There are many things people can do to help the environment. However, people do not know that even the smallest deeds can help the environment. There are also large things a person can do to help the environment. A few small things people can do is recycle, bicycle ride instead of using their car whenever possible, be more cautious when using natural resources, become more educated on techniques to help preserve the environment. There are many other large things people are doing in order to help the environment. For instance, buying supplies in bulk can save money and also save resources since they do not use as much packaging when items are bought in bulk. Also, trading in a gasoline driven car for an electric car, also known as a hybrid, can save a lot of money as well as natural resources—such as oil (gasoline). There are multiple sources one can turn to that help guide people in living a “greener” lifestyle. Not only can going green be easy and helpful, it has become one of the largest fads in the past few years. In other words, be fashionable just by going green!!!
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lilntkn7
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Shoshana
This video from River Wired provides some insight into Chicago’s “eco conscience” and introduces you to fantastic green spaces within our urban landscape:
Pay close attention to the segment on honeybee populations. Due to rampant pesticide use and mysterious parasitic viruses, honeybees are disappearing at an alarming rate. These lovely creatures don’t just produce a fine alternative sweetener, they are almost completely responsible for sustaining global food supplies. Without bees, there is no pollination; and without pollination, we could face unprecedented food shortages and eco-system collapse.
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gina05
Yep, Chicago made it. Treeless paper is here.
Its hard to imagine, right, but what if it didn’t have to be. Deforestation has been a disastrous result of failing market and commodity economy. While a majority of the trees cut are used for building and fuels, paper in the United States alone, consists of 41% of its waste.
Now, what if paper could be eliminated.
Chicago-based GPA Specialty Substrate Solutions, announced its latest Eco-friendly substrate—Ultra Green Film. Unlike traditional paper, the enzyme based Ultra Green Tree-Free Film, is manufactured without trees, water or toxic agents including bleaching chemicals.
Amazing right. Wait there’s more.
Different from pulp papers, Ultra Green uses no grains. The paper is scuff, water grease resistant, making it perfect for outdoor use.
Because the paper in the manufacturing process uses no water, Ultra Green is priced 30 to 40% below than regular synthetic paper and film.
Could you image, cutting the cost of paper almost in half! As a college student that is music to my ears and my bank account.
According to ENN, The Environmental News Network, “replacing one ton of traditional paper with one ton of Ultra Green paper saves 20 trees, according to Environmental Defense’s paper calculator. It also eliminates 42 lbs of waterborne waste, 7,480 gallons water/waste water, 167 lbs solid waste and 236 lbs carbon emissions. Energy savings amount to 25 million BTU.” It also eliminates 42 lbs of waterborne waste, 7,480 gallons water/wastewater, 167 lbs solid waste and 236 lbs carbon emissions. Energy savings amount to 25 million BTU.”
Wow, this should be the invention of the year. Lets hope it makes it to the selves soon.
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lilntkn7
“Green” seems to be the color of the not just the season, but the year. “Going green” seems to be a topic on everybody’s mind. Along with “going green” companies and individual people alike are experimenting with new ways to help the environment. People have gone as far as making clothing out of recycled plastic—and believe me, you cannot even tell the difference! There is even more emphasis on “going green” in a big city because there is a greater amount of non-recycled waste judging by the population of such a large city. Personally, I have noticed the ratio of bike riders go up dramatically over the past few years. Perhaps this is also why the percent of bike/car related accidents has gone up as well. The fear of necessary resources no longer being readily available to the general public is one major reason why many people have started living “greener lives.” People are becoming more and more disciplined when it comes to recycling however; there is still a great amount of people who still do not recycle. I remember hearing a story about a girl who works in a salon. Though they only use earth-friendly products, the salon still fails to recycle the empty bottles. Think about how many other businesses aren’t recycling necessary waste. It only makes one wonder how much longer we will have necessary products around for our use. According to a recycling facts website, if every newspaper was recycled, we could save 250,000,000 trees a year—and that’s a heck of a lot of wood! -
Shoshana
So, in my infinite technological wisdom, I inadvertently deleted my blog posting while trying to upload images. Sigh. This does not bode well. Anyway…A brief rewrite of the original post:
Cities are not only expensive places in which to set up house, but are also not the most conducive to environmentally-sound, or simple, living. As someone with limited finances and the desire to reduce my negative impact on this fragile planet, I am interested in discovering Chicago’s resources for the frugal, earth-friendly urban dweller. (Being eco-savvy doesn’t necessarily mean eating bland granola for breakfast or recycling soup cans!) Over the next few weeks, I will be blogging about hot spots for “thrifting”, not-to-miss used bookstores, ways to reduce waste in your home and use waste more effectively (vermiculture, anyone?), recipes for delicious, healthy vegetarian meals using local, seasonal ingredients (some of these meals can be made with just a blender or toaster oven!), and more! For starters, check out this link for calculating your personal carbon footprint; you’ll be amazed (and more than a little chagrined) at how much junk we use on a daily basis and its impact on our world):
