Many of the substances that are bad for the environment are also bad for us. Unfortunately, many of the products we use on our skin and bodies contain unhealthy, dangerous chemicals, preservatives, and compounds.
TreeHugger's article Beyond Parabens highlights some of the most common harmful substances that make their way into your skin care products and cosmetics.
-Parabens
-Fragrances
-Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
-Nanoparticles
-Phenoxyethanol
-Triclosan
-Petrolatum/Petroleum jelly
-Quaternium-15
So check out the ingredient lists on your sunscreen, make-up, cologne/perfume, shampoo, lotions, soaps, etc. If you see any of these ingredients, please look them up, in the TreeHugger article or elsewhere, so that you may wisely weigh your options and consider ceasing your use of the products. If you are pregnant or hope to conceive in the future (whether you are male or female), or if a child uses the product with one of these ingredients, pay very close attention.
11 September 2009
05 September 2009
The Media's Fallacy
A recent study shows that America is lagging far behind other countries in our understanding of climate change and the priority we place on working to solve it. Even countries with lots more on their plates -- like Iraq -- recognize the vital importance of this issue.
Scary stuff.
Why is this? One answer has to do with the American news media. They are convinced that every story has two sides. Fine. Multiple viewpoints are important to a free media. However, what happens when the two sides do not hold equal legitimacy but are given equal airtime?
As TreeHugger reports, this practice "gives disproportionate publicity to disreputable studies (if coverage were to accurately reflect the current state of science, there'd be hundreds of stories about studies confirming climate change for every one doubting it) and gives the public the impression there's far more debate over whether climate change is occurring or not. A recent study found that many Americans believed there was still a 'lively debate' amongst the scientific community over both whether climate change is caused by humans, and whether the theory of evolution is valid. In reality, of course, there is no such debate over either."
In other words, we are fighting for the environment in the midst of a population that is truly and deeply confused about the nature of the problem. In addition to our own actions, we must remember to help educate those around us.
Check out TreeHugger's article for more information on these studies and conclusions.
Scary stuff.
Why is this? One answer has to do with the American news media. They are convinced that every story has two sides. Fine. Multiple viewpoints are important to a free media. However, what happens when the two sides do not hold equal legitimacy but are given equal airtime?
As TreeHugger reports, this practice "gives disproportionate publicity to disreputable studies (if coverage were to accurately reflect the current state of science, there'd be hundreds of stories about studies confirming climate change for every one doubting it) and gives the public the impression there's far more debate over whether climate change is occurring or not. A recent study found that many Americans believed there was still a 'lively debate' amongst the scientific community over both whether climate change is caused by humans, and whether the theory of evolution is valid. In reality, of course, there is no such debate over either."
In other words, we are fighting for the environment in the midst of a population that is truly and deeply confused about the nature of the problem. In addition to our own actions, we must remember to help educate those around us.
Check out TreeHugger's article for more information on these studies and conclusions.
26 August 2009
Printing and Photocopying
Do a lot of printing or photocopying? There are a number of ways you can move toward sustainability:
1. Print/copy less. Yes, it is obvious, but printing or copying fewer pages is the most effective way to be more sustainable in your habits. With the use of computers and the Internet, very few things ever need to be printed anymore. For many people, printing out emails, memos, or bank statements may just be an ingrained habit. If you are in this category, try to reduce your printing by a little each week. Same goes for photocopying. Can you scan the document and keep an electronic copy instead? You may find that you really like having the back-ups, searchability, and space-saving qualities of electronic sources better!
2. Recycled paper. Use paper with the highest recycled content as you can. The most important thing to look for is the percentage of post-consumer recycled content.
3. Reuse paper. Try to always print and photocopy on both sides of a piece of paper if applicable, even if this means you have to manually reload the pages into the machine. This cuts down your paper use by half! Also, if you have one-paged documents that are no longer needed, cut them into quarters and use the blank sides for notes to yourself or others. [This quartering method works great for junk mail, too!]
4. Use less paper. If there's something online that you absolutely must print, consider getting the most "printer friendly" version possible. Some websites already have "printer friendly version" options, but many do not. But there's help! Print Friendly is a free webapp that cuts the page down to only the important stuff. You can use Print Friendly here or learn more about it in this LifeHacker article.
5. Use less ink. This is the newest arrival to the sustainability in printing and copying scene. Ink and toner are not only expensive; they can also be unhealthy. Plus, many companies produce cartridges that cannot be refilled. Every time your cartridge gets empty, you are adding more plastic to the landfills. One way to use less ink is to consider the new "ecofont." This font uses 20% less ink without negatively impacting readability. You can download it for free here.
1. Print/copy less. Yes, it is obvious, but printing or copying fewer pages is the most effective way to be more sustainable in your habits. With the use of computers and the Internet, very few things ever need to be printed anymore. For many people, printing out emails, memos, or bank statements may just be an ingrained habit. If you are in this category, try to reduce your printing by a little each week. Same goes for photocopying. Can you scan the document and keep an electronic copy instead? You may find that you really like having the back-ups, searchability, and space-saving qualities of electronic sources better!
2. Recycled paper. Use paper with the highest recycled content as you can. The most important thing to look for is the percentage of post-consumer recycled content.
3. Reuse paper. Try to always print and photocopy on both sides of a piece of paper if applicable, even if this means you have to manually reload the pages into the machine. This cuts down your paper use by half! Also, if you have one-paged documents that are no longer needed, cut them into quarters and use the blank sides for notes to yourself or others. [This quartering method works great for junk mail, too!]
4. Use less paper. If there's something online that you absolutely must print, consider getting the most "printer friendly" version possible. Some websites already have "printer friendly version" options, but many do not. But there's help! Print Friendly is a free webapp that cuts the page down to only the important stuff. You can use Print Friendly here or learn more about it in this LifeHacker article.
5. Use less ink. This is the newest arrival to the sustainability in printing and copying scene. Ink and toner are not only expensive; they can also be unhealthy. Plus, many companies produce cartridges that cannot be refilled. Every time your cartridge gets empty, you are adding more plastic to the landfills. One way to use less ink is to consider the new "ecofont." This font uses 20% less ink without negatively impacting readability. You can download it for free here.
19 August 2009
Chiles to keep you chilly?
Looking for ways to keep cool in the Southern summer? Well, here's a slightly unconventional yet environmentally-friendly idea: spicy foods.
Green is Sexy's article "Hot, Hot, Hot" says, "Have you ever noticed that the spiciest foods come from some of the warmest places? ... Chiles contain a sweat-inducing chemical compound called capsaicin. When you sweat, your body is cooling itself down and when that sweat evaporates, you get a natural feeling of relief."
Thai, Indian, and many Latin American foods are known for their use of chiles. So pair some spicy food with an evening breeze or your overhead fan, and you've got a cool night ahead!
Green is Sexy's article "Hot, Hot, Hot" says, "Have you ever noticed that the spiciest foods come from some of the warmest places? ... Chiles contain a sweat-inducing chemical compound called capsaicin. When you sweat, your body is cooling itself down and when that sweat evaporates, you get a natural feeling of relief."
Thai, Indian, and many Latin American foods are known for their use of chiles. So pair some spicy food with an evening breeze or your overhead fan, and you've got a cool night ahead!
12 August 2009
To your (mental) health
So we know that biking or walking instead of driving whenever possible is better for the environment. And it's pretty obvious that it's better for your physical health, too.
But have you thought about the benefits of walking or biking to your mental health and happiness? Exercise has been proven to elevate the mood, reduce anxiety, and help cope with depression. When you make biking to work, for example, part of your daily routine, you are measurably helping your body and mind, as well as your planet.
For an interesting article about the mental health and community benefits of biking, check out "Cycling is Good for the Mind as well as the Body" in the UK Guardian.
But have you thought about the benefits of walking or biking to your mental health and happiness? Exercise has been proven to elevate the mood, reduce anxiety, and help cope with depression. When you make biking to work, for example, part of your daily routine, you are measurably helping your body and mind, as well as your planet.
For an interesting article about the mental health and community benefits of biking, check out "Cycling is Good for the Mind as well as the Body" in the UK Guardian.
06 August 2009
Straight and Level Wins the Race
Did you know that driving in as straight and level a way as possible can help your vehicle's fuel efficiency? When you swerve around your lane, you are slowly but surely increasing your trip's mileage. And when you drive on uneven surfaces, your vehicle has to work harder to keep itself moving.
So pay attention to how you're driving. Swerving is not only inefficient, but it's also dangerous. And watch out for debris, potholes, standing water, and/or uneven pavement up ahead. Avoiding them is better for the life of your vehicle and your fuel efficiency.
*Inspired by Ronald Weiers' 365 Ways to Save Gas. Check it out!
So pay attention to how you're driving. Swerving is not only inefficient, but it's also dangerous. And watch out for debris, potholes, standing water, and/or uneven pavement up ahead. Avoiding them is better for the life of your vehicle and your fuel efficiency.
*Inspired by Ronald Weiers' 365 Ways to Save Gas. Check it out!
13 July 2009
Waterless Shower
[I apologize for not updating very frequently lately. I've been taking a very challenging course on the "Foundations of American Constitutionalism." That has taken all my brain and time. :) Weekly postings will resume in August.]
There are many reasons people do not bike/run/walk to work. One of the most frequently cited reasons is the lack of showers at the workplace.
10nine8 has devised a solution for just such a situation. "Rocket Shower" lets you clean up in a bathroom stall (or anywhere else with privacy) without needing any additional supplies/water. Their products come in 2, 4, and 8.5 ounce bottles, easy to carry with you or leave at the office.
What's in it and how does it work? Here's some information from the "Rocket Shower" website:
1. Witch hazel...used as an astringent and skin cleaner...It's a strong and effective body cleaner...
2. SD Alcohol 40. Helps evaporate the sweat quickly, kills bacteria that can lead to body odor, and has a slight cooling effect.
3. Water
4. Grapefruit peel oil. Citrus helps clean the skin, and contributes a clean scent...Rocket Shower's scent completely evaporates soon after application.
5. Peppermint oil...helps cool you while you clean up.
6. Vitamin E...to ensure the alcohol and witch hazel don't dry out the skin.
Click here to read more about Rocket Shower's ingredients and how it works.
TreeHugger has an article about this product as well. Check out the article to read about one person's first experience with the "Rocket Shower." And tell me if you try it!
There are many reasons people do not bike/run/walk to work. One of the most frequently cited reasons is the lack of showers at the workplace.
10nine8 has devised a solution for just such a situation. "Rocket Shower" lets you clean up in a bathroom stall (or anywhere else with privacy) without needing any additional supplies/water. Their products come in 2, 4, and 8.5 ounce bottles, easy to carry with you or leave at the office.
What's in it and how does it work? Here's some information from the "Rocket Shower" website:
1. Witch hazel...used as an astringent and skin cleaner...It's a strong and effective body cleaner...
2. SD Alcohol 40. Helps evaporate the sweat quickly, kills bacteria that can lead to body odor, and has a slight cooling effect.
3. Water
4. Grapefruit peel oil. Citrus helps clean the skin, and contributes a clean scent...Rocket Shower's scent completely evaporates soon after application.
5. Peppermint oil...helps cool you while you clean up.
6. Vitamin E...to ensure the alcohol and witch hazel don't dry out the skin.
Click here to read more about Rocket Shower's ingredients and how it works.
TreeHugger has an article about this product as well. Check out the article to read about one person's first experience with the "Rocket Shower." And tell me if you try it!
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