SimpleSustainability

Water for the Wise

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Bahr) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:01:00 +0000

by Kyle Bahr

While many environmentalists debate urgent issues such as climate change and renewable energy, an often overlooked concern that has many experts grinding their teeth revolves around an apparently ubiquitous resource: water. According to a recent study administered by the Arrowhead Water Quality Team, an average household of four uses a whopping 260 gallons of water each day, mainly resulting from toilet, shower, and faucet use.

Unlike those living in arid regions of the country such as Utah or Arizona, the word "drought" presumably doesn't strike a cord for us midwesterners. Nonetheless, in 2007 Lake Superior experienced a record drop in surface water level, preventing cargo ships from passing through the shallow body of water. In point of fact, most Americans don't value water enough, and treat it as an unlimited resource.

Here are some of the easiest ways to save water inside your home.

Cut back your shower time

Limiting the amount of time you spend in the shower each day is one of the easiest ways to cut back your water use. New shower heads are federally mandated to use under 2.5 gallons of water per minute, however older shower heads typically use over four gallons per minute. So, consider investing in a new shower head like these from Natural Built Home if you suspect yours is outdated and inefficient. Additionally, cutting back your shower time by just two minutes each day can amount to over 1,800 gallons of water saved per year! Of course on a chilly morning or after a long day's work taking a relaxing, lengthy shower can be rewarding. During those situations, consider taking a bath instead, as they tend to use less water than a lengthy shower.

Only run your dish/clothes washer for full loads

Washers are among the top sources for wasted water. With that being said, don't run your dish/clothes washer until you can account for a full load. Furthermore, avoid using the permanent press setting on your clothes washer, as it implements an extra rinse cycle, which uses an additional five or so gallons of water. If you're in the market for new appliances, consider investing in a water-saving front-load washer. They require less water, hold larger loads and save energy due to a reduction in water heating. They also save you time with fewer loads to wash, and will keep your clothes looking better longer.

Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth

There isn't much explanation needed here folks. We can all agree that there's no good reason to leave the faucet running while we brush our teeth. It's utterly simple and makes a difference. The challenge lies in your ability to break the lazy habit of leaving it on, so consider leaving yourself post-it notes to get the ball rolling.

Celebrities Going Green

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Bahr) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:20:00 +0000

by Kyle Bahr

Their tour buses are fueled with biodiesel. They reside in solar-powered homes complete with roof gardens. They buy organic, and time their showers. When flying, they offset CO2 emissions produced by funding projects such as tree plantings and wind turbine construction. Nonetheless, the next time you page through People Magazine you probably won't read about Leonardo DiCaprio's green initiatives, but rather whether or not he's a fan of MTV's Jersey Shore. Regardless, many of Hollywood's elites are making significant strides to help further the green movement. Here are a few of the noteworthy eco-organizations, charities, and movements that have been founded or supported by celebrities.

Earthology Records

What they do: Earthology Records is a not-for-profit environmental record label and all their profits are donated to charity. They use 100% recycled/reclaimed jewel cases, implement a CD replication process that involves recycling of CD cut scraps into milk cartons, and the label's buildings are powered by geothermal energy and were constructed with reclaimed wood and recycled plastic.

Earthology Records' climate-conscious recording studio

Celebrity Involvement: Earthology Records was founded by Cloud Cult singer/songwriter Craig Minowa in 1997 on his organic farm. Cloud Clut is an experimental indie rock band from right here in the Twin Cities.

BP Solar Neighbors Program

What they do: Every time a celebrity joins the BP Solar Neighbors Program by purchasing a BP Solar Home Solution, BP donates a solar system to a low income family. This can save them about $1000 on electricity annually.

Celebrity Involvement: Edward Norton proposed this concept to BP Solar after purchasing his own solar system, which has lead to the participation of other celebrities. Thanks to the following celebrities, solar systems have been donated to low income families: Edward Norton, Danny DeVito, Larry Hagman, Daryl Hannah, Rob Thomas, Carlos Santana, Alicia Silverstone, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Will Ferrell, Jack Johnson and many more.

Environmental Media Association

What they do: Throughout the year, they participate in and create celebrity-driven eco-focused events and salons that garner vital media and public attention. They regularly network with writers, directors and producers, helping shape plotlines that seamlessly incorporate environmental messages. Additionally, the EMA group invented the green carpet, which encourages celebrities to take hybrid or alternate-fuel vehicles to award shows and events.

Celebrity Involvement: EMA board members include Pierce Brosnan, Laura Dern, Daryl Hannah, Jeffrey Tambor and Amy Smart. Furthermore, the EMA has a "Gen E" (generation environment) team, which is a new generation of Hollywood stars promoting environmental awareness through public service announcements. Gen E celebrities incldue: Mary-Kate Olsen, Mischa Barton, and Nicole Richie. Also, Edward Norton, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Maroon 5 contribute to EMA's public service announcements.

Make It Right Foundation

What they do: The Make It Right Foundation is dedicated to the redevelopment of the Lower 9th Ward, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. So far, over 150 homes have been built, which have all been certified as LEED platinum for their energy efficiency and sustainability. As a result, the Make It Right community is now the “largest, greenest neighborhood of single family homes in America,” according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

Celebrity Involvement: Brad Pitt established the Make It Right Foundation in 2007, after being frustrated by the lack of progress in the rebuilding process of New Orleans. Angelina Jolie and Ellen DeGeneres are also involved with the foundation.

3 simple ways to improve fuel efficiency without investing in a hybrid

noreply@blogger.com (Kyle Bahr) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 04:16:00 +0000

by Kyle Bahr

Trading in your car for a hybrid isn't the only way to improve fuel efficiency. Here are 3 easy tips to get you started:

1. Keep your tires properly inflated

Next time you're at the gas station, inflate your car's tires in order to improve fuel efficiency. Head over to the pressurized hose, usually located on the side of the gas station's building, and then locate the air-pressure specifications for your car's tires. Look for a sticker located on the driver's side doorpost, in the glove box (manual), or trunk. Next, check the air-pressure of your tires using a pressure gauge (usually provided by the station), and then fill your tires the necessary amount.

2. Lighten your car's load

Heavier vehicles require more energy to move. Take your golf clubs, tool box, or other heavier items out of your car when you don't need them. Additionally, if you have a roof rack or roof carrier, install it on your vehicle only when necassary. Roof carriers not only add additionally weight, but also increase the aerodynamic drag on your vehicle, reducing fuel efficiency.

3. Use cruise control

Not only does using cruise control to maintain a constant speed make your daily commute more bearable, it improves your gas mileage. However, when driving on hilly terrain avoid using cruise control as it causes your vehicle to speed up faster than it would if you were operating the accelerator yourself.

*Bonus Tip

Although running your air conditioner does cause your vehicle to consume more fuel, driving with your windows down can be even worse because of the increased drag on the vehicle. When driving slowly (e.g. city traffic, around town), you are better off keeping your windows open to cool off. For highway driving, roll up your windows and turn the air conditioning on.