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Climate Change isn’t Happening?

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I was in a debate with someone this week ( which is totally rare for me to do) and I was told that she thought that Climate Change was happening because of solar activity and polar changes.  Ok, no one can be 100% sure what the cause is and it could be more than one thing causing it. I’ll give her that.  However, the fact is, we have a huge problem other than climate changes. We have toxic water, toxic air, toxic food and toxic chemicals in just about everything we use.  We have mountains of trash in our land and oceans, we have oil spilling out in our oceans and we have cruise lines dumping sewage in our oceans.  If that isn’t enough to consider this a problem, we have disease and birth defects because of all the chemicals we use. No one is including this into the “Climate Change” definition.  I call it Ecological deterioration because it is so much more than climate changes. We can’t even grow true “Organic” food due to aluminum in the air.  So if climate change was caused by the polar shifts and solar activity, then does that mean we just continue with our habits as they are?  Does that mean we vote different because someone has said that climate change isn’t caused by our polluting the air?  I fail to see how just that reason minimizes the major issues we have on this planet.  Clean Energy is more than just climate change. Clean Energy keeps people out of dangerous mines, it keeps oil from spilling out in our oceans and deterioration of our natural resources and wildlife.  Alternative technology keep trees in the Amazon rain forest from being cut down, it cleans the air, helps with erosion  and protects waterways and sea life.  It helps us grow healthier food and keeps chemicals out of our bodies.

Whatever name you want to give it. We have an enormous issue to deal with and so will our future generations.  We have to act now climate change or not! I hope that economics and future debt issues don’t get in the way of our future survival on this planet and the health of the next generations.

Using What is in Abundance

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Using what is in abundance

August 26, 2010
| by itshiptobegreen

Riding down a sunny road the other day I passed this huge patch of Kudzu and it made me think about all the great products that are coming out of Kudzu nowadays.  We can eat it, make baskets from it, make paper from it, use it for medicine and so much more.  Bamboo is much like Kudzu in its usefulness and that it is as invasive and grows at the same rapid rate.  Weeds also considered invasive, are becoming more popular as people begin to see the beneficial benefits of weeds for eating  or  for medicinal uses.  So, as usual, my mind keeps rolling around ideas and I just couldn’t keep from wondering how things might be different , on this planet, if we had chosen to use the natural resources we have that grows the fastest and most abundantly instead of using the resources that take decades to grow.  We spend so much money and effort on developing chemicals that will kill invasive plants, chemicals that turn our soil toxic, it seems like if we could take advantage of the invasive plants we would be saving the environment and our own health as well as contain invasive plants.

One of the most widely used herbicides is Atrazine and it is estimated that 76 million pounds of this chemical is used each year on crops such as corn in the US each year.  This chemical has been found in our rivers, streams and drinking water.  There is much debate over the its link to cancer, birth defects, and hormonal imbalance.   It has been reported that higher than federally allowable levels have been found in drinking water in several US States and the EPA has not warmed the public of this health hazard.

So, next time you reach for the weed killer, remember that there is no such thing as an un-useful plant, weeds are just plants we don’t understand their benefit and usefulness. There is a useful purpose for every living thing on this planet and in our attempts to discard the undesirable, we have caused havoc on our planet and our own environment.

If I need to get rid of a “weed”  I use boiling water or pull it.  I’ve taken a different perspective on weeds… they’re now just part of my yard and I don’t feel the compulsion to run out and get weed killer anymore. Hopefully one day we will change our perspective on the usefulness of natural resources and begin to work with nature instead of against it, and use the most abundant ones instead of the resources that are the most difficult to replace. As a mother, I not only care about the environment now, but also for the future for my children.  I feel that being a Green Mom isn’t just keeping toxins out of your children’s food and environment, it is taking proactive steps towards a more peaceful, clean and thriving planet.

Back To School? Go Eco

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Back to School Go Eco

| by itshiptobegreen

Summer is just beginning and already parents are thinking of buying back to school items.  What a great time to Go Green.  Eco school supplies are a great way to help teach your children about helping the environment.   Here are ways to Green your child’s school pack.

Eco Pencils:  Our Green Apple pencils are made from cedar scraps from the pencil manufacturing process.  No color lacquer is used.  You can’t beat the price.  Really is a good way to start off your school year.

Green Apple #2 Pencil

Eco Highlighters:  Instead of purchasing the plastic ink based highlighters this year, try our Eco highlighters. These wood highlighters use no ink solvents or volatile organic compounds. Great for your student’s starting college supplies. They also are great for your office.

Green Apple Highlighting Pencils

We have a Earth Friendly School Supply Pack.  This set comes with almost everything you will need for back to school supplies.  Pack includes:

1 Green Apple 2″ three-ring binder made of recycled paper w/re-usable hardware
1 recycled 3-subject notebook, college rule
1 package recycled binder filler paper, 100 sheets, college rule
1 Oxford 100% recycled paper 2 pocket portfolio
1 pack of Green Apple #2 pencils, 10 count
1 Green Apple retractable ballpoint pen, medium black, made from recycled components
1 Green Apple biodegradable jumbo highlighter pencil
1 Green Apple ruler made from recycled yellow pages and plastic

Green Apple Earth Friendly School Pack

We have many more Eco School supplies: Crayons, Markers, Banana paper envelopes, paper and journals.  Make your office or school desk show off how Eco crazy you are with our Eco School supplies.  Make going back to school fun and help the environment too!

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Green Products are Affordable!

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Green Products are Affordable!

April 25, 2010
| by itshiptobegreen

I’ve been in the Green market as a consumer for a number of years now.  I think that there is a common misconception that Green products are expensive.  This certainly was the case when the Green movement began.  The market is changing and it is very affordable to buy Green now.  One of the reason’s I started my site was to offer Parent’s affordable Green Products so that they could Green more of their home.

Our cleaning products are very affordable. We offer many different ways of being Green with your cleaning, combos that save you money,  shipping waterless- you add the water,  and even refills on some of our cleaning products.  Our Simply Neutral and Dragonfly Organix cleaning products are as good as mainstream chemical products, far better for the environment and you.

Our Organic cotton and Bamboo Viscose Infants and Children’s clothing is comparable to main stream children’s clothing.  As a mom, I shop for my children and I understand the value of saving money on clothing, and our clothing is very affordable.  It is not only affordable, but quality made and will last even through multiple hand-me-downs.  If you shop at Children’s Place, Gymboree or Baby-R-Us you will find our clothing comparative in pricing and outstanding in quality in comparison. Our Sama Baby Organics and Green Sproutlets clothing lines made of Organic Cotton, Bamboo Viscose  or both is unique and stylish in comparison to other Eco children’s wear.  Our Baby Paws soft soled infants and toddlers shoes are non-toxic, washable, chromium free and very comparable in price to Robeez.

When buying Green Products one must be savvy and most of the time you will be able to find a Green substitute for the non – green product you have been buying.  Once you switch to Green you won’t want to go back..

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What Bamboo Charcoal?

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What Bamboo Charcoal?
October 8, 2009

Bamboo Charcoal, you may say, what is that? Most people are very familiar with Charcoal for grilling. Wood charcoal has long been used for air purification, water purification and medicinal uses. In Korea it was called “Cham Soot”. Wood charcoal is not a sustainable product in that it takes trees much longer to grow than Bamboo. Activated Bamboo Charcoal has the ability to absorb toxins much more so than any other charcoal. The process for which Activated Bamboo Charcoal is created is unique and patented secret which gives it much more absorption abilities than ordinary wood charcoal or non activated bamboo charcoal. Our Bamboo Charcoal is created from a unique species of Bamboo indigenous to South Korea and is sustainably harvested at the age of 3 years to allow for calcium, magnesium and potassium to be absorbed. Bamboo Charcoal is not only more sustainable, more absorbent it is more decorative. I love it because there is always something else you can do with it when you are done. When all your uses have been worn out then you can use it on your plants. Bamboo itself is a pretty amazing plant, it grows as much as a 12 inches a day and some types even more. Its fast growth makes it a very sustainable resource. I think you will be amazed at all it’s uses.

  • Place one box of Activated Bamboo Charcoal in a vase or basket in each high traffic room of your house to clean and deodorize the air, regulate humidity, and relieve tension.
  • Place one pouch of Activated Bamboo Charcoal in closets, laundry rooms, under the sink, near waste baskets, kitty litter boxes, and other areas that tend to attract mal-odors.
  • Replace your boxes of baking soda in the fridge and freezer with a box of Activated Bamboo Charcoal.  You’ll notice that odors are alleviated much faster than with baking soda.
  • To remove germs, bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful substances from fresh fruit and vegetables, add 1 – 2 teaspoons of Activated Bamboo Charcoal powder to a bowl of water.  Soak your fruit and vegetables for 10 – 15 minutes.
  • Keep your fruits and vegetables fresh longer by placing them in a bag with a few stalks of Activated Bamboo Charcoal.  The Bamboo Charcoal will absorb the ethylene gases released by the fruits and vegetables as they ripen, allowing them to stay fresh longer.
  • Drinking water filtering – place 2-3 stalks of Activated Bamboo Charcoal in 1 liter of water.  After 10-15 minutes the water will be filtered to remove harmful, distasteful substances, its PH level will be balanced, and the water will be slightly mineralized with minerals like those found in fancy mineral water.
  • Nourish your plants by fertilizing them with Bamboo Charcoal.  You can use exhausted stalks or leftover powder that has been dissolved in water to feed your house plants and garden plants.
  • When moving into new home, the fresh paint and construction materials can cause air quality to become very poor.  This is called Sick House Syndrome (SHS) and is caused by the out-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.  It turns out that new paint smell (similar to the new car smell) isn’t that good for you.  A few boxes of Activated Bamboo Charcoal around the house can absorb these gases and toxins.
  • Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.  It is an odorless, colorless gas that is emitted as naturally occurring radium decays.  It is becoming a huge problem in houses all across America.  Activated Bamboo Charcoal in the basement can help to mitigate radon gas concentration levels.  Radon gas is a serious matter and you should always consult a professional to have your house tested for radon gas.   The amount of needed charcoal varies depending on the size of the house, level of contamination, amount of new furniture, and ventilation. Approximately 500g per every 3.3m² is recommended.
  • When used in Black Therapy 9 soap or Bath Powder, Activated Bamboo Charcoal can absorb minerals, toxins, impurities, and other harmful substances from your skin, leaving you with stronger, healthier skin.
  • Bamboo Charcoal can also act as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
  • When used in bath water, Activated Bamboo Charcoal releases many beneficial minerals, such as calcium, potassium and magnesium into the water.  This creates a soothing, relaxing hot spring-water like effect.
  • Activated Bamboo Charcoal works great to regulate humidity, which is important for the health of your hair and body.  Place one box of Activated Bamboo Charcoal in a vase or basket in each high traffic room of your house.  During periods of high humidity, excess moisture will be absorbed by the bamboo charcoal.  During periods of low humidity, the moisture will be released, thus regulating humidity to a neutral, beneficial level.

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Out of the mouths of babes!

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My almost 5 year old ask me “why people throw trash out on the earth?” I said well mostly because they are lazy and don’t want to put it in the trash. She didn’t understand the concept of littering. I think that may be due to the fact that we live a Green way of life at home as much as possible. It could just be her curiosity and the non logic of it all. To her trash goes where trash goes in the trash can. We were sitting in a parking lot eating our lunch one day and a guy just finished his soda and threw it down on the ground as if it were just part of life. I’ve just been so accustomed to not littering for so very long I just couldn’t believe it. I didn’t say anything to my daughter, just noticed his apathetic attitude. It does seem at times as though we as a species are slow to catch on and make changes that are necessary and essential. I do believe that the next generation will have a huge task ahead of them. Children learn what they live and going green is more important than ever so they can have a future.

Green a new way of thinking

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I’ve read several posts now about what people think is the primary reason American’s aren’t going Green.  I don’t feel that there is just one reason.  I do feel that fear of change is a big one, fear of not having the same quality of life, finances and denial that climate change even is an issue.  Those are the reason’s I see and there could be other’s like procrastination the “I just haven’t gotten around to it yet” excuse.  Watching the movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still” was great in the way that it explains that human’s tend to only act when it is urgent necessity and then they make the change.  It could be that the one thing that will put fire under us is disaster.  It could be that it is like any other trend it takes time for the trend to spread and it certainly seems as though the trend is spreading.  Let’s hope that it won’t take a catastrophe to get us to understand that it is our survival we are fighting for and the future of our children.

Green Electronics

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More and more electronics companies are becoming Greener. Recently I saw a T.V ad for a Green television. I purchased a Green phone which had no toxic chemicals like lead or mercury, the packaging was 30% less than usual and no Styrofoam inside. Calling this a Green phone is stretching it but it is however more Green than others on the market and certainly shows an effort by the electronic company. The definition Green is widely used and until a certified Green label is on the market to show it is a true Green product consumers will have to be the detectives and look into it themselves before purchasing. Still it shows a definite trend into a Greener world of electronics. They now have bamboo hard drives and bamboo laptops who would have thunk it!

Raising “Green” Children

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I created my site so that parents could find quality “Green” products for their children. Raising Environmentally aware children can be a challenge. Children have so many factors to overcome when it comes to seeing so much of society waste , so many products that aren’t Green, peer pressure and pressure from the media. Parents certainly have their work cut out for them overcoming all of this and teaching their children to live Green. Our site is a way for the entire family to be Green – it is our philosophy that children learn what they live and what better way to help the Environment than by living Green in as many ways as possible

Bamboo is one of my favorite things!

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Bamboo is one of my favorite things! I love to wear it, see it out in nature, eat it , I use it to deodorize my home, build a fence with it, you name it, I love it! It is an amazing plant. Bamboo produces more oxygen and eats more co2 than trees. How can we lose by planting more bamboo. Of course I do hear that some are cutting down trees to plant bamboo, not a good idea. What if we planted Bamboo on the sides of highways in city parks, areas where trees are not able to grow. What if we planted a tree and bamboo. I know bamboo is a weed/grass and can over take an area very aggressively , but there are ways to control it; and there are many many species of bamboo, some of which are not so invasive. If we just educate ourselves and utilize the wonderful natural resources we have to lessen our effects on global warming we can make baby steps forward until a big step is possible