© 2009 Course Technology, a part of Cengage Learning.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered bythe copyright herein may be reproduced, transmitted,stored, or used in any form or by any means graphic,electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, scanning, digitizing, taping, Webdistribution, information networks, or information storageand retrieval systems, except as permitted under Section107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, withoutthe prior written permission of the publisher.

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ISBN-13: 978-1-59863-844-8

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Picture Yourself Going Green

Erinn Morgan

Publisher and General Manager,

Course Technology PTR: Stacy L. Hiquet

Associate Director of Marketing: Sarah Panella

Manager of Editorial Services: Heather Talbot

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For my noble grandfather, Charles Theodore Woll, who taught me the value of hard work, the joy of laughter,

and the beauty of conserving our natural resources.

When I began this process,

I never knew what a true team effortit would become. As such, there are

many kind, diligent, and talented souls to thank.I must applaud former Course PTR EditorialAssistant Erin Johnson for believing in this con-cept and pursuing it with such passion. A giantthanks to Acquisitions Editor Megan Belangerfor propagating the enthusiasm and exhibitinggreat patience when the deadlines loomed large.And kudos to Project Editor Jenny Davidson fordoing such a fine job of editing, encouraging,and keeping it all flowing smoothly.

I must also thank my friend Doug Schnitzspahn,a talented journalist and editor, for his tirelessassistance as the technical editor for this book.His in-depth knowledge of environmental andgreen issues, garnered in part from his own website initiative www.sustainabler.com, was atremendous boon to this tome and his input isinfused throughout the chapters.

iv

Acknowledgments

A special thanks to my husband Darren, whosepatience helped encourage my own persever-ance in completing this behemoth project. Hisgreen nature has inspired me since the day wemet, from his zeal for composting and recyclingto his commitment to reusable bags and hisever-increasing awareness of water conservationas he watches his Australian family suffer yearafter year of worsening drought conditions.

I also thank my parents, the writer and theEnglish teacher, who helped with everythingfrom research and background information tomental support. The small steps they make everyday to green their own lives are inspiring to me.

I am also grateful to my research assistant StacyFalk for her tireless and diligent exploration ofthe latest green developments and to my goodfriend Jody Furtney who, even in the face ofadversity, found time to help me with informa-tion when I needed it most.

Because of the help of all these people, PictureYourself Going Green has transitioned from asmall seed of an idea to become a full reality. We hope you enjoy it…

v

About the Author

Durango, Colorado-based journalist ERINNMORGAN is an award-winning magazine editorwho relocated from New York City to theSouthwest five years ago to be closer to MotherNature, live a more sustainable lifestyle, andlaunch a freelance writing career. Her writtenwork, which focuses on outdoor adventure and eco-conscious living, has appeared in numerouspublications, including The New York Times,Outside magazine, National Geographic Adventure,Skiing, Bike, and Natural Solutions, plus onwww.greenlivingideas.com. Erinn is also the editor of Cleaning Green magazine.

She focuses on sustainable living, in part, byreducing, reusing, and recycling on a day-to-daybasis. She and her husband also practice energy-saving measures and use toxin-free products athome plus buy local and organic foods, growsome of their own food, use renewable energy at home, and telecommute to work. They alsorecently planned and held their own green-themed, carbon-neutral wedding on the banksof the Colorado River in Utah’s canyon country.

vi

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii

Chapter 1 What Is Green?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Green Is Necessary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Green Is Inspiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Green Is Healthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Green Is Affordable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Green Is the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Chater 2 Ten Simple Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131. Recycle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

A Whole Lot of Rubbish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Toss It in the Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2. Install Energy-Saving Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3. Drink from a Reusable Water Bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4. Tote a Reusable Shopping Bag. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

5. Buy Green Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

6. Buy Carbon Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

7. Add Organic Food into Your Diet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

What Is Organic? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Where Can You Find Organic Foods? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

8. Take a Five-Minute Shower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

9. Unplug at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

What to Power Down. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

10. Plant a Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Table of Contents

vii

Chapter 3 Week One: Green Your Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31The Air We Breathe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Clean Up Your Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Making Your Own Green Cleaners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Waste Not: The Problem with Trash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Waste Not: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Reduce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Reuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Recycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Becoming Paper Savvy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Using Recycled Paper Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Becoming Water Conscious . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Conserving Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Greening Your Home Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

TrueGreen: More Smart Ideas for the Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Buying Green Linens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

SuperGreen: More Big Ideas for the Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Eco-conscious Renovating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Chapter 4 Week Two: Green Your Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53The History of Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

How We Use Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

The Pros and Cons of Conventional Energy Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

The Thing About Clean Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Buying Clean Power Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Switching to CFLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

The One-Degree Difference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Powering Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Offsetting Your Energy Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Green Review: Things to Do During Week Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

TrueGreen: Go with ENERGY STAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

SuperGreen: Perform an Energy Audit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Picture Yourself Going Green Table of Contents

viii

Chapter 5 Week Three: Green Your Appetite . . . . . . . . . . . 75The Pesticide Proliferation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Pesticides and the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Going Organic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

The Most Bang for Your Organic Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Moving Over to Organic Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Buying Green Eggs and Ham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Fishy Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Buying Safer Seafood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Buying Locally Grown Food. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Shopping at the Farmer’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Drinking Clean Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week Three. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

TrueGreen: Joining a CSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

SuperGreen: Take the Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Chapter 6 Week Four: Green Your Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99The Problem with Fertilizers, Herbicides, and Pesticides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Using Sustainable Lawn and Garden Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Building Strong Soil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Using Holistic Pest Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Employing Natural Weed Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Water Use in the Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Conserving Water. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week Four . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

TrueGreen: Learning to Compost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

TrueGreen: Which Items Can You Compost? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

SuperGreen: Converting to a Push or Electric Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Chapter 7 Week Five: Green Your Wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . 117Pesticides Aren’t Just for Food Crops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

What Is Genetically Engineered Cotton? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Adding Organic Cotton Into Your Closet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Clothing Production, Chemicals, and Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Choosing Earth-Friendly Fabrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

The Beauty of Bamboo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Hallowed Hemp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

The Power of Wool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Choosing Recycled Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

The Green Style Movement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Buying Green Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week Five . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

TrueGreen: Choosing a Green Dry Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

SuperGreen: Buying Fine Jewelry with a Conscience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Chapter 8 Week Six: Green Is Beautiful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Do Some Housecleaning in the Bathroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

10 Key Ingredients to Avoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Reading Ingredient Labels Before You Buy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Switching to “Green” Personal Care Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Lathering Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Brushing Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Sweat Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Protecting Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Moisturizing Naturally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Accentuating Beautifully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week Six . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

TrueGreen: Monitoring Your Fluoride Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

SuperGreen: Whipping Up Homemade Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Chapter 9 Week Seven: Green Your Transportation. . . . 153Why Carbon Emissions Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

The World’s Waning Oil Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Driving for Better Gas Mileage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Fine-Tuning for Better Gas Mileage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

ix

Picture Yourself Going Green Table of Contents

Considering Alternative Modes of Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Telecommuting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Carpooling and Hopping on Public Transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Biking to Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Green Review: Things to Do During Week Seven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

TrueGreen: Offsetting Your Emissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

SuperGreen: Buying a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Chapter 10 Week Eight: Green Your Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . 169How Does Travel Tax the Planet? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Considering a Staycation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Embracing Slow Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

Choosing Ecotourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Supporting Green Businesses When You Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Green Review: Things to Do During Week Eight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

TrueGreen: Buying Carbon Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

SuperGreen: Booking a Volunteer Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Chapter 11 Extra Credit: Eco Kids and Green Pets . . . . . . 183Why Should Kids Be Green, Too? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Greening Your Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

In Utero: What to Avoid When You’re Expecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

Creating a Healthy Nursery or Bedroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Buying Safer Toys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

Teaching Kids to Love and Respect the Planet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

How Conventional Pet Products Affect Pets… and Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Choosing Natural Pet Food Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Using Safer Flea Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Selecting Safer Cat Litter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Green Review: How to Green Your Kids and Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

x

Chapter 12 Five Ways to Go ÜberGreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199Become an Activist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

Get a Green Collar Job. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Buy a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

The Scoop on Hybrids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

The Deal with EVs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Inspire—or Move to—a Transition Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

Buy, Build, or Remodel a Green Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Green Review: Ways to Go ÜberGreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

xi

Picture Yourself Going Green Table of Contents

Going Green is a noble quest that lies, generally,in the tenets of “less”—conserving resources andreducing, reusing, and recycling. It is taking careof the planet by minimizing our own impact,whether that is accomplished by screwing in afew energy-saving compact fluorescent lightbulbs or driving a gas-efficient hybrid automo-bile. It also hones in on reducing fossil fuel con-sumption to limit our climate-changing carbondioxide emissions.

Going Green, with all of its vintage appeal, alsohas a decidedly modern twist. Today, GoingGreen does involve simple steps, like those mygrandmother’s generation does naturally, suchas conserving kitchen supplies, water, and energy.But it also puts the onus on protecting our ownhealth (and the health of our family) by doingwhat we can to limit our exposure to the com-plex brew of chemicals, many of which remain unregulated, in everything from our foods andpersonal care products to clothing and children’stoys. As it turns out, Going Green is also goodfor our health.

With a few exceptions, Going Green is also aneffort that will save you money. By doing thingslike conscientiously turning off lights, notchingthe thermostat down one degree, carpooling to work, putting the right tire pressure in yourauto’s wheels, and taking a slightly shortershower, you can actually save a whole lot ofcash. In today’s turbulent economic times, thismay come as a welcome relief.

My 84-year-old grandmother

grew up during the Great Depression. To this day, she reuses paper towels

after they dry out, turns off the lights when sheleaves a room, cleans and reuses Ziploc bags,washes her plates and glasses in a dish tub, andleads a generally minimalist lifestyle.

Today, these efforts are considered trendy andgreen by a modern generation that is looking tohelp save the planet. To her generation, they weremerely conserving resources and saving money.

She recently explained to me that her family waslucky during the Depression because they livednear farms and always had food during thosechallenging times. Today, much of our food isshipped to us from thousands of miles away andgoing to the farmer’s market and, thus, support-ing local farms is a novelty. Just how sustainableis the world in which we live?

It is possibly the quest for “more” that has led us to stray so far from the unknowingly planet-conscious ideals of my grandmother’s generationin the span of several decades. More food, moreclothing, more variety, more stuff, bigger houses,better cars, more incredible far-flung vacations.

And now we face the future, fully loaded downwith all the baggage of more—and a planet thatis reaching out for help—as our society begins tocontemplate the ideal that “less” might actually,finally and unequivocally, be “more.” Which isexactly where the concept of Going Green comesinto play.

xii

Introduction

The beauty of Going Green is that it can also beso very simple. If you can make even the small-est change, like buying an organic peach orturning off the water while you brush your teeth,you have gone green. Welcome to the party.

I feel very honored to have been chosen to writethis book, especially at a time in history whenthe green movement is picking up incrediblespeed. It has opened my eyes even further andmade my lifestyle significantly greener. When Istarted writing this book, I thought I was green.What I learned was that I still had much more to learn. And, that I will take a lesson from theunwritten book drawn up by my grandmother’sgeneration, one of the greenest manifestos around.

By following some or all of the simple steps outlined in this book, you will be making a sig-nificant contribution to help resolve some of themost pressing problems that plague our planetand its peoples today. I hope you enjoy yourgreen journey—know that each simple changeyou undertake will make a difference.

Picture Yourself Going Green Introduction

xiii

Extra InformationA variety of sidebar boxes, which present key earth-conscious information, are also delivered through-out the book:

Eco Fact: pertinent information, often statistical in nature, about environmental hazards andthe green movement.

Green Idea: inspiring details on new projects, developments, and initiatives that are green innature.

Green on the Cheap: information on inexpensive ways you can green your lifestyle.

Going Green Cost MeterTo help you understand the costs involvedwith each green step that is presented here,this book is equipped with a dollar sign key:

= $0 to $25

= $25 to $50

= $50 to $100

= $100 and up

Green is the future. ©istockphoto.com/Floria Marius

We live in fascinating times. As many of the world’s inhabitantsbegin to move in concert to green their lives, their businesses, and theirgovernments, this eco-conscious movement is picking up incredible

speed. Seemingly on a daily basis, it is changing the landscape of the earth andthe culture of its peoples.

As such, there has never been a better time to go green. Today, there are moreearth-friendly tools, resources, products, concepts, and passionate organizationsthan ever before. Living green does not have to involve lots of sacrifice. In fact, a quest to green your lifestyle can be exciting, adventurous, and fun.

But, green may not be exactly what you think it is. There is a new collective consciousness on this horizon; one that has shaped a different definition of“green.” What is this new green? It’s all about respecting and caring for the planet plus caring for our own health by reducing the amount of harmful chemicals that enter our bodies and our waterways. Going green is good for the longevity of all parties involved.

The best part, given our turbulent economic times, is that going green is afford-able. In fact, in most cases making your life more earth-friendly will absolutelysave you money in the long run. Who doesn’t want to save some green?

This book’s eight-week plan will help you green the key—and most impactful—facets of your life. It will help you trim down your own personal carbon footprint—the measure your activities have on the environment in terms of greenhousegas emissions. Picture Yourself Going Green includes simple, budget-conscioussteps to green your home, energy use, and the food you eat, plus your yard,wardrobe, personal care products, transportation, and travel. But, first we take alook at why going green is so important for you, your family, and the planet.

1What Is Green?

While going green can be anattractive transition for your lifestyle, itis also a sheer necessity for the health

of Planet Earth. It’s highly likely that you’veheard of “global warming,” but did you knowthat scientists have concluded that the earth’saverage surface air and ocean temperature roseby 1.33 degrees Fahrenheit from 1905 to 2005?The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has determined that this change was,unequivocally, the result of increased levels ofgreenhouse gases in our atmosphere.

Where do greenhouse gases come from? Themajority are caused by human activities such asthe generation of electricity and the use of gaso-line for driving, both activities that burn fossilfuels and emit CO2. In fact, the average Americanis responsible for emitting over 21 tons of carbondioxide per year. Beyond climate change, thesegases also contaminate our air and cause pollution-related health problems around the world.

When these emissions rise up to the atmosphere,they cause the “greenhouse effect,” which is aprocess that involves the absorption and emis-sion of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases.Ultimately, this activity traps heat in the atmos-phere, which causes the temperature of theplanet’s lower atmosphere and surface to rise.

We are already seeing what a change of just overone degree in temperature has wrought—fromthe melting of polar ice caps to the increase insevere weather patterns like hurricanes, drought,and flood. In 2008, the 4,500-year-old MarkhamIce Shelf broke away from Ellesmere Island inCanada’s northern Arctic, illustrating the planet-altering effects of climate change. This 19-square-mile ice sheet, which is about the size ofManhattan, is now floating unanchored in theArctic Ocean.

2

Green Is Necessary

Scientists project that global warming will causesevere drought and unusual weather patterns. ©istockphoto.com/Clint Spencer

What Is Green? Chapter 1

As you can see, the planet needs your assistance.Simple steps, such as conserving electricity inyour home or choosing to drive less, will helptremendously. If each capable person makes afew switches, the impact could be strong enoughto change our course and the fate of the planet.

While climate change is certainly a major impe-tus behind the green movement, there is also agrowing concern about the dwindling nature ofour natural resources, namely non-renewablefossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. Fossilfuels are a result of the compression and heatingof ancient organic matter underneath the earth’ssurface. At some point in time, our society willfully exhaust the global supply of fossil fuels,having burned them up in our vehicles and ourhomes’ energy sources.

Oil, in particular, is a topic of hot debate todayas many experts believe we will soon reach “peakoil,” a point where the world’s rate of extractionof this resource will begin to decline quickly,even as our demand increases. Some scientistsbelieve this day of reckoning may have alreadycome, a fact that is underscored by statistics thatshow flat levels of world oil production over thelast few years.

If the people, industries, and governments of theearth do nothing to curb the current rate ofgreenhouse gas emissions, the projection is dire.The IPCC predicts the average surface tempera-ture of the earth will likely rise another 2 to 11.5degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the 21st century.This dramatic shift would more than turn up the heat—the effects would start at agriculture-killing drought, the spread of disease, and massspecies extinction. According to the U.S.Geological Survey, thinning sea ice caused byglobal warming could kill off two-thirds of theworld’s polar bear population by 2050.

3

Where will the polar bears go when the ice sheets melt?©istockphoto.com/Jan Will

What would we do without oil? It’s a scenariothat is hard to imagine, especially since the U.S.is the largest consumer of this fossil fuel. Whilethe demand is high—we use over 20 million bar-rels per day—the U.S. only produced about 7.6million barrels a day in 2005. This reality meansthat well over 50 percent of America’s oil isimported from other countries.

If oil production does in fact peak, this willcause the cost of gas to skyrocket along with theprices of consumer goods, from food to homesupplies. Some project this event could causewidespread poverty, hunger, and even war.Again, it will be your green resourcefulness that can help assuage the effects of a waning oilsupply. As the world amps up with alternativeenergies and cutting-edge hybrid and electricvehicle technology, you can do your part by simply trying to conserve resources.

4

Oil production in the U.S. has already reached its peak.©istockphoto.com/Mark Evans

Eco FactEven as many people try to curbtheir climate-changing actions, theworld’s amount of carbon dioxide emissions continued to rise in 2007.According to an annual report from theGlobal Carbon Project, emissions grewby 3 percent from 2006. It also notedthat, for the first time, developingnations took the lead in CO2 emissions.For instance, China, which was responsi-ble for 60 percent of the world’s overallrise in CO2 emissions, was found to bethe largest carbon dioxide polluter. As acountry, the U.S. is currently responsiblefor the second-largest amount of green-house gas emissions.

What Is Green? Chapter 1

While the problems we face areundoubtedly daunting and even some-what frightening, there is a concept

that supersedes even the emissions, the pollution,and the resource crunch. That concept is thepower, perseverance, and ingenuity beingdemonstrated by members of the human race.From those who simply do their part to recycleto those who champion the development ofrenewable energies, the world is in motion—andon the path to resolution.

As we watch the world turning greener everyday, the excitement is infectious; more and morepeople are buying organic, swapping out tradi-tional light bulbs for energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and even choosing todrive hybrid vehicles. Even as some federal governments remain reticent about the need to address climate change and peak oil via regu-lations and laws, states, cities, and even smalltowns are taking matters into their own hands.

For example, in 2008, Chicago mayor RichardDaley unveiled a groundbreaking plan for theWindy City to dramatically cut its greenhousegas emissions in an effort to do its part to protectthe planet. The Chicago Climate Action Plan callsfor the reduction of emissions to three-fourthsof 1990 levels by 2020 via the use of clean,renewable energy sources, reducing industrialpollution, and more energy-efficient buildings.

5

Green Is Inspiring

Offshore wind power is one exciting wave of the future.©istockphoto.com/luismmolina

As the country waits for the U.S. government todeliver a future-altering plan to address emis-sions, some states are stepping up to the plate.The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is an effort by a group of 10 states in theNortheastern U.S. to reduce greenhouse gasemissions by implementing a cap and trade system to regulate CO2 emissions from powerplants. “Cap and trade” basically equates to a capbeing set on emissions and those that emit moremust buy (or “trade”) credits from those thatemit less than their allowance. If regulatedworldwide, emissions trading could potentiallyquell global warming.

Even companies are jumping into the fray withgreen efforts and ideas. Google.org, the philan-thropic arm of the search engine behemoth, hasdelivered an inspiring plan to move the U.S. to afuture of clean energy, from electricity to trans-portation. It proposes that by 2030, electricitywill be generated by wind, solar, and geothermalpower. The $4.4 trillion plan also suggests that90 percent of all new vehicles sold will be plug-in hybrids.

The world is abuzz with the green movement.Are you inspired yet?

6

Green IdeaIs God green? So sayeth InterfaithPower & Light, a non-partisan ministrythat advocates the greening of places ofworship; it says if the country’s estimat-ed 300,000 churches reduced energyuse by 25 percent, it would preventmore than five million tons of CO2 emis-sions. Even conservative religious lead-ers have joined the green cause—theEvangelical Climate Initiative calls forfederal legislation to reduce CO2 emis-sions via a cap and trade system. It alsocalls on Christians to take action tocombat global warming by conservingenergy and supporting green businesses.

What Is Green? Chapter 1

To the rescue comes the organic food move-ment, which helps keep pesticides out of ourbodies and our waterways—these chemicals havealso been found in streams, rivers, and surfacewaters where they disturb the environment andharm wildlife. Organic foods, from produce tomeats and milk products, rely on farming meth-ods that eliminate the use of pesticides anddeliver more humane treatment to animals.

Organic foods have also been proven to containmore nutrients than conventionally producedfoods. A 2008 report that compared 236 foodsgrown organically with those grown traditionallyfound that organic foods contain, on average, 25 percent higher concentration of 11 nutrientsthan their conventional counterparts.Overwhelming demand by a public that wantshealthier foods for their families has madeorganic options more readily available todaythan ever before.

The new-and-expanded definition of“green” also encompasses the preservationof your own health—and that of the planet

and its ecosystems. This job has become increas-ingly difficult in modern times, as the developedworld is quite clearly living in the Chemical Age,where harmful ingredients are used in every-thing from the pesticides that coat our foods tothe sunscreens we apply to our children.

A whopping one billion pounds of pesticides areused in the U.S. each year, most of which aresprayed on food crops. These chemicals, many of which are considered toxic and carcinogenic,end up on our dinner plates, in school lunches,and even in our baby foods. One of the mostpotent is the pesticide diazinon, which wasdeveloped as a nerve gas in World War II; it hasbeen banned from residential use because of itshealth risks to children but is still approved foruse on farm crops.

7

Green Is Healthy

A healthier, chemical-free earth is possible. ©istockphoto.com/Julien Grondin

An amazing brew of harmful chemicals alsomakes its way into our personal care products,from toothpaste and hand cream to makeup anddeodorant. The most surprising fact of this issueis that our government does not regulate thisindustry, or the ingredients it packs into ourproducts, on any level.

According to a study conducted by theEnvironmental Working Group (EWG), the aver-age adult uses nine personal care products eachday, altogether concocted with an average of 126chemical ingredients, many of them harmful asthey enter our bloodstreams and our waterwaysas they get washed down the sink. Excellentinformation from groups like the EWG, plus theavailability of natural personal care options, hasmade it a whole lot easier to protect your ownhealth and the earth on which you live.

8

Eco FactA 2008 report in the journal Sciencerevealed that ocean dead zones, whichhave too little oxygen to support sealife, have reached an alarming number.With 400 now found in the world’soceans, scientists are pinning the blameon pollution-fed algae, which is causedprimarily by fertilizers and other farmrun-off, sewage, and the burning of fossil fuels.

What Is Green? Chapter 1

with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps(CFLs) could save you hundreds of dollars inenergy bills. Even though CFLs can cost three tofour times more than incandescent bulbs (theyrange from about $6 to $7 each), they last about10 to 15 times longer. As such, it is estimatedthat homeowners will save $30 or more in elec-tricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime. This factmeans that a house full of CFLs will save you asubstantial amount of money in the long run.

The tenets of green, which include the three Rsof reducing, reusing, and recycling, will also savemoney. Reducing what you need and buy certainlysaves your hard-earned dollars. Reusing thingslike shopping bags and water bottles also keepsthe cash in your wallet while keeping trash outof our growing landfills. Recycling also eliminatesan entire waste stream from the world’s problem-atic landfills; it could also make you some moneyif your area offers a buy-back center.

As the chapters of this bookunfold, you will find that going green is,in fact, a budget-boosting lifestyle choice

that will ultimately save you money on manyfronts. Conserving resources at home will makeyou greener and enable you to realize real sav-ings on your electricity, water, and natural gasbills. Choosing to drive more efficiently or evendrive less by biking to work or taking mass tran-sit will not only lower your carbon footprint, itwill also shave a significant amount off youryearly fuel bills. In fact, the average commutercould save as much as $3,000 in vehicle costseach year by choosing to carpool.

Will you celebrate these savings in today’s chal-lenging economic and social times? A number ofeco-conscious people are already doing so withexcellent results. Making a switch as simple asreplacing a few of your traditional light bulbs

Green Is Affordable

Installing CFLs in your home will reap significant savings on your energy bill. ©istockphoto.com/Kais Tolmats

9

Some green changes, such as buying organicfoods or natural, chemical-free personal careproducts, may cost you a little bit more. But, thepeace of mind gained from these purchasingdecisions will more than make up for the extramoney spent. The beauty of going green is thatit will ultimately save you money and make yourlife more sustainable at the same time.

10

Green on the CheapSome people are even looking tomore extreme measures to save moneyby greening their lifestyles. An emerginggroup called The Compact is turning toan earth-friendly way of life as a strate-gy for saving money. This subset of thepopulation, which boasts over 9,000members, started a few years ago in San Francisco; their goal is to focus onconservation by shunning consumerism.This inherently green wave, which nowhas spin-off groups cropping up acrossthe U.S., has few hard-and-fast rules—it asks that members simply try to conserve the best they can, limit thenumber of new products they buy fromstores, and support local farms andbusinesses when they do buy.

Let us leave them a better place. ©istockphoto.com/eva serrabassa

What Is Green? Chapter 1

There is an island called Samsø sitting alone offthe coast of Denmark that has seen the future.Just over a decade ago, islanders got their powerfrom coal-fueled electricity supplied by themainland, plus oil and petrol shipped in ontankers. Today, its population of 4,100 now livesin the greenest, cleanest, and largest carbon-neutral settlement on the planet.

After winning a national contest to becomeDenmark’s model community for cutting carbonemissions and upping sustainable energyresources, Samsø devoted itself to launching arenewable energy revolution. It would eventuallybuild and produce enough wind, solar, and biomass power to cut its carbon footprint by140 percent. This small island currently createsenough energy for its own needs and exportsthe surplus to the mainland.

What is your future? Earth-conscious living isattainable today on all levels of the spectrum.You have already made the first step towards agreener, more sustainable lifestyle by setting outto read this book. Following the simple stepsahead will be your honorable contribution todoing the right thing for your family, the earth,and the next seven generations.

There is an American Indian principlefrom The Great Law of the IroquoisConfederacy that lays out resonant words

to live by, especially given today’s challenges:

“In our every deliberation, we must considerthe impact of our decisions on the nextseven generations.”

This code of conduct also inspired the companyname of the earth-friendly products producerSeventh Generation. More than ever, now is thetime to consider the future of our children andall those who follow them.

What kind of stage are we setting for the cominggenerations? What kind of planet will theyinherit? And, will they look back upon us as theheroic society that turned things around whenthe planet stood up and asked for help?

11

Green Is the Future

Where is your carbon footprint heading? ©istockphoto.com/Daniel Cooper

It’s easy being green. ©istockphoto.com/Skip ODonnell

Got time to go green? Working Americans squeeze only an averageof five hours of leisure time out of every day, according to a 2007 Bureau ofLabor Statistics study. So, while going green may be appealing, you might

just be wondering how you can fit it into your busy lifestyle.

This book outlines a simple, step-by-step process that can make your life moreearth-friendly in a matter of eight short weeks with a reasonable time commitment.But, if you are anxious to make key changes right away or don’t have the timeright now to implement a two-month plan, then this chapter is just for you.

The ten quick, easy changes laid out here will make your lifestyle more eco-consciousimmediately. Do you have time to toss your soda cans in the recycle bin? Orchoose organic delectables in your grocery store’s produce department? Can youbring a reusable grocery bag on your shopping trips? You can incorporate theseuncomplicated switches in a snap and, at the same time, make a world of difference.Together, along with the large collective of individuals who are making these actsa regular part of their repertoire, we can work to save the planet.

1. Recycle

2. Install Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

3. Drink from a Reusable Water Bottle

4. Tote a Reusable Shopping Bag

5. Buy Green Power

2Ten Simple Steps

6. Buy Carbon Offsets

7. Add Organic Food into Your Diet

8. Take a Five-Minute Shower

9. Unplug at Home

10. Plant a Tree

The average American tosses seven-and-a-half pounds of garbage each andevery day. Where does it all end up? If

you’re not recycling, then most of this refuse(that’s more than a ton at 2,700 pounds per person a year) ends up in a landfill to be com-pacted and buried—or in our oceans.

A Whole Lot of RubbishThe world’s largest landfill is called the GreatPacific Garbage Patch, and it encompasses twolarge floating debris fields located in theNorthern Pacific Ocean between Japan and theU.S. This is no man-made dumpsite. Its mass,which is twice the size of the continental U.S.,has been formed over several decades within theNorth Pacific Gyre, the center of a series ofswirling currents several thousand miles widethat trap a laundry list of rubbish including bottles, plastic bags, clothing, and fishnets.

Plastic is the main ingredient in this syntheticsoup and it now outnumbers the Gyre’s marinefood source, zooplankton, by 6:1. The problem isthat modern plastics do not biodegrade. Instead,they photodegrade in sunlight, becoming brittleand breaking into smaller pieces that are mistak-en by birds and other marine life for food—oftena deadly error. In addition to killing wildlife byingestion or entanglement, plastics and otherfloating debris are also polluting our oceans andputting toxins into our water. This plastic is nowpassing through the food chain from fish tobirds to mammals and, ultimately, to humans.

You can make a huge difference in the future ofour planet by choosing to recycle. This simpleact will reduce waste in our oceans and landfills,reduce energy usage for manufacturing (i.e.,manufacturing with recycled aluminum cans uses95 percent less energy), and also help preventglobal warming. In fact, the National RecyclingCoalition says the recycling of solid waste in2001 prevented the release of 32.9 million metric tons of carbon equivalent into the air.

14

1. Recycle

An astounding amount of trash is floating in our oceans. ©istockphoto.com/jacus

Ten Simple Steps Chapter 2

If curbside hasn’t made it your way yet, don’tworry, many communities feature easily accesseddrop-off recycling stations or buy-back centers,the latter of which actually will buy back a varietyof your recyclables. Finally, availability ofdeposit/refund programs vary greatly by region;if available, you can turn in things like bottles,cans, and tires to recoup the nominal depositpaid when the item was purchased.

To pinpoint what types of services are availablewithin your specific zip code, log ontowww.Earth911.org. You can also contact yourcity’s resident services office directly to see whatis offered in your area.

Toss It in the BinWhile recycling in the U.S. has become a $236-billion-a-year industry, an estimated 75 percentof what Americans throw into the trash couldstill be recycled, according to the EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA).

Twenty years ago, there was only one curbsiderecycling program in the U.S.; today, curbsiderecycling serves more than half the U.S. popula-tion. If your city doesn’t offer this pickup service,there are three other primary methods of collec-tion for recyclables, including drop-off centers,buy-back centers, and deposit/refund programs.

If you have access to curbside recycling, you’rein luck—take the simple step to join in yourarea’s program via the city office. You will receivea recycling bin (or bins) along with instructionson separating out items like glass, plastic, andpaper. Expanded recycling options may existwhere you live, but according to Earth911, themost commonly included materials are The BigFive—aluminum, glass, paper, plastic, and steel.

15

Eco FactAccording to the EPA, recyclingefforts in 2006 (including composting)repurposed and redirected 82 milliontons of waste material away from land-fills and incinerators.

Green IdeaThe best items to recycle are themost valuable materials, including aluminum cans and paper. These helpoffset the overall costs involved withrecycling, so the more you toss in thebin, the better.

Separate recycling bins help you divide up items likepaper, plastic, and glass. ©stockphoto.com/sweetym

Shine a light on your green natureby replacing some or all of your home’straditional incandescent light bulbs with

newer, energy-efficient compact fluorescentlamps (CFLs), which use 75 percent less energy.Doing so will help you save on your energy bills,reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and put yourhousehold ahead of the curve.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (a.k.a. the “Energy Bill”), signed byPresident Bush, requires that all light bulbs use30 percent less energy than today’s incandescentbulbs by 2012 to 2014. By 2020, all bulbs will berequired to be at least 70 percent more efficient(equal to today’s CFLs). The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC)

estimates that this law could cut our nation’selectric bill by more than $10 billion a year. CFLswill not be the “required” bulbs, per se, if othertechnology is developed in this timeframe. Butwhy not get a jumpstart today?

Since lighting costs represent about 20 percentof the average U.S. household’s energy bill, buy-ing and installing energy-efficient CFLs in yourhome could save you a substantial amount ofmoney in the long run. These bulbs cost aboutthree to four times more than incandescentbulbs, but they last about 10 to 15 times longer.ENERGY STAR estimates that homeowners willsave about $30 or more in electricity costs overeach bulb’s lifetime.

16

2. Install Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

Energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can be screwed into a regular light socket. ©istockphoto.com/Kais Tolmats

Eco FactAccording to the government’s ENERGY STAR program, if every home-owner in the U.S. replaced just one lightbulb with an ENERGY STAR qualifiedbulb, together we would shave off morethan $600 million in annual energycosts, save enough energy to light morethan three million homes for an entireyear, and prevent greenhouse gasesequivalent to the emissions of morethan 800,000 cars.

Ten Simple Steps Chapter 2

Today’s CFLs do contain a small amount of mer-cury and the EPA recommends that consumershandle the bulbs accordingly (i.e., with care notto break) and recycle them at appropriate locations. These can be located by checking outepa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org.

IKEA offers a recycling program for CFLs, andHome Depot recently announced that it wouldalso collect the bulbs. The company also movedthe light-fixture showrooms in its nearly 2,000stores over to CFLs in 2008, a move that isexpected to save upwards of $16 million annuallyin energy costs.

Choose ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs labeled“warm white” or “soft white” to get light similarto that given off by incandescent bulbs. Mosthome improvement retailers in your area willcarry a range of CFLs to fit almost every lightingneed. If you cannot find a CFL to fit a specificlighting need, simply try to turn this light offwhen not in use or consider installing an energy-saving dimmer switch on this fixture—any lightbulb dimmed by 25 percent will use about 20percent less energy.

3. Drink from a Reusable Water Bottle

Today, our society consumes atremendous amount of bottled water.Americans drink more than seven billion

gallons a year, almost all of which comes pack-aged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic.

Unfortunately, only about 23 percent of theseplastic water bottles are recycled in the U.S. theother 38 billion pile up in landfills across thecountry and float in our oceans. Of the 100 million tons of plastics produced each year, anunbelievable 10 percent ends up in the sea.Experts say these bottles can take up to 1,000years to biodegrade.

Drinking water from a reusable stainless steel bottle,like this option from Klean Kanteen, is a healthychoice for both you and the planet. ©Klean Kanteen

17

If you need any more convincing, consider thatoil consumption also comes into play with plas-tic bottles. The amount of oil required each yearfor the manufacturing and shipping of bottledwater to consumers equals about 1.5 millionbarrels—enough fuel to power 250,000 homesfor one year.

Enter the reusable bottle. A growing awarenessof our society’s plastic problem has fueled thegrowth of this eco-conscious item. Today,reusable bottles are available in many sizes,designs, colors, and materials. Since reusablebottles range in cost from about $10 to $20,they are an inexpensive way to go green.

Simply pick one up online or at your local groceror health food store and fill ’er up. If the tapwater in your area is safe and tasty, you can go

right to the source. If you prefer filtered water,purchase one of the simple filtration systems(i.e., Brita) for your refrigerator. Reasonablypriced systems can also be permanently installedin your kitchen sink.

When choosing a reusable water bottle, veeraway from any that show the letters “PC” on the bottom. These contain the much publicized,hormone-disrupting toxin Bisphenol A (BPA), achemical building block used to make polycar-bonate plastic. Better options include stainlesssteel and clearly marked BPA-free plastic bottles.

In addition to greening your daily H2O, coffeelovers can also help conserve resources by bring-ing a reusable travel mug to the coffee shop.Many coffee bars will also extend a discount forbringing your own cup.

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Two million plastic bottles, most of which end up in landfills, are used in the U.S. everyfive minutes. ©istockphoto.com/Michael Kemter

Ten Simple Steps Chapter 2

The U.S. is responsible for consuming a whop-ping 380 billion plastic bags, sacks, and wraps ayear, according to the EPA. Some estimates pegusage at 552 bags per family per year. In a his-toric move, in 2007 San Francisco became thefirst city to ban plastic bags at large supermar-kets and chain pharmacies.

Like plastic bottles, these bags are made frompetroleum and they are not biodegradable.Instead, they photodegrade in sunlight and,thus, can take up to 1,000 years to break down.They also fill up landfills and pose a threat to thesafety of marine and other animal life, whichoften mistake the bags for food.

If you think a switch to paper bags is a betterchoice in the checkout line, think again.According to the EPA, 70 percent more globalwarming gasses are emitted making a paper bagversus a plastic bag, not to mention that precioustrees are cut down in the process.

Another simple way to green yourdaily repertoire is to purchase a fewreusable shopping bags and use them

instead of the single-use plastic bags supplied bystores today. By using this inexpensive item, youwill help preserve natural resources and greatlyreduce the amount of trash in our world.

The single-use plastic bags currently flying outthe doors in supermarkets and other stores aremade of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE).Each year, the world’s population uses and thentrashes anywhere from 500 billion to one trillionof these plastic bags—this equates to over onemillion a minute.

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4. Tote a Reusable Shopping Bag

Reusable sacks come in all shapes and sizes, includingthose that are both eco- and fashion-conscious, likethis graphic tote from Envirosax. ©Envirosax

All in all, a reusable sack is your best eco choice.They are available today at most grocery stores,natural foods shops, stores like Wal-Mart andTarget, plus a plethora of online retailers. Reusablebags can cost anywhere from a few dollars forutilitarian styles to $10 for more fashionablechoices. Materials options range from heavy-dutyCordura nylon and organic cotton to hemp anda fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.

Since most grocery stores now offer bag creditsfor bringing your own, reusable bags will morethan pay for themselves during their lifecycle.For example, if a grocery store offers a 10-centcredit, a $10 bag will completely pay for itselfafter only 100 uses. Plus, imagine what it will dofor your green lifestyle—and your conscience.Toss a few in your car and be sure to bring themalong for the ride on every shopping trip. If youget caught without your earth-friendly bag, simply say “no” to the “Paper or plastic?” conun-drum and opt for carrying small purchases outof the store in hand.

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Opt for a sturdy “green” reusable sack; the world’spopulation uses more than 500 billion plastic bagseach year. ©Envirosax

Ten Simple Steps Chapter 2

Electric energy is what makestoday’s fast-paced world go ’round. But, did you know that electricity is actually the

leading source of greenhouse gas emissions?

Electricity usage is responsible for a full 38 percent of the U.S.’s CO2 emissions, according toa report from the Pew Center on Global ClimateChange. On the flip side, renewable energysources like wind and solar power, which burnno fossil fuels like natural gas or coal, producezero emissions. Believe it or not, switching yourown home’s electricity source to renewable energy can be as simple as making a phone call.

Most homeowners don’t have the time or thefunds to install an array of solar panels or a windturbine in their back yard. But, many can stillpurchase “renewable electricity” directly throughtheir existing utility company (or a competitivepower supplier) that delivers clean power sourceslike wind and solar through the standard utilitygrid (i.e., power lines, electrical substations, etc.).Contact your local provider to see if they offerthis service, which typically has a minimalmonthly charge to upgrade your power purchasewith blocks of renewable energy.

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5. Buy Green Power

Wind power is truly clean; it has zero emissions.©istockphoto.com/Brian Jackson

Even people living in areas where the local utilitycompanies don’t offer renewable energy can still get into the game with Renewable EnergyCertificates (RECs). Purchasing verified certificatesenables you to match up to 100 percent of yourelectricity usage with clean, renewable energyno matter where you live.

One resource for RECs is 3Degrees(www.3degreesinc.com), which sells these certificates so that anyone can support renew-able energy generation. Each REC represents onemegawatt-hour (MWh, or 1,000 kilowatt hours)of renewable energy that is generated and delivered to the grid. 3Degrees offers onlyGreen-e certified RECs, which are audited toensure that only one customer claims credit for each MWh of renewable energy.

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Conventional energy production can be anything but green. ©istockphoto.com/Bernhard Weber

Green IdeaA wealth of information on buyingGreen Power, including a state-by-stateguide to renewable energy providers,can be found at the EPA’s Green Powerwebsite: www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower.

Ten Simple Steps Chapter 2

We can all do our best to reduce emissions byinstalling CFLs, choosing to reuse with reusablewater bottles and shopping bags, and even mini-mizing our own carbon footprint with renewablepower, but we’ll still inevitably use some energythat emits greenhouse gases. This is where car-bon offsets come into play. When you buy thesecredits through reputable organizations, they inturn invest these funds into carbon emissions-reducing projects like building wind power tur-bines and planting trees. Many of these projectsalso help build communities by providing jobs.

You can take your commitment torenewable energy one step further by pur-chasing credits that help offset your own

carbon footprint, which is the measure of yourenvironmental impact via your own greenhousegas (i.e., CO2) emissions created by activitiessuch as driving, flying, and energy use at home.The purchase of these credits can, in turn, helpdissipate the factors causing global warming.

According to Clean Air-Cool Planet, global warm-ing is an “urgent global problem with social, economic, and environmental consequences,resulting from excessive reliance on fossil fuelslike coal and oil.” It occurs as a result of energyfrom the sun being trapped by gases (mostlyCO2 and methane) in the atmosphere. Thesegreenhouse gases are a primary result of oursociety digging up and burning long-buried fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil. Ouractions have increased the presence of thesegases to the point where the globe is warmingand our climate is changing.

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6. Buy Carbon Offsets

Our planet is in need of some assistance. Can you help? ©istockphoto.com/geopaul

Look for trusted, verified offset providers likeNative Energy (www.nativeeneregy.com) or e-BlueHorizons (www.e-bluehorizons.com).These companies provide convenient CO2 emis-sions calculators on their websites so you canadd up your own impact for offsetting. Carboncredits range in cost from $36 to offset the yearly emissions of a small car to $96 to offsetyour home’s yearly electricity use. Remember,carbon offsets are meant to supplement yourown green efforts, not to replace them. Buyingthem is an additional contribution that you canmake to the planet.

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Eco Fact

A ton of CO2 is emitted when you:

• Travel 2,000 miles in an airplane

• Drive 1,350 miles in a large sportutility vehicle

• Drive 1,900 miles in a mid-sized car

• Run an average U.S. household for 60 days

• Have your computer on for 10,600hours

-Information courtesy Clean Air-Cool Planet

Our use of fossil fuels like oil contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and, thus, global warming. ©istockphoto.com/Wendell Franks

Ten Simple Steps Chapter 2

According to the Environmental Working Group(EWG), there is growing consensus in the scien-tific community that small doses of pesticidescan adversely affect people, especially pregnantwomen, developing fetuses, and children, whoare more vulnerable to these chemicals.

Research has shown that organically grownfoods are higher in cancer-fighting chemicalsthan conventionally grown foods. In the end,organic farming practices not only yield productsthat are better for our health, they also focus onfarming in ways that minimize the leaching ofchemicals into our soils and groundwater.

What Is Organic?The good news is that, due to consumer demand,the organic foods market is experiencing majorgrowth. Today, about 70 percent of Americansbuy organic food occasionally, and nearly onequarter buy it every week, says the HartmanGroup, a market research firm.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) runsthe National Organic Program, which developsand administers national production, handling,and labeling standards for organic agriculturalproducts. Each product must meet USDA stan-dards before being labeled “Organic.”

There is no question that a fresh,juicy, organic peach simply tastes betterthan one that has been grown using pesti-

cides. Still, synthetic pesticides and fertilizershave become a prevalent component in our foodsystem.

Why? In order to meet the world’s fast-growingdemand for food, producers have had to step up production by using a host of fertilizers andpesticides to ward off crop-devastating insects.But these chemicals are now prolific—an invisibleingredient that poses potential health and envi-ronmental hazards.

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7. Add Organic Food into Your Diet

Organic blueberries are packed with nutrients. ©istockphoto.com/Joe Biafore

These standards specify that crops must be grownwithout synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilizers,irradiation (a type of radiation used to kill bacte-ria), or biotechnology. Animals being raised onorganic farms must eat only organically grownfeed, not be given synthetic growth hormones orantibiotics, and have access to the outdoors.

Organic foods can be more expensive and manyshoppers find it costly to fill up their cart withall organic items. Adding a few organic items toyour shopping list will green your cuisine andboost your health quotient.

Where Can You Find OrganicFoods?

� Many chain grocery stores now featurespecific organic sections in the producedepartment and processed foods aisles.

� Locate your local natural foods store orco-op. The latter is a cooperative gro-cery store where shoppers pay a smallfee to become “members” who receivediscounts on their purchases.

� Look for local farmer’s markets, whichtypically run in summer or year-roundin warmer climes; many of the farmershere offer organic items.

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Look for the USDA Organic stamp on certified organic products. ©USDA

Ten Simple Steps Chapter 2

Would you believe that the average Americanindividual uses 100 to 176 gallons of water athome each day? In stark contrast, the averageAfrican family uses about 5 gallons of watereach day.

A study of student water usage conducted byPrinceton University showed the average showertime per day was 12.5 minutes. This equates tomore than 40 gallons of water down the drainduring each shower.

Water is a precious resource that will continueto dwindle while the earth heats up from globalwarming. In response, you can green your lifesimply by doing things like turning the water offwhile brushing your teeth and shortening yourshower time to a no-fuss five minutes. Considerit time well spent for the planet.

While we all relish the occasionallong, steamy shower or hot soak in thetub, it’s important to recognize that

there is a world water crisis on our planet. Inmany countries, clean water is extremely hard tocome by. More than one billion people in devel-oping countries lack access to a safe supply ofdrinking water, according to UNICEF. They mustwalk long distances every day to obtain water fordrinking, cooking, and bathing. Additionally, 2.6billion (40 percent of the earth’s population)don’t have basic sanitation facilities.

Even though water usually seems plentiful inour own day-to-day lives, many of us don’t knowjust how lucky we are. Think about these factsfrom Water Partners International (www.water.org),the World Health Organization, and UNICEF:

� Water-related diseases are one of theleading causes of disease and death inthe world.

� More than 5,000 children under the ageof five die every day as a result of diar-rheal diseases, caused in part by unsafewater.

� Of all water on earth, 97.5 percent issalt water; of the remaining 2.5 percentfresh water, some 70 percent is frozenin the polar icecaps. The other 30 per-cent is mostly present as soil moistureor lies in underground aquifers.

� In the end, less than 1 percent of theworld’s fresh water (or about 0.007percent of all water on earth) is readilyaccessible for direct human use.

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8. Take a Five-Minute Shower

Water is one of the planet’s most preciousresources. Are you letting it go down the drain?©istockphoto.com/Kiyoshi Takahase

Since our electricity habits are obviouslycontributing greatly to our share of the planet’sgreenhouse gas emissions, it just makes goodsense to do things like turn off lights when leav-ing a room and power off appliances whenthey’re not in use. As a bonus, this green stepwill also help whittle down your energy bills.

The EPA estimates that household electronics,many of which use energy for displays even whenturned “off,” account for almost 5 percent of a home’s energy bills. For example, running acomputer and its monitor 24 hours a day canuse up to 1,100 kilowatt hours annually. Puttingthese items, from computers to stereos, on sleepmode could save more than 80 percent of thatexpense and cut CO2 emissions by up to 1,250pounds a year.

What to Power Down� Unplug seldom-used appliances: Got a

fridge in the garage that’s cooling just afew sodas? Transfer your drinks to themain fridge and unplug its garage coun-terpart. You could even save up to $10 amonth on your utility bill.

� Unplug chargers: No doubt, you have anarray of plastic power chargers to keepyour cell phones, PDAs, and digital cam-eras up and running. If they’re pluggedin, they’re using power. Keep themunplugged until you need them.

� Turn off the tube: Even at rest (i.e.,turned off), your TVs, DVD players,VCRs, and stereos are sucking energy.All together, their “standby” consump-tion can be equal to that of a 100-wattlight bulb running continuously. Onequick way to turn them all off whenyou’re leaving the house is to connectthem to a single power strip.

� Set computers to sleep:: Enabling the“sleep mode” feature for periods of inactivity on your computer can make a huge difference in its energy con-sumption. In Windows, the power management settings are found on your computer’s Control Panel. Macusers can look for energy saving settings under “System Preferences” in the Apple menu.

—Information courtesy NRDC

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9. Unplug at Home

Going out? Powering down or unplugging applianceswill save untold amounts of energy.©istockphoto.com/ranplett

Ten Simple Steps Chapter 2

Since larger hardwood trees often grow muchslower in colder, northern climates, some expertsbelieve that trees planted in equatorial rainforestsare more effective at battling the global warmingtrend.

According to the Eco Preservation Society, ifevery American family planted just one tree,CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced byone billion pounds annually. That’s nearly 5percent of the amount the earth’s populationpumps into the atmosphere each year.

While it seems all the things we do, places wego, and items we consume require energy andcreate climate-changing emissions, planting atree is a reversal of this tide. A signal of change.Go ahead and get your hands dirty.

Trees give shade on hot days andshelter from rainstorms, plus they offerthemselves up time and time again for our

daily needs. From office paper to wood-framehomes, the tree is a pillar of our society.

Our deeply rooted friends also happen to removecarbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it within their own plant material and the surrounding soil. Carbon is a gas that trees useto grow and reproduce during photosynthesis.Given today’s greenhouse gas troubles, the treepopulation is certainly working overtime.

The amount of carbon dioxide a tree can storevaries widely. A 30-year-old, fast-growing hard-wood tree like a red mulberry or laurel oak willsoak up an average of 69.5 pounds of CO2 peryear. The bigger the tree, the more carbon it cansequester. Those with large trunk diameters anddense wood are the best trees for the job, saysthe U.S. Forest Service. Leafed trees also workharder than conifers.

10. Plant a Tree

Plant it. An average tree is believed to absorb oneton of carbon dioxide over its normal lifetime.©istockphoto.com/Amanda Rohde

Quick and easy ways to plant a tree:

• The Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org)enables you to give the gift of trees through itsGive-a-Tree Greeting card program. For $5.95,you can send a card that honors the occasionwith a tree planted in a national forest that hasbeen devastated by insects, disease, or wildfires.

• The Nature Conservancy has launched thePlant a Billion campaign (www.plantabillion.org) to literally plant a billion trees in an effortto bring back the tropical Atlantic Forest inBrazil and, ultimately, help combat climatechange. Each tree costs $1.

• If time is on your side and you’d like to plantyour own tree, check out www.treepeople.orgfor detailed information on the process.

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Home, Green Home. ©istockphoto.com/DivaNir4a

The one place you can make the most difference tothe environment and your family’s health is in your own home.On average, most Americans spend at least 14 hours a day in their

abode, much of which is focused on household chores and activitiesthat consume a significant amount of energy and water.

The typical U.S. household consumes about 11,000 kilowatt-hours(kWh) each year, which rings up an average annual electricity bill of$900, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This equates to anaverage “carbon footprint” for a U.S. household of 19 metric tons ofCO2. It is apparent that our consumption habits at home are whychanges made there have such a significant impact.

But, reducing energy use at home is just the beginning of greeningyour lifestyle. A focus on reducing water use as well as cleaning upindoor air quality are key to sustaining health and happiness.

This first week will focus on relatively simple and mostly inexpensivechanges you can make at home on all these fronts. Congratulations.You are officially on the road to going green. And so your earth-friendlyjourney begins—at home.

3Week One: Green Your Home

While home is where the heartis, it can also be one of the most toxicplaces on the planet. Would you

believe the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) reports that most homes have airborneconcentrations of organic pollutants that are at least two to five times higher than the air outside?

According to the World Health Organization,indoor air pollution ranks among the top fiveenvironmental risks to public health. This is aserious problem, especially when you considerthat Americans spend 90 percent of their timeindoors. Some homes are subject to effects from unique toxins like asbestos, radon, andformaldehyde, but the majority of poor indoorair quality is caused by the ingredients presentin common household cleaning products.

While many of these products get the job doneto deliver a clean, sparkling home, they are any-thing but healthy. In fact, they are harboring adirty secret called volatile organic compounds(VOCs), a type of irritating chemical found inmany conventional products that can evaporateor off-gas into your home’s air supply. In theshort term, VOCs can cause symptoms likeheadaches, nausea, visual impairment, andmemory loss. Their long-term effects are evenmore severe—hormone disruption, liver and kidney damage, and possibly cancer.

In addition to seeping into your indoor air sup-ply, these common chemicals can also be bad forthe planet. According to the Clean Water Fund,more than 32 million pounds of householdcleaning products are poured down the draineach year nationwide, heading into sewage treat-ment plants. Many of these products, includingdishwashing and laundry detergents, breakdown into environmental estrogens that can slipthrough water processing plants and into oursoil and water sources. As a result, these cancer-causing estrogens, which are synthetic sub-stances that can disrupt hormonal balance andmetabolism function when absorbed into a per-son’s system, can negatively affect the health ofboth wildlife and humans.

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The Air We Breathe

Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful VOCs. ©istockphoto.com/Floortje

Week One: Green Your Home Chapter 3

Many Americans are making the move to purifytheir air quality and boost their health quotient.According to a 2008 study by Mintel, a leadingmarket research company, sales of green/naturalhousehold cleaners (including pet care andpaper products) rose by almost 30 percent from$409 million in 2004 to $528 million in 2006.

Today, consumer demand has many companiestouting products that are “natural,” “organic,” or“eco-friendly,” but not all of these are actuallygood for you or the planet. Because cleaningsupply companies classify their chemical brewsas “trade secrets,” they are only required todivulge the most offensive toxins on their labels(typically only 1 percent of the total). This factmeans that most are under no legal or regulatoryobligation to be concerned about how theirproducts might harm our health.

Be wary of “greenwashing” and start reading thelabels of those cleaning products you aim to buy.The first step is to keep any hazardous productthat says “Danger” or “Poison” on the label outof your home. Additionally, anything that ismarked with a “Warning” or “Caution” label isanother to be avoided.

Holding your breath yet? Fearnot—a growing number of natural, greencleaning options and products on the

market today can help you transition your homeinto a toxin-free zone. You can also speed up the process by opening windows regularly toventilate your home. Adding a houseplant ortwo into your décor will also soak up airbornechemicals like formaldehyde and benzene. Thebest air-purifying choices include the Bostonfern, Areca palm, and rubber plant.

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Eco Facts

Living in a Chemical World

• Studies show that women who work in the home have a 55 percent higherrisk of developing cancer and/orchronic respiratory disease than thoseworking outside the home.

• A study focusing on work-related asthma in four states conducted byMichigan State University found that12 percent of all cases were associatedwith exposure to cleaning products.

• According to the EPA, household cleaners also contribute to smog formation. By 2020, household prod-uct emissions are projected to surpasstailpipe emissions to become LosAngeles’ Number One cause of smog.

Clean Up Your Act

Cost Meter:

Aim for products labeled with specific terms like“plant-based,” “solvent-free,” or “no phosphates.”You can also look for brands that choose toreveal their list of ingredients. Many of theseproducts are made from natural, biodegradable,plant-based ingredients that you can feel com-fortable using. Two companies that have put theonus on what’s inside their products are SeventhGeneration and Ecover, both of which are avail-able in most health food stores and many majorsupermarket chains.

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Green IdeaThe best way to get rid of yourunwanted and unnatural cleaning products is to simply finish using themor, if you’re anxious about their chemi-cal content, take them to a householdhazardous waste center for disposal.Whatever you do, don’t dump themdown the drain and into the world’swater supply.

Green on the Cheap

A 1999 University of Bristol study revealed that frequent use of air fresheners and aerosolsprays in the home contributed to 25 percent more headaches and 19 percent more inci-dences of depression in new mothers, plus 30 percent more ear infections in infants. Ditchyour aerosol air fresheners and plug-ins for soy or beeswax candles infused with essentialoils, a natural, clean-burning option that provides a fresh fragrance to your home. Long-lasting, 18-hour pillar candles can cost as little as $9 from beeswaxcandles.com. You canalso make your own air freshener by combining five to ten drops of an essential oil likelavender, lemon, or sweet orange with two cups of water in a spray bottle.

Beeswax candles are a healthier, natural optionto traditional air fresheners.

©Bluecorn Naturals

Green up your act by swapping your toxin-infused conventional cleaners—from laundry and dishwasher detergent to glass and toiletcleaner—for natural options, many of which perform equally as well. This can be done slowlyor in one fell swoop. Green cleaners tend to costjust a little more, but, in the end, you are makinga wise investment in your health.

Week One: Green Your Home Chapter 3

� Toilet bowl cleaner: Most conventionaltoilet cleaners contain corrosive ingre-dients that can cause severe skin, eye,and respiratory irritation, includingasthma attacks. Natural Replacement:Toss some baking soda or vinegar intothe bowl and scrub with a toilet brush.Note: You can also make a paste of baking soda and water to scrub up tubs,sinks, and counters.

� Oven cleaner: Found in many ovencleaners, sodium hydroxide, otherwiseknown as lye, delivers extreme irrita-tion to eyes, nose, and throat; it canalso burn tissue upon contact. NaturalReplacement: Lose the lye in your homeby cleaning spills with steel wool andbaking soda as soon as the oven cools;for tough stains, add salt (avoid thesalt, however, if you have a self-cleaningor continuous-cleaning oven).

� Drrain cleaner: This product also contains dangerous sodium hydroxide.Natural Replacement: Keep hair anddebris out of sinks with an inexpensivesink screen; if duty calls, use a plumber’ssnake or plunger to clear the drain.

One of the easiest, most inexpensiveways to make your home a healthier,more earth-friendly place is to concoct

your own cleaners from simple, toxin-free ingre-dients. These are things you probably alreadyhave in your kitchen—baking soda, vinegar,lemon juice, vegetable oil. If you would prefer to avoid the slightly extra expense of buyinggreen cleaning products, then mixing up yourown might be the way to go. These natural concoctions will save you money, even over theunhealthy cleaning product options available inthe store. Now, that’s good green sense.

The following homemade cleaning alternatives,recommended by the EPA, will fill your needs for many cleaning duties. You’ll need measuringspoons and cups, plus a few clean, reusable containers or spray bottles.

� Glass cleaner: The average glass cleanercontains butyl cellusolve, which candamage liver, kidneys, and red bloodcells. Natural Replacement: Mix onetablespoon of white vinegar or lemonjuice in one quart of water; spray onsurfaces to be cleaned and wipe off asnormal.

� Furniture polish: A common ingredientin most furniture polish is petroleumdistillates, which can cause nerve damage and skin and eye irritation.Natural Replacement: Mix one teaspoonof lemon juice in one pint of mineral orvegetable oil; spray on wood furniture/surfaces and wipe off.

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Making Your Own Green Cleaners

Cost Meter:

Do you know where your trash goes?It’s pretty easy to forget about it once it’sgone, but after our trash is picked up by

the garbage truck, it gets tossed into a landfill oran incinerator. In the U.S., about 26 percent of ourwaste is recycled or composted and 8 percent isburned at incinerators. The rest—a whopping 66 percent—is piled high into landfills across thecountry. When you consider that the averageAmerican produces almost 4.5 pounds of trasheach day (compared with an average of about2.7 in 1960), you can begin to visualize how thetons of trash start to add up across the country.

While landfills are the oldest form of mass waste disposal in the U.S., they are also the second-largest human-related source of methaneemissions, a potent greenhouse gas. In 2006,landfills accounted for almost 23 percent of allmethane emissions. This landfill gas (LFG) isborn as the solid waste decomposes underanaerobic conditions (sans oxygen).

36

Waste Not: The Problem with Trash

The U.S. has almost 4,000 active landfills and over10,000 old municipal landfills, according to the EPA.©istockphoto.com/Jacom Stephens

In addition to the problems associated with ouroverflowing landfills, some trash inevitably landsin wild and natural places like the ocean or ourwaterways, where it can break down and harmwildlife and even people. You can help reducethe world’s overabundance of trash by choosingto reduce, reuse, and recycle. These three effec-tive “Rs” are extremely simple and purely cost-free. At the end of the day, you may actually endup saving money.

Green IdeaSome initial efforts are underway tocapture Landfill Gas (LFG), which canactually be converted and used as anenergy source. This act helps preventmethane from making its way into theatmosphere and tacking an extra bur-den onto local smog and climate changeproblems. Methane can be used to gen-erate electricity or to replace fossil fuelsfor industrial use, or it can be convertedinto pipeline-quality gas. In Pennsylvania,UGI Utilities, Inc., the state’s largest natural gas and electric utility, recentlybroke ground on a nine-mile pipeline totransport converted LFG to four industrialcompanies in the Lancaster County area.It is believed this local production willconserve 10,000 barrels of oil each year.

Week One: Green Your Home Chapter 3

37

Being conscious of the three Rs athome and elsewhere will help you realizeyour quest to go green. Implement just a

few of the ideas from these conservation conceptsthis week, but try to continue to make thismantra a part of your life going forward.

ReduceThe first “R” refers to limiting the amount ofthings you buy or use in your daily life. Insteadof grabbing a handful of paper towels to wipeup a spill, can you use half the amount or acloth instead? This simple act can help lessenthe burden on our trash system. Can you bringyour lunch to work in reusable containers insteadof getting takeout and tossing the packaging? By packing your cuisine in reusable containersinstead of plastic wrap or bags, you can also helpreduce the amount of waste you produce. Youcan also avoid a great deal of packaging by buy-ing food from the bulk bins that are a fixture inmost health food stores. Here, you can fill upyour own reusable containers with everythingfrom rice and pasta to dried fruit and candy. Justbe sure to have your empty container weighedin at the checkout before filling it up. In addi-tion, buying only the groceries you need eachweek will also help limit the amount of spoiledfood you end up tossing.

Waste Not: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

ReuseStudies show that between 2 and 5 percent ofthe waste stream is potentially reusable. Reusingthe things that you can will help prevent tons oftrash from making their way into landfills.

A great example of a reusable item that canmake a difference is rechargeable batteries. Eachyear, over 15 billion batteries are sold worldwide,most of which are thrown away after a singleuse. Invest in some quality reusable batteriesand a slow-charging charger that will best main-tain their lifespan; within a year, this investmentwill more than likely have paid for itself. [Note:All batteries contain some amount of mercuryand should, thus, be recycled by an authorizedlocation. Check www.Earth911.org for locationsnear you.]

Another productive switch you can make is tobring your own reusable shopping bags whenyou hit the supermarket to reduce the unneces-sary disposal of plastic and paper shopping bags.

Cost Meter: $0(these changes will save you money)

RecycleThis simple act is one of the best things you can do for the planet. Many towns today have a curbside recycling program; in fact,www.Earth911.org says that over 85 percent of Americans have access to local recycling pro-grams. Contact your city office for informationon getting set up with the service and theappropriate containers. Then, simply sort yourrecyclables like glass, aluminum, and paper intothe separate bins for pickup. Those without alocal service are likely to have a recycling centerin the vicinity where these items can be droppedoff. Some centers will even pay for your morevaluable recyclables.

These bags, available in fabrics from eco-friendlyhemp to organic cotton, are inexpensive andeasy to use; just remember to keep a stock inyour car so you’re not caught in the checkoutline being asked “Paper or plastic?”

You will also make a major impact and up yourgreen quotient exponentially if you choose todrink from a reusable bottle instead of throwingcountless single-use bottles into the trash. Best bets for your health include BPA-free plastic bottles (avoid “PC” or recycling number 7,stamped on the bottom) and stainless steel versions.

38

A 2007 Harris Poll showed that one-quarter ofAmericans still recycle nothing at all.©istockphoto.com/Bruce Lonngren

Eco FactAccording to the EPA, more than6,000 communities have implemented“pay-as-you-throw” programs in whichcitizens pay for each can or bag of trashthey set out for disposal instead of pay-ing a flat fee. When these householdsreduce their own waste, they dispose ofless trash and pay lower trash bills.

Week One: Green Your Home Chapter 3

39

Complete the circle and catch theflip side of recycling by adding recycledpaper products like toilet paper, paper

towels, and tissues into your repertoire. Today,according to the National Resources DefenseCouncil (NRDC), Americans use a whopping 741pounds of paper products each year per person—this is more than double the per capita con-sumption in 1960. We also consume more thanany other country in the world. But, paper is difficult to avoid. From our mail and magazinesto catalogs and cardboard, it is an ubiquitouspart of our lives.

A plethora of problems exist with paper. Firstand foremost is that much of the productiontoday cuts down trees, which are importantheroes in fighting climate change. Each tree thatis cut down would have absorbed one ton of carbon dioxide or more over its normal lifetime.Cutting trees down also triggers the release ofCO2 from denuded soils. Some experts suggestthat deforestation and the resulting land degra-dation could be responsible for up to 20 percentof all greenhouse gases created by human activity.Additionally, any paper that is not recycled gen-erally floats into landfills, further exacerbatingthe world’s trash problems.

Becoming Paper Savvy

Choosing recycled paper products will greatly reduce the need to cut down more trees. ©istockphoto.com/Klaus Hollitzer

The good news is that Americans recycle morethan half of all the paper they use each year. Thiswaste, along with scrap wood from lumber mills,makes up about half of all materials used todayto produce paper. Still, there are many “virgin”paper products on the market that use little tono post-consumer (i.e., recycled) fibers in theirmanufacture. These are good ones to avoid ifyou’re on the path to going green.

Your eco-consciousness will help save an impres-sive amount of precious trees. According to theNRDC, if every household in the U.S. replaced justone box of virgin fiber facial tissues (175 sheets)with 100 percent recycled tissue, we could save163,000 trees. The same action undertaken withone roll of virgin fiber toilet paper (500 sheets)would save 423,900 trees. Napkins raise the bareven more. Replacing a 250-count package ofvirgin fiber napkins with 100 percent recycledserviettes would save a whopping one milliontrees. You get the picture.

When doing your weekly groceryshopping, look for paper products thatreport their content percentages of

recycled and/or post-consumer fibers right onthe package. Post-consumer fibers are sourcedfrom paper that was previously used and wouldotherwise have made its way into a landfill or anincinerator. These types of earth-friendly productsare readily available at local health food storesand most major supermarket chains.

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Eco Facts

• Most of the world’s paper supply is sourced from timber logged in regions with biologi-cally diverse and ecologically valuable habitat.

• The Southern U.S., which is the largest paper-producing region in the world, logs an estimated5 million acres of forests (an area the size of New Jersey) each year.

• The trees for most of the world’s paper supply, about 85 percent, are sourced from forests.Only 15 percent are harvested from tree farms.

• According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the pulp andpaper industry is the third-greatest industrial greenhouse gas emitter. Its carbon dioxideemissions are expected to double by 2020.

• Paper is white, not brown like trees, because it is whitened using chemicals like chlorinebleach, chlorine dioxide, or hydrogen peroxide. This process can produce cancer-causingchemicals such as dioxins and furans.

Using Recycled Paper Products

Cost Meter:

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The most abundant options for household paperproducts are those with zero recycled or post-consumer content. Check your packages carefullyand look for markings that indicate the productyou are considering buying is actually made withrecycled content, and especially post-consumerfibers. Check out http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp for a comprehensive shoppingguide to home tissue products.

Interestingly, according to the EPA, paper cannotbe recycled indefinitely. In fact, papermakingfibers can typically be recycled five to seven timesbefore they become too short and weak to berecycled again. For this reason, it is still necessaryfor the paper industry to harvest some new fiber(i.e., from trees) that can be infused into therecycled paper manufacturing process.

Green on the CheapHelp save the planet and stop yourjunk mail at the same time by signingup with www.GreenDimes.com. This freeservice halts up to 90 percent of yourjunk mail by working with you and thecountry’s largest group of marketersand catalogs to pinpoint and eliminatethe mail you don’t want to receive. Todate, Green Dimes has worked with over300,000 people to stop the unnecessarydelivery of almost 2.5 million catalogsand 13,000 pounds of junk mail. Basicservice is free; upgrading to the $20 premium service makes the processmore streamlined, allows you to removeunlimited household names from junkmail lists, and plants five trees. So far,GreenDimes has planted over one million trees.

Each ton of 100% post-consumer recycled fiber that replaces a ton of virgin fibersaves between 12 and 24 trees. ©istockphoto.com/AVTG

During the 20th century, theworld’s population tripled. But in thistime, our water usage (of renewable

resources) actually increased by six times,according to the World Water Council. Will ourdemand continue to outpace our supply? Factorin the reality that the population is slated toincrease another 40 to 50 percent in the next 50years, and you can imagine how resources willcontinue to be taxed.

Today, many countries, including the U.S., arestruggling with drought conditions that will likelyworsen as climate change’s effects are realized.In Chapter 2 of this book, it was reported thatless than 1 percent of the world’s fresh water (or about 0.007 percent of all water on earth) isreadily accessible for direct human use. A finitesupply coupled with increasing demand has putthe world in the midst of a water crisis. Accordingto the EPA, a recent government survey showedat least 36 U.S. states are anticipating local,regional, or statewide water shortages by 2013.

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Becoming Water Conscious

The EPA says that if all U.S. households installedwater-efficient appliances, the country would savemore than three trillion gallons of water and morethan $18 billion per year. ©istockphoto.com/Florea Marius

Eco FactThe biggest offender in householdwater use is our toilet, which sucksdown 18 gallons per person each dayand accounts for over 26 percent oftotal daily use. Other culprits includeshowers and faucets, which togethersend a full 43 percent of our waterresources down the drain.

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As you can see, conserving water is an elementalpart of going green, but it can also help you savemoney. The average American household usesapproximately 350 gallons of water each day;that’s almost 128,000 gallons a year. The EPAreports that the average household incurs a yearlywater bill of $500. It also suggests that simplechanges made to use water efficiently could saveyou about $170 each year.

You can actually reduce your own personal wateruse by over 45 gallons a day simply by installingmore efficient water fixtures, such as low-flowfaucet and showerhead aerators, and checkingfor leaks on a regular basis. That adds up to1,350 gallons per month and a whole lot ofmoney saved. Also, look for the EPA’sWaterSense label on products like bathroomfaucets when you’re in the market for a new fix-ture; this denotes an item that helps conservewater. You can make a difference by limiting theamount of water you use every day.

Installing low-flow faucet and shower aerators is one of the simplest ways toconserve water. ©istockphoto.com/David Mingay

Green IdeaIf one out of every 100 Americanhomes were retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures like low-flow shower-heads, we could save about 100 millionkWh of electricity per year and avoid80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.That is equivalent to removing nearly15,000 automobiles from the road forone year.

� Loading it up: The average washingmachine uses about 41 gallons of waterfor each load of laundry. To conservewater with this chore, wash only fullloads or use the appropriate load sizeselection setting on your washingmachine.

� Tricking the system: You can greatlyreduce the amount of water your toiletuses by putting plastic bottles or a floatbooster in your toilet tank. For a cheapresolve, put an inch or two of sand orpebbles inside two plastic bottles, fillthem with water, and place them in thetank safely away from the operatingmechanisms. To ensure it continues toflush properly, make sure at least threegallons stay in the tank. This fix couldsave up to ten or more gallons of waterper day.

Now that you understand whyreducing our water use benefits the envi-ronment and our bottom lines, hopefully

you are inspired to make some changes. Theseconstructive, cost-efficient ideas will help yougreen your daily household water use:

� Turning it off: Most bathroom faucetsflow at a rate of two gallons per minute,which is a lot of water down the drain if it’s running while you’re shaving orbrushing your teeth. Shutting off thespigot while you brush your teeth cansave up to an impressive eight gallonsof water per day.

� Showering shorter: A 2001 study conducted by Moen Plumbing Supplyrevealed that the average Americanspends about eight minutes in theshower. Shaving off a few minutes can save a ton of water—a five-minuteshower uses about 10 to 25 gallons. On the flip side, a full bathtub requiresabout 70 gallons of water.

� Fixing leaks: If it drips at a rate of onedrop per second, a leaky faucet canwaste more than 3,000 gallons of wateryearly. A leaky toilet can waste up to200 gallons each and every day of theyear. Tighten these water-wasters upand you’ll make a huge difference toour water supply. You can also check forhidden water leaks by monitoring thehouse water meter before and after atwo-hour period when no water is beingused. If there is a leak, it might be timeto call the plumber.

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Conserving Water

Cost Meter: $0(this change will save you money)

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In 2004, over 20 million peopleworked at home, according to the U.S.Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor

Statistics. Are you one of this number, whichrepresents more than 15 percent of all workersover age 16? Whether you are lucky enough towork at home or simply have a space in thehouse for catching up on e-mails and bills, youcan also easily make your home office moreenvironmentally friendly.

First off, if you are telecommuting, you’realready there. On average, workers spend morethan 100 gas-guzzling hours commuting to workeach year. A small percentage of these peopleare on public transit; the rest are driving cars,which contribute greatly to climate-changingcarbon emissions.

Greening Your Home Office

Cost Meter:

Don’t have a home office? Ask your employer if they are willing to implement a few green ideas likerecycling and using recycled paper.©istockphoto.com/Konstantin Inozemtsev

Green IdeaCould telecommuting be in yourfuture? Many employers are open to theconcept of workers getting their jobsdone at home one or more days a week.The benefits to our earth are palpable. A University of Maryland study foundthat 1.35 billion gallons of fuel could besaved annually if everyone who couldtelecommute did so at least 1.6 days per week. The EPA says this act wouldprevent 26 billion pounds of carbondioxide from being released yearly.

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Implementing these home office tips will help you complete the circle and wrap upyour first week of green changes. Kudos to you for greening your home.

1. Reducing paper use: Try to avoid using the printer and photocopier as much as possible. Do you really need to print out that report? Perhaps you can share it via e-mail or on a CD-ROM instead. If you do need to perform these tasks, try to print or copy on both sides of the paper you are using. In addition, instead of printing out receipts or documents, save the file on your computer. Just be sure to regularly back up your valuable information to anexternal disk.

2. Buying recycled products: Whether it’s printer paper or office furniture, try to seek outoptions that are recycled. Most office supply stores offer an excellent array of recycled paperoptions that include post-consumer waste. One resource recommended by the EPA for greenoffice supplies is www.greenearthofficesupplies.com.

3. Recycling in the office: Make sure to stow an extra trash can for recycling under your desk to toss that used paper right into. This can be emptied in your home’s paper recycling bin oncollection day or taken to your local recycling center.

4. Pack it with shredding: If you’re like many Americans, you shred your financial or personaldocuments instead of tossing them in the recycling bin. But, shredded paper can also have asecond life—use it as protective padding when shipping boxes and replace the need for bub-ble wrap or packing “peanuts.”

5. Host it green: If you have a website for your business or even for family photos andinformation, make it eco-conscious by choosing a green web hosting company, such aswww.gogreenhosting.com, which offsets 100 percent of its energy use with certified windpower.

6. Conferencing instead of commuting: Need to meet with a client or co-worker? Save your-self the trouble and expense of travel and nip those substantial carbon emissions in the budby choosing instead to host a conference call or video conference.

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1. When buying cleaning products read the labels to try to determine if harmful ingredients are present.Or, opt only for products from companies that choose to reveal their full ingredient list.

2. As you finish them, replace your harmful home cleaning products with more natural versions that willhelp clean up your indoor air quality and keep related health problems at bay.

3. Concoct a few of your own green cleaners at home with simple ingredients you probably already havestocked in your kitchen.

4. Try to follow the simple philosophy of the three Rs, by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Even if youaccomplish one act in each area, you will have made a difference.

5. When it’s time to replace a household paper product like toilet paper or paper towels, take a recycledproduct, preferably one from 100-percent post-consumer waste, for a test run.

6. Conserve water by employing H2O-saving tactics such as turning off the bathroom faucet while youshave or brush your teeth and fine-tuning your shower time to a reasonable five minutes.

7. Green your home office by choosing green strategies like reducing paper use, choosing recycled paperproducts, and organizing meetings via phone if possible.

Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week One

©istockphoto.com/DivaNir4a

The suggestions on this page andthe next few (TrueGreen and SuperGreen)are purely extra credit. They tend to be

more expensive and/or time-consuming, earth-friendly concepts. If you’re inspired, make thesechanges when it’s right for you. Or, file them forfuture consideration.

Buying Green LinensThere are many excellent reasons to spend yourdollars on green products when purchasing itemsfor the home. Take your shower curtain and liner,for instance. That olfactory experience (i.e., “newproduct smell”) present when you hang a newcurtain up for use is actually the product’s releaseof toxic chemicals; this is called “off-gassing.”

A recent study conducted by the Center forHealth, Environment & Justice (CHEJ), a non-profit organization focused on preventing environmental health harms caused by chemicalthreats, found that shower curtains made withpolyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic contain a host of harmful chemicals, including VOCs andphthalates. It showed that new shower curtainsreleased 108 different VOCs into the air over 28days. For the first seven days, these toxic chemi-cals permeated the air and measured in at over16 times greater than the recommended guide-lines for indoor air quality established by theU.S. Green Building Council.

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TrueGreen: More Smart Ideas for the Home

Earth-friendly linens just might make you sleep better at night. ©istockphoto.com/Baloncici

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When you’re in the market for a new showercurtain and liner, steer clear of PVC and look forhealthier, more eco-conscious fabric options likebamboo, hemp, or organic cotton. These sustain-able fabrics are also stellar choices for all yourother home linens, from bedding and towels todish cloths and placemats.

Green IdeaToday, many chain stores, includingWal-Mart, are offering a selection oflinens that feature organic and sustain-ably farmed materials. In addition, anumber of online retailers have croppedup to serve consumers’ eco-consciousdesires. Here are a few options:

• www.goodnightnaturals.com

• www.looporganic.com

• www.bambooandorganiclinens.com

• www.annasova.com

For example, organic cotton is grown with meth-ods that have a low impact on the environmentand consumers, namely because its productionuses no toxic pesticides and fertilizers. More than2.3 billion pounds of fertilizers are employed onU.S. farms each year. Conversely, much of today’sorganic cotton is actually grown in the U.S.; theOrganic Trade Association reports that in 2004,farmers in four states harvested over three millionpounds.

Bamboo, which reaches its maturity in a fewmonths, is a truly sustainable resource. It alsohas anti-bacterial and deodorizing propertiesthat make it a great material for towels, bedding,and shower curtains.

By buying sustainably produced linens, you aresupporting the kind of farming that respects ourenvironment. It can be a slightly more expensivepurchase than conventional linens, but you canrest easy knowing you are also keeping thechemicals that can be released from PVC andfabrics produced with fertilizers to a minimumin your home.

There is so much information on this topic thatentire books, websites, and blogs have been written on the subject. We’ll just touch the sur-face here but still attempt to get your wheelsturning with some key ideas and resources.

� Painting a room? Choose green paintslike those from Bioshield that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly andthat come in low- and no-VOC versions.Many companies offer a wide variety ofcolors plus primers, stains, and sealers.

� Buying new appliances? Hone in on thechoices that are ENERGY STAR® quali-fied. These appliances have been builtto use less energy than other products,which saves you money on utility bills,helps conserve resources, and protectsthe environment, all at the same time.The ENERGY STAR label can be found oneverything from household appliancesand home electronics to windows andlight fixtures. In addition, water-savingfaucets and low-flow toilets will alsoserve you and the environment well.

� Re-roofing or re-shingling? This is a perfect time to consider installing a few solar panels on top of your home.With the renewed tax credits for solarstill available, this energy-producingendeavor will surely pay for itself with-in a few years. Recycled roofing optionsalso exist.

Motivated to do even more?

Going SuperGreen takes time and commitment, but it can also be purely

simple if you are making big changes or pur-chases anyway. At the very least, it is solid foodfor thought.

Eco-conscious Renovating Are you planning to paint a room, redo yourkitchen, or even build a new home? If goinggreen is at the forefront of your day-to-day life,then this is a perfect time to put your mantrainto action in a bigger way. According to theAmerican Institute of Architects, the number ofcities with green building programs (i.e., provid-ing tax credits and community planning) hasincreased more than 400 percent since 2003.

A study by McGraw-Hill Construction and theU.S. Green Building Council also found thatgoing green was the top reason for home reno-vations completed by respondents. Because ofthe push in green building in the last few years,we are lucky to live in a time when there is anever-increasing array of eco-friendly options forhome improvement.

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SuperGreen: More Big Ideas for the Home

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� Shopping for new furniture? Whetheryou’re in the market for a new sofa or adining table, there are also eco optionsfor all furniture needs. Used or antiquefurniture is earth-friendly because bypurchasing it you are reducing the need for more production and energyexpended—you could also be savingmore trash from heading to a landfill.Recycled furniture has also gained popularity in the last few years, alongwith Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)certified wood furniture. Companieslike The Simple Furniture Company,which produces the Inmodern collec-tion, meet FSC standards for environ-mentally responsible forestry. � Putting in new carpet or flooring?

Conventionally produced carpeting has been shown to off-gas VOCs. Woolcarpeting is a natural, biodegradable,ultra-low toxicity floor covering choice;Nature’s Carpet is one brand that isCarpet and Rug Institute Green LabelPlus certified. Durable cork and elegantbamboo flooring are also eco-consciouschoices.

� Building a home or addition? Greenbuilding materials like straw bales andRASTRA block (made from recycledfoam plastics) make it easy for you tocreate an entirely green abode. This is aperfect time to implement eco-friendly,energy-saving systems like passivesolar, on-demand hot water heating, orgeothermal heating. For more informa-tion on green building, check outwww.greenhomeguide.org.

Eco FactIf you are remodeling your home,consider that if it was built before1960, it likely contains heavily leadedpaints, the exposure to which can havesevere effects on young children and theunborn children of pregnant women.Houses built before 1978 may also con-tain leaded paints, according to the EPA.This old paint is the most significantsource of lead exposure in the U.S.today, so care should be taken whenremodeling because dust from thesepaints could put you and your family at risk. For more information, check out http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-lead.html.

A change of hue can be good for the body and soul,especially if it’s done with eco-paints. ©Tomas Bercic

Plug into more earth-friendly power. ©istockphoto.com/Raffaelo

Where would we be without energy? It heats ourhomes, cooks our food, and delivers entertainment via our televisions and computers. Its sources are varied—coal, natural

gas, oil, nuclear, renewable energies—and its demand increases everysingle day as the world’s population grows.

Of all the energy consumed by Americans, almost 40 percent is allottedto generating electricity, most of which is produced with fossil fuels.But, as the planet’s fossil fuel reserves dwindle, our demand is likely tosoon outpace our supply.

The use of fossil fuels also contributes greatly to our growing problemwith climate-changing CO2 in the atmosphere. In fact, residential energyconsumption accounts for over 20 percent of all carbon emissions andenergy use. Some view the answer in increasing our use of renewableenergies like solar, wind, and hydroelectric, but these clean technologiesstill only account for less than 7 percent of our energy supply. Othersthink the answer lies in amping up around the world with a plethora of nuclear power plants. What would you like our energy landscape tolook like in 10, 20, or 50 years?

Today, you can help reduce the burden on the planet—and our dependenceon watts—by taking a few simple, low-cost measures to step back yourown household’s energy consumption. This week, your green charge isall about power.

4Week Two:Green Your Energy

The U.S. has had a long and intensifyingrelationship with energy. In 1776, whenthe U.S. declared its independence from

Great Britain, nearly all energy was still producedfrom pure muscle power and fuelwood. Our vastsupply of coal and petroleum still lay in waiting.

During the early 19th century, coal began tocatch on, as did natural gas (as an illuminant)and electricity. At the close of World War I, coalaccounted for 75 percent of the country’s energyproduction. As America industrialized, its appetitefor energy became voracious, quadruplingbetween 1880 and 1918. The immense supply of coal fed the fever, but petroleum spilled ontothe energy landscape with the discovery of anenormous Texas oil field in 1901. The timing was right as it practically coincided with thelaunch of the Ford Model T, regarded as the firstaffordable car, and the advent of mass-producedautomobiles.

After World War II, coal lost ground to petrol astrucks that ran on gasoline and diesel fuel over-took trains as a method of transporting goods.Natural gas found a new market with homeheating, replacing the coal that had been usedin many home furnaces and ranges. What wouldbecome of coal? It would live on as an energysource that would be utilized to fuel the electri-fication of the country.

New energy sources like nuclear power began toemerge later in the 20th century and other oldersources like hydroelectric and geothermalgained renewed interest as the country’s energyneeds increased. Today, most energy in the U.S.,along with the rest of the industrialized world,is produced using fossil fuels, including coal,natural gas, and crude oil.

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The History of Energy

About 600 coal plants operate in the U.S. today.©istockphoto.com/Rob Belknap

Over 40,000 oil fields are located around the globe,including those on land and offshore.©istockphoto.com/Alan Tobey

Week Two: Green Your Energy Chapter 4

Here in America, our electric energy is mainlysupplied by coal, which accounted for 49 percent of all electricity generation in 2007.Natural gas ranked second at 20 percent, withnuclear following closely behind at 19.4 percent.Hydroelectric power from dams accounts for 7 percent of all electricity generation, whileother renewable energies like solar and windpowered 2.4 percent of our needs. Petroleumprovides just a small sliver of our electric supply(1.6 percent).

There is much debate today over how to expandthe country’s energy scope. Should it be obtainedthrough more nuclear power plants? Do weinvest in additional coal mines? Or, does a focuson sustainable energy sources such as solar andwind power—that don’t continue to bellow CO2emissions and also rely on and exhaust our fossilfuel stores—make the most sense?

On our big, blue planet, NorthAmerica is by far the largest consumer ofenergy. In fact, the U.S. alone demands a

full 22 percent of the world’s energy. Lookingback through history, the United States was ableto supply the lion’s share of its energy needs,save for short periods during Colonial timeswhen coal was imported from Great Britain.

Americans stepped things up in the ’60s, however,and our needs quickly outran U.S. production inthe coming decades. By 2000, the U.S. was onlyable to generate 73 percent of its own energyneeds, making our country dependent onimports of nearly 29 quadrillion Btu (Britishthermal units).

Not surprisingly, the energy consumption of theworld—and the U.S.—is only expected to grow.But just how much it is slated to increase isimpressive. A recent report from the U.S. EnergyInformation Agency projects that it will increaseby 50 percent from 2005 to 2030.

The fast-developing economies and growingpopulations of China and India will drive muchof the global growth, raising their share of theworld’s total energy consumption from 18 per-cent in 2005 to an anticipated 25 percent in2030. By contrast, the U.S.’s share (not energyuse) is projected to dip down to 17 percent in2030. How will the world meet its inhabitants’rising demands without further endangering the planet?

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How We Use Energy

Americans consume almost one-quarter of the world’senergy supply. ©istockphoto.com/Eric Hood

Does electricity affect the envi-ronment? The answer is a resounding“yes”—all sources do have some level of

impact, although some are much more signifi-cant than others. The emissions produced fromgenerating electricity account for the largestchunk of U.S. greenhouse gases (almost 40 percent), even more than transportation, whichcontributes about one-third of the carbon dioxide produced by the U.S.

In addition, the reality is that many of theseresources are limited; fossil fuels are considerednon-renewable resources because they took mil-lions of years to form and cannot be replenishedin a human timeframe.

The following list covers the ups and downs of the fuels that keep our home fires burning.Armed with information, you can weigh theenergy debate for yourself.

� Coal: This fossil fuel was created byancient plant materials, which con-tained carbon formed from photosyn-thesis, that decomposed and were subsequently formed by pressure andgeologic heat. To be transformed intoenergy, it must be mined, transported,and burned in power plants to producesteam that generates electricity. Pros:The U.S. has enormous coal reserves—more than any other country—thatstand at 275 billion tons, an amountcapable of meeting domestic demandfor more than 250 years at current consumption rates. In addition, it is oneof the least expensive energy sourcesfor consumers. Cons: Coal-fired powerplants are the biggest producers of climate-affecting greenhouse gases inthe U.S. A wicked brew is released intothe air when coal is burned, includingcarbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogenoxides, and mercury compounds. Coalmining can also be devastating to theenvironment. Strip mining degradesnatural ecosystems and displaceswildlife; mountaintop removal miningactually employs explosives to removeup to 1,000 vertical feet of a mountain-top to gain access to coal seams below.

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The Pros and Cons of Conventional Energy Sources

Coal-fired power plants are the largest producer of greenhouse gases in the U.S. ©istockphoto.com/pixelmaniak

Week Two: Green Your Energy Chapter 4

� Nuclear: Nuclear energy is created whenuranium atoms are split in a processcalled fission, which produces steamthat powers turbines to create energy.Uranium is a non-renewable resourcethat is extracted from open-pit andunderground mines. Pros: Nuclear powerplants do not emit the greenhouse gascarbon dioxide or even sulfur dioxideand nitrogen oxides. In fact, somesources say that nuclear-generated elec-tricity curtails the emissions of about700 million metric tons of carbon diox-ide per year in the U.S. Cons: While thereactors produce few greenhouse gases,the nuclear fuel cycle (including miningand transport) does emit these danger-ous gases. Additionally, the U.S.’snuclear plants produce about 2,000metric tons of radioactive waste eachyear that must be safely stored—itremains armed and dangerous for thou-sands of years. The radioactive natureof this power source also poses a danger to the public with the possibilityof malfunctions and meltdowns.

� Natural Gas: Another fossil fuel, naturalgas was formed from the effects of pres-sure and heat to the earth’s layers ofburied plants and animals. The primarycomponent of natural gas is methane.It is extracted, treated, and transportedto power plants, where it lands in combustion boilers to create electricity.Pros: The world’s supplies of natural gasare also plentiful and much is believedto be still undiscovered. The EnergyInformation Administration estimatesthe world’s natural gas reserves to bearound 5,210 trillion cubic feet, ofwhich 3 percent lies in the U.S. In 2005,the world used just over 100 trillioncubic feet. In addition, natural gas burnsabout 50 percent cleaner than coal,meaning it produces fewer greenhousegases. Cons: The burning of natural gas still produces nitrogen oxides andcarbon dioxide, which are emitted intothe earth’s atmosphere. Certain drillingmethods have also caused some envi-ronmental concerns over affects onwater supply quality.

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Eco FactBecause burning coal provides nearlyall of Wyoming’s electrical power, on a per-person basis, this Western state produces more carbon dioxide than anyother state—or any other country.

Around the world, no new nuclear plants have beenbuilt since 1996. ©istockphoto.com/Hans F. Meier

� Oil: This fossil fuel is used primarily forfueling our modes of transport andhome heaters, but a small percentage isutilized as fuel to generate electricity.Found in underground reservoirs, it isalso a product of organic materials thathave decomposed and been subjected toheat and pressure over millions of years.It is obtained by drilling crude oil fromdeep wells; it is then refined and shippedto a power plant for use in a combustionturbine. Pros: Until recently, oil hasappeared to be an inexpensive, easilyobtained resource. Cons: Many expertsbelieve this non-renewable resource hasreached peak production and the world’sstores are running out. A future of wan-ing supplies is projected to equate toskyrocketing prices, limited availability,and world unrest. In addition, burningoil at power plants produces a massiveblend of greenhouse gases, includingcarbon dioxide, methane, sulfur diox-ide, and nitrogen oxides.

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Green IdeaWant to see how your state stacksup against the other 49 when it comesto carbon emissions caused by powergeneration? Check out http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-and-you/chart-text.html.

Eco FactA test plant in Spremberg, Germany,is aspiring to make “clean coal” powerby burning brown coal with pure oxy-gen, rather than air, which producesnearly pure carbon dioxide emissions.These are then condensed, liquefied, andpumped into a long-term storage space(in the future, it is hoped oil gas fieldsor salt aquifers miles below the earth’ssurface will serve this purpose). Ifproven to work in trials, the much-talked-about clean coal could be rolledout to turn coal into a much cleanerfuel. Environmental activists havevoiced concerns that this technology,which has not been adequately studied,will divert efforts away from the trulyclean, renewable energy resources.

Did You Know?

Greenhouse gases are key ingredients inthe earth’s atmosphere; they absorb andemit radiation, which bounces off theearth’s surface, clouds, and the atmo-sphere itself. Greenhouse gases are essential to maintaining the temperatureof the earth—without them, the planetwould be so cold as to be uninhabitable.It is, however, a finely tuned balance. Anexcess of greenhouse gases turns up theheat and could cause the earth to be toohot for life to survive, as it is on Venus,where high levels of carbon dioxide create a surface temperature of almost900 degrees Fahrenheit.

Week Two: Green Your Energy Chapter 4

� Solar Power: What energy source couldbe more abundant than the sun? Solarpower converts the power of the sun’slight into energy via photovoltaic systems (where wafers made of siliconreact to the sun to create electricity)and solar-thermal technologies, whichuse mirrors to heat a liquid that pro-duces steam used to generate electricity.Pros: Sunlight is a renewable resourceand no fuels are combusted duringenergy production with solar power, sono emissions are created. The potentialfor this resource is immense; accordingto Scientific American, the energy in thesunlight that strikes the earth for 40minutes is equal to the entire humanrace’s energy needs for one year.Additionally, more efficient and afford-able solar cells are currently in develop-ment; the cost of solar is expected todecline as demand increases. Cons:Solar arrays are growing as an energysource in the U.S., but there is a longway to go before they can supplyenough to meet our energy demands.

As you can see, energy produced fromfossil fuels has a host of issues, which isexactly why power produced from renew-

able resources that are free of greenhouse gasemissions is called “clean” power. Energy sourceslike solar power from the sun and wind powerare in constant supply and are, thus, sustainablesources that are not likely to run out.

While hydroelectric energy has been in play forover a century, wind and solar are newer energysources that are quickly catching on because oftheir clean, green appeal. Here is a look at thepros and cons of the major renewable energysources today:

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The Thing About Clean Power

While solar is a more expensive energy source today, anew study reveals that cost parity with other sourceswill be achieved by 2025. ©istockphoto.com/Kativ

� Wind Power: The creation of wind is asimple process; it is formed when thevarious seasons and cloud cover causethe sun to heat the Earth unevenly.Wind turbines scoop up wind with twoor three long blades; the movement ofthe turbine is converted, through a gen-erator, into electricity. Pros: Wind isrenewable and emissions-free. Again, nofossil fuels are burned so no greenhousegases are created. Cons: Wind power isalso in its infancy and is in limited sup-ply in the U.S. There is also some envi-ronmental concern that birds and batsare being killed when they run into theturbine’s blades.

� Hydroelectricity: This renewable energyresource utilizes the earth’s continuouswater cycle. The kinetic energy createdby the movement of water flowingdownstream can be converted into elec-tricity via a hydroelectric power plant.Here, water (which is typically held at a dam) is forced through a turbine connected to a generator. In the PacificNorthwest, hydropower supplies two-thirds of the area’s electricity needs.Pros: Hydropower has no air qualityimpacts, namely harmful greenhousegas emissions. It is also tied to water, arenewable resource that is unlike coalor gas, which are in limited reserve.Cons: Hydropower dams can significantlyimpact natural river systems, includingthe fish and wildlife populations there.

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In 2006, wind farms in the U.S. generated enoughelectricity to supply more than 2.4 million house-holds with power. ©istockphoto.com/Sabrina dei nobili

The hydroelectric plant at Hoover Dam is one of theworld’s largest producers of electric power.

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The typical U.S. household consumes about11,000 kWh per year, according to the U.S.Department of Energy. At this rate, it would costabout $9 a month to convert to green energywith La Plata Electric. According to the U.S.Department of Energy, Green Power programsacross the country range in cost from less thanone cent per kWh to five cents per kWh. Animpressive amount of local utilities offer its customers this option. Their clean power com-mitments include everything from solar photo-voltaic and wind power to landfill gas, geother-mal, and hydropower. The blocks you purchasewill be delivered to the general utility grid andhelp promote the demand and development ofrenewable energy sources.

For a complete listing of green utility programsby state, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’sinformational website at: http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/pricing.shtml?page=1.

Now that you know all the goodreasons why clean power simply makessense for the planet, you can continue to

travel along your green journey by investing in ityourself. No need to go out and tack some solarpanels to your roof or raise a wind turbine in theback yard just yet. Greening your energy can beas simple as calling your local electric company.

Many utility companies today sell power sup-plied by renewable resources for a small month-ly premium. For example, in Colorado, La PlataElectric Association, Inc. delivers a green energychoice for customers who want to buy some orall of their electricity from “clean” sources. This isoffered in 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) blocks thateach cost an additional 80 cents a month.

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Buying Clean Power Locally

Electricity created from wind power is renewable andemissions-free. ©istockphoto.com/DSGpro

Cost Meter (per month):

Green IdeaToday, another local energy optionexists. Because electricity markets arenow fully or partly open to competitionin more than a dozen states, Green Powermarketers have emerged to sell GreenPower in the competitive marketplace.These marketers exist in the District ofColumbia, California, Illinois, Maryland,New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,Texas, Virginia, and a number of NewEngland states. For more information,see: http://apps3.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/markets/marketing.shtml?page=1.

Asimple and illuminating greenstep you can take to make your home’senergy more earth-friendly is to swap out

your traditional incandescent light bulbs withnewer, energy-efficient compact fluorescentlamps (CFLs). These use 75 percent less energy, asubstantial electricity savings that will equate tolower electricity bills and a clearer conscience asyou do your part to help reduce greenhouse gasemissions. In fact, according to the EPA’s ENERGYSTAR program, if every homeowner in the U.S.replaced just one traditional light bulb with anENERGY STAR qualified bulb like a CFL, wewould prevent greenhouse emissions equivalentto taking over 800,000 cars off the road.

Lighting costs account for about 20 percent ofthe average U.S. household’s energy bill, so buy-ing and installing long-lasting, energy-efficientCFLs in your home could deliver some serioussavings. On average, compact fluorescent bulbslast about 10 to 15 times longer than traditionalbulbs. They do cost about three to four timesmore than incandescent bulbs (at about $6 to $7each). ENERGY STAR estimates that homeownerswill save about $30 or more in electricity costsover each bulb’s lifetime, meaning they willmore than pay for themselves. If replacing allyour light bulbs at once is too costly or daunting,simply replace the incandescent bulbs in yourmost-used lights with CFLs. This will make a bigdifference and you can replace the rest over timeas the older, traditional bulbs burn out.

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Switching to CFLs

Cost Meter:(over time, this change will save you money)

Joining the CFL revolution will help green your energy.©istockphoto.com/Janine Lamontagne

Week Two: Green Your Energy Chapter 4

If you’re making the move to CFLs, you can alsomake your green voice heard by signing theENERGY STAR program’s Change a Light, Changethe World pledge to change at least one light athome to an ENERGY STAR qualified light. So far,nearly two million Americans have signed thepledge, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 3.5 billion pounds. Sign up at www.energystar.gov.

In addition, while incandescent bulbs can betossed in the trash, CFLs must be recycledbecause they contain a small amount of mercury.The EPA recommends that consumers handle thebulbs carefully (trying not to break them) andrecycle them at appropriate locations. These canbe located by checking out epa.gov/bulbrecycling.Locally, retailers like Home Depot, Ace Hardware,and IKEA all offer CFL recycling programs.

CFLs fit right into regular light sockets and theycan be found at most home improvement retail-ers and even some supermarkets in your area.This earth-friendly light bulb comes in a varietyof colors and watt ratings. All ENERGY STARqualified CFLs must pass extensive testing toensure they produce the highest-quality light. Ifyou prefer the light similar to that given off byincandescent bulbs, choose ENERGY STAR quali-fied CFLs labeled “warm white” or “soft white.”

Of note is that, by 2012, all light bulbs will berequired to use 30 percent less energy thantoday’s incandescent bulbs. This ruling is cour-tesy of the Energy Independence and SecurityAct of 2007 (i.e., the “Energy Bill”), signed byPresident Bush. By 2020, all bulbs will berequired to be at least 70 percent more efficient(equal to today’s CFLs). Light-emitting diodes(LEDs) are another, greener lighting option andsome last as long as 60,000 hours but thesebulbs are costly and current options do not emitthe type of light most homeowners are lookingfor. They are best suited to reading lamps orunder-cabinet lighting.

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Green IdeaIf your CFL burns out before two years, you are entitled to a refund. All manufacturersproducing ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are required to offer at least a two-year limitedwarranty to those installing them in the home. If your CFL takes a hike, take a look at thebase, find the manufacturer’s name, and visit their website to locate the customer servicecontact information to inquire about a refund or replacement. Be sure to hang onto yourreceipts for all CFL purchases.

One of the simplest green stepsyou can take is also one that will save youmoney. In the end, it also reduces energy

consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, andthe burden on the planet. According to the EIA,households that lower their thermostats by justone degree Fahrenheit during the winter couldsave a bundle in heating costs. With heating billsrising across the country, energy consumers cantake matters into their own hands by placingthem on the thermostat and notching it downjust a bit.

By turning the thermostat down one degreefrom the temperature you normally set it at,some estimates suggest you could save 3 percentof your total energy use. If your winter heatingbills ring in at an average of $150 a month, youcould stand to save $30 over the course of theseason. In ten years, you’ve saved more than$300. If you can lower your temp by two orthree degrees, the savings really start to add up.In the end, the cost savings you may realize will also depend on the main type and typicalamount of heating fuel your home uses.

With a one-degree drop on the thermostat,those homes that are heated by natural gaswould consume 5 percent less fuel and thoserunning on electricity would use 6 percent less.If your house uses more costly fuel oil, the savingswould ring in at 4 percent. Those utilizingkerosene or LPG would save 5 percent. On theflip side, those with air conditioning can inchtheir thermostat up a degree in the summertimeto realize energy savings year round.

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The One-Degree Difference

Cost Meter: $0(this change will save you money)

Will you feel the difference of one degree in temperature? Perhaps not, but the planet will. ©istockphoto.com/Ben Beltman

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Green Ideas

If you’ve got the inclination, taking a few other simple energy-saving measures could greatlyreduce your energy bills and your share of greenhouse gas emissions:

• Step it back at night: Toss on an extra blanket and set your thermostat back as much asfive degrees every night when you go to sleep. You can also turn down the heat when youleave home for a vacation or work trip.

• Throw a party: And turn off the heat. Each guest generates heat equivalent to that of a175-watt heater; a large group will undoubtedly heat things up.

• Install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat: The four pre-programmedtemperature settings allow you to fine-tune your energy needs and save about $100 eachyear, according to the EPA.

• Replace or clean furnace filters monthly: This, plus regular lubrication and tune-ups cansave another 5 percent on your heating bill.

States and Energy

• According to the EIA, the top five energy-consuming states are, in order, Texas, California,New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

• The states that expend the least energy? The District of Columbia, Vermont, South Dakota,Delaware, and Rhode Island.

• Hawaii has the highest energy prices; it is closely followed by the District of Columbia.The lowest prices are found in North Dakota.

• Alaska and Wyoming have the highest energy expenditures per capita; Utah has the lowest.

Did your parents always yell atyou to turn the lights off around thehouse when they weren’t in use? Today,

their cost-consciousness could also equate to aproactive eco-conscious nature. Since electricitytypically burns up fossil fuels for energy, you canhelp reduce carbon emissions simply by turningoff lights and powering down appliances whenyou’re not actively using them.

On their own, household electronics account foralmost 5 percent of the average home’s energybill. But, most of these items still continue to drawa small amount of energy even when they areswitched off. Would you believe that 75 percentof the electricity used to power home electronicsis linked to items that are actually turned off?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, thisenergy flow can be avoided by unplugging theseand other appliances directly—or corralling themtogether in one power strip and using its switchto turn everything off when not in use.

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Powering Down

Cost Meter: $0(this change will save you money)

Just say “no” to power when it’s not needed. A power strip makes it easy to turn off many appliances all at once. ©istockphoto.com/tioloco

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GREEN ON THE CHEAP

These tips, also discussed in Chapter 2, “Ten Simple Steps,” will help you unplug the mosteffective items in the home when they are not being used—and save some money doing it:

• Unplug seldom-used appliances: Got a fridge in the garage that’s cooling just a fewsodas? Transfer your drinks to the main fridge and unplug its garage counterpart. You could even save up to $10 a month on your utility bill.

• Unplug chargers when you’re done charging: No doubt, you have an array of plasticpower chargers to keep your cell phones, PDAs, and digital cameras up and running. If they’re plugged in they’re using power. Keep them unplugged until you need them.

• Turn off the tube: Even at rest (i.e., turned off), your TVs, DVD players, VCRs, and stereosare sucking energy. All together, their “standby” consumption can be equal to that of a100-watt light bulb running continuously. One quick way to turn them all off whenyou’re leaving the house is to connect them to a single power strip.

• Set computers to sleep: Enabling the “sleep mode” feature for periods of inactivity onyour computer can make a huge difference in its energy consumption. In Windows, thepower management settings are found on your computer’s Control Panel. Mac users canlook for energy-saving settings under “System Preferences” in the Apple menu.

—Information courtesy NRDC

If you are unable to purchase GreenPower through your local utility company—or you’d simply like to invest in even more—

you can purchase Renewable Energy Certificates(RECs). Also known as Green Tags, TradableRenewable Certificates (TRCs), or RenewableEnergy Credits, these certificates are tradableenvironmental commodities that each representone megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity producedby a renewable energy resource such as windturbines, hydropower plants, and solar arrays.

If you purchase a REC, you only receive a certifi-cate. The renewable energy that is related toeach REC is actually produced and fed back intothe grid; it does not go directly to any one homeor business. Each REC boasts a unique number,given by a certifying agency, which ensures eachMWh is only counted and sold once. If you purchase a REC, however, it is an item you canresell; whoever is in possession of the REC is the“owner” of that particular renewable energy.

The bottom line is that the purchase of RECshelps to finance renewable resource energy pro-duction. Each MWh of clean energy producedreduces the need for the production of the sameamount of pollution—and emissions-causingconventional power. The more support renew-able energy forms receive, the more they cangrow and extend their carbon-neutral reach.

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Offsetting Your Energy Use

Cost Meter: to

Wind power is one clean, renewable energy sourcethat can be purchased through Renewable EnergyCertificates. ©istockphoto.com/Alexander Hafemann

Week Two: Green Your Energy Chapter 4

You can also go directly to the source and checkout the REC options from providers such aswww.3degreesinc.com and www.nativeenergy.com.While costs vary, the average price for enoughRECs to balance the carbon footprint of a smallhome for a year is about $96.

Things to consider when buying RECs include:

� The type of renewable resource it represents.

� The percent of various renewables.

� The price.

� The location, if this is important to youfor proximity to your home or state.

How can you be sure your RECs are coming froma reliable, verified source? An excellent place tostart when buying these types of credits is withthe Green-e certification program, which is oper-ated by the Center for Resource Solutions.Green-e (www.green-e.org) is a leading inde-pendent consumer protection program thatoversees the sale of renewable energy (plusgreenhouse gas emission reductions) in theretail market. This program’s website has asearch feature that enables you to look forrenewable energy certificate options by locationand renewable resource type.

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Green IdeaYou can also shop green and spendyour money at stores that support cleanenergy technologies. Many retailers aresaving on energy costs and boostingtheir environmental profiles by addingsolar panels to their roofs. Wal-Mart hasinstalled solar panels in 17 of its storesand distribution centers with plans formore in the near future. Macy’s is in theprocess of installing solar panels in 40stores and Safeway is doing it in 23.Kohl’s is also going solar in a whopping85 stores.

1. Buy clean power locally through your area’s utility company.

2. Install energy-saving CFLs in all of your home’s light fixtures or simply the most-used.

3. Set your thermostat just one degree lower in the winter to conserve energy resources, reduce emissions,and save on your energy bill.

4. Completely power down and unplug your appliances and chargers when not in use.

5. If you are inspired by clean energy or don’t have the option available via your local utility, offset yourenergy use and support renewable sources by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates.

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Green Review: Things to Do During Week Two

©istockphoto.com/ranplett

Week Two: Green Your Energy Chapter 4

Today, ENERGY STAR qualifies a vast array of con-sumer products, from washing machines andPDAs to new homes, but only those that meetstrict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPAand U.S. Department of Energy. These govern-ment organizations say that Americans usingENERGY STAR qualified products in 2007 alonesaved an impressive $16 billion on energy billswhile also avoiding greenhouse gas emissionsequal to those from 27 million cars (40 millionmetric tons).

If you are looking for a new household product,—or any energy-requiring item, for that matter—look for the ENERGY STAR seal to help you makethe right choice for the planet. About 2,000manufacturers use the ENERGY STAR label to dif-ferentiate more than 40,000 individual productmodels. Today, there is much choice within theprogram and consumers do not have to sacrificequality, functionality, or style to save energy.

In 2007, Americans purchased more than 500million ENERGY STAR qualified products in cate-gories ranging from appliances and consumerelectronics to heating and cooling systems, light-ing, and office equipment. Additionally, over120,000 new homes were constructed in 2007that met ENERGY STAR guidelines. The programstates that those consumers looking to ENERGYSTAR for the most efficient products and energy-saving practices can save up to 30 percent peryear on their utility bills.

If you want to take bigger steps togreen your energy use you can, both todayand in the future, replace your old or broken

electronics with earth-friendly, energy-efficientmodels that are ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGYSTAR, which is sponsored jointly by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.Department of Energy, was set up in 1992 as avoluntary labeling program to help Americanssave money and reduce greenhouse gas emissionsthrough energy-efficient products and lifestylechoices. The first labeled products were computersand monitors.

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TrueGreen: Go with ENERGY STAR

Buying products that feature the ENERGY STAR logoensures you are making the best choice for the planet.©ENERGY STAR

Tax credits may also be on the horizon for you ifyou are making significant home improvementsthat include new ENERGY STAR qualified windows,doors, metal roofs, central air conditioning, furnaces, or boilers. On October 3rd, 2008,President Bush signed the Emergency EconomicStabilization Act of 2008 into law, which included an extension for energy-efficient home improvements made January 1st throughDecember 31st, 2009. For more information, see http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits.

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Green on the Cheap

Buying ENERGY STAR can save you:

• $550 in operating costs for a qualified clothes washer over itslifetime.

• More than $30 a year in utilitycosts for a qualified dishwasher.

• About 30% utility savings for aqualified television versus a stan-dard model.

• Approximately $250 in operatingcosts over the life of a qualifieddehumidifier.

Want to know your home’s energy score?

Check out the following websites foreasy, do-it-yourself energy audits:

• EPA Home Energy Yardstick:http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=home_energy_yardstick.showStep2

• ENERGY STAR Home Advisor:http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=home_energy_advisor.showGetInput

• The U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Saver audit:(http://www.hes.lbl.gov)

• Other easy home audit informationand energy-saving tips are availablefrom the U.S. Department of Energy athttp://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11170

Week Two: Green Your Energy Chapter 4

On the other side, when you receive a profes-sional energy audit, you will be provided withvery specific recommendations for improvingyour own home’s energy efficiency. An energyauditor will perform a thorough assessment ofyour home, typically using special equipmentsuch as blower doors, which measure the extentof leaks, and infrared cameras, which uncoverleaks and areas with spotty insulation. Contact your utility company; many offer free or discounted energy audits.

You can also hire an auditor, such as a certifiedHome Energy Rater, to assess the situation andhelp you make positive changes. Look in youryellow pages under “Energy” for a qualified pro-fessional; be sure to confirm their total cost andask for references. Fees range from about $200to $300, but you will recoup this money withina year if you are making the recommended energy efficiency changes.

If you’ve got the time and you aspire tobe supremely green, a home energy audit canhelp you pinpoint your household systems’

strengths and weaknesses. Since our electricityuse contributes greatly to greenhouse gas emis-sions, reducing the amount your home consumesby increasing its efficiency will do a whole lot ofgood for the planet.

It’s simple to perform a do-it-yourself audit thatis free and easy. Or, you can choose to invest inan audit performed by a qualified professional.Either way, you’ll save money in the long run bylowering your utility bills.

Both the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energyoffer excellent do-it-yourself audit informationthrough their websites. The EPA delivers a quickHome Energy Yardstick that measures yourhome’s energy use—and how it stacks up againstthat of other U.S. homeowners. You’ll need yourlast 12 months of utility bills and about fiveminutes.

The Department of Energy offers a more in-depth Home Energy Saver audit that wasdeveloped by researchers at Berkeley Lab’sEnvironmental Energy Technologies Division. It helps users identify the best ways to save energyin their homes and also find the resources tomake the necessary changes. It also calculateshow much you can reduce your emissions byputting energy-efficient changes into play. About 750,000 people visit this site each year.

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SuperGreen: Perform an Energy Audit

Are solar panels in your future? For now, a homeenergy audit will help make your home cleaner andgreener. ©istockphoto.com/jim pruitt

An organic apple a day just might keep the doctor away. © istockphoto.com/Skip ODonnell

Who doesn’t love a crisp apple, a handful of freshblueberries, a crunchy ear of corn, or even a buttery bakedpotato? While these foods sound like nutritious, healthy

choices, they actually might not be if they were grown with conventionalfarming methods.

A harmful secret lurks in the aisles of your grocery store. It affects thevast majority of the fresh and processed foods sold there. And, it infiltratesour bodies, soaks into our soils, and seeps into our groundwater. Thisinvisible enigma has a powerful name—pesticides.

Even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledges thatthere are serious human health and environmental risks associated withtraditional chemical pesticides used in farming today. But, fear not,there are some simple, low-cost solutions to ensuring a healthy futurefor you, your family, and the planet.

This chapter provides information about pesticides and looks at simplealternatives, such as pesticide-free, organic foods, to help maintain thehealth of the planet and its inhabitants. It also delves into the earth-friendly reasons for buying local, looks at the benefits of filtering yourdrinking water, and even delivers suggestions for the healthiest andmost sustainable fish, meat, and milk to buy on your next grocery trip.All with an eye to keeping the costs of greening your appetite low.Hungry (or thirsty) yet? This week your green journey is a culinary one.

5Week Three: Green Your Appetite

The U.S. Geological Survey estimatesthat approximately one billion pounds ofpesticides are used in the United States

each year. In addition, nearly 10,000 differentpesticides are permitted for use in the U.S. The pesticides used on food crops include insec-ticides to control insects, rodenticides to controlrodents, herbicides to control weeds, fungicidesto control mold and fungus, and antimicrobialsto control bacteria. Altogether, these create acomplex soup of chemicals that are sprayedright onto our food as it grows. Many argue thatpesticides are a necessary risk that helps grow anadequate, economical supply of food to enablethe fast-growing population of the world to befed. But, today an increasing number of health-savvy consumers are choosing to bypass the pesticides in their foods and opt for organic produce and meats instead.

Even though U.S. cropland acreage has decreasedover the years, U.S. pesticide use saw a markedincrease, from 900 million pounds in 1992 to940 million pounds in 2000, according to areport by the U.S. General Accounting Office.The worst fertilizing offenders to our health—including organophosphates, carbamates, andprobable carcinogens—accounted for over 40percent of the pesticides used in U.S. agriculture.

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The Pesticide Proliferation

A crop duster covers a conventional farm’s crops withpesticides. ©istockphoto.com/Greg Gardner

Eco FactIn 2004, the EPA banned the residential use of the chemical pesticide diazinon because of the threats it posesto children. It still, however, allows theuse of this insecticide, which was origi-nally developed as a nerve gas in WorldWar II, on farm crops. Today, it is themost commonly detected insecticide on surface waters.

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

Even the growing fetuses of pregnant womencan be affected by pesticides. A study released in2005 revealed that the umbilical-cord blood of10 children, which was collected by the RedCross and tested for pollutants, showed that 21pesticides had crossed the placenta, in additionto over 250 other industrial chemicals and pol-lutants.

It’s clear that you are what you eat. But, whatare the actual effects of putting pesticides intoyour body? Short-term problems can includeheadaches, nausea, and fatigue. According to theEnvironmental Working Group, well-designedanimal studies have shown that pesticide expo-sure also causes a laundry list of more serioushealth effects, ranging from cancer and nervoussystem damage to reproductive effects.

The EPA’s website states, “Pesticides can causeharm to humans, animals, or the environmentbecause they are designed to kill or otherwiseadversely affect living organisms.” Now, that’sfood for thought.

While the EPA does set limits for just how muchpesticide residue can remain on our foods, someamount is still ingested when you eat non-organic produce. In addition, the USDA recentlypulled the plug on an 18-year-old program thattests the levels of pesticides in fruits, vegetables,and field crops, saying that its $8 million yearlycost was too expensive. The information fromthis government program, the AgriculturalChemical Usage Program, was used by the EPAto set safe levels of pesticides in food.

Who, if not our own government, will monitorthe presence of the pesticides present in ourown food? The EPA says it will look to expensive,privately collected data for answers but theUnion of Concerned Scientists have called thesedata sets “unreliable.”

Are there really safe levels of pesticides that canenter our bodies? A Centers for Disease Controland Prevention report released in 2001 statedthat “measurable amounts” of organophosphatepesticide metabolites were found in all the peoplewho were part of the study. The report also notedthat, at the time, organophosphate pesticidesaccounted for approximately half of all theinsecticides used in the U.S.

Because of their higher metabolisms and lowerbody weights, children and infants can be moreat risk to the effects of pesticides in our foodsupply. A 1998 report from the EnvironmentalWorking Group stated that every day, more thanone million children aged five and under (oneout of 20), ingest combinations of 13 differentneurotoxic insecticides, including an unsafedose of organophosphate insecticide, throughthe food they eat. Commercial baby food wasthe culprit for infants aged six to twelve months;the report said it exposes about 77,000 infantsto pesticides each day.

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A worker in a protective suit sprays fertilizer on strawberry crops. ©istockphoto.com/David T Gomez

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Eco FactA yearlong, peer-reviewed study released in 2008 found that urine and saliva samplestaken from children eating a variety of conventional foods contained organophosphates,the genre of pesticides related to the nerve gas agents created in World War II. The mainpesticides found were malathion and chlorpyrifos. The latter is one of the most widelyused organophosphate insecticides in the U.S. Chlorpyrifos’ maker, Dow Chemical Co.,pulled the pesticide voluntarily from the residential market after studies showed that children were often exposed to enormously high doses. It has potentially serious healtheffects—animal research shows that chlorpyrifos affects brain development and behavior.

On its website, the EPA gives a nod to the “special susceptibility and sensitivity of childrento developmental and neurological effects from exposure to chlorpyrifos.” Still, this harmful chemical makes its way into our food system. The upside of the study is that when the same test group of children (ages 3 to 11) ate a diet of organic fruits, vegetables,and juices, all signs of pesticides disappeared within 8 to 36 hours. When their normal conventional diets were reintroduced, the pesticide levels were again present in saliva andurine samples. The researchers, who found pesticide levels to be higher in the winter whenmore produce is imported, have voiced concerns that imports are not being monitored adequately for safe pesticide levels.

Are the foods your kids are eating safe for consumption?©istockphoto.com/ Nicole S. Young

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

In addition to affecting the earth’s water supply,pesticides stake their claim in our soils. A studypublished in 2000 showed that some illegal pes-ticides, many of which can lead to digestive andnervous system disorders, continue to show upin the food supply for decades after they werebanned. As part of the study, researchers planteda garden in ground heavily treated with chlordane38 years earlier. They found chlordane residuesin all 12 of the vegetables planted, includingpotatoes, lettuce, and carrots.

Many of the same pesticides that affect ourwater and land also waft into the air supply.Geoscientists at Texas A&M University foundthat air pollutants can even be transported overlong distances through wind, rain, and evapora-tion. They actually found high levels of pesticidespresent in beluga whales from the Arctic, wherethe chemicals have never been used.

Food isn’t the only vehicle for pesticidesto enter our bodies. A 2006 USGS report onpesticide use detected pesticides in more

than 90 percent of all streams sampled. The studyalso looked into wells, showing that more thanhalf of shallow wells and a full third of deeperwells revealed the presence of at least one pesticide.This same study found almost all fish samplestaken to contain pesticides as well, meaning thatour fertilizing habits are affecting wildlife as well.

In Oregon, one of the first states to make a concerted effort to study its pesticide use andeffects, water samples taken by the OregonDepartment of Environmental Quality and theU.S. Geological Survey showed that seven pesti-cides appeared routinely, including chlorpyrifosand diazinon.

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Pesticides and the Environment

A 1999 study found that more than 90 percent ofwater and fish samples from streams contained pesticides. ©istockphoto.com/Nicolas McComber

Catching Their Drift: In 2007, air moni-toring near South Woods ElementarySchool in Hastings, Florida, detected fouragricultural chemicals in the air, often atlevels that pose significant health risksto children. The school is located in anagricultural area adjacent to fields ofChinese cabbage. The pesticide of great-est concern, called endosulfan, was foundin 87 percent of the air samples, many of which exceeded acceptable levels. Thetest revealed the air to be contaminatedwith the pesticides endosulfan, diazinon,trifluralin, and chlorothalonil—two ofwhich are neurotoxins and three that are(or will soon be) banned in Europe.

Now for the good news. There isan option to conventional foods grownwith harmful pesticides. Organically

grown food is grown and processed using nosynthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Which is exactlywhy an increasing number of consumers arepurchasing certified organic foods today. You canalso step away from pesticides, ditch the insecti-cides, and feel more confident about the healthof your family by choosing to add organic foodsinto your diet.

Some studies have even found organic foods to be more nutritious, offering more of somenutrients like vitamin C, iron, magnesium, andphosphorus. A report from University of Floridaresearchers and The Organic Center determinedthat organic foods contain, on average, 25 per-cent higher concentrations of 11 nutrients thantheir conventional counterparts.

When Congress passed the Organic FoodsProduction Act of 1990, there was just underone million acres of certified organic farmland inthe U.S. That’s a space just slightly larger thanthe state of Rhode Island. The country’s organicacreage had doubled by the time the USDAimplemented national organic standards in 2002and it doubled again by the time 2005 rolledaround. In fact, in 2005, for the first time ever, all50 states boasted some certified organic farming,including organic livestock programs, which havealso grown rapidly over the last two decades.

In 2006, organic food sales rang in $17 billion insales, representing about 3 percent of all retailsales of food and beverages. This number hasgrown steadily and is up from 1.9 percent in2003.

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Going Organic

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Biting into organic foods will greatly reduce yourexposure to pesticides. ©istockphoto.com/Evelin Elmest

The USDA organic logo wasdeveloped to give consumersconfidence that organic prod-ucts have consistent, uniformstandards. ©USDA

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

Organic agriculture is typically more cost-intensivethan conventional agriculture, so farmers counton garnering higher prices for their food to covertheir costs. There is definitely a price differencewith organic food—premiums in 2004 for pro-duce such as apples, grapes, strawberries, andtomatoes were about $0.35/lb. more than theirconventional counterparts. Many believe that asorganic farming becomes more prolific, theseprices will begin to drop.

To keep this green step cost-efficient, simply add more organic products into your diet; noteverything must be organic. In fact, the next fewpages provide information on the best bets foryour money when buying organic.

When you see the official USDA Organic label ora product that is “Certified Organic” you can restassured that what you are buying truly is organicbecause all producers and handlers must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agentto sell, label, or represent their products with one of the following monikers: “100 percentorganic,” “organic,” or “made with organic specified ingredients or food group(s).” Organiclivestock products are classified as such becausethe animal was fed organic feed and did notreceive antibiotics.

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Eco Facts

Choices magazine and the AmericanAgricultural Economics Associationconducted an analysis of NielsenHomescan data released in 2001 and2004 and found some interestingfacts about consumers who buyorganic foods:

• Of all regions in the U.S., house-holds in the Western region spentthe most per capita on organic produce.

• Asian and African-American consumers choose organic overconventional produce more thanWhite or Hispanic consumers.

• No consistent positive associationswere found between householdincome and expenditures on organic produce.

Did You Know?

Since the rise of organic foods andagribusiness’ embracement of all thingsorganic, from lettuce to Oreos, some envi-ronmentalists have been crying, “Wolf.”As consumer demand heightens fororganics, there is concern that it couldlaunch a very unsustainable, fossil-fuel-heavy business platform if organic kiwisare shipped from New Zealand andorganic olives make their way from Italy.This has launched a grand scale debateabout the merits of organic foods versuslocal foods. Buying local, organic food isa win-win for every person looking togreen their lifestyle. If given the choice,many say that local foods are better forthe planet, especially since many localfarmers use sustainable, pesticide-freepractices anyway. In the end, the decisionwhere to put your money is up to you.

While it may be appealing,

switching your diet over to all organicfoods could be a significant cost invest-

ment. If you’re inspired to take the plunge, morepower to you. Those who would like to keeptheir grocery bills from increasing by up to 50 percent can follow some advice from theEnvironmental Working Group (EWG), which has pinpointed the most important fruits andvegetables to buy organic.

In fact, the EWG performed a simulation withthousands of consumers eating both high- andlow-pesticide diets. The results? The EWG deter-mined that people could lower their own pesti-cide exposure by nearly 90 percent by simplyswapping out the top twelve most-contaminatedfruits and vegetables for organic varieties.

Check out the lists on the next page from theEWG’s “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce”to help plan your next pesticide-reducing groceryrun. This list is based on the analysis of nearly51,000 tests conducted on food from 2001 to2005 to determine its pesticide levels.

Interestingly, a variety of fruits were at the topof the EWG’s high-in-pesticides list. Nectarineswere the worst offenders, followed by peachesand apples. According to the EWG, samples ofpeaches and apples revealed up to nine pesti-cides and samples of strawberries showed tracesof eight different pesticides.

On the veggie side, sweet bell peppers boastedan incredible 11 pesticides on a single sample,while celery and lettuce came in tied for secondwith nine pesticides detected. For a printable listof this invaluable guide, head to the EWG’s website at www.foodnews.org.

Remember: when you buy organic, you are notonly making a commitment to better health, youare also putting your money where your mouthis—by supporting farming methods that are easieron the earth.

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The Most Bang for Your Organic Buck

When you’re in the mood for juicy, red strawberries,head straight for the organic section.©istockphoto.com/Dean Turner

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

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Buy These Organic

According to the EnvironmentalWorking Group (EWG), these fruits andvegetables have the highest detectedpesticide levels:

• Peaches • Strawberries

• Apples • Cherries

• Sweet bell peppers • Lettuce

• Celery • Potatoes

• Nectarines • Pears

• Strawberries • Spinach

• Grapes (imported)

Lowest In Pesticides

The EWG points to these 12 fruits andvegetables as the lowest in pesticides:

• Onions • Asparagus

• Avocados • Kiwis

• Sweet corn (frozen) • Bananas

• Pineapples • Cabbage

• Mangos • Broccoli

• Sweet peas (frozen) • Eggplant

Moving Over to Organic Milk

Once you’ve valiantly braved yourway through the produce section, youare more than ready—and armed with

information—to make some positive changes inthe milk cooler. Again, pesticides come into playhere and they are joined by antibiotics, fertilizers(for growing feed), and hormones. All of theseharmful elements are used to streamline dairyfarming operations and make the cows producemore milk than their bodies are typically capableof. But, in the end, how safe is our milk?

Today, a vast number of dairy cows are injectedwith recombinant bovine growth hormone(rBGH), a genetically engineered hormone thatincreases milk production. This hormone, todate, has not passed through any type of safetytesting for its long-term health effects. TheCanadian government, after reviewing theresults of rBGH’s effects in animal studies, decided not to approve the hormone for use.

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In addition, the Environmental Working Groupconducted a study of milk samples that foundthe presence of pechlorate, the main ingredientin rocket fuel. Some samples found doses thatwere twice the safe level for consumption. Thischemical, which can cause thyroid disorders, isbelieved to have made its way into milk fromrunoff created at military plants and bases thatflowed into the water supply used by farms.

Because of consumer concern over the presenceof these chemicals in milk products—not tomention the inhumane treatment of the ani-mals, which suffer from overcrowded conditionsand abnormally swollen and inflamed udders—organic milk has seen a spike in sales over thelast few years. In 2005, organic milk and creamsales tipped over the $1 billion mark, up a full25 percent from 2004. These organic productsnow account for an estimated 6 percent of allretail milk sales. The USDA’s national organicstandards prohibit the use of antibiotics andhormones in livestock production and specifythat animals must be fed organic feed and begiven access to the outdoors.

A study conducted by Danish Institute ofAgricultural Research also discovered that organicmilk is actually higher in beneficial nutrientsthan conventional milk. Looking at cows farmedboth organically and conventionally, theresearchers found that the organic cows producedmilk that was, on average, 50 percent higher inVitamin E than standard milk. It also revealedthat organic milk was 75 percent higher in betacarotene and two to three times higher in luteinand zeaxanthine, both antioxidants. Higher levelsof heart-healthy omega 3 essential fatty acidswere also found.

While organic milk also costs slightly more thanconventionally produced milk—again, becausethe farming practices are more costly to farm-ers—the peace of mind you will receive is wellworth the extra amount you’ll be padding yourmilk budget. Milk is probably one of the mostimportant items on which you can spend yourorganic budget.

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What’s lurking inside your glass of milk? ©istockphoto.com/imagestock

In 2001, there were over 36,000 certified organicdairy cows in the U.S. ©istockphoto.com/Gordon Dixon

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

Some consumers have resolved to add more plantproteins, such as beans and nuts, into their dietsto cut down on meat consumption. Even tastygrains, such as quinoa and amaranth, can supplyall the protein the body needs. At the same time,organic and other healthier options have evolvedin the meat market to deliver a product that isbetter for the health of our families and the planet.Look for certified organic meats in your groceryor health food store to avoid a potential dose ofpathogens and chemicals. This designationmeans the animals were not given hormones orantibiotics plus they were fed organic feed andgiven access to the outdoors for grazing.

Other healthy, humane labels to watch for include“Grass Fed” (meaning livestock has continuousaccess to a natural pasture) and “Free-Farmed,”where animals are raised with appropriate space and not fed antibiotics; this designation is monitored and meets standards set up by theAmerican Humane Association. When buyingeggs, choose organic, which is a catchall for manyof the more positive labels such as “antibiotic-free” and “vegetarian-fed;” organic laying hensalso have access to the outdoors.

Be wary of labels like “Natural,” “Cage Free,” or “Free Range,” as these are not verified like“Organic” and “Free-Farmed.” Oftentimes, “CageFree” simply means chickens are out of cagesand loose in an indoor space with thousands ofother birds.

It will come as no surprise, giventhe state of milk produced from convention-ally farmed cows, that meats like beef,

chicken, and pork have their own set of issues.Feedlot cows are fed an unnatural diet of soyand corn and they are regularly given antibioticsto promote growth. In addition, they are raisedin crowded spaces that can, when mixed with anoverabundance of manure, become breedinggrounds for bacteria. We have seen the results ofthis in the appearance of Salmonella and E.coliin our meat supply and even mad cow disease.

Many of these problems are also present in thepoultry and pork markets, as well. Chickens aretypically raised in extremely crowded spaces and never get to roam outside their entire lives.These areas are typically riddled with bacteria,bugs, and disease, which is why these animalsare loaded up with antibiotics, insecticides, andeven arsenic, which controls infections. Not onlyis this treatment inhumane to the animals, itselements slip into our food supply.

Buying Green Eggs and Ham

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Annual global meat production is projected to sky-rocket from 229 million tons in 2000 to 465 milliontons in 2050. ©istockphoto.com/Skip ODonnell

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The benefits of eating inherentlyhigh-protein, low-fat fish are many, includ-ing its heart-healthy omega-3-boosting

qualities. But, do you know where your fillets arecoming from?

Fish farms supply about half the world’s demandfor fish, but they harbor some dishearteningsecrets. The lion’s share of the seafood Americanseat comes from farms located overseas wheretheir operations are not adequately regulated.Fish are typically kept in very small, crowdedspaces, such as concrete tanks or pens.

As you might expect, this environment breedsdisease and bacteria. Many fish are also fedunnatural diets that often contain contaminants,drugs, and chemicals. As a result, the fish thatends up on your dinner plate can be host to anumber of things you don’t want to ingest. Arecent study by Wake Forest University foundthat some farm-raised fish, such as tilapia andcatfish, contain an alarmingly high amount ofomega-6 fats, which can cause autoimmune diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis. In fact, oneserving of tilapia was found to contain moreomega-6s than bacon or doughnuts. Researchersbelieve this is due to the diet the farmed fish arefed. Other independent lab studies have alsoshown that farmed fish can be high in PCBs,which are pollutants.

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Fishy Business

This fish farm in Malaysia is part ofthe aquaculture industry, which isgrowing at a rate three times fasterthan land-based animal agriculture.©istockphoto.com/graham heywood

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

Aquaculture can also have harmful effects onthe environment. Some farms allow food, fishwaste, and chemicals to flow into the surround-ing waters, which pollutes the oceans and affectsthe health of wild fish. Additionally, predatoryfish like salmon are fed huge amounts of wildfish like mackerel, herring, and anchovies—morepounds of wild fish are consumed than thefarms actually produce.

On the wild side, the news is also not inspiringas the world’s oceans are increasingly becomingdepleted from overfishing. It is currently esti-mated that 90 percent of species of large preda-tory fish are gone. A 2006 report in the journalScience explained that several of the world’s topmarine biologists had concluded that if unsus-tainable fishing practices continued, it couldlead to a worldwide crash of all fish and seafoodspecies by 2048.

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Eco Fact

Did you know that the world’s meat-eating habits take a heavy toll on the planet?According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN), livestockare responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions as measured in carbon dioxideequivalent. In fact, UN figures suggest that meat production emits more greenhouse gasesthan transportation as a whole. This surprising truth is a result of the deforestation that istaking place to increase pasture and feed crop acreage, the energy used to run processingplants and produce fertilizers, plus the manure and flatulence of grass-guzzling cattle.Sadly, it’s no laughing matter—the average American diet is estimated to produce 1.5 tonsmore of greenhouse gases yearly than a no-meat diet, which is about half the yearly emis-sions of a small car. Can you eat less meat? Doing so will be a significant contribution tolowering your own carbon footprint.

Adding to the problems is the fact that seafoodcaught in our oceans tends to have high mercurylevels, which we end up consuming when we eatfish and shellfish. As such, the FDA has issued anadvisory to pregnant women, women who maybecome pregnant, nursing mothers, and youngchildren to avoid certain fish altogether, such asshark and swordfish, and to limit consumptionof other low-mercury fish (such as shrimp, salmon,and canned light tuna) to 12 ounces per week.

Between 1950 and 1994, ocean fisher-men doubled the number of boats in useand employed more efficient fishing gear.The result was an increase in their catchby 400 percent. But, in 1989, the yearlycatch of the world’s fisherman leveled off at just over 82 million metric tons.Experts say that this amount is all thatthe ocean is capable of producing, evenas our population and food needs contin-ue to grow.

On the brighter side, there is amovement afoot to clean up fish farmoperations and to implement more

sustainable fishing practices. Organizations likethe Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) are hardat work to stave off problems like overfishing,aquaculture mismanagement, and even supplycollapse. But, they need our help.

What can you do to help the planet and also put healthy fish on your family’s dinner table?Making the right fish choices at the supermarketis the most important step you can take.

One key strategy is to stick to smaller fish, bothfarmed and wild-caught, because they have lesstime in the water to absorb toxins. Experts agreethat fish at the top of the food chain happen tobe higher in contaminants because they have agreater concentration effect from living longerin the water and eating other fish. Smaller fishare also a more sustainable food source.

The EDF (www.edf.org) has developed a list offish that are both good for you and the environ-ment. Those fish on its “Eco-Best” list include:

� Anchovies

� Arctic Char (farmed)

� Atlantic Mackerel

� Mussels

� Oysters (farmed)

� Sablefish (from Alaska and Canada)

� Wild Alaskan Salmon

� Pacific Sardines (from the U.S.)

� Rainbow Trout (farmed)

� Albacore Tuna (from the U.S. andCanada)

Those fish on the “Eco-Worst” list include:

� Chilean sea bass

� Grouper

� Monkfish

� Orange Roughy

� Salmon (farmed/Atlantic)

� Shark

� Swordfish (imported)

� Tilefish (Gulf of Mexico/South Atlantic)

� Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna (importedlongline)

� Bluefin Tuna

Sushi lovers can also get schooled on the best raw fish choices for both personal healthand the planet with the Environmental Defense Fund’s Sushi Selector, available at:http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=29774.

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Buying Safer Seafood

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Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

How many “food miles” did thesnack you just had or the steak you ate the other night travel to sate your

appetite? By definition, “food miles” refers to thedistance a food item travels door-to-door fromthe farm to your fridge or cupboard. In the U.S.,grocery store-bought produce is shipped an aver-age of 1,500 miles from the farm where it wasproduced to reach you.

While about half of our entire country’s landspace is devoted to farmland, we still ship inabout 40 percent of our fruits from overseas.Oftentimes, food products (including meat) areshipped to us from as far away as Australia andNew Zealand. A 2003 report from the LeopoldCenter for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa StateUniversity said that while most Americans livewithin 60 miles of an apple orchard, this fruit istypically shipped over 1,700 miles to reach ourgrocery stores.

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Green IdeaWhat’s in your can? The FDA says that about 17 percent of the American diet comesstraight out of cans. But, these cans, which house everything from fish like tuna andsalmon to vegetables and fruits, have become a hot topic because many have an epoxyliner made with the notorious chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to heartdisease, diabetes, and breast cancer. A test study conducted by the Environmental WorkingGroup found BPA in more than half of all samples at levels the group said were 200 timesthe safe level of exposure to industrial chemicals set by the government. You can cut backon BPA by purchasing foods in alternative packaging such as Tetra Paks, aseptic cartonsmade from layers of paper, and glass bottles; some natural foods companies, such as EdenFoods, are also offering products in BPA-free cans.

Buying Locally Grown Food

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Even though most Americans have tomatoes growingwithin 60 miles of their home, they are typicallyshipped over 1,500 miles to our grocery stores.©istockphoto.com/Michael Krinke

While this is not necessarily bad for your health(although some countries do not regulate theuse of chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, hor-mones, and antibiotics), the real toll is taken onthe planet. An enormous amount of fossil fuelsare used to transport our food across these longdistances. As you know by now, the burning ofthese fossil fuels creates emissions that contributegreatly to climate change and air pollution.

Help quell the madness by spending some ofyour weekly grocery budget at local farms.Typically, local health food stores and some grocers will sell products from local producers.

The AMS offers an up-to-date list of all farmer’smarkets across the country. You can easily findthe market closest to you by entering your zipcode or county name at http://apps.ams.usda.gove/FarmersMarkets. A market listing by stateis also available at www.farmersmarket.com.Depending on where you live, the local farmer’smarket could be open year-round or at least sixmonths a year in colder climates. Since thesefarmers are typically using more cost-intensive,sustainable farming practices, the food you buyhere may be slightly more expensive than thesame non-organic options at the grocery store.

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Shopping at the Farmer’s Market

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he best and easiest place to scoopup local and organic produce, baked goods,dairy products, and meats is at the farmer’s

market in your area. Consumers’ increasing passion for healthy, organic, and earth-friendlyfoods has spurred the growth of the farmer’smarket concept, which is virtually a sustainable,eco-conscious supermarket of freshly harvestedand produced foods.

Today, nearly 4,700 farmer’s markets are in operation from coast to coast, according to theUSDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).This number represents about a 7 percentincrease over the number of markets in 2006and a whopping 37 percent growth in farmer’smarkets since 1994.

Or, check out www.localharvest.org, which enablesyou to enter your zip code and the product youare looking for to find local farm options. Becausethey are smaller in nature, many of these farmsemploy sustainable farming practices and humaneanimal treatment. While some may be certifiedorganic farms, obtaining this certification is costlyand time-consuming, so many farms that useearth-friendly methods (i.e., no pesticides, fertil-izers, hormones, etc.) may not boast this classifi-cation. Since you’ll be going directly to the source,you can ask them how they farm their land andlivestock. Their method of farming can be morecostly than mass production, so buying foodlocally can be just a little more expensive than in the grocery store.

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

There is never a lack of selection and you canenjoy the fact that you are reducing carbonemissions by buying straight from the source.Supporting the local farmers in your area is alsoa way of infusing your money right back into thecommunity in which you live instead of into thepockets of middlemen, shippers, and farmers indifferent countries. Eating local is also a path torestoring integrity in our food system and help-ing to build a more sustainable society.

Most farmer’s markets feature items from farmswithin the local region. For example, the UnionSquare Greenmarket in New York City offersfood produced within 170 miles of Manhattan,underscoring the fact that local, organic foodsare attainable even in urban areas. Each markettypically carries a wide variety of produce that isin season at the time you shop there. In thespring, it may be everything from strawberries tolettuce. In the summer, you can indulge in sweetpeaches, ripe tomatoes, and juicy melons. In thefall, you’ll find tasty foods ranging from applesand pears to butternut squash.

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Nature’s bounty is right around the corner at your local farmer’s market.©istockphoto.com/Christopher Hudson

Eco FactEach year, more than one millionacres of land in the U.S. is lost to busi-ness and residential development. Eachacre given up to development is an acrethat will never be used to help feed ourfast-growing population.

Many farmer’s markets also feature stands of fresh,cut flowers from local farms.

Today, clean water is a rarity—evenwhat pours out of our taps can be expectedto contain small amounts of contaminants.

According to the EPA, some studies have evenshown that pharmaceuticals like antibiotics arepresent in some of our nation’s water bodies,including drinking water sources. And, after analyzing data on the presence of arsenic indrinking water in 25 states, the Natural ResourcesDefense Council (NRDC) determined that “morethan 34 million Americans drink tap water supplied by systems containing average levels of arsenic that pose unacceptable cancer risks.”Lead is also a cause for concern as it is a com-mon contaminant in our water supply and isespecially dangerous for pregnant women andsmall children.

While most healthy adults can drink tap waterwithout issue, according to the NRDC, somegroups are more vulnerable, including the elder-ly, young children, pregnant women, and peoplewith autoimmune disorders. The causes of thecontamination of concern include pollution, old pipes, and outdated treatment systems.According to the Denver Water 2008 WaterQuality Report, the culprits in our water caninclude:

� Microbial Contaminants like virusesand bacteria that come from sewagetreatment plants, septic systems, andagricultural livestock operations.

� Inorganic Contaminants like salts andmetals, which occur from storm waterrunoff, oil and gas production, and mining.

� Pesticides and Herbicides used in agri-cultural and residential applications.

� Organic Chemical CContaminantsincluding synthetic and volatile organicchemicals that come from industrialproduction, gas stations, and septicsystems.

� Radioactive Contaminants that are naturally occurring or a result of mining, plus oil and gas production.

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Drinking Clean Water

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To ensure you’re drinking clean water, installa water filter and maintain it regularly.©istockphoto.com/Ina Peters

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

In most cases, a simple activated carbon filterwill get the job done on most pollutants. Aninformative comparison chart can be viewed atwww.waterfiltercomparisons.com. If you haveunique contaminants, such as perchlorate, heavymetals, parasites like Giardia, or bacteria, checkout the NRDC’s filter guide at www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/gfilters.asp. A range of filteroptions will be available at your local hardwareor home improvement store.

Most likely, you can find out what’s in yourwater by contacting your water utility companyand asking for their annual quality report. Youcan also access some reports online through the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html. Testing for lead is also agood idea, since this can vary from home tohome—lead test kits cost about $25 and areavailable at www.leadtesting.org.

Once you determine your water’s hidden con-tent, you can address the problem by installing a water filter in your home. Point-of-entry filters,which treat water before it is distributedthroughout your house’s water systems, are anexcellent choice but can be costly and labor-intensive to install.

A faster and more cost-effective (but still effi-cient) solution is to install a point-of-use unit—the options include filtered pitchers (such asthose offered by Brita), faucet filters, and under-the-sink units. These can vary in price from $12for a filtered pitcher to $25 for a faucet filter.Whatever filter you choose, make sure its labelindicates it meets NSF/ANSI standard 53 and iscertified to remove the specific contaminants ofconcern in your own water.

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Eco FactIf you’re thinking bottled water is the answer, think again—theEnvironmental Working Group recentlyconducted a study that found bottledwater to contain an array of contami-nants, including fertilizers, pain medication, and disinfection byproducts.Additionally, plastic water bottles thatare not recycled simply add to the country’s overflowing landfill problems.

The Fresco reusable aluminumbottle from Bilt offers a functionalway to carry water in a well-designed, BPA-free, earth-friendlypackage. ©Bilt

Green on the CheapChoose to Re-Use: Continue your eco-consciousness on the go by toting areusable water bottle ($5 to $15) in lieuof consuming water from costly, dispos-able water bottles. Once you’ve set up awater filtration system at home, whatcomes out of your tap (or filtered pitcher)will probably be some of the cleanestwater you can drink. And, since Americansdrink more than seven billion gallons ofbottled water a year and 77 percent ofall those plastic bottles are not recycled,your choice will do the planet a whole lotof good. Just be sure your bottle is BPA-free; choose stainless steel or a plasticbottle that is clearly marked as BPA-free.

1. Add some organic foods into your cart during the week’s shopping trip. Best bets for avoiding pesticidesinclude peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, and strawberries.

2. Swap out regular milk for organic next time you visit the dairy department.

3. Toss “organic,” “grass fed,” or “free farmed” beef or chicken into your cart, along with a package of“organic” eggs.

4. When shopping for seafood, focus on healthy, eco-conscious choices like farmed Arctic Char, mussels,wild Alaskan salmon, farmed rainbow trout, and Albacore Tuna (from the U.S. and Canada).

5. Ask your grocery or natural foods store clerk or manager if they stock any locally produced produce ormeats. Or, do a web search for local farms at www.localharvest.org.

6. If in season, locate your area’s farmer’s market via www.farmersmarket.com and opt to do part of yourweekly shopping here instead of the grocery store.

7. Purchase some type of water filtration system for your home; simple, inexpensive filtered pitcher versions are available from www.Brita.com.

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Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week Three

©istockphoto.com/Andrejs Zemdega

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

In return, CSA members typically receive a largebox or bag of fresh produce on a weekly basisfrom the farm. Many CSAs offer different sharesizes (i.e., “small” for one to two people or “large”for a big family). The range can include every-thing from Swiss chard and tomatoes to straw-berries, melons, and turnips, depending on thetime of year. There is perhaps no better illustra-tion of the flow of the growing seasons—and thechanging variety of produce produced duringthis time—than the contents of a CSA box. Assuch, many CSAs serve up lists of recipes witheach box to help you discover new ways to eatthe foods they deliver.

Some CSAs, especially those in metro areas, dooffer delivery service to your door. Others desig-nate a weekly day, time, and place for pickup.Most CSA seasons run from late spring throughearly fall, ranging from a start in May or Juneand a finish in September or October.

When you support a CSA, you are helping tokeep food dollars in the local community andbuild regional food production. You are also supporting your local farmer, who can focus lesson marketing and sales and more on growingquality crops. Since most local farms employ sustainable farming practices, you are also supporting the planet and putting your moneyinto food grown with integrity.

You can search for Community SupportedAgriculture programs in your own area athttp://www.localharvest.org/csa.

If you are inclined to travel just a bitfurther along your green cuisine journey, one of the next steps could be to join a CSA.

This acronym stands for Community SupportedAgriculture and its definition is just that—a community of individuals that each pledges aset amount of money to support a local farm forthe growing season.

As a “member” or “shareholder,” you would helpcover the farmer’s anticipated costs of operationand take stock, in essence, of the upcoming crop.This includes the risks of a weather-affectedgrowing season as well as the potential rewardsof a bountiful harvest.

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TrueGreen: Joining a CSA

When you join a community-supported agricultureprogram, you get a weekly box of fresh produce.©istockphoto.com/Georgina Palmer

Do you aspire to be a locavore? Takeyour earth-friendly inclinations even onestep further and go SuperGreen by sign-

ing up for a challenge to eat more local foods.Check out www.eatlocalchallenge.com, which isa blog about people who have committed to eatmore local foods. Or, sign up for the Eat LocalAmerica Challenge, sponsored by the NationalCooperative Grocers Association (NCGA). Joiningin either of these unique challenges is a fun wayto learn how to eat more local foods.

The Eat Local America Challenge invites individ-uals to try to consume 80 percent of their dietsfrom food that has been grown or producedlocally—that’s four out of every five meals. This isno simple feat, but to make your charge simple,the Challenge runs in the summer during thepeak harvest times for your region’s growingseason. For example, the 2008 Challenge ranfrom June 15th to July 15th in the South,Southwest, and California and from July 15th to August 15th in the Plains, Midwest, andNorthwest. In the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, OhioValley, and Upper Midwest, it ran from August15th through December 15th. The Challengeasks participants, depending on their location,to focus on foods grown within a 200- to 500-mile radius of their home.

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SuperGreen: Take the Challenge

Green IdeaHow much does a CSA cost? Pricescan vary widely depending on your location, the share size, and mode ofdelivery, but most range between $250and $450 for a full season. In 2002,researchers at Iowa State University setout to determine how the cost of a CSAstacked up against buying the sameorganic produce at the grocery store.They found over the course of the CSAdelivery season that the same amountsof produce at retail grocery prices wouldhave cost over $560.

Week Three: Green Your Appetite Chapter 5

There are over 130 participating NCGA stores in32 states, but aspiring locavores can also sign up for the Eat Local America Challenge on theweb at www.eatlocalamerica.com. It is a test ofwillpower and perseverance, no doubt. Putthoughts of fast foods aside and be prepared tospend some time shopping and cooking. Servingup this much local food is a slow but incrediblyworthwhile endeavor.

The Challenge is hosted locally by NCGA mem-ber stores, which are retail food co-ops that havetraditionally had a strong focus on natural,organic, and local foods. Co-ops typically offerdiscounts on grocery items for those who buy amembership, but those without membershipscan still shop at most stores.

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Eating local foods helps reduce greenhouse gases and eases the strain on the planet. ©istockphoto.com/Valentin Casarsa

Green IdeaWhat is a locavore? This new word, which was named the 2007 Word of the Year for theOxford American Dictionary, defines a person who is part of the “locavore” movement.According to the Oxford American Dictionary, this movement “encourages consumers tobuy from farmers’ markets or even to grow or pick their own food, arguing that fresh, localproducts are more nutritious and taste better. Locavores also shun supermarket offeringsas an environmentally friendly measure, since shipping food over long distances oftenrequires more fuel for transportation.”

Is your yard green and clean? ©istockphoto.com/PhotographerOlympus

Do you have—or aspire to have—the perfect lawn that is deeplygreen, neatly trimmed, with every blade in order? It would certainly be a splendid spot to rest and relax or play and picnic.

Or, perhaps your passion lies in the garden, where the plants thrive, theflowers bloom, and the vegetables grow. It is a place that provides atranquil hideaway, a sense of accomplishment, and a gathering spot forbackyard animals, birds, and butterflies. Ah, the idyllic American yard.

Some perfectly groomed yards are the result of hours of labor or thepaid handiwork of a gardener or lawn care specialist. Many are given aboost by organic or inorganic fertilizers. Most require a vast amount ofwater to stay in business.

These realities are what make the majority of lawns an endeavor that is anything but earth-friendly. Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides cancontain toxic chemicals that can negatively affect the health of yourchildren, your pets, yourself, and even the purity of your water supply.They can also ultimately disrupt the balance and future sustainability of the world’s ecosystems. Additionally, water use for landscaping canbe a major suck on the earth’s clean-water resources. It is estimatedthat landscape irrigation in the U.S. totals more than seven billion gallons of water per day.

This chapter will show you how to make your yard a more earth-friendlyand health-conscious place, all while maintaining its beauty—and savingyou some money.

6Week Four: Green Your Yard

The draw of the American dreamlawn lies in its tidy perfection. But, thequest for this ideal has led to a depend-

ence on the fertilizers, herbicides (weed killers),and pesticides that help keep it all so neat, green,and uniform. Unfortunately, often unbeknownstto homeowners, these chemical blends can contain ingredients that are harmful to boththeir families and the planet.

While we already know that some of the ingredi-ents in fertilizers and pesticides aren’t doing ourfarms any favors, it turns out that the problem iseven more prolific when it comes to our resi-dences. The National Academy of Sciences esti-mates that homeowners use approximately tentimes more chemical fertilizers and pesticidesper acre than is used on the country’s farmland.

This equates to quite a bit, since over 30 millionacres are planted in residential lawns across thecountry. North Americans take their lawns seri-ously; they spent a combined $40 billion on lawncare in 2005. Most of this rings in as sales ofpesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Well over70 million pounds of pesticides are applied onlawns, gardens, and shrubs yearly and over $5billion is spent annually on non-organic fertilizersthat are derived from unsustainable fossil fuels.

Conventional fertilizers and pesticides are con-cocted using an array of minerals and chemicals,most of which are quite effective in increasingthe growth rate of the plant life in your yard.But, some of these ingredients are possible carcinogens that can be harmful to people (especially children), animals, and the planet.

For instance, 2,4-D is one of the world’s mostcommon herbicides used to control weeds, yetlong-term exposure has been tied to liver, kid-ney, and nervous system damage. Its chemicalname may not be familiar to you as it is soldunder a variety of popular brand names—it wasalso the main ingredient in Agent Orange.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) esti-mates that Americans use nine million poundsof 2,4-D a year to control lawn and garden weeds.While the EPA has placed no limitations on theuse of 2,4-D, the World Health Organization’sInternational Agency for Research on Cancer hasclassified it as a possible human carcinogen andits use has been banned in a number of countriesincluding Sweden, Kuwait, and Norway.

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The Problem with Fertilizers, Herbicides, and Pesticides

A worker applies a chemical lawn treatment. ©istockphoto.com/Marcel Pelletier

Week Four: Green Your Yard Chapter 6

Lastly, a 2001 report by CALPIRG, California’slargest environmental, consumer, and good government advocacy group, found that therecycling of hazardous industrial wastes into fertilizers was sending toxic metals like lead andmercury into our lawns and gardens. From 1990to 1995, the steel industry alone sent fertilizercompanies over 80 million pounds of wastebecause of its high zinc content, which is anessential nutrient for plant growth. However, thiswaste can also include arsenic, cadmium, nickel,and dioxin, all highly toxic substances. TheCALPIRG report found that 29 tested fertilizerscontained 22 toxic heavy metals that have beenlinked to human health hazards. Because fertilizerlabels lack critical information on ingredients—most states only require beneficial ingredients tobe listed on packages—consumers are left in thedark when it comes to determining what’s bestfor their health, their homes, and the planet.

On the pesticide front, one of the most commonlyused is glyphosate, which is also marketed underother brand names. It is estimated that Americansmake 25 million applications per year of thispesticide. While glyphosate is only considered tobe “mildly toxic,” it is still reported to cause skinand eye irritation plus lung congestion and anincreased breathing rate. In the long-term, it cancause liver and kidney damage plus reproductiveeffects. Because of these issues, the EPA has setstandards for the presence of glyphosate in ourdrinking water.

How does a pesticide make its way into ourdrinking water? While your intention may purelybe to create a beautiful lawn and garden for allto enjoy, the chemicals you use there can harmthose who come into contact with them in theyard, plus even those who do not. Pesticides,herbicides, and fertilizers can make their wayinto our homes (and those of others) on shoesand they also have a tendency to drift via air and even enter groundwater, streams, and riverswhen they’re washed away in a rainstorm. In theend, they make their way into our water supply.

As you can see, employing these products con-tributes to environmental issues that reach farbeyond your own home. They can also impactpets and wildlife more severely, due to theirsmaller systems. A 2004 study conducted by sci-entists at Purdue University found that ScottishTerriers were four to seven times more likely todevelop bladder cancer if they had been exposedto lawn chemicals. It is also estimated that lawn-care pesticides kill approximately seven millionbirds in the U.S. each year.

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Eco FactHave you ever have a can of RAIDin your cabinet? This generations-old common cure for household pests(like ants and roaches) contains thenow-known toxin diazinon, whichwas also commonly used as a lawnand garden pesticide for decades. In 2004, the EPA banned consumersales of diazinon because it wasfound to severely impact neurologicaldevelopment, especially in children.It is still currently approved for usein agricultural application, but isslowly being phased out.

Ditch the fertilizers, pesticides,and herbicides in your life and truly“green” your yard by putting a few sim-

ple and natural lawn and garden care strategiesinto play. Knowing your outdoor space is safeand healthy for your family, your pets, and thelocal ecosystems will bring a whole new sense of accomplishment to your gardening endeavors.Whether you are starting to plan for the growingseason ahead or are in the thick of it, these simple steps will ensure that your yard is eco-friendly.

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Using Sustainable Lawn and Garden Practices

Is your lawn safe for consumption?©istockphoto.com/druvo

Eco FactDo you need a wheelbarrow full of chemicals to have a green, attractive lawn? NewYork City says “No.” In 2003, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation won anaward from the EPA for excellent environmental stewardship of its nearly 29,000 acres ofopen space—it greatly scaled back on the use of pesticides and fertilizers plus it widelyemployed the practice of non-chemical pest management techniques. In Central Park, theapplication of insecticides dropped from 220 pounds in 2001 to a mere 45 pounds in2003. At the same time, herbicide use decreased from 70 pounds in 2000 to only 7.5pounds in 2003. Instead, the Department of Parks & Recreation relied on organic fertilizersplus organic, non-toxic pest control products, including one made from corn gluten.

Week Four: Green Your Yard Chapter 6

The presence of organic matter in your soil isalso critical for healthy plant growth. If your soiltest reveals that you have less than 5 percentorganic matter, buy bags of compost (preferablyorganic for growing fruits and vegetables) anddig or rototill one to three inches of compostinto the top six to twelve inches of topsoil whenyou’re setting up new garden beds or lawns. Onexisting lawns, lay down about one-quarter toone-half of an inch right on top of lawns in thespring or fall. This new layer will mix in within amatter of days and provide a much healthierenvironment in which your lawn can thrive.

If you feel you need fertilizer to give a leg up to your annuals, lawn, or vegetable garden, theEPA suggests opting for products that contain“natural organic” or “slow-release” ingredients.The latter significantly reduces runoff intoground and surface waters. These products canbe found at most home and garden supplystores or on the Internet at gardening websiteslike www.planetnatural.com. You’ll be amazed atthe wealth of natural products—from Epsomsalts to corn gluten meal—that are available tohelp your lawn and garden grow.

You can replace the need for con-ventional fertilizers by going straight tothe source and pumping up the nutrients

in your soil—naturally. Every lawn and gardenbenefits from its soil’s proper balance of nitro-gen, phosphorous, and potassium, all essentialnutrients for plant growth. Your soil may noteven need an external boost to deliver healthyplants, flowers, and grass.

The first step to greening your yard is to conducta soil test to determine exactly what it is that youmay or may not need. Your local CooperativeExtension office, a government-funded educa-tional service that you can locate through yourarea’s phone book, and most garden-supply cen-ters stock these inexpensive tests. The best rangefor your soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0; ifabsolutely necessary, you can apply lime to raisethe pH or sulfur to lower it.

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Building Strong Soil

Cost Meter:(over time, this change will save you money)

Rich soil with the proper pH balance is attainablewith organic, natural methods. ©istockphoto.com/Don Nichols

Home gardeners can also replacethe need for conventional, chemical-derived pesticides by taking a more

natural tack with pest management. Accordingto the EPA’s Greenscapes program, ongoing pestproblems can be an indicator that your lawnand/or garden is not getting what it needs to bethe best that it can be. In this case, preventionreally can be worth a pound of cure (in pesticides,that is). Greenscapes recommends the followingpreventative measures:

� Select pest-resistant plants and givethem a home in soil and sun/shade conditions they prefer.

� Use a variety of plants so the entire garden is not at risk if pests descendupon it.

� Remove dead plants to eliminate hidingplaces for insect pests.

All gardens and lawns are home to a certainnumber of insect pest species, many of whichare “good” bugs that actually help control thereal pests. Greenscapes estimates that onlyabout 5 to 15 percent of the bugs in your yardare those to be concerned about. If they’re notdoing any harm, a little tolerance for insects willgo a long way in helping to keep pesticides fromharming both people and the planet.

If you find you have a persistent problem, thereare natural measures you can take to rid yourgarden or lawn from the persistence of pests.The first step is to identify the problem. Whichpest are you battling? With this knowledge, youcan research the proper solution. Physical con-trols like traps, barriers, fabric row covers, orplants that actually repel pests are your first lineof defense. You can also utilize natural alterna-tives to the chemical pesticides on the market,many of which are sold at home and garden sup-ply shops. Some also stock “beneficial” predatorinsects, such as the green lacewing and spinedsoldier bug, which can be released to control thesource of your problems.

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Using Holistic Pest Management

Cost Meter: to(over time, this change will save you money)

Chemical-free insect pest management is a beautifulthing. ©istockphoto.com/LyaC

Week Four: Green Your Yard Chapter 6

Complete your toxin-free lawnand garden transformation by getting ridof the conventional herbicides (weed

killers) in your life. Are you a lawn and gardenperfectionist? A little bit of tolerance is one ofthe best steps you can take in the quest to gogreen in your home’s outdoor space. A lawn thatconsists of 15 percent weeds still appears weed-free to the average onlooker.

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Employing Natural Weed Control

Cost Meter: to(over time, this change will save you money)

Catching weeds before they go to seed will reduceyour aggravation. ©istockphoto.com/narvikk

If weed reduction—or elimination—is ingrainedinto your gardening repertoire, know that thereare also effective, natural ways to deal with theproblem. While some weeds can be pulled outby hand (and many tools are available for thislabor of love), there is also an array of organicand natural herbicides on the market today thatcan make the job fast and easy—these are avail-able at garden supply stores and websites likewww.planetnatural.com.

Green IdeaDid you know that some weeds are actually beneficial to your lawn and garden? Thedreaded dandelion provides food for miniscule parasitic wasps that feed on a number of garden pests and white clover even releases nitrogen, which is beneficial to grass. Thisinterplay is an excellent example of how Mother Nature does her job to maintain a sustain-able planet. When we add chemicals into the mix, we risk disrupting the flow of natureand endangering the planet’s ecosystems.

For an even quicker and less expensive fix, gardeners can look to some items they may have around thehome to work as efficient weed killers. The steps you can take with these simple items will save you untoldamounts of money in the fertilizer aisle. The Children’s Health Environmental Coalition recommends thefollowing herbicide-free methods for eliminating unwanted weeds:

� Boiling Water: Dousing weeds with boiling water not only rids you of the perpetrator, it alsokills weed seeds.

� Soap: Mix five tablespoons of a household liquid soap, such as dishwashing liquid or handsoap, with one quart of water in a spray bottle and coat weeds with the soapy blend. (Hint: This method works best on hot days.)

� Vinegar: Pour some regular household vinegar into a spray bottle and douse weeds withthis potent product. The makeup of vinegar consists of 5 percent acetic acid in water, so iteffectively burns weeds, particularly on sunny days. For an extra-strength spray, do the samewith pickling vinegar, which is 9 percent acid. Take care to not get this spray on your other garden plants.

� Alcohol: If you’ve got alcohol like vodka or gin in the house, mix up one to five tablespoons(depending on desired potency level) with one quart of water in a spray bottle and spray it on weeds, being careful to keep this blend off your other plants as well.

� Corn Meal Gluten: If you have the pleasure of seeing your weeds go to seed, you can reducethe damage done by spreading corn meal gluten in the affected area before the seeds sprout.It will not kill existing weeds or plants. Once the corn meal has done its job by ceasing seedgermination and rooting, it will politely break down into nitrogen to provide a natural fertil-izer for your plants and lawn.

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Green IdeaWhat on earth is xeriscaping? The word was coined by combining the Greek word xeros,meaning “dry,” with the word “landscaping.” This moniker is on target, as xeriscaping is the practice of landscaping in ways that do not require supplemental irrigation. As climatepatterns shift and water becomes increasingly scarce, this lawn and garden strategy is gaining popularity. It employs plants whose water needs are appropriate to the particularclimate in which they grow. In xeriscaping, care is also taken to reduce the amount of evaporation and runoff incurred during watering. In fact, this practice can reduce landscapewater use by as much as 50 to 70 percent.

Week Four: Green Your Yard Chapter 6

The great, plush American lawn is founded inlarge part on water, which just happens to beone of our country’s (and the world’s) waningresources. In fact, a recent government surveyrevealed that at least 36 U.S. states are anticipat-ing local, regional, or statewide water shortagesby 2013.

It is estimated that keeping a standard Americanlawn green takes an average of one to two inchesof water a week, which equates to over 10,000gallons. As a result, diminishing water supplieshave prompted several areas across the countryto place bans on lawn watering and restrictionson planting. In Las Vegas, for example, newhomes are limited to 50 percent turf in theirfront yards. Additionally, the Southern NevadaWater Authority now offers rebates to consumerswho rip out their lawns.

But, according to the EPA, the cause of mostcommon plant problems is watering them toomuch (or too little). You can deepen the color ofyour green thumb by learning the right amountof water to dole out to your outdoor spaces andconserving this precious resource. In the end,you can feel good about your yard as well as thesavings you’ve realized on your water bill. Youwill have also cut down on any potential pesti-cide or fertilizer runoff (which can be caused byover-watering) reaching our ground and surfacewater. The next page offers a number of tips toget the job done right in an eco-friendly way.

The amount of water used acrossthe country on lawns and gardens is trulyprolific. The lawn watering habits of

Americans on the East Coast account for over 30 percent of all residential water consumption.On the West Coast, this number skyrockets to 60percent. It’s no wonder—a standard lawn sprinklercan use more water in one hour than a combina-tion of 10 toilet flushes, two dishwasher loads, twofive-minute showers, plus a full load of laundry.

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Water Use in the Yard

Even the best soil can’t absorb the 130 to 260 gallonsof water that the average home sprinkler sprays in anhour. ©istockphoto.com/Bradley Mason

Going green in your yard will alsosave you some green at the same time.Proper irrigation in your lawn and garden

could lead to a 30 to 80 percent savings in yourown residential water use—and the sameamount of savings for your monthly water bill.The following simple, low-cost steps will helpyou realize this green goal:

� Water your lawn deeply and infrequently:Allow the water to soak in and com-pletely dry out before you water again.Deep, infrequent watering is most beneficial for your soil. To reduce evaporation, water in the early morning.If you water at mid-day, much of thewater just evaporates. Evening wateringscan encourage mold growth and plantdisease.

� Keep water off hardscapes: If water isfalling on driveways or patios in addi-tion to the lawn and garden while yoursprinkler is in action, it’s time to adjustthe system. Try to move the sprinkler to a spot—or adjust the heads—so thiswon’t continue to happen. In somecases, it may require replacing sprin-klers or heads to do a more efficientjob.

� Choose low-maintenance pllants:Whether you’re landscaping an entireyard or simply adding in a few newplants for the season, look to low-waterplants that will help save on water useand expense. Choose native anddrought-tolerant species that requirelittle water or fertilizer since they arealready adapted to the local soil. Thischoice also protects the natural biodi-versity and ecosystems of your area.Your local nursery or garden-supplystore will be able to direct you to thebest plants for your area.

� Use soaker hoses: If you’re in the market for a new hose, choose soakerhoses instead of sprinklers. A low pressure, soaker system slowly dripsirrigation on garden beds and saves upto 50 percent or more of the water putout by sprinklers.

� Put compost and mulch to use: Compostserves a multitude of garden needs. In addition to providing essential nutrients to soil, it helps soil to holdwater in and reduce evaporation. Mulchperforms similar duties.

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Conserving Water

Cost Meter: $0(this change will save you money)

Week Four: Green Your Yard Chapter 6

1. Conduct a soil test to determine exactly which, if any, nutrients your lawn and garden may need; theseinexpensive tests are available through your local Cooperative Extension office and most garden supplycenters.

2. If your soil needs a boost, pump it up with bagged compost or choose to use organic and natural fertilizers.

3. Employ preventative pest management solutions such as selecting pest-resistant plants, using a varietyof plants, and removing dead plants from your garden. If insect pests become problematic, chooseorganic and natural pesticides.

4. Try natural weeding methods like hand pulling or organic, natural weed killers. Or, utilize simple, low-cost household items like dishwashing soap, vinegar, alcohol, boiling water, or corn meal gluten.

5. Conserve water in your lawn and garden by:

• Watering deeply and infrequently.

• Keeping water off hardscapes.

• Choosing low-maintenance, low-waterplants.

• Using soaker hoses instead of sprinklers.

• Placing compost and/or mulch in your garden to help soil hold water and eliminate evaporation.

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Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week Four

©istockphoto.com/Florea Marius

If you’re curious about taking yourgreening to the next level, consider compost-ing, which is a simple process that turns

your everyday trash into gardening gold. All thenon-dairy and non-meat food scraps you toss inthe trash, along with your outdoor leftovers likeleaves, can actually be composted into rich,nutrient-packed compost that acts as the bestfertilizer that nature can provide for your lawnand garden.

How does it work? As your waste decomposes,bacteria breaks down the organic materials intocompost.

In addition to benefiting our outdoor spaces,composting also helps keep vast amounts ofwaste out of landfills and, in essence, reducesharmful emissions that occur in the form oflandfill gas. Today, yard trimmings and foodresiduals account for 23 percent of the wastestream in the U.S. There is no question that composting is a winning strategy for the earthand our own backyards. As a testament to theeffectiveness and popularity of this trash recycling,emissions-reducing effort, the compostingindustry (which sells bagged compost) quadrupled in size from 1988 to 2000.

The first step to composting in your backyard isto select a level area that is about three by fivefeet and located near a water source. Make surethis spot is away from the places where childrenmight play and also out of direct sunlight. Onceyou’ve cleared the area from any debris or grass,you’re ready to set up a compost bin.

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TrueGreen: Learning to Compost

An open space, a compost bin, and garden tools are all you need to get started. ©istockphoto.com/Sebastien Cote

Week Four: Green Your Yard Chapter 6

Once your compost pile is established, be sure tobury fruit and vegetable waste under 10 inchesof compost as you add them. Grass and greenwaste materials should be mixed into the compost.

You will need to turn the compost pile in thebin every few weeks with a pitchfork or shovelto keep air and moisture evenly distributed.Some bins are actually sold with turning mecha-nisms. In dry weather, be sure to sprinkle wateron the pile to keep it moist. Most bins providethe proper space for air to circulate and securedoors to keep rodents and wildlife at bay.

Your compost will be ready to use within a fewmonths. When the material located at the bottomof the bin is rich and dark in color, your compostis ready to be put to use.

These bins are typically available at gardenand home supply stores, online at sites likewww.compostbins.com, and oftentimes throughyour local area’s composting program. State-by-state information is available at www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/composting/live.htm.Some people also choose to build their owncompost bins out of wood scraps or concreteblocks.

Simply place your food scraps and lawn waste in the bin, making sure that larger items arechopped up. Composting has three basicrequirements—brown materials like dead leaves,branches, and twigs; green materials like veg-etable waste, grass clippings, and fruit scraps;and water. Moisten all dry materials with wateras you add them.

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The NatureMill makes composting accessible to everyone, even apartment dwellers. ©NatureMill

Green IdeaWhat is vermicomposting? This practice employs the services ofworms, which create compost as anend product as they break down theorganic matter in your compost pile.Red wigglers, available online and atgarden supply stores, are the bestinvertebrates for the job.

If you decide that composting isfor you, taking a little time to learn whichitems you can and cannot compost will save

you from any headaches down the road. Someitems can contain or release substances that areharmful to the plants on which you use thecompost. Others can create odor problems thatattract pests like rodents and flies. And a fewthings, such as pet waste and used cat litter,might contain parasites, bacteria, and virusesthat are harmful to humans. It’s also importantto keep out any yard trimmings that have beentreated with chemical pesticides, as this compo-nent can kill beneficial composting organisms.

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TrueGreen: Which Items Can You Compost?

Which city composts the most? San Francisco, whereresidents send more than 300 tons of compostablewaste to local facilities every day.©istockphoto.com/Sebastien Cote

What to Compost� Fruits and vegetables

� Eggshells

� Nut shells

� Tea bags

� Coffee grounds and filters

� Clean paper

� Fireplace ashes

� Leaves

� Yard trimmings

� Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint

� Cotton and wool rags

� Cardboard rolls

What NOT to Compost� Dairy products (i.e., butter, milk,

yogurt, egg yolks, sour cream)

� Fats, lard, grease, or oils

� Meat or fish scraps and bones

� Coal or charcoal ash

� Diseased or insect-infested plants

� Pet waste

� Yard trimmings treated with chemicalpesticides

� Black walnut tree leaves or twigs

—Information courtesy EPA

Week Four: Green Your Yard Chapter 6

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Green Idea

Whether you simply just don’t have the outdoor space for a compost bin or you prefer notto have this item in your backyard, there is a new option just for you. The NatureMillindoor composter (the first of its kind) enables you to add waste items—even dairy, meat,and fish—at any time of day. It can process up to 120 pounds of waste a month. An upperchamber mixes, heats, and aerates the waste (which is combined with a small amount ofsawdust and baking soda) into compost, which will later transfer to the lower chamber.Every two weeks, a container of compost will be ready for your use in the garden or forhousehold plants. At $299 to $399, this item is not inexpensive, but your compost justmay pay for itself over time as you replace chemical fertilizers and store-bought compostwith homemade, all-natural compost.

SuperGreen: Converting to a Push or Electric Mower

Does you lawn mower burn fossilfuels? When it’s ready to be retired oryou’re ready to make a switch, you can

take your green inclinations even one step further by joining the push and electric lawnmower revolution.

In 2007 alone, it is estimated that six milliongas-powered, walk-behind mowers hit the marketfor sale. But, according to the EPA, the averagehomeowner’s gas lawn mower spits out as muchpollution per hour as 11 automobiles during thesame time. If just half of all U.S. gas mowerswere replaced by their electric counterparts, itwould be the emissions equivalent of taking twomillion cars off the road.

Choose to push it—you’ll save a massive amount ofpollution from wafting into the air. ©istockphoto.com/Brian Carpenter

For those who would enjoy the exercise, a pushmower can eliminate carbon emissions (exceptfor those you breathe out) and replace a trip tothe gym (where, if you’re using electric-poweredexercise machines, you’re likely also burning fossil fuels). In fact, in one hour of push mowing,a 165-pound person will burn over 500 calories.Due to the green movement, push mowers areenjoying a renaissance, with approximately350,000 sold currently in the U.S. each year. Thisnumber is a significant jump over the 50,000sold per year in the 1980s. The cost of entry iscomparatively low—most efficient push mowersrange from $100 to $200.

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Pushing a mower burns about 500 calories per hour.©istockphoto.com/Sonja Fagnan

Green Idea

A few easy and low-cost natural gardening strategies:

• Rake Your Lawn: Thatch, which is the layer of decomposing plant material that naturallydevelops between the grass blades and soil, can build up if your lawn is not raked to ridit of leaves. Thatch can also prevent water and nutrients from penetrating the soil.

• Mow High: When you mow, try to cut only one-third of the height of the grass; this practice enables taller grass to prevent weeds from getting sun and water. Also, leave yourgrass clippings—they add essential nutrients to the soil and save money on fertilizers (it has been estimated this act is comparable to one fertilizer application).

• Aerate Your Lawn: Aerating will deliver what grass needs, since its roots need air to circu-late around them and water to penetrate the soil surface. You can rent an aerating machineor hire a professional to perform this job, which could reveal a healthier, greener lawn.

Week Four: Green Your Yard Chapter 6

The purchase of an electric mower bumps upthe price tag to several hundred dollars, but thisquiet, easy-to-use, emissions-reducing machinewill only cost about five dollars a year for itsfuel—electricity. Electric lawn mowers offer theconvenience and effectiveness of a gas-poweredmachine without all the pollution, noise, andexpense. Older models of electric mowers fea-ture long electrical cords, but newer versions arecordless and run off batteries installed internally.Mowing with electricity is an especially greenactivity if you have purchased renewable energycredits for your home’s energy use.

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Electric mowers are a green choice for homeownerswith larger lawn areas—today, they come in cordlessoptions. ©istockphoto.com/mark noak

Green on the CheapHow do you know how much to water your lawn and garden? The EPA suggests scatteringclean, empty tuna cans or other solid containers on your lawn and garden before watering.Turn on the sprinkler, check the time, and watch the level of water in the cans. Once theyhave about an inch of water in them, turn off the sprinkler and check the time. This testwill reveal just how long you should leave your sprinklers on each week in the summer tokeep your outdoor space green and healthy. You can really make a difference by purchasinga sprinkler timer. This handy and relatively inexpensive device will make your wateringeasy and perfectly timed and will help conserve gallons of water.

How green is your clothing? ©istockphoto.com/Joshua Blake

Whether you view it as utilitarian and functional or a creativeexpression of your own individual style, clothing is a necessity for mostAmericans. It also happens to be big business. According to the NPD

Group, sales of apparel in 2007 were nearly $200 billion, a number that continuesto grow over the years, including a 3 percent jump in sales since 2006.

Who is spending all this cash for clothing? Women’s apparel accounted for just overhalf of the clothing sold last year, while men’s duds rang in less than 30 percent ofsales. Sales of kids’ clothing came in closely behind at just under 20 percent of allapparel sold in the U.S.

While pants, dresses, shirts, and shoes may look innocent enough hanging blithelyon store hangers or sitting on displays, the apparel industry also lays claim to someenvironmentally unsound and unhealthy practices. Everything from geneticallymodified fibers and cancer-causing chemicals to petroleum-based products and disposal issues brings up a number of questions about the sustainability of whatwe wear on a daily basis.

How eco-friendly are the fabrics that spend the day next to our skin? Do they harbor unseen health risks? Was that shirt manufactured in a responsible way?What is the carbon footprint of those shoes? How much of our unwanted clothingends up in landfills?

Because apparel is such an important aspect of our culture and it commands a significant amount of Americans’ disposable incomes, its journey from plant tofiber to store rack also has a significant impact on the earth.

In this chapter, we’ll look at the problems associated with apparel as well as theinnovative solutions and style-driven, eco-conscious designs this industry is deliver-ing at a time when the public—and the planet—need them most.

7Week Five: Green Your Wardrobe

Cotton is one of the planet’s mostprolific crops. In fact, this fluffy, whiteplant supplies over half of the world’s

fiber needs, from jeans and t-shirts to towels,food products, and tampons. In 2004, cotton’sreach resulted in a $334 billion industry. Thiscash cow is grown in over 60 countries, includ-ing China, India, and Turkey, but the U.S. is theworld’s second-largest cotton producer.

Despite its pure, clean appearance, cotton is a crop that is grown utilizing an astoundingamount of pesticides due to its vulnerability toattack by insects. Would you believe that up to $2.6 billion worth of pesticides are usedworldwide on cotton each year?

Today, just 2.4 percent of the world’s arable land is planted with cotton, but cotton farmingemploys 25 percent of all global insecticide useand over 10 percent of the world’s pesticide use (including insecticides, herbicides, and defo-liants). It is one of the most pesticide-intensivecrops on the planet, ranking third in pesticideuse after corn and soybeans.

Across the U.S., a whopping 55 million poundsof pesticides were used on the nearly 10 millionacres of cotton planted in 2008. While the EPA and individual states regulate and monitor pesticide use, the World Health Organization has

classified most of the pesticides commonly used on cotton as either “Highly Hazardous” or “Moderately Hazardous.” Many of these pesticides, including the commonly usedorganophosphates and carbamates, are possibleand known carcinogens as well as nervous system toxins.

These chemicals can affect our health in a varietyof ways, including making their way into ourwater supply, into our air via pesticide “drift,”and into the products we use. While feeding pesticide-ridden “gin trash” (cotton’s leftoverleaves, stems, and short fibers) to livestock hasbecome illegal in California, this byproduct isstill used to make mattresses, tampons, and cotton balls elsewhere.

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Pesticides Aren’t Just for Food Crops

Cotton crops are abundant in the U.S., as is hazardouspesticide use. ©istockphoto.com/David Sucsy

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Monsanto has also brought Roundup Ready cot-ton to the market; this genetically engineeredcotton plant holds the promise not to perishwhen cotton fields are sprayed with toxic weedkillers such as glyphostate and bromoxynil.Despite these advances, even the world’s geneti-cally engineered cotton crop still requires tonsof herbicides and insecticides for productioneach year.

The use of GE cotton has grown in leaps andbounds. In 2007, herbicide-tolerant (HT) cottonlike Roundup Ready was planted on 70 percentof the U.S.’s cotton acreage. Bt cotton was uti-lized on 59 percent of all cotton farming acreagein 2007, as well. Around the world, only about20 percent of cotton is GE. Because the overalleffects on the planet’s natural ecosystem remainrelatively unknown, genetically engineered cropslike Bt cotton and Roundup Ready cotton are ahotly debated topic.

Ascientific marvel of the moderngrowing age, genetically engineered (GE)cotton (along with GE corn and soybeans)

was introduced in the 1990s by agricultural giantsCalgene and Monsanto. GE plants are created by splicing foreign genetic material into plantgenomes, a process that creates a new organismthat is not present in the natural world. The cot-ton debuted by these companies was geneticallyengineered with its own built-in pest defensesderived from Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt). The philosophy was that this crop could reduce theneed for pesticide use and, in the end, yieldmore cotton.

Bt is a naturally occurring soil bacterium thatwould cause certain insects feeding upon it tocease feeding and perish within a few days. Ithad been used safely, albeit sparingly, by bothconventional and organic farmers for decades. Itwas commonly thought that frequent use of Btwould lead to a resistance among useful insectsand, thus, the loss of a crucial pest control tool.

As such, a growing number of scientists predictthat constant exposure to the engineered Bt inGE cotton fields will lead to a widespread resist-ance by insects and the ultimate return to theuse of chemical herbicides. There is also concernthat the Bt gene can be transferred to the wildrelatives of cotton, affecting the natural ecosys-tem. In addition, research has shown the Bttoxin, which is present in every cell of the engi-neered plant including its roots, may leach intosoil and potentially harm soil microorganismsand cause a disruption to the soil ecology.

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What Is Genetically Engineered Cotton?

GE cotton is also used to make cottonseed oil, whichis present in many foods. ©istockphoto.com/Brasil2

The green solution to the cottonconundrum is to buy products made withorganic cotton, which delivers a soft and

natural feel plus a green report card. Organiccotton is grown using methods that are easy onthe earth. Its production focuses on maintainingsoil fertility while reducing the use of toxicinsecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Due to consumers’ interest in the earth-friendlybenefits of organic cotton products, global pro-duction has increased by a whopping 53 percentfrom the 2005/2006 season to 2006/2007.According to the Organic Exchange, global organiccotton sales were projected to spike to $2.6 bil-lion by the end of 2008 (up from $583 millionin 2005). The U.S. currently produces only about3 percent of the world’s organic cotton.

The best way to get started is to look for organiccotton basics in everything from t-shirts andunderwear to socks when you need to replacethese items. Organic basics are more readilyavailable today than ever before—you can findthem at many mainstream chain stores (evenWalmart sells organic cotton basics) and onlineretailers such as www.ecowise.com. The cost dif-ferential for these products, especially at dis-count retailers, is minimal for basic items. Whenfactors like style and brand name enter theorganic cotton arena, prices tend to inch up abit higher.

Look for the certified organic stamp on anyproducts you buy—it shows that your cotton has been third-party certified to be organic. By putting your money into more earth-friendly,sustainable products, you will help fan the flameof increasing demand for organic and sustainablecotton products, which, in turn, will encouragemore farmers to convert their farmland into pesticide-free zones.

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Adding Organic Cotton Into Your Closet

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Organic cotton products are now available at all pricelevels. ©istockphoto.com/Oktay Ortakcioglu

Week Five: Green Your Wardrobe Chapter 7

Once a fiber like cotton has made itsway through harvesting, it goes througha number of production processes before

it lands as a finished garment on a rack in astore. These typically also involve potentiallyharmful chemicals, many of which are found asresidues in the finished product. Do these affectour health?

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Green IdeaBecause organic cotton production is costly to farmers—and to manufacturers andretailers as a result—there is a movement afoot in the U.S. to help more farmers convert tofarming practices that are more sustainable and use fewer pesticides, even if they are notcertified organic. This direction has been launched by the Sustainable Cotton Project (SCP),which works directly with conventional growers to help them implement reduced-riskfarming methods that work for them. The result of the SCP’s efforts is a new product calledCleaner Cotton. The SCP says that, in 2007, two organic cotton farmers growing 240 acresin California reduced chemical use by just over 500 pounds. In contrast, the 22 farmersgrowing Cleaner Cotton on 2,000 acres reduced chemical use by about 2,000 pounds. You can also look for the sustainable Cleaner Cotton moniker in-store when shopping forgreener clothing.

Clothing Production, Chemicals, and Your Health

How do processing dyes and chemicals affect us?©istockphoto.com/Daniel MAR

Some studies indicate the presence of thesechemicals may, in fact, affect the health of thewearer, causing allergies, eczema, and even can-cer. One example is the now-banned benzidine,a manufactured chemical that was used to pro-duce dyes and has been linked to an increasedrisk of bladder cancer. In addition, most conven-tional fabric dyes contain carcinogenic heavymetals like arsenic and mercury as well asformaldehyde, a skin irritant that has also beenlinked to cancer.

A Danish study was completed in 2000 by thecountry’s Environmental Protection Agency. The report, entitled “Chemicals in Textiles,”found that chemicals in clothing could causeskin irritations, allergic reactions, asthma, andbronchitis. The study’s researchers found 27 sub-stances that they denoted as an environmentalrisk (from washing out of clothing into sewagesystems) as well as a health risk to retail storeworkers and consumers. These included nicotine,phthalates, and heavy metals such as lead, tin,arsenic, and mercury.

There are few sure-fire ways to avoid all of thechemicals involved in a garment’s productionfrom start to finish. Unbleached organic cottonis an excellent start. Some clothing brands aretouting their products as “Azo-Free,” which meansthey are free of potentially carcinogenic azodyes. Others promote their products as having“low-impact” dyes. To date, neither of theseclaims is monitored or regulated. In the end,when adding new pieces into your wardrobe,your best bet is to look for earth-consciousclothing brands that focus on the integrity oftheir garments’ manufacture.

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Eco FactDid you know the main ingredient inpolyester is petroleum? To manufacturethe prolific polyester fiber, crude oil isbroken down into petrochemicals andconverted with heat. In addition todepleting our fossil fuel supply, poly-ester production also releases nitrogenand carbon dioxide into the air.

Green IdeaAfter harvest, all cotton endures alitany of processes to reach its finalstages. One of these is bleaching, wherecotton is whitened with chlorine bleach.This process releases the carcinogendioxin, which is a known hormone disruptor. Toxic dyes are also used inmany cases to color cotton products.The best way to be green and avoidthese unhealthy and polluting processesis to choose organic cotton productsthat are not bleached and dyed—or thatare dyed with low-impact pigments.

Week Five: Green Your Wardrobe Chapter 7

In addition, bamboo boasts a built-in naturaldefense against bacteria, meaning that it does notrequire the use of pesticides to grow abundantly.This natural feature also translates itself into thebamboo fiber, even after it has been processed.This lends an anti-bacterial quality to clothingproduced with bamboo fibers, which are alsonotably odor-resistant and hypoallergenic. Onestudy conducted by the China Industrial TestingCenter found that bacteria introduced to a bamboo fabric were reduced by 99.8 percent ina 24-hour period.

In addition to organic cotton, there areseveral other alternative fabrics coming intothe eco spotlight today. Most are more sus-

tainable because their production involves fewerpesticides for growing and less chemicals forprocessing. As you buy new pieces to complementyour wardrobe in the future, consider purchasingclothing that has an eco conscience.

The Beauty of BambooBecause bamboo is the world’s fastest-growingplant, it is also the world’s most sustainable crop.This tall, lanky plant is actually classified as agrass and not a tree; it regenerates itself quicklythanks to a fast-spreading root network. Bamboocan also improve soil quality in the areas inwhich it grows.

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Choosing Earth-Friendly Fabrics

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Some species of bamboo can grow up to four feetin one day. ©istockphoto.com/pixhook

Bamboo accounts for 35 percent of the fibers in the Bamboo Crew socks from Bridgedale. ©Bridgedale

As a fabric, bamboo delivers a soft, silky feel dueto its smooth and round fiber structure. It is agood choice for active endeavors because it ishighly absorbent and breathable; it also remainstwo degrees cooler against the skin than wool orcotton. Of note is that bamboo does have somedownsides, including the fact that processingdoes require the use of caustic soda and otherchemicals.

Hallowed HempHemp was the first plant that was cultivated forits fiber for use in making cloth and clothing. Itsbast fibers, which come from the stalk of theplant, are one of the longest and softest naturalfibers on the planet. Hemp fabric is also naturallymold and mildew resistant. Hemp is anotherincredibly fast-growing plant that requires littleto no pesticides or herbicides to grow. It is, infact, used to control weeds in areas where othercrops are growing. Hemp also gives back to theearth by controlling erosion of topsoil and pro-ducing oxygen.

Hemp is the commonly accepted name for allplants in the genus Cannabis, but the “industrialhemp” used in the manufacture of everythingfrom clothing and textiles to paper and foods isonly distantly related to the Cannabis plant well-known for its use as a medicinal and recreationaldrug. Industrial hemp, which is produced prima-rily in Canada, France, and China, containsbelow .3 percent of THC, while Cannabis grownfor marijuana can contain anywhere from 6 to20 percent of this psychoactive drug.

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Green IdeaIn addition to all of its other virtues,bamboo also helps combat global warm-ing. This fast-growing plant sequestersfour times more carbon than a similarstand of trees and releases 35 percentmore oxygen into the environment. ThePlant a Boo campaign, launched byBooshoot (www.booshoot.com), aims toeducate the public about the environ-mental potential of bamboo. Booshootis a biotech company that has pioneeredthe tissue culture technology that helpsensure an ample supply of bambooplants for the future.

Hemp requires little to no pesticides to grow.©istockphoto.com/Richard Stamper

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The Power of WoolThe use of wool as a textile dates all the way backto 1500 B.C. It has a long and storied history as a fabric that provides incredible temperaturecontrol—giving warmth in cool weather (evenwhen wet) and displaying outstanding coolingproperties even when the heat rises. Shearedfrom sheep, wool is naturally resistant to bacteria,mold, and mildew; Merino is typically consideredthe gold standard. Wool is also a sustainablefiber that does not require the use of fossil fuelsin its production.

In North America, the retail market for hemptextiles and fabrics is booming; it surpassed$100 million in 2007 and is expected to contin-ue growing at a rate of 10 percent a year, accord-ing to the Hemp Industries Association. Untilrecently, the U.S. remained as the only “firstworld” country that was not planting industrialhemp, even though our country is one of thelargest importers. In June of 2008, a state lawwas passed to allow farmers to begin plantingindustrial hemp in Vermont.

Today, hemp has become a darling of the fash-ion world and is used by both moderately pricedclothing brands and a variety of notable couturedesigners in making style-driven clothing. It isoften combined with luxury fabrics such as silk,linen, or cashmere and styled into soft, modernsilhouettes. Additionally, brands such as Holdendeliver hemp-based clothing for active endeavorsand an entire website, www.hempest.com, hasbeen devoted to the sales of clothing and otherproducts made from industrial hemp.

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Eco FactMassive pesticide use has its effectson wildlife, as well. During a heavy rainstorm in Lawrence County, Alabama,in 1995, the commonly used pesticideendosulfan leached from cotton fieldsinto a local creek. Within days, 245,000fish were killed over a 16-mile section.In addition, a 1978 study of quail livingnear cotton fields that had been sprayedwith methyl parathion determined that35 percent had enough insecticide intheir bodies to cause sickness or death.

The upscale upstart Viridis Luxe uses hemp in a wide variety of its luxurious clothing designs. ©Andreea Radutoiu

Wool is a truly renewable resource. ©Icebreaker

There are also some downsides to wool. Thepresence of pests like ticks and lice in sheep’swool causes farmers to sometimes dip their ani-mals in organophosphate pesticides, an act thatcreates health risks for the animals, the farmworkers, and the local water supply. Other animalsundergo mulesing, where strips of wool-bearingskin are removed to control parasites. Some herdsof sheep are also regularly given hormones andantibiotics to increase their yields.

To ensure your wool is earth- and animal-friendly,look for clothing manufacturers that provide a“transparent” supply chain (meaning they revealhow they produce and process their products)or those that use certified organic or Pure GrowWool. The latter is a program that designatesthat its farmers use no chemicals, pesticides, orartificial materials in their sheep’s environment.In addition, all grazing pastures must be free ofpesticides for at least two years and any supple-mental feed is organic. Shearing takes place in aclean and humane manner. Finally, the packingand cleaning process for the shorn wool must bechemical-free as well.

While Pure Grow and organic wool products canbe slightly more expensive, these products aredurable, meaning you will get your money’sworth and your eco-conscience will rest easy. In the past few years, wool apparel has beengaining in popularity, especially in active andsport applications. Part of this is due to moderndesign philosophies that present wool clothingthat is soft, comfortable, stylish, and efficient.

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Green Idea

Soy fabric, made from proteins extractedduring the making of tofu, was developedin China in the late 1990s and is alsogaining popularity as a more earth-friendly choice for clothing, especiallysince it minimizes waste and does notrequire any additional pesticides or herbicides for its production.

The Icebreaker Merino wool clothing company utilizessustainable production, ethical manufacturing, and atransparent supply chain. ©Icebreaker

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COOLMAX has also recently launched a similarfiber called EcoTech, which has a performancefocus. It is also made from recycled plastic bottles.

It just doesn’t get much more sustainable thantaking a product out of the waste stream andusing it to replace other products that utilizefossil fuels in their manufacture. Clothing con-taining recycled fibers is becoming much morereadily available and prices remain on par or justslightly higher than conventional pieces.

An inspiring response to the world’smounting problems with the disposal ofplastic PET bottles (like those used for

soda, water, etc.) is the development of recycledfibers like Eco-fi (formerly known as Ecospun).Eco-fi is a high-quality polyester fiber made from100-percent-certified recycled plastic PET bottles—it is used for textile products ranging from jack-ets and pants to home furnishings and carpets.

This modern, eco-conscious fiber has inherentproperties such as strength, softness, and shrinkage-resistance and it is often blended withother fibers like cotton and wool. It takes aboutten plastic PET bottles to make one pound ofEco-fi fiber. It is estimated that Eco-fi has thecapacity to keep almost three billion plastic bottles out of landfills each year and eliminate400,000 tons of planet-affecting emissions.

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Choosing Recycled Clothing

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Patagonia delivers an eco-friendly package in this top,which is made from 37 percent recycled polyester and63 percent chlorine-free Merino wool. ©Patagonia

About 10 plastic bottles go into the making ofBillabong’s Project BLUE Shockwave boardshort,which is made from Eco-Supreme recycled PET material. ©Billabong

An eco-friendly collective designconsciousness has emerged in the fashionworld, meaning that those who are fash-

ion-conscious and eco-conscious no longer haveto sacrifice style. A variety of designers are get-ting into the game, from Donna Karan, who runsthe Urban Zen initiative which markets organicand natural fashions, to Stella McCartney, whohas always put the onus on environmentallysound style.

This direction also means that the environmentis taking center stage, right on the runways ofthe world. In fact, in 2008, hemp hit the heightof style when clothing made of the sustainablefiber by well-known designers was on display inthe FutureFashion eco-fashion show that washoused at the Barneys New York flagship store.To give it extra punch, this event coincided withNew York Fashion Week, where all the majorAmerican designers present their new collec-tions on the runway.

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Green IdeaNearly 12 million tons of textiles were produced in 2006. Interestingly, about 5 percent of the trash that goes into landfills each year comes from textiles. One easy way to keep your wardrobe green is by recycling your own clothing when it has worn out—or worn out itswelcome in your closet. Since the average American throws out 68 pounds of clothing andtextiles per year, getting yours to Goodwill or the Salvation Army (both of which play a crucialrole in keeping textiles out of our waste stream) will do the planet good. These charities willsort your clothing and determine whether it will be sold to support charitable efforts in theU.S., made into cloths and rags, or shipped overseas to countries with people in need. There,someone that makes $200 a year can purchase a pair of clean, usable pants for about 34cents. The environment-focused outdoor sports clothing giant Patagonia also offers a recyclingprogram for its own Capilene layers, fleece, and cotton t-shirts as well as Polartec fleece fromall manufacturers. Items can be dropped off in Patagonia stores or mailed to the company’sReno, Nevada, distribution center. See www.patagonia.com for details.

The Green Style Movement

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Week Five: Green Your Wardrobe Chapter 7

Eco-conscious consumers have so many choicestoday that it’s easy to add green pieces into theirwardrobe. It is important, however, to be on thelookout for “greenwashing,” which is defined bythose manufacturers and retailers who simplycapitalize on the earth-friendly trend by toutingtheir merchandise as green even if it is not.

Some companies are combating this by offeringproduct traceability, a feature that reveals a supply chain that is truly eco-friendly. For example, Walmart offers an inside look into its Love, Earth jewelry line by unveiling where itis sourced and produced. New Zealand-basedIcebreaker even offers a “Baacode” on its woolproducts; consumers who enter this specificnumber into Icebreaker’s website can learnabout the farm where their wool was producedand learn about the manufacturing process. By choosing to support ethical clothing compa-nies and putting your money into the greenfashion movement, you will make a significantimpact on its future growth.

Even purveyors of fashion are getting into theeco game. In 2007, Saks Fifth Avenue convertedits extravagant Fifth Avenue Christmas display to LED lights, which drastically reduced energyconsumption. The luxury department store chainalso has an online shop, called “Green House:Home of Eco Smart Style,” for eco-consciousdesigner fashions and jewelry made from recycledmaterials.

Such a movement was sure to spawn an eco-fashion magazine. Today, the newly launchedBoho Magazine (www.bohomag.com) is solelyfocused on eco-conscious, stylish living.

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High style takes the high road; lines like Viridis Luxefocus on using sustainable fabrics and productionmethods. ©Andreea Radutoiu

Green on the CheapGreen style doesn’t have to beexpensive. After successfully rollingout clothing lines made with hemp,bamboo, organic cotton, and soyapparel in Canada, the discountmega-retailer COSTCO has recentlyintroduced an organic cotton cloth-ing program with HTnaturals in theUnited States.

As with clothing, there can be awealth of problems involved with the production of everything from shoes to

handbags. Many accessories are fashioned withleather that, at first glance, may appear to be arenewable, earth-friendly resource. But, leatheris tanned using a toxic mixture of chemicals,including mineral salts, formaldehyde, and oilsand dyes that are oftentimes cyanide-based.These chemicals are concerning because theycan harm workers and get flushed into the watersupply if not properly disposed of.

Another un-green option for the manufacture ofaccessories is polyvinyl chloride, which is betterknown as vinyl or PVC. During production, PVCgives off dioxins that are considered to be harm-ful carcinogens that may attack the immune system. Additionally, PVC also contains chemicalscalled phthalates, which are believed to causereproductive disorders. Like vinyl shower curtains,PVC accessories can also off-gas these chemicalsinto the air in your home (and elsewhere) whenthey are new.

There are earth-friendly options for accessoriestoday, including products made from sustainablefibers like organic cotton, hemp, soy, or wool.Some makers of leather accessories also offerproducts that have more integrity than thosewhich are conventionally produced. When shop-ping for accessories to fill a functional need orsimply update your wardrobe, be on the lookoutfor items that are clearly green in one way oranother.

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Buying Green Accessories

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The new END Footwear line focuses on creating shoesthat have the least amount of impact on the earth aspossible. ©END Footwear

Green on the CheapPayless ShoeSource has launched a lineof affordable, earth-friendly shoes andhandbags made from materials likehemp, organic cotton, and linen. Theshoes, which will be produced usingbiodegradable glues and recycled rubberoutsoles, will ship in recycled boxes andretail for an average of under $30.

Week Five: Green Your Wardrobe Chapter 7

1. Look for organic cotton options when shopping for basic clothing items like t-shirts, socks, underwear,and pajamas.

2. When shopping for other clothing items like pants, shirts, and activewear, look for eco-friendly materialslike hemp, bamboo, soy, and sustainably produced wool.

3. Also look for clothing companies that offer “transparency,” which is a view into their manufacturingmethods and environmental impacts.

4. To help keep untold amounts of plastic bottles out of landfills, choose products made with the recycledPET fibers Eco-fi or EcoTech when you are shopping for new wardrobe items.

5. Recycle your own unwanted clothing (instead of sending it to a landfill) by taking it a Salvation Army orGoodwill location.

6. When feasible, choose eco-conscious accessories that are made from recycled or earth-friendly materials.

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Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week Five

©istockphoto.com/Floortje

When it comes to caring for ourbest suits, dresses, and sweaters, mostof us head straight to the dry cleaner

for gentle, consistent care in a professional environment. But, what many consumers don’tknow is that the majority of cleaners acrossAmerica use an incredibly toxic chemical toprocess their clothes—one that could also beharming their health.

Perchloroethylene (also know as perc or tetra-chloroethylene) is widely used for dry-cleaningfabrics but it is a harmful solvent that the EPAdeclares is of known human toxicity and also ahazardous air pollutant. Its short-term healtheffects include headaches, nausea, and dizziness;it is also believed to cause infertility and somecancers in cases of long-term exposure. In fact, a Consumers Union study has reported that consumers who wear newly dry-cleaned clothingonce a week over a 40-year span could breathein enough perc to increase their risk of cancer by 150 times.

About 85 percent of the estimated 25,000 to35,000 dry cleaners across the country still useabout 140 gallons of perc each year. This chemi-cal can easily make its way into the air supply (it is a contributor to smog) and groundwater,thus potentially contaminating local drinkingwater. Up until the mid-1980s, it was legal fordry cleaners to pour perc right down the drain.

A few alternative dry-cleaning options areemerging, but these are not available in everyarea. Wet cleaning is a much greener processthat utilizes water and biodegradable soaps, butquality results can be spotty, so try to get a rec-ommendation for a cleaner using this method.Another eco-conscious process uses liquid car-bon dioxide, but the detergents used containpotentially harmful volatile organic compounds.You can locate a greener cleaner near you bychecking out www.nodryclean.com or you canlimit your exposure to perc by following thisshort tip list from the Sierra Club:

1. Remove the wrapper from your dry-cleanedclothing outside or in the garage instead ofinside your home and let clothing air out forfour to five days before wearing.

2. As you update your wardrobe, look to cloth-ing that does not require dry cleaning.

3. Dry clean clothing only when absolutelynecessary—experts recommend spot cleaningregularly and dry cleaning once a year.

4. Confirm that your dry cleaner has a certifiedwaste hauler to remove perc, which helpsensure it does not make its way into yourlocal drinking water and ecosystems.

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A 2006 ruling on air toxics standardsincludes a phase-outof perc machineslocated in residential buildings by 2020. ©istockphoto.com/Frances Twitty

TrueGreen: Choosing a Green Dry Cleaner

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Whether you’re ready to take theplunge into matrimonial bliss and buythat wedding ring or are coveting a

glamorous new piece of luxury jewelry, a littlebit of awareness will help you do it in a mannerthat is respectful of the earth and its inhabitants.The mining of metals like gold and silver and thetrade of gemstones like diamonds can be haz-ardous to both.

The use and disposal of cyanide, a well-knownpoison, comes into play with gold mining.Cyanide solutions are used to dissolve andextract gold, but they are acutely toxic tohumans and even more harmful to wildlife,which can react severely even to low exposures.These solutions can also leach into groundwaterand soil, causing additional environmental con-cerns. A breach in a tailings dam at a gold minein Romania in 2000 released 100,000 cubicmeters of cyanide-ridden waste. The results weredevastating—nearly all the fish in local waterswere killed and drinking water was shut off forover 2.5 million people.

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SuperGreen: Buying Fine Jewelry with a Conscience

What can you do to support sustainable miningpractices and minimize your jewelry’s impact onthe planet? Beyond purchasing antique or estatejewelry to extend its useful life or recycling oldgold into new forms, consumers can ask theirjeweler where—and how—their gold or silver was mined. Other resources for responsible mining are www.responsiblegold.org andwww.greenkarat.com.

When it comes to diamonds, you may already be familiar with the well-publicized social issuesinvolved with diamond trading. Sometimescalled “blood diamonds” or “conflict diamonds,”these precious, sparkling gemstones are the subject of great controversy. Almost half of theworld’s diamonds are mined in war-rackedAfrican nations, where they are sold to financewar efforts or a warlord’s activities.

When purchasing a diamond for any purpose,check with your jewelry retailer to ensure that it is a conflict-free diamond, from which theprofits were not used to fund wars or minedunder unethical conditions. You can also ask fora KPCS (Kimberly Process Certification Scheme)Certificate of Origin. This program was imple-mented by a large group of diamond-tradingcountries in 2002 to set standards to stop illegallytraded conflict diamonds from entering the ethical diamond market. Remember that onlycertified diamonds can be traced to their source.This choice may cost you a little bit more for thefinal purchase but your clear conscience will lasta lifetime.Buying a “conflict diamond” supports brutal war

efforts in impoverished African countries. ©istockphoto.com/Mark Evans

Living naturally without harmful chemicals is a beautiful thing. ©istockphoto.com/Quavondo Nguyen

The typical American routine involves waking up andpreparing to head into the world—but not before applying a litanyof personal care products. We shower with soap, shampoo, and

conditioner and lather up with shaving cream. We clean our teeth witha dollop of toothpaste and rub on some deodorant. Many slather onmoisturizers, put on makeup, and swish around some mouthwash. Thegrand finale often includes splashing on a touch of aftershave or perfume.

The personal care products industry rings in about $40 billion a year.It’s no wonder—a survey of over 2,300 people conducted by theEnvironmental Working Group (EWG) determined that the averageadult uses nine personal care products each day (one quarter of womensurveyed, however, used at least 15 products). The caveat of the studywas that EWG determined these nine products were concocted with anarray of 126 unique chemical ingredients.

While the personal care process makes us feel particularly polished andclean, it is typically anything but green. As a matter of fact, many of theingredients in average, everyday personal care products are hazardouschemicals that can make their way into our bloodstreams and cells plusthe water supply of our neighborhoods and local ecosystems.

This chapter will share the downsides of beauty and personal care products and define how you can find safer, chemical-free selections.Because when it comes to the health of the planet and your family,green is particularly beautiful.

8Week Six: Green Is Beautiful

The preponderance of personal careproducts—from simple soap and tooth-paste to specialized creams and a palette

of makeup—on the market today help make usfeel that we need an arsenal to keep ourselvesclean and polished. This belief is bolstered by theforce of the multi-million-dollar ad campaignsthat accompany these products.

Unfortunately, this could be bad for our health,in large part, because the personal care productindustry remains relatively unregulated. The U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) places norestrictions on the ingredients that go into makingbeauty products—it actually looks to the makersof these products to conduct their own safetytesting but does not require them to do so.

According to the EWG, nearly 90 percent of the10,500 ingredients that the FDA has determinedare used in personal care products have neverbeen tested for safety by any group or organiza-tion, including the FDA and the industry’s self-policing safety panel. As a result, most conven-tional products are packed with ingredients of a dubious nature, including known humancarcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and toxinslike coal tar. Some even contain harmful components like lead, mercury, and petroleumbyproducts.

We put this mix right onto our skin and into ourmouths, which is how they get direct access toour body’s systems. Our skin is the largest organin our bodies—and it absorbs everything we putonto it. Unlike food, which is filtered by ourstomachs, what we put on our skin can headdirectly into our bloodstream. In fact, studieshave discovered common cosmetic ingredientsin human tissue, including preservativeparabens in breast tumor tissue.

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Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep

The inhabitants of your bathroom cabinet may have a dark side. ©istockphoto.com/Kevin Brown

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If you’re wondering how all of this has hap-pened, you are not alone. A number of largeconsumer-interest groups have been calling forreform to this dysfunctional system for years.What can you do to protect yourself and theplanet?

The affects of personal care products don’t stopwith human health; they extend directly into theenvironment. A Centers for Disease Control andPrevention study on human exposure to plasti-cizers called phthalates found that this commonpersonal care product ingredient ended up inthe urine samples of study subjects. Via humanexcretions, along with being washed down thedrain in the shower and tub, these chemicals areentering the water supply chain and possiblypassing through treatment plants and out toaffect wildlife. Some studies have also found thepresence of personal care product ingredients inrivers and streams in the U.S.

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Do Some Housecleaning in the Bathroom

The first step in cleansing yourselfof the chemical cocktails in your toiletriesis to rid your bathroom of its most harmful

inhabitants. Grab your shampoos, toothpastes,hand soaps, body washes, creams and lotions,and cosmetics and place them all on a well-litcountertop where you can line up the defendants.Use the list on the next two pages to compareand contrast the ingredients in each. You mayneed a small magnifying glass to take a hard lookat the ingredients found in the label’s fine print.

Do they contain any—or perhaps several—of themost offensive ingredients? If so, you may justwant to toss this product in the trash and saveyour body the burden of dealing with the harmful chemicals you’re using every day.

Cost Meter: to

Which items need to go? ©istockphoto.com/Steve Smith

If the ingredient roundup doesn’t appear harm-ful at first glance but the list appears long andunfamiliar, you may simply want to use up theproduct and then convert to a natural alternative.No doubt, it would be an expensive endeavor toreplace all the products in your bathroom atonce. So, rid yourself of the worst and replacethe others with healthier, more planet-friendlyoptions as they run out.

And remember, just because a manufacturertouts its product as “organic” or “all-natural”doesn’t mean that it is. Be wary of any claimslike this, especially if the ingredient list doesn’tcontain “certified organic” ingredients or it lookslike a chemical concoction.

You may also want to determine if you can usefewer products in the future and decrease yourrisk and impact. Another positive, wide-sweep-ing move is to choose fragrance-free products.Fragrances are usually harsh chemicals that cancause allergic reactions, so scan your product’singredient label—if the word “fragrance” appearsthere, it is not fragrance-free.

10 Key Ingredients to AvoidThe following is a list of the 10 most offensiveingredients to watch out for, some of which havebeen culled from the EWG’s “What Not to Buy”List. If you can keep these ingredients out of theproducts you use, you’re off to a good start.

1. Triclosan: This ingredient, which is used innearly all antibacterial products from soapsto toothpastes, has been detected in studiesof nursing mother’s breast milk. It producescarcinogenic and birth-defect-causing dioxinswhen exposed to sunlight, which means italso harms the environment. There is alsoconcern that antibacterial products, whichwipe out all bad and good bacteria, willcause bacteria resistance in the future.

2. Phthalates: This chemical is a plasticizerthat has been shown to cause male sex organdamage such as sperm damage and infertility.Its presence in nail polish is also a concern,especially for pregnant women. Watch outfor it in your products; it usually hides underthe moniker “Fragrance.”

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Green on the CheapThe EWG offers an excellent source for information on a vast array of products on themarket today via its Skin Deep cosmetic safety database, www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. It actually pairs ingredients in over 38,000 products against 50 toxicity and regulatorydatabases and provides toxicity ratings for each product and ingredient. The site allowsyou to enter a product category or even a specific product’s name to gain further informa-tion about ingredients and their danger level.

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7. Coal Tar: This known carcinogen is utilizedas an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos,anti-itch creams, and product dyes like FD&CBlue 1, which is used in toothpaste, andFD&C Green 3, which is used in mouthwash.

8. Nanoparticles: These trendy, tiny particlesare touted as making products like sunscreenmore blendable, but some experts believethey may also damage brain cells and redblood cells. Nanoparticles are extremely diffi-cult to ID on ingredient labels—either lookfor “nano metals” or “buckeyeballs” or buyproducts that claim to not have this ingredi-ent in their mix.

9. 1,4-Dioxane: Also called dioxane, this ingredient, which is a known animal carcino-gen and a probable human carcinogen, is frequently used as a solvent in items likeshampoo and body wash. Look for it in products marked as containing sodium laureth sulfate and also those that contain“PEG,” “polyethylene,” “polyethylene glycol,”“polyoxyethylene,” “polyethoxyethylene,” or “polyoxynolethylene.”

10. Mercury and Lead: Brain-damaging mercurycan show up as thimerosal or phenyl mercuricacetate in some mascara brands. Lead, whichhas been banned by the government fromhouse paint, is still common as lead acetatein black hair dyes for men and in hydratedsilica, a toothpaste ingredient.

3. Fragrance: Fragrances, in general, are goodto avoid because they are a “loophole” ingre-dient—companies don’t have to reveal any of the potentially hundreds of chemicals in fragrances. As such, they often hideendocrine-disrupting phthalates, amongother things. While a good-smelling productcan be appealing, know that its ultimate consequences may not be.

4. Parabens: This preservative is highly com-mon in toiletries but it can break down intoa form that causes estrogenic activity inhuman breast cancer cells. It can show up onlabels in many forms, including butyl-, ethyl-,isobutyl-, methyl-, and propylparaben.

5. Petroleum Byproducts: It may be hard tobelieve, but petroleum is a hardworking, prolific ingredient in the cosmetics industry—it shows up in everything from face cream to baby shampoo. Steer clear of any productthat lists any form of petroleum or liquidparaffin (also known as mineral oil) as aningredient.

6. Hydroquinone: Even the FDA has recentlywarned against using skin lighteners withthis allergenic ingredient, which is a poten-tial carcinogen. This bleaching chemical canalso cause ochronosis, a skin disease thatcauses lesions.

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Your best defense is a good offensewith personal care products—today, read-ing ingredient labels before you buy is a

crucial step to self-preservation. You’ll also bedoing your part to make sure the chemicals inthese products don’t impact the planet.

As such, your next step is to become a label-conscious, informed consumer and buy onlyproducts that feature ingredients you can livewith. In fact, besides buying truly organic andnatural products, the best thing you can do isto take the time to stop in the store aisle andcarefully read the label of what you’re contem-plating to buy before you do so.

Use the list provided on the previous page totake the chemicals and toxins out of your dailyrepertoire. You can photocopy it and take italong on your next shopping excursion. Soonenough, you’ll have these harmful ingredientsmemorized and be able to breeze through theaisles, picking the products that are toxin-free.Your due diligence will be a savvy move that willhelp preserve your health and the health of theenvironment as well. For, as you can see, conven-tional beauty and personal care products’ reachis definitely more than skin deep.

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Reading Ingredient Labels Before You Buy

Cost Meter: $0

Know before you swish. ©istockphoto.com/Claudio Baldini

Eco FactThe concern about cosmetics andother personal care products extendsfar beyond the health concerns involvedwith their daily use. Since these productsoften contain a variety of industrialchemicals, they also need to be kept outof the reach of children. According tothe American Association of PoisonControl Centers, more than one millionpoisonings of children under the age ofsix were reported in 2002 from theingestion of household products, withcosmetics and personal care products atthe top of the “poisons” list.

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Where can you shop for natural products? Yourlocal health food store will likely have a solidselection of products you can count on, but youcan always fall back on your label-reading skillsjust to be sure. Many other conventional stores,including chain grocery and drug stores, do offeran alternative selection of products that aremostly chemical-free, as well. Additionally, thereis a wealth of online retailers and companiesthat focus on the pure and natural:

� www.futurenatural.com

� www.apeacefulcompany.com

� www.bewellstaywell.com

� www.drhauschka.com

� www.sheaterraorganics.com

� www.sukipure.com

� www.moporganics.com

� www.live-live.com

� www.tomsofmaine.com

� For a listing of even more companies that make natural personal care products, check out www.greenproductsalliance.com.

In addition to scanning ingredient labelsbefore you buy, looking for truly natural andcertified organic personal care products will

take your toiletries back to basics. Many of thesegreener options are equally as (or even more)effective as their conventional counterparts. Dueto consumer awareness of the health risks withconventional products, the natural personal caremarket is growing in leaps and bounds. In fact,according to a report published by Packaged Facts,the market surpassed $2.6 billion in 2004, anumber that represented over 50 percent growthsince 1998. Most natural personal care productsare only slightly higher in price, a fact that willkeep your budget intact when shopping for theitems that will stock your bathroom cabinets.

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Switching to “Green” Personal Care Products

Cost Meter:

Green up your bathroom with chemical-free products.©istockphoto.com/Pali Rao

There are so many products to consider, youmay be left wondering where to begin even afteryou’ve purged your cabinets of the worst offend-ers. Read on for specific information on andwarnings about some of the key items you likelyuse every day and how to protect the planet andyour health with natural choices. If knowledge is power, then this primer will hopefully helpempower and give you the ability to make posi-tive, eco-friendly changes in your day-to-day life.

Lathering UpSoaps, facial cleansers, bubble bath, shower gels,and shampoos lather up with fluffy, thick bub-bles that make us feel impeccably clean.Interestingly, it is the creation of this featurethat can make these products anything buthealthy. Most of the conventional versions ofthese products are made with surfactants, achemical that enhances a product’s bubblingand spreading abilities.

Surfactants fall under a group of chemicalscalled sulfates, typically listed as sodium laurylsulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)on product labels, and the related chemicalsdiethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolomine (MEA),and triethanolomine (TEA). Watch out for theseingredient list busters as well; they can severelydry out skin and hair, contain petroleum, and,even worse, create the carcinogen dioxane as abyproduct.

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Eco FactAs a reminder that label-reading is your best defense, a new study commissioned by the Organic ConsumersAssociation found the presence of carcinogenic ingredient 1,4-Dioxanein a few of the leading “natural” and“organic” brand personal care products(none of which are certified under theUSDA National Organic Program). Thereport notes that these companies useethoxylation, a cheap shortcut that provides mildness to harsh ingredients,which requires the use of EthyleneOxide, a petrochemical that generates1,4-Dioxane as a byproduct.

Are your bubbles derived from sulfates?©istockphoto.com/Jyn Meyer

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An EWG study, which tested 192 types of tooth-paste, found some concerning results about thenature of a number of ingredients. A full 65 ofthe products contained potentially cancer-causing ingredients. Additionally, 44 percentcontained harmful impurities and 19 percentwere concocted with “penetration enhancers,”which actually increase the user’s exposure tothe carcinogens and other potentially harmfulingredients contained in the product.

While there are numerous healthier options onthe market today, picking out toothpaste thateliminates these harmful ingredients from itsblend but also satisfies our dental care needs istricky business. Some purely natural productsmay not give you the cavity protection you’relooking for. If you’re in the market for a productthat will help ward off extra trips to the dentist,look for natural toothpaste that also offers adose of fluoride.

Beyond health concerns, using toothpaste thatcontains dangerous chemicals can also affect ourwater supply. A 2007 study conducted of watersamples taken from the San Francisco Bay foundan amazing brew of potential toxins.

Read your labels and look for products that pro-mote themselves as “sulfate-free.” You might geta lower sudsing action in these cleansers, butyou’ll rest easy knowing you’re putting fewertoxins into your system—and down the draininto the water supply.

Another unusual ingredient that is common inshampoos, including baby shampoo, is formalde-hyde, which is used in some preservatives. Thispotent chemical is a neurotoxin and a knowncause for cancer, so be on the lookout for itspresence in your products as well.

Brushing UpPlentiful suds have also become a part of ourdaily dental routine, which is due to the pres-ence of sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates intoothpaste. The average tooth cleaning mixtureis also packed with potentially carcinogenicparabens, sweeteners, and other chemicals inthe form of artificial colors and flavors.

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Green on the CheapLiquid and bar soaps are a multi-billion-dollar industry. When it comes to the bar, however, conventional andglycerin soaps are good options to avoid,because they typically contain phthalate-packed fragrances and harmful dyes.There are many inexpensive, natural bar soaps on the market today that usesimple, effective ingredients.

What’s on your toothbrush? ©istockphoto.com/Duncan Walker

Researchers found phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA),and triclosan, all chemicals that are suspected of disrupting hormone systems in humans andwildlife. It is believed that these ingredientsleached out of personal care products such astoothpaste and soap through household watersystems. This research suggests that modernsewage treatment plants are not designed tocapture the synthetic chemicals that are used in these types of products.

Sweat EquityThe first commercial deodorant was developedin 1888, but it wasn’t until after World War IIthat Americans truly embraced the value of thisodor-reducing product. Today, staying sweat- andodor-free in the U.S. has spawned a $2 billionindustry of antiperspirants and deodorants inevery incarnation imaginable, from solids to wipes.

What’s the difference between a deodorant andan antiperspirant? While both work to combatodor, deodorants actually fight to inhibit thegrowth of the bacteria that cause odor.Antiperspirants, on the other hand, actually stopperspiration by blocking up the pores. Somebelieve this process actually keeps toxins in thebody that would normally be purged throughsweating.

Because of their different modes of operation,these two products fall under separate FDA clas-sifications. Deodorants are listed as a cosmeticthat functions only on the skin’s surface.Antiperspirants rank as an over-the-counter drugbecause they change the way the body functions.

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Eco FactAll cosmetics and personal careproduct companies are required by lawto post a warning label on products thathave not been assessed for safety. Thelabel should state: “Warning: The safetyof this product has not been determined.”While you might find this label on someproducts, it may be a moot point, as theindustry’s compliance with this is incon-sistent. The FDA issued a warning tothe industry in 2005, as a result of apetition from the EWG, stating that theagency was serious about enforcingthe law. It is estimated that this kind ofenforcement could result in the labelappearing on more than 99 percent ofthe market’s personal care products, notall of which have been tested for safety.

Stick deodorants can be packed with harmful ingredients. ©istockphoto.com/Lev Olkha

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The natural personal care market offers a widevariety of options that are less reliant on chemi-cals to get the job done. One solid choice is theunusual “crystal” or “rock” antiperspirant, whichis composed of ammonium alum or potassiumalum.

While chemical-derived fragrances are oftenused in conventional products, natural versionstypically rely on bacteria-fighting herbs like rose-mary, chamomile, and extracts of green tea.Look for these in the products you buy if a freshscent is on your list of requirements. Also,because even natural stick deodorants containpropylene glycol, choose creams or roll-onsinstead if you’d like to avoid this ingredient.

Protecting SafelyThere is no denying the vitamin D-packed valueand pure enjoyment of basking in the sun. Butwith the rewards of this infinitely renewableresource also comes risk. Skin cancer is the mostcommon form of cancer in the U.S.—over onemillion cases are diagnosed each year. In fact,according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one infive Americans will develop skin cancer over thecourse of their lifetime.

Both products do have one thing in common,which is a makeup that contains a number ofchemicals that can be harmful to consumers.Deodorants contain the active ingredient triclosan,which is a widely used antibacterial agent. Whiletriclosan is not necessarily immediately harmfulto users, it is suspected that this ingredientcould encourage bacterial resistance in the envi-ronment. In fact, a study by Tufts UniversityMedical School in Boston found that triclosan’swidespread use may be triggering bacteria toevolve strains that are resistant to antibacterialchemicals. This event would put people withweaker immune systems, such as children andthe elderly, at greater risk to infection.

Deodorants also contain a mother lode (up to 80 percent of the entire product) of propyleneglycol, a solvent that preserves moisture. It isalso a potential neurotoxin that can trigger contact dermatitis, enlarged sweat glands, cysts,and respiratory irritation.

Antiperspirants cover both the odor and sweatfront, but they also lay claim to some concern-ing ingredients. Number one is aluminum saltslike aluminum chlorohydrate, the active ingredi-ent in this product. These can also cause skinirritation and the cumulative effects of alu-minum exposure have been linked toAlzheimer’s disease.

About 20 years ago, scientists discovered thatthe brains of people with Alzheimer’s displayedhigh levels of aluminum. At the time, many putthe onus on aluminum-containing antiperspi-rants and eliminated those from their medicinecabinets. Since then, a variety of studies havebatted the aluminum-Alzheimer’s link back andforth with varying results.

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A daily dose of vitamin D can lower your cancer risk.©istockphoto.com/Christian Wheatley

While these facts may make us want to slatheron an extra helping of sunscreen before headinginto the great outdoors, it’s important to under-stand the downsides of sun protection, as well. A recent study conducted by the EWG looked atthe ingredients of approximately 1,000 brand-name sunscreens. The findings included the factthat four out of five sunscreens evaluated eithercontained harmful chemicals or did not provideadequate protection from the sun’s damaging rays.

Part of the problem lies in the fact that the FDAhas yet to finalize the sunscreen standards thatwere announced over 30 years ago. Like all otherpersonal care products, sunscreens remain rela-tively unregulated.

One of the more potent chemical ingredients insunscreens is benzophene, which can cause rashesand has been shown to stimulate growth inbreast cancer cells in some studies. Padimate-O,a derivative of PABA, is another potentially dan-gerous ingredient; in some studies it has causedDNA damage, which could be a precursor to cancer.

As you might imagine, there are also more natu-ral sunscreen options available today, many ofwhich can be found at your health food store.The EWG also offers a database of safer sunscreenoptions at http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/index.php.

Due to the nature of the product, some naturalversions may still contain a few questionableingredients, so sun worshipers may want to simply consider spending less time in the mostharmful rays. Find some shade, stay indoors, orcover up properly during the hours between10am and 4pm. Self-tanning creams also offeran excellent sun-free option to obtaining abronzed tone; these have even been shown toreduce the risk of skin cancer because the chem-ically induced pigmentation absorbs a smallamount of UV rays.

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Green IdeaIs a daily dose of sun-drenched vitamin D important? A 2008 study published in theArchives of Internal Medicine showed that study participants with the lowest vitamin D levels had more than double the risk of dying from heart disease and other causes over aneight-year period compared with those with the highest levels of vitamin D. This valuablevitamin, which is produced naturally when the sun’s ultraviolet rays hit the skin, has alsobeen shown to decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis and various cancers. Howmuch sun do you need to get your daily dose? Some estimates suggest that fair-skinnedpeople should spend about 10 midday minutes outside daily and dark-skinned and elderlypeople could benefit from a few extra minutes. While the government recommends any-where from 200 to 600 IUs daily, depending on age, many experts recommend up to 2,000IUs, especially in the winter, when sunlight is in short supply.

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The most-criticized offenders are the sealingocclusives, which are made with componentslike silicone and petrolatum (commonly knownas petroleum jelly). These ingredients are bothderived from non-renewable crude oil and theirproduction depletes resources and inflicts pollu-tion on the planet.

Moisturizers and lotions also typically containparaben preservatives, which may be linked tothe development of breast cancer. Some utilizecoal tar colors. They also can boast a potpourriof synthetic fragrances, which can cause dizziness,headaches, rashes, and nausea.

There has never been a better time to shop formore health- and earth-friendly moisturizers, asthe options are plentiful. Head to the health foodstore or check out one of the online retailers listed later in this chapter. Look for simple, plant-based ingredients like aloe and oils such as olive,sunflower, apricot, and almond. Shea butter isalso an excellent choice for moisturizing the body.

Moisturizing NaturallyThe beauty of moisturizers and lotions is thatthey help combat dry skin and the inevitablesigns of aging. Today, there is every kind of bodylotion and face moisturizer imaginable on themarket—from eye creams and foot balms to anti-aging potions and simple body lotions.Moisturizers act as workhorses that combat dryness; they are fueled by such ingredients aswater, plant-based or synthetic oils, humectants(which draw in moisture from the air), andocclusives, which seal the skin to stop moisturefrom escaping.

Some of these ingredients do have health andenvironmental effects. This is particularly con-cerning because moisturizers and lotions areleave-on products that do not get washed offlike soaps, shampoos, and even sunscreen. Assuch, their cumulative effects can be much moresignificant.

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Does your lotion contain a chemical potion? ©istockphoto.com/Ryerson Clark

Eco FactAnother ingredient sometimes foundin personal care products is placenta,and it is definitely a good one to avoid.According to the EWG, recent case stud-ies have indicated that the hormonespresent in extracts from human and cowplacenta, which is often used in beautyproducts because of its conditioningproperties, may be enough to triggerbreast growth in toddlers.

Accentuating BeautifullyMakeup is big business around the world and animportant part of many cultures that place a highvalue on appearance. But, like most other person-al care products, makeup is host to an incrediblelineup of potentially harmful chemicals.

Many items, including foundations and powders,are home to parabens and other preservativesthat are based in formaldehyde. Some containsynthetic fragrances and coloring agents thatcan be neurotoxic or carcinogenic. Even mascarahas been found to contain mercury.

Nail polish is one of the worst perpetrators inthe chemical game with its preponderance ofphthalates, which can disrupt hormones; it isalso a probable carcinogen and has been linkedto birth defects. While there are a few naturaloptions, it is highly recommended that womenwho are (or are considering to become) pregnanttoss the nail polish for the time being and steerclear of nail salons where the air can be lacedwith a variety of harmful chemicals.

Additionally, a number of lipsticks and lipglossescontain petroleum jelly, which can be irritatingand is derived from crude oil, as well as lead,which is a proven neurotoxin that is also linkedto infertility and miscarriage. Product tests con-ducted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics in2008 found lead in 61 percent of lipsticks testedwith levels ranging up to .65 parts per million.Still, a bill was defeated in the Assembly HealthCommittee (even after passing in the CaliforniaSenate) in 2008 to require lipstick manufacturersto produce their products with the least amountof lead.

While the continuing unregulated nature of cosmetics ingredients is disturbing, there is alight on the horizon. The Campaign for SafeCosmetics, a coalition of women’s, public health,labor, environmental health, and consumerrights groups, launched a campaign in 2002 tourge personal care products companies to sign apledge to remove toxic chemicals from cosmet-ics and replace them with safer alternatives. Thispledge, called the Compact for Safe Cosmetics,was developed after the release of the report“Not Too Pretty: Phthalates, Beauty Products,and the FDA,” which found phthalates in nearlythree quarters of all beauty products tested. Todate, 600 companies have signed the Compact.

When you’re shopping for cosmetics, look forthose from the companies that have signed onto this pledge. You can view them atwww.safecosmetics.org. There are also a growingnumber of natural cosmetic brands that useplant-based, chemical-free blends. Again, theseproducts are just slightly higher in price thanmost conventional cosmetics. Look for them inyour health food store or at a naturally focusedonline retailer.

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Many cosmetics contain phthalates, which have beenlinked to birth defects. ©istockphoto.com/PLAINVIEW

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4. As you run out of various cosmetics and per-sonal care products, consider switching tomore natural versions, which will limit yourexposure to harmful chemicals. Look for theseoptions for the products you use the most:

� Soaps, Shampoos, and Cleansers

� Toothpaste

� Antiperspirant and Deodorant

� Sunscreen

� Lotions and Moisturizers

� Cosmetics and Nail Polish

1. Do some housecleaning in your bathroomcabinets and ditch the conventional personalcare products that contain some of the mostharmful chemicals, as noted in this chapter’slist of “10 Key Ingredients to Avoid.”

2. Photocopy the “10 Key Ingredients to Avoid”and take it along for any shopping excur-sions where you might be buying relatedproducts.

3. When shopping for a new personal care item,take the time to stop and read the labelbefore you buy. Compare the ingredient listwith the “10 Key Ingredients to Avoid” andfocus on using products that don’t containthese harmful chemicals.

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Eco FactA 2008 study released by the EWG took a direct look at the amount of chemical exposure teen girls were experiencing from cosmetics and other personal care products.Through blood and urine samples of 20 girls aged 14 to 19, the EWG detected the presenceof 16 chemicals from four chemical families, including phthalates, triclosan, parabens, andmusks. These chemicals, including two parabens—methylparaben and propylparaben—weredetected in every single girl tested.

Other studies have linked these ingredients to everything from an increased risk of cancer tohormone disruption. Other research suggests that teens, who use an average of 17 personalcare products per day (as compared with the 12 used by adult women), are more sensitiveto trace levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals because they are in a developmental phase.

Green Review: Changes to Focus on During Week Six

If you’re ready to go to the next levelon your green journey, consider checkingyour household water’s fluoride levels. While

much of America’s public water supply has beenfluoridated since the 1940s, there is a rising con-cern that current levels are unhealthy for adultsas well as children. Today, about 67 percent ofthe U.S. population on public water supplies hasaccess to fluoridated water—it’s what comes rightout of our taps. In some areas of the country,such as Colorado, fluoride compounds are foundnaturally in the groundwater. In other areas,chemical fluoride ions are added to the drinkingwater supply.

The main goal of fluoridation is to keep ourteeth healthy and white by warding off toothdecay. Still, information from the World HealthOrganization on tooth decay trends indicatesthat both fluoridated and unflouridated coun-tries have seen a similar decline in tooth decayfrom the 1960s to the present.

While toxic at moderate to high doses, fluoridecan be beneficial for dental health in low doses.The general level of fluoride in our water is sup-posed to range from 0.7–1.2 parts per million.The Environmental Protection Agency has alsoestablished a maximum contaminant level forhuman intake of fluoride, which is four milligramsper liter (mg/L), the legal limit of fluoride allowedin the water supply. But some estimates from1992 suggested that approximately 1.4 millionAmericans had drinking water that included natural fluoride concentrations of 2.0–3.9 mg/L,and just over 200,000 people had concentrationsequal to or exceeding 4 mg/L.

In 2006, the U.S. National Research Council tooka hard look at the health risks associated withfluoride consumption and concluded that theEPA’s current maximum contaminant levelshould be lowered to protect the general public.To date, this has not changed.

Overexposure to fluoride can cause bone weak-ening, kidney and reproductive damage, andendocrine disorders. Fluoride can also leach intogroundwater and rivers, affecting the environ-ment in various manners, from damaging pineforests to infiltrating salmon habitat and delay-ing migration.

While many people support the fluoridation oftheir local water supply, a growing number donot. You can protect yourself and your familyfrom overexposure by monitoring your ownhousehold water. Most local water utilities supply a yearly water quality report; check withyours to determine your most recent fluoridelevels. Some reports are available online atwww.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html.

There are also a number of water testing kitsavailable online and through your local homesupply store. If you find you do have elevatedlevels of fluoride, you can simply buy a filteringcountertop pitcher or install the appropriate filter on your faucet or home water system.

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TrueGreen: Monitoring Your Fluoride Levels

Week Six: Green Is Beautiful Chapter 8

� Toothpaste: Mix 4 teaspoons of bakingsoda with 1⁄2 teaspoon water to get agood toothpaste consistency. Add 1 tea-spoon salt and a few drops of flavoring(such as peppermint oil) to make themixture pleasant to the taste. Store thismix at room temperature in an airtightcontainer.

� Salt Glow Scrub: In a clean glass storagejar, mix together 4 ounces grapeseedoil, 2 ounces avacado oil, 1 tablespoonvitamin E oil, and 20 to 30 drops ofyour favorite high-quality essential oil(such as rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus,or sweet orange). Adding in just a fewdrops of rosemary oil will actually helppreserve the shelf life. All of theseingredients are typically available athealth food stores. Slowly blend 1 cupof sea salts into the oil blend. Store in acool, dry place.

� Rose Water Toner: Toss one cup of freshor dried rose buds and petals into a potof water and bring to a boil. Turn theheat to medium and let your mixturesimmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Let it coola bit and pour the rose water into glassjars for storage. When almost completelycooled, place jars in the refrigerator tokeep the rose water cold. You can use afunnel to pour this blend into a spraybottle for easy use as a fresh-smellingdaily toner.

Afun and inexpensive way to greenyour personal care regimen is to createsome of your own natural personal care

and beauty products. While we’ve filed this activity under “SuperGreen,” it can actually be arather easy, entertaining, and gratifying process;you’ll just need some extra time plus the rightingredients and a few clean jars and bottles. Aswith all personal care products, keep out ofreach of children.

� Deodorant: Mix 4 teaspoons alum(found in the spice section at the gro-cery store) with 2 teaspoons bakingsoda and 8 ounces of rubbing alcohol.Pour this mixture into a small spraybottle and use as a deodorant. A fewdrops of your favorite high-qualityessential oil (peppermint, lavender, etc.)will add a fresh fragrance into theblend.

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SuperGreen: Whipping Up Homemade Products

You can create holistic beauty products right in yourown kitchen. ©istockphoto.com/Rolf Weschke

Transportation is the second-largest source of CO2 emissions in the U.S. ©istockphoto.com/Felix Möckel

The lure of the open road. The bliss of independence. Asense of speed and power. A reliable mode of transport. With allthe charisma surrounding our main form of transportation, it’s no

wonder Americans have long had a passion for the automobile. Someview their car as a purely utilitarian means of getting around, while others look to it as a four-wheeled representation of who they are.

Today, there are over 250 million cars in the U.S. and more than sevenmillion cars are sold each year. A recent study by Experian Automotiveof households with at least one automobile found that Americanhouseholds have an average of 2.28 vehicles. By comparison, the fast-growing auto market in China, which has a population of over 1.3 billion,only reported 22 million vehicles on the road in 2006. In fact, the worldcurrently is home to about 625 million cars. The U.S.’s driving habitsmake it home to the largest passenger vehicle market in the world.

While our vehicles serve us well, they also contribute greatly to green-house gas emissions because most use gasoline, thus burning fossilfuels. The transportation sector in the U.S. is the second-largest sourceof CO2 emissions for our country (with electricity generation as thefirst)—it was responsible for approximately 29 percent of total U.S.greenhouse gas emissions in 2006.

In this chapter, we’ll take a look at why carbon emissions from vehiclesmatter so much and determine what budget-conscious changes we canall make to help reduce our carbon footprint. From fine-tuning our carsfor optimum gas mileage to biking to work, there are a number of easysteps you can take to green your transportation—and even save somemoney in the meantime.

9Week Seven: Green Your

Transportation

Just 100 years ago in the early 1900s,a very select group of Americans had only8,000 cars—and only 144 miles of paved

roads to drive them on. Things sure havechanged in the last century. With more than 250million vehicles traveling on four million milesof roads today, it is no wonder our country’semissions pack a punch.

Transportation is, in fact, the fastest-growingsource of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions; itaccounts for 47 percent of the country’s increasein total emissions since 1990. CO2 emissions,such as those produced by our prolific fleet ofvehicles, are a greenhouse gas that contributesgreatly to global warming.

As you likely know by now, climate change is theincrease we are seeing in the average measuredtemperature of the Earth’s surface air andoceans. From 1905 to 2005, this average tem-perature rose by 1.33 degrees Fahrenheit. TheIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has concluded that this change is due tothe increased levels of greenhouse gases in theatmosphere, the majority of which are due tohuman activities such as the generation of elec-tricity and the use of gasoline for driving, bothactivities that burn fossil fuels.

When this excess of emissions reaches theatmosphere, they cause the “greenhouse effect,”which is a process that involves the absorptionand emission of infrared radiation by atmos-pheric gases. In the end, this event causes thetemperature of the planet’s lower atmosphereand surface to rise.

Through climate model projections, the IPCCpredicts the average surface temperature of theearth will likely rise another 2 to 11.5 degreesFahrenheit by the end of the 21st century. Howwill this affect the planet? As the heat getsturned up, the polar ice caps will continue tomelt and cause sea levels to rise. An increase inthe occurrence and intensity of extreme, unex-pected weather events like Hurricane Katrina isalso predicted. Significant changes in precipita-tion patterns will also come into play, changingmore of the planet’s landscape into desert. Otherdevastating issues can result from these changes,such as species extinction and the spread of disease.

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Why Carbon Emissions Matter

The average car generates 4.5 tons of CO2 emissionseach year. ©istockphoto.com/matteo NATALE

Week Seven: Green Your Transportation Chapter 9

As the world’s population isexpected to increase, so is its passion forthe power of the automobile. By 2030,

an estimated 1.2 billion cars will be on roadsaround the world. If gasoline continues to bethe main source of fueling this fleet, the planet’sdrivers will nearly double the amount of carbonemissions that are sent into the atmosphere.One can only imagine the devastating climate-related effects of this trend.

Global warming aside, there is also concernregarding the world’s remaining store of oil,from which gasoline is made. As a fossil fuel thatis the product of compression and heating ofancient organic matter, oil is a non-renewableresource. At some point in time, it is highly likelythat we will exhaust our global supply of oil,having burned it up in our vehicles and ourhomes’ energy supplies.

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Eco FactThe effects of carbon emissions reach well beyond global warming, according to a studyreleased in 2007 by a Stanford University scientist. Published in Geophysical ResearchLetters in 2008, the study revealed for the first time that increased levels of carbon dioxidein the atmosphere also lead to an increase in human mortality. Using a state-of-the-artcomputer model of the atmosphere that incorporated a vast number of physical and envi-ronmental chemical processes, the study found that for every one degree Celsius increasecaused by carbon dioxide, the resulting air pollution would lead to approximately onethousand additional deaths plus many more cases of asthma and respiratory illness. Currently,it is estimated that there are about 20,000 deaths each year related to air pollution.

The World’s Waning Oil Supply

The U.S. consumes over 20 million barrels of oil each day. ©istockphoto.com/egdigital

Many experts believe that the world will reach apoint of “peak oil” production, after which sup-plies will begin to decline—just as demand viadeveloping countries and population growthcontinues to rise.

While an International Energy Agency (IEA)report in late 2008 assuaged fears about peakoil, saying it would not occur at least until 2030,a large number of scientists believe this day ofreckoning has already come and that oil suppliesare currently in decline. Underscoring this beliefis the fact that world oil production growthtrends were flat from 2005 to 2008. The averageyearly gains in global oil supply showed anincrease of 1.2 million barrels per day from 1987to 2005. But, according to another IEA Report,global production averaged 85.24 million barrelsper day in 2006, up only .76 million barrels perday from 2005.

At the same time, oil consumption is expectedto increase to 98.3 million barrels a day by 2015and 118 million barrels per day by 2030. For thesimple math to work out in favor of maintainingthe world’s demand for oil, production wouldhave to increase by over 35 percent by 2030.

A dwindling supply and increasing demand frompopulation growth and the automotive awaken-ing of countries like India and China could causethe price of gasoline, already tipping upwards, tospike in the coming years. There is also specula-tion that, as supplies decline, those nations producing the oil will become more protectiveof their own supplies for their own citizens’ use.Currently, the U.S. is the largest consumer ofoil—we use over 20 million barrels per day butwe only produced about 7.6 million barrels a dayin 2005. Currently, over 50 percent of America’soil is imported from other countries. While thereis a push to open up offshore drilling and searchfor new reserves, some experts believe that U.S.oil production peaked in 1970.

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Eco FactAs the world searches for additional stores of what it needs, a few new oil fields havecome into the spotlight. One of these is a petroleum pool in the Gulf of Mexico that couldincrease the United States’ reserves by more than 50 percent. This oil store lies 5.3 milesbeneath the ocean surface, making it difficult to tap. As such, it will take several years and billions of dollars to get the job done. It is estimated this field could contain betweenthree and 15 billion barrels of oil. The U.S. uses approximately 5.7 billion barrels of crudeoil each year.

Week Seven: Green Your Transportation Chapter 9

One of the simplest ways to up your mpg is todrive more efficiently. This switch is not only cost-free, it will also save you money by shaving dollarsoff your monthly gasoline bills. The followingtips, supplied by the EPA’s fuel economy website(www.fueleconomy.gov) could lead you to save$1 or more on each and every gallon you use:

� Driving Sensibly: While it may betempting at times, driving aggressivelyonly costs you money (and spews extra emissions into the atmosphere).Avoiding driving habits like rapid accel-eration and braking plus speeding couldraise your gas mileage by 33 percent onthe highway and 5 percent in the city.

� Observing the Speed Limit: Each vehiclereaches its optimal fuel economy at acertain speed but, in general, fuel econ-omy decreases rapidly at speeds above60 miles per hour. A general belief isthat each 5 mph driven over 60 mphcosts an additional 7 to 23 percent.

� Just Say “No” to Idling: Turn off the carif you’re not inside or about to departor end your trip. Idling gets zero milesper gallon, so your savings could be significant.

� Cruising Right: Using the cruise control,which helps maintain a consistentspeed, and overdrive gears, which slowsdown the engine’s speed, at appropriatetimes could also save a significantamount of fuel.

Until alternative fuels and greenervehicles are developed for the mass market in this country, we can all help

reduce our dependence on foreign oil, build upoil reserves, and reduce greenhouse gas emissionsby employing a few simple fixes to our vehiclesand our driving habits.

It is estimated that if each of us could get justthree more miles per gallon out of our vehicles,the U.S. as a whole could save one million bar-rels of oil each day. It is also those vehicles withpoor gas mileage that contribute the most tocarbon emissions and global warming. Forinstance, a Dodge Durango SUV (with a 5.9 literengine) gets about 12 miles per gallon in thecity and emits an estimated 800 pounds of carbon dioxide over a distance of 500 city miles,according to the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) 2000 Fuel Economy Guide.Alternatively, a Honda Insight that gets 61 mpgwill only emit approximately 161 pounds of CO2in the same distance covered.

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Driving for Better Gas Mileage

Obeying the speed limit could save you nearly 25 percent on your gas bills. ©istockphoto.com/David Birkbeck

Cost Meter: $0

In addition to being conscious aboutthe way you drive, a few key vehicle adjust-ments can help you obtain even better gas

mileage on the road. Most of these suggestionsare cost-free—even maintaining your vehicleproperly is likely something you’d be doing any-way. Taking action keeps you in the driver’s seat,all while helping to save the planet and a littlebit of cash.

� Removing Excess Weight: If you haveheavy items stashed in your car, stowthem in the garage instead and, as aresult, you could up your miles per gallon by another 1 to 2 percent (for100 pounds). If you don’t use them,removing the ski, bike, or cargo racksatop your vehicle could lighten the loadand reduce drag.

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What are hypermilers? In the face of rising gas prices, this fringe group of drivers, who employsome unusual tactics to eek out their vehicle’s ultimate gas mileage, has emerged. While notnecessarily legal and not always safe, the techniques employed by hypermilers include minimiz-ing braking, drafting freight trucks, and using downhills to gain added momentum for uphills.Some estimate they can achieve up to 50 mpg and more in average vehicles (i.e., non-hybrid)by hypermiling. In 2008, “hypermiling” was chosen as the word of the year by New OxfordAmerican Dictionary. While these actions aren’t recommended, perhaps this gas-saving groupcan inspire you to consider some of the suggestions in this chapter that will up your own mpg.

Fine-Tuning for Better Gas Mileage

Cost Meter: to(these changes will save you money)

Proper tire pressure can save you money at the pump.©istockphoto.com/pixhook

Week Seven: Green Your Transportation Chapter 9

Buying a higher-than-recommendedoctane level is usually a futile place toput your money, unless your engine isknocking. Additionally, drivers can ampup their mpg by 1 to 2 percent by usingthe manufacturer’s recommended gradeof motor oil.

� Maintaining Your Vehicle: Keeping yourengine properly tuned is not only goodfor the longevity of your four-wheeledinvestment, it can also amp up themiles per gallon you obtain on a dailybasis. According to the EPA, righting acritical maintenance issue like a faultyoxygen sensor could improve yourmileage by as much as 40 percent andreplacing a clogged air filter could up itby about 10 percent.

� Inflating Appropriately: Keeping yourtires properly inflated could increasethe gas mileage you obtain by over 3percent. Check your owner’s manual forthe right psi for your vehicle; this infor-mation is also typically located insidethe driver’s side door. If you have putnew or different tires on your autosince its purchase, consult with the tiremanufacturer for the proper psi. TheEPA estimates that under-inflated tirescan lower gas mileage by 0.3 percentfor every one psi drop in pressure in allfour tires.

� Choosing the Right Fuel: You can alsocheck your owner’s manual for the recommended octane level for your car;filling up with the right stuff will actu-ally help increase your fuel efficiency.

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Considering Alternative Modes of Transportation

While buffing up your gas mileagevia conscious driving techniques andthe fine-tuning of your vehicle will

certainly help keep untold amounts of emissionsout of the atmosphere, the simple fact is thatdriving still uses up and burns oil. The averageAmerican drives over 33 miles each day.

Today, there are a variety of other commutingmodes that can also help stall your emissionsand conserve the dwindling non-renewableresource of oil. Could you carpool one or twodays a week to work? Perhaps your company

would see clear to allow you to telecommutefrom home occasionally. If not, could you jumpon the train or bus to reduce the number ofmiles your car is driven?

Better yet, you could lower your carbon foot-print significantly—and add fitness and fun intoyour daily routine—if you choose to bike to workonce in a while. Some people even choose towalk to work. In 2005, a study conducted by theFederal Highway Administration found that107.4 million Americans use walking as a regularmode of travel.

Telecommuting As the high cost of gas intermingles with thehassles of a time-consuming commute into theoffice, more and more workers are finding waysto work from home. In 2008, an estimated 100million people worldwide did their jobs fromhome at least one day a month. In the U.S.alone, the 2008 projections stacked up to justunder 40 million teleworkers—that equates toabout 23 percent of the American workforce.

This trend has been on an upward trajectorysince 1998, when about 10 million U.S. employ-ees and just under 25 million workers worldwidespent one day a month getting their jobs donefrom home. The proliferation of fast broadbandInternet connections, available everywhere fromthe coffee shop to the home, has made it easierthan ever to work remotely.

If applicable to your line of work, check in withyour employer to see if they offer a work-at-home program where you could telecommuteanywhere from one day a month to a few days aweek. In the U.S., the federal government, aswell as some states, has even passed legislationto encourage more telecommuting. The SmallBusiness Administration plans to develop a $5million, four-year pilot program to encouragesmall businesses to allow telecommuting.

Your home office expenses could even rate as atax deduction, a fact that could save you evenmore money down the road. There is no ques-tion that this work mode is a trend on the rise.In fact, a 2008 report by research firm IDC pre-dicts that almost 75 percent of the U.S. work-force will be mobile by 2011.

If teleworking is in your future, you’ll be amazedat just how productive you can be when you’reout of the office—you’ll gain back the time spentin the car during your normal commute and youjust might find you are even more efficientworking at home.

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Cost Meter: $0(this change will save you money)

Working at home can save you time and diminishyour emissions. ©istockphoto.com/Dean Turner

Week Seven: Green Your Transportation Chapter 9

Carpooling and Hopping onPublic TransitSharing your ride with others in one form oranother is a sure-fire way to lower your CO2emissions and save on your monthly gasolinebill. In fact, a study conducted by the AmericanPublic Transportation Association (APTA) foundthat families using public transportation couldshave $6,200 annually off their transportationcosts. The money saved could easily equate toone luxurious eco vacation.

About 14 million people use public transit dailyand the APTA also suggests that public transit inAmerica saves an astounding 1.4 billion gallonsof gasoline yearly; it also keeps about 1.5 milliontons of CO2 from being emitted.

How can you jump into this positive cycle? If youdrive to work every day, perhaps you could thinkoutside the box and try out your local transitsystem. You can check for the availability of pub-lic transportation systems near you by loggingonto www.publictransportation.org/systems orhttp://www.apta.com/links/state_local.

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Eco FactWhile the federal government holds out on making any wide-sweeping changes to regulate greenhouse emissions, some state and local governments are taking steps to settheir own standards. In 2007, the governors of Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon,and Washington signed an agreement establishing the Western Climate Initiative, a combined effort to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Utah,the Canadian Provinces of Manitoba and British Columbia, and one Mexican state havealso joined the initiative since its inception. The Initiative’s regional greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal is to obtain a level that is 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.

Cost Meter: $0(this change will save you money)

People using public transit currently reduce CO2emissions by 1.5 million tons each year.©istockphoto.com/David H. Lewis

Carpooling is another truly green way to travel.Whether you’re driving to work or heading to abaseball game, the more people you can packsafely into the car, the lower each person’s carbonfootprint will be. You’ll be sharing the ride, theemissions, and the cost of the trip. In fact it isestimated that carpooling saves the averagecommuter as much as $3,000 in vehicle costseach year.

It could also be a more efficient and speedierway to go if you travel on roads that have a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, which is usually afaster lane because it typically requires two ormore people in each vehicle and there are, thus,fewer cars. In 2005, an ABC News poll found thatonly 8 percent of commuters were carpooling,but 20 percent of solo drivers say they would beinterested in it. Why don’t more people carpool?Convenience and the inability to link up withother local commuters are the main reasons.

With more and more people interested in green-ing their commute, it’s no surprise that a fewcarpooling websites have launched to connectdrivers. One is www.icarpool.com, which is a freecarpooler connecting service that also enablesyou to track your monetary and CO2 savingsmade through carpooling.

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Green IdeaWhich states have the highest per-centage of workers who carpool? Likelydue to its higher gas prices, tropicalHawaii boasts a carpooling populationof approximately 16.4 percent of allworkers. Interestingly, Arizona (14.4percent), Alaska (13.8 percent), andUtah (13.6 percent) rank second, third,and fourth, respectively. Which U.S.state came in last? Massachusetts, withonly 7.2 percent of workers sharingtheir ride, possibly because many havechosen to take advantage of this state’sstrong public transit system.

Carpooling is a sure-fire way to reduce your carbonfootprint. ©istockphoto.com/Thania Navarro

Green IdeaWant to know how your mpg-savingsefforts stack up? Compare your gasmileage with the optimum mileageobtainable for your vehicle at the EPA’sfuel economy website www.fuelecono-my.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=garage.

Week Seven: Green Your Transportation Chapter 9

In addition to making your travel to work moreearth-friendly, your bike commute will also serveas exercise and time outside, both valuableactivities. A 2005 study by the Foundation forEnvironmental Conservation suggests that,instead of driving, biking to work or to runerrands during each American’s recommendeddose of daily exercise could reduce the U.S.’s oilconsumption by up to 38 percent. Since Americaproduces such a large amount of the world’sgreenhouse gas emissions and 65 percent ofadults are either overweight or obese, cycling towork could solve two significant problems.

Biking to WorkBeyond telecommuting and walking, there isperhaps no greener means of getting to workthan commuting by bike. In fact, a recent assess-ment of the emissions produced from variouscommuting modes by the Sightline Institutefound that cycling produced less than one-tenthof a pound of CO2 per passenger mile. In com-parison, a solo SUV driver’s vehicle spits outalmost two pounds, a rail transit with 25 ridersper car is responsible for six-tenths of a pound,and a carpool vehicle with three occupantsemits just over four-tenths of a pound.

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Cost Meter: to(over time, a bike purchased for commuting will pay for itself)

Biking to work is both healthy and green. ©istockphoto.com/Rasmus RasmussenEco Fact

There are numerous bicycle-friendlycommunities across the country—these areas work to provide bike lanesand other amenities to cyclists toencourage travel by bike. To see if yourcity or town is bike-friendly, check outwww.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/AllBicycleFriendlyCommunities.htm or www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/communities.In addition, the federal governmenthas upped its yearly investment inimproving conditions for bicyclingfrom $4.9 million in 1988 to $416million in 2002.

How many people bike to work? According tothe U.S. Census, in 1990 the percentage of journeys to work by bicycle was .41 percent (or, 466,856 people); in 2000, the percentagedropped slightly to .38 percent (or, 488,497 people). But, due to the green movement, bikecommuting is on the rise—in 2006, the U.S. Censusreported that participation grew to .50 percent.If spinning on the way to and from the work-place sounds like your cup of tea, check outthese beginner tips from the League ofAmerican Bicyclists:

� Choose a quality bike that is lightenough for your needs; options includeroad or mountain bikes, hybrids, andtouring bikes. Keep it maintained and the tires properly inflated.

� For short routes, wear your work clothing, but for longer ones, considerwearing proper clothing that canbreathe and wick sweat, such as wool or Coolmax. Be sure to wear a helmet.

� Look for routes that minimize yourneed to deal with busy traffic; thosewith bike lanes are ideal. Be sure to follow all the road rules for signals andsigns—safety is your priority.

� Lock your bike to an immovable objectin a highly visible area out of the elements.

� Be sure to consider the weather patterns for the day and bring rain gear or warmer clothing if needed.

Green IdeaOne group, led by climate changeexpert Bill McKibben, is calling for anexact regulation on the effects of theworld’s emissions. This organization,350.org, is spreading the scientificallyproven word that 350 parts per millionof carbon dioxide in the atmosphere isthe safe bottom line for the planet.

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For more detailed information on cycling to work,go to www.bikeleague.org/resources/better/commuters.php. Additionally, an easy way to seeif biking to work is for you is to borrow or rent abike and check out national Bike to Work Day,held yearly in May by the League of AmericanBicyclists.

Week Seven: Green Your Transportation Chapter 9

1. Try out driving smarter for better gas mileage using the following tactics and track your gas mileage tosee the savings in action:

� Drive sensibly, avoiding costly habits like speeding plus rapid acceleration and braking.

� Observe the speed limit to realize optimal fuel economy.

� Say “No” to idling and turn off the car if you’re not inside it or about to depart or end your trip.

� Use your cruise control (to help maintain a consistent speed) and the overdrive gears (to slow down the engine’s speed) at appropriate times.

2. Fine-tune your vehicle to help realize better gas mileage and produce fewer emissions. Determinewhich of the following applies to you and put your plan into action:

� Remove any unneeded excess weight from your auto.

� Inflate your tires to the psi recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

� Choose the right fuel level, as recommended in your owner’s manual.

� Perform any necessary maintenance to properly tune up your car or truck or make sometime to do the work yourself if you know how.

3. Consider if you can use an alternate, greener mode to commute to work and test it out for a day:

� Telecommuting

� Public transit

� Carpooling

� Biking to work

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Green Review: Things to Do During Week Seven

©istockphoto.com/ Konstantinos Kokkinis

If you’d like to take the next step alongyour journey to go green, buying a carbonpass or credits to offset your emissions will

buy you some peace of mind and also help support projects that aim to dissipate the effectsof increasing greenhouse gases in the earth’satmosphere. Carbon offsets offer drivers (and allconsumers of emissions-causing activity) theopportunity to displace the CO2 they produceby supporting projects such as those that devel-op renewable energy, promote energy efficiency,and support reforestation.

The goal with carbon offsets is to use them as away to further help the planet after you’ve doneall you can do to reduce your own emissions—not to justify CO2-producing behavior. Critics ofoffsets voice concerns that these credits simplypostpone real solutions. So, be sure to employ thegreener strategies that are applicable to your lifeand supplement this commitment with offsets.

A key question to ask when shopping for a carbonoffsetting service is if the provider is “verified.”The popularity of offsetting has led to the rise of a plethora of provider options, but not all aretrusted sources. Since you are buying an intangi-ble item, be sure to do a little homework beforeyou buy.

Look for verified offset providers such as Native Energy (www.nativeeneregy.com), theConservation Fund (www.conservationfund.org),www.terrapass.com, or www.e-BlueHorizons.com.

These companies enable you to calculate yourown personal CO2 emissions from driving (orother activities) directly on their websites so youcan add up your own impact. A good place tocompare and contrast the details, from costs toproject types and certification/verification, ofsome of the key carbon offset providers is athttp://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/carbon_offset_wind_credits_carbon_reduction.htm.

The cost of carbon credits start at about $36 tooffset the yearly emissions of a small car andrange upwards depending on your energy use. A study done in 2007 found that offset pricesranged from $1.80 to $300 per ton of emissions,with most coming in around $6 a ton. Since theprices are so varied, it may pay to shop aroundfor the best deal and the most trusted provider.

TrueGreen: Offsetting Your Emissions

Carbon offsets support projects such as the development of renewable energy and reforestation.©istockphoto.com/René Mansi

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Week Seven: Green Your Transportation Chapter 9

To fall into the SmartWay designation, vehiclesmust achieve a score of 6 or better in both theAir Pollution and Greenhouse Gas categoriesplus achieve a combined score of at least 13when added together. To attain the SmartWayElite designation, vehicles must score a 9 or better on both categories.

Hybrid vehicles, which are vehicles powered bytwo or more distinct sources (i.e., gas and arechargeable energy storage system) are anotherextremely fuel-efficient option. These are alsoincluded in the EPA guide and may be somewhatmore expensive than other fuel-efficient vehicles,such as a Honda Civic or Toyota Yaris, but theyare probably the most gas-saving option beyondan electric car. When calculating your budget fora new car purchase, figure in the money you’llsave on gas over the years it’s owned, and youmay find that a hybrid vehicle purchase becomesmore plausible.

Are you in the market for a newvehicle? If so, there is no better time totake a larger step for the health of the

planet and choose a fuel-efficient vehicle. As youmight imagine, this move will also save you asignificant amount of money on yearly fuel bills.

The best place to conduct your green vehicleresearch is at the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide,which is online at www.epa.gov/greenvehicles.Here, you can research the best options in thestate where you live and plan to purchase yourvehicle. The guide helps consumers choose thecleanest and most efficient vehicles to meettheir needs; it actually rates cars and trucks fromthe past nine years according to their emissionsand fuel economy. Rating categories include AirPollution Score, Greenhouse Gas Score, and FuelEconomy.

As an example, the EPA’s guide states that a2009 Honda Civic automatic five-speed vehicle(1.8L/4 cylinder) gets 36 miles to the gallon onthe highway and 25 mpg in the city. It achievesan Air Pollution score of 6 out of 10 and aGreenhouse Gas Score of 8 out of 10. On the flipside, a 2009 Mercury Mountaineer automatic 4WDvehicle (4L/6 cylinder) gets 13 mpg in the cityand 19 on the highway. It achieves an Air Pollutionscore of 7 and a Greenhouse Gas score of 2.

The EPA also gives qualifying vehicles a SmartWayor SmartWay Elite designation; this indicatesthese choices are particularly earth-friendly.

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SuperGreen: Buying a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

The fuel-efficient Mini Cooper gets 32 mpg on thehighway. ©istockphoto.com/Mathew Dixon

Travelers can easily make their trips more earth-conscious. ©istockphoto.com/One Mean Pixel

Since the dawn of the steamship and the advent of theairplane, world travel has always appealed to the senses. The act ofjetting off to a faraway escape is infused with exoticism, romance,

and adventure. Even domestic and regional sojourns help us escape theeveryday doldrums and stresses of life.

Thus, it is no surprise that the travel and tourism machine is the world’slargest business—travelers drop a whopping two to three trillion dollarson trips annually. According to a Travel Industry Association (TIA) survey,Americans alone took nearly two million domestic trips in 2005, includ-ing those for business and pleasure.

Like the rest of the world’s transportation, however, travel takes a heavytoll on the planet. For instance, air travel is one of the biggest fuel-guzzlingforms of transport. In fact, the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panelon Climate Change estimates that aviation is responsible for a full 3.5percent of global warming; it also suggests that this figure could rise toa concerning 15 percent by 2050.

Fear not, as you don’t have to give up all those stress-free vacations—you simply have to alter your plans a bit to green your travel. In the end,traveling with the planet in mind will also greatly enhance the qualityof your journey.

This chapter reviews just how travel taxes the planet and outlines thesimple steps you can take and the choices you can make to reduce yourown impact when on the road (or in the air) for business or pleasure. In turn, many of your eco-conscious decisions will also serve as thosethat help keep your budget intact.

10Week Eight: Green Your Travel

Unless your travel plans involvedriving an electric car, cycling, or walkingto your destination, emissions are always

created via our means of transportation, whetherthey be automobile, cruise ship, or airplane. Air travel is one of the biggest greenhouse gasoffenders due to the amount of fuel required tofly today’s airplanes. A jet with average occupancyis responsible for almost as many pounds of CO2emissions per passenger per mile as the averagecar driven by a single occupant.

The proliferation of air travel today compoundsthis problem. According to the National AirTraffic Controllers Association, on an average day,air traffic controllers oversee 28,537 commercialflights plus 27,178 private flights, 24,548 air taxiflights (planes for hire), 5,260 military flights,and 2,148 air cargo flights. This adds up to over87,000 flights per day, 64 million takeoffs andlandings per year, and untold amounts of climate-changing emissions.

In addition to CO2, which has the same amountof climate effect no matter where it is spewedinto the atmosphere, scientists suggest thatother aircraft emissions like nitrogen oxides haveserious climate effects because of the elevationat which they are injected into the atmosphere.In the short term, these emissions have morethan double the effects of CO2 alone. They will,however, eventually dissipate while carbon dioxide remains effective for decades.

Some experts also suggest that contrails, thehigh-altitude vapor trails created by aircraftwhen water vapor freezes around particles ofengine exhaust, also play a role in climate change.This theory was put to the test during the threedays following the tragic events of September11th, 2001, when all American air traffic wasgrounded. Researchers discovered that theabsence of contrails expanded the differencebetween daytime and nighttime temperaturesby a full degree Celsius when compared with theaverage recorded during the last three decades.

This recorded difference was even greater in air-traffic-heavy, mid-latitude regions of the planet.These results indicate that contrails dampen nat-ural temperature variations. A 2004 NASA studyadded more light to the scenario; it predictedthat contrails alone will increase temperatures inthe lower atmosphere of the U.S. by at least onedegree every 20 years.

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How Does Travel Tax the Planet?

Over 87,000 flights take to the skies in the U.S. eachday. ©istockphoto.com/Mark Evans

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In addition to issues with emissions, air travelalso requires the use of fossil fuels, which weknow are a waning non-renewable resource. In1960, there were 2,135 certificated air carrier air-planes in the U.S. that consumed almost two bil-lion gallons of fuel. Today, there are over 8,000aircraft using more than 13.5 billion gallons ofjet fuel annually. Additionally, the UNWTO pre-dicts that there will be 1.6 billion internationaltourist “arrivals” (i.e., trips) worldwide by 2020.

Are cleaner aircraft fuels on the horizon?Hydrogen fuel cells have been touted as a greener, potentially viable alternative fuel forairplanes, but the development of this fuel andits supporting technologies is still in its infancy.The world’s first hydrogen-fuel-cell-only-poweredplane did take to the skies, however, in Octoberof 2008 in Germany. While this accomplishmentsignals a groundbreaking point in hydrogen fuelcell technology, there is still a very long way to go before it could be used for commercialflights; some experts estimate a lead time of atleast 30 years.

In the meantime, some airlines are being targetedto claim responsibility for their emissions. A 2008ruling by the European Union (EU) places a capon allowed emissions and requires all airlinesarriving at or leaving from airports in the EU topurchase pollution credits beyond those amounts.This new environmental policy will begin in2012 and will affect a number of U.S. carriers.

Beyond travel transportation emissions, tourismcan also tax the planet by treading heavily onlocal environments, especially those that arefragile or protected. Conscious touring is thegreen way to go when you head out the door fora much-needed vacation or some quick businesstravel. The next few pages will deliver a few tips,tricks, and ideas to help get you on a more eco-friendly path when it comes to traveling.

As the burgeoning business of travel andtourism continues to grow—the United Nations’World Travel Organization (UNWTO) projects an average of 4 percent growth per year—so willthe resulting emissions and their climate effects.The impact could be significant, given the factthat the average commercial flight in the U.S.releases nearly 1,800 pounds of greenhousegases per passenger into the atmosphere,according to the Edinburgh Centre for CarbonManagement.

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Eco FactAirports themselves are also consid-erable polluters of local air quality.Airplanes give off huge amounts ofexhaust fumes during taxiing, takeoff,and landing. According to the NationalResource Defense Council’s Flying OffCourse report, many airports across thecountry are among the top ten pollutersin their city.

Travelers’ yearly pilgrimages to the ocean can amountto tons of emissions. ©istockphoto.com/John Zellmer

What are some ways you can forego the costsand stresses associated with a travel vacationand realize a fun and frugal staycation?

� Plan to “get away:” Turn off all work-related electronics, such as your com-puter, and hide them away or, betteryet, give them to a friend for the week.This will also help reduce your energyconsumption for the week.

� Avoid any chores: Hire a housekeeper toclean up after you during the week; theextra cost will be marginal compared to your vacation savings. If you’d prefernot to cook, order in your meals andcheck out new or favorite restaurantsaround town.

� Plan some activities: Beyond pure relax-ing, embarking on a few pre-determinedactivities could make your staycationfeel more like a vacation. Does yourarea have a special attraction (i.e.,museums, national parks, a great hikingtrail) you’ve always wanted to checkout? Where do tourists go when theycome to your area? Now is the time totake advantage of what you’ve got.

� Get in the mode: Be sure to do thingsyou’d normally do while on vacation—take photos, splurge on that decadentdessert, buy a nice bottle of wine, stayup late, and sleep in.

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Considering a Staycation

Skyrocketing gas prices and the fallout of recessionary times during 2008launched a fevered interest in the phenom-

enon of “staycationing”—taking a vacation whilestaying at home and relaxing or taking day tripsin the area. In fact, a recent survey conducted by TIA and Ypartnership, a travel research firm,found that 14 percent of vacationers had taken a staycation while another 9 percent were plan-ning one.

Thinking out of the box, about 22 percent ofstaycationers in the TIA survey (5.1 million adults)said they planned to spend at least one night ina hotel, motel, or resort during their time offwork. Mix it up to suit your preferences andexperience a restful, rejuvenating vacation.

If camping out in the backyard isn’t appealing,you can still pack an eco punch by choosing totake a trip within your region. In fact, it seemsmost travelers prefer short trips, many of whichare taken locally. The 2005 TIA Travel MarketOverview found that 51 percent of travelers tookday trips while 29 percent spent only one to twonights away from home. If your trip is done solo(like 36 percent of those taken in 2005), it willnot be as eco-friendly as a vacation taken withseveral people—the more the greener.

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The slow travel movement is an offshoot of theslow food movement, which was born in Italy asa protest in the 1980s when McDonald’s openedin Rome. The tenets of slow food include pre-serving regional cuisine, local farming, and traditional food preparation methods. Like slowfood’s connection to local cuisine, slow travelprovides a connection to local peoples and cultures.

Because it involves fewer transportation require-ments, slow travel is a simple, smart choice forthe environment—and your wallet. It can alsodeliver a richer, more memorable experience. To join in this growing travel trend, considerbooking an apartment, a cottage, or villa or look-ing into a house swap in an area you’d like toexplore. A few resources for information include:

� www.slowplanet.com

� www.slowtrav.com

� www.slowtraveltours.com

How often have you come backfrom a weeklong vacation only to feel asif you need to go on another to recover

from the travel whirlwind you just endured? Theconcept of slow travel seeks to soothe travelers’souls with a more restful, simple vacation that isbased in one spot for a longer time.

Instead of focusing on covering all the highpoints of an area, it’s all about savoring the day-to-day delights of one location, including itslocal people, shops, culture, and food. Instead oftrying to hit all the “must-see” tourist attractionsof Italy in one or two weeks, for instance, slowtravelers opt to check into a villa in the winecountry for that timeframe and relish the beautyof the place, its fruit of the vine, and the localculture.

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Embracing Slow Travel

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Plant yourself in a seaside villa and soak up the viewand the local culture—slowly. ©istockphoto.com/DanielBreckwoldt

As a form of tourism that is attractiveto eco-conscious and socially conscioustravelers, ecotourism focuses on respon-

sible travel to natural areas. The “responsible”part of that formula equates to preserving thelocal environment and improving the well-beingof the local people.

True ecotourism programs minimize the nega-tive aspects associated with conventional travel—it encourages earth-friendly tactics such as recycling plus energy and water conservation. It also promotes bolstering the health of localeconomies with ecotourism travel dollars.

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Choosing Ecotourism

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Ecotourism is growing three times faster than thetourism industry itself. ©istockphoto.com/Peter Malsbury

Green IdeaAre you thinking about offsetting your travel? A large number of offset providers havebeen born to meet the needs of a greener America that is shopping for carbon offsets. TheConservation Fund says its sales have increased by 9 percent to individuals and 22 percent to companies in 2008. Companies are, in fact, the largest purchaser of offsets—they bought80 percent in 2007. While many are companies with a conscience, the lion’s share also realizetheir actions are good for their brand image. How can you wade through all the options avail-able today and ensure that your money is going to a trusted source? When shopping for theright provider, do a little research to determine the partners and projects funded for eachviable source. Also, check to see if they are certified by respected third-party certification programs such as Green-e or the Gold Standard, which are both nonprofit organizations.

Week Eight: Green Your Travel Chapter 10

The lure of ecotourism is strong today, especiallywith those who are concerned about the healthof the planet. In fact, a 2003 survey found thatthree-quarters of U.S. travelers “feel it is impor-tant their visits not damage the environment.”

According to TIES, ecotourism has been growingsince the 1990s at a rate of 20 to 34 percent ayear—by 2004 it was growing three times fasterglobally than the tourism industry itself. In theU.S., about 13 percent of the 18.6 million out-bound leisure travelers (about 2.4 millionAmericans) are considered ecotourists.

While ecotourism is often equated with visitingexotic locales such as Costa Rica, Africa, Nepal,and Bhutan, ecotourism does exist right here inthe U.S. In fact, it is estimated that there are 900million visits per year on domestic federal landsto pristine places like national forests, nationalparks, monuments, wildlife refuges, and pre-serves. Traveling across the globe to experiencean ecotourism locale can be a more costly (butworthwhile and life-enhancing) endeavor. Ifyou’re looking to keep a solid handle on yourbudget, research ecotourism opportunities thatexist on American soil or sea.

The TIES website, www.ecotourism.org, is anexcellent place to start when searching for ecotourism operators. Another resource iswww.ecotour.com. Greenwashing, which is thefalse use or overstatement of eco-conscious policies, also exists in this industry so be sure todo some background research and book with areputable provider.

According to the International Ecotourism Society(TIES), ecotourism aims to do the following:

1. Minimize impact

2. Build environmental and cultural awarenessand respect

3. Provide positive experiences for both visitorsand hosts

4. Provide direct financial benefits for conservation

5. Provide financial benefits and empowermentfor local people

6. Raise sensitivity to the host countries political, environmental, and social climate

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Green on the CheapTo find a less costly stateside ecotourism vacation, check out the following states’ ecotourism societies:

• Alaska: Alaska Wilderness Recreation& Tourism Association; www.awrta.org

• Arizona: La Ruta de Sonora EcotourismAssociation; www.laruta.org

• Hawaii: Hawaii Ecotourism Association;www.hawaiiecotourism.org

• Wisconsin: Travel Green Wisconsin (a program that encourages hotelsand tour operators to reduce their environmental impact);www.travelgreenwisconsin.com

Putting your greenbacks where yourgreen commitment lies will help supportthose businesses making earth-friendly

choices and encourage the future growth of eco-friendly travel options. There hasn’t been abetter time to travel green—there are more eco-friendly hotels, lodges, ski resorts, music festivals,and even green airlines than ever before.

In the air, Costa Rica’s NatureAir is the first carbon-neutral airline; it voluntarily compensatesfor its emissions with offsets that go towardtropical forest conservation efforts in the country’s Osa Peninsula. NatureAir donates moneyto local landowners there to keep the forest safefrom clearcutting. The airline has also recentlyjoined the United Nation’s Climate NeutralNetwork, which promotes global action towardslow-carbon economies and societies.

Other airlines are still remiss to offset their massive emissions, but they offer consumers theopportunity to do so for themselves. For exam-ple, Continental Airlines launched a voluntarycarbon offsetting program in 2007 that allowscustomers to view the carbon footprint of theirbooked itinerary and lets them make a contribu-tion to Sustainable Travel International to fundthe purchase of carbon offset credits. DeltaAirlines was the first to offer its customers anoffsetting option. Today, others includingNorthwest, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific,Virgin Blue, and SAS have similar programs.Virgin actually offers its passengers the optionto purchase offsets from the aisle during flights.

On the ground, there is a movement afoot tobuild green hotels and convert others to boastmore eco-conscious features. One example is the Hotel Terra in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, aboutique hotel opened in 2008 that has beenbuilt to LEED (Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design) certification specifications.Eco features include water conservation systemslike low flow water fixtures, dual flush toilets,solar powered faucets in public restrooms, andnative landscaping requiring no irrigation.

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Supporting Green Businesses When You Travel

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Booking a green hotel just might enable you to sleepbetter at night. ©istockphoto.com/Steven Miric

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In addition to green airlines and hotels, thereare a growing number of sustainable eco spasrising up across the country. Many of these dayand resort spas focus on using organic, plant-based products for everything from facials tomassages and body scrubs. Some also shine aspotlight on water conservation, green buildingand décor, and recycling efforts. Greener spascan be located on www.spafinder.com.

Earth consciousness is even cropping up in SinCity. Harrah’s Entertainment is enabling gueststo atone for their eco sins by purchasing carbonoffsets via Native Energy, a high-quality providerthat uses funds to support renewable energyprojects. Harrah’s, which operates Caesars andHorseshoe brand names, is also committed toenergy conservation at its properties.

If concerts or music festivals are your idea of asolid vacation, you just might find that manyhave a green side. One example is the three-dayTelluride Blues & Brews music festival, which isheld each September in the shadow of themajestic Rocky Mountains in Telluride, CO.

This slopeside hotel also boasts 100-percentrecycled “Eco Shake” roof shingles and low VOC(volatile organic compounds) carpeting andpaints for improved air quality. Many otherlodging options across the country offer similarfeatures. To search for green lodging go towww.greenlodge.org or www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com.

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Eco FactIs your green vacation taking you tothe beach? A 2008 settlement with theNatural Resources Defense Council(NRDC) will lead the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) to update its22-year-old criteria for reporting beach-related health hazards to the public.Currently, the EPA assesses ocean-waterand beach health based on the likeli-hood of beachgoers contracting gastro-intestinal illnesses. The new andimproved criteria, to be released by2012, will include same-day reporting ofthe likelihood of visitors contractingskin rashes, hepatitis, pink eye, and earinfections. The NRDC says that therewere over 22,000 pollution-related closures or warning advisories on U.S.beaches in 2007, mainly due to runoffand human and animal waste present in the water. To check the status of thebeach that may be your destination,head to http://oaspub.epa.gov/beacon/beacon_national_page.main.

Even some ski resorts have a sustainable side. ©istockphoto.com/Ingmar wesemann

Recycling and composting centers are set upnear the food and beer tents to promote as littlewaste as possible. All vendors are required to use compostable plates, cups, and utensils. Inaddition, festival organizers also offer a Be GreenTicket upgrade for $2.50, which supports renew-able energies such as wind and bio-energy andhelps to offset about 340 pounds of CO2.

For those who enjoy skiing and snowboarding or simply sidling up to the bar after skiing, it iseasier than ever to choose to hit the slopes at aneco-conscious resort. It is perhaps in part theirown vested interest in keeping global warmingat bay (and keeping the powder on the hill) thathas many mitigating their own emissions.

The National Ski Areas Association’s SustainableSlopes Annual Report reveals that 68 resorts arenow purchasing clean energy for their operationsvia renewable energy credits. Of these resorts, 34are offsetting 100 percent of their greenhousegas emissions. As a whole, these earth-consciousresorts are purchasing enough kilowatts of greenpower annually to account for almost 5.5 millionpounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

Overall, when planning your travel, look forlodging, resorts, festivals, and events that alsopay homage to the health of the planet. Themoney you spend there helps support thesecauses and enables them to proliferate.

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Green on the CheapEven if you do nothing else, bringingreusable bags and bottles along for theride when you head out on vacationwins you some serious green points. Use a stainless steel reusable bottle forportable water instead of the disposableplastic water bottles bought in thestore. And, bringing a reusable grocerysack along with you every time you hitthe market will save a significant number of plastic bags.

Eco-conscious trash removal packs a punch at a festival like Telluride Blues & Brews, which has nearly8,000 attendees. ©Darren Croke

Week Eight: Green Your Travel Chapter 10

1. When it comes time to plan your next vacation, consider taking a staycation right in your own home. To realize the maximum relaxation benefit from this type of sojourn, be sure to unplug computers,PDAs, and anything else that may tempt you to do some work.

2. If you have the travel bug and staying at home is not appealing, think about booking a slow travel vacation, where you and your family or friends check into a villa, condo, or home in one locale andexplore and enjoy the local culture.

3. If you enjoy nature and believe in the concept of preserving local cultures and economies, consider anecotourism vacation.

4. Whenever you travel for work or pleasure, whether it’s a day trip or a month-long excursion, try tochoose green businesses when you book things like lodging and airfare and select destinations like skiresorts, music festivals, and casinos.

5. Green your travel simply by packing a reusable bag and water bottle to help minimize your waste alongthe way, wherever you go.

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Green Review: Things to Do During Week Eight

©istockphoto.com/Duncan Walker

Unless you plan a staycation

that truly keeps you nestled in your ownhome, any type of vacation or work trip

taken will still use up resources like energy andwater plus produce greenhouse gases—namely,climate-changing carbon emissions—from thefuel you burn while driving or flying to your destination. You may choose to tack on a fewextra offsetting dollars here and there when theopportunity presents itself via airline and hotelbookings or ski lift and festival tickets, but it willtake a real green commitment to actually sitdown and determine your yearly travel emissionsand take the steps to purchase carbon offsets.

Once you’ve done all you can to realisticallyreduce your travel emissions, the next step onyour green journey would be to find a trustedoffset provider and buy enough to help mitigatethe effects of your travel. The purchase of offsetssupports emissions-reducing projects such as thedevelopment of renewable energy, the promo-tion of energy efficiency, and reforestation.

For example, the Conservation Fund is one off-set provider that supports reforestation projects.According to the company, an estimated 20 per-cent of global greenhouse gas emissions arecaused by deforestation. Since 2000, theConservation Fund’s purchased offsets haverestored over 20,000 acres of forestlands withsix million trees through its carbon sequestra-tion programs. It estimates that these trees willcapture approximately 7.2 million tons of carbondioxide from the atmosphere over their lifetime.

Costs range widely for offsets, so shoppingaround can save you some money. The researchfirm New Carbon Finance says that prices forconsumer offsets climbed 26 percent from 2007to 2008, from $5 to $6.32 per ton of greenhousegas. The online travel site Travelocity offers carbonoffset packages via the Conservation Fund atprices ranging from $3.42 per person for a one-day trip (which offsets almost one half a shortton of CO2) to $8.29 per person for a seven-daytrip that offsets just over a short ton of CO2.

Some reliable sources for the purchase of carbon offsets include the Conservation Fund(www.conservationfund.org), Native Energy(www.nativeenergy.com), and TerraPass (www.terrapass.com).

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TrueGreen: Buying Carbon Offsets

Offsetting your travel emissions can help supportprojects like solar power. ©istockphoto.com/MaxFX

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because projects need to cover costs associatedwith recruiting, volunteer training, and on-sitecoordination. United Planet suggests that a one-week stay in the rainforest will cost volunteervacationers about $1,395 plus their air traveland transportation. The nonprofit organizationsyou’ll be helping to support use this money toprovide food, lodging, and funding for the project on which you are working.

Some volunteer vacations offer more rusticaccommodations (such as a tent in a nationalpark) while others deliver more civilized lodging.A source for the latter is Global Volunteers(www.globalvolunteers.org), which also supplieshotel accommodations, prepared meals, and avolunteer coordinator.

Be sure to check with the volunteer vacationorganization of your choice, as part or all of yourprogram fees and travel expenses can be taxdeductible. Other resources for volunteer vacationsinclude www.wwoof.org and www.unitedplanet.org.

Congratulations—you’ve journeyedthrough a full eight weeks of greeningyour lifestyle! How can you celebrate?

Perhaps you can take all the money you’ve savedon everything from energy and water bills totransportation costs and book yourself an earth-friendly vacation, an eco spa weekend, or an ecotourism adventure.

If you’d like to go even further still in greeningyour life, a volunteer vacation that focuses onhelping the planet or local peoples will certainlysolidify your eco-conscious credibility. As con-cerns about the health of the planet rise, thistype of travel is gaining in popularity. A recentTIA Voice of the Traveler study revealed thatabout one-quarter of travelers are interested intaking a volunteer or service-based vacation.

The theme of volunteer vacations that focus onthe environment can range from planting treesin Guatemala and restoring coral reefs in placeslike Curacao and Antigua to working on anorganic farm in Italy. One eco-conscious volun-teer vacation example is an opportunity to helpsave the Costa Rican rainforest with UnitedPlanet, an international non-profit organization.Volunteers assist in protecting endangeredmacaws or preserving the rainforest biomethrough education and direct action.

Even though you’ll be volunteering to help acause, there will be costs associated with yourvacation. The Charity Guide suggests that, whilesome projects pay a stipend to volunteers, mostvacation program fees range from $50 to $3,000

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SuperGreen: Booking a Volunteer Vacation

You can help save the world by planting trees whileon vacation. ©istockphoto.com/ruchos

Kids and pets can also live healthier, more eco-friendly lives. ©istockphoto.com/anna grzelewska

The numerous toxins in our world today also greatly affectour children and the pets we care for. If you happen to have kidsor domesticated animals in your life, then this chapter is right up

your alley.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of children under theage of 18 in the U.S. in 2006 was 73.7 million, a number that representsnearly 25 percent of the entire population of the country. Kids are agrowing force—their numbers are up from 47.3 million in 1950. It isalso anticipated that by 2030, their ranks will grow to 85.7 million.

Because children have smaller, developing systems and higher metabo-lisms, they can be much more vulnerable to the toxic effects of the various chemicals we have discussed in previous chapters. Everythingfrom pesticides and insecticides to BPA and the chemicals present inpersonal care products can negatively affect the health of kids today.

When it comes to pets, their smaller systems also mean they bear ahigher body burden of harmful chemicals. All domestic animals, includ-ing dogs, cats, and birds, can be affected by the chemicals present ineverything from Teflon-coated pans to plastic toys and food.

This chapter takes a look at how you can make a major impact in thelives of your children, as well as those of your pets, by applying yourgreen inclinations to various factors that can affect both. Because noteveryone has children or pets, this chapter was not included in thisbook’s eight-week plan, but this doesn’t mean that the topic is any lessimportant to address. In fact, for a variety of reasons, it could be evenmore critical.

11Extra Credit: EcoKids and Green Pets

Children look to their parents andfamily for direction on shaping their ownvalues and beliefs. When you share your

views on why it is important to respect the plan-et and take care of it, you are helping to shape alifelong eco-conscious commitment. A child whogrows up recycling, eating local foods, and sup-porting alternative energy will likely become anadult who continues to do so.

Kids growing up today face an uncertain futurefilled with questions about global warming, peakoil, and the health effects of the chemicals pres-ent in our foods and water supply. Answeringtheir earth-related questions patiently and hon-estly will help them face the challenges aheadwith courage and intelligence.

You can also protect your children from theharmful chemicals present in our everyday lives.The choices you make at home in all the areasdiscussed in previous chapters—including choosing green cleaning products, buying organ-ic foods, filtering drinking water, using naturalpersonal care products—will have an even moreserious impact on the health of your childrenthan your own.

A 2005 study conducted by the EnvironmentalWorking Group (EWG) investigated the presenceof industrial chemicals, pollutants, and pesticidesby performing tests on the umbilical cord bloodof newborn infants. This benchmark researchfocused on this area because the umbilical cordpulses the equivalent of 300 quarts of bloodeach day, including the nutrients needed forhealthy growth, to the developing fetus.

As a result of the study, researchers found anaverage of 200 industrial chemicals and pollu-tants in blood samples from the 10 babies tested.The roundup included an alarming blend ofpesticides, mercury, the possibly carcinogenicperfluorochemicals (PFCs) created by Teflon andScotchgard products, and brain-development-hindering PBDEs from flame retardants in furni-ture and computers. Even wastes from burningcoal, gasoline, and garbage were present.

These findings make it painfully apparent thatthe developing fetuses of pregnant women,which have incomplete defense systems andimmature blood-brain barriers, are being fed astream of chemicals and pollutants. Some scien-tists suggest that this type of exposure is leadingto increasing rates of childhood cancers, autism,ADHD, and birth defects.

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Why Should Kids Be Green, Too?

The future of the earth—and its population of children—is in your hands. ©istockphoto.com/Jani Bryson

Extra Credit: Eco Kids and Pets Chapter 11

Greening Your Children From the moment they are conceived until theyreach adulthood, children are extremely suscep-tible to modern life’s barrage of chemicals andpollutants. The way they live as crawling infants,running toddlers, and fast-growing kids can leadthem to greater exposure since they often puttheir hands in their mouths (and transfer everytoxin they touch into their bodies) and play out-side in dirt and grass that has likely been treatedwith harmful fertilizers, pesticides, and weedkillers.

There are many ways you can help reduce thebody burden of chemicals that your kids mustbear. The next few sections offer some key tipsfor greening their lives and teaching them tolove the planet.

As children grow up, they continue to be moresusceptible than adults to the prevalence oftoxic chemicals in our world. Their still-develop-ing cells make them more vulnerable, especiallyto neurotoxins that affect the nervous system.They also take in more toxins per pound of bodyweight than adults and lay claim to immatureimmune systems that cannot adequately protecttheir bodies.

Making the right choices for your family athome and when traveling is the best move youcan make to protect them—and the planet.While it may be easy to become overwhelmedwith the possibilities of your children cominginto contact with toxins, simply do the best youcan and be sure to still let kids be kids.

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In Utero: What to Avoid When You’re Expecting

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The best time to clean up your homeand your act from harmful chemicals isactually before you even become pregnant.

There is no better example of this than the EWGstudy that revealed the prolific presence of toxinspresent in umbilical cord blood. Of the 287chemicals detected, a full 180 are known tocause cancer in humans or animals, 217 aretoxic to the brain and nervous system, and 208 have caused birth defects or abnormaldevelopment in animal tests.

Is your baby safe from toxins? ©istockphoto.com/doram

Tossing the toxic cleaning supplies, losing thelawn fertilizers, pitching the pesticides in non-organic foods, and ditching the carcinogenicchemicals in personal care products will cleanup your own health and prepare your body to bea safe haven for your child to be conceived andgrow in. Once you are pregnant, you can resteasy knowing you’ve done all you can to giveyour baby a healthy start and a toxin-free hometo be born into.

Many of these switches have been covered inprevious chapters of this book, so if you’ve fol-lowed the eight-week plan laid out here, you’vemade great strides in preparing for pregnancyand beyond.

If you’d like to review this key information oncleaning up relevant areas of your life, head tothe following:

� Choosing natural cleaning products to clean up air quality: Chapter 3

� Buying pesticide-free organic foods and eating safer seafood: Chapter 5

� Using natural lawn care strategiesto reduce pesticides and fertilizer exposure: Chapter 6

� Choosing natural personal care products to reduce chemical exposure:Chapter 8

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Eco Fact

Is your baby’s bottle BPA-free? Growing concern about the potential health effects ofbisphenol A (BPA) led the Canadian government to ban the sale of plastic baby bottles containing the chemical in 2008. The country’s federal ministries of Health and theEnvironment moved after a report found that BPA, which is used to harden plastic andmake it shatterproof, is a danger to people and particularly to newborns and infants. Thebiggest concerns with BPA are possible effects on reproductive development and hormonedisruption. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Union maintainthat BPA is safe for use in all applications, including baby bottles, polycarbonate waterbottles, and food packaging for canned goods and soups. At the same time, the Center forScience in the Public Interest, a health-advocacy group, has warned that pregnant womenshould limit their exposure even to packaging that contains BPA to avoid passing it ontotheir unborn children. There are many safer baby bottle options today, including BPA-freeversions from Green to Grow, Born Free, Medela, Adiri, and Thinkbaby. Old-fashioned glassbottles are also a safe option that has always been free of BPA.

Extra Credit: Eco Kids and Pets Chapter 11

� Choose Green Flooring: Carpeting cancontain a host of toxic chemicals thatoff-gas directly into your child’s room,polluting the air they breathe. If newflooring is in your design plans, consid-er opting for healthier, green versionssuch as bamboo, cork, or natural woolcarpeting. If the installation requiresglues or other finishes, make sure youuse those that are free of VOCs.

� Steer Clear of PVC: Products made withpolyvinyl chloride plastic contain a hostof harmful chemicals, including VOCsand phthalates, which can pollute theair quality in your child’s room. If youhave a window in their room thatrequires covering, install wood or metalversions instead of plastic roller shades.In lieu of harmful vinyl shower curtains,opt for healthy organic cotton or bam-boo versions. Also, be sure to avoid anywallpaper made with PVC.

When a baby is on the way, oneof the first things expectant parentsare inspired to do is decorate a nursery

for their child-to-be. But if you’re using productslike conventional paints, carpeting, and wallpa-per, you may just be doing your baby more harmthan good. Whether remodeling for a preciousnew infant’s nursery or redoing your child’s bedroom, following a few green tips can helpkeep them healthy and happy in the long run.Opting for green home improvement productsmay cost you a little bit more, but they willmore than pay for themselves in peace of mind.

� Paint Clean: Blue for a boy or pink for agirl? Whatever your choice of hue maybe make sure it is also derived frompaints that are zero- or low-VOC(volatile organic compounds) versions.These can be latex (water-based) paintsor even those made of natural materialslike clay. Today, these safer paints alsocome in a wide variety of color options.If your plans include any remodelingsuch as tearing down a wall, considerfirst that if your home was built beforethe 1980s, it likely contains highlytoxic lead paint. In this case, it’s wise to consult a contractor certified in leadabatement.

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Creating a Healthy Nursery or Bedroom

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� Consider Toxin-Free Furniture: Much of today’s furniture, even that made for nurseries or children’s bedrooms, contains harmful pollutants such asformaldehyde and fire-retardant chemi-cals. Tests have actually shown that thelatter, which have been linked to neuro-logical and developmental impairments,learning disabilities, and cancer, arealso present in baby products such asportable cribs, strollers, and high chairs.The best way to avoid these harmful elements in your home is to purchaseproducts from companies that focus oncreating healthy, green options. You canalso check with product manufacturersto discern what goes into the items theyproduce.

� Use Better Bedding: When shopping for linens for your little ones, choosenatural, un-dyed, untreated sheets.Permanent press and other treatedproducts can contain formaldehydethat off-gasses into the air and isinhaled while children sleep.

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Your children will be happy and healthy in agreener room. ©istockphoto.com/Galina Barskaya

Buying Safer Toys

In recent years, children’s toys havebeen a hot topic of concern to parents acrossthe country. In 2007, the discovery of a large

number of toys made in China containing lead-based paints led several behemoth toy manufac-turers to recall millions of toys. Lead is a seriousneurotoxin and the paints that use it as aningredient can easily be chipped off and ingestedby a child.

But the ills of kids’ playthings don’t stop at lead. In fact, the consumer action guide,www.HealthyToys.org, lists the main chemicals of concern as lead, chlorine, cadmium, arsenic,and mercury. Sadly, there is little regulation tomonitor, label, or eliminate these toxins fromour children’s toys.

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Extra Credit: Eco Kids and Pets Chapter 11

While the presence of chemicals in your child’stoys may seem like an overwhelming concept todeal with, there are a few, simple steps you cantake to create a healthier playtime. First off,you’ll want to replace the PVC toys that theyplay with regularly; these could include bathtoys, squeeze toys, and dolls.

When buying new toys, choose safer solid woodproducts, preferably unpainted, treated withnon-toxic finishes. While the use of wood doesdeplete valuable trees from the planet, the prod-ucts made from wood will be more durable andlast longer than other types of toys, which endup in landfills faster.

Cloth and plush toys can also be safe options, aswell as games and puzzles made of paper. If youare set on buying a soft plastic toy, be sure toverify that the product is phthalate-free.

For extra help with these issues, head towww.HealthyToys.org or www.greenpeace.org forproduct ratings, toy company report cards, andsafety testing information. Past and present toyrecall information is available through theConsumer Product Safety Commission website:http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html.

Carcinogenic chlorine, which appears in toysmade from petroleum-based PVC, has beendetected in kids’ products like plastic books,bibs, and backpacks plus plastic packaging andtoys. Phthalates, an industrial group of chemi-cals that add flexibility and resilience to prod-ucts, are also present in PVC. Even at low levelsof exposure, phthalates are believed to causehormone disruption, asthma, and breast cancer.A 2005 Centers for Disease Control study of thehuman population found that phthalates werepresent in almost everyone, with particularlyhigh levels in children aged six to 11. Whilephthalates have been banned in toys and babyproducts in the European Union, Japan, andeven the state of California, there continues tobe no federal regulation by the U.S. government.

The heavy metal cadmium, which has beenshown to cause developmental effects and is aknown human carcinogen, has been found onpainted toys and kids’ PVC products like toys,lunch boxes, and bibs. Mercury, which has beenfound in vinyl backpacks and bath toys, affectsthe kidneys and is toxic to the nervous system.

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Many plastic toys contain hormone-disrupting phthalates. ©istockphoto.com/mustafa

Green on the CheapThe materials needed for kids’ craftprojects are also perpetrators in thechemical crime. Some glues and paintsemit VOCs into the air and even crayonshave been found to contain asbestos.For safer crafting, choose water-basedpaints, simple construction and scrappaper, and other natural options foryour child.

Your own children—or those thatare in your life via friends and family—willsoak up the green knowledge you impart

and take it forward with them in life. The earthis theirs for the future and their generation, withall their earth-friendly knowledge and acceptanceof things like renewable energy and chemical-free foods, will likely take far better care of itthan the past few generations have. These fewtips and ideas will help you to teach your childrenwell and sign them up for your green plan athome and beyond—and help you build memoriesthat will last a lifetime.

� Hold a green meeting: Sit down withyour children to discuss your desire togo green—if you present it in a fun way,they’ll likely be excited about theunusual changes ahead. This is a greattime to discuss plans like starting arecycling program and reducing energyusage at home.

� Encourage them to reduce: Their energyconsumption is one of the best thingsthey can reduce right away. If you havemore than one child, you could even runa competition to see who is the best atturning off the lights in the rooms theyleave throughout the day.

� Motivate them to recycle: If space per-mits, set up simple, clearly marked binsin the kitchen (i.e., “paper,” “glass,”“plastic”) and challenge them to tossrecyclables in the correct spot. You canalso let them help set these items outon collection day.

� Take them outsidde: Let your kids experience the beauty of Mother Naturefirsthand—take them hiking, canoeing,or sledding. Their outdoor adventureswill make it quite clear why the earth is so worthy of preservation. They willalso help promote a healthier, activelifestyle.

� Design a garden: If you have the space,build a garden for them to plant flowersor fruits and vegetables in your backyard. Nothing will solidify the beauty of nature’s process more than watchingsomething grow that they have planted.It will also underscore the delights oflocal, organic foods. If you live in anapartment or in the city, take them to a community garden where they canparticipate in the process.

� Ride bikes together: Teaching your childhow to ride a bike is one of the bestthings you can do for the planet. Thisskill will stay with them always andmay even inspire them to bike to schoolor work in the future.

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Teaching Kids to Love and Respect the Planet

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Extra Credit: Eco Kids and Pets Chapter 11

Pets are an integral part of oursociety; they add warmth, dimension, andentertainment to our lives. In the U.S.

alone, there are over 72 million dogs and nearly82 million cats living in households across thecountry. In fact, households with dogs and catsoutnumber those with children by 70 percent.

Even the numbers of birds in households rangeover 11 million and there are more than sevenmillion horses. Americans also have a penchantfor exotic pets: over 75 million fish, one millionferrets, nearly two million turtles, and half a million snakes live in U.S. households.

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A pinwheel perfectly demonstrates the force behindalternative energy. ©istockphoto.com/Izabela Habur

Eco FactA study by the Center forEnvironmental Health (CEH) foundthat a large number of children’s softvinyl lunch boxes contain high levels of lead, most of which is present in linings where this toxin can come intocontact with food. To avoid this prob-lem altogether, CEH recommends thatparents buy products from those com-panies that have committed to sell onlylead-safe lunch boxes. A few examplesinclude Ingear, Fashion AccessoryBazaar, Lisa Frank, and Big Dogs.

How Conventional Pet Products Affect Pets…and Us

Over 43 million U.S. households are home to man’sbest friend. ©istockphoto.com/Eric Isselée

As much as we love our pets, we can take evenbetter care of them by taking a deeper look atwhat’s inside everything from their food to theirtoys. Unfortunately, the situation is much thesame as it is with food and products for people—there are no current laws that require that thechemicals present in pet items be tested for safety. According to the EWG, the effects ofthese chemicals could be linked to the very highrate of cancer in dogs and hyperthyroidism incats today.

A study conducted by the EWG of blood andurine samples from cats and dogs detected thepresence of 48 industrial chemicals in the pets’bodies, most of which were at much higher levelsthan those typically found in humans. Fire retardants (PBDEs) were found at levels 23 timeshigher in cats than in people; cats’ mercury levelswere also five times higher. Perfluorochemicals(PFCs), which are stain- and grease-proofingchemicals, were 2.4 times higher in the dogstested than what is typically detected in humans.

Why are man’s best friends affected more signifi-cantly by chemical exposure? While pets areexposed to toxins in the same manner ashumans—via the air they breathe and the tapwater they drink and by being exposed to pesti-cides on lawns—they have smaller systems that,pound for pound, soak up more chemicals. Theyalso operate closer to floors and lawns and, as aresult, ingest a regular diet of chemicals.

Concerning toxins are also present in conven-tional pet foods, grooming products, and fleaand tick controls like collars, shampoos, andsprays. These products rely on a family of chemi-cals called organophosphates, some of whichhave been banned from use in the past fewyears. Evidence exists that suggests these chemi-cals are not only harmful to pets but can alsocause later-in-life effects, such as cancer andParkinson’s disease, for exposed children.

Again, it is your green choices that will protectthe health and happiness of your pets at home.Limiting the toxins present in their environmentplus choosing natural food, accessories, and pestcontrols is the best thing you can do for them. Itis also a pledge to the planet to reduce your ownuse of chemicals that can pollute our waterwaysand air.

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Is your pooch or feline being exposed to harmfulchemicals via a flea collar? ©istockphoto.com/Li Kim Goh

Extra Credit: Eco Kids and Pets Chapter 11

The food you feed your pet is of utmost impor-tance for their development and continuedhealth—it should deliver the nutrients they needin a safe package. As with your own food, one ofthe best moves you can make for your pet is toread their food labels. Since cats and dogs arecarnivores, they require a meat-based diet packedwith protein; this should be the first ingredienton the label.

In addition, avoid products that list by-productson the label; these are typically meat by-productslike organs and other parts that are not fit forhuman consumption. Steer clear of additivesthat seem unnecessary, as well, like artificial col-ors, flavors, and chemical preservatives. Finally,remember that it’s always a good idea to consultyour veterinarian for purchasing advice whenseeking out new dietary options for your pet.

Your local health food store and some veterinari-an offices will carry all-natural pet foods that arebetter for your furry friends as well as the planet.The cost may be a little bit higher than conven-tional foods, but your vet bills may be lower inthe long run.

Manufactured pet foods are typ-ically packed with chemicals includingsupplements for fortification, flavor

enhancers, and preservatives. They can also contain unnecessary fillers and by-products plusother questionable ingredients.

This truth came to light in 2007 when a petfood scare—and the resulting deaths of over2,000 animals—was the cause of the largestrecall in the history of the industry. More than17,000 pets were sickened but the cause stillremains in question. The pesticide aminopterin,a rat poison, was originally believed to be thecause; scientists later also found high levels ofmelamine, a chemical used in plastics and fertil-izers, in wheat gluten found in the foods. Still,the EPA considers melamine of low potential risk.

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Choosing Natural Pet Food Options

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Pet foods can contain some dubious ingredients.©istockphoto.com/Mariya Bibikova

Like pesticides used for your lawn andgarden, those that are wrapped aroundyour pet’s neck or sprayed on their coats

can contain a variety of ingredients that areharmful to them, you, and the planet. While theend result is counterintuitive to the intention,the flea and tick control business is a boomingindustry. According to Packaged Facts, over 30percent of the 80 million households with dogsand/or cats living in them choose to use flea andtick controls such as flea collars and topicaltreatments.

The most offensive ingredient in flea control brewsis a family of chemicals called organophosphates.Six of the seven members of this toxic tribe wereremoved from the market from 2000 to 2006due to their effects on pets and people; theseinclude chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, phosmet, naled,diazinon, and malathion. Check your labels beforeusing any flea product, especially if you’ve had itfor some time, to confirm these elements arenot present.

One organophosphate chemical, tetrachlorvin-phos, is still in use in flea control products.Additionally, these products also use anotherfamily of chemicals called carbamates—the twomost commonly used in pet products are carbaryland propoxur. Both organophosphates and car-bamates work against pests by interfering withthe transmission of nerve signals. The problem isthat these effects can also extend themselves topets, children, and adults.

On the flip side, there are healthier, natural fleaand tick control options that can also keep thesechemicals from harming the planet:

� Prevention is worth a pound of chemicals:You can help your pet (and your family)avoid a flea problem in the first placeby employing tactics like washing petbedding once a week in hot water, vacuuming frequently, and using goodgrooming techniques. Keeping the grassin your lawn short and debris-free willalso help to minimize the presence ofpests.

� Healthy diets repel pests: You can alsoplay offense by feeding your pet ahealthy diet. With strong defenses, theyare less likely to be attractive to fleas. A fish oil supplement will also helpmaintain your animal’s healthy skinand coat.

� Going back to basics: If fleas make theirpresence known, your first line ofdefense is a basic flea comb. These aretypically made of stainless steel and arespecifically designed to remove fleasand eggs from your pet’s hair.

� The next step is organic: If the problempersists, you can step things up to use a natural, organic flea bath combinedwith combing.

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Using Safer Flea Controls

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Still, clay litter is a health concern and it also isproduced via strip-mining processes that areanything but earth-friendly. Easy-to-use clumpingcat litters have also come under scrutiny in thepast few years as some claim that this productcan be harmful to pets if ingested or inhaledbecause it solidifies inside their systems.

Move your felines away from litter varieties thatmay be harmful to their health, yours, and theplanet’s by choosing more natural, even organic,options. Eco- and health-conscious versionsinclude those made from renewable plantresources like wood pellets, sawdust, barley,wheat, alfalfa, peanut hulls, or recycled news-paper. These items are often recycled from post-consumer waste, so you’ll also be doing theearth a favor by reducing its workload.

Since over two million tons of litter lands in U.S.landfills each year, these biodegradable choiceswill also help reduce the world’s waste burden.It is not recommended, however, that you com-post your cat litter at home; parasites from yourpet’s waste can easily contaminate the compostyou create, rendering it useless for garden orindoor plant applications.

For feline owners, cat litter is simplyone of the unpleasant realities of dailylife—cleaning, scooping, refilling. With over

37 million cat-owning households across thecountry, it’s no wonder that cat litter sales rangin a whopping $730 million in 2002, accordingto Packaged Facts.

But this seemingly harmless, useful productactually hides an unhealthy secret. Today’s ubiq-uitous litter variety is made of clay, which alsohappens to contain crystalline silica, a knownhuman carcinogen. Clay cat litter also containssilica dust, which can cause respiratory irritation.Unfortunately, little research has been done toshow the effects of these ingredients on cats andtheir owners.

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Selecting Safer Cat Litter

Kittens are particularly vulnerable to the effects ofclumping litter. ©istockphoto.com/Mark Hayes

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Eco FactYou can also green your pets by choosing to buy natural toys and accessories. Like chil-dren’s plastic toys, pet options can also be made from PVC, which can be harmful to allanimals. Pet parrots and exotic birds are especially vulnerable to the chemicals that areleached and off-gassed from soft PVC toys (i.e., lead and cadmium); these chemicals can bepoisonous to them. Ask your veterinarian for the safest option and, when appropriate, optfor recycled toys and accessories like dye-free, organic hemp leashes.

Did You Know?

Cat waste can also be harmful to your health because it can spread toxoplasmosis, a seriousparasitic disease that is transmitted through infected cat feces. Animals are typically infectedby eating diseased meat, so outdoor cats are much more susceptible. It is estimated that over a third of the world’s human population carry the toxoplasmosis virus. Pregnant women are atparticular risk and should avoid handling cat litter or waste, because this disease can infect thefetus and cause miscarriage or severe birth defects. If you are pregnant and garden in an areathat has outdoor cats, be sure to wear gloves to help protect you and your baby.

©istockphoto.com/TIM MCCAIG

Extra Credit: Eco Kids and Pets Chapter 11

Greening Your Children:1. When you’re expecting, try to avoid as many of the key, harmful chemicals outlined in this book as

possible. When necessary, refer to the following chapters for relevant information:

� Choosing natural cleaning products to clean up air quality: Chapter 3

� Buying pesticide-free organic foods and eating safer seafood: Chapter 5

� Using natural lawn care strategies to reduce pesticides and fertilizer exposure: Chapter 6

� Choosing natural personal care products to reduce chemical exposure: Chapter 8

2. Buy a BPA-free baby bottle for your little one.

3. When preparing a nursery or redecorating a child’s room, choose zero- or low-VOC paints, green flooringlike bamboo or cork, toxin-free furniture (sans formaldehyde and fire-retardant chemicals), natural andorganic bedding, and other products that do not contain PVC.

4. Toss any of your child’s toys made of harmful PVC. When shopping for new toys, steer clear of thosecontaining PVC or any other harmful chemicals. Refer to places like www.HealthyToys.org for moreinformation.

5. Teach kids to love and respect the planet by instilling your green values in them—and inspiring them to choose earth-friendly activities like recycling, energy conservation, and biking.

Greening Your Pets:1. Choose to feed your furry friends only natural (preferably organic) pet foods that do not contain

harmful chemicals, preservatives, or animal by-products.

2. Ditch your pets’ PVC toys and opt for natural, recycled playthings that are better for their health.

3. Review the labels of your flea control products and take anything that contains any of the bannedorganophosphates listed in this chapter to your local hazardous chemicals recycling center. Choose preventative methods and natural controls to maintain the health of your animal, your children, andyourself.

4. Switch your cat’s litter to a natural, plant-based variety to protect the health of the planet and everyonein your household.

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Green Review: How to Green Your Kids and Pets

The world is your oyster—be sure to take care of it. ©istockphoto.com/Jan Rysavy

Does your eco passion extend beyond the pages of thisbook’s eight-week plan? If so, you are not alone. The researchfirm Mintel has defined the “greenest” end of the consumer

spectrum as “Super Greens,” a group that it says tripled in size from late 2006 to early 2008. The results of its Green Living—U.S., February2008 survey found that Super Greens are consumers “thoroughly committed to the ‘green’ lifestyle who almost always purchase greenproducts.” While this group is more likely to purchase earth-friendlyitems, their ties to eco-consciousness go way beyond consumerism—they view the green movement as a principled, ethical lifestyle choice.Are you Super Green?

Some Americans have even stepped beyond this boundary into lifestylesand choices that are extreme in their green-ness. The New York Timeshas coined the terms “carborexic” and “energy anorexic” for the membersof this group, which isn’t hesitant to live without heat or air conditioning,run vehicles on used cooking oil from local restaurants, aim for zerowaste in their homes, and buy chickens to produce eggs that are aslocal as it gets.

While these measures may not be realistic for many people’s lifestylesand living situations, there are numerous things you can do to live outyour passion and become ÜberGreen. This chapter features five solidways you can excel at greening your lifestyle and become even morecommitted to a healthy planet. Some of them are relatively simple, whileothers are decidedly life changing. A few are cost free, while othersrequire a significant financial commitment upfront—one that will eventually pay for itself in energy and fuel savings. Read on for thescoop on these earth-friendly ideas.

12Five Ways to GoÜberGreen

Merriam-Webster defines

activism as “A doctrine or practice thatemphasizes direct vigorous action

especially in support of or opposition to oneside of a controversial issue.” The future of ourplanet—and how we approach it—is certainly acontroversial issue today.

You don’t have to attend a protest or chain your-self to a tree to be an activist—simply takingaction to make things better and making yourvoice heard in your own community regardinggreen issues is activism. It is also being a respon-sible citizen of the earth.

You can make a huge difference by lobbying forthings like better bike lanes, a more extensiverecycling program, local foods served in schools,or greener business practices. How do you getstarted?

The following steps will help launch you intoyour new role as activist.

� Join a local group that advocates for theplanet: Do some web research to locatean organization in your area that cham-pions green causes, from educatingschool kids about recycling to lobbyingfor green changes with the local govern-ment. Most groups welcome new volun-teers; this is an excellent way to learnthe ropes of activism in your area.

� Write a letter—or 20: Since the Lettersto the Editor section of your local news-paper is likely the most-read page eachday, this is an excellent spot for you tovoice your aspirations for greening yourlocal community. The members of yourcommunity will not be the only peopleinformed of these ideas; local govern-ments often have newspaper-clippingservices that pull relevant topics forarea politicians. Your letter-writingskills will also come in handy for campaigns directed to politicians.Persistence is a virtue in this endeavor;as letters pile up, bureaucrats tend topay more attention. You could even goso far as to request an appointmentwith a local politician to review yourideas and concerns.

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Become an Activist

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Step out from the crowd and spread your green ideas.©istockphoto.com/Onur Döngel

Five Ways to Go Übergreen Chapter 12

� Go nationwide with online activism: Ifyour aspirations also lie beyond yourlocal area, it’s easy to take a national(or even international) tack with yourardor via green groups that have astrong online presence. A few places tostart include the National ResourcesDefense Council (www.nrdc.org), the Environmental Working Group(www.ewg.org), www.stopglobalwarming.org,www.wecansolveit.org, and www.350.org.

� Share your ideas: Discuss your greenideas with friends, family, and evenstrangers that you come into contactwith. Keeping the concepts light andnon-confrontational just may inspirethem to change their own habits. If youfind you have a number of people inter-ested in making a particular change,such as making your town more bike-friendly, you could even set out to starta petition that could be presented tolocal politicians to illustrate the public’sinterest. These can be circulated door todoor or via interested local merchants.

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Get a Green Collar Job

Would you like to work for anearth-conscious company? You cantake your green enthusiasm and put it

into play every day with a career that contributesto a better environment and a sustainable econ-omy. There has never been a better time to makea career shift as green jobs are on the rise acrossAmerica.

About 750,000 Americans now work in what are considered as “green jobs,” including bothextremely green occupations such as electric carengineers and solar project managers and tradi-tional work in areas like sales, accounting, andmarketing for truly green companies. The popu-lation of green workers is projected to skyrocketin the next 20 years, since green industries andthe number of eco-conscious companies are onthe rise.

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Your career could help save the planet. ©istockphoto.com/kutay tanir

A 2008 United Nations report, entitled GreenJobs: Towards Decent Work in a Sustainable,Low-Carbon World, suggests that while a millionpeople currently work in biofuels, that numbercould rise by another 12 million by 2030.Additionally, the report projected that the man-ufacture, installation, and maintenance of solarpanels should add 6.3 million jobs by 2030 andwind power projects would require an additionaltwo million workers.

The bottom line is that the development ofgreen industries and the boom of green jobs willsimply help build a more sustainable economy.The website, www.GreenJobsNow.com, suggeststhat in 2006 “renewable energy and energy effi-ciency technologies generated 8.5 million newjobs, nearly $970 billion in revenue, and morethan $100 billion in industry profits.”

At the presstime of this book, a proposal bypresident-elect Barack Obama heralded a prom-ising economic plan to create new jobs via thedevelopment of alternative energies. The greencollar movement is even happening at the statelevel—Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty haslaid out a proposed “Green Jobs InvestmentInitiative” for his state, which is already at theforefront of alternative energy development.

How can you find a green job? The behemothjob-listing website www.monster.com boasts atargeted green career section that includes information on eco-friendly jobs. Other greenjob resources include www.greenjobs.com,www.environmentalcareer.com, and www.greenjobs.net. If you believe in the power of green jobs, you can also go to greenjobsnow.com and sign the petition to send a signal to our country’s elected officials.

It is highly likely that your current experienceand skill set can be applied to a green career; forexample, construction workers can install solarpanels and lawyers can work for clean-energycompanies. Be sure to research the company you are interested in working for to ensure theirgreen inclinations are more than marketing-fueled greenwashing. Once you have made the jump, you can head to work every day (by carpooling, biking, or taking mass transit, no doubt) knowing that you are making a realdifference.

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“Be the change you want to see in the world.

—Mahatma Gandhi

Five Ways to Go Übergreen Chapter 12

The Scoop on HybridsHow They Work: Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)combine an internal combustion engine with anelectric motor powered by batteries. The electricmotor actually helps the conventional engineoperate more efficiently, which ultimately cutsdown on fuel use. On the flip side, the gasolineengine enables the HEV to travel long distancessince the electric motor has a limited range.Most HEVs also employ regenerative braking,which uses the electric motor to stop the vehicleand, in turn, recovers and converts this kineticenergy into electricity to power the motor.

Pros: Most HEVs do not require a plug-in electri-cal charge, save for the plug-in hybrids, whichhave a range of about 20 miles on electricityalone before using any gasoline. They can attaina fuel economy of up to 45 to 55 mpg.

Cons: HEVs still run on gasoline, which burnsfossil fuels and creates emissions, albeit lessthan conventional gas-powered vehicles.

What They Cost: Hybrids typically range fromjust over $21,000 to about $30,000, but luxurymodels can cost as much as $50,000 to $60,000.

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle or simply fed up with your car’s fueleconomy and resulting carbon emissions, it

may be time to trade it in and trade up to acleaner, greener automobile. Both hybrid andelectric vehicles are excellent earth-friendlychoices for your transportation needs; they maycost a bit more than a standard vehicle, but thisupfront cost will ultimately be recouped in dol-lars saved at the fuel pump. Tax credits are alsooffered for the purchase of these low-emissionsvehicles. It’s clear that greener passenger vehiclesare the wave of the future, so why not jump onthe bandwagon?

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Buy a Hybrid or an Electric Vehicle

Cost Meter:(over time, this change will save you money)

The popular Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle gets approximately 48 mpg on the highway.©istockphoto.com/TIM MCCAIG

The Deal with EVsHow They Work: Electric Vehicles (EVs) arepowered by electric motors and motor controllersrather than the standard internal combustionengine; the energy used to power the electricmotor is derived from charged battery packsstored inside the vehicle. The EV market took offin the U.S. in the 1990s, but most of the vehiclesmanufactured then, which were sold underclosed-end lease, were repossessed and destroyed.The first electric luxury sports car, the TeslaRoadster, was unveiled by Silicon Valley-basedTesla Motors in 2006—the concept behind thisEV and consumers’ desire for oil-free transporta-tion has fueled a renewed interest in EVs. Expectto see an expanded offering in the coming years.

Pros: EVs deliver a quiet, fuel- and emissions-freeride.

Cons: These modern vehicles must be chargedand the power to do so may come from a sourcethat generates greenhouse gas emissions, unlessyou purchase clean electricity. Most also have alimited range on a single charge, save for theTesla Roadster, which delivers about 220 milesof driving when fully charged.

What They Cost: While the Roadster rings in at$109,000, more affordable options are on thehorizon. For example, the Chevy Volt, launchingin 2011, will retail around $40,000.

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Green on the CheapIf you drive about 10,000 miles a yearin your HEV (half city and half highwaymiles), your estimated annual gas costwould come in at about $754, given agas price of $3.50 per gallon. In a simi-lar scenario, a non-hybrid vehicle thatattains an average of 19 mpg in the cityand 21 mpg on the highway would costyou $1,754 a year in fuel bills—a full$1,000 more than a hybrid vehicle.

The $109,000 price tag on the sleek Tesla Roadster electric sports car may make zero emissions

travel unattainable for most, but affordable optionsare on the horizon. ©istockphoto.com/Tesla Motors

Did You Know?

Politicians and business leaders in SanFrancisco have laid out a plan to makethe Bay Area—including Silicon Valley—at the forefront of electric vehicle devel-opment by creating a vast network ofbattery charging stations. This proposed$250 million “refueling” infrastructurewould be built by 2012 by Better Place, a company that has already reachedagreements to do the same in Hawaii,Denmark, Israel, and Australia.

Five Ways to Go Übergreen Chapter 12

Would you like to live in a community that embraces sustainableliving and local resilience? Is it appeal-

ing to have like-minded, eco-conscious neighborswho desire to combat global warming and thepotential effects of peak oil? If all this soundsappealing, then it might be time for you to moveto a “transition town”—or start the movementtowards this moniker in your own community.

The transition town movement was born out ofa class project at Kinsale Further EducationCollege in Kinsale, Ireland, where students workedwith permaculture designer Rob Hopkins towrite an “Energy Descent Plan.” What they wrotetogether was a forward-thinking adaptation oftheir town’s local systems, from energy produc-tion and economy to health and agriculture,which would lead it to energy independence anda more sustainable future.

One of the students, Louise Rooney, moved topresent the plan to town councilors who madethe historic decision to make Kinsale the world’sfirst transition town. Hopkins, who has sincewritten a tome entitled The Transition Handbook,returned to his hometown of Totnes, England,where the concept was embraced and expandedin 2006.

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Inspire—or Move to—a Transition Community

Cost Meter: to (over time, this change will save you money)

Transition towns aim to rely on locally supplied, sustainable energy. ©istockphoto.com/Vladimir

Today, there are over 100 transition towns world-wide from Australia to Japan, including a numberin the U.S. These currently include Boulder, CO,Sandpoint, ID, Ketchum, ID, Lyons, CO, SantaCruz, CA, Montpelier, VT, and Portland, ME.According to the movement’s website, www.transitiontowns.org, there are more than600 additional communities considering thepossibility of kicking off their own transition initiative, including over 100 in the U.S.

Despite the movement’s name, any city, village,or small community can become a transitiontown. The main goal is to prepare and equipcommunities for the challenges and effects fromclimate change and peak oil. Transition townsset the goal to move, over a period of 10 to 20years, from oil dependence to a low carbon diet.Transition towns also strive to develop ways toreduce the amount of energy they use—and tobecome more self-reliant.

One of the ways this is accomplished is theencouragement of reciprocal exchange of goodsand services to fuel the local economy; sometowns, such as Totnes, have even developed theirown currency. Transition towns also focus on

developing local, sustainable energy sources,growing food in community gardens, selling andbuying locally grown produce, and matchingwaste from one business with another operationthat can use it.

Is your town on the list of those considering thetransition to a more sustainable, locally focusedmode of operation? If so, perhaps you could joinin the excitement by contacting the local organ-izers. If not, maybe you yourself could inspirethis change locally. Or, if all else fails, you couldalways move to a transition town and join in thisgroundbreaking movement. For more informa-tion on how to inspire a transition town, seewww.transitiontowns.org.

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Buy, Build, or Remodel a Green Home

Living in a green home that gener-ates its own energy, including everythingfrom electricity to heat, is more possible

today than ever before. Green builders havecropped up across the country to deliver earth-friendly designs that suit your eco passions;many will also build to your own specifications.

In addition, the prevalence of green buildingcontractors and suppliers has helped lower costsin the past few years. In fact, a 2008 study spon-sored by the U.S. Green Building Council foundthat building green costs an average of 2.5 per-cent more upfront than conventional building.

In the long run, building green will ultimatelyresult in cost savings related to energy and waterconservation features. The study also found thatgreen homes would have a median energy sav-ings of 33 percent a year. Given these numbers,it appears homeowners that buy or build greenwould recoup their investment quickly.

Cost Meter:(over time, this change will save you money)

Five Ways to Go Übergreen Chapter 12

Building and renovating green is a buildingmovement that is picking up speed. A McGraw-Hill Construction Analytics report on the global green building industry found that 53percent of respondents expect to be dedicatedto going green on more than 60 percent of their projects in the next five years. For moreinformation on buying green, building green, or finding a green builder in your area, check out www.greenhomesforsale.com, www.greenhomeguide.org, orhttp://directory.greenbuilder.com/search.gbpro.

Green Review: Ways to Go ÜberGreen

1. Become an activist.

2. Get a greencollar job.

3. Buy a hybrid or an electric vehicle.

4. Inspire—or move to—a transition community.

5. Buy, build, or remodel a green home.

If you’re in the market for a new home, buyingor building your own eco-conscious abode is anhonorable commitment to make to the planet. Itwill reduce your use of precious resources alongwith putting a cap on your carbon emissions.The Commission for Environmental Cooperationestimates that if there was a rapid uptake ofavailable and emerging energy-saving technolo-gies in home building in North America, it couldresult in the reduction of 1,711 megatons ofCO2 emissions. In addition, your green homewill also be a healthier one for its inhabitants,since it will likely feature low-VOC paints, betterair ventilation, and other “cleaner” finishings.

In some cases, it may even be greener (or neces-sary) to buy a used home and retrofit it withgreen accoutrements like solar panels, solar hotwater, a wind turbine, geothermal heating, oron-demand hot water. If you’re not about tomove from your current home, many of theseswitches can be made with some planning andan upfront cost investment. Your payback shouldbe relatively quick in energy savings and taxcredits, which are currently available for energy-savvy home upgrades like solar panels andENERGY STAR windows.

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Building green only costs about 2.5 percent moreupfront. ©istockphoto.com/Richard Schmidt-Zuper

Eco FactAccording to the EnvironmentalProtection Agency, in the U.S., buildingsaccount for:

• 40 percent of total energy use

• 12 percent of total water consumption

• 68 percent of total electricity consumption

• 38 percent of total carbon dioxideemissions

• 60 percent of total non-industrialwaste generation

Bamboo Fiber: a fiber derived from bamboo plants, which havea built-in natural defense against bacteria and, thus, do notrequire pesticides to grow abundantly. This natural feature is alsotranslated into the bamboo fiber, which boasts anti-bacterial aswell as odor-resistant and hypoallergenic qualities.

Carbon Emissions: the release of carbon dioxide into theatmosphere, which is caused primarily by the burning of fossilfuels. Usually measured in metric tons, C02 emissions play a keyrole in trapping heat in the earth’s atmosphere, an event thatleads to global warming.

Climate Change: the reported increase in the average measuredtemperature of the earth’s surface air and oceans. From 1905 to2005, this average temperature rose by 1.33 degrees Fahrenheit.The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has concludedthat this change is due to the increased levels of greenhousegases in the atmosphere, the majority of which are due to humanactivities that burn fossil fuels.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): a community ofindividuals that each pledges a set amount of money to supporta local farm for the growing season. This membership helpscover the farmer’s anticipated costs of operation and entitlesmembers to a specified amount of fresh produce on a weeklybasis. This system builds a unique consumer-producer relation-ship.

Composting: a process that utilizes organic material such asfood scraps and yard trimmings, which are disposed of andmixed in a compost bin to produce naturally nutrient-rich andtoxin-free soil for projects such as landscaping or agriculture.Because it eliminates a waste stream, composting also helpskeep trash out of landfills.

EcoTourism: a form of tourism that is attractive to eco-consciousand socially conscious travelers, it focuses on responsible travelto natural areas. An ecotourism vacation aims to minimize thenegative aspects associated with conventional travel by encour-aging earth-friendly tactics and promoting local economies withtravel dollars.

Electric Vehicle (EV): a vehicle powered by electric motors andmotor controllers instead of an internal combustion engine. Theenergy used to power the electric motor is derived from chargedbattery packs stored inside the vehicle. These clean, emissions-free vehicles are coming onto the transportation landscape;expect to see more options launched in the coming years.

Energy Audit: an assessment of a home’s energy efficiency thatalso provides tips and strategies to reduce the amount of energythat the home consumes. Today, both do-it-yourself audits andthose performed by a qualified energy audit professional areavailable. Energy audits also save money in the long run by lowering utility bills.

ENERGY STAR: the international standard for energy-efficientconsumer products, which was developed by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency in 1992. The roster of ENERGY STAR products ranges from major appliances to officeequipment and home electronics. The ENERGY STAR programhas also developed energy performance rating systems for several commercial and institutional building types and manu-facturing facilities.

Environmental Estrogens: chemical compounds found in thepesticides, plastics, and detergents that can cause major changesin endocrine cells. More than 60 substances, including dioxinand PCB, have been identified as environmental estrogens.

Farmer’s Market: these markets, which are growing in numbers in the U.S., feature items from farms within the localregion. They typically carry a wide variety of produce, eggs, andmeats, much of which is produced organically.

Fertilizers: a substance or mixture that promotes plant growth.Fertilizers are composed of either organic matter (i.e., compost)or inorganic chemicals or minerals. High concentrations ofchemical fertilizers threaten public health and the world’secosystems while also increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Fluoridated Water: water that is supplemented naturally or bygovernment agencies to contain fluoride. Fluoride compoundsare found naturally in some groundwater supplies, but the U.S.has added chemical fluoride ions into drinking water with theintentions of reducing tooth decay since the 1940s. While toxicat moderate to high doses, fluoride can be beneficial for dentalhealth in low doses. The general level of fluoride in drinkingwater is supposed to range from 0.7–1.2 parts per million.

Fossil Fuel: a combustion fuel source such as coal, natural gas,and crude oil that has been created by the compression andheating of ancient organic remains underneath the earth’s surface. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource which, whenburned, cause the emission of carbon dioxide and other green-house gases into the atmosphere. Approximately 90 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from the combustion offossil fuels.

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Glossary

Glossary

Herbicide: a chemical pesticide designed to control or destroyplants, weeds, or grasses. Some herbicides can cause negativehealth effects as well as contaminate groundwater sources.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): a hybrid vehicle that combinesan internal combustion engine with an electric motor poweredby batteries. The electric motor helps the conventional engineoperate more efficiently and cut down on fuel use. At the sametime, since the electric motor has a limited range, the gasolineengine allows the HEV to travel longer distances.

Hydroelectric Power: the production of power through theuse of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. Thekinetic energy created by the movement of water flowing down-stream is converted into electricity via a hydroelectric powerplant. Here, water (which is typically held at a dam) is forcedthrough a turbine connected to a generator to create energy.

Hypermilers: a group of drivers that employ specific drivingtechniques to attain a vehicle’s ultimate gas mileage. Not neces-sarily legal and not always safe, these techniques include mini-mizing braking, drafting freight trucks, and using downhills togain added momentum for uphills. Some estimate they canachieve up to 50 mpg and more in average vehicles (i.e., non-hybrid) by hypermiling.

Insecticides: a substance or mixture in the form of a pesticidethat is intended to destroy insects in any developmental stage.Used primarily in agriculture, insecticides can alter ecosystems,leach into groundwater, and increase the risk of health issues forhumans. Some insecticides have been banned for such reasons.

Kilowatt Hours (kWh): delivered by electric utilities, this unitof energy is equal to that which is expended by one kilowatt inone hour.

Landfill Gas (LFG): a methane gas that is born as the solidwaste of a landfill decomposes under anaerobic conditions. LFG can be captured, converted, and used as an energy source.This act helps prevent methane from making its way into theatmosphere as a climate-changing greenhouse gas.

Lead Paint: paint that contains lead, a dangerous substanceknown to cause nervous system damage, hearing loss, kidneydamage, and reproductive problems. Children under the age ofsix are more susceptible to its hazards because their systems arestill developing. Leaded paint was banned from residential usein the U.S. in 1978, but it still remains in many older homes.

Local Food: a term that refers to food that is produced within a limited range of the purchaser’s home via local farms and pro-ducers. A local food movement has risen up in the U.S., wheregrocery store-bought produce is shipped an average of 1,500miles from the farm where it was produced, using an enormousamount of fossil fuels along the way.

Free Farmed: a designation set up by the American HumaneAssociation as part of the first animal welfare certification pro-gram in the U.S. Free Farmed is now referred to as AmericanHumane Certified™ on verified products; it denotes that certified producers’ care and handling of animals meets thestandards of American Humane Association (i.e., animals areraised with appropriate space and without antibiotics).

Genetically Engineered (GE) Cotton: a plant type introducedin the 1990s by agricultural giants Calgene and Monsanto thatis created by splicing foreign genetic material into plant genomes.GE cotton is a new organism that is not present in the naturalworld. It boasts built-in pest defenses derived from BacillusThuringiensis (Bt), which is present in every cell of the engi-neered plant. Bt, however, may leach into soil, harming soilmicroorganisms and threatening soil ecology.

Grass Fed: a designation for livestock products that denotesanimals were given continuous access to natural pastures for anextended amount of time prior to processing. Compared to meatfrom conventional feedlot cattle, grass-fed cattle meat has beenshown to be lower in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories.

Green Jobs: a wide range of jobs that apply environmentallyconscious concepts to improve conservation and sustainabilityboth locally and globally. A growing number of people aroundthe world work in what are considered “green jobs,” includingboth extremely green occupations such as wind turbine projectmanagers and traditional work in areas like accounting forgreen companies.

Greenhouse Gases: gases emitted from both naturally occurringand human-caused sources that absorb infrared radiation in theatmosphere. These gases, which include water vapor, carbondioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and CFCs, are responsi-ble for maintaining the earth’s temperature. An overabundanceof greenhouse gases in the atmosphere creates the “greenhouseeffect,” an event that contributes to global warming.

Greenwashing: a term used to describe the act of a company,an organization, or an individual that has misled consumers intothinking they participate in healthy environmental practices or produce “green” products or services to gain a marketing advantage.

Groundwater: up to 20 percent of the earth’s freshwater isstored under the ground surface in forms such as aquifers, soilmoisture, permafrost, and geothermal formations. Groundwateris most commonly threatened by pollutants that can leach intothis supply and make it unsafe.

Hemp Fiber: a naturally soft fiber that is also mold and mildewresistant, hemp was the first plant to be cultivated for use inmaking cloth and clothing. Hemp is incredibly fast growing andrequires little to no pesticides or herbicides to grow. Industrialhemp is used to manufacture everything from clothing and textiles to paper and foods.

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Methane: a major component of the natural gas used inhomes, methane is an abundant fuel produced by the anaerobicdecomposition of organic compounds. At room temperature andstandard pressure it is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas.

Methane Emissions: the potent greenhouse gas produced whenmethane is burned as a fuel. These emissions, which are a resultof activities such as fossil fuel production and waste management,have a higher, short-term effect on global warming than carbondioxide emissions of the same mass.

Organic Cotton: cotton that is grown organically without theuse of pesticides or fertilizers and from plants that are notgenetically modified. Its production focuses on maintaining soilfertility and limiting environmental impact on the earth. Organiccotton is certified by the USDA National Organic Program.

Organic Pollutants: contaminants in the environment that canpose adverse effects to human health and the environment.Common organic pollutants are found in insecticides, fungicides,and the PCBs used in making plastics.

Peak Oil: the point at which many experts believe the worldwill reach “peak oil” production, after which petroleum extractionwill begin to decline. U.S. oil production peaked in the 1970s.While a 2008 report by the International Energy Agency deter-mined peak oil would not occur until at least 2030, a large num-ber of scientists believe that oil supplies are already in decline.

Pesticides: a substance or mixture that repels or destroys pestsor is used as a plant defoliant or desiccant. Synthetic pesticideshave raised public concern due to their potential toxicity forhumans, animals, and the environment. In most countries, pesticides are regulated by government agencies but stillremain a major health concern.

Petroleum Distillates: a petroleum-based chemical found in awide variety of consumer products, including furniture polishand lip gloss, that contribute to air pollution and can causenerve damage and eye irritation. Pesticides and fertilizers canalso contain petroleum distillates.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): an inexpensive and extremelydurable plastic that is found in a large number of consumerproducts, including children’s toys, food wrappers, and showercurtains. PVC also accounts for over 50 percent of the materialsused in building construction. Additives, such as phthalate plas-ticizers, are added to soften PVC but these have been found toleach and cause health problems such as liver damage andendocrine disruption.

Slow Travel: a travel concept that focuses on staying in onelocation and enjoying its highlights, including the local people,shops, culture, and food. The slow travel movement is an off-shoot of the slow food movement, which was born in Italy as aprotest in the 1980s when McDonald’s opened in Rome.

Sodium Hydroxide: otherwise known as lye, this chemical isused in the manufacture of many household items, such assoaps, detergents, drain cleaners, and oven cleaners. It cancause extreme irritation to eyes, nose, and throat and burn skintissue directly upon contact.

Solar Power: the conversion of light and radiant heat from thesun into electricity. Solar power converts the power of the sun’slight into energy via photovoltaic systems (where wafers madeof silicon react to the sun to create electricity) and solar-thermaltechnologies, which use mirrors to heat a liquid that producessteam used to generate electricity. Many homes and buildingsuse this alternative form of energy; solar “farms” are also crop-ping up across the country.

Staycation: a vacation taken while staying at home and relax-ing or one involving day trips in the vacationer’s home area. Thestaycation trend was born out of economy-troubled Americans’desire to take less expensive and less stressful vacations.

Transition Town: a socially conscious movement born out of aclass project at Kinsale Further Education College in Kinsale,Ireland, where students worked with professor Rob Hopkins towrite a forward-thinking adaptation of their town’s local systems,from energy production to economy, which would lead it toenergy independence and a more sustainable future. The townadopted this concept, which has also spread around the globeto other communities. Today, there are over 100 transitiontowns worldwide, including several in the U.S.

Virgin Fiber: wood fiber from trees that has never been usedbefore in the manufacture of paper or other products. Productsmade from virgin fiber often have the potential to be madefrom recycled, post-consumer products instead.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): harmful organic chemi-cal compounds that are capable of vaporizing and entering theair supply, thus causing harm to human health. Examples ofartificial VOCs include paint, paint thinners, and dry cleaningsolvents.

Wind Power: the conversion of wind energy into a renewableenergy such as electricity. Wind turbines scoop up wind withtwo or three long blades; the movement of the turbine is con-verted, through a generator, into electricity. Wind power is asustainable alternative to non-renewable fossil fuels that canalso help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Xeriscaping: the practice of landscaping in ways that do notrequire supplemental irrigation, such as the use of plants withwater needs that are appropriate to the particular climate inwhich they are grown. Xeriscaping practices also reduce theamount of evaporation and runoff created during watering.

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Aactivist, 200–201aeration, 114affordability of green movement, 9–10Agricultural Chemical Usage Program, 77Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), 90air freshener, 34air pollution, 32air travel, 170–171aluminum cans, 15American Association of Poison Control Center, 140AMS (Agricultural Marketing Service), 90antibiotics, in water, 92antimicrobials, 76appliances

eco-conscious lifestyle changes, 28

ENERGY STAR qualified, 50

powering down/unplugging, 28

unplugging, 66–67

water-efficient, 42–43

Arbor Day Foundation, 29audits, energy, 72–73Azo-Free clothing, 122

Bbamboo

in bedding/linens, 49

in clothing, 123–124

flooring, 51

batteriesrechargeable, 37

recycling, 38

beauty products. See personal care productsbedding, 49, 187beeswax candles, 34biking, 163–164bins, recycling, 15

bottled water. See waterBPA (Bisphenol A), 89bubble bath, 142–143

Ccandles, 34cap and trade system, 6carbamates, 76carbon emissions

carbon offsets, 23–24

eco-conscious lifestyle changes, 23–24

Global Carbon Project, 4

state statistics, 58

transportation and, 154, 166

carpet, 51, 187carpooling, 161–162cat litter, 195Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ), 48CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps)

cost, 9

as eco-conscious lifestyle change, 16–17

Energy Star, 16–17, 62–63

recycling program, 17, 63

refunds, 63

switching to, 62–63

Change a Light, Change the World pledge, 63CHEJ (Center for Health, Environment & Justice), 48chemicals

BPA (Bisphenol A), 89

in cleaning products, 33

in clothing, 121–122

in cotton, 118

lawn care, 100–101

in personal care products, 8

pesticides, 7–8

PVC (polyvinyl chloride), 48

VOCs (volatile organic compounds), 32

211

Index

Chicago Climate Action Plan, 5chicken, 85children

greening your, 185, 197

healthy nursery and bedroom greening techniques,187–189

motivating to recycle, 190

teaching acceptance of green environment, 190

toys, 188–189

Clean Air-Cool Planet, 23clean power

buying locally, 61

hydroelectric energy, 59–60

solar power, 59

wind power, 60

cleaning productschemicals in, 32–33

homemade alternatives, 35, 47

plant-based, 34

reading labels of, 47

solvent-free, 34

clothingaccessories, 130

Azo-Free, 122

bamboo in, 123–124

chemicals in, 121–122

cotton in, 120

design consciousness, 128–129

dry-cleaned, 132

Eco-fi fibers, 127

EcoTech fiber, 127

hemp fabric, 124–125

production, 121–122

recycled, 127

soy fabric, 126

wet cleaning, 132

wool, 125–126

coal tar, 139coal-fired power, 56Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), 95compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)

cost, 9

as eco-conscious lifestyle change, 16–17

Energy Star, 16–17, 62–63

recycling program, 17, 63

refunds, 63

switching to, 62–63

compost, 108, 110–112computer sleep mode feature, 28, 67Conservation Fund, 166cosmetics, 148COSTCO retailer, 129cotton

chemicals in, 118

in clothing, 118, 120

genetically engineered, 119

gin trash, 118

organic, 49, 120

pesticides in, 118

creams and lotions, 137, 147crop dusters, 76cruise control, 157CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), 95cyanide, 133

DDaley, Richard (Chicago mayor), 5Danish Institute of Agricultural Research, 84deodorant, 144–145, 151diamonds, 133drain cleaner, 35drinking water. See waterdrought conditions, 42dry-cleaned clothing, 132

EE. coli, 85Eat Local America Challenge, 96–97Eco Preservation Society, 29eco-conscious lifestyle changes

carbon offset purchases, 23–24

energy-saving light bulb installation, 16–17

household electronics, 28

organic food purchases, 25–26

overview, 13

212

recycling, 14–15

renewable electricity, 21–22

shopping bags, reusable, 19–20

tree planting, 29

water bottle, reusable, 17–18

water usage, 27

Eco-fi fibers, 127EcoTech fiber, 127ecotourism, 174–175Ecover earth-friendly products producer, 34Eden Foods natural foods company, 89eggs, 85electric lawn mowers, 113–115electric vehicles, 203–204electricity

powering down, 66

renewable energy sources, 21–22

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, 72employment, 201–202energy

audits, 72–73

clean power, 59–61

coal-fired power, 56

conventional sources, pros and cons of, 56–58

energy score rating, 72

highest energy priced states, 65

history of, 54

how we use, 55

hydroelectric, 60

natural gas, 57

nuclear, 57

offsetting usage, 68–69

oil, 58

renewable, 68–69

solar power, 59

states that expend the least, 65

thermostat settings, 64

top five consuming states, 65

wind power, 60

Energy Bill, 63Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, 16Energy Star

buying products that feature, 71

Change a Light, Change the Word pledge, 63

Home Advisor website, 72

qualified appliances, 50

qualified CFLs, 16–17

tax credits for home improvements that include, 72

environment and pesticides, 79Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 15, 22EPA Home Energy Yardstick Website, 72Evangelical Climate Initiative, 6EWG (Environmental Working Group), 8, 25

Ffacial cleansers, 142–143farmer’s market food, 90–91fertilizers

lawn care, 100–101

pollution-fed algae, 8

filtrated water systems, 18, 93fish

eco-best/worst, 88

fish farms, 86–87

seafood mercury levels, 87

flea controls, pet products, 194flooring, 51, 187fluorescent bulbs

cost, 9

as eco-conscious lifestyle change, 16–17

Energy Star, 16–17, 62–63

recycling program, 17, 63

refunds, 63

switching to, 62–63

fluoride compounds, 150food. See also organic food

buying locally grown, 89–90

Eat Local America Challenge, 96–97

farmer’s market, 90–91

pet, 191–193

fossil fuelglobal supply of, 3

pros and cons of, 58

fragrance, 139Free-Farmed label, 85fruit, 82fuel-efficient vehicles, 167

Picture Yourself Going Green Index

213

fungicides, 76furniture, 51, 187furniture polish, 35future lifestyles, 10

Ggarbage

Great Pacific Garbage Patch, 14

landfills and, 36

pay-as-you-throw programs, 36

recycling, 14–15

gardens. See lawn caregas mileage, driving habits and, 157–159genetically engineered cotton, 119Give-a-Tree Greeting card program, 29glass cleaner, 35Global Carbon Project, 4global warming

IPCC and, 2

thinning sea ice caused by, 3

Grass Fed label, 85Great Pacific Garbage Patch, 14green jobs, 201–202green utility programs, 61GreenDimes website, 41Green-e certified RECs, 22, 69greenhouse effect, 2greenhouse gases

cap and trade system, 6

causes of, 2

Chicago Climate Action Plan, 5

RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative), 6

Greenscapes program, 104greenwashing, 33

Hhand soap, 137handbags, 130health, 7–8hemp, 124–125

herbicides, 76lawn care, 100–101

in water, 92

herbicide-tolerant (HT), 119Home Energy Rater auditor, 73home offices, 45–46homemade cleaning products, 35, 47Hoover Dam, 60household environment

air freshener, 34

air-purification, 33

carpet/flooring, 51

cleaning products, 32–33, 35

eco-conscious lifestyle changes, 28

Energy Star qualified appliances, 50

furniture, 51

garbage, 36

home addition, 51

home offices, 45–46

indoor air pollution, 32

linens, 48–49

overview, 31

paint, 50

paper products, 39–41

powering down/unplugging appliances, 28

roofing/shingles, 50

ventilation, 33

water conscious ideas, 42–44

HT (herbicide-tolerant), 119hybrid vehicle, 203–204hydroelectric energy, 59–60hydroquinone, 139hygiene. See personal care products

Iidling, 157IEA (International Energy Agency), 156indoor air pollution, 32inorganic contaminants, 92insecticides, 76inspiration, green movement, 5–6International Energy Agency (IEA), 156IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change), 2

214

J–Ljewelry, 133jobs, 201–202

landfill gas (LFG), 36landfills, 36lawn care

aeration, 114

chemical treatments, 100–101

compost, 108, 110–112

electric lawn mowers, 113–115

fertilizers, 100–101

Greenscapes program, 104

herbicides, 100–101

mulch, 108

pest management, 104

pesticides, 100–101

raking, 114

soil, 103

sustainable lawn and garden practices, 102

thatching, 114

vermicomposting, 111

water use, 107–108

weed control, 105–106

xeriscaping, 106

leadin personal care products, 139

in water, 92–93

LEDs (light-emitting diodes), 63LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design), 176LFG (landfill gas), 36light bulbs. See fluorescent bulbslighting, 66linens, 48–49lipstick, 148lotions and creams, 137, 147

Mmakeup, 148Markham Ice Shelf, 2

meatorganic, 85

production, 85

mercuryin fish, 87

in personal care products, 139

methane, 36microbial contaminants, 92milk, 83–84moisturizers, 147mulch, 108MWh (megawatt-hour), 68

Nnanoparticles, 139National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA), 96National Organic program, 25National Recycling Coalition, 14National Resource Defense Council (NRDC), 16Native Energy company, 24, 166natural gas, 57Nature Conservancy, 29NatureMill composter, 113NCGA (National Cooperative Grocers Association), 96NRDC (National Resource Defense Council), 16nuclear energy, 57

Ooccupations, 201–202ocean dead zones, 8octane level, 159oil

peak oil production, 3–4

pros and cons of, 58

rate of extraction, 3

transportation and, 155–156

organic cotton, 49, 120organic food

Asian and African-American consumers, 81

eco-conscious lifestyle changes, 25–26

meat, 85

National Organic program, 25

Picture Yourself Going Green Index

215

organic food (continued)

nutrients in, 7, 80

pesticides and, 7

USDA Organic stamp, 25–26, 81

where to find, 26

Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, 80organic milk, 83–84organophosphates, 76oven cleaner, 35

Ppaint, 50, 187paper

home office tips, 46

post-consumer fibers, 39–40

recycling, 15, 39–41, 46

shredding, 46

parabens, 139Payless ShoeSource, 130personal care products

bubble bath, 142–143

deodorant, 144–145, 151

facial cleansers, 142–143

fluoride compounds, 150

glow scrub, 151

hand soap, 137

ingredient labels, 140, 142

ingredients to avoid, 138–139

lotions, 147

makeup, 148

moisturizers, 147

pure and natural product retailers and companies, 141

shampoo, 137, 142–143

shower gels, 142–143

skin care, 136–137

soap, 142–143

sulfates in, 142–143

sunscreens, 145–146

toner, 151

toothpaste, 137, 143–144, 151

pest management, lawn care, 104

pesticidesantimicrobials, 76

in cotton, 118

diazinon, 76

environment and, 79

fungicides, 76

green movement and, 7

health problems associated with, 77

herbicides, 76

insecticides, 76

lawn care, 100–101

levels in fruit/vegetables, 82

organic food and, 7

pesticide diazinon, 7

rodenticides, 76

Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, 82

in water, 92

pet productscat litter, 195

conventional, 191–192

flea controls, 194

natural food options, 193

petroleum byproducts, 139phthalates, 138Plant a Billion campaign, 29plant-based cleaning products, 34plastic

ingestion and entanglement of wildlife, 14

shopping bag, 19–20

water bottle, 17–18

polar bear population, 3pollution-fed algae, 8polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 48, 187pregnant women

mercury levels in fish, 87

what to avoid during, 185–186

public transit, 161–162PVC (polyvinyl chloride), 48, 187

Rradioactive contaminants, 92raking your lawn, 114

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RASTRA block, 51rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone), 83rechargeable batteries, 37recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), 83RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates), 22, 68–69recycled clothing, 127recycling

aluminum cans, 15

batteries, 37

bins, 15

curbside, 15, 38

deposit/refund programs, 15

as eco-conscious lifestyle change, 14–15

fluorescent bulbs, 17, 63

garbage, 14–15

motivating children to recycle, 190

National Recycling Coalition, 14

in the office, 46

paper, 15, 39–41

redenticides, 76reduce (the three Rs), 37Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), 6renewable energy, 68–69Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), 22, 68–69renewable energy sources, 21–22reusable shopping bag, 19–20, 37–38reuse (the three Rs), 37–38RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative), 6roofing, 50

SSalmonella, 85Seventh Generation earth-friendly products producer,

10, 34shampoo, 137, 142–143sheets, 48–49shingles, 50shoes, 130Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, 82shopping bag

eco-conscious lifestyle changes, 19–20

reusable, 19–20, 37–38

shower gels, 142–143

showers, limiting time in, 27, 44shredding paper, 46skin care, 136–137slow travel movement, 173SmartWay designation, 167soap, 137, 142–143soil, 103solar power

eco-conscious lifestyle changes, 21–22

panels, 69

pros and cons, 59

solvent-free cleaning products, 34Spremberg Germany test plant, 58sulfates, 142–143sunscreens, 145–146

Ttax credits, 72telecommunication, 45, 160teleconferencing, 46television, 67thatching, 114The Compact group, 10thermostat settings, 64Three Rs, 28, 37toilet bowl cleaner, 35toner, personal care products, 151toothpaste, 137, 143–144, 151tourism, 174–175towels, 49toys, 188–189Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs), 68transportation. See also travel

Air Pollution Score, 167

alternative modes, 159–164

biking, 163–164

carbon emission and, 154, 166

carpooling, 161–162

cruise control, 157

electric vehicle, 203–204

fuel-efficient vehicles, 167

gas mileage, driving habits and, 157–159

Greenhouse Gas Score, 167

Picture Yourself Going Green Index

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transportation (continued)

hybrid vehicle, 203–204

idling, 157

octane level, 159

oil supply, 155–156

public transit, 161–162

SmartWay designation, 167

telecommunication, 160

travel. See also transportationair, 170–171

ecotourism, 174–175

foregoing costs and stresses with, 172

slow travel movement, 173

supporting green business through, 176–178

volunteer vacations, 181

TRCs (Tradable Renewable Certificates), 68trees, 29triclosan, 138

UUnion Square Greenmarket, 91U.S. Department of Energy

green utility programs, 61

Home Energy Save audit, 72

U.S. Geological Survey, 2utility programs, green, 61

Vvacation. See travelvegetables, 82vehicle. See transportationventilation, household environment, 33vermicomposting, 111VOCs (volatile organic compounds), 32volunteer vacations, 181

Wwaste. See garbagewater

antibiotics in, 92

clean drinking, 92–93

conserving, 44

drought conditions, 42

eco-conscious lifestyle changes, 27

filtration systems, 18, 93

herbicides in, 92

inorganic contaminants in, 92

lawn care, 107–108

lead in, 92–93

leaky faucets, 44

microbial contaminants in, 92

pesticides in, 92

quality reports, 93

radio active contaminants in, 92

reusable water bottles, 17–18, 93

showers, limiting time in, 27, 44

water-efficient appliances, 42, 44

Water Partners International, 27weed control, lawn care, 105–106wet cleaning clothing, 132wildlife, ingestion and entanglement of plastic, 14wind power

eco-conscious lifestyle changes, 21–22

pros and cons, 60

wool, 125–126World Health Organization, 32

X–Yxeriscaping, 106

yard. See lawn care

218