Before you google the next thing you want to learn about, check out earthle. http://www.earthle.com/ is basically a low-energy version of google. You get google results, but consume less energy. Big deal? Well, according to the site...
"Take at look at Google, who gets about 200 million queries a day. Let's assume each query is displayed for about 10 seconds; that means Google is running for about 550,000 hours every day on some desktop. Assuming that users run Google in full screen mode, the shift to a black background will save a total of 15 (74-59) watts. That turns into a global savings of 8.3 Megawatt-hours per day, or about 3000 Megawatt-hours a year."
Small changes add up!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A Big Box with No Bags
Well no disposable ones anyway…
After much hype (including customers camping in front of the doors for 2 days), IKEA will open its first store in the Carolinas today. Some might expect a negative posting about this much anticipated grand opening of a big-box store, but instead I’ll focus on the positive. I ran across one of their ads while sorting through the junk mail (a topic for another day). No, it wasn’t the $399 sofa that caught my attention, it was the blue box on the back page labeled “fill, empty, repeat.” It seems that IKEA stores don’t provide disposable bags to customers.
The ad continues:
“Together, we make a big difference. In 2007, IKEA encouraged customers to use BIG BLUE BAGS in place of throwaway bags and soon, IKEA customers were using 92% fewer. Today, you won’t find throwaway bags at IKEA stores. That’s 70 million bags kept out of trees, landfills and oceans each year, what a difference. So get a BIG BLUE BAG or two – they’re waterproof, nearly indestructible, and can be used over and over for laundry, groceries and shopping at IKEA stores.”
It seems most retailers are offering reusable bags these days. I’m sure some folks could raise good points about the negative impacts of this retail giant, but no disposable bags…not just offering reusable bags, but altogether eliminating disposable bags… That’s a step in the right direction. Maybe other retailers will follow.
After much hype (including customers camping in front of the doors for 2 days), IKEA will open its first store in the Carolinas today. Some might expect a negative posting about this much anticipated grand opening of a big-box store, but instead I’ll focus on the positive. I ran across one of their ads while sorting through the junk mail (a topic for another day). No, it wasn’t the $399 sofa that caught my attention, it was the blue box on the back page labeled “fill, empty, repeat.” It seems that IKEA stores don’t provide disposable bags to customers.
The ad continues:
“Together, we make a big difference. In 2007, IKEA encouraged customers to use BIG BLUE BAGS in place of throwaway bags and soon, IKEA customers were using 92% fewer. Today, you won’t find throwaway bags at IKEA stores. That’s 70 million bags kept out of trees, landfills and oceans each year, what a difference. So get a BIG BLUE BAG or two – they’re waterproof, nearly indestructible, and can be used over and over for laundry, groceries and shopping at IKEA stores.”
It seems most retailers are offering reusable bags these days. I’m sure some folks could raise good points about the negative impacts of this retail giant, but no disposable bags…not just offering reusable bags, but altogether eliminating disposable bags… That’s a step in the right direction. Maybe other retailers will follow.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A Greener Valentine
A day that is supposed to have a big impact on the heart also has a big impact on the planet. BIGresearch estimates that consumers will spend just under $15 billion on Valentine’s Day purchases this year (down more than 15% from last year). Such large-scale consumption also comes at the expense of the planet. So before you empty your wallet, consider a couple of observations regarding two of Cupid’s best sellers.
Greeting Cards - According to Hallmark, 188 million Valentine’s Day cards are purchased each year. That’s a lot of trees! Not to mention where they likely end up after sitting around the house for a few days.
Flowers - Without even examining the growing practices (pesticides, fair labor), don’t forget about emissions. Your flowers have likely traveled a long way. The Census Bureau states that U.S. imports of cut flowers from Columbia exceeded $300 million in 2007.
I’m not even beginning to scratch the heart-shaped surface. Just think about the packaging surrounding all of these gifts. I haven’t taken the time to research the decomposition process of those shiny balloons that are so popular this time of year.
A Better Way - Should we boycott the holiday of love? I personally wouldn’t recommend it. Perhaps a better way to celebrate is the answer.
The folks at Green Living Tips have compiled a list of suggestions to help you make informed decisions as you shop. Their suggestions include purchasing natural perfumes and fragrances, and finding ecologically and socially responsible sources of gemstones.
The Nature Conservancy has made eco-conscious gift-giving just a click away! Their Green Gift Guide makes it easy to pass on consumption and honor your valentine by adopting an acre in Australia, or adopting coral reefs in Palau. You can also use this site to send a paperless e-card. If you are still looking for something more traditional, the Green Gift Guide also suggests ordering organic flowers or chocolates from http://www.organicbouquet.com/,
With a little knowledge and some informed decisions we can celebrate Valentine’s Day in a more sustainable way.
Got another idea? Share it by posting a comment.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Has the Super Bowl Gone Green?
Has the Super Bowl gone green, or is this just another example of greenwashing consumers?
The usual Championship T-shirt saw an improvement this year. Reebok has made this year’s shirt “Eco-Friendly”, by using 100% organic cotton.
Reactions to the shirt have been mixed.
The usual Championship T-shirt saw an improvement this year. Reebok has made this year’s shirt “Eco-Friendly”, by using 100% organic cotton.
Reactions to the shirt have been mixed.
- Some have criticized the NFL for jumping on the “green bandwagon” as a marketing gimmick, citing the league’s enormous carbon footprint and other eco-shortcomings.
- Others point out that the NFL did purchase some renewable energy for the big game, has pledged to reuse/recycle some of the Super Bowl banners, and is taking part in some reforestation projects. In fact, the NFL developed an entire program to “to minimize the impact of Super Bowl activities on the local and global environment.”
Food for thought: Do intentions and other perhaps seemingly hypocritical eco-imperfections really matter if the actions are a step in a greener direction?
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