Discover Earth - The Green Scene Blog

Easy Water Saving Tips

admin — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:28:37 +0000

Easy Ways To Save Water

Water Wise Lawn Care

♦ Did you know that landscape water use typically runs 40-50 percent of your total use?

♦ Water no more than every third day so the grass develops deeper roots and uses moisture deep in the ground.

♦ Water in the early morning or late evening when there’s no wind.

♦ After a rain, skip watering until the grass dries.

♦ Design, install and operate a sprinkler system with water-efficiency in mind.

Tips to Conserve Water Indoors

1. Change habits and use less water.

In the Bathroom:

♦ Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. (Saves 35 gallons a week per person)

♦ Don’t use the toilet as a trash can.

♦ Take shorter showers or bathe in half a tub of water. (Saves approximately 75 gallons a week per person)

In the Kitchen:

♦ Run the dishwasher only when it’s full. (Saves 30 gallons a week)

♦ Don’t rinse the dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, scrape them clean. (Saves 60 gallons a week)

♦ When washing fruits or vegetables, fill the sink with water instead of running the faucet. (Saves 30 gallons a week)

♦ Store a jug of water in the refrigerator for a cool drink.

In the Laundry:

♦ Run only full loads in the washing machine (saves 100 gallons a week) unless you can adjust for smaller loads.

♦ Pre-treat stains to avoid the need for rewashing.

2. Install water-saving fixtures and appliances.

10 Great Ways to A Greener Community

admin — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:04:37 +0000

10 Steps to a Green Community

1. Set a goal – turn that goal into a vision for the future that your community wants to achieve. Start at home first and set and example.

2. Recycle – You do it at home, so why shouldn’t it be just as easy when you’re out and about? Truly green communities help make it easier to recycle in public places such as parks, schools, and businesses. Ask your township, school board, and managers of other public areas to provide recycle bins for glass, plastic, aluminum, and paper next to existing trash receptacles.

3. Pass it on – You just finished a great book that you bought last week. Now what? Create a neighborhood exchange group and swap clothes, books, and toys with others…what’s better than getting a new outfit or toy for your child and helping to save the environment at the same time?!

4. Landscape Green – A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. By planting native trees, hearty bushes, and perennial flowers in your community, you not only provide great benefits for the environment, but give a natural habitat for wildlife and help beautify public spaces.

5. Park the car – One pound of carbon dioxide is produced with every mile driven, try walking, car pooling, or riding your bike one day a week!

6. Be a role model – Speak at your child’s school, and help teach kids at a young age how to become responsible stewards of the earth.

7. Pick up the trash – Did you know that Styrofoam can’t be recycled and is dangerous to animals if they eat it? So why let it litter our communities? Organize a “get out and clean” day. Any day can be Earth Day…it will bring together people of all ages and help make your neighborhood cleaner and safer for all its inhabitants.

8. Knock the lights out (well, not literally) – Change all your light bulbs to long lasting energy efficient ones, and turn them off when you leave the room.

9. Get the word out – Use reusable bags everywhere you go not just the grocery store. You will be surprised the positive effect it will have.

10. Give a gift – Donate a Green-kit to non-profit organizations like a local homeless shelter or community center (and you may be able to take a tax deduction while helping others create a green environment).

Be A Part Of The Linen Revolution

admin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:43:30 +0000

Everything old is new again… rediscover the wonder of linen.

When you think of linen, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

For many, it’s their grandma’s heirloom tablecloth or elegant napkins. For some, it’s the lining in that fine suit or their favorite shirt. Still others think of its uses in their bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms.

No matter what you think of, when it comes to the all-around perfect solution for your apparel, home décor, and bed & bath fabric choices, linen outperforms all the rest. Just as reliable for napkins and tablecloths as it is for fine suits and upholstery, linen stands for excellence in every application.

Now, with its incredible health benefits exposed for the first time ever, there is no reason not to use linen in your next project.