Date: December 6, 2008 | Contributor: Jennifer Wig
That plush, stuffed toy bear is actually harmful to the environment. According to EcoStiletto, “many stuffed animals are made of non-biodegradeable synthetics like acrylic, nylon and polyester. A full half the emissions of greenhouse gases come from acrylic and nylon manufacturing and polyester is made from oil-based petrochems, all of which create chemical runoff that pollute our ecosystem.”
But there are eco-friendly bears to be had.
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Date: December 5, 2008 | Contributor: Jennifer Wig
RALEIGH, N.C. — The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources encourages North Carolinians to practice environmentally-friendly holiday habits this year.
By reducing waste and “going green,” you may be able to save some green in the process. Studies show holiday preparations, including gift-giving, holiday decorations and food preparation, increase the nation’s trash by an extra one million tons per week during the five weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
“Now is the perfect time to implement some environmentally-friendly holiday ideas. Not only are people concerned about the economy, but the environment is also a hot topic,” said Kelley Dennings, environmental specialist with the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance. “Why not make a ‘green’ New Year’s resolution this year as well?”
Some environmentally-friendly and cost-saving ideas include:
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Date: December 3, 2008 | Contributor: Jennifer Wig
Forget plastic water bottles sitting in landfills, what about that water filter on the pitcher in your refrigerator? Now, you can recycle those, too.
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Date: December 2, 2008 | Contributor: Jennifer Wig
Greenzer checks out which soaps are better - natural or “green.”
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Date: December 1, 2008 | Contributor: Jennifer Wig
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON – Last warning: Asthma inhalers go “green” on Dec. 31, forcing patients still using the old-fashioned kind to make a pricey and even confusing switch. The medicine inside these rescue inhalers — the albuterol that quickly opens airways during an asthma attack — isn’t changing. But the chemicals used to puff that drug into your lungs are.
No more chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, that damage Earth’s protective ozone layer. By year’s end, all albuterol inhalers must be powered by the more eco-friendly chemical HFA, or hydrofluoroalkane.
The down side: The new inhalers cost more, $30 to $60 compared to as little as $5 or $10 for the disappearing generic CFC inhalers.
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Date: November 28, 2008 | Contributor: Diana Carag
PITTSBORO, N.C. — A workshop will be held Monday Night in Chatham County to teach homeowners how to reduce home energy costs.
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Date: November 28, 2008 | Contributor: Jennifer Wig
Don’t rush into buying new energy-efficient windows for your home. If you wait one more month, you can get a federal tax credit, according to Kiplinger.
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Date: November 28, 2008 | Contributor: Jennifer Wig
The EPA has tips for helping others this holiday season without breaking the budget. From planning your holiday meals so there aren’t excess leftovers to donating unwanted electronics to local charities, there are many ways you can save money and protect the environment.
The holidays present opportunities to reduce waste, reuse items, and recycle products instead of disposing of them. Here are a few ways that you can practice the three “R’s” to make this a green holiday season:
- Share the good tidings: Make room for new gadgets by donating your unwanted electronics. Used electronics that are still operating can be given to community groups, local schools, or nonprofit organizations. Some donations may qualify for a tax deduction.
- Shop smart: Carry a reusable tote when out shopping. Look for gifts made with recycled material and that have less packaging. Buy green electronic products.
- Look for opportunities to extend the life of old items: Why spring for a new family computer when you can upgrade your existing one? Borrow or rent certain party goods instead of purchasing new ones. If you are preparing for the upcoming digital TV transition, extend the life of your current TV by purchasing a converter box.
See how others are being green and to let the EPA know what you’re doing this holiday season.
Tips on reducing holiday waste
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Date: November 27, 2008 | Contributor: Jennifer Wig
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — A survey conducted at home shows in 15 cities across the country gauging consumer environmental practices suggests that many Americans are going green when it comes to their homes.
Despite “cost” being singled out by 36 percent of respondents as the greatest impediment to going green, half of those surveyed have paid more money for an energy efficient product in the past 12 months and one in three homeowners (30 percent) claim they would be willing to spend $5,000 or more on green improvements to increase a home’s appeal to potential buyers.
The findings are the result of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Living Green Consumer Survey which looked at responses from over 2,300 consumers and is considered accurate to within +/- 2.2%.
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Date: November 26, 2008 | Contributor: Jennifer Wig
Going blue for a whole home is now a reality with the first WaterSense labeled new home in Chapel Hill, N.C. The home meets EPA’s WaterSense draft specification, includes water-efficient products inside and water-saving features and landscaping on the outside, and incorporates design features that save water.
“Through the WaterSense New Homes Pilot Program, we can lay a strong foundation for environmental progress,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “As the program encourages installation of products that save water and money, homeowners are realizing first-hand the benefits of efficient water use.”
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