Traditional plastic is made from petroleum products. The production of petroleum-based plastics involves all kinds of chemicals, some of which have raised health concerns among consumers. Such plastics do not biodegrade. They are made with a non-renewable resource: petroleum. There are environmental and health concerns associated with conventional plastics.

Thankfully, plastics technology has come a long way. There are now biocompostable plastics made from renewable, biodegradable corn starch. Read the rest of this entry

In various times, places, and cultures, the “green” roof was the norm. People lived in earthen homes that were sometimes dug out of hillsides or creek banks, and the native grasses and wildflowers grew naturally on top. Other homes had sod or thatched grass roofs. Modern people are discovering the merits of this kind of roofing. If you are planning to install a green roof, here are some things to consider and keep in mind. Read the rest of this entry

Are you looking into replacing your roof? If you go with a regular asphalt shingle roof, you will be doing the same thing in a decade or so. Also, asphalt roofs may leach chemicals into rainwater, which are then carried in the storm run-off and into the creeks and streams. There are several eco-conscious roofing options available these days. Here are some of them. Read the rest of this entry

PETA is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980. Its intent was and is to defend the rights of animals in the United States and abroad. In fact, this Virginia-based organization has affiliates as far away as India and Germany.

PETA does not focus on the keeping of animals as pets. In fact, PETA does not officially endorse companion animals, and some PETA employees claim that keeping animals as house pets is demeaning. PETA’s philosophy involves the moral equivalence of animals, and it tends to focus much more on the use of animals in industry. Fur, food, cosmetics and clothing are the main commercial venues that PETA addresses. Read the rest of this entry

I absolutely adore this children’s tea set made from recycled plastic milk jugs. It comprises 17 pieces: an attractive rose-colored tea pot with a purple lid, 4 blue cups with green saucers, 4 yellow spoons, one blue creamer and one purple sugar pot. The set comes in a 100% recycled cardboard box, which can be recycled again.

Can you imagine your kids’ surprise when you tell them that this attractive tea set is made from the milk jugs you put outside on collection day for recycling? It is a great way of teaching kids why recycling is so good for mother earth. It turns something used into something beautiful, which in turn will be treasured and reused.

The tea set is produced in the USA and has undergone many stringent toy safety tests to keep your kids safe from harmful materials. Made in USA means that the transportation miles have been kept low.

Overall, this recycled tea set would make every little girl happy. She’ll soon be enjoying a special tea party together with her friends. A great product!

When we think of the typical garden, it often conjures up images of perfectly groomed and trimmed plants and flowers amid a clean bed of mulch. Many gardeners choose their plants based on what “look” they want to achieve, or other desired benefits. However, that approach does not take native species into account. There are so many reasons to choose native species over mass-produced, ubiquitous landscape plants. Here are some of those reasons. Read the rest of this entry

When organic matter breaks down or rots, it produces a mixture of carbon dioxide and methane. These gases, called biogases, can then be used in various applications.

What Is It Made Of?

Biogas is made from organic matter. It is produced by the natural fermentation process. Some of the materials that are used are farm waste (manure), plant matter, sewage, and biomass. Read the rest of this entry

Did you know that you can make toys out of recycled plastic milk jugs? The Recycling Truck and Dump Truck are manufactured primarily from recycled milk jugs that have been turned into new, clean plastic.

I think that your kids will love receiving a recycled milk jug toy truck. They are original and unique and teach your kids about recycling and reusing materials to create something new and fun.

The Recycling Truck is 12″L x 6 1/4″W x 7″H, lovely two-tone green in color with three recycle chutes on each side and a recycling bed that can be tipped with open and shut doors. The Dump Truck comes in bright red with a yellow dump bed that can be tipped. It is 10″L x 7 1/2″W x 7 1/8″H. Each of the trucks would be enjoyed by boys and girls alike.

For your and your kids’ safety, the toys have been tested and checked by safety labs. They contain no BPA or Phthalates and are totally green and safe to play with. Another benefit, in my opinion, is that they are made in the USA, which cuts down on miles traveled and energy used. All in all, the recycled toy trucks are fantastic gifts to give to children. It not only teaches them about recycling and recreating new things, but they are also just pure fun to play with.

Do you have some reservations about redecorating your home in an eco-friendly way? Maybe you think it only involves earth-colored paint and dim lighting. Or maybe you are concerned about the cost. There’s good news: eco-friendly redecorating can be really beautiful, whatever your taste, and it does not have to be exorbitantly expensive. Here are some ideas. Read the rest of this entry

Natural wool carpeting is becoming more popular as consumers are looking toward a more natural, chemical-free lifestyle. It is expensive, but for those who want to have carpeting but still use natural materials in their homes, it is probably the best option. (Wool throw rugs are also a more affordable way to bring the comfort of wool to your floors without wall-to-wall carpeting.) Here are some of the benefits of wool carpeting. Read the rest of this entry