35 Ways to Winterize Your Home (Without Poisoning Your Family)
Stay cozy all winter long with these ideas.
by Marye Audet
Lancaster, TX, USA
]Fri Nov 06 09 Link to full article below
There are hundreds of tips on the Internet for winterizing your home but many of them aren't too eco-friendly. If you don't want to huff toxic chemicals all season check out these tips for a warmer home and healthy breathing all winter long.
Tips for Winterizing Your Home, Safely
1. Consider using green alternatives to traditional insulation. There are several options including cellulose and spray foam.
2. Learn from the old timers! Plant evergreens close to your home and consider planting a windbreak on your property. A windbreak can save up to 30% in energy costs.
3. Your attached garage can add to the difficulty in heating your home. It is a large, unheated space that usually shares a wall with either the kitchen or the den. Either way, keeping it warm helps keep the whole house warm. Take a look at the instructions to make this garage solar heater.
4. Install a permanent furnace filter to save waste and to keep your air clean.
5. Wrap the windows in plastic to keep out those arctic blasts.
6. You can also use bubble wrap to cover your windows. The air in the bubbles helps to insulate even more.
To read the full article: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/winterize-home-poisoning-family.html?campaign=th_weekly_nl
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The 100-Mile Diet for Electricity? The Institute for Local Self-Reliance Argues for Decentralization
The 100-Mile Diet for Electricity? The Institute for Local Self-Reliance Argues for Decentralization
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada
11. 2.09 Link to full article below
Well, Not Literally 100 Miles...
The Insitute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) has released a second version of its study titled Energy Self-Reliant States. In it they look at various ways that U.S. states could generate clean electricity locally (rooftop solar PV, onshore wind, offshore wind, etc). Just from the name of the institute, it's pretty obvious that they aren't in favor of centralized solutions to our energy problems, but at least they aren't all ideology: They back up their claims with a lot of data.
Among other things, the report claims:
All 36 states with either renewable energy goals or renewable energy mandates could meet them by relying on in-state renewable fuels. Sixty-four percent could be self-sufficient in electricity from in-state renewables; another 14 percent could generate 75 percent of their electricity from homegrown fuels. [...]
To read the full article: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/11/ilsr-local-decentralized-energy-generation-in-usa.php
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada
11. 2.09 Link to full article below
Well, Not Literally 100 Miles...
The Insitute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) has released a second version of its study titled Energy Self-Reliant States. In it they look at various ways that U.S. states could generate clean electricity locally (rooftop solar PV, onshore wind, offshore wind, etc). Just from the name of the institute, it's pretty obvious that they aren't in favor of centralized solutions to our energy problems, but at least they aren't all ideology: They back up their claims with a lot of data.
Among other things, the report claims:
All 36 states with either renewable energy goals or renewable energy mandates could meet them by relying on in-state renewable fuels. Sixty-four percent could be self-sufficient in electricity from in-state renewables; another 14 percent could generate 75 percent of their electricity from homegrown fuels. [...]
To read the full article: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/11/ilsr-local-decentralized-energy-generation-in-usa.php
VIDEO: 5 cheap ways to go solar
5 cheap ways to go solar
By Bankrate.com
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/5-cheap-ways-to-go-solar.aspx
By Bankrate.com
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/5-cheap-ways-to-go-solar.aspx
Is Balsamic Vinegar Poisoning You?
Is Balsamic Vinegar Poisoning You?
Studies show concerning levels of lead, which can cause permanent brain damage when children are exposed, in certain vinegars -- even high-end aged balsamic varieties.
By Jane Kay
Environmental Health News
11.9.2009 Link to full article below
In a tradition dating back to medieval times, growers in Modena, Italy, are deep into the grape harvest, the first step in making their famed balsamic vinegar.
Cooking the trebianno and lambrusco grapes releases rich juice that is then stored in vintage barrels. At least a dozen years of fermentation and evaporation reduces the wine to a sweet, fragrant elixir, the pride of a gastronomic culture.
Thousands of miles away, in California, signs in grocery stores warn shoppers about exposure to a dangerous metal in many balsamic and red wine vinegars. The way they are produced, or perhaps heavy metals in the soil, leaves some vinegars tainted with lead, a potent neurotoxin.
Please read the full article: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/lead-balsamic-vinegars-47110902?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr&kw=ist
Studies show concerning levels of lead, which can cause permanent brain damage when children are exposed, in certain vinegars -- even high-end aged balsamic varieties.
By Jane Kay
Environmental Health News
11.9.2009 Link to full article below
In a tradition dating back to medieval times, growers in Modena, Italy, are deep into the grape harvest, the first step in making their famed balsamic vinegar.
Cooking the trebianno and lambrusco grapes releases rich juice that is then stored in vintage barrels. At least a dozen years of fermentation and evaporation reduces the wine to a sweet, fragrant elixir, the pride of a gastronomic culture.
Thousands of miles away, in California, signs in grocery stores warn shoppers about exposure to a dangerous metal in many balsamic and red wine vinegars. The way they are produced, or perhaps heavy metals in the soil, leaves some vinegars tainted with lead, a potent neurotoxin.
Please read the full article: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/lead-balsamic-vinegars-47110902?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr&kw=ist
The 2009 Veggie Awards!
The 2009 Veggie Awards!
Food! People! Places! With 35,000 readers voting in the 8th annual Veggie Awards, the wait is finally over. Link to full article below
They're back, bigger, and better than ever! The 2009 Veggie Awards have arrived in style, showcasing the crème de la crème of all things veg. We spent the past 12 months with ears to the ground, determined to discover the greatest innovators, movers, shakers, and newsmakers in the wide world of vegetarianism. The result? A jam-packed list of the hottest people, products, and more, taking their rightful places in the plant-based spotlight. We have 21 editors' picks and 41 reader picks, all of which deserve a hearty round of applause. Without further ado, here they are, the 2009 Veggie Award Winners!
The Reader Picks
Favorite Veg Restaurant: Chicago Diner
Favorite Vegan Bakery: BabyCakes NYC
Favorite Vegan Cookies: Newman's Own Organics
Favorite Vegan Chocolate: Endangered Species Chocolate
Favorite Vegan Ice Cream: Purely Decadent
Favorite Vegan Milk: Silk
Favorite Tofu: Nasoya
Favorite Vegan Cheese: Vegan Gourmet
Favorite Veg Meat: California Veggie Burger
Favorite Energy Bar: Luna Bar
Favorite Snack: Trader Joe's Peanut Butter-filled Pretzels
Favorite Condiment: Vegenaise
Favorite Nut Butter: MaraNatha's Almond Butter
PLEASE READ THEIR FULL LIST - 100s more! =)
http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=1069&catId=6
Food! People! Places! With 35,000 readers voting in the 8th annual Veggie Awards, the wait is finally over. Link to full article below
They're back, bigger, and better than ever! The 2009 Veggie Awards have arrived in style, showcasing the crème de la crème of all things veg. We spent the past 12 months with ears to the ground, determined to discover the greatest innovators, movers, shakers, and newsmakers in the wide world of vegetarianism. The result? A jam-packed list of the hottest people, products, and more, taking their rightful places in the plant-based spotlight. We have 21 editors' picks and 41 reader picks, all of which deserve a hearty round of applause. Without further ado, here they are, the 2009 Veggie Award Winners!
The Reader Picks
Favorite Veg Restaurant: Chicago Diner
Favorite Vegan Bakery: BabyCakes NYC
Favorite Vegan Cookies: Newman's Own Organics
Favorite Vegan Chocolate: Endangered Species Chocolate
Favorite Vegan Ice Cream: Purely Decadent
Favorite Vegan Milk: Silk
Favorite Tofu: Nasoya
Favorite Vegan Cheese: Vegan Gourmet
Favorite Veg Meat: California Veggie Burger
Favorite Energy Bar: Luna Bar
Favorite Snack: Trader Joe's Peanut Butter-filled Pretzels
Favorite Condiment: Vegenaise
Favorite Nut Butter: MaraNatha's Almond Butter
PLEASE READ THEIR FULL LIST - 100s more! =)
http://www.vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=1069&catId=6
Soda Helps Make Americans Unhealthy and Fat -- Will Soda Tax Prevail Despite Pushback by Beverage Industry?
Soda Helps Make Americans Unhealthy and Fat -- Will Soda Tax Prevail Despite Pushback by Beverage Industry?
By Christine Spolar and Joseph Eaton, The Huffington Post Investigative Fund
November 10, 2009 Link to full article below
Washington lobbyists have been enjoying a multi-million-dollar sugar rush from the food industry.
Soft drink makers, supermarket companies, agriculture and the fast-food business have poured millions into campaigning against what they fear could be a burgeoning national movement to raise money for health care reform by taxing sweetened beverages.
During the first nine months of 2009, the industry groups stepped up their lobbying in Congress. They have spent more than $24 million on the issue of a national excise tax on sweetened beverages and on other legislative and regulatory issues, according to an examination of lobbying reports filed with the Senate Office of Public Records. The review shows that 21 companies and organizations reported that they lobbied specifically on the proposed tax on sugar-sweetened beverages – which among other things would include sodas, juice drinks and chocolate milk.
To read the full article: http://www.alternet.org/story/143841/
By Christine Spolar and Joseph Eaton, The Huffington Post Investigative Fund
November 10, 2009 Link to full article below
Washington lobbyists have been enjoying a multi-million-dollar sugar rush from the food industry.
Soft drink makers, supermarket companies, agriculture and the fast-food business have poured millions into campaigning against what they fear could be a burgeoning national movement to raise money for health care reform by taxing sweetened beverages.
During the first nine months of 2009, the industry groups stepped up their lobbying in Congress. They have spent more than $24 million on the issue of a national excise tax on sweetened beverages and on other legislative and regulatory issues, according to an examination of lobbying reports filed with the Senate Office of Public Records. The review shows that 21 companies and organizations reported that they lobbied specifically on the proposed tax on sugar-sweetened beverages – which among other things would include sodas, juice drinks and chocolate milk.
To read the full article: http://www.alternet.org/story/143841/
Students speak out for vegan ideals
Students speak out for vegan ideals
Vegans motivated by animal rights, health, environmental benefits
By Jessica Neville, staff writer
Sunday, November 8, 2009
http://www.technicianonline.com/features/students-speak-out-for-vegan-ideals-1.2057382
Americans across the country are celebrating National Vegan Month throughout November. A vegan is commonly defined as a person who chooses to avoid using any type of animal product, although the degree to which a person practices veganism and their reasons for doing so may vary.
Vegans are estimated to comprise about 1% of the American population and also represent a small minority of the student population. Vegans on campus practice their ideals for animal rights, environment, and health reasons.
To read the full article: http://www.technicianonline.com/features/students-speak-out-for-vegan-ideals-1.2057382
Vegans motivated by animal rights, health, environmental benefits
By Jessica Neville, staff writer
Sunday, November 8, 2009
http://www.technicianonline.com/features/students-speak-out-for-vegan-ideals-1.2057382
Americans across the country are celebrating National Vegan Month throughout November. A vegan is commonly defined as a person who chooses to avoid using any type of animal product, although the degree to which a person practices veganism and their reasons for doing so may vary.
Vegans are estimated to comprise about 1% of the American population and also represent a small minority of the student population. Vegans on campus practice their ideals for animal rights, environment, and health reasons.
To read the full article: http://www.technicianonline.com/features/students-speak-out-for-vegan-ideals-1.2057382
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