December 15th, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
This holiday season take a trip back to some the primitive winter celebration of Yule. Traditionally a Pagan holiday, this celebration has been embraced by many environmental-minded families as a way to honor the earth and the abundance nature brings. Families celebrate the highs and lows of the year making way for exciting things to come. Here are a few fun activities for honoring Earth with Yule log creations
December 15th, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
We have a winner for the Enviro-Log Review and Giveaway!
December 13th, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
While commercials would have you believe that big box department stores hold the key to happiness the truth is that happiness is found in simplicity. Sometimes a collection of quite common items can become a fabulously indulgent present. Here are some delicious, fun and useful products to go in a health and wellness gift basket your loved ones are sure to enjoy
December 8th, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
This Arizona girl does not get to enjoy warm fires often, but this weekend's low temperatures and light rain set the mood to perfection. With two three-pound Enviro-Logs samples and a chiminea aching for a blaze, it became delightfully warm and cozy on the back patio. Here is the review of my experience with the Enviro-Log
December 6th, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
The Christmas tree has become one of the staple holiday decorations for most homes but sustainable Christmas trees aren't always available. Sometimes severe asthma and allergy sensitivities can leave you shunning the evergreen as well. Fear not my festive friends, if you don't want a real Christmas tree you don't have to settle for a traditional artificial replica. The following are a list of wonderfully eco-friendly alternatives to live Christmas trees
December 1st, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
While birthdays, weddings and anniversaries are all occasions calling for festive and colorful treats, the holiday season screams for bright and beautiful decorations to don cakes, cookies and candies. There is ongoing concerns, however, about the safety and healthfulness of artificial dyes and it's hard to ignore the research showing side effects ranging from head aches to attention difficulties. This holiday season you can still enjoy a myriad of glorious colors by purchasing the following dyes or making your own. Here are a few options for natural culinary dyes
November 29th, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
Perhaps candles best represent celebration and the steady procession of festivities marching through the fall and winter seasons. Whatever the reason, now is the perfect time to enjoy the variety of candles made by renewable resources
November 24th, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
Most of the big box stores follow similar methods for staying on top and it usually requires putting stress on the environment and their workers. The good news is there are ways to break away from the corporate giants by buying through local venders, making gifts ourselves or bartering. Here are some ideas to help you turn Black Friday and Cyber Monday green
November 22nd, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
Vegan-friendly materials are those which do not take advantage of animals in any way. It turns out that many of these materials not only respect animals, they also make some gorgeous blankets which are also lovely to the touch as well. Here are a few vegan-friendly blankets for gift giving that your vegan loved ones will appreciate, as well as, anyone with a penchant for curling up in comfort
November 17th, 2011 | by Vivian Nelson Melle
While sitting around the family table, decorations are a focal point and significant detail putting the perfect finish touch on the dining experience. Place settings not only help guests find their seat, they create a welcoming, comforting moment not soon forgotten. Offer guests one of these 5 Earth friendly place settings they can take home and enjoy
Lighting
— How to Use a Light Meter to Set Appropriate Light Levels
— T8 Plug-And-Play LED Linear Bulb Options
— LED vs. CFL vs. Incandescent light bulbs
— True Cost of LEDs
— Outdoor lighting Options
Kitchen Efficiency
— Energy Efficiency for the Kitchen
— How to Install a high-efficiency cache aerator
— How to Clean Your Refrigerators Condenser Coils Or Fan
— Setting the Temperature in Your Fridge/Freezer for Maximum Efficiency
— Energy efficiency tips for the refrigerator and freezer
— Installing a High Efficiency Faucet Aerator
— 9 Energy Saving Tips For Efficient Cooking
— Refrigerator and freezer Temperatures: Find the ideal temperatures and humidities for efficient operation
— 5 Natural Remedies for Deodorizing a Refrigerator
— Natural Cleaning Recipes
Bathroom Efficiency
— 4 Tips for Energy Efficiency in the Bathroom
— How To Install A Water Efficient Shower Head
— Test The Flow Rate Of Your Kitchen Or Bathroom Faucets
— Replace the Wax ring on the toilet
— Replace the flapper valve on the toilet to eliminate leaks
— How to Install a Toilet tank bag
— Install high Efficiency Shower heads
— Changing The Sink Aerator
— Check the toilet for water leaks
— How To Install A Shower Flow Valve Adapter
— Green Product Review: 1.0 gallon per minute faucet aerator from Niagara Conservation
HVAC Efficiency
— Energy Efficiency for Window AC units
— How to clean the furnace motor for efficiency
— Efficient furnace filters
— How To Insulate Your Attic Duct System Step by Step
— How to Insulate Your Electrical Outlets
— Weatherstripping 101
— How To Install A Filter Whistle On Your A/C Unit
— How To Insulate Old Windows Without Buying New: Energy-Saving Window Inserts
— Check (and fill) insulation gaps using a laser thermometer
Laundry & Appliance Efficiency
— Make Your Computer More Energy Efficient
— Setting the Temperature in Your Fridge/Freezer for Maximum Efficiency
— Energy Saving Tips for Washing Machines & Dryers
— How You Can Save Money By Cleaning Your Home Appliances
— How To Clean Your Dryer’s Lint Trap, Screen And Vent
— How to clean a lint vent using the LintEater
Yard & Garage:
— How To Test And Maintain Your Car’s Tire Pressure
— Water efficiency for the irrigation systems
