Category: Sustainable

Tips for Sustainable Shoppers: Ways You Can Keep Your Consumption and Waste Levels in Check

January 15, 2022 Earth PeepsLeave a comment Sustainable

You’re at the grocery store and you’re looking for a new cereal to try. You want one that’s organic, but also affordable – which is easier said than done. Then, you notice that there’s only one box left on the shelf and it has a “best by” date of tomorrow. That might be your lucky day! But before you buy it, think about this: how do I know if my cereal will last until its best-by date? What if I’m not able to finish the box in time? How does this impact me as a consumer and how does it impact the environment? These are all important questions that we need to ask ourselves when shopping in order to live sustainably. In this article, we’ll discuss how to be an ethical shopper, in three simple steps.

Part One: Where You Shop Matters

The first step is deciding where you’re going to shop. If possible, I recommend shopping at a local grocery store or farmers’ market instead of one that’s farther away from your home. This will reduce the amount of fuel that you use in your vehicle and will also help to support local farmers.

But what if there isn’t a grocery store or farmer’s market nearby? You can still shop at other stores! Look for the Local/Organic option on their website, as well as ways they’re supporting local businesses like small farms. There are many different ways to be sustainable when shopping, and it doesn’t have to involve a lot of extra effort.

Part Two: Consider the Product’s Life Cycle

The second step is considering a product’s life cycle. This includes looking at the entire lifespan of a product, from its creation to how long it will last in your home. For example, when you’re choosing a new cereal, think about how long it will take you to eat the entire box. If it won’t last more than a week or two, then it’s not the right choice for you.

It’s also important to consider whether a product is recyclable. For example, most plastics are recyclable, but some plastics can’t be recycled. When you’re looking at a product’s packaging and considering whether to buy it or not, make sure that the packaging is recyclable as well!

Part Three: Consider Price Per Use To Be Sustainable

Ultimately, when choosing products for your home consider price per use. If something seems too expensive for you, then it probably is. We want to be mindful of our spending when shopping and not spend more than we need to. This means that if a product costs too much in relation to how long it will last or the amount of times you’ll use it, then don’t buy it!

When I was growing up my mom always told me that it’s not good to be wasteful. And she was right – being sustainable when shopping is one of the best ways to reduce our impact on the environment. By following these three simple steps, we can all do our part in creating a more sustainable future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Thank you for reading!

How Electricity Does and Does Not Prevent Pollution

March 3, 2019 Earth PeepsLeave a comment Alternative Energy, Electric, Sustainable

Devices that run on electricity seem to produce less pollution to the environment. After all, there isn’t a smog of gas coming from an electrically powered vehicle. However, electricity must come from somewhere. This means that other resources need to be consumed in order to produce electricity. Power plants are the main sources around the world for producing electricity. However, power plants consume and burn up massive amounts of fossil fuel, coal, petroleum, and other natural resources to send out electricity. In this way, electric powered devices indirectly contribute to pollution, albeit, to a lesser extent than carbon-fueled devices. On a smaller scale, individual electric appliances do indeed cut down on pollution and are many times more energy efficient.

Thanks to advancements in technology, electricity has become a reliable way to power many machines. This extends from the industry to personal spaces. Many of our home appliances are powered by electricity. Take an electric pressure washer for example. The electric pressure washer generates a strong current to compress a fluid or gas in a short amount of time. The force that is generated from the washer wipes away grime and other stains. According to Catherine at TBEPW, an electric pressure washer may sometimes be more expensive than their conventional counterpart – and for good reason too.

The technology for electric powered devices is fairly new compared to devices that depend on mineral resources. Therefore, the methods by which electricity is harnessed is somewhat lagging behind. This may seem hard to believe, given all that has been accomplished through electrical resources. However, a technology that runs on natural minerals like coals and fossils have been used much longer than electricity. There are many ways to harness natural mineral energy. Not only that, but these methods tend to be simpler, and require less expensive facilities, thereby making natural mineral resources cheaper. Electricity, on the other hand, is much more dangerous and must be transmitted by the proper medium, conductive or insulating, depending on the need. 

Still, electrically powered devices do present a better alternative to burning coal, mostly because we have used less of it over the last century. The thing to consider is that electricity should be conserved because, like everything else on Earth, there is a limited supply. This means not leaving the lights on in the house or any other electric appliances that can be turned off. Not only will leaving on electric appliances result in an astronomical high electric bill, but it will have an effect on the environment as well. 

Electricity, as stated before, relies on other resources to be generated. The overconsumption of electricity will result in overconsumption of other natural resources. This will have a negative cascade on the environment. 

For one, the soil in the ground has a natural current that is necessary for all green life. This flow can be disrupted when nearby powerplants burn too many resources, which frequently happens as a result of major cities using too much electricity. 

Burning too many natural resources can lead to the production of acid rain. Acid rain is essentially the result of too many impurities like sulfur mix with the air. As the acid-air mixture rises to the sky, the clouds become heavy, so to speak. The particles are too heavy to remain very high in the atmosphere and therefore get deposited back to the ground as acid rain. This type of rain can cause massive amounts of property damage and other inconveniences. 

There are many things that can be done at an individual level to make sure that resources are conserved. Little things like turning off the Wi-Fi settings on our phones can help. This is because the surrounding networks don’t have to work as hard to provide signals. Buying high energy devices will ensure that little electricity is wasted. While society is moving towards electric powered technology, it’s best to start making good energy-saving habits now.

How To Minimize Damage to the Environment When Playing Paintball in the Woods

March 21, 2018 Earth PeepsLeave a comment Fun, Outdoors, Preservation, Sustainable

Paintball has become a revered past time and sport for a large number of enthusiasts. Tournaments are held where players run around in the muck and hope to paint their team to victory. Besides the thrill and fun paintballing can bring, however, there exists an underlying issue–the environment. With corporations and cities taking the initiative to turn themselves green and reduce their carbon footprints of the environment, sports like paintball should follow suit.

Paintball product designers are heading in the right direction already. The pellets themselves are made of a biodegradable mixture to ensure that it can be washed off by the rain naturally. However, their pellets and a few other methods could be taken to ensure that paintball limits its impact on the environment as much as possible. This article will discuss a few of those possible methods.

1. The Pellet

As discussed earlier, the pellet is made of a biodegradable gelatin that will dissolve with time. However, the paint inside of the pellet can at times be questionable. Cheaper pellets sometimes use an oil-based fill. This oil can damage the environment, not to mention any animal that might find a few dropped pellets on the ground and eat them. Only buying the pellets that have PEG (or polyethylene glycol) as a filling.

In addition, the pellet is made of food-grade materials, which is excellent for those who might accidentally get some paint in their mouth. However, it is extremely toxic to both cats and dogs. If it is lethal to those animals, it is very likely to be lethal to other animals as well. As such, pellet designers should develop a new filling that is safe for both accidental human and animal consumption.

2. Tournament Trash Bins

While tournaments can be held within a building, the thrill for many players is using the outdoors as a battlefield. Tournament hosts need to be prepared to take care of the battleground in question since it is an organic species and not a synthetic one. Littering at paintball tournaments is notorious with a lot of players and spectators all crowding in to watch the action. A lot of people means a lot of trash, and that waste tends to end up on the ground.

To counteract this, those who are hosting the tournament should be sure to have a numerous amount of trash bins that are stationed throughout the battleground and the spectator area. These bins should also be emptied regularly to ensure that there is always room for more trash to be placed inside. Common sense will win the day in this regard.

3. Rechargable Batteries

Batteries are a staple in paintball, and even entry level paintball guns work best when they carry a full charge. Players know all too well that if their batteries aren’t fully charged, they’ll lose out on the game. Batteries require a certain form of recycling, and because that might cost the host more money in the long-run, using rechargeable batteries could be the path forward. While there have been some issues with rechargeable batteries in the past, designers should make their paintball guns suitable for these form of batteries, or make them rechargeable-battery-powered-only to encourage players to use a power source that has less of an impact on the environment. Who knows, maybe solar-powered paintball guns will be the next revolution?

Four Environmental Benefits of Electric Heat

February 26, 2018 Earth PeepsLeave a comment Alternative Energy, Electric, Sustainable

Throughout the year, every home and business requires heat in order to ensure the comfort of inhabitants. With an emphasis on protecting and caring for the environment, it is important to acknowledge the impact of energy usage in all that we do. When it comes to heating, there are a variety of possible options to consider. Presented here are four reasons why electric heating is the most environmentally responsible decision.

First, electric heating has often been considered expensive, but this is entirely untrue. In fact, electric heating is better for the consumer and the environment in several ways. First, electric heat is convenient and cost-effective because it is provided through heat pumps. These versatile machines are used not only for heating but for cooling as well, which eliminates the need for other devices and reduces equipment costs.

Second, electric heating does not pollute the environment. Other heating sources such as gas, coal, or wood-burning cause pollution both inside the home and out. Smoke and fumes from other types of heat sources can be damaging to the interior and exterior of the home or business. Chimneys and ventilation systems can become backed up and cause blockages or even fire, but these are not necessary for electric heating. In fact, there are plenty of options for electric garage heaters with thermostats that require little to no maintenance at all. Electric heating is environmentally friendly because it does not create emissions and leaves the inside and surrounding outdoor air clear. Electric heating does not produce dangerous carbon monoxide, and leaves no build-up of debris like other heating sources.

Third, there is no additional usage of environmental resources. Electric heating does not require a burden to get coal, wood or gas delivered or cut for the home. No gasoline or vehicles are needed to get electric heat from one place to another – it is already pre-wired in existing buildings or can be plugged in for an additional supplement. This eliminates environmental waste and resources needed for delivery, cutting or even mining. It is accessible for people with all types of ability levels since no active process is required to heat your home or work. This makes electric heating safer for many groups of people who may have difficulty with movement, adjusting or operating a pilot light, or lifting heavy loads of wood or coal. With electric heat, all you need to do is simply flip the switch or adjust the thermostat!

A fourth reason electric heating is better for the environment is that it is not wasteful. The efficiency of electric heating is not shared by any other heat source or process. All the energy that is put into making electric heat returns directly as output. There is no heat wasted or over-produced because electric heating is regulated by thermostats which monitor temperature. These thermostats are effective at controlling the amount of heat created and are helpful for ensuring a space is kept at a comfortable temperature.

Sustainable Wood Harvesting

February 1, 2018 Earth PeepsLeave a comment Natural Resources, Sustainable

Forested areas that provide wood are resources that must be carefully managed to ensure a continuing supply for the current population, as well as an increasing population in the future. Harvesting wood to ensure sustainability requires a careful evaluation of current resources and accurate growth data on various types of trees, in order to determine how much can reasonably be used in the present and what amounts need to be replenished for future use.

The Growing Move Toward Sustainability

A “sustainable yield” of a natural asset like wood from forests is defined as the amount that can be extracted without diminishing the base of capital itself. That is, you should only be removing an amount that can be restored within a reasonable amount of time for continued use. In the case of trees, the time frame can be significant, particularly when calculating woods that take many years to develop.

Choosing Sustainable Woods

Choosing woods for building needs depends on the type of wood used and the growth rate of the trees in question. For example, oak and hickory trees take hundreds of years to achieve full growth, although many are harvested before their maturity. In contrast, birch and pine take one-third to one-half as long as oak to reach maturity. Cherry trees and maple trees have fairly short lifespans. These trees have varying color tones, which may go in and out of style. However, if you choose woods that have a shorter lifespan, they will be able to be regrown more quickly. Bamboo, which is actually a grass, not a tree, is a versatile and sustainable wood that can be used for many different building purposes that does not deplete the hardwood forests.

Improving Forest Sustainability In the Future

Forestry is a long-term enterprise that requires considerable thought about the market needs and prices of today, as well as the preserving a dependable store of wood for the future of quality home furnishings. As the forestry and wood industries go forward, greater emphasis is being placed on composite products that reduce the amount of wood that is used. Countries are putting more thought into how forest lands are used for recreation and have begun instituting programs and building strategies that minimize the damage to forests. In addition, conservation services are working in tandem with owners of forestland to implement restoration programs that will help to maintain adequate tree growth for the future years.

As the public becomes more educated on the importance of forest areas in the health and well being of the human population, sustainability in building will be the norm, rather than a new idea. Individuals who are currently involved in building properties can advance the progress of sustainable construction practices by taking active steps to choose woods that easily replenish the supply of usable trees in the environment. These steps will help maintain a healthy supply of wood for the generations to come.

6 Ways to Stay Green During the Holidays

December 23, 2017 Earth PeepsLeave a comment Holidays, Sustainable

The holidays are a time for sharing and spending time with loved ones. Although we look forward to preparing the perfect atmosphere, we often forget about how to keep our environment green. Put these 5 tips in a frequented area, like on the front of your refrigerator, and remember that staying green is a year-round project.

1. Buy one or more potted Christmas trees.

Live trees can give you an intense feeling of Christmas. However, at the end of the season we remove the ornaments and lights and toss this tree away. Try something different this year and purchase one or more potted trees that can continue growing for 2-3 years. Although smaller than a normal 6-footer, you can add the spirit of Christmas in more than one room. You can either replant outdoors or use in your home as different holiday decor throughout the year.

2. Battery-free is better.

Instead of stocking up on those little battery-powered toys and gadgets as gifts, think of items that do not require energy. Discarded batteries are an environment hazard. Kites, board games and books are great ideas for getting your kids away from battery waste use and waste.

3. Waste not and want not.

Instead of heading to a store to purchase an insignificant gift that will end up in someone’s closet, use your imagination to give a gift that you know will be used. For example, a fruit basket or a gift certificate to a local grocery store will be far more appreciated than a trinket that serves no purpose.

4. Remember your outdoor friends.

Instead of decorating an outdoor tree with lights that make your electric bill soar, think of the birds that are searching for their next meal. Use seed bells and pine cones covered in peanut butter to attract nature’s winged friends. The sight will be much more enjoyable than a few hours of artificial lights.

5. Reuse gift wrap wisely.

Garbage cans are always overflowing after Christmas morning. Filled with discarded wrapping paper and bows, most of this trash can be saved and reused. Carefully pick up the wrappings and save for the next year. Paper and bows will take up little space and can save you a ton on money on next year’s holiday budget.

6. Send Christmas cards with meaning.

Walk past the displays of holiday cards and search for cards that have used recycled materials. You may also find cards that donate a portion of the sales to those in need or have been designed and made by non-profit organizations. Christmas cards are all about sending a message of love. Do your part to send a message to friends and family.

It is never too late to change your old habits of Christmastime. By using one or more of these ideas, your holiday season will feel more rewarding and the environment will be remembered.