Make Green Come True

It is commonplace to see recycling for aluminum cans, paper, and many household products.  Cell phone and electronics recycling is easier than ever before.  However, these unique recycled projects are being created from unusual reused and recycled materials that are far from commonplace.

1.  The Recycle House – Paper Becomes a Home

These low-cost homes are created from old paper products.  Each costs less than $5,000 and can provide a safe, durable, and clean environment for those without alternative housing.

Read more here:

http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/01/22/5000-dollar-recycled-paper-house-by/
2.  The Recycled Chair – Guns Become a Seat

Furnishings from recycled materials are popping up everywhere, but this recycled chair puts a unique spin on reuse.  It is made from recycled weapons from a civil war in Cambodia.

Read more here:

http://www.care2.com/news/member/366153879/720515

3.  The Recycled Shoe Polish – A Banana Becomes Shoe Cleaner

While not necessarily a product, this idea had to be included.  If you are looking for an eco-friendly and chemical-free alternative to shoe polish, simply have a banana.  The peel can be used to shine and protect your shoes.

Read more here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/28/polish-your-shoes-with-a_n_161559.html

Many political discussions today revolve around energy conservation and our environment.   Here is a brief timeline of some of the green projects that have been implemented in our nation’s favorite home:

1.  1979 – Carter’s administration installs a solar water heater in the White House.

2.  1989-1993 – Bush initiates a project to install more energy-efficient chiller system in the air conditioning system for the White House.

3.  1993 – Clinton initiates an extensive energy audit of the white house.

4.  2002 – Bush continues Clinton’s work, installing a new solar system and many other upgrades.

5.  2002-2008 – Compact flourescents replace many of the less energy efficient lights throughout the home.

6.  2002-2008 – Low water usage toilets and faucets have been installed.

7.  2002-2008 – The sprinkler system uses a computerized system to shut off during rainfall.

8.  2002-2008 – Insulation improvements are made throughout the house.

9.  2002-2008 – Motion-sensored lighting is installed in many parts of the house.

10.  2002-2008 – A long-term project to computerize light system, allowing power to be automatically shut off when not necessary is initiated.

Sources:

http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa070201a.htm

http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/11/08/455649.aspx

http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2008/12/01/obama-plans-to-green-the-white-house/

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/pdfs/greening_whitehouse.pdf

Many innovations are making run-of-the-mill power strips into technological dinosaurs.  Phantom power, the power leaked by items that are plugged in, but not necessarily switched on is gaining more and more exposure in press.  As more people become aware of the drain of phantom power, new solutions like the one below are sure to appear.

Belkin has introduced a remote control power switch.  It can be operated through a handheld remote, so you won’t have to crawl to flip off the power and cords can be hidden out of sight and out of reach.   The remote can operate not only a single power strip, but also an entire fleet of power strips that are used on all the electronics in your home.

Belkin BG108000-04 Conserve 8-Outlet Surge Protector with Remote Switch (White)

Related Make Green Come True Articles:

Product Review: Smart Strip

A Fun Gadget to Monitor Your Home Energy Use

Phantom Power

If you want to save power, but still need productivity and speed from your computer.  Check out these earth-friendly laptops.  Each contains a host of green features that will save electricity and help save the Earth while you work and play.

Sony VAIO VGN-Z550N/B 13.1″ Laptop

Specs:

• 13.1″ -inch Screen
• 2.40 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 Processor
• 3 GB of RAM
• 250 GB Hard Drive
• Dual-layer DVD±R drive

Green Features:

• Energy Star 4.0 certified (Energy Conservation)
• Silver EPEAT designation (Reduced environmental impact)
• RoHS-compliant (Reduced hazardous production materials)
• hafnium-infused circuitry (Energy Conservation)

Apple MacBook Pro MB134LL/A 15.4-inch Laptop
Specs:

• 15.4-inch Screen
• 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
• 2 GB RAM
• 250 GB Hard Drive
• DVD/CD SuperDrive

Green Features:

• Energy Saver Mode (Energy Conservation)
• Hafnium-Infused Circuitry (Energy Conservation)
• Mercury Free Display
• Energy Efficient LED Display

1.  I will use water wisely.   I will not run water excessively.  I will combine laundry and dish loads.  I will quit the spinkler habit during hot months.

2.  I will recycle more. I will investigate my community recycling policy and seek out ways to recycle goods that are not covered by regular recycling pickup (electronics, appliances, plastic bags, etc.).

3.  I will seek out new ideas. I may know the basics, but I will look for new ways to make my home, lifestyle and diet green and earth-friendly.

4.  I will conserve energy. I will look for ways to weatherproof my home and conserve electric power.   I will shop for green products whenever they are available.

5.  I will enjoy our planet. Enjoying nature brings the green mission close to one’s heart.