Plastiki, please!

So plastic floats, we all know that. Well did we also know that plastic when applied correctly and with the right amount of experts can complete a voyage across the Pacific? Probably not. Take a look at David de Rothschild’s project, Plastiki. The Plastiki is a distinctive, one-of-a-kind 60-foot catamaran made out of 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles and other recycled PET plastic and waste products. The craft was built with many renewable energy systems, including solar panels, wind and trailing propeller turbines, and bicycle generator and was inspired by the cradle to cradle philosophy.

On March 20, 2010, the sailing vessel set off from San Francisco to sail the Pacific. The team plans on landing in Sydney, Australia and is planning to visit sites that are related to environmental importance. The locations all are sites of environmental susceptibility with issues such as global warming, rising sea levels, ocean acidification and marine pollution.

Plastiki arrived in Sydney Harbour at 11.10 am Australia time on July 26, 2010.

NRDC Meets Celebrity

Celebrities have all come together to pass a legislation bill that will make American history if passed. They are featured in a video made by the Natural Resource Defense Council Action Fund that directly talks to voters about getting off their tush and contacting their state Senator. Anything from a letter to a video sent to them is what they are asking. Stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Justin Long and Emmy Rossum are amongst the celebrities that make an appearance.

NRDC Action Fund: Who are they and what are they doing?

The Natural Resource Defense Council or NRDC has created an Action Fund that will hopefully assist in the passage of legislation that will jump start clean energy economy. It will also support legislation that supports the reduction of pollution. Both of these factors are key in the battle of climate change. As we all may know that in a nationwide dispute, problems are solved through legislation, and that many great movements have started first with policy. Now is that time.

The overall goal of the NRDC is the passage of a comprehensive clean energy policy that will re-power the economy and lead a way to non-dependence on foreign oil. The main goal right now that involves all is to mobilize us and the rest of the community to vote for clean energy legislation. The action fund recently assisted in the passing of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. A main part of their efforts relied on social media and overall web based news, feeds and conversations. The Action Fund is working with NRDC and other partners to implement steps and strategies to pass ACES in the Senate this year. The strategy recently used was a “Hero’s and Villains” themed web page that identified how members in strategic states voted and asked that activists be on the side of the Hero’s.

The NRDC understands that the environmental movement is not everyone’s belief or understanding, which is why they work to build coalitions with strategic partners to make sure that those who are worth listening to get a worthy and large audience. This component is very important to their passing of the bill, which is why they have created the video–to virally enter the homes of millions of Americans that hopefully will give this a second look, pass it on and possibly even write or send a video to their Senator.

Ok, now you have the information and you may ask: so what? Well for your information, this is a country that is ultimately determined by its citizens and demands that you care for it for the good of the people. Make sure that if environmentalism is on your list of importance in life, that you take action in situations such as this. This provides an incredible opportunity for both you and your fellow Americans to make a difference with the way we handle our energy and dependence on foreign oil. The passing of this bill is reminiscent of the old phrase “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”.

To learn more check out this video -

Mother Nature’s Party Planner

This summer you are going to be throwing many lavish, fun amazing parties, right? Of course! Well to be a gracious host(ess) it is important to make sure that you are going green so that you know not only you but all of your thankful guests are helping reduce carbon emissions into the beautiful atmosphere. Check out some ways to stay on the environmentally side for your summer party hosting.

Ball Mason Jars

Although the upfront cost is more than plastic, the overall reward out gives plastic or paper cups a run for your money. Not only are these jars surprisingly sturdy and tough to break, they allow people to party without ditching their one time use paper or plastic cup. If you are hoping that people can get their names on them, then set out some masking tape and a sharpie, have people label them. After the party you can use the jars as leftover containers, flower or candle holders or even a pencil cup.

Recycle, of course

The morning after clean up can be much easier when you are using green goods. Not only can you quickly chuck the bottles and cans into recycling along with all of the necessary paper and throw away products.

Cloth Napkins

This is not only an amazing way to wow your guests by showing them your snazzy style, but also is a way to save money (in the long run) and to help out your environment by saving a couple trees. It adds a true element of elegance to the party for everyone to enjoy. Throw them in the washer and fold them for your next use.

Reuse those utensils

If you are on the party train to Greensville, then pack on some more and let it ride! Check out Preserve On The Go Cutlery ($5.50 for 8 sets, preserveproducts.com). It’s reusable, recyclable, made from BPA-free recycled plastic, and dishwasher-safe. Make sure to let your guests know that they are not the usual throw-away kind of plastic cutlery.

Compost your plates

Sometimes paper is the only way to go. You don’t want to risk breaking your nice plates or having to go out and buy mismatched plates from the thrift store. Only in this case, check out the green paper plate option. Preserve On the Go plates are compostable plates that let you chuck them straight into the composter.

Father’s Day Special: Top 10 Celebrity Eco-Dads

1. Kevin Costner – Although the number one spot is usually taken by long time Eco Warrior Ed Begley Jr., our choice for the number one spot is being given to by Mr. Costner because of his exceptional contributions in the recent BP oil spill, also known as the worst this world has ever experienced.  Costner helped fund the development of this machine 15 years ago. The researchers were headed by Costner’s brother, a scientist. Currently there are 5 different models of the extractor, from 5 gallons/minute to 200 gallons/minute. The actor and environmental activist just demonstrated a machine that extracts 97% of the oil from water.

It appears that the machine contains a centrifuge inside that helps it separate the oil from the water, due to the density differences of the two. One of the problems to overcome is containing the oil so it can be extracted from the water. If the oil is dispersed over a vast area, it will be virtually impossible to filter all that water and capture the oil.

Back when the Exxon disaster occurred, Costner was inspired to invest $20 million of his own money into an oil cleanup machine. He was quoted as saying: “If 20 of my V20s [machines] would have been at the Exxon Valdez, 90 percent of that oil would have been cleaned up within the week.”

After much testing, BP has purchased 32 of Costner’s machines to help clean up the spill. Now, we wait.

Other stellar Eco-Dads of the Green Revolution:

2. Ed Begley Jr – The comedic actor composts his garbage and relies on solar and thermal power to run his home. He also created a line of Eco-friendly cleaning products called Begley’s Best. Not to mention his green program on Planet Green, namely called “Living with Ed.”

3. Robert Redford – Robert Redford has taken his cinematic talent green by producing and narrating a documentary about Yosemite National Park to help protect the sacred lands and parks in the US.

4. Brad Pitt – He has been an incredibly important player in the post-Katrina green building movement. He contributed $5 million of his own dollars to help fund the project.

5. Al Gore – As most of us have seen, An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore devotes his talents to the fight against climate change and has won an Emmy, an Oscar and the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

6. Will Ferrell – As an active supporter of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Will Ferrell will soon be driving his electric car into the driveway of his green home.

7. Tom Hanks – He has been driving electric vehicles for some time now and his production company operates from a solar-powered building.

8. Sting – The superstar and his wife created The Rainforest Foundation back in 1989. They now make a difference in 15 counties to protect precious habitat. The Foundation to date has saved over 70,000 square miles of land.

9. Willie Nelson As a pillar of the alternative fuel movement, he encourages the public to become less dependent on foreign oil and started producing biodiesel at a Texas truck stop in 2004.

10. Chris Martin An advocate of fair trade, the vegetarian is an Eco-Warrior on stage and in his everyday life.

Oil Spill 2010: Facts and How to Help

On April 20, 2010, an explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon, a drilling rig leased by the oil company BP, set off ablaze that killed 11 crew members. Two days later, it sank about 50 miles off the Louisiana coast and crude oil began gushing out of a broken pipe 5,000 feet below the surface. A month later, after a series of failed attempts to plug the leak, oil had begun to stain the coasts and marshes of Louisiana. The spill appears to be the worst oil disaster in American history: by the most conservative of the government estimates released May 27th, the spill by then had released almost twice as much oil as the Exxon Valdez, which spilled about 250,000 barrels of oil into Prince Williams Bay in Alaska in 1989.

Several attempts have been made to contain the oil spill with boom oil spill equipments, oil separators, and huge oil spill containment dome, all of which have failed. The latest and most promising to date is the latest action by BP called Top Kill. According to this oil spill containment plan, BP will attempt to drill mud into the well to possibly block the gushing gallons and gallons of oil spilling into the ocean. These huge amounts of mud are said to block the broken pipe causing the oil leakage.

The Top Kill procedure to plug the leaking oil well in the Gulf of Mexico seems to be working though there is still a waiting period to confirm whether this is true.

Many people find it hard sitting at home with nothing to contribute. Although it may be best that you do stay home (many organizations have enough volunteers), there are still ways to contribute to this heinous disaster.

Dawn Soap Purchase

With Dawn raising more than $406,000 for the cause, the dish soap is giving $1 to the International Bird Rescue Research Center and the Marine Mammal Center for every bottle purchased. Once you make the purchase, remember that you have to activate your donation online by submitting the code on the bottom of your bottle. Follow Dawn on Twitter and Facebook page for constant updates, and suggestions on how to help.

Donation and Information

The National Wildlife Federation’s Twitter profile provides a stream of news and updates on the spill, including ideas and ways to help and donate. If you text Wildlife to 20222, you give a $10 donation. (They also have an online store). The Gulf Coast Fund also features news, ideas, and an active Twitter.

Protect Our Coastline is accepting donation at protectourcoastline.org. If you can’t donate now, text “GULF” to 77007 to receive updates. Your credit card won’t be charged, but they will let you know how to help those that this crisis has affected.

Volunteering

Out-of-work fishermen can submit their vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system or submit alternative response technology, services or products: (281) 366-5511

Volunteer to help with the clean-up efforts.

For more oil clean-up volunteer/job opportunities visit the Facebook Page or the abc26.com website.

Please be sure to exercise caution when volunteering, as several clean-up volunteers have already been hospitalize:

State to State Volunteer Positions

Louisiana: http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov/

Mississippi: http://www.volunteermississippi.org/1800Vol/OpenIndexAction.do

Florida: http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org/

Alabama: http://www.servealabama.gov/2010/default.aspx

To Burn or Not to Burn: Wood Burning Heaters

Generally, people think of burning wood as the villain of the renewable energy family. Although it is a renewable resource, it causes environmentalists to shake their heads. Mostly they worry that burning wood means cutting down precious trees for fuel and smoke pollution. Not to mention that wood stoves are not as technologically sexy as glittering solar panels and whirling wind turbines.

As much as some hate the burning of wood as an energy source, wood is a conditionally renewable fuel, period. And as all environmentalists and alternative energy aficionados know, there aren’t too many renewable options available–especially ones that aide in large amounts for the cold weather months. For some, relying on wood burning fuel as a source for heat is a must for survival.

There are many of us that would rather use wood burning heaters rather than electrical or gas heaters. For those select few, do your part for sustainability by purchasing wood that comes from a sustainable source. Firewood should be cut, split and stacked in an open area in early spring to be ready to burn in the fall. Very hard woods like oak may take longer to dry–especially in damp maritime climates. When it comes to burning other elements besides wood–steer clear. Burning waste paper and trash produces elevated emissions of toxic gasses.  Burn clean, dry, uncoated, untreated wood and just enough newspaper to light the fires.

Another tip for burning wood users:  the not so beautiful wood piles that include wood from less desirable species tend to be more sustainable than perfect piles of maple or oak with regular pieces in the classic wedge shape. This is because straight lengths of these high value, slow growing species should be used for furniture, not wood heating. Ugly wood piles are created from a milieu of woods.

The bottom line on the argument of whether or not to burn wood is the cold hard facts. Wood is considered to be a renewable fuel and almost carbon dioxide neutral with the help of trees absorbing CO2. When trees mature and fall in the forest and decompose there, the same amount of CO2 is emitted as would be released if they were burned. When we heat our houses by burning wood, we are flowing along with the natural carbon cycle in which CO2 flows from the atmosphere to the forest and back.

60 Minutes for the Planet: Participate in Earth Hour 2010 on March 27

Organic Bug alert!  At 8:30 pm (your local time) tomorrow- Saturday March 27- millions will be turning off their lights to make a statement about climate change during Earth Hour. Please join this powerful movement by spreading the word and sharing the video below!  This is so simple and has such an enormous impact on the future of our planet!

What is Earth Hour? Earth Hour is World Wildlife Fund’s global initiative where individuals, schools, organizations, businesses and governments turn off their lights for one hour to cast a vote in favor of action on climate change. By voting with their light switches, Earth Hour participants send a powerful, visual message demanding action on climate change. Last year, nearly one billion people participated in 87 countries on seven continents and exercised their vote for change.

Top Kitchen Appliances to Keep and to Kick to the Curb

How many gadgets do you own in your kitchen that never sees the light of day? How many gadgets do you own that are plug in electrics? Having these types of appliances in your kitchen not only takes up valuable space in your kitchen but also contributes to a large “cookprint”.

What is a “cookprint” I hear you ask? A “cookprint” is used to describe the energy needed to prepare the food we consume. It reminds us that we don’t always have to plug in to chow down, but also can choose local, plant –based and sustainable food. Check out the list of gadgets to say adios to that take up space and energy.

Appliances and Gadgets to Bid Farewell

Coffee Grinder

Although it may be much easier to roll out of bed, yawn and plug in your electric coffee grinder, it is much better to do it yourself and use a hand crank coffee grinder.

Can Opener

Convenience is key however using an electric can opener is not a product defined by convenience. It takes virtually the same effort to manually open a can, not to mention much less expensive.

Electric Knife

You only use it once a year right? Well if that’s the case why purchase it or keep it around when it just takes up valuable kitchen space and does the same job as good quality knife? Donate to your local GoodWill) or use the parts for other Do It Yourself projects.

Juicer
Are you surprised to find an electric juicer on the list? This is an easy switch that won’t screw up your healthy juice regimen. Hand-held juicers require a little muscle, but they produce big energy savings.

Electric Mixer and Stick Blender
The electric version of this is actually made with less control for the consumer. Old fashioned hand mixers work like a dream, not to mention provide you with much more control over your cooking environment. No food flying here.

Appliances and Gadgets to Keep

Rice Cookers

Although rice cookers use electricity, they are an eco-friendly alternative being that they use less energy than rice’s alternative cooking method: stovetop flame. Be sure you purchase on without a “non stick” surface.*

Countertop Grills
These grills are inexpensive and an energy-saving solution to turning on a stove when you want to just make, say, a grilled cheese sandwich.*

Waffle Irons
Besides topping electric irons in quality and longevity, a manual version will serve you well for a lifetime.*

Hand-Crank Blender
When considering the environment, hand cranking your blends doesn’t seem half as much work. Not to mention you can have a taste of the old days when making food was a slower process.

Mortar and Pestle
This nifty gadget can be a manual food processor. It has been used for centuries to mix, mash and blend spices, pastes and mixes.

* More and more new appliances are made with the “non-stick” element. Most “non-stick” surfaces are made with Teflon or aluminum. Both of these materials are made with PBDE, a prevalent contaminant known to cause harm to the human body and the environment.

1% For the Planet Helps Our Environment One Purchase at a Time

When Patty and Peggy launched Organic Bug; one of their founding principles was to conduct business practices that nurture the delicate “relationship we all have with the Earth, each other and our own inner beings.”  In keeping with that pledge- they are active members of a wonderful organization called  1% For the Planet, whose mission is very much in alignment with their ideals: businesses recognizing that industry and ecology are inherently connected.

Since 2002, 1% for the Planet has inspired members of the business community to contribute 1% of their sales to environmental organizations around the world.  The group works to connect businesses directly with countless non profits to donate on a local or international scale so the funds will go to a greater good.  This movement has led to over 30 million dollars supporting worthy environmental organizations.  Organic Bug has chosen to donate 1% of our sales to Healthy Child Healthy World.

1% for the Planet promotional video – members mentioned from 1% for the Planet on Vimeo.

Turning Your Dinner Party Green!

With the Holiday season just right around the corner, your busy schedules probably just got slammed with a number of dinner parties to attend. Attending dinner parties are fun but hosting dinner parties can be fun too! Whether you are having a small get together or many people over for a green celebration, planning does not have to be stressful and hopefully this article will ease your list of things to do.

So you’ve decided you’re going to have a dinner party. Next step is figuring out how you’re going to send your invitations. To go green and ease the carbon footprint on getting your attendees attention to save the date, may we suggest using social media? What a quick and easy way to contact your network of friends. Remember, just because its online doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. Send your invites a jazzed up email, they will be excited to open it making them even more excited to attend, we like to use Evite.com.

Another idea is to suggest a prize for those who arrive by alternative forms of transportation other than by car, but whatever the prize is, make it green and make it good. When you decorate for your party create displays of fresh flowers and soy candles and get creative with the seasons offerings. Pinecones, lemons, leaves, and oranges are all things found in or around your house that can add to the fall season and add to the mood of a comfortable environment.

Don’t forget to invest in some ‘green wine’; no, the color of the wine is not green but you can compliment any dish by supporting an ecologically sensitive winery.  Or, you can have green drinks by supporting a local micro brewery, as more and more breweries are using organic ingredients. When shopping for your dinner party, don’t forget about the after dinner coffee which you can go green by supporting fair trade. If there are leftovers, send everyone home with whatever is left, or compost your scraps for your garden. When you’re cleaning up, make sure to skip the prewash, however if you don’t have a dishwasher, use some eco friendly soap to hand wash your dishes like Seven Generations or Shaklee. You should always seek out green household cleaning products because they are good for your health and good for the environment too.

As you can see these are quick and easy steps to use when you’re plan for your green celebration. We aren’t asking you to make drastic changes in the way you plan but as you can see by changing a little, you can and will reduce your holiday dinner party carbon footprint. All of these things are easy on your wallet; health and the environment too. Have fun and stay green this holiday season!

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