generation (I use all of their household cleaners and I especially love the all purpose cleaner)

(photo by Margaret White courtesy of Snow Leopard Trust)

“Tigers in Snow Leopard Land

By Tenzing Lamsang THIMPHU, Bhutan, May 9, 2008 (ENS) - Fresh pictures and pugmarks from the Jigme Dorji National Park show that royal Bengal tigers in Bhutan are being found at altitudes never seen before. In fact, authorities say that the tigers are going so high that they are overlapping the habitat of the elusive snow leopard.

“We’ve realized that Bhutan is now officially the only country in the world to have tigers at such high altitudes and also the only country where the habitat of the snow leopard and the tiger are overlapping,” said Tiger Sangay of the Nature Conservation Division. Sources say that pugmarks and pictures can be seen between 3,700 to 4,300 meters in the latest study.” ~ ENS

Keep reading… 

More Resources About the Snow Leopard From Around the Web:

Some Fun Eco Travel Ideas for this Summer

Not sure where you want to travel this summer? Here are some great resources to help you find that perfect eco vacation…

Top 10 Ecotourism Destinations Part I

Ecotourism - or ecological tourism - is a type of tourism that seeks to minimize the environmental footprint of foreign visitors and broaden awareness for the preservation and appreciation of unique flora, fauna and local cultures. …

Top 10 Ecotourism Destinations Part II

As we round out our countdown of world ecotourism hot spots, we reflect on how the final five destinations do exceptional work in the realm of economic empowerment for local people, reverence for native culture and environmental …

Danjugan Island - A Real Ecotourism Sanctuary

When I say real ecotourism destination, that would include real ecotourism facilities such as ecolodges. Yes, the sleeping units do not conform to comfort creatures but to people with the genuine interest to commune with nature. …

How to Find Green Accommodations: 25 Days to Green Travel, Day 12

There are 5 basic types of accommodations to consider when you are looking to lessen your impact: hotels, eco-lodges, hostels, camping, and what I’m going to call “shared housing.” Camping is generally the greenest and hotels are …

Green Vacations and Eco Friendly Travel

Green vacations and eco friendly travel are becoming more and more popular thanks to the increased awareness about the importance of taking care of our environment and doing all we can as individuals to prevent global warming. …

Best Eco Travel Gadgets

Environmentally-minded travellers keen to adopt a more sustainable approach to travel will find these eco-friendly gadgets worth packing.

Eco Friendly Luxury Beachfront Resort in Southern Belize

Eco-travel and sports adventure opportunities abound, including fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, swimming, trekking, and caving. Archaeological Parks, Marine Reserves and National Parks, including the world’s only Jaguar Preserve …

Best Eco Travel Guides

Eco travellers planning a trip will find these green travel guides based on sustainable and responsible travel invaluable.

Eco Travel for Beginners – Interview with Mia Ljungberg

Personally, it means planning a responsible vacation and visiting hotels and destinations that conserve the environment while supporting and contributing to the local community. It’s always possible to enjoy travelling. …

Ecotourism Vacations in Alaska

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge – Voted to be one of the top 10 eco-friendly destinations in the world, these luxury cabins in Kachemak Bay State Park were built completely by hand from local driftwood by their owner. …

Eco-Travel — Conscientious Travel (Part 1)

For many of us living a conscious lifestyle, it makes sense that our vacation destinations match our lifestyle philosophy. Enter the new darling in the hospitality and lifestyle arena: eco-travel. This arena is so large, that sifting …

Eco-Travel Destinations: Paradise Found (Part 2)

If you’ve got more time on your hands, have been saving for a truly exotic getaway and want the destination to be as green as possible, you’re in luck. Some of the most pristine eco-travel destinations can be found in Africa, …

Please feel free to share your eco travel stories by commenting below!

“Suppressed Aviation Report Forecasts ‘Massive Environmental Damage’

LONDON, UK, May 7, 2008 (ENS) - Climate change emissions by the airline industry, airport noise, and local air pollution are all trending sharply upwards, according to a suppressed report based on information contained in U.S., European and UK government databases maintained by regulatory agencies.

The technical report was submitted to the 7th US/Europe Air Traffic Management Research and Development Seminar held in Barcelona, Spain last summer.” ~ ENS

Keep reading…

Why Eat Organic? Healthy You, Healthy Environment

We’ve all been told that organic food is better for us; it contains more minerals and less dangerous chemicals, but many people don’t stop to think about the benefits organic food has on the environment and on its producers.

In addition to various other benefits, organic products put fewer pesticides, fertilizers, and other dangerous chemicals into the environment. This makes it beneficial for not only your family, but for other families now and in the future.

One major benefit of reduced chemicals from agriculture is an improvement in soil quality. Organic farming works to build the soil naturally through companion planting and crop rotations. This works with the natural system to keep the soil healthy. Traditional agriculture uses chemicals to supplement soil; treating the symptom without treating the cause.

Think all the chemicals from agriculture end up in the plants or soil? Think again. Water from rain or irrigation doesn’t all stay on the fields. It can run off into lakes, rivers, and streams. It can also seep deep into the soil and enter underground water supplies. And when this water leaves the fields, it takes all the dangerous chemicals with it.

So even if you don’t eat the food produced by traditional agriculture, you could still be getting these chemicals through your local water supply. And while many places control the amount of these chemicals, others can’t. In many rural areas, the only available source of water is from the ground.

If you’re worried about the effect these dangerous chemicals might have on your family, think of the consequences of working with these chemicals every day. People who work on traditional farms are exposed to fertilizers and pesticides more often and in higher amounts than your family will ever be. There are many cases every year of people being poisoned with agricultural chemicals; accidentally and intentionally.

Pesticides can affect wildlife in the area. If you kill off all the bugs, the birds have nothing to eat. Then the animals that eat the birds will also have nothing to eat. If animals survive, but still have chemicals in their system, they can poison larger animals that eat them.

What may be the worst affect of traditional agriculture is that its other practices make the need for pesticides and fertilizers greater. Planting the same crop year after year can make your plants more susceptible to pests. Failing to keep the soil from washing away makes the new soil require more fertilizers so plants will grow. Traditional farming is taking no steps to reduce their use of chemicals, just to make them greater.

In addition to the benefits of chemical free agriculture, organic producers work with the environment as a system. They promote conservation of water and soil and strive to keep the land the way it is so future generations can work the land as well.

More ‘Why Eat Organic’ Resources From Around the Web:

Top 12 Foods to Eat Organic
- The top 12 foods to Eat Organic 1. Meat 2. Milk 3. Coffee 4. Peaches 5. Apples 6. Sweet Bell Peppers 7. Celery 8. Strawberries 9. Lettuces 10. Grapes 11. Potatoes 12. Tomatoes A few weeks ago I was in charge of organizing an enrichment …

Eating organic on a budget
- Recycla also found some interesting websites to share with you, including Rebecca’s Pocket, which has the mission to “eat organic on a food stamp budget. Check out this article at OrganicFoodee. These are just the ideas that Recycla …

Four Reasons to Grow and Eat Organic?
- 26, 2003 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that levels of antioxidants in organic corn were 58.5 percent higher than those in conventionally grown corn and that antioxidant levels in organically grown strawberries were …

The best way to spend your organic food dollar
- There are lots of good reasons to eat organic food: higher vitamin and mineral levels; better taste; no pesticides, hormones or toxic additives. But between cost and availability, it’s nearly impossible to eat organic all the time. …

Eating Organic on a Budget!
- Remember, the more people that buy organic food, the more consumer demand that’s created, the more prices will be driven down and the organic food market will get more competitive. As a wise saying goes, the best reason to eat organic …

How expensive is it to eat organic?
- 1. Rising demand for organic products. More and more people are including organic foods in their diet, if not moving towards eating organics exclusively. 2. The amount of organic crops is rising less quickly than the demand is. …

“Green Financial Revolution Arrives for Kenya’s Farmers

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 7, 2008 (ENS) - A new US$50 million partnership to finance Kenyan farmers was launched Tuesday to address both local and global food crises. The funding will allow smallholders and small agricultural enterprises to break out of poverty and build viable businesses.

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, or AGRA, in partnership with Kenya’s Equity Bank Ltd, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, established a new loan facility that will start out with a funding pool of $50 million.” ~ ENS

Keep reading…

Most folks are really feeling the crunch of high gas prices. So I wanted to share some great articles I’ve found over the last few days on saving gas and money. And of course when you save gas, you’re doing your part to protect the environment.

Drive Smart: 10 Ways to Save Gas and Money

Want to save 20% or more on fuel costs? Follow these 10 simple tips from the Consumer Federation of America.Check Your Air Filter. A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%, and nearly one in four cars needs an air …

Self-Inflating Tire To Save Gas

This cool technology will not only made roads a bit safer but help maximize on our gas efficiency, since under-inflated tires use up more fuel…resulting in more carbon emissions. Don’t we want to be efficient. …

Get better gas mileage!

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car’s gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Your car’s air filter keeps impurities from damaging the inside of your engine. Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, …

How To Get Better Gas Mileage And Save Fuel

By keeping your tires at recommended pressure as stated in the owners manual you could get better gas mileage of 2-3%. Not only that you could save hundreds of dollars of more because when your tires are properly inflated it also …

Best way to save gas: windows down vs. AC?

If it’s a zillion degrees and you’re driving around town with the windows down, the few bucks you might save might not be worth the insanity and chaos the heat may cause. “Do you want to be in discomfort, be tired and irritable and …

I hope you’ve found some of these articles helpful. Please share any ideas you have for saving gas!

“Climate Change Warms Lake Baikal, World’s Largest Lake

SANTA BARBARA, California, May 2, 2008 (ENS) - The rising temperature of the world’s largest lake - Lake Baikal in Siberia - shows that this icy region of Russia is changing due to global warming, Russian and American scientists have discovered.This lake was expected to be among those most resistant to climate change, due to its huge volume and unique water circulation, but long-term data collection reveals that warming is taking place.” ~ ENS
Keep reading…

Lake Baikal in Russia’s northern region of Siberia (Photo by Nicholas Rodenhouse)

“Bangkok Black Market in World’s Rarest Tortoise Uncovered

BANGKOK, Thailand, April 25, 2008 (ENS) - The Royal Thai Police raided the Chatuchak market in Bangkok earlier this month and seized a wide variety of illegally traded wildlife, including three of the world’s rarest tortoises, after the findings of an investigation by a wildlife monitoring network operated by international conservation organizations was shared with them. But the black market in these species continues even after the raid, say conservationists.

The report was published Thursday by the wildlife monitoring network, TRAFFIC, a joint program of the global conservation organizations WWF and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, IUCN, which maintains the Red List of Threatened Species.” ~ ENS

Keep reading…

A radiated tortoise (Photo by Chris Shepherd courtesy TRAFFIC)

“Medical Miracles Slipping Away as Extinction Claims Species

SINGAPORE, April 23, 2008 (ENS) - New new cancer treatments, new painkillers, a new generation of antibiotics, new treatments for HIV, thinning bones, kidney failure, and macular degeneration - even ways to regrow limbs - may all be lost unless the present alarming rate of biodiversity loss is halted, according to a new book containing the work of more than 100 experts.

The core of the book explores seven threatened groups of organisms valuable to medicine, including amphibians, bears, cone snails, sharks, nonhuman primates, gymnosperm trees such as pines and spruces, and horseshoe crabs. It illustrates what is lost to human health when species go extinct.” ~ ENS

Keep reading…

Rheobatrachus silus, the southern gastric brooding frog, is now extinct. (Photo courtesy Wikimedia)

Resources About Species Extinction From Around the Web:

10 Most Amazing Extinct Animals - The dodo has been extinct since the mid-to-late 17th century. It is commonly used as the archetype of an extinct species because its extinction occurred during recorded human history, and was directly attributable to human activity. …

The Amphibian Extinction Crisis: Will Humans Rise to the Challenge? - Of the ~6000 described species, 32% are threatened with extinction, likely in our lifetimes. Another 23% are so poorly known, and likely also threatened, that we can only call them Data Deficient. And with estimates of another 3000-6000 …

Beyond a ’speed limit’ on mutations, species risk extinction - … limit” on the rate of molecular evolution in organisms, and the magic number appears to be 6 mutations per genome per generation — a level beyond which species run the strong risk of extinction as their genomes lose stability. …

Species extinction threatens discovery of new medical treatments - Singapore - The alarming rate of biodiversity loss and species extinction threatens the discovery of new avenues of medical research and treatments for a wide range of diseases, a new book said on Wed…