Archive for February, 2012For years, environmentalists have urged consumers to cut back — or eliminate — bottled water consumption. Bottled water robs from our limited supply of fossil fuels for the process of manufacturing and transporting a product by and large destined for a landfill, since only about one in six reach recycling facilities. Simply refilling them presents another problem: a chemical in the plastic called phthalate seeps into the liquid as the bottle gets older, potentially causing certain negative health effects. But we all need to drink more water, right? So why not invest in a good reusable bottle instead? These days there are a plethora of options on the market — from basic bottles to innovative, portable filtration systems. Here are just a few:
The least complicated solution to on-the-go hydration has to be this simple model by Kleen Kanteen. Made with lightweight, food-grade stainless steel, it won’t taint the taste of your water no matter how many times you use it. Plus, it comes in a bunch of glossy colors.
You’ve probably seen this quirky design by Camelbak, which boasts a no-spill mouthpiece that locks into place for travel. But did you know it can filter your water, too? The Groove model includes a filtering mechanism inside the straw that removes chlorine and unpleasant tastes and odors from potable tap water. It’s a good choice for those who are picky about how their water tastes.
Maker of popular water filtration systems Brita has their own version of the filter bottle at a slightly lesser price point. Find it at Target!
If you often find yourself in the middle of the woods, lake, swamp, river, underground cavern, or some other area with doubtful water quality, behold the Lifesaver Bottle. Designed in response to recent global natural disasters, it isn’t just a water filter — it’s a water purification system, removing all microbiological waterborne pathogens in addition to chlorine and sulfur in about a minute. The replaceable filter has a lifespan of about 4,000 liters, so it’s built to last a while. Which is a good thing, considering it will set you back $150. But urban travelers will find reusable bottles handy as well. You know what passes through security with no problem? An empty water bottle. No more buying overpriced drinks in the terminal or on the plane — not to mention wasting disposable bottles at the checkpoint — when you can just refill from the drinking fountain! Dr. Seuss’ beloved Lorax has always spoken for the trees. But now, with the upcoming release of Universal Pictures’ animated feature, he’ll be advocating low-power washing machines and eco-friendly baby diapers, too.
The concept of the movie tie-in is not a new one. Mutually beneficial to the studio and the companies it partners with, it’s the marketing strategy that would usually result in giving kids plastic Bar-ba-Loots and beanie Swomees with their fries and chicken nuggets. But Universal has chosen to be more selective. The Lorax’s moniker will only appear to promote businesses that have made a commitment to offering eco-conscious goods. The studio has gathered almost 70 sponsors to spread a message of environmental awareness, as the book originally intended. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency will use the Lorax to promote appliances with its Energy Star label, and green household products supplier Seventh Generation will label many packages “Lorax Approved.” In Amsterdam, the Hortus Botanicus garden is creating a Lorax-themed path for visitors, showcasing endangered tree species. “Our partners needed to legitimately be in the environmental space,” Universal’s president of partnerships and licensing, Stephanie Sperber, told the Associated Press. “The brands and messages had to ring true to the Lorax story.” IHOP, in addition to putting green eggs and ham on the menu, will be distributing seeds for planting. And Universal has also added green lifestyle tips — such as buying local produce and reusing water bottles — on its website that, “together, will make a big difference.” Watch the movie trailer below! It seems like you need a different cleaning bottle for everything that could possibly need cleaning: surface solution for countertops, soap scum remover for the shower and bathtub, glass cleaner, toilet bowl disinfectant. But a lot of these products can be easily replaced with simple mixtures of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Not only can you slim down your arsenal of cleaning products (and save on buying them) by making some yourself, but you can limit household exposure to hazardous chemicals. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, many cleaning products may cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, and some contain an ingredient that has been linked to reproductive dysfunction. Concentrated forms of some products are also toxic, which can create a storage problem for households with children. But with a little baking soda, vinegar, and water, you can conquer just about any spill or stain. Here’s how: General surface cleaner Pour one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle. Shake to mix, then use with a sponge or cloth to clean and disinfect — vinegar is a natural disinfectant with acidic properties that kill bacteria and mold. It’s also gentle enough for use on hardwood floors. (Of course, to be safe, always choose a small test spot first.) Undiluted vinegar may also be used to cut through grease and more stubborn messes. Surface scouring solution In a bowl or a jar, mix three parts baking soda and one part water into a paste. Use a sponge to spread onto a surface, letting stand for 10-15 minutes if necessary. Scrub with sponge, and rinse with water to remove. Good for showers! Glass and chrome Mix one part rubbing alcohol, one part water, and one part white vinegar in a spray bottle. Wipe with a cloth. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly to avoid streaks, and is also a natural disinfectant for faucets and toilet bowl handles. Toilet bowls Mix four parts vinegar to one part baking soda, pour into toilet bowl, and let sit for 5 minutes. Scrub with toilet brush and flush to rinse. Carpet cleaner Spray with undiluted vinegar to disinfect and scrub with a damp cloth. Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda directly onto stain, and spray with hydrogen peroxide until surface foams. Let stand 1-5 minutes, then scrub with a damp cloth, repeating as necessary until stain is removed. Vacuum once dry to remove any residual baking soda. Walls Sticker residue can be removed by sponging vinegar onto the offending spot and rubbing away after 15 minutes. Clean crayon and pen marks by applying baking soda to the wall with a wet sponge and scrubbing lightly. Rinse with water. Crafted from the Albizia Saman tree, which grows abundantly in Southeast Asia as well as parts of Central and South America, our Buddha Wall Panel depicts The Enlightened One in beautiful eco-friendly wood. Lumber derived from the Albizia Saman is commonly referred to as Monkey Pod, Rain Tree, or Saman — we call it Monkey Pod. It’s a durable material suited for placement indoors or out because of an interlocking grain pattern that prevents the tree itself from cracking in regions with low humidity levels.
The panel evokes a serene feeling, and will remind you about the Buddha’s teachings on enlightenment through meditation in your day-to-day life. Simply put, Buddhism is based on an idea that inner peace can be achieved by recognizing that suffering exists but also that it has a cause and can be lessened with wholesome intentions and actions. The Buddha, who is said to have traveled throughout India during the 5th century BCE, warned particularly against greed, hate, and self-delusion.
At four feet tall by two-and-a-half feet wide, the hand-carved panel has been divided into three sections lengthwise for ease of hanging and shipping. It’s also available in three stains — a warm tung oil honey tone, a darker walnut, and a light whitewash — to best match your decor, and provide a daily reminder to live well. Click here for purchasing information! |
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