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Drinking Glasses

We just started doing this because we thought they were cool, not for environmental purposes, but then I realized the impact. We wash out and clean the labels off of sauce jars and use them as drinking glasses. They come in different sizes...   More...   (1 Comments)

Don't Buy Tupperware!

My family does a lot of leftovers, and after dinner parties we send people home with food. It's no surprise that I run out of tupperware halfway through the week for my lunches (because no one uses Ziplock bags anymore, right!?). So instead...   More...   (1 Comments)

Global Warming Day of Action--Attend a Critical Hearing in Seattle on May 21st!

Fill a bus from Portland!

The Environmental Protection Agency has just announced its proposal that carbon dioxide (CO2) is an endangerment to the public health and welfare. They are holding a public hearing regarding this proposal....   More...   (0 Comments)

Simple Guide to Lifestyle Impact

Do you want to know which cup of yoghurt has the best record on human rights? Or which baby formula was produced without GMO food?
Most of the time this has involved hours of internet research. But now a fantastic website simplifies...   More...   (0 Comments)


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Independence Day – Get Your Green Grill On!

It is your natural and unalienable right to char something this 4th of July, by gum! But before you make a sacrifice to the grilling gods, check out these quick tips from the Sierra Club to help reduce your grilling carbon impact and eat a healthier meal.

* Opt for a cleaner-burning propane or electric grill over one powered by charcoal, which contributes more to poor air quality. If you've got time to spare, a solar oven or stove avoids emissions altogether.

* If you do use charcoal, look for lump brands (briquettes may contain coal dust or other additives as binders) made from invasive tree species or harvested from sustainably managed forests, and switch from lighter fluid, which releases smog-forming VOCs, to a chimney starter.

How To Choose Green Appliances


Green Tech – Solar Powered Tent

A company called Orange recently unveiled their design for a tent that will utilize solar power for heating, lighting, communications, and recharging. With the large solar panels you see here not only will this tent warm and illuminate for you, but features a drop in pouch to recharge all your little electric gizmos (no plug in!), create a Wi-Fi network and if you ever get lost in the woods or at a crowded outdoor show, you can send the tent an SMS message from your phone and it will glow for you, lighting the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five words: Can. We. Have. One. Now?

Get Rid of Pests without Pesticide

It’s not just people who like to come out of hiding when the weather turns nice. This is the time of year insects appear everywhere. Applying indiscriminate amounts of pesticides used to be the norm, but more environmentally sensitive ways to combat pests have cropped up in recent years.

Here's a primer for how to take on the toughest bugs:

Cockroaches

First of all, make sure your kitchen and the areas underneath your sinks are completely clean, with no food bits that would lure roaches.

One of the most effective natural control methods for roaches is boric acid--a white, organic powder that is deadly to these insects, but is no more toxic than table salt to humans.

Most people apply the treatment wrong. For the powder to work, it has to be laid in a very thin layer on the area where the roaches walk.

Ants

There are many species of ants, each with different control techniques.

Green Event - The North American Organic Brewers Festival (NAOBF)

The North American Organic Brewers Festival (NAOBF) returns the last weekend in June, on the 26th, 27th, and 28th, to Overlook Park in Portland, Oregon. The event is Free and open to the public. Participation in beer tasting is $6 for a reusable, yet compostable, cornstarch tasting glass and samples are $1 a ticket. A full glass is 4 tickets. Strong beers (over 8% alcohol by volume) and certain imported beers will cost more. Children are welcome with guardians. Sorry, no pets allowed. Beer sales are restricted to people 21 years and older with valid ID. Discount of $1 off of tasting glass with validated MAX ticket or three cans of food (preferably organic) for the Oregon Food Bank. No Parking is provided for this event, making Tri-Met's MAX Yellow line the easiest way to attend.

Green Brew – Full Sail Brewing Company

No we don’t mean that neon emerald stuff you get on St. Patty’s day. We’re talking great local beer that’s produced sustainably. Full Sail fits the bill. Here’s a few ways Full Sail is bringing down the eco-impact of their brews:

Full Sail brewery compresses the work week into four 10-hour shifts, reducing power consumption and water use by 20%.

Full Sail installed energy-efficient lighting and air compressors in their brewery to reduce energy use by 400,000 kWh each year.

Full Sail implements practices that reduce water consumption by 3.1 million gallons each year.

 

Oh, and did we mention Full Sail tastes super fantastic?

 

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