My Green Life

I just read a pretty interesting article in the Christian Science Monitor that went into more depth on a story I heard on the radio yesterday. Now, I’m not sure if this is just some PR blitz (which I’m sure it is to some extent) or if Wal-Mart is really taking an interest in becoming more environmentally friendly, but, whatever the motivation, Wal-mart has begun developing a method to compile and present on the packaging the environmental impact of each of the goods sold. They plan to rate factors such as emissions and water conservation in order to better inform the consumer so he/she can make more educated decisions on what to purchase. The software they are funding could then be utilized by other companies that are interested in displaying that information. I think this is a revolutionary concept, but I do wonder the impact it will have. Will Wal-Mart shoppers even bother to consider the environmental impact of a product, or will they just look for the yellow price tag? Also, will businesses be inspired to change their detrimental practices if they are aware that people could be judging the product not only on its durability and function, but its sustainability? I, like many others, am still skeptical about Wal-Mart’s business practices, but this seems to be a step in the right direction in winning back some respect from the environmentalists.

Ever wondered whether it is more energy efficient to get your hands dirty scrubbing those dinner plates by hand or to take the easy way out and employ the dishwasher? Well, it turns out that in this case, the lazy way is also the most energy efficient method.  The dishwasher uses just 4 gallons of water each cycle saving 5,000 gallons a year compared to hand washing the dirt away. You not only save water and hours of your life, but the dishwasher saves you $40 a year in energy costs.  Save even more by only running full loads, skipping the pre-rinse (unnecesary for most washers), and utilizing the air dry method.

Ever get fed up trying to peel that sticker off the peach you are so anxiously waiting to devour? Well, those stickers actually are more beneficial than just informing the clerk about the price. They actual indicate how the produce was grown.  Conventionally grown fruits have a four number PLU code that begins with a 4. Organically grown fruits have a five number code that begins with a 9, and genetically modified foods begin with an 8. So, next time you are struggling to detach that fiesty sticker, try to appreciate its deeper value.

Ever gone to the gym and thought there should be a way to harness all that energy you exert? Well, In Portland, OR, one of the finest cities on this earth, a man named Adam Boesel has brought this idea to fruition. Green Microgym is the first of its kind in the U.S., but follows Hong Kong’s California Fitness gym where fitness buffs power the lights. The treadmills at Green Microgym are 30% powered by the people sweating on them. Stationary bikes hooked up to a generator will produce 200 to 600 watts of energy an hour that can fulfill other energy needs throughout the gym.  There is also a yoga room with cork floors, solar panel awnings, and no showers to save on heating costs. Green Microgym hopes to reach the goal of creating 100% of its energy, but for now it produces about 25-40% of the energy required for daily operations. Want to know more? Click here to see a concise list of 15 other ways the gym is practicing green initiatives.

A small, but noteworthy event took place yesterday which showed me that my dad may have been right all along. My dad and I have very different driving styles. Dad prefers to go five under the speed limit. I, on the other hand, like to think of the speed limit as the minimum and five over is perfectly acceptable. However, with rumors spreading about how driving at slower speeds will save you on gas, I skeptically decided to give it a shot. I do mainly highway driving, so I made a conscious effort to go no more than 60 mph at any given time (a 5-7 mph speed reduction). Well, the results amazed me! Normally, I get about 310 miles before that little orange gas light stares me down. But, with my new reduced speed driving style, I was able to travel 345 miles AND the angry gas light didn’t even become illuminated. That extra 35 miles equals about a gallon of gas or $4.15 in Portland’s fine city. Little changes are simple, and they make a noticeable difference immediately. So dad, almost 24 years later, I am finally sold on your driving habits.

I recently ran across on article discussing a new Platinum (the highest grade) certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building that is currently being constructed in San Fransisco. LEED designation is the highest honor in green building design, and there are only 70 other buildings worldwide that boast this award. “Living Museum” will contain an aquarium fed by saltwater from the Pacific Ocean, planetarium, rain forest with free-flying birds, and a coral reef inhabited by over 4,000 fish. The green rooftop will contain soil seven inches deep that will act as a natural insulator as well as absorbing 2 million gallons rainwater that would otherwise be stormwater. Of course solar paneling is being installed along with skylights and large floor to ceiling windows for natural, efficient lighting. However, the detail that piqued my interest, was the fact that the California Academy of Sciences will be using recycled denim jeans for insulation instead of fiberglass or foam based insulation! Denim insulation has a number of unique benefits.

This material provides an organic alternative to formaldehyde-laden insulation materials. Recycled denim insulation holds more heat and absorbs sound better than spun fiberglass insulation. It is also safer to handle. Even when denim insulation is treated with fire retardants and fungicides to prevent mildew, it is still easier to work with and doesn’t require installers to wear protective clothing or respirators.

What a great idea to use common, everyday items in a revolutionary way that removes items from the landfills in order to create a marketable, safe necessity. I believe it will take this kind of out-of-the-box thinking to curb our impact on the environment. Missouri University of Science and Technology is doing their part and working to produce disposable bags that will biodegrade in just four months. The bags will be made from a corn starch base that breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. Yet another example of innovative ideas that will help take materials out of landfills. Why not investigate more uncommon uses for common goods? Companies have already found ways to make fleece jackets out of plastic proving the possibilities are endless, and unfortunately, so are the landfills.

Are you interested in becoming more involved in the community? If so, I highly recommend attending the Johnson Creek Watershed Restoration Program on March 1st. This will be a great opportunity to clear the area of trash and invasive species, plant native trees and shrubs, meet some great people, and get a free lunch out of the deal! Johnson Creek is a 26 mile long river that feeds into the Willamette. Once teeming with fishes, now the creek contains just 17 Chinook, 5 Coho, 101 Cutthroat, and only one Steelhead/Rainbow trout, according to the 2001-2002 fish inventories. So, if you are looking to roll up your sleeves and make a difference, here’s your chance!

Click here if you are interested in learning more details on the project.

In browsing the web, I stumbled across this very cool interactive website that ranks all the countries in the world by their environmental status. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) centers on two broad environmental protection objectives: 1) reducing environmental stresses on human health and 2) protecting ecosystem vitality. A few highlights from the EPI: New Zealand (the 2006 winner) is now ranked 7th, Switzerland is 1st, and the United States was 39th with a score of 81. Norway, Sweden, and Finland ranked 3rd, 4th, and 5th, respectively.

How does one decide where to live? There are so many amazing and beautiful landscapes across the globe so how does one possibly choose a place to call home. For some it is the economy that paves the way, others the sports teams, but for some the choice may be dependent on the “green-ness” of a city. After living in St. Louis for my whole life, it became very obvious that environmental sustainability is not a top priority in that city. This led me to wonder… which is the greenest city in the U.S? I chose to move to Portland, in part, due to their environmental reputation. It was not until I stumbled across this article that I realized how well Portland,OR ranked nationally. Not too shabby Portland.

3. Portland, OR (score 8.24, pop. 529,121)

Portland also returns from last year’s list, not a surprise, perhaps, for this evergreen city which has directed all of its departments and agencies according to its Sustainable City Principles since 1994. The principles, which cover the protection of natural resources, habitat and ecosystem conservation and minimizing human impacts on the environment both locally and worldwide, haven’t languished on paper these last 12 years. The first U.S. city to have a plan to reduce the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, Portland gains 44% of its energy from hydroelectric sources and encouraging the installation of solar power through municipal tax incentives. Light rail, bicycle lanes and buses help keep residents out of their cars, with 13% relying on public transportation for their commute to work, 2% bicycling and 11% carpooling. Portland not only recycles the standard glass, metal and plastics, but also composts residential yard waste and food scraps from businesses. To enjoy their green city, residents have over 92,000 acres of green space (over 11% of the total city area) ranging from waterfront areas to trails, athletic fields, parks and public gardens.

Note: St. Louis was ranked last in air quality. Sorry everyone at home!

For little over a year now, I’ve been trying to choose my favorite English Premier League soccer team. Arsenal, Liverpool, Man. U., all made the list. They have great records, great reputations, and great players (except for Christian Ronaldo). But now I have realized there is yet another factor to choosing which team’s scarf or flag to buy. Teams such as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Dartford FC (Ryman Football League) have taken steps to be more eco-friendly. Completed in November 2006, Dartford’s home turf, Prince’s Park, was the world’s first custom-built eco-friendly football stadium. Run-off water from the roof was recycled back onto the pitch, solar panels supplied energy for most of the hot water and clubhouse heating, and the stadium is designed to blend into the landscape with a sunken field and curved roof. Manchester City’s stadium generates all its energy from wind turbines and distributes the remaining power back into the community. Arsenal is not to be forgotten either with their skylights and windows that minimize lighting and heating bills and green roofs that were installed to insulate the building as well as providing some much needed greenery in London. So, in the life-altering process of claiming a team as my own, a team’s commitment to eco-friendly facilities now further complicates this crucial decision.

I find it difficult to keep an optimistic disposition while being bombarded by the media’s warning about global warming, melting glaciers, rising water levels, and a worldwide elimination of species. Forecasters predict that 2008 will be one of the warmest years despite the fact that the La Nina effect will be more prevalent. La Nina brings colder waters from the depth of the oceans to the surface which would hypothetically produce a cooler climate. Scientists warn that sea levels could rise 7-23 inches by 2100. Droughts will become more widespread . Hurricanes will intensify. People will be displaced from their homes. These warnings are not meant to cast a shadow of fear on the reader. Instead, it is hoped that this article will shed a light of “cautious enthusiasm” on the subject at hand…

Click here to read more.

During a recent visit to Seattle, I stumbled upon Tully’s, a coffee shop that has the best hot chocolate I’ve had in a long time! While this fact excited me, it would not be especially noteworthy. What is worthy of comment, however, is the fact that the hot chocolate was served in a cup that is completely compostable!!! This breakthrough in technology inspired me to investigate this feature further, and I have discovered that the cup contains a bio-plastic, corn-based lining that makes it completely renewable. Starbucks, I hope you are writing this down.