Eco Friendly Jewelry

It’s no secret that a large majority of the world’s jewelry comes from sources that are not healthy for the environment. In fact, much of the world’s diamonds come from century-old mining techniques that are not only dangerous for the miners, but harmful to the earth as well. Fortunately, times have changed, and there are now an abundance of green alternatives to choose from. Potential consumers only need to know where to look to find them. Consider a few of the suggestions below to wear the jewelry you love while causing only a fraction of the environmental impact.

Buy a Smaller Amount: Over the years, many people will find that they have collected hundreds of pieces of jewelry. Upon closer inspection, they’ll realize they’ve only worn each piece a handful of times. Why does this happen? Because the jewelry they bought only works with a certain outfit. To remedy this problem, do your best to buy jewelry that will look great with many different outfits. That way, you won’t feel guilty for having so many pieces lying around and you can be sure that you put every single one of them to good use.

Recycled Materials: Many companies are trying to reverse our impact on the world by making jewelry with reused metal. This metal can come from many different sources from aluminum cans to kitchenware to recycled machine parts. Because most manufacturers of this kind of jewelry are extremely proud of their contribution to the environment, they won’t be difficult to find.

Vintage Jewelry: As an alternative to buying new piece of jewelry made out of recycled materials, try buying old jewelry to reuse. You don’t need to feel bad about where it came from if the jewelry has already existed for quite some time. Besides, you’ll be putting it to good use rather than letting it collect dust in the back of someone else’s drawer. This also works the opposite way – if you no longer want a piece of jewelry, sell it or give it away for someone else to wear.

Buy Different Gemstones: Choose created stones as an alternative to the ones found through mining. Not only will they cost a lot less money, but most of the time, they’ll look and feel almost identical to the real thing! Although they are made using chemicals and often mass-produced in a lab, they still have less of an effect on the environment than mined gems. If you absolutely need to have the ‘real thing’, consider making pearls your preferred stone of choice. The impact pearl-farmers have on the environment is much less than that of miners.

Look for Better Materials: Not every piece of jewelry needs to be made out of metal and gemstones. In fact, plenty of beautiful jewelry is made out of materials that are much better for the environment. Jewelries made out of certain types of fabric, such as cotton or hemp are much more eco-friendly than metal chains. If you want to have beads on your jewelry, choose glass instead of plastic.

Make Your Own: Finally, try making a few pieces of jewelry on your own. These can be made out of materials you have or old pieces of jewelry you find lying around the house. This can even be a great project for you and your kids.

Sarah Harris is the marketing manager for Adiamor Diamond Engagement Rings where you can find a wide assortment of settings, loose diamonds, and other fine diamond jewelry at affordable prices.

Ecodwell Offers Chicago Buyers Economical and Ecological Homes

A lot of eco-conscious Chicago home buyers are interested in building a new house... However, the cost of custom green construction is out of many people's price range. Fortunately, a new option is now available that offers an affordable and eco-friendly alternative.

Although popular throughout the country (especially out West, modular/prefab homes are little known in Chicago architecture... until now. Ecodwell is a new initiative that combines prefab construction with green home design, offering an innovative yet cost-effective housing option to Windy City dwellers.

Ecodwell homes are fashioned out of pre-made pieces that are assembled on-site and integrated with sustainable materials and green finishes. The basic concept is to provide an affordable alternative to building your own custom Chicago home http://www.dreamtownbuilders.com/, with varying levels of eco features per clients' requests. A standard floor plan is 1800 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Green components include water-conserving fixtures, energy-saving lights, high-efficiency HVAC, Energy Star-certified appliances and insulating windows.

The homes are designed to fit a typical city lot and are semi-customizable to suit the owner's specific needs and preferences. The prefab model is ideal for later expansion to accommodate a growing family and changing lifestyles. And, with a price tag of around $125/square foot, the properties will appeal to Chicagoans looking for a step up from condo living without breaking the bank.

Ecodwell originators Avi Ron of Dream Town Realty and Jeffrey Sommers of Square Root Architecture believe the moderate price point is a major draw for consumers in today's cash-strapped economy. And the long-term cost savings of an eco-friendly abode can make this prospect even more appealing. Owners will see immediate economic benefits in lowered utility bills and those who opt for more advanced elements, such as solar panels, can expect recuperation of the initial expense over time.

Ron and Sommer's Ecodwell home is typical of the prefab residences you see in other parts of the country. Its modular shape is very modern in style with strong geometric lines and a minimalist influence. Individual owners can choose interior details, giving each place a customized feel that fits their personal tastes.

Because prefab homes use pre-manufactured parts that are produced in bulk in the exact size needed, less waste is generated in their construction, which is better for the environment. Ron and Sommers also plan to integrate local products as much as possible to cut down on carbon emissions from transportation. And whenever feasible, recycled and green materials will be utilized, as well as non-toxic paints and sealants.

The main goal of Ecodwell is to supply Chicago properties that provide a balance between ecology and economy-giving today's buyers a viable and affordable opportunity to live in a brand new single-family home built just for them. A website will be coming in the near future.

How green is your insulation?

It’s important to save energy by insulating your home, but not all insulation was created equally green - some use harmful toxins as preservatives and some require polluting manufacturing. So what are the best options for staying warm without contributing to global warming?

Fiberglass Products (R Value – 3.1 – 4.3 per square inch)

There are dozens of insulation products on the market but the most common are fiberglass, especially batts and blankets. These are made from molten glass and generally contain some recycled material. They work reasonably well as insulators although, if not cut properly to size, can allow cold air in through gaps.

Not all fiberglass Batts are created equal – many come with an asphalt facing which further contributes to carbon emissions in the manufacturing process but most controversially, fiberglass insulation often contains formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a well known carcinogen and most states have now banned other formaldehyde products, including urea-formaldehyde foam as they were found to compromise air quality in the building. The International Agency for Research on Cancer also lists fiberglass itself as a “probably carcinogen”.

Wool Products (R Value -3.5 -3.8 per square inch)

Wool is considerably more expensive than its man made counterparts which has limited its popularity. Wool insulation manufacturing is relatively simple compared to its competitors and emits relatively low levels of carbon, even when considering the upkeep of the sheep. A non-toxic clay substance is usually added in the production process but it is considered harmless. There is some controversy over the effectiveness of wool insulation; however a report by the Australian science institute CSIRO found, when installed optimally, wool had greater insulation potential than its counterparts.

Cotton Batts (R Value – 3.7 per square inch)

Cotton Batts are usually made almost exclusively of recycled materials and contain no formaldehyde and very few petrochemicals. Although cotton is a particularly destructive, water intensive crop, the damage it does is not comparable to an oil well or mineral mine. A small quantity of polyolefin, a petroleum based adhesive is used in production but is preferable to formaldehyde.


Cellulose Insulation (R Value – 3.4 – 3.8 per square inch)

Loose Fill Cellulose insulation is generally used for tricky to reach areas such as wall cavities as well as ceilings. It’s quite heavy (therefore positing a risk of structural damage) and tends to become less effective over time however, it is perhaps the best option if you are looking to go green. It contains no petrochemicals so it does not require excessive oil refinery in production and has no known carcinogens. Cellulose insulation is made mostly of recycled newspaper so it plays a part in reducing landfill in addition to saving energy.

Of course there are dozens of other options from paints that insulate to bales of straw under the floor boards – finding the right option for your home depends on your location, dwelling and priorities.


Dana Flannery is a freelance writer on all things good for families and the environment. See more of her work at this Outdoor Wedding Planner site and at this Brisbane Marriage Celebrant site.

4 Things to Look For When Going Green with Cars

This guest post was written by Carly Grant. She runs MyCarForAGrand, a website dedicated to those wanting to find cars for a grand or
less.

When you’re ready to purchase a car, you’re soon going to find out that many of the major car manufactures are geared toward being “green.” Yes, while it is great for the environment, you will find that it may not be so hot for your pocketbook. This doesn’t mean that you should skip over and not even consider one, because you can still find a used car that is “green” and won’t cost you a fortune.

If you want to purchase a car that is going to help the environment, I wanted to give you four things that you should look out for, when you want to go ahead and make your purchase.

Your MPG: Your miles per gallon or AKA MPG are one of the main factors that you’re going to want to look into. In today’s day and age, you can get a hybrid, or even an electric car that can easily give you 50+ MPG. The better the gas mileage, the less you will have to fill up.

The miles on the tank: This one kind of ties in with the miles per gallon and the more you can get on the tank, the better it is going to be for not only your pocketbook, but the environment as well. You will find that you will make fewer stops at the gas station, as well as get a lot further with your travels.

Your carbon footprint: The government has a fantastic website set up (fueleconomy.gov) jammed packed with information. You can get a lot of information on a car that you want to potentially want to buy. The cool thing here is that you can see what kind of carbon footprint your car will leave.

What is a carbon footprint? This is a number based out of 16.2 that basically measures a vehicle’s impact on climate change in terms of CO2, which is carbon dioxide.

Air pollution score: This is a number that you can also find over
at FuelEconomy.gov. It’s a score based out of 10 points, showcasing how much “smog-forming” air pollution that they emit. The higher the number, the better it’s going to be for the environment and the people around you.

Most hybrids, as well as electric cars today are a great purchase, if you want to save money on gas, as well as help out the planet. When making a purchase, or even doing research, consider some of these items above to find the best car that suits your needs.

Eco-Friendly Garden Products

Even a green fingered hobby like gardening can be wasteful and environmentally damaging. Plants are shipped from around the world, pesticides and fertilisers contain chemicals, and concrete is used in garden landscaping. If you’d like your garden to be truly green and eco friendly it is important you buy your garden products carefully. This article outlines some of the eco friendly gardening products currently available to help you choose gardening products which are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Lawn Mowers

There are lots of eco friendly alternatives to standard petrol and electric lawnmowers. If you don’t have much lawn to mow it is worth considering a push lawn mower as this type of lawn mower requires no fuel. By pushing the lawn mower the blades are turned and the grass is cut so it’s completely self powered with no emissions. If you have a large garden with a lot of grass to cut a low emission petrol mower may be a suitable alternative. There are several petrol lawn mowers available which have low emission 4 stroke engines and are of a high quality that ensures they last a long time before needing replacing. Whilst not eco friendly in itself, a mulching lawn mower shreds and lays grass clippings back into your lawn which not only cuts down on the need for lawn fertilisers, but also makes mowing the lawn quicker and therefore more energy efficient.

Planters

As an alternative to wooden planters, planters created using recycled polystyrene and plastic are widely available. These planters are available on a small or large scale so can be used in domestic gardens or larger spaces such as playgrounds and parks. Fibreclay planters are also available which are made from a mixture of waste material from pulp mills and clay. These planters are moulded in a range of shapes and styles and are light weight and durable. For planting seeds you can buy a paper potter which will enable you to create small seedling pots using scrap newspaper.

Furniture

Garden furniture is now made from a wide range of recycled materials. If it is a relaxing time you’re looking for you could consider a hammock made from recycled soda bottles or polyester fibre. Also available are stunning garden chairs made from recycled wine barrels or garden fires made from recycled copper. Garden furniture is also made from sustainable materials, such as patio sets made from sustainable eucalyptus or deckchairs made in the UK from sustainable beech wood.

About the Author:
Vanessa Barlow works for Artscape garden design in surrey and is passionate about eco gardening.

Patagonia – A Corporate Role Model for Environmentalism

You’ve undoubtedly seen Patagonia apparel and outdoor gear. But do you know about the company’s commitment to the environment?

Patagonia models corporate responsibility when comes to environmentalism. Patagonia uses organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles for their fleece jackets, and old clothes for materials for their new garments.

“Our definition of quality includes a mandate for building products and working with processes that cause the least harm to the environment,” states the Patagonia website.

Patagonia goes above and beyond just making eco-friendly products. The corporate culture revolves around the environment.

Employees are able to take two months off with pay to assist an environmental group of their choice. To date, 750 employees have done so. Patagonia also co-founded The Conservation Alliance in 1989 to help the industry donate more money to environmental causes. Patagonia also gives 1% of their sales to charity. They have given more than $38 million to more than 1,000 organizations. These are just a few of the major efforts Patagonia makes in running a green corporation.

We believe eco-friendly shoppers would like to support a dedicated company like Patagonia. You can purchase their products at their website (http://www.patagonia.com) or at Patagonia retail stores throughout the country.

Paper or Plastic? What's the Eco-Friendly Choice?

“Paper or plastic?” You’re asked that question nearly every time you go to the grocery store.

Most people assume that paper bags are better for the environment. After all, paper can be recycled and it’s biodegradable. Paper just sounds a lot more natural than plastic. But, that doesn’t make it a green choice. Over 14 million trees are cut down each year to produce paper bags. Paper bags also produce 70% more air pollution and 50% more water pollution than plastic bags do.

Plastic bags are much more popular, with about 80% of grocery store bags being plastic. This is because they are cheaper to make. Plastic bags aren’t the green choice either. Over 12 million barrels of oil are used each year to make them. Four billion plastic bags end up as litter annually.

So what’s the better choice? The best alternative is neither paper nor plastic. Purchase and use a reusable cloth or canvas bag. Many grocery stores now offer discounts to people that bring their own bags, so it may save you some green too!

Debit or Credit When Shopping Online?

Should you use you debit card or your credit card when you make online purchases? Most experts recommend using a credit card since you have more protection.

Credit card purchases are protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act. If you want to dispute a charge on that you made, you can call your card issuer and request a charge back. They can legally withhold the payment from the retailer until the issue is resolved. For fraud, your liability is limited to $50, however Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover all offer zero liability.

Debit cards, on the other hand, are covered under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and have different rules. If you purchase with a debit card, odds are that the retailer all ready has your money. The bank doesn't have to credit you the disputed amount while they investigate. You'll be forced to deal with the retailer to try to work things out. For unauthorized transactions, if you notify the bank within two days your liability is limited to $50. It increases to $500 for 2 to 60 days, and is unlimited after that.

Buying Light Bulbs

Replacing your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFLs) bulbs makes a lot of sense, both financially and environmentally. Each CFL bulb will save you about $30 over the life of the bulb. CFL light bulbs last 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs, use 2/3 less energy, and give off 70% less heat. Don’t make the mistake of waiting for your incandescent bulbs to burn out before replacing them. You’ll be wasting money and energy if you do.

Some people oppose CFLs since they contain mercury. They shouldn’t. Being concerned about mercury is good, but CFLs only contain a small amount of mercury. More mercury is actually created by using incandescent light bulbs since they use more electricity. The coal mining from producing the extra electricity actually created far more mercury than the amount in the CFL bulb. The CFL bulb is clearly the better green choice.

Shop Green to Save Some Green

April 22, 2010 marked the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. It’s a day where people around the world think about the earth and consciously make changes to better the environment. While most of us would like to help protect the earth, we hesitate to “go green” because we think it costs too much, or we simply don’t know how.

Paying a premium for goods, just because they’re good for the environment, is a tough sell particularly given the current economy. However, buying eco-friendly products and services doesn’t necessarily mean paying more. Shopping green doesn’t need to be difficult either. Here are seven easy ways that you can save money by shopping green.

1. Learn the four R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle and respect.

2. Buy Less
Shopping green seems like an oxymoron at first. Obviously, not buying anything at all would be best for the environment. Realistically, people need to make purchases and consume things. It’s part of life. Earth Day is about responsibility. Thinking about the impact your purchases have on the environment is part of being a responsible consumer. One of the most important things you can do to help the environment is to purchase things that you need, and purchase less of the things that you don’t. Buying less is not only good for the environment, it’s also good for your wallet.

3. Buy in Bulk
For the things that you need, buying in bulk can be both eco-friendly and cost effective. Bulk items usually use less packaging than smaller items. This has both the benefit of using less energy to manufacture the packaging and it keeps the waste out of the landfills. Retailers also often charge less for bulk items.

4. Buy Recycled
Recycled materials are cheaper to make as they take less energy to manufacture. Consequently, many recycled products are cheaper than non-recycled products. Most recycled products are of comparable quality. Aluminum and tin cans, glass containers, and pulp cardboard have a fair amount of recycled content.

5. Buy Quality
Buying green doesn’t mean that the products will all be made out of hemp. Many of the ordinary products that you see in the stores can be eco-friendly. Purchasing quality products rather than cheaply made products will ensure that they last longer. While it may cost a bit more upfront, you’ll save in the long run since you won’t have to replace it as often.

6. Buy Used Items
Buying used items keeps them out of landfills. They also cost less than new. Garage sales and second hand stores are great sources for local used items. You can also go online and shop at sites like Craigslist.org and eBay.com.

7. Shop Online for Eco-friendly Retailers
While it’s unlikely that there are many green retailers at your local shopping center or mall, there are thousands of green specialty retailers online. You can find a directory of green retailers at http://www.EcoFriendlySites.org, with links to over 700 eco-friendly businesses.