Be Wise! Be Healthy!
Be in the know about Sustainable Living and Green Building, Products & Experts
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May 2008 Issue
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by Elaine Ireland
Our culture is in the midst of one of the largest shifts most of us have ever seen. We have a few choices of how to respond: either adamantly reject, simply withdraw or develop the courage to create a better society. Creativity does involve courage. It also involves the willingness to be curious and the readiness to shift our own thoughts, actions, habits. It does seem from my perspective the wellspring of courage has met our willingness to change to create a better world environment for ourselves and each other. We're doing it. Thank you. Carry on. (read on) |
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Innovation & Creativity still at play
This?
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Or This?
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75% of plastics are landfilled or incinerated after a single use
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General Features |
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| Green For All organized a briefing to discuss the promise and practice of green-collar job initiatives and what federal policymakers can do to help develop an inclusive green economy, including fully funding the Green Jobs Act of 2007 and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. “Presidential candidates are talking about the promise of green-collar jobs as they campaign across the country,” said Van Jones, founder and president of Green For All. “That promise is real and our green future is already being invented at the local level. We are here to make sure all communities nationwide reap work, health, and wealth benefits in this changing green economy.” (read on) |
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by Alan S. Glassman
The Number 8 and the Law of Octaves continues from Segment I:Symmetry and Renewal, starting with The Parthenon, Symmetry, and Eight. In Segment II, we now move on to Eight as Resonance in Music, Science, and Sports. (read on) |
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Outdoor Issues |
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| Last year the California Air Resources Board closed over 3,400 enforcement actions totaling nearly $30 million in penalties against entities doing business in California, a five-fold increase over 2006 penalties that resulted in more than 100 tons of emissions reductions. Find out how the ARB continues to ensure California factories, vehicles, engines and consumer products meet their stringent requirements. (read on) |
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by Don Weaver
Human health and planetary health are thoroughly interdependent. To think and speak of them separately is dangerously misleading. This beautiful living Earth of which we are an essential part, needs each of us to become conscious contributors to personal/planetary healing. One way we can do this is by remineralizing the world’s soils to build its fertility and depth, enabling abundant production to meet our needs for natural resources, as well as beautiful landscapes, parks, and wildlands. (read on) |
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"Where there is no vision, the people perish."
(Proverbs 29:18)
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Building & Construction |
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| The report, "The 2030 Blueprint — Solving Climate Change Saves Billions," is a roadmap for turning the global warming and economic crises into an historic opportunity. Architecture 2030 issued 'The 2030 Challenge’ asking the global architecture and building community to adopt targets to reach the goal of Carbon-neutrality by 2030. (read on) |
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| The U.S. Green Building Council testified before the U.S. Congress about the importance of green buildings as a solution for global climate change, detailing the impact of the built environment on the natural environment, economy and health and productivity of building users. Governments at all levels have been highly influential in the growth of green building. (read on) |
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by Katherine Salant
Can a new house reduce your ecological footprint? When it comes to housing, size might seem to be the main issue. However, it's not as big a factor as you might think. Where you live and the type of transportation you use are just as important. Of the choices available to new-home buyers, one of the smallest footprints could belong to a house in a New Urbanist community — that is, one that follows the planning philosophy that models new suburban developments on older, walkable city neighborhoods. Check out this project in Northern California. (read on) |
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GreenSage Guide to Living Green |
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By Elaine Ireland
Between discards and leached chemicals, conventional plastics are reaking havoc on us and on the environment. But life without plastics is unrealistic these days. Here's what you need to know to make the best choices including the lowdown on the Seven Major Plastics, their safety and recyclability, to help you make those choices. (read on) |
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| There's little question that we are being exposed to Bisphenol-A (BPA). Scientists detected BPA in nearly 93% of the 2,517 people who were tested. Children had the highest levels and babies can ingest 10 times the amount per kilogram of body weight. The chemical is used in plastic food-storage containers, some clear plastic pitchers used for filtered water, water bottles, baby bottles and the lining of soft-drink and food cans. Here's some guidelines on what to avoid and suggestions for BPA-free bottles. (read on) |
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| According to this study, lotions, powders and shampoos may contribute significantly to phthalate body burden in infants. “If parents want to decrease exposures, then we recommend limiting the amount of infant care products used, and not to apply lotions or powders unless indicated for a medical reason,” unless labeled phthalate-free. The study also found more than 80 percent of infants tested had been exposed to phthalates and reveals the link of high phthalate levels with feminized genitals in baby boys. (read on) |
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Green Products |
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| Vinyl was long considered a good material for building products because it is versatile, reasonably priced and durable. Traditions were built around PVC before there were good alternatives and at a time when environmental concerns were not as developed. Times have changed. We know more about PVC and there are better, more sustainable options. Currently, there is no system for labeling, collecting and recycling PVC building products. Correct Building Products, makers of PVC-free composite decking, is leading the way to change that. (read on) |
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| UrbanSlabs™, sustainable cement-based slabs for a variety of residential, commercial and hospitality surface applications are crafted by hand with 50% recycled post-consumer glass containers (such as beer, wine and liquor bottles that are commonly sent to landfill) and 10% recycled post industrial waste, containing no resinous binders. (read on) |
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| Portland Cement Association explains how in their 2008 report on their goals, sustainable practices and performance. Architects have long recognized concrete as a responsible choice for sustainable development with 42% agreeing that predominately cement/concrete structures provided greater sustainability than other materials such as steel or wood. However, concrete contains cement and oftentimes coal is burned while making cement, releasing CO2. See how the The U.S. cement industry is making strides to reduce its impact. (read on) |
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| The Green Roof Bus Shelter Group is a collaborative of architects, led by Richard Parker of 450 Architects, and green roof enthusiasts to install a living green roof on the top of bus shelters in San Francisco to educate the public about the many environmental benefits of green roofs, as well as improve urban air quality and provide attractive waiting spaces for public transit users. (read on) |
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Calendar of Events |
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Dozens of Green Events Around the World to Participate in |
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Where Every Issue is a Green Issue
