1.

2.

3.
4.

5.

6.

So far, the issue of “environmentally friendly” plastic has been a true catch 22 for environmentally conscious citizens. We’re stuck with two plastic options: plant-based, and petroleum-based. Currently, plant-based plastics have a larger carbon footprint than do the petroleum-based kind because of the resources (ie: corn fields) and extraction processes required to create them.

Petroleum-based plastics created from fossil fuels actually have much less of a carbon footprint, but conversely they pollute our environment with…well…plastic. The pollution left by these petroleum plastics will take many many lifetimes to break down, and when it finally does, will combine with organic matter to continually disturb our delicate ecosystem.

There are those out there who don’t even like the idea of biodegradable plastic. They say the gases (mostly methane) and organic matter that discharge during the degradation process lead to potentially harmful effects to our environment and atmosphere.

This whole thing seems like walking over burning coals, and it’s difficult to find the next step. Lets try to stay cool though.

So, what can we do? We can start by jumping head first into renewable energy. Although more resources are required to create these plant-based plastics, if the energy we use is renewable, then theoretically we could use as much as we want without causing great harm to the environment. Renewable energy that’s used to create plant-based plastics provides an alternative that will leave a much smaller carbon footprint than any other currently available option.

Rapid innovations offer hope, and alternate solutions. Did you know we can even genetically modify plants to grow plastic now? Weird! Until that route is perfected, however, promoting renewable energy resources is our best bet.

My final verdict is: continue to promote plant-based materials while letting technology and social consciousness do the rest. I truly believe our technology is evolving rapidly and we will be over the renewable energy hump in no time. As far as the biodegradable issue, maybe we should look into non-degradable, but completely recyclable plastic options.

Just my thoughts though; be your own judge.

This bad boy has massage pivong heads, sleek design, high functionality, and best of all, a replaceable vitamin C filter that handles up on the chlorine present in our municipal water supply. According to the manufacturer, you will literately smell the difference.

Health and beauty does come at a premium however with a price tag of $349, but sometimes it truly pays to be spoiled..in this case with healthier skin and improved indoor air quality. Fortunately you can make up for some of the upfront cost, by using the included flow re-stricter (don’t worry it will still work..thanks to aeration!), potentially saving you up to 50% off your water heating bill. Enjoy!

Children’s Health Magazine : Parents : Your Big Fat House

This is a great article everyone should read (linked above). The title focuses on obesity caused by chemicals in the home, but the content also discusses many of the other harmful effects associated with these commonplace chemicals.

Don’t let this information scare you though, simply take control by learning how to minimize your family’s exposure! Keyword, minimize; nobody’s perfect..just take a simple “one step at a time approach” and do what is most practical for you and your loved ones. Good luck:)

Note- the part where PVC potable water lines are discussed does not apply to the majority of you, since most major cities have gone away from PVC for quite some time now, except for sewer lines of course.

****
HealthyStuff.org tested over 400 pet products, including beds, chew toys, stuffed toys, collars, leashes, and tennis balls. Since there are no government standards for hazardous chemicals in pet products, it is not surprising that there were alarming levels of toxic chemicals found. HealthyStuff.org results are especially of concern to pets and children. Pets and children are frequently close to floor and commonly put products into their mouths. Exposures are greater, resulting in greater health concerns.

This simple change is going to save us $5.33 per month, adding up to $63.96 per year. See, green doesn’t mean more expensive! In Austin, call 311 to reduce the size of your trash container, free of charge.

-On a side note, we have also completely eliminated the use of trash bags, realizing we really don’t need them. To reduce odor, just sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of your indoor trash receptacles. After emptying everything to the outside container, simply take a hose with an aerating spray nozzle attachment and clean the inside of the empty receptacle. The oxygenating power of the left over baking soda combined with the jet of water cleans quickly and wonderfully. This practice will save us an additional $50-70 per year. FYI if you do have to buy trash bags, buy bio-degradable (like Bio-Bag, also made for dog walk waste).

Here is a reminder of what goes in your Single Stream recycling container (in Austin, TX).

* Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail & office paper
* Aluminum, steel & tin cans
* Glass bottles and jars, all colors
* Rigid plastic (#1 through #7)
* Corrugated cardboard
* Boxboard, such as cereal and soda boxes