bemoreeco

The holidays are nearly over and it is now time to make sure that you have all your kids ‘back to school’ gear ready.

So the team at BeMoreEco have gone through its post archive and have come up with a few post that you may find helpfull.

• The Ultimate Round-Up Of Green Back-To-School Advice
• Eco Shopping Guide Going Back to School
• How to Set Up an Environmentally Friendly, Green Classroom
• Top 10 eco, green and fun websites for kids

Taking a few simple steps to increase water efficiency around the home will not only save more of this precious resource, but it will significantly reduce household energy bills and save all the CO2 emissions associated with them.

Below we have put together 10 top free and simple water saving tips for around the home over the summer months.

1. Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face.
2. Take a short shower rather than a bath.
3. Only use the dishwasher or washing machine when full.  A half full machine wastes water and energy.
4. Fill a saucepan of water for washing vegetables rather than leaving the tap running.
5. Once it has cooled down, use left-over water from cooking to water plants around the home and garden.
6. Check the toilet for leaks by putting a little food colouring in the toilet tank.  If colour appears in the bowl within 30 mins and following no flushes, there is a leak which should be fixed.
7. If you are on a water meter, use it to check for leaks.  Take a meter reading, avoid using water for 2 hours and if after checking the meter again there is a difference, you have a leak.
8. Use a bucket of water and sponge for car washing rather than a hose.
9. Water outdoor plants and gardens in the early morning as this helps reduce evaporation and is also a good defence against slugs and garden pests.
10. Place a layer of mulch around trees and plants which will slow evaporation of moisture and reduce the need to water them.

The weather is still holding out which must be great news for al those who are doing outdoor recycling week tasks and pledges.

Recycle Week Reading

I have come across two interesting articles last night while using yahoo search. The first article was about how to get rid of an old computer.  The UK is particularly bad at recycling electronic waste.

A survey, commissioned by the computer manufacturer Dell and published last month, named us as the worst consumers in Europe when it comes to recycling technological waste. Eighty per cent of Germans dispose of their old gadgets in an environmentally responsible way; we manage 50 per cent. For the full story of Terence Blacker Recycling Week pledge a separate post has been created.

The second story I came across came the Recycle For London website which details top tips sent in by readers. My favourite was “Plastic takeaway containers make perfect sandwich boxes for school or work!”. Click here for the rest of the tips.

Lunch (Recycle Week Pledge)

It is going to be hard task to top my lunch yesterday, when I made a great chicken and vegetable soup with left overs. I had very little to go with today. However as part of my Recycle Week pledge I had to create something which was edible.

This is what I had to make lunch with, Pita bread, raw spinach, cooked carrot, two boiled potatoes and 1/4 avocado. I had to rush this morning as I had to take my three boys to school, so I toasted the pitta and then piled everything in and pressed down hard. This may sound strange, and it was. Never mind maybe tomorrow I will have more luck.

Recycling Video

Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home is a feature documentary about how the family household has become one of the most ferocious environmental predators of our time. Concerned for the future of his new baby boy Sebastian, writer and director Andrew Nisker takes an average urban family, the McDonalds, and asks them to keep every scrap of garbage that they create for three months. He then takes them on a journey to find out where it all goes and what it’s doing to the world.

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.

….with a splash!

International songstress Natalie Imbruglia has joined forces with ecological cleaning experts Ecover to create a compelling podcast video that explores the environmental importance of the global water cycle.

Shot in Natalie’s home, the short film explains how our actions in the UK can impact on the rest of the world and is packed with useful tips from Natalie on how to reduce water consumption.

“The protection of the environment is very important to me”, says Natalie “so I was delighted to work with Ecover to create this podcast. There’s often an abundance of water in the UK, so it’s easy to forget the very real issues of water shortage and pollution in other parts of the world. The podcast is a great way to learn more and offers some really simple tips on how we can all make a difference.”

The podcast supports Ecover’s unique partnership with conservation organisation WaterAid which provides sustainable and ongoing access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education to 11 villages and over 14,000 people in Ethiopia.

Ecover has always recognised water is a precious commodity but it was the desire to highlight the importance of protecting the water supply on a global scale that led to the unique partnership with WaterAid.

Would you like to make a difference?

To buy Ecover Products online visit the MoreEco who list the best Eco Shopping sites and be part of the 5% of families safeguarding 1/2 million Olympic swimming pools worth of water.

Also MoreEco, the Eco Shopping reward site, will donate £1 for each person who sign up using the offer code ‘wateraid’.

Other Ecover WaterAid Articles

To read more article on the Ecover Water Project <click here>

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.

Expert Dr Chris Brace reveals ten essential tips to increase your fuel economy – and reduce your bills.

Being a better driver doesn’t just revolve around foot-to-the-floor performance, lightning reactions and death-defying cornering speeds. Smoothness, anticipation, and a little bit of plain old-fashioned courtesy can get you a long way – especially when it comes to improving your car’s fuel economy. Journalists from motoring magazine V-ZINE spent a day with Dr Chris Brace, senior lecturer in Automotive Engineering at Bath University’s Powertrain and Vehicle Research Centre to brush up on economy driving. By the end of it, they’d recorded a 50 percent improvement in the economy of their Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 JTDM.

Now it’s your turn to share Dr Brace’s ten-point driving plan.

1. Treat your car to some TLC - ’You should have your car regularly serviced and carry out maintenance checks of your own. Fresh oil will better lubricate the engine, while the correct tyre pressures ensure optimum rolling resistance for your rubber.’

2. Lighten up - ’You may carry your life around with you in the boot of your car, but you’d be better off leaving it at home. The heavier the car, the harder the engine has to work, so a 15 percent weight increase will see economy fall by the same amount.’

3. Starting and idling - ’People are tempted to leave their car to warm at idle before a journey, but it’s better for the engine and economy if you warm it up on the move. And when you come to a halt again, switching the engine off at the traffic lights saves you wasting fuel. Around a litre an hour is burned at idle.’

4. Smooth mover - ’When you’re driving, smoothness with the controls is key to making your fuel go further. Acceleration should be measured and progressive and you should aim to stay within the engine’s peak torque band – typically 1,500 to 2,500rpm in a diesel and 2,000 to 3,000rpm in a petrol-powered car. Another tip is to avoid coasting in neutral. It’s a common misconception that this saves fuel, but actually modern engines don’t consume fuel when coasting in gear.’

5. Slippery customer - ’Think about how long designers and aerodynamicists spend trying to make a car’s body cut smoothly through the air. By opening your window or sunroof, or piling bikes and boxes onto the roof, you’re ruining all that hard work. And it can heavily impact on the car’s economy.’

6. No drain = no pain - ’As a rule, anything that puts a drain on the battery will put a drain on your economy – for example, air conditioning or lights ablaze. But worse still is a battery in poor condition with relatively little charge. If the alternator is busy working away trying to charge the battery, it places a drain on the engine which hits the economy.’

7. Timing is everything - ’Driving in heavy stop-start traffic is going to hurt. So if you’re a commuter and can possibly avoid the rush hours, you’ll really notice the improvement in fuel consumption. Needless to say though, that’s easier said than done!’

8. Open your eyes  -’Looking ahead and anticipating obstacles is key to cutting your fuel bills. Find the path of least resistance and keep plenty of space around you. That way, you can dictate your own pace and always react calmly and in a measured fashion to changes ahead. Roundabouts and traffic light junctions are prime examples of where you should be aiming to maintain momentum. And when driving across country, try and maintain a steady, composed pace which eliminates the need for constant braking and acceleration.’

9. No need for speed - ’The speed limits are there for everyone’s safety, but those who flaunt them are not only endangering theirs and others’ lives, they are consuming more fuel. Stick to the limits.’

10. The fuel rule - ’Cheap, non-branded fuel may perform poorly, so try and search out a mainstream supermarket or fuel company before filling up. High performance ‘super-type’ petrol and diesel fuels such as Shell V-Power can burn more efficiently and improve your engine’s economy, but shop around for the lowest price first or you won’t feel the benefit!’

This article originally appeared in issue four of V-ZINE, the motoring magazine that is distributed exclusively to the members of the Shell V-Power Club, Shell’s premium loyalty scheme dedicated to Shell V-Power customers.   

When Suzanne Forsling moved to Juneau Alaska from Iowa, she found that it was a little bit harder to get her eco garden to grow.  Frustrated by cold soil, scarce sunlight, hungry slugs, root maggots, porcupines, cats, bears and ravens she got resourceful.  She got her crops off the cold ground and into the light by afixing gutters to the wood siding of her house on the sunny side and using them as planters.  A great eco-friendly solution.

This is a great use of space and it looks really cool even eco chic. Also if you have a bad back which many eco gardeners have then this can reduce the amount fof time you have to bend down to weed your eco plants.

We all have them, lots of them. Before you send them straight to the recycling bin, why not give them new life, new purpose, new hope beyond being the container that once held the cottage cheese? Even plastic containers can have dreams.

• Clean plastic food containers make great toys for your toddlers or preschoolers. Give them a few plastic containers and lids, a big box or two turned upside down for a kitchen “counter,” and a couple of sturdy utensils and let them cook away. Kid-sized aprons will add to the fun. Set up the play kitchen near your real kitchen, if you can, and let them cook while you do.

• Use plastic food containers to store leftovers in the freezer. The smaller sizes are perfect for freezing an individual serving of whatever you happen to have leftover. If you don’t have time to prepare your lunch, just grab a container out of the freezer and let it thaw during the morning. A quick reheat in the oven or microwave will give you a warm lunch, and you can wash out the container and take it home to use for the same thing again.

• Plastic food containers make great lunch containers. You don’t have to go the freezer route; just scoop in enough of whatever you made for dinner into a container, refrigerate, and take it with you. They could be used for messier items in kids’ school lunches, as well.

• Plastic food containers work well as drawer organizers. They can round up jewelry, extra buttons, bobby pins, safety pins, business cards, whatever you’ve got. You can keep the lid and close things up if you want, or just slide the lid underneath the container and keep it open.

• Plastic food containers can be helpful gift wrap organisers Use the smaller containers for pieces of ribbon, small bows, or small decorative objects you might use in wrapping a gift. Use the larger containers for pretty fabric bags, paper gift bags, and scraps you want to reuse.

• Plastic food containers can be modified to makepots for starting seedlings. They are a better size than the tiny little things you often end up with, especially if you want to get your plants to a really good start before transplanting outdoors. Just punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage, and maybe put down a layer of pebbles before you fill it with your soil.

• Bigger plastic food containers work well to hold food scraps you accumulate through the day and then dump in your compost. You could even keep a separate one for your coffee grounds, since there are so many other uses for them.

• Small and medium sized plastic containers are great for travel containers for your homemade baby food and toddler snacks. Use the ones with good, tight-fitting lids and fill as needed. Older toddlers can often manage opening and holding the containers, so they are great for snacks on a longer trip.

1. Start a linen (both towels and sheets) reuse program in all guest rooms and inform guests of the program.
2. Educate your staff to turn off lights and turn down heating/air conditioning when rooms are unoccupied.
3. Provide recycling bins both in public areas, in the kitchen, and in the office (including one at each desk) to make recycling as easy as possible.
4. Buy office and guest amenity products that contain recycled material.
5. Use a compost bin for food waste.
6. Create an incentive program to encourage staff to participate in and improve upon environmentally-friendly practices.
7. Provide guests with bicycles, walking maps, and information on public transportation.
8. Use nontoxic or least toxic cleaners, sanitizers, paints, pesticides, etc. throughout the hotel. Make sure all chemicals are stored safely in a well-ventilated area.
9. Buy organic, fair trade, cruelty-free guest amenity products whenever possible.
10. Switch to low-flow toilets or install toilet-tank fill diverters.

For more Eco hotel tips <click here>