Monday, Oct. 13
Today’s Tip: Choose rechargeable batteries.
Save money and resources by using widely available rechargeable batteries, many of which can be reused up to 1,000 times.

More than 15 billion batteries are thrown away each year—enough to make a column to the moon and back. That number continues to grow, as we use more and more electronic devices in our lives.

Thanks to a 1996 federal law, batteries no longer contain highly toxic mercury. However, rechargeables are allowed to have less-toxic metals, such as cadmium and lead, so it is imperative (and legally required) that you dispose of them properly. Used rechargeables can be dropped off for recycling at many retailers, or consult the web at Earth911.org for locations. When possible pick lithium-ion or NiMH (nickel metal hydride) rechargeables over NiCd (nickel-cadmium) rechargeable batteries, which contain more toxic metals.

From thedialygreen #2613

Tuesday, Oct. 14
Today’s Tip: Recycle old carpet.
The amount of carpet sent to landfills each year could cover an area bigger than New York City. Add to that the fact that most carpets are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource, and you have a valuable commodity, even if it is old and worn out.

When getting rid of old carpet, don’t just toss it in the landfill. Recycle it. Some nonprofits, such as Habitat for Humanity, accept relatively-clean carpet for reuse. Or you can reuse carpet at home for floor mats and runners, cat scratching posts, and even to stifle weeds in your garden.

Find your nearby recycler on the web at www.earth911.org. Just enter your zip code.

Wednesday, Oct. 15
Today’s Tip: Get an energy detective monitor.
Save money on rising energy bills while slashing your carbon footprint at the same time with an energy monitoring device, like The Energy Detective, which retails for $139.

The Energy Detective is a small display that indicates household electrical usage in real time and projects your monthly bill—all without using batteries. Research has found that real-time energy feedback leads consumers to reduce their electricity consumption. The company claims you’ll save 15 to 20% on each bill, which amounts to hundreds of dollars a year.

It’s really quite simple: If you can measure it, you can manage it. You can make small adjustments through the day and see how the savings add up. For example, you may decide you don’t really need to run that space heater, or be reminded to turn off lights and appliances. You can even interface it with your computer, so you can do advanced logging and analysis of your home’s energy data.

From thedailygreen #460139

Thursday, Oct. 16
Today’s Tip: Make green shopping easy.
If you want to buy green but haven’t been able to find the goods, there’s a new website to help you: greenzer.com, spelled G.R.E.E.N.Z.E.R.

The site lists over 15,000 products that are evaluated based on environmental certifications and specific green attributes, such as organically grown, solar-powered, post-consumer recycled, cruelty-free, etc.. You can browse, compare standards and prices, and shop from more than 65 merchant partners who, while perhaps not ecologically perfect, offer a significant improvement over conventional options.

One unique feature is Greenzer’s “Green Face Off” where a conventional product is paired with its eco alternative. Sometimes two eco options appear side-by-side. The face-offs compare costs, environmental impacts, and a sense of “the big picture”—what you, and the planet, have to gain or lose depending on what you buy.

From thedailygreen #55091802

Friday, Oct. 17
Today’s Tip: When it comes to wine, know what you’re buying.
It’s confusing, I know. Not only do you have to worry about the region, varietal, and vintage, now you gotta decipher just how organic your vino is. But organic wine not only tastes better, you don’t have to worry about getting a dose of pesticides with each glass of wine. So here’s what you need to know:

• Organic wine contains 100% organically grown grapes, without added sulfites (a preservative that sometimes causes allergic reactions). Because it doesn’t contain preservatives, most organic wine has a short shelf life.

• If the label says “Made with organic grapes” it means the wine may contain added sulfites, but fewer added sulfites than conventional wine. These wines have a shelf life comparable to conventional wines.

• Biodynamic wines are holistically produced with consideration for the local ecosystem, soil, and even phases of the moon, but isn’t necessarily certified organic.

• Vegan doesn’t mean the wine is organic or eco, but it does mean it’s free of animal by-products used in filtering and clarifying.

Still confused? Make shopping easy. Buy organic wines carrying the USDA Organic seal, and plan to drink them within a month of purchase.

From Idealbite, 9.10.08