GreenJoyment

Fill 'er up gets a whole new meaning with coffee powered car

2010-03-09T20:01:34Z

I'm the first to admit that a good jolt of java can help me get started on my day, and between my parents a pot of coffee disappears. Some people can't live without their daily stop at Starbuck's on their way to work. But with this coffee powered car, fill 'er up may have a whole new meaning.

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There are many alternatives out there for fueling our car. Our Honda Hybrid harnesses the power from the brake system to keep it eco-friendly. Other vehicles may use biodiesel fuels , lithium ion batteries and electricity. Others are exploring fuel alternatives from poo to goo to keep our cars running, reduce our dependency on foreign oils and reducing our carbon footprint, so the idea of using the carbon in coffee shouldn't surprise us. According to The Economist (Mar 9 2010), "running a diesel engine on a plant-based fuel is hardly a new idea. One of the early demonstrations carried out by Rudolph Diesel, the German engineer who invented the engines at the end of the 19th century, operated on pure peanut oil."

Fast facts about the Carpuccino

-fueled by using roasted coffee granules
- use a kilo of ground coffee for three miles or 56 espressos a mile
- a modified version of a Volkswagen Scirocco
-top speed of 60mph
-built by the BBC1 show Bang Goes The Theory to show that there are alternative fuels that could be used to power vehicles

This coffee powered vehicle will be displayed at the Big Bang Science Fair before its 210 mile "voyage" from Manchester to London. According to the show's producer, Nick Watson, "Coffee, like wood or coal, has some carbon content so you can use it as a fuel. The coffee needs to be very dry and in pellets to allow the air to move through the pile of coffee as it burns. The brand doesn't matter."

Is this car really "green"? Well it definitely uses an alternative fuel source, but because the price of coffee is higher than the price of gas it will actually cost an anticipated 25 - 50 times more to make this 210 mile trip than it would on gasoline. It will also take an approximated 10 hours to drive 210 miles because of the need to stop every 30-45 miles to replenish the tank with coffee granules and every 60 miles or so to clean soot and tar from the coffee car's filters.

So what do you think? What are some of your suggested alternative fuel sources? Which ones have you tried?

Growing up Green

2010-03-03T22:57:59Z

Just the other day my husband asked me, "When did you start getting so green?" That was an eye opening experience for me, because suddenly I realized that in some way, shape or form, I had always been "green."

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Growing up I remember my dad placing seals around the bottom of the doors, sealing windows with plastic wrap, and using the fireplace whenever possible. I remember using things like aluminum foil and plastic sandwich bags more than once. My parents said things like, "Close the door; we aren't heating/cooling the outside!" "I hear that faucet still running." "You're wasting . . . (insert your choice here) water, gas, power, electricity and so forth."

My parents used alternative forms of heating and cooling our home whenever possible.

We grew and ate food in our garden, and took eco-friendly vacations where we tuned out the rest of the world--no cell phones, computers, or cable TV. We picked wild foods such as strawberries and blueberries. We grew our own apples and pears. We canned, and used the canning materials over again each year. While we didn't hurt for new clothing, our first stops were garage sales, consignment stores, and thrift stores like Goodwill.

My mom used medicinal herbs to help us stay healthy. I remember an aloe vera plant was the first course of treatment for any burn.

My father would hunt and fish in season and would use what he caught, shot, or trapped, and only what he could use, sell, or give to other families.

We combined trips, worried about gas mileage, and adjusted our thermostats to save electricity.

I was told to "use the other side of the paper," which could explain why my coupons are printed on paper announcements from my children's school.

Vacations were eco-friendly, with hiking and admiring nature as part of our experiences, as well as leaving it as we found it.

To be honest, I don't think for one minute my parents were thinking about saving energy or the environment. I don't think they were considering renewable energy or creating an earth that would be there for future generations.

While they weren't the greenest of parents, they set a good example, so how can I explain this "going green" before it was popular? My parents were raised on farms where everything that could be used was, over and over again. They learned about being self-sustainable probably long before it was a catch phrase. They learned that consumption also equals financial disaster. They learned things like "waste not, want not." They learned that "a penny saved is a penny earned." With that example, how could I not turn out caring for the environment and trying to make the most of whatever I can for the earth and my children?

With more life experiences and education, I was able to take those tools that my parents gave me regarding nature, the environment, and wastefulness just one step (okay, in some cases two or three) further. Happily, with the example set by their grandparents and parents, my children can do even more.

I could honestly answer my husband, "I have always been green; caring for the environment, nature, and trying to make the most of the conveniences available to me," and hopefully many years from now my children will too. It all starts with just those small steps that we teach our children.

What started you on your green journey? We would love to hear your story here at Greenjoyment.

For tips on growing your children green, visit:
Growing Green Children

Interview with Dr. Robert Sears: Green Parenting

Greening your Baby Gear

Getting to the Bottom of Green Potty Products

Parent Resources for Growing Green Children

Avoiding nature deficit disorder in your children

Converting Waste To Electricity

2010-03-02T06:21:28Z

This is a firm that claims to have a technology for converting waste to electricity.

They're looking for venture capital, and it looks very interesting to me (not that I really have any money to put towards a speculative venture right now.

http://waste2tricity.com/the-technology.htm (Opens in new tab)

In any case, I'm curious to hear what the members of GreenJoyment think about technology that heats waste to 6,000 Degrees plus CELSUIS (That's HOT!) in order to convert it into electricity to power homes and the grid (in this case, in the UK).

Please post your thoughts using the comments below.

Dr. Robert Sears: Advice on creating an environmentally sound and healthy home for our children

2010-02-28T17:52:06Z

During Dr. Sears visit to Houston to sign his book Happy Baby: The Organic Guide to Baby's First 24 Months and attend the Houston HEB Healthy Baby and Child Expo, I had the opportunity to discuss with him several important green parenting issues. During the interview, Dr. Sears also shared with me his three 'must-have' tips for creating an environmentally sound and healthy home for our children.

]]> I may have put Dr. Sears on the spot with my question, "What are the three 'must-have' products you recommend for creating an environmentally sound and healthy home for our children?" His response was, "Just three?" Unfortunately for me, the time set aside for the interview was coming to an end and I knew that within minutes he would be joining parents at the Expo, or I would have asked for more!

Dr. Sears recommends these three things to get you on your way to creating an eco-friendly healthy home for our children. Of course, all you have to do is get a copy of his book to find many more recommendations, and yes, even money saving coupons!

Creating an environmentally sound and healthy home: Cleaning green
Watching what you clean with is essential for creating an environmentally friendly home. The chemicals used in many cleaners in our home leave toxins in the air and on surfaces that are then spread to our hands and to our children as well as breathed in. Dr. Sears has many green cleaning recipes in his book, beginning with "baking soda and vinegar." Greenjoyment also offers many cleaning green recipes for the whole house in our article, "Recipes for Whole House Cleaning Success: Natural and Environmentally Friendly."

But you don't have to make your own cleaning products, Dr. Sears states, "There are many green cleaning products out there, like Seventh Generation, that offer not only alternatives to cleaning, but are also manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner."

Creating an environmentally sound and healthy home: Green Toys
Let's face it; from the time our children can hold a toy, it goes to one place first, their mouths. Dr. Sears recommends finding green alternatives for every baby product that you can, from teething items to playtime toys. He says, "We need to minimize and eliminate whenever possible our children's exposure to 'bad toys'." When you consider the many recalls on baby and children's toys and gear, this is sound advice. How often have we read about a toy recall due to lead in the paint? He recommends unpainted wooden toys, and while his book Happy Baby offers a large selection of suggested toy manufacturers as alternatives, many of his recommendations in the book and in our discussion included those we have highlighted here on Greenjoyment in Green Toys? Find out what can be made with recycled plastic.

Creating an environmentally sound and healthy home for our children: Good night sleep tight
Dr. Sears recommends making sure everyone in your family gets not only a good night's rest, but a green nights rest as well, starting with the baby furniture, crib, and mattress. Eco-friendly baby furniture and mattresses use more environmentally friendly manufacturing methods, sustainable "ingredients," and are chemical free. With little ones biting down on side rails as well as spending up to 12 hours a day sleeping in a crib, it is important to make sure that they are sleeping healthy. Among the many manufacturers he recommends for environmentally sound baby furniture and crib products are IKEA, Eco-tots, Pacific Rim, Ecobaby, and Naturepedic.

Want to know how to get a good night's sleep in your room and the big kid's bedroom? Consider the recommendations made in Is Your Mattress "Just Right?" and Going Green with Your Bed Linens: It's not just a color anymore!

Though not a product, the most important piece of advice Dr. Sears gave me about green parenting and creating an environmentally friendly home is this, "We need to teach our children about making environmentally sound decisions so that they will know it and do it in the future." Is there a better way to create not only an environmentally sound home, but hopefully a world?

Cooking With The Sun: Greencook Solaire Cookup

2010-02-24T20:31:06Z

Anyone know where you can buy one of these Greencook Solaire Cookups anywhere outside of France?

Pretty cool concept!

National Park or Wildlife Refuge? What's in a name and do we need more?

2010-02-24T13:16:42Z

Should we designate more National Parks as Wildlife Refuges? Could a simple change in name protect animals, habitats and plants from extinction?

]]> My visit to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and my children's enjoyment of it has led us to find out more about wildlife refuges and where we can go in the U.S. to visit one. Among the many things we learned was that there are only about 100 ocelots remaining in the U.S., all of them located at this particular refuge. Without it, these animals may be extinct in the U.S.

I found out there are approximately 500 wildlife refuges in the United States, with several being within a quick drive from my home. Why didn't I know this?

Here's one answer, by Jason Daily of Outside Online magazine:

"Color it green on the road atlas and the expectation is that it will be, well, a park, a safe, manicured human-scape maintained for the enjoyment of people. Take the same piece of land, color it brown, and call it a national monument and visitor ship is cut in half. Call it a wildlife refuge and another 50 percent won't bother to show up."

I have to agree with him. Living in Tennessee, just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, taught me a great deal about the difference. Where there is a national park, restaurants, go karts, and even helicopter rides can be found. Visiting wildlife refuges, however, meant a drive into the "country," where only three other tourists on bicycles were getting their pass.

So, the question is, should more areas be designated a wildlife refuge, instead of a national park? Should some national parks or portions of them be designated a wildlife refuge to stop the development of the backcountry or preserve what wildlife is there?

Now, I am just a writer trying to provide my family with the best that nature and the environment has to offer, and trying to keep that best going for years to come. After all, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children" (Native American Proverb).

I don't know all the ins and outs of the government designation of a national park and wildlife refuge. I do know that I have been to many national parks during my life, and the Great Smoky Mountains in particular. I have seen the damage and the changes that have happened there as more and more tourists flock to these beautiful mountains. I have seen how there are fewer forests, less vegetation, waterfalls that no longer have water, and how many more people vacation there each year. Maybe if there were more refuges and fewer parks (amusement), then these changes would not have occurred. I mean, do we really need cell phone towers in our national park system?

Now don't get me wrong. Tourism is what brings in money to protect the life of our national park system, a system that, if we didn't have many people, would not be able to walk in the woods or take their children hiking, fishing, or skipping stones. National park systems have their place, but maybe, just maybe, we have reached a point where it's time to stop the growth of the parks and increase the growth of the natural wildlife and habitats that live there.

Maybe by designating these lands as a "monument," "refuge," "nature center," "way spot," "haven," "preserve," "grassland," "woodland," "wilderness," "sanctuary," "green," "barrens," "commons," "respite," or "arboretum" we can preserve them and provide a place to enjoy nature at its very best.

To find a wildlife refuge near you, visit: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuge.

To learn more about the National Parks in the United States, visit their website.

Firearms Allowed in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges

2010-02-21T13:05:19Z

A change in federal law effective Monday, February 22, allows firearms in many national parks and wildlife refuges. People who can legally possess firearms under federal and state law can now carry those firearms into the national parks in that state. The new law (Sec. 512 of P.L. 111-24) was passed by Congress and signed last May by the President (National Park Service Press Release). This law applies to some of its most well known parks in the nation, as well as ones that span several states such as Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Park.

What are the pros and cons of this new law and how can you share your thoughts, not just with us, but with your Senators and Representatives too?

]]> According to the press release, the laws in parks will vary. Prior to this, firearms have generally been prohibited in national parks, except in some Alaska parks and those that allow hunting.

National Park Services director Jon Jarvis says, "For nearly 100 years, the mission of the National Park Service has been to protect and preserve the parks and to help all visitors enjoy them. We will administer this law as we do all others - fairly and consistently."

Ok, so my question is, "Why?" I get the constitutional "right to bear arms." I learned young about gun safety and target shooting. I could never get used to the idea of shooting an animal though. One answer suggested to me was, "To protect yourself." Sure, in the Great Smoky Mountains you may have some bears hitting campgrounds for food. Why wouldn't they, since humans are taking over their habitat and they are starving? Maybe we could do more to protect the animals from starving and extinction and we wouldn't need to "protect ourselves."

Jarvis also states, "Federal law continues to prohibit the possession of firearms in designated 'federal facilities' in national parks such as visitor centers, offices, or maintenance buildings. These places are posted with 'firearms prohibited' signs at public entrances. The new law also does not change prohibitions on the use of firearms in national parks and does not change hunting regulations."

Cons to allowing guns in national parks and wildlife refuges:

-Bryan Faehner, associate director of the National Parks Conservation Association, said the law would place an unfair burden on park service employees, who will have to wade through a variety of state and local laws to determine whether visitors are breaking the law (AP Article Winnipeg Press).

-The National Parks Conservation Association also suggests that this new law will make it harder to catch and convict poachers. In the past you could tell by the 'smoking gun' in their hand, not you will have to find a dead carcass.

-Differing state restrictions make understanding the new law complicated, especially for parks situated in more than one state. David Barna, spokesperson for the parks system said, "The burden for the public rests with knowing what the law is in the state that you're in, in a similar way that you have to know the automotive or marriage license laws of the state you're in." Park websites will provide links to state gun laws (Washington Post).

Those who advocate allowing guns in wildlife refuges and national parks argue:

-Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma), who led congressional efforts to change the law, said that concerns about the law's potential negative impact on parks are overblown; "I don't expect anything major to come from this other than to restore the Second Amendment rights taken away by bureaucrats," Coburn said. If states want to change their gun laws, he said, "It'll be left up to the people and not the bureaucrats in Washington."

-Others say, "People will be able to defend themselves."

-"It's a constitutional right to bear arms."

-"Don't punish everyone because you are concerned about poachers."

According to recent park statistics:

-In 2008 there were approximately 275 million visitors to national parks.
-There were 3,760 reported major crimes, including five homicides and 37 rapes.
-No note is made in agency reports on which crimes involve guns.
-Crime in national parks is down.

Maybe, just maybe, there is a very good reason for having a gun in a national park. Maybe the campers next to you are kidnappers or rapists just waiting for you to fall asleep. Maybe a bear will come charging through the woods and attack you. But many federal facilities such as the post office, the bank, federal buildings, and courthouses are protected from gun carry and use; places which, as a regular person (and in a former life a paralegal) I would have thought I would need a gun to protect myself. But to allow guns in a wildlife refuge? Isn't this the very place that animals and wildlife should be free from guns? Can't we just for a few hours enjoy the nature that is given to us without having to carry our gun with us?

What do you think? Don't just tell us, tell the National Parks Conservation Association who offers a way to either thank, or express your dissatisfaction with, your Senators and Representatives, depending on whether or not they voted for the provision. Use their website to find out how your Senator or Representative voted and let them know what you think.

Going for the Gold and the Green in the 2010 Winter Olympics

2010-02-18T00:11:29Z

The 21st Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada have record numbers of fans watching from all over the world. Olympic planners know that many fans aren't just looking for the gold, silver, and bronze. They are also looking for the green.

]]> Preparing to host the Winter Olympics takes an enormous amount of space, resources, and man-hours. The impact on a hosting city is enormous and those who are eco-conscious are watching to see that the huge impact on the hosts' environment isn't a negative one. While ensuring there was enough white, as in snow, was one challenge, planners were hoping to make this the greenest Olympic games in history. The hosting city, Vancouver, Canada has already committed to being a green city by 2010. VANOC, the Vancouver Olympic Committee, began calculating the carbon emissions for holding the Olympics as soon as they won the bid seven years ago. After some adjustments, including indirect emissions such as visitor's flight, VANOC estimated that there could have been 270,000 tons of carbon emissions through the end of the 2010 Winter Olympics that were Olympics related. From there, the company began to look at how carbon emissions could be cut. The committee is shooting for 180,000 tons, or a "carbon-neutral", Olympics.

To that end, there have been many green initiatives involved in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Here are some of the ways the Vancouver Olympics are going green.

Greener Public Transportation:

The public transport system in Vancouver has been expanded for the Olympics, including running more buses and trains. Vancouver residents as well as Olympic visitors are being encouraged to take advantage of public transport. Vancouver has offered bus and train tickets with Olympic tickets in lieu of creating parking lots. The city also worked with companies to encourage telecommuting to lessen traffic during this time. All of these changes could have a long lasting impact on transportation in Vancouver, reducing long term both traffic and air pollution.

VANOC also implemented vehicle sharing, lower speed limits, and a no-idling policy to reduce emissions during the games.

Green Building:

Olympic Village, a nine-block area that will host 10,000 athletes, has many green initiatives. Half the roofs have "green roofs" that are covered with plants to help hold in cold or hot air and reduce energy usage. The other half of the roofs will be flat and act as rainwater collectors. The rainwater will be stored and used throughout Olympic buildings. Olympic Village utilizes dual flush toilets that use the collected rainwater to flush. This will reduce the consumption of potable water by an estimated 40 to 50%.

Green Purchasing:

VANOC is using a "Buy Smart" program to find products to be purchased from sustainable companies from inner city or Aborigine communities.

According to Kevin CuChame of the Buy Smart committee, "The Buy Smart program aligns with VANOC's values and incorporates all of our objectives related to sustainability and Aboriginal participation. It is more than just a guideline; we are accountable for it."

Green Food Service:

The Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Center, which also has a green roof and seawater heating and cooling systems, is offering a "Happy Earth" menu that features local and organic ingredients.

Despite having to bring snow, Linda Coady, Pice-President, Sustainability for VANOC, says they are on track, "Within our carbon forecast, we do have contingency built in there for variability of this nature, and we're standing by our 118,000 tons figure".

There have been, of course, many accusations of "green washing" regarding the 2010 Winter Olympics. There will no doubt be many green lessons to be learned. One thing VANOC has accomplished is keeping eco-friendly ideas on the table to emulate. We don't have to be gold medal winners or Olympic hosting cities to implement some of the green initiatives here, like using rainwater, public transportation, and buying products and foods from local and sustainable sources.

So what do you think? Do the 2010 Winter Olympics get a medal for going green?

Environmentally Friendly Solution Available to Asian Carp in Great Lakes?

2010-02-15T16:32:24Z

During my visit a few months ago to South Padre Island a "lizard fish" was caught (and released) during our Eco-tour. This type of fish is usually not seen in the waters off the Texas coast, but a number of environmental factors have caused it to be there. What is causing Asian carp to appear in the Great Lakes region-and more importantly, how can it be stopped without harming the environment?

]]> The Great Lakes Dilemma:

In addition to recreation, the Great Lakes are home to a $7 billion fishing industry. Bighead and Silver Carp, both native to Asia, began escaping from fishponds in the Deep South in the 1970s. They've already made their made way to the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and wiped out some native species of fish. Now they're heading for the Great Lakes.

Although no carp have been found above the barrier, biologists have detected carp DNA in numerous spots beyond the barrier and even within the lakes.

Carp can reach 100 lbs. and grow to up to four feet long. Since they eat 40 percent of their weight in plankton daily, they could starve out the smaller prey fish that salmon and whitehead depend on, and eventually wipe out the fish of the Great Lakes from the bottom of the food chain up.

What Many Environmentalists are Asking For:

Many want to sever the connection between the Lake Michigan and Mississippi River basin. Engineers in Chicago created this link over a hundred years ago. In addition, many are asking that the two navigational locks in Chicago waterways that could provide carp with an entry to the Great Lakes be closed.

What the Obama Administration is Proposing:

The federal government has created a plan that will attempt to thwart the entry of carp in the Great Lakes. The proposal comes with a price tag of $78.5 million and many argue that the plan doesn't do enough. The proposal:

- Offers to conduct a long-range study of the idea of closing the link

- Refuses to close the locks, but offers to open them less often

- Strengthens an electric barrier meant to block the carp

- Calls for using sound, strobes, and bubble walls to deter carp

- Calls for nets or poisons to deal with carp that make it through barriers

Joel Brammeier, president of the environmental group Alliance for the Great Lakes, responded, "We're spending close to $80 million just for a short-term deterrent. We need to stop pushing money toward temporary solutions and get everyone on track toward investing in one that works for good-and that means absolute physical separation."

The hard reality:

Cutting off the ties between the Great Lakes and Mississippi means reconfiguring almost seventy miles of rivers and canals, a huge undertaking that would take a long time and a lot of money. It is vehemently opposed by barge operators who depend on moving millions of commodities through the Chicago locks each year.

Would the carp thrive or even survive in the Great Lakes?

Scientists have differing opinions here. The Great Lakes are colder, deeper, and different than rivers, but many say the risk to the Great Lakes fishing industry and the native species is just too great to take a chance.

David Lodge, University of Notre Dame biologist, says, "None of us know for certain what their impact would be. There's only one way to find out, and I don't think any of us want that."

What are your thoughts on this environmental dilemma? What do you think would be an Eco-friendly resolution or could save money AND the environment?

Interview with Dr. Robert Sears: Green Parenting

2010-02-10T18:34:50Z

Dr. Robert Sears, father, world-renowned pediatrician, and author was recently in Houston as a special guest at the HEB Healthy Baby and Child Expo. He was kind enough to grant me an interview, where we discussed a number of parenting topics, including tips on vaccinations, green parenting, and making your home more environmentally sound and safe. This begins the first in a series of articles based on my interview.

]]> Dr. Sears began our discussion on green parenting, "There are different shades of green; it's all a process." "In a nutshell," Dr. Sears continues, "green parenting is trying to raise your children with as little chemical exposure as possible and raise your child and your family while trying to minimize your carbon footprint."

When I asked Dr. Sears about his favorite green parenting tips and tools, of course he mentioned his latest book, Happy Baby: The Organic Guide to Baby's First 24 Months (Paperback). In this book, he provides information on a variety of concepts regarding green parenting for everyone from the beginning, or "light green" parent, to the more experienced, "dark green", parent. After the introduction of green parenting concepts, he goes on to explain how to accomplish each of the concepts and suggestions made.

While Happy Baby is an excellent resource, I asked Dr. Sears if he could name the three most important green parenting skills to accomplish. He answered, "Organic eating, green cleaning, and cloth diapers."

Now, we all know that organic eating can be expensive, so Dr. Sears recommends we pay attention to, and eliminate, the "dirty dozen" from our eating habits. The dirty dozen are foods determined to be some of the most pesticide-contaminated foods since 1995, based on statistical analysis of testing conducted by the U.S. Drug Administration and Federal Drug Administration. What are the dirty dozen foods to avoid? They are: Peaches, Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Kale, Lettuce, Grapes (imported), Carrots, and Pears. However, the news isn't all bad; there is also a "clean 15"; foods determined to have the least pesticide exposure. So how can you purchase organic foods and still keep to your budget? Find those with the most exposure and purchase organic alternatives. Though not mentioned, I would also add eggs, milk, and meats to the list.

"Why should we eat organic," I asked Dr. Sears. He replied, "It's a very important step in eliminating chemicals and pesticides from your body and your child's. It is especially important for expectant and nursing mothers to be aware of what goes into their body and how it can affect the development of the fetus or their baby."

Next, Dr. Sears recommends being aware of the cleaning products you are using. There are many green cleaning alternatives available, including products by Seventh Generation® and other manufacturers. He recommends noticing what products in your soaps, cleaners, and laundry detergent you are using and what ingredients they contain. The harmful chemical compounds contained in many of these products touch our skin and are in the air we breathe. Greenjoyment offers you several recipes for green cleaning, as does the book Happy Baby. Dr. Sears recommends using baking soda and vinegar as the basis for many of your homemade cleaning materials.

Lastly, for parents wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, the choice to use cloth diapers over disposable is an important one. According to recent reports, there are an estimated 3.5 million tons of diaper waste in U.S. landfills, not to mention the environmentally unfriendliness use of trees, chemicals involved, environmentally unsound manufacturing production, and gas for transportation so that disposable diapers can be used. The use of cloth diapers vs. disposable has been a debate here at Greenjoyment also. I learned of a product (new to me) that is called a "g-diaper", which is a combination cloth diaper and biodegradable, flushable insert that absorbs moisture, wetness, and waste. If you haven't made up your mind yet about diapers, or just want to make a switch, consider this alternative to disposable or cloth.

Most importantly (at least to me), Dr. Sears says that parents need to realize that green parenting sometimes comes with compromises. In Happy Baby, there is an entire section devoted to, "how to make compromises to get what you want and need for green parenting and for your family."

This is so true--as parents, we need to do what we can whenever we can. Sometimes this means going the extra mile; like making updates to a home to make it more Eco-friendly and energy efficient, and sometimes it means using a disposable diaper because we are on vacation. Whatever the reasons for our decisions, the most environmentally friendly thing we can do for our personal home environment is come to terms with what we can and can't do and how it will affect us all.

For more information about Dr. Robert Sears, visit AskDrSears.com.

Brief Bio:

Robert W. Sears, MD, is a father of three, board-certified in Pediatrics, and a co-author in the Sears Parenting Library. He earned his medical degree at Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1995. He did his pediatric internship and residency at Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, California, finishing in 1998. Dr. Bob (as his little patients call him) is the proud father of three active boys.

Dr. Bob enjoys a very unique approach to pediatrics by providing a combination of alternative and traditional medical care. He has a passion for healthy natural living and incorporates this knowledge into a style of disease treatment and prevention that you won't find in most doctors offices.

Dr. Bob has a particular passion for helping parents understand childhood vaccines and the options open to them in choosing the safest possible vaccine schedule for their child. As the solo author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child, his in-depth knowledge of vaccines and diseases they prevent helps parents nationwide get a better understanding of this complex and confusing issue.

Dr. Bob has appeared on the Dr. Phil show to offer advice on child behavior and parenting issues. He has also appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show, CNN's House Calls with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the CBS Early Show, and PBS's "A Place of Our Own".

Dr. Bob is a frequent speaker at La Leche League (LLL) conferences in Colorado, Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, and California/Nevada. He spoke at the International LLL Conference 2007, and speaks at various parenting health expositions. He has written for Contemporary Pediatrics, Newsweek Japan, and dozen's of regional parenting magazines across the nation. Dr. Bob is co-author of The Updated Baby Book, The Premature Baby Book, The Baby Sleep Book 2005, and Father's First Steps: 25 Things Every New Dad Should Know, and author of The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for your Child. He is an active contributor to the content of AskDrSears.com and several other parenting websites, and Working Mother magazine.

If you are interested in any of the items mentioned in this article . . .

E-Bike Sales Jolting Ahead in China

2010-02-10T00:04:21Z

By Christopher Paul Smith

In China, electronic bicycles are all the rage.

Just how popular are they?

Recent studies have shown that in China there are now four times as many electric bicycles as cars.

There's no doubt about it: e-bikes are cool.

The tally is currently over 100 million in the nation, with some estimates topping 120 million. Despite friction due to concerns over the bike's safety and an uproar from both sides over a possible mandate of licenses for riders, that number continues to grow - and may hit the 200 million mark by the end of the year.

The bikes are sleek, speedy, and maneuverable - easily darting through sluggish traffic or down cluttered alleyways. It's no surprise that they've caught on with the youth.
On an e-bike, one can silently glide up behind a pedestrian without them even knowing.
Or, as has sometimes been the case, speed towards unsuspecting victims and clip them unawares.

But it's not just young people that have taken a liking to e-bikes. The electric speedsters are becoming a choice way to get people where they need to go. Another advantage of e-bikes and contributing to the recent surge is that they are a way around bans on internal combustion engines (traditional gasoline).

In China, electric has been the way to go.

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While e-bikes have zero emissions, that does not mean they are zero waste. Energy has to come from somewhere, and in the case of e-bikes it is an electrical socket. This effectively means that an e-bike is only as clean as the grid used to power it.

In addition, the Wall Street Journal reports that about 95% of the bikes sold in China are outfitted with lead batteries. Though nearly completely recyclable, these lead batteries have proven to be far from clean.

Some studies have shown, if you (consider) the lifecycle of the bicycle - that means the production, the smelting, to the recycling of this lead, these little e-bikes produce [much worse] lead emissions than the typical motorcycle.

Despite this, the bikes are largely considered more energy efficient and less polluting than cars, motorcycles, and even forms of public transit such as buses. This is good news coming from a country that hasn't always been known for environmental practices.

A solution to lead batteries may come in the form of LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries, which have shown to be an improvement over the lithium cobalt dioxide (LiCoO2) batteries that can be found in most laptops and cell phones.

"In electric vehicles, LiFePO4 batteries offer greater range, power and safety. They provide full power until they are completely discharged, and recharge in just 2.5 hours. LiFePO4 chemistry is also environmentally friendly -- it's the least toxic of all the battery types."

As the materials for producing lithium batteries become more readily available and the manufacturing costs drop, this will present an increasingly feasible green alternative to lead batteries in e-bikes.

Cleanliness isn't the only advantage of LiFePO4 batteries- they are also over four times more efficient at storing and releasing energy than their lead counterparts.

E-bikes have proven to be a hit in China, but markets are also steadily improving in Europe and the U.S.
With many different models and designs available, expect this trend to continue. E-bikes will likely begin popping up in urban sprawls, college towns, and places with either a tolerable climate or abundant bike paths and bike lanes.
Things shouldn't stop there. If China is any indicator, e-bikes should be a hit throughout southeast Asia in coming years, and could be primed to make a move worldwide.

One question that remains is how growing number of e-bikes will be received in places such as the United States, where often crowded roads predominately feature cars and buses. It is possible that relations between e-bike riders and drivers and/or pedestrians could be strained, as can be the case with conventional bikes.

So, what do you think - will e-bikes catch on outside of China? Would you buy one?

Who Killed the Electric Car?

2010-02-07T22:43:50Z

The other day, Jonathan and I ran across the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car". When we saw it, we knew we had to watch it.

Having an electric car has been something we've been wanting for a long time now.

In fact, I remember back when I was in high school thinking that it would be awesome to have one. There was even one featured briefly on the TV show "Seventh Heaven" once, and I never saw an electric car again.

Now I know why.

I highly recommend that you take a look at "Who Killed the Electric Car". It really opened our eyes to some of the practices of the oil industry, and GM.

Who Killed the Electric car is a great documentary about the short life of a very popular electric car in California. If you have ever wondered what happened to the original electric car, I suggest you watch it.

I can tell you one thing, I (for one) will never look at GM the same way again.

I'm not one for destroying a company. But, I am one to promote when I think something is a good thing. An electric car is a good thing. The technology for electric cars exists. But, companies are still not making them. At best, they make a hybrid. A hybrid vehicle, such as the Prius, is a start, but it's not a solution.

In "Who Killed the Electric Car?" they offer many points for who it could have been without pointing a finger.

They just tell the story and offer suggestions. It's not one of those documentaries where they're trying to force a specific point of view on the general public. They just tell it how it is.

Unfortunately, at the moment, if you want to have an electric car (like I do), your best option is to buy a kit and convert your gas car into an electric car. You could even buy an old car from a junk yard and then a kit and instructions and learn how to convert your car to an electric car. The cost is less than you might expect. I've even seen places where you can buy an electric car for about $10,000.

We've found this electric car conversion kit. While we haven't tried it yet (as we don't have a car while we're traveling the planet), we will definitely have an electric car in the future, and we think that this electric car conversion kit is a great place to start.

Check it out.

Greening your Baby Gear

2010-02-06T19:10:40Z

What to do with all that baby stuff when you just don't have a "baby" anymore. Consider these options that save green and go green, but find out what you should know before you go.

]]> As much as we parents may hate to admit it, the day will come when out babies just aren't babies anymore. Since our children go so quickly if your house is anything like mine, then they outgrow all that baby gear, toys, bedding and clothing leaving them in almost new condition and many parents wondering what to do when their baby stuff just doesn't fit their "baby" anymore. Consider these options that are greener for the environment and can save you and another parent a whole lot of green.

Greening your Baby Gear: Garage/Community/Rummage Sale
Wash and price tag your baby items and post those signs. Hold your own sale. Better yet join in with a community or church sale, where you may lose a little of the profits but you will probably also get rid of many more items. I even posted to several mother's groups an "indoor" garage sale where they could visit me between 10-1 on a certain day have some coffee and donuts visit with each other and buy the baby items they needed. At the end of the day, I profited, and so did the environment.

Greening your Baby Gear: Let's go shopping - to sell your stuff
Make sure your items are clean and contact the local consignment shops to find out what baby items, clothing and gear they are accepting before you load everything up in your car, drive over there, and unload them only to find out that they aren't taking winter clothing. Consignment shops also work in two different ways; some accept your items and pay you when they sell, others pay you upfront for the items giving you cash in hand. Not bad for a day's work.

Greening your Baby Gear: Go online to make a dime
I have been quite successful at using Craigslist for selling many of my outgrown baby gear, toys, and clothing. Everything from the bassinet to the bouncy seat was able to make me a few dollars and make sure they don't go into a landfill. Others use E-bay or other online sale services.

Greening your Baby Gear: Get by with a little help from your "friends"
Tell your friends, neighbors, or even post it on Facebook. A friend of mine was getting rid of her home daycare equipment and posted the sale on Facebook. Just imagine the responses from friends and family she got. A friend told a friend who told a friend who - well you get the idea. Friends saved money, she saved the environment.

Greening your Baby Gear: Take advantage of Trade in Events
Several times a year, Babies/Toys R Us holds a Trade in Event sale. You bring in your gently used car seats, stroller, travel system, high chair, play yard, bassinet, crib or toddler bed (from participating brand names) and get 25% off new. This means if you need to purchase a new item for your family or a friend, you can save some money and the environment.

According to Toy "R" Us, the event's main concern is specific baby products and car seats that are not fit to be handed down or resold. This comes after safety experts announced that the sales of used products are on the rise, and consumers should be aware of the risks of second-hand items like these. (Source Earth911.com)
The most recent Trade in Event is from 1-29-2010 to 2-20-2010. Your discount is valid only on the day of trade in. Manufacturers participating in the "Great Trade-In" event include Baby Cache, Babi Italia, Baby Trend, Bertini, Britax, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Nature's Purest by Summer Infant, Safety 1st and Sorelle.

Greening your Baby Gear: Don't hesitate to donate
Daycares, charities, women's shelters, children's services and even the police department can be a way to green up your baby gear. Police and fire departments, as well as pet shelters accept stuffed animals for use when caring for frightened children and animals. Other charities can either resell or provide a family with a much needed baby item from bedding to clothing.

Dangers about going green with your baby gear
Before you try to do what's best for the environment, be sure to do what's best and safest for the next child that may get your baby stroller, car seat, crib or toys. Make sure that all your baby gear is in good working condition. Include batteries when necessary if donating. Include warranty information, all parts, and installation and assembly directions. Most importantly check for recalls by visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission, expiration dates (bet you didn't know car seats had expiration dates) and be aware of any rules or laws in your area about the donation or sale of baby items.

It's great to donate. It's fine to make a dime. But remember before you go green with your baby gear, toys, and clothing take time to stop at the red light of consumer protection.

Converting your gas car to an electric car

2010-02-02T20:00:27Z

The other day, Jonathan and I ran across the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car". When we saw it, we knew we had to watch it.

Having an electric car has been something we've been wanting for a long time now. In fact, I remember back when I was in high school thinking that it would be awesome to have one. There was even one featured briefly on Seventh Heaven once, and I never saw an electric car again.

Now I know why.

I highly recommend that you take a look at "Who Killed the Electric Car". It really opened our eyes to some of the practices of the oil industry, and GM.

]]> I'm not one for destroying a company. But, I am one to promote when I think something is a good thing.

An electric car is a good thing.

The technology for electric cars exists.

But, companies are still not making them. At best, they make a hybrid.

A hybrid vehicle is a start, but it's not a solution.

Unfortunately, at the moment, if you want to have an electric car, your best option is to buy a kit and convert your gas car into an electric car. You could even buy an old car from a junk yard and then a kit and instructions and learn how to convert your car to an electric car. The cost is less than you might expect. I've even seen places where you can buy an electric car for about $10,000.

We've found this electric car conversion kit. While we haven't tried it yet (as we don't have a car), we will definitely have an electric car in the future, and we think that this electric car conversion kit is a great place to start.

Eco-Friendly Shoes for Walking the Green Path

2010-01-31T09:56:03Z

Are you walking the green mile? If you're trying to walk down the green path, just what are you walking on? Walking and cycling are of course great eco-friendly, not to mention healthy, transportation alternatives but are you're shoes planet-friendly?

]]> Many of us are making more eco-friendly choices. We're learning to say no to the super plastic, battery-laden, shipped around the world, in a mega-sized package toys and saying yes to local, handmade toys made from natural materials. We're saying no to socially and ecologically unconscious coffees and saying yes to fair trade coffee. Sometimes our green options are clear, like eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable household cleaners verses, well all of the toxic ones. On the other hand, or on the other foot perhaps, sometimes we just aren't even aware that there are greener options available. If you're trying to walk down the green path, just what are you walking on? Walking and cycling are of course great eco-friendly, not to mention healthy, transportation alternatives but are you're shoes planet-friendly?

As Fashion Week kicked off in Berlin, showing off the winter collection for 2010, there were shoes of many, many colors but some were also "green." One new line is the BIO-D Biodegradable Shoes from Simple Shoes. Thomas Briel, of Simple Shoes explains the scary truth about shoes. "The big problem with shoes is the sole," said Briel "It takes about 1,000 years to compost the average shoe..."

The new BIO-D shoes will break down in the landfill in about 20 years verses 1,000. There's a technology involved that ensures that the shoes won't begin to break down under normal wear conditions and the process will only begin under the condition found in a landfill. The price? The Bio-D shoes are 90 to 120 euros.

Are there other "greener" options beyond wearing the same shoes for 20 years or buying them at a second hand store? We all know that buying less is important but if we just have to have new shoes are there more options that are more eco-conscious? Sure there's plenty of green washing out there too. We have to be realistic about what is greener verses what is truly green. But it's good to know what eco-friendly efforts are at hand, even for our feet.

El Naturalista by Organico are green shoes that actually come in lots of colors including red.

What makes them greener than the average shoes?

They have a recycled foot bed and stream leather tanned using vegetable extracts and ground tree bark.

Ebony by Patagonia, which gives a portion of all of your Patagonia purchases to 1% for the Planet.

What makes them greener than the average shoes?

Ebony shoes have 100% recycled soles and the midsoles are from 20% recycled materials too.

Grass are by Terra Plana, a shoemaker that sources locally and uses recycled materials.

What makes them greener than the average shoe?

In addition to using recycled materials, Terra Plana focuses on lightweight designs to reduce shipping load.

Toematoe by Simple Shoes is one of the greenest and most popular eco-friendly shoe brands.

What makes them greener than the average shoe?

Toematoe shoes are made from organic cotton and wool with a bamboo lining, cork bed and water based cements. Simple Shoes also makes Eco-boots made from natural materials including buttons made from coconut shells.

What's in your shoes?