Make Green Come True

Not all workouts are the same.   Here are three ways to get fit and be eco-friendly:

1.   Run or Walk, but not on the treadmill. Whenever you have the option, choose to use exercise equipment that is powered by you, not by electricity such as an elliptical machine or the track.  According to The Green Book, if you work out for 40 minutes 5 times per week on a treadmill or stair climber and switch to a human-powered exercise machine, you’ll save 160 kilowatt hours.  This is the amount of energy required “running the length of Interstate 5 from Mexico to Canada.”   Other great options include bicycles, free weights, and aerobics classes.

2.  Carry a Refillable Eco-Water Bottle. When you choose your way to hydrate, use a refillable water bottle (no plastic bottle to recycle or throw away), and make sure it is BPA free and made of environmentally friendly materials.

3.  Choose a gym near home. Reduce your commute time and emissions created by choosing a gym that is near your home or along your commute.  Even better, choose to work out at home or at a gym within walking/biking distance.

Here are a few environmental topics that hit the headlines last week:

Smart grid needs a dose of social networking

FDA Will Review Safety Of Common Antibacterial In Soap, Toothpaste

World Needs a Barometer of Life

Offshore Atlantic Drilling Divides

Robot Plant Powered by Polluted Water

A new Make Green Come True video has been posted!

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http://www.youtube.com/user/makegreencometrue

Make Green Come True is introducing a new Green Video Series.  Each Thursday we will post a new YouTube video containing a useful eco-friendly tip, green product review, or organic recipe.  Check back each week for the latest video.
This week:  Introduction – Meet the founder of Make Green Come True!

Creating an eco-friendly Easter basket is a great way to become green over the next week.   Here are a few ideas on how to celebrate Easter the green way:

1.  Reuse a basket.  Purchase a quality Easter basket made of renewable materials (i.e. bamboo, grasses, etc.).  Then you can either reuse it each year or re-purpose it for another use in your house.  Just avoid the plastic baskets that are frequently tossed each year.

2.  Use eco-friendly grass.   You do not have to fill your basket with the celophane shreds of translucent grass that are so common.  Many environmentally-friendly alternatives exist.  Try using biodegradable paper grass, cutting up your own grass from scrapbook paper, or using a green material such as straw.  As a bonus, you’ll also be keeping your pets safe.  Plastic Easter grass is harmful to pets if ingested.

3.  Use natural or organic dyes for your Easter eggs.  You can even create non-toxic Easter Egg dye from fruits, vegetables and spices.  See here for a recipe:  http://www.wholeliving.com/article/non-toxic-easter-eggs.

4.  Fill the basket with environmentally-friendly toys and games.  Try searching for eco-friendly toys online or see the links below for inspiration.

Green Toys Sand Play Set
Sprig Toys Eco-Truck Loader
Green Sprouts Infinity Teether Rattle
Wonderworld Peek-a-boo Ball
Wonderworld Eco – Friendly Rainbow Sound Blocks

Eco-Friendly Tool Kit. Eco-Me’s proprietary blend of essential oils aid in removing dirt, mildew, mold, water stains and other household grime. Our 100% natural essential oils (a mix of tea tree, lavender, lemongrass and rosemary) are antiseptic and antibacterial. They smell great and give your Eco-Me products an extra cleaning boost! 1 bottle of Eco-Me essential oil blend will last for 2 fills of each product, that’s 6 cleaning products in just 1 kit!

(more…)

Amazon.com

Enjoy an Earth-friendly beverage cup with a silicone sleeve and silicone lid included. The double-wall thermal design keeps beverage temperature consistent while the cool-touch silicone sleeve keeps hands comfortable. Microwave and dishwasher safe, the cup holds 12 ounces. A great gift idea, the cup helps minimize the waste of coffeehouse paper cups. Give one to the coffee drinker in your life.

Eco 101 brings you the Ceramic Thermal Double Wall (more…)

tree-v environmentally friendly television

Coming soon to an electronics store near you are the new Tree-V models.  These LCD models by Swedx  are constructed of environmentally friendly materials, most notably their wooden casing.

http://www.swedx.se/index.php?cPath=71_100

Did you know?  Each recycled can saves enough energy to power an average television for 4 hours.

Amazon.com

Get everything you need to cook up delicious, healthy meals for your family with this 12-piece set of Cuisinart Green Gourmet Hard Anodized Cookware. Cuisnart’s new energy-efficient and eco-friendly Cermica nonstick surface more than just reduces your carbon footprint–this nonstick coating also allows for easy food release and the ability to use less fat while cooking as well as for use in the oven for browning. This 12-piece set includes an 8-inch skillet, 10-inch d (more…)

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