Blisstree » eco-life

Use plastics safely (if you must)

Jennifer Chait — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:54:22 +0000

Plastics are a big issue in green living. We know they’re made with non-renewable resources. We know that making plastic products creates pollution. We know that many plastics have been found to have BPA, phthalates, and other nasty chemicals. We know that a ton of plastic ends up in landfills.

Yet Americans just keep right on using it. It’s not a big shock. Plastic is cheap, easily portable and lightweight, can be waterproof, and it’s used for flipping everything – toys, dishes, cleaner containers, shampoo bottles, baggies, and so on. You can’t escape. Well, actually you can escape. Fake Plastic Fish is just one blog among many who discusses the quest for a plastic free life. In fact, I talk about it all the time. You can use…

Cloth shopping bags over plastic.
Stainless steel water bottles.
Glass and other dishes over plastic.
Cloth snack baggies.
Foil or a food container not plastic wrap.
Wooden toys, cloth toys, and so on.

You can, even in this day and age use far less plastic if you try. However, there are some who won’t get on board with a plastic free life so I’m offering up these safety tips. Because if you’re gonna use plastics, you may as well use them safely.

Use the safest plastics for babies and young children. Little ones gather toxins and chemicals at a more alarming rate than fully developed adults. If you use plastics for your baby choose safe BPA-free, toxin free options. That goes for feeding gear, toys, and other plastics your baby may get his hands on.

Don’t microwave plastics or otherwise heat them up. The FDA has guidelines about plastics that are kitchen safe vs. not, and while they note that phthalates are only released from the softer plastics, why risk it. This means hand washing your plastics too – because heat from dishwashers releases chemicals as well.

Buy safer food storage plastics that are BPA free.

Lastly, as an earth safety issue reuse and recycle your plastics wisely. If you’re taking on using them, then be a responsible plastic consumer.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Blisstree

Use plastics safely (if you must)

Eight small green steps that add up

Jennifer Chait — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:28:29 +0000

You don’t have to make grand green gestures, sometimes all those tiny steps you do add up significantly. The next time you’re feeling bummed because you haven’t built an eco-home, bought a hybrid, or planted a tree, choose one of these small steps, add it to your day, and feel better. Bonus if you work in many of these small steps throughout your week!

Pay you bills online – why have mail come to you? It’s a waste of gas and paper plus costs more.
Take your reusable bag to the pet shop. Or video store, or mall, or even the library. I know many people who remember to take their bags when they hit the grocery store, but why pick up plastic bags elsewhere. Take your bags with you no matter where you’re headed.
Switch to a more eco-friendly toothpaste.
Buy a refillable hand soap pump – actually buy one for each bath and one for the kitchen. Get hand soap from the local co-op bulk soap section OR buy the largest bulk bottle of hand soap you can find at a regular store. This cuts down on massive packaging waste.
Wipe out your microwave. A dirty microwave has to work harder to heat food. Why waste the energy?
Reuse your shower towel at least twice. I use mine all week – if you showered you should be clean, and this cuts down on water and energy waste used to wash clean towels.
Carry a reusable coffee mug to your fave coffee shop.
Save some shower or bath water this week and use it to water your houseplants.

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Blisstree

Eight small green steps that add up

Life in a House That’s Smaller Than Some Closets

Jennifer Chait — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 00:17:55 +0000

I’ve had this site for Tumbleweed Tiny House Company bookmarked forever. I keep looking at these little homes, but wondered about the realistic qualities of them. Then, I noticed the video. The video made me really want to post the tiny Tumbleweed homes, because I think it really gives you a nice look into living small.

Epu in the fields of Sebastopol, CA. 96 square feet:

Basically, Tumbleweed is a company that designs, builds, and sells both ready made homes and plans for extremely tiny homes. These homes are so small that the standard size is 120 square feet or less (although some are a wee bit bigger) and they can be affixed to a trailer, and are road ready.

Nice; and I thought I wanted an RV. This is way better. I’m just going to give a basic run down of size. If you want to take a look inside (believe me, you do) then visit the house page at the Tumbleweed site – most have great interior slide shows. There is also a handy FAQ.

Harbinger; 490 square fee:

My favorite is, unsurprisingly, the Z-Glass House at 400 square feet. Too big for a trailer I guess, but way slick:

After the jump; interior shots!

Inside the Epu – Desk:

Inside the Epu – Kitchen:

You know, this post is getting sort of long. I think I’ll come back with the ultra slick video and some benefits of a Tumbleweed home.

[All photos credited to the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company]

Post from: Blisstree

Life in a House That’s Smaller Than Some Closets