Buying a new car to reduce your carbon footprint seems logical. But surprisingly, keeping the vehicle already in your garage, or replacing it with a more fuel efficient used car may be a greener choice. That’s because it takes a lot of energy and raw materials to manufacture a new vehicle. “It varies between models, but it is reasonable to estimate building a new $30,000 midsize car will generate greenhouse gases that are the equivalent of 14 metric tons of CO2,” says RockAuto.com Vice President, Tom Taylor.

The average car on the road is about 11 years old. EPA data shows that vehicles (cars and trucks) built in 2005, on average, emit 447 grams of CO2 per mile. A 2016 vehicle is expected to generate about 90 grams less than that every mile. Producing less CO2 is good, but it would take more than 150,000 miles of driving for that 90 grams in CO2 savings to add up and compensate for the 14,000 kg (14 metric tons of CO2) it took to build the new car. Especially for someone who does not drive a lot, it could be greener to just keep a well maintained older vehicle than to build a new one.

How much do you save with an electric car?

Electric cars do not have tailpipes, but an electric car is still on the hook for “upstream CO2” emitted by the utility which provides the electricity for the car. The EPA estimates upstream CO2 is around 100 grams per mile for most electric vehicles. That is a whopping 347 grams less than what is produced by the average vehicle built in 2005, but it would still take over 40,000 miles of driving before the electric car saved enough CO2 to cover the greenhouse gas cost of building it in the first place.

The environmental cost of servicing older cars

What about the CO2 equivalent discharged while making parts to fix an older car? Brake pads, struts, tires and other parts wear out as the miles pile up. Fortunately, unless the vehicle is involved in an accident, the structure that makes up most of a car will never need to be replaced.

Many smaller parts like alternators and major parts like engines and transmissions can be remanufactured. Remanufacturing means only the components that experience wear are replaced. Metal housings and other major pieces can be cleaned, refinished and reused. “Remanufacturing saves more than 80 percent of the energy and raw materials required to build a new part from scratch,” Taylor says. Less energy and materials means less CO2.

Car manufacturers are using more recycled materials and updating factories to use less energy. Government mandates require future vehicles become increasingly more fuel efficient. “Upstream CO2” may decline as utility companies find new, greener ways to generate electricity. Nevertheless, keeping your current car well maintained or buying a more fuel efficient used car are currently great choices if you want to be green.  

*BPT

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Here are three ways your family can create positive environmental change starting today.

Recycle

Research shows that less than 2 percent of waste in the United States is recycled, yet almost half of all trash can be recycled. School lunches are one source of waste that most families don’t consider. These are packed each morning and tossed away each afternoon once lunchtime is finished.

To increase awareness of recycling options during lunch, Entenmann’s Little Bites Snacks has partnered with the recycling and upcycling experts at TerraCycle for the “Turn Trash to Cash” program, giving students the chance to recycle their Little Bites snack pouches and earn money for their school. TerraCycle can recycle the pouches to create products like tote bags, pencil cases and even picnic benches.

You can learn more about the campaign by visiting TerraCycle on Facebook.

Protect water resources

Water is one of the most important resources people have, yet every year billions of gallons are needlessly wasted. You can conserve water in your home by teaching your children to take shorter showers or baths, turning off dripping faucets and avoiding letting the water run while they are brushing their teeth.

You can also reduce water waste in your home by investing in water-saving appliances and by reducing or eliminating the practice of watering your lawn, relying on rain to do so instead.

Help plant a tree

Few things are as beautiful as a tall, healthy tree. But trees are more than just a beautiful backdrop, as they are also essential to the environment. Here are four reasons why from the Arbor Day Foundation:

1. Trees help clean the air. They improve the quality of the air you breathe by capturing dust and pollution particles that can affect your health.

2. Trees help fight climate change. As trees grow, they remove greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from the air, store carbon, and release pure oxygen into the atmosphere.

3. Trees planted along waterways can help filter out chemicals that might otherwise wash to water sources. They also can create stable soil and help prevent soil erosion, flooding and even landslides.

4. Trees properly planted around a home can help lower air conditioning and heating costs by up to 25 percent.

This year Entenmann’s is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation for the Little Bites’ Earth Day Sweepstakes. For every entry, fan or not, received through the Little Bites Facebook page, Entenmann’s will donate $1 to the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree – up to 25,000 trees in total. The sweepstakes starts March 1. You can learn more at the Little Bites Facebook page.

Environmentally friendly habits are easy to pick up and they can be a great way to bond with your children on a shared project while developing lifelong habits. So don’t wait another minute! Start your family down the eco-friendly path today.

*BPT

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, and a space that gets used for more than just cooking. We entertain, help kids with homework and create a makeshift office in this central hub. It’s a space that gets plenty of use, therefore it should be as energy efficient as possible. Just by making a few changes and upgrades, you’ll save money and energy, while enhancing the comforts of your kitchen.

Here are eight simple ways to make your kitchen more “green.”

1. Cooking

When you cook or bake using a full-sized oven, you often create heat in your home. During winter months, this is a great duality of oven use, however, in summer months, the excess heat is not too welcoming and may cause you to crank up your air conditioning system. Save money and energy by using cooking alternatives when a full sized oven is not necessary such as a slow cooker, toaster oven or convection oven. When using your stovetop, be sure to use a lid on pots and pans to help cook food faster and waste less energy, as well as match your pots and pans to the appropriate flame or burner size.

Also, consider your stove options: gas vs. electric. Electric tends to be more energy efficient, while gas stove allows you to have more control with your heat source.

2. Eat Smart

While grocery shopping, buy locally and sustainably when possible. You’ll lessen your carbon footprint by purchasing foods grown locally versus being shipped or transported in from miles away, and you’ll help boost your local economy by shopping local farmer’s markets. Reduce on food packaging waste by buying from bulk bins, and filter your water instead of purchasing disposable plastic water bottles.

3. Compost

Did you know that food waste takes up nearly 20% of landfill space? Instead of dumping your food scraps in the garbage, set your kitchen up with a small, compact food compost bin. There are conveniently sized ones that can sit right on your countertop for easy access, and if you are concerned about the smell, you can purchase biodegradable liners that are scented. Still cringing about potential smell? Use an empty juice carton to collect your food scraps and store in the freezer until you are ready to take to your outdoor compost or yard waste bin.

4. Bag It

Paper and plastic bags contribute to waste that can be avoided. Purchase reusable shopping bags to keep on hand with you in your car for when you do your grocery shopping, or keep a few stashed at work or in your gym bag for more last minute stops to stores. You’ll be doing the planet a great favor by cutting down use of plastic bags.

5. Energy Star

Approximately 80% of appliances meet the federal Energy Star guidelines. If you are planning to upgrade your appliances, make sure to purchase ones that meet this government guideline for energy efficiency.

6. Dishwasher

It’s not always noticeable how much running water you are wasting, and washing dishes by hand can cause you to use a large amount of water. Save time, energy and money by utilizing your energy efficient dishwasher when you have a full load of dishes to run. Only wash those dishes by hand that are not dishwasher safe.

7. Refurbish

If you are renovating your home, save on construction waste and consider giving existing cabinets a facelift instead of disposing of them. Visit your local and salvaged and antiques stores for reclaimed fixtures, and keep your eye out for items that have been tossed that can be restored. If refurbishing isn’t your thing, consider purchasing green materials like compressed paper or recycle glass and ceramic mixed with concrete for countertops.

8. Natural Light

Brighten your kitchen with light colors that reflect natural light more effectively. Be sure to open curtains and blinds during daylight hours to use the sun’s natural source of light. Also, replace any incandescent bulbs with more energy efficient ones, as well as the fixtures.

Light colors in your kitchen will brighten the room and reflect natural light if you open the curtains to let natural sunlight in. Finally, replace incandescent bulbs and fixtures with energy-efficient lighting.

About Pro.com

Pro.com is a nationwide marketplace for pricing home projects and finding a pro. Through its large database of home services and its Pro matching algorithms, anyone can immediately get instant price estimates, find trusted professionals and schedule appointments. Pro.com customers have access to vetted home service professionals in their marketplace. Customers are matched to the most trusted and experienced local professionals that best fits their needs and budget. For more information, please visit: www.pro.com.

Photo credit: bigstock.com/kazoka

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Hollywood is going green!

On April 22, more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day. From Gisele Bündchen to Jessica Alba, let’s take a look at three green celebrity moms who inspire others to protect Mother Nature.

Jessica Alba:

Actress Jessica Alba and husband Cash Warren are parents to two daughters: Honor, 5½ and Haven, 2½. 

Shortly after her second daughter arrived, the Fantastic Four star partnered with Christopher Gavigan, dad-of-two and founder of Healthy Child Healthy World, to create The Honest Company, an online source to purchase eco-friendly baby/kid products.

The Sin City actress opened up to Celebrity Baby Scoop about how she encourages her girls to minimize their carbon footprint.

“First and foremost, we try to model and practice eco-friendly habits for the girls,” she shared. “Otherwise, we talk to them about being mindful and explain that things can be turned into something else one day. This can be as simple as teaching them about recyclables and showing how to sort bottles and cans from trash.”

She added: “We also do a lot of DIY crafts like using cardboard boxes to make airplanes and dollhouses—our creative playtime together similarly shows the girls about repurposing old items.”

The mom-of-two is all about living eco-friendly on a daily basis.

“Involving children in gardening and cooking is another great way to inspire eco-friendly living,” she said. “Caring for the plants in our herb wall garden helps Honor understand the steps to growing food (including patience!), how it ultimately lands on her plate, and about being a good steward of the planet.”

“Honor is also a great sous chef when we’re in the kitchen, so being a part of the dinner process encourages her to eat the foods she grows and develops her taste for fresh ingredients,” she continued. “Hopefully, this lays the foundation for children to prioritize their health and that of the planet.”

Alicia Silverstone:

Alicia Silverstone is one outspoken green mama!

The actress caused quite a stir with a video that went viral. The Clueless star was seen feeding her then- 11-month-old son Bear Blu mouth-to-mouth on her eco-friendly blog The Kind Life.

She wrote: “I just had a delicious breakfast of miso soup, collards and radish steamed and drizzled with flax oil, cast iron mochi with nori wrapped outside, and some grated daikon. Yum! I fed Bear the mochi and a tiny bit of veggies from the soup…from my mouth to his. It’s his favorite…and mine.”

Alicia and her husband Christopher Jarecki live in a Los Angeles home with solar panels and an organic vegetable garden. The actress is an advocate for animal rights and environmental issues and became a vegan in 1998. She shares her eco-friendly tips on her official website.

“The Kind Life is an interactive extension of my book, “The Kind Diet”, which is about living your healthiest and happiest life to the fullest, while taking care of mama Earth at the same time!,” Alicia writes on her blog. “The site is whatever you make of it; whether it’s joining the many others who are on this same journey or simply visiting to gather information and other tips. Whatever you need, you will find it here. I will be sharing all kinds of tasty morsels with you; from fashion and beauty tips, to simple ways that we can help the planet! By the time you’re done with your visit, your mouth will be watering and you will surely want to crash here forever. So come on in, kick off your shoes and check out all sorts of recipes, my favorite foods, nutritional information from doctors that are in the book, the very best restaurants, amazing travel discoveries, party planning tips, ways to make sure your house is as healthy and green as possible, great pet care tips, and so much more.”

Alicia is also vocal about elimination communication, the eco-friendly potty training technique coined by Ingrid Bauer, author of Diaper Free! The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene.

“When Bear Blu was 5-months-old,” the proud mama tweeted, “[S]aturday bear blu went poo and pee on toilet 4x throughout the day…we were so proud! “Check out book Diaper Free..soo fun!” The actress added, “yesterday bear did 2 poops in toilet….so sweet! i’m saving so many diapers…even cloth ones….yahoooo! and it’s so fun!”

Gisele Bündchen:

Supermodel mom Gisele Bündchen has long been an advocate of going green. The Brazilian beauty says that her children – Benjamin, 4, Vivian, 1, and 6-year-old stepson Jack – have made the importance of the message really hit home.

“I had my first munchkin, Jack (husband Tom Brady’s son with Bridget Moynahan), before I gave birth to Benjamin,” Gisele said. “After spending so much time with Jack I saw how he wanted to play with the stuff I was using instead of the toys we bought him. In terms of clothes, I bought Jack so many clothes and am now using them for Benjamin. Look, when I was growing up my sisters and I wore hand-me-downs and am now doing the same thing. This all goes back to my motto: Reduce, recycle and reuse. The more we buy the more we encourage the manufacturers to produce more stuff.”

Also a fan of elimination communication, Gisele said Benjamin was potty trained at 6-months-old! How did she do it?

The model mom said that her son was on a schedule including breastfeeding in the morning and afternoon, promptly followed by a bowel movement, making it easy for her to put him on the toilet and eliminate the use of a diaper. Of the process she said,

“Give it about five minutes, and bang,” admitting with a laugh that she realizes the process is actually, “more complicated.”

More Hollywood mom & baby news: 

Raphael Sbarge: I Started Green Wish In Response To Becoming A Father

Beverley Mitchell Shares Details of Posh Nursery

Jen Kessy: “I Am Beyond Excited To Be Pregnant”

Bill Rancic Debuts ‘Kitchen Casino’

5 Celebrity Moms Who Embraced Their Post-Baby Bodies

CelebrityBabyScoop.com is one of the most popular blogs on the topic and the foremost provider of everything celebrity-baby, featuring baby fashion, baby names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossip and pics. Get all the latest news, updates, and photos about Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity moms, dads and their babies. Who’s the latest Tinseltown baby? Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy? It’s all on CelebrityBabyScoop.com. 

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Warmer weather means days spent in the backyard with barbecues, pool parties and neighborhood gatherings. This year, create a more satisfying and sustainable outdoor living space that you’ll feel extra good about by going “green.” With some expert advice, it’s easier than you think.

Here are four easy tips from the experts at Trex to help homeowners transform the backyard into an eco-friendly escape.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Gone are the days when it was difficult to find eco-friendly products constructed with sustainable manufacturing processes. Today, it’s easy being green, especially when it comes to outdoor living. Among the “greenest” products available for the home is composite decking. Case in point, in the past nine years, Trex – the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking – has salvaged more than 2.9 billion pounds of plastic and wood scrap, keeping these materials from landfills and transforming them into beautiful, high-performance and sustainable outdoor living products made of more than 95 percent recycled materials.

Minimize maintenance

Maintaining a wood deck can be a chore with all that scrubbing, bleaching and staining – not to mention the work and harsh chemicals required to repair or replace weathered, splintered or deteriorated boards. Wood-alternative decking and railing is low maintenance and designed to withstand wear and tear from weather, outdoor furniture and foot traffic. High-performance composite decking offers superior durability and long-lasting good looks. Its exclusive composite formula brings together the best qualities of wood and plastic to create a superior alternative to wood, resulting in decks that require only a periodic cleaning with soap and water to stay looking and performing “like new” for years without sanding, staining or painting.

“High-performance composite decking allows homeowners to create the dream outdoor living space they’ve always wanted while being mindful of the environment,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex. “We are extremely proud to offer a product that is as easy on the earth as it is to maintain.”

Illuminate efficiency

Deck and landscape lighting are ideal for adding ambiance and safety to any outdoor space. For maximum energy efficiency, forego conventional lighting systems that use incandescent bulbs – which waste energy by producing heat as well as light – for more energy-efficient LED fixtures. For instance, fixtures featuring Cree LED components use 70 percent less energy than traditional incandescent lighting and deliver up to 40,000 hours of light, so homeowners can enjoy their outdoor spaces long after the sun goes down.

Finish with eco-friendly furnishings

Refresh your deck with sustainable and stylish all-weather outdoor furniture. Look for pieces made from durable composites or recycled steels. These materials are weather-resistant, ultra-durable and long-lasting. Composite furniture also is extremely eco-friendly made primarily from recycled polyethylene sourced from discarded plastics such as milk jugs. Like composite decking, composite furniture doesn’t require painting, staining or waterproofing to keep it looking like new for years to come.

For more information on the latest in “green” outdoor living products, visit www.trex.com.

*BPT

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Whether stopping in for a daily to-go cup of coffee or running your weekly grocery store trip, you likely have many purchases throughout the day.

With Earth Day right around the corner, it’s a great time to reflect on your own personal impact on the environment and the world around you. Because so many consumer habits can have a negative effect on the planet, it’s important to take steps to reduce this trend.

“There are many ways to support the green movement,” said Hillary Femal, vice president of marketing for IFCO, the world’s leading producer of eco-friendly Reusable Produce Containers. “But the easiest way is to become an educated consumer.”

BE A GREEN CONSUMER

As a sustainable shopper, you can do your part to cut down on the amount of waste filling landfills and other environmental dangers. Here are a few steps you can implement in your own daily routine or whenever you’re out shopping:

• Know Your Grocer: Many companies and grocers are taking steps to provide greener solutions for the display of their products, such as produce. Recycling cardboard boxes used to display produce is good, but according to the EPA, reuse is better. That’s why many grocers use Reusable Produce Containers (RPCs). Grocers can use and reuse these containers to ship, store and display fresh produce – all in an environmentally friendly way that reduces waste.

• Understand Your Brands: Educate yourself on whether your favorite brands and fresh produce growers support green initiatives. Village Farms is a greenhouse grower of fresh tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers that focuses on green agricultural practices from the farmer to your plate. Village Farms and many other growers choose to use RPCs to pack fresh fruits and vegetables safely from their fields. From there they ship the RPCs to major retailers across the country and the containers keep the produce safe and fresh throughout the journey.

• Choose to Reuse: Keep in mind that recycling is a start, but reuse is smart. You can choose to reuse by choosing products with eco-friendly or reusable packaging and shopping at retailers displaying their fresh produce in RPCs. This packaging is not only good for the fruits and veggies you love, but it’s also great for you and the planet.

• Support Grocers that Reduce Waste: Some specialty food stores may be well known for their green standards, but many major food retailers are also making green choices. Many choose to provide produce brands, such as Village Farms, who recognize the importance of reducing waste when shipping their products and choose RPCs to reduce waste, energy and greenhouse gas emissions. These stores are also able to display the produce directly in their containers, getting even more use out of them and showing their commitment to environmental conservation.

• Bag it Up: According to the EPA, thousands of plastic and paper shopping bags are thrown away every year. Help cut down on this extra waste by using reusable cloth bags for your purchases. Keep them with you in your car, so they’re always handy for shopping trips to the grocery store, drug store or anywhere else you frequently shop.

So, the next time you’re spending the green in your wallet, think about how to make green choices with the products you buy. Visit www.choosereuse.org to learn about Reusable Produce Containers and support and share the cause with your friends by following Choose to Reuse on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

*Family Features 

*Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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If ever there was a bandwagon to jump on, the sustainable clothing revolution is it.  To truly reduce your family’s carbon footprint, recycling cans and bottles isn’t going to cut it. Don’t get us wrong, any stride to better the planet is worth acknowledging, but do you ever wish you could do more?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), landfills in the United States receive nearly 20 billion pounds of clothing each year.  These clothes are most likely imported from various countries around the world and are not made with organic materials that are safe for the planet.  Educating parents on how to shop for eco-friendly clothing might seem daunting, but just remember: most synthetic polyesters are not biodegradable.

As markets are shifting towards providing consumers with green products, children’s clothing designers worldwide are also making momentous strides.  Companies such as Fawn & Forest are producing and promoting fashion and relatable packaging that reduces their carbon footprint by incorporating eco-friendly textiles and sustainable manufacturing methods.

Having a basic knowledge of sustainable textiles allows consumers to check more than just the price tag when making a purchase. Recognizing fabrics that are au-natural versus synthetic not only boosts environmental consciousness, but subsequently paves the way for future consumption of eco-friendly fashion.

To help get the ball rolling on curating your child’s sustainable wardrobe, consider these organic fibers and textiles that should make a debut in every kid’s closet.

Organic cotton: Unlike traditional cotton used in clothing, organic cotton comes from plants that have never been contaminated with pesticides, fertilizers, or other harsh chemicals.  Organic cotton is biodegradable and compostable, making it a fiber with low environmental impact and long-term benefits.  Opt for clothing that uses organic cotton instead of conventional cotton to help sustain the environment and cotton manufacturing worldwide. 

Bamboo: This raw material source for organic clothing has become the pinnacle of sustainable fashion.  This über- popular eco-friendly material has become prevalent in recent designs for its extremely low impact on the environment, its soft, flowing texture, and its relatively inexpensive price compared to silk and cashmere.

Soy: Soy fiber is made from the waste product from soybeans after the oil is extracted. It is converted and processed (usually using non-toxic agents and enzymes) into a fiber and made into fabric. Soy fabric is usually extremely soft and warm, making it perfect for children of all ages. 

Hemp: Long-lasting, durable, and sustainable are just a few ways to describe this natural fiber used in several fabrics. Hemp requires no pesticides or herbicides, and grows quickly in many different climates.  Hemp products are soft, and with subsequent washing, become even softer. Check the clothing tag next time and be sure to incorporate hemp clothes into your child’s clothing routine. 

Looking to do a little online shopping with your newfound eco-friendly attitude? Here’s our list of fave clothing stores to help revamp your child’s wardrobe from standard to sustainable.  

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