bemoreeco

In the UK we throw out an estimated 6.7 million tonnes of household food waste every year which accounts for around a third of all the food we buy.

Approximately half of this domestic food waste is edible food which translates into a financial cost of £250 to £400 a year for every British household. In addition to the economical impact, food wastage has an enormously detrimental effect on the environment impacting on landfill and contributing to the production of greenhouse gases.

By adapting a number of simple measures such as planning when to shop for food and only making necessary purchases consumers can considerably reduce their food waste. Food storage is also an important factor and proper storage eliminates premature ageing of fruit and vegetables which in turn reduces the amount of wasted food.

The Eco Cooler is an innovative new hand made terracotta fruit bowl and root vegetable store with natural cooling properties. Water poured in the bottom plate is absorbed by the terracotta. As the water evaporates it cools, helping to create the ideal cool, damp, dark environment to store potatoes, onions, garlic, swede and other root vegetables inside. Root vegetables last longer if stored 3-4 degrees below room temperature and in an environment a little warmer than a fridge. Fruit likes to be slightly chilled, but stored in the open air and light, so Eco Cooler also has a bowl on top which cools fruit just a couple of degrees.

Another nifty gadget which can help food last longer is the Ethylene Gas Guardian (RRP £3.99) This ingenious little egg shaped device can save households money by absorbing the ethylene gas fruits and vegetables give off in the fridge thus keeping them fresher for longer.

Many fruits and vegetables, especially if they have been damaged, give off ethylene gas as they ripen. Although harmless to people, much of the fresh produce in fridges is sensitive to the presence of even very low levels of ethylene gas and the refrigerator acts as a trap allowing the ethylene to build up to damaging levels.

The easiest way to combat this and save the costs of prematurely aged produce is to declare the refrigerator an ethylene gas free zone. By keeping the ethylene gas guardian on duty in the refrigerator, a very low presence of ethylene is assured regardless of what produce is stored there and users can continue to enjoy fresh produce for longer whilst saving money at the same time.

Both the Eco Cooler(RRP £69) and the Ethylene Gas Guardian can be bought online at Ecoutlet.

We are now in day three of Recycle Week and we are getting more and more people to accept the fact that they need to recycle more. Our daily format is simple, we will talk about what we have been reading, having for lunch, discuss recycling bins and post any amusing and informative recycling video’s.

Recycle Week Reading

Last night I used Google to search for interesting Recycle Week news articles. My first favourite was provided by WRAP titled ‘More plastics could be recycled from packaging‘. Much of this plastic packaging ends up in landfill, but WRAP’s research based on the trials shows this does not have to be the case.

The work shows for the first time that collecting of non-bottle household plastic packaging, reprocessing it and finally manufacturing it into useful popular items, is both technically and commercially viable. Recycling of this plastic packaging is also the best environmental option. WRAP is also launching a £2 million capital grant competition to help the recycling supply chain build the capacity for recycling more plastics packaging.

The second article I found encouraging was at www.letsrecycle.com titled ‘Councils gear up for 2009 Recycle Week’. This article details the efforts being made by City of York and Cherwell local counsils.

Lunch (Recycle Week Pledge)

Day three lunch and what am I going to have today. Well last night we had roast chicken so I decided to make a soup with the leftovers. The office was very jealous of me today when I heated up my organic chicken and vegetable soup and ate it with a nice wholemeal roll. This has definitely been the best lunch this week.

Recycle Bins

This collection of recycle bins have been taken while on my travels around the UK. A few years ago they would off been a rare site, but now they are becoming more and more noticeable and prominent.

This is a positive sign demonstrating that Councils, Shops, Festivals, Beaches, Public Places and Museums are taking an active role in trying to encourage people to place their rubbish in the correct recycling bin.

Recycling Video

This recycling you tube video  may seem a bit corporate and boring, but I found it realy interesting on how rubbish can be sorted and recycled.

Did you know that Bywaters hosts the largest undercover dry recyclables Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in London? The MRF processes a wide range of co-mingled office and commercial dry recyclables and being largely automated efficiency and recovery rates are maximised.

Also as bonus if you sign up to MoreEco during Recycling week we will give you an extra 100 joining points. Use offer code ‘recyclenow’.

This article was written by Zoe at Rekindle, we thought that BeMoreEco readers by learn a thing or two about sustainable gardening. So take note!

For some garden essential  products why not visits EcoTrendSpotter.

Growing your own veg is undoubtedly better, for you and the planet, than buying them from the supermarket.  However, the way you grow your vegetables also has its own effect on the environment.  The obvious issue is whether to use chemicals (including fertilizers, weedkillers and pesticides) or whether to go organic.  But beyond that, there are still ways you can reduce any negative impact from your vegetable plot.  These sustainable and thrifty tips will help you save money and reduce waste.

Plant Pots

We all know that we should try to avoid using plastic bags – but what about plastic pots?  Plastic plant pots are actually very difficult to recycle because of the variety of different types of plastic that they are made from, not to mention the number of different colours that are available.  This is where the three R’s come into play.  Firstly, instead of trying to recycle pots, simply reuse them, as many times as you can.  Plastic is quite tough and long-lasting, which is one of the reasons why it is such a problem when it ends up in landfill, but when it comes to reusing, this makes it ideal.

You can also reduce the number of plastic pots you use by buying biodegradable pots, or even making your own.  For example, this year I am using loo roll tubes as seedling pots.  They are an ideal size, you can write what you have planted straight onto the pot (instead of using plastic labels) and you can just plant them straight into the ground, as the cardboard will rot away, which will minimise root disturbance for the plant.  Plus, you will already have a free supply of them, and if you need lots you can always ask your friends to save theirs for you.  It’s a win-win situation for you and your plants!  Just make sure you press the compost in well so that it doesn’t all fall out the bottom when you pick it up!  Alternatively, you can use a loo roll tube and some newspaper to make your own Newspaper Plant Pots, which do have a bottom.

In addition you can also reuse any type of tray packaging as seed trays.  In the picture shows I have used a tray from a ready meal and the lid from a punnet of fruit.

Composting

If you are growing anything in your garden, you will need compost at some point, either to fill containers and raised beds, or to use as a soil improver.  Making your own compost is a great way of turning your garden and food waste into a valuable resource.  It also requires minimal effort and it all happens a bit like magic!  I chuck all my fruit, veg and garden waste into my compost bin, along with crushed eggshells, teabags and a bit of shredded paper (take that identity thieves!).

I have a two bin system which I have just set up.  I have one bin to fill up and one bin to use up.  Once the second bin is empty, I will empty the contents of the first bin into it, as a way of turning the compost.  The only downside is that it does take a long time to get anything useable, but if you can be patient it is well worth it.

e.c.o. Incorporated is marketing its first product, the Green Box, a pizza box manufactured from 100% recycled material. The top of the Green Box breaks down into convenient serving plates, eliminating the need for disposable plates. The bottom of the ‘Green Box’ converts easily into a handy storage container, eliminating the need for plastic wrap, tin foil or plastic bags.

The perforations and scores that create this functionality allow for easy disposal into a standard-sized recycling bin. Made from a standard pizza blank, the Green Box requires no additional material or major redesign and can therefore be produced at no additional manufacturing cost.

This is a GREAT idea, and I love Pizza!

Check out their website at www.ecoincorporated.com.

Consumers will come to expect “labelling” to indicate the environmental and social impact of holidays, TUI Travel head of sustainable development Jane Ashton has predicted.  Other industries, such as food, are already putting information on their products about CO2 as well as about fairtrade, she said.

Speaking at the WTM Vision Conference, she said: “Other industries are addressing these issues in product labelling; so our customers are going to expect carbon and social impact and other tourism labelling.”

In TUI’s own research, only about half of 25 airlines surveyed currently report their carbon footprint. Carbon labelling would highlight efficiencies of individual airlines, she added. She predicted a change in the next decade. “Carbon labelling on flights might well be something we see on flights in the next ten years,” she said.

Ashton admitted holidaymakers were not currently demanding that travel companies take a sustainable approach, but she said: “I think they are increasingly expecting it and they do value it.”

Research by the Concerned Consumer Index in January showed 62% of people wanted to take a more ecologically-friendly holiday. The expectation is that travel companies will address sustainabiltity issues, she added. “People feel that when they go on holiday they do not want to deprive themselves of the enjoyment of the holiday. They expect the company to address the issues on their behalf.”

It is “highly dubious” whether holidaymakers will pay for companies to take a sustainable approach, she said. Only around one in three are currently paying a small contribution on bookings towards carbon offsetting through schemes such as the Travel Foundation.

Meanwhile, she warned that travel companies will be forced to take a more responsible view on their carbon footprint under the UK Carbon Reduction Committment legislation next year.

“We will have to become more carbon savvy and large corporates will be under a lot of pressure to reveal carbon data,” she said.

The team at Planet Green have come up with 10 great eco-friendly things you can do with a jar of salt. Don’t forget by being green you are also saving money.

1. Freshen your waste disposal: Pour 1 cup of salt into the unit, run cold water and start the motor. The salt will dislodge grimy deposits.

2. Prevent grease from splashing: If you throw a few pinches of salt into the frying pan before frying fatty foods such a bacon, you’ll prevent having to clean all the that grease off the hob.

3. Washing your Greens: It can be tough to wash greens such as chard, Kale and even spinach because of the little curly crevices. Wash the leaves in a sink half full of cold water and 1/2 cup of salt.

4. Mold prevention: In these tough economic times, we can’t afford to let anything go to waste, especially an expensive piece of cheese. Prevent a hunk from going moldy by wrapping it in a napkin that has been soaking in salt-water prior.

5. Ditch the stain remover: Many stain removing sticks can be toxic. Instead make a solution with 4 tbsp of salt in 2 cups of hot water. This is especially good on yellow perspiration stains. Simply sponge the solution onto the stain and rub until the yellow disappears. Wash as normal.

6. Mouthwash: Most drugstore mouthwashes are expensive and contain dye, alcohol and sweeteners. Do it the old-fashioned way by mixing 1tsp salt and 1 tsp of baking soda in 8ounces of warm water. You can also add 5 drops of tea tree oil if you like the taste.

7. Salt Rub: Forego the expensive body scrubs and give yourself a homemade salt rub at home. Just dip your mitts into a large tub of sea salt and massage while your skin is wet and then shower off.

8. Pick up broken eggs: Have you ever tried to scoop up an uncooked egg that has smashed onto the floor? Extremely difficult—however if you use salt, easy! Cover the spill with salt as it will draw the egg together and wipe up with a recycled paper towel.

9. Remove baked-on food: When you are facing the awful task of scrubbing out a roasting pan, dampen the pan and sprinkle salt all over. The salt will lift off the baked on food.

10. Spruce up your mop: To prevent you having to run out and buy a replacement mop head (not my favorite activity), soak your mop in a bucket of water with 1 cup of salt overnight.

Becoming greener often feels like an impossible task - there is so much to think about and so many ways in which you could change your lifestyle. Taking small steps, making one little change at a time, is the best way of dealing with this feeling, and gives you that warm glow of doing good without forcing you to make a seismic shift in how you run your life. These top ten were taken from Green England’s top 50 tips.

1. Mugs arn’t for mugs - Ditch those nasty polystyrene cups at work, and bring in your own mugs instead. While you’re at it, keep a supply of plates and cutlery to hand to use instead of plastic ones.
2. Drink tap water not bottled - Drink tap water, not bottled and save money as well as helping the planet. If you don’t like the taste use a filter. UK tap water is more tested and regulated than most bottled waters. The industry uses around 2.7 million tonnes of plastic in packaging not to mention the transport cost in fossil fuel. Even the plastic that is recycled has a transport overhead.
3. Decide what you want before you open the fridge - When you open the fridge door up to 30 per cent of the cooled air escapes. Have it open for the minimum time possible. Save energy and money.
4. Recycle your mobile phone - When you have finished with your mobile phone, find a way to recycle it. Many charities take them or look online to find companies ready and willing to take your phone and may be even pay you for it.
5. When your lightbulb needs changing, use energy saving bulbs - Next time a light bulb needs changing, replace it with an energy saving light bulb. It will use 20% of the electricity of a normal one and last up to 12 times longer. Saves money and energy and the hassle of changing bulbs so often!
6. Always cover your pans with lids when cooking - Keeping the lid on you pans whilst cooking saves energy allowing you to turn the plate or gas ring right down. Keeps your bills down too.
7. Turn off the oven 10 minutes before the food is cooked - Turning off the oven 10 minutes before the end of the required cooking time and the oven will retain enough heat to finish the cooking. Ovens are so well insulated that they retain the heat often beyond this 10 minutes. Save energy and money.
8. Defrost food before cooking - Cooking food from frozen can use twice the electricity than cooking defrosted food. If you do this regularly you can significantly reduce both the the energy used and the cost of running your oven.
9. Always buy recycled toilet paper - Anything other than recycled paper is not necessary for toilet paper. It is often cheaper than the main brands. Plus if you buy recyled paper it increases the market and thus further encourages recycling.
10. Don’t run water when brushing teeth or washing hands - Save water by turning the tap off whilst brushing your teeth and only using what is necessary. The same goes for washing hands or dishes.

Here are ten simple tools to help your organization save energy and the environment. And you do not even have to be a tree hugger to do it!

1. Utilize PG&E;’s online energy analyzer.
2. Set your computers to go to “sleep” during the day after 10 minutes of non-use. Remember that the screensaver does not save power. This can reduce computer usage by 70%.
3. Replace old light fixtures and bulbs for energy saving ones. These use two-thirds less energy than regular ones. 
4. Save paper. Consider placing your company manuals and policies online. Have your copy machine defaulted to double sided copies. Make it a habit to recycle your paper with blue trash cans. REMEMBER: Be sure that your cleaning company is recycling the paper and not just putting it into the regular waste.
5. GO GREEN with HR Logic. Obtain employment forms and information online.
6. Request paperless bills from your vendors and pay online.
7. Consider telecommuting. If you are a company that requires meetings with employees in different locations you might want to think teleconferencing. Although, some meetings may require face-to-face, many do not.
8. Recycle your toner. Many suppliers, such as Staples, have wonderful programs that can assist you.
9. Are you purchasing fair trade coffee for your office? 
10. Mobile phone recycling. 

Source Merchant Circle

This article came from Quips & Tips for Freelance Writers, and was written by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen.

1. Stand while you write. The biggest complaint about writing and working from home fulltime is the constantsitting. It’s bad for your digestion, glute muscles, and back…so stand! 

2. Never eat at your computer.  When you eat at your computer, not only are you completely distracted from what and how much food you’re putting in your mouth, you also run the risk of spills and splashes. This tip for healthy eating while working from home serves two purposes: it keeps your computer clean and your body healthy.

3. Plan meals the night before. Lynne S. Beach  advises writers to plan snacks and meals in advance. “For lunch, I’m having a turkey sandwich instead of waiting until I’m starving and grabbing ‘fast crap’”

4. Deal with your insecurities. Are you eating out of fear or to avoid writing? Find healthy ways to deal with it - it’s agonising in the short run, and liberating in the long.

5. Schedule your fitness breaks. Exercise is a great way to deal with writing fears and insecurities.

6. Remember: food is fuel.  Food is fuel to keep your body and brain healthy so you can be a productive and creative. Avoid thinking of food as entertainment or your friend.

7. Buy the best. “My tip is to keep only healthy foods in the house,” says freelance writer and reflexologist Amy Kreydin. “You can’t eat junk if isn’t there.” If you have to buy chips or chocolate for the people you live with, ask them to hide them from you. If you don’t have willpower, this tip for eating healthy while working from home will force you to eat well.

8. Wash and chop in advance.  Prepare your healthy food for ready-to eat access. Wash and portion out your fruit so you can grab a snack and get back to work.

9. Mix and match. Emma Williams, who runs Modern Girls Kitchen, suggests keeping a lot of “mix’n’match” items - chicken, eggs, spring greens, fruit, veggies - and use them for a variety of options (sandwiches, salads, etc.). This way, you don’t get bored with the same old same old. Emma says, “I also keep a consistent schedule and try to eat lunch around same time each day, so I’m not snacking or overeating.”

10. Motivate yourself with quips and tips! Put notes and quotes on the fridge, bathroom mirror, cupboard doors - anywhere you look. Here’s a great one: “What you eat in private shows in public,” - it’s one of Kelli Zink’s favorite quotes for the fridge. This “Health Freak” blogger on CheekyChicago also says cooking at home allows for creativity. “Craving a fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings? Skip the KFC takeout and put your own healthy spin on a classic comfort food.”

Source & tips by By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

LONDON (Reuters) - Google Inc is soon to roll out free software which allows consumers to track their home electricity use and improve energy efficiency in a bid to help mitigate global warming. Dan Reicher, Director for Climate Change and Energy Initiatives Google, told Reuters it was in talks with utilities companies in the United Sates, Europe and Asia to make the product available shortly to general consumers.

As part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Google said in February it would use its software skills for the program that will show home energy consumption in real time on a user’s computer or a telephone.

“It will get rolled out very soon to regular energy consumers,” Reicher said, without providing exact timings.

“When I began getting information about my own home, I discovered that I had a 35-year electric motor running for my heating system. That was using huge amount of electricity. I did not realize that’s the change I need to make in my home.”

The company cited studies showing that access to home energy information typically saves between 5 percent and 15 percent on monthly electricity bills.

“The beauty of the tool we are developing is that is going to be an open source,” Reicher said.

(Reporting by Nao Nakanishi; Editing by Keiron Henderson)