Print this article
Eureka has introduced the envirovac. This new “green” vacuum uses approximately 33% less electricity than comparable upright vacuums and it does not sacrifice power or efficiency. The envirovac is packaged in 100% recycled packaging. In addition, it uses a washable HEPA filter. Visit their site for a chance to win one of 10 envirovac. In addition to the vacuum giveaway, Eureka will donate to CarbonFund.org in order to offset the emissions from the shipping of the vacuums.
Except for a very few exceptions, a plastic bag will take thousands of years to break down. That means that just about every plastic bag that has ever been produced still exists and will continue to exist for thousands of years to come! We can think of a number of reasons to stop using plastic bags but “Fox” at Squawkfox has come up with 50 reasons! Read all 50 reasons here.
The Aérophile Company which manufactures tethered gas balloons as tourist and cultural attractions recently announced the launch of its tethered gas balloon called the AERO30NG Aérophile 5500 model. The purpose of this model is twofold. The balloon will serve as a tourist attraction but more importantly using a color coded system it will report the degree of atmospheric pollution. Located in the Parc Andre Citroën in Paris, the balloon’s color will change based on the level of pollution. Airparif, which is an organization in France that measures the air quality in France, will collect pollution data using several sensors located throughout the city of Paris. Two measurements of pollution will be displayed by the balloon - ambient air quality and air pollution produced by automobile emissions. According to Physorg.com:
The balloon’s color signifies the ambient air quality using three projectors that are located in the middle of the balloon. For example, red signifies highly polluted air, orange for polluted, yellow for moderate, light green for clean, and green for very clean.
In addition to monitoring the pollution levels the balloon will provide non-polluting rides for up to 30 people at a time.
Just in time for the beach….a great tote bag that turns free sunlight into electricity for all your gadgets. The Juice Bag has a 7 Watt flexible solar panel that consists of 52 solar cells. It has a built-in universal Car Lighter Adapter (CLA) socket - the same plug that is in automobiles. Therefore, any 12 volt device that can be charged using a car lighter can also be charged using the Juice Bag. The same company also offers an accessory line of Solar Ready Batteries which allow you to store the power generated by the sun. These batteries plug into the bag’s CLA socket and then store the power. Once charged, you simply plug the battery into your 12 volt device at a later time. Imagine never running out of power for your cell phone, GPS unit, digital camera or MP3 player.
The choice of which type of diaper to use is not an easy decision or one without controversy. New and expectant parents must navigate a range of options and issues with their choice of diapers. But your diaper choice is an important first step to making a positive difference for your baby’s — and the environment’s — health.
With so many different choices and considerations, here are some issues and facts to consider.
The first and foremost consideration is the need to keep your baby’s skin dry and free from diaper rash which can be caused by wetness, lack of air circulation, chemical and dye allergies, and ammonia.
The need for a dry baby bottom led to the creation of the first disposable diaper in 1948 and widespread adoption, starting in the mid 1960s (90% of modern US babies use them now), of the modern, super-absorbent, disposable diaper which has come with health concerns and environmental costs.
Health concerns arise from the use of dyes, sodium polyacrylate (the super absorbent gel), and dioxin, which is a by-product of bleaching paper.
With rates of childhood asthma soaring, there are concerns about standard disposable diapers’ link to asthma like symptoms. A 1999 study of three leading diaper brands found sensory irritation and decreased breathing capacity in laboratory mice after just one hour. Standard disposable diapers often contain solvents and other chemical substances (such as toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and isopropylbenzene) that are bronchial and skin irritants.
Added to these concerns are the environmental pollution caused by the manufacture (and disposal, to be sure) of many disposable diapers. Dioxin, a by-product of pulp and paper bleaching, is produced by diaper companies who bleach their diapers. Dioxin is also a persistent, organic pollutant and carcinogen that easily accumulates in the environment.
Although cloth diapers may offer an environmentally pure alternative, for many new parents in survival mode this simply isn’t an option. For these families, here are a few of the best green diaper options:
Tushies brand diapers are gel free and made with non-chlorine bleached wood pulp and conventional cotton for natural high absorbency. They are bleached with hydrogen peroxide, so are chlorine free. There are also no super-absorbents chemicals in these diapers. Many reviewers state they have great absorbency and utility, though are somewhat bulky.
Seventh Generation’s diapers and training pants are extremely absorbent and chlorine-free (chlorine bleaching, used in most mainstream diapers, produces the pollutant dioxin). Seventh Generation diapers are also fragrance-free, latex-free and hypoallergenic. Many parent reviewers say these are the best diapers ever, and not just in the eco-friendly category. The Company discloses all of their ingredients and posts material safety data sheets on their web site.
The Swedish-based Nature Boy and Girl diapers feature a GMO-free cornstarch cover, rather than the typical plastic (making them compostable in municipal facilities). They do contain a mix of SAPs and wood pulp (certified by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, which, among other things, prohibits the use of chemical dyes, bleaching agents and fragrances).
Tendercare diapers are made by Tushies in the US, but contain SAP and wood pulp, rather than cotton. They, too, do not bleach their diapers with chlorine. Many moms report that they are not nearly as absorbent as the other “green” diapers, though they are thin and therefore comfortable for walking toddlers.
Whatever your choice in diapering method, using greener diaper alternatives supports your child’s first step towards a life of health and sustainability.