Nuts. Proof of Consumer Power

If you ever wonder if your 'conscious consumer' purchasing choices have any impact on manufacturers and the market place just take a look at the peanut.

Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons and theories, the number of children severely allergic to nuts has risen dramatically over the past few decades. As a result, most schools and child centred gatherings are nut free. This has affected every one's purchasing and consumption habits. Even though my son is not allergic to nuts, I do not put nut products in his school lunches.

An identifiable result of this shift in consumer behaviour is the emergence and promotion of 'nut free' products. To do this has required not only a potential alteration of ingredients, but even more significantly a shift in the manufacturing process itself where there is a product line exclusively for nut free production.

The motivation and justification for this expense was not government grants or the desire to be environmentally friendly, but the hard core reality of economics. It had to be done to sell the product. The power of the consumer.

Now, imagine if a similar shift in consumer behaviour occurred in response to items with excessive packaging or poor working conditions or environmentally corrosive manufacturing processes. I expect that within a relatively short time, the manufacturers would alter their practices to match the consumer demand.

The challenge is that unlike the nut issue, where the problem is clear and singular, the conscious consumer base is more disparate. I might purchase product A because of their fair trade practices, whereas another consumer might purchase the competitive product B because of their environmentally friendly manufacturing process.

As a result of this disparate consumer base, it might take longer for the manufacturers to be sufficiently motivated to justify the expense of the change. However if you look, you will begin to see the impact of the conscious consumer in the form of products with a fair trade logo; the response from GAP about the questionable working conditions of one of their suppliers; the growth of alternative materials such as bamboo and organic cotton.

The key to keep this momentum growing is to reward manufacturers and suppliers in the only way that really counts, by choosing their product over the competition. Consumers have the ultimate power, the proof is in the peanut!

Reach For The Blankie First

Regardless of what the thermostat might indicate I think that this time of year is the coldest, or at least feels the coldest. After months of summer heat, the chill of fall and approach of winter takes some getting used to. Ironically, temperatures today that send us shivering will feel like a welcome taste of spring in March.

While the reflex reaction to the first sight of frost might be to crank up the furnace, I would encourage you to crank up the blanket and sweater supply instead. While this approach might not score high fashion points, it does score points in the pocket book.

Other tips to help you keep warm in the 'bitter days of fall' include:

- Keep your feet warm. The warmer your feet are, the more comfortable you feel. To this end, consider investing in a warm pair of slippers and giving your feet extra blanket.

- Eat warm foods. Obvious I know, but sometimes we forget that the easiest way to warm up is with a bowl of soup or a hot drink.

- Exercise. Beat the chills by going for a walk, raking the leaves or doing housework - nothing really works up a sweat like battling dust bunnies!

Gradually, as happens each year, we will become used to the cooler temperatures. Getting into the habit now of finding ways to keep warm other than cranking up the furnace will make handling the upcoming winter months even easier.

The Art of De Cluttering

I am on a mission to thin out the 'stuff' that is in my house. My husband and I are both pack rats by nature. We will hold onto items anticipating the need for just that item in the 'near future'. However, there are large items in my small house that have been waiting 10+ years for just that particular need to surface. Enough! Not only have I declared a moratorium on accepting new stuff to add to the collection I am now actively thinning out the existing pile.

But what to do with it?! The one options is to simply drag it to the front curb on the next junk day and to be transported to landfill. Unfortunately I am too environmentally conscious to see this as a solution instead of merely compounding the problem.

Furthermore, most of this stuff is 'good stuff' that quite conceivably others could use. After all, that is why we saved it in the first place. With this in mind, really what I am trying to do is to find new homes for the stuff, not just 'throw it out'.

Here are a couple of my favourite places that can help find new homes for stuff [please note, this is not a complete list]:

Habitat for Humanity

Goodwill

Salvation Army

Diabetes Association

Not only will donating your stuff to organizations such as these help to declutter your living space with out filling up the land fill, but others can directly and immediately benefit from your stuff!

The Dilemma of Windows

Windows are a classic example of a "good news/bad news" dilemma of energy conservation, and as a result, are often the source of much confusion and many questions.

On the positive side the natural light provided by windows helps not only in the enjoyment of the space, but also saves energy due to the decreased need for artificial lighting and can be a source of passive solar heating in the winter.

However, while the passive solar characteristic that is a benefit in the winter, is a detriment in the summer as it can result in increased air conditioning requirements. Furthermore, the insulation value of window itself is generally so low they can be a major source of heat loss.

There is also the dilemma about the need to replace old windows. Drafts around old windows are one of the most common sources of energy loss in a house. While new windows are better insulated, the cost of replacing windows is a major expense, not to mention the potential waste caused if the old windows are simply sent to landfill rather then to a recycling centre.

For existing windows, here are two simple things you can do to increase their energy efficiency:

Draft proofing

Check all your windows for drafts by holding a feather or source of smoke [incense] around the seam of the window to identify air movement. To seal the drafts pick up some draft proofing tape or plastic window covering from your local hardware store. This is an inexpensive, easy solution that will not only save money, but improve the comfort of your home.

Use window coverings

Blinds and drapes are a great way to save energy! In the winter open them during the day to take advantage of the natural light and passive solar heat. Close them at night to add another insulation layer.

If you are considering getting new windows, look carefully at all the different window material options. Factor in not only the insulation value of the frame in particular, but also the durability. Window frames that are not durable are likely to become a source of drafts, decreasing the return on your investment.

When incorporating windows into new construction, factor into the design the location for windows.

South-facing windows are most advantageous for daylighting and for moderating seasonal temperatures. They allow most winter sunlight into the home but little direct sun during the summer, especially when properly shaded.

North-facing windows are also advantageous for daylighting. They admit relatively even, natural light, producing little glare and almost no unwanted summer heat gain.

Although east- and west-facing windows provide good daylight penetration in the morning and evening, respectively, they should be limited. They may cause glare, admit a lot of heat during the summer when it is usually not wanted, and contribute little to solar heating during the winter.

For more information on windows check out these sites:

US Dept of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Eco Building Options

Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Be Green All Year Round

One of the easiest ways to improve the living quality of your home is to get some houseplants. Live ones, not the silk ones!

They do not need to be exotic or high maintenance plants. Even the unassuming Spider plant is known to be a champion of helping with air quality. In addition to helping clean the air, they also improve the humidity and provide the visual pleasure of watching something grow even in the coldest darkest days of winter.

Furthermore, do not be fooled into thinking that a bright sun fed room is necessary for healthy plants. Some plants prefer shade to bright light. Also, any necessary light can be provided with a light bulb specially designed for plant growth. By choosing the right plants, and strategically placing a light, I was able to get house plants to thrive in a basement apartment.

Asking questions and trial and error is probably the most important component of success with houseplants. Give some thought to where you could put a plant in your home, what kind of light the area receives, if there are any drafts [such as windows or doors], whether you want a plant that requires daily attention such a misting, or one that can go for a month in between watering.

With this information in mind, go for a stroll through your local plant store. Look at plants that are appealing in look and shape especially for the location you have in mind. Make note of the name and start asking questions about the care. Depending on the price of the plant, you might pick it up on an impulse buy or you might want to do more research.

Regardless of the type or number of houseplants you end up accumulating, each will provide benefits not only to the air quality of your home, but also the ambiance of your living space.

Here are some helpful links for more information on houseplants:

Guide to Care Free Houseplants

Plant Care.com

Top Houseplants for Improving Indoor Air Quality

"The Environment" Includes Concrete

I appears that at some point the concept of "the environment" became limited to the natural environment such as trees, lakes and birds. It seemed to become mandatory that any imagery accompanying an article on environmental issues had to be either a natural landscape picture or the ever evil smoke stack spewing out who knows what horrible toxin into the once pristine air.

As a result of this limited definition of "the environment" it is now being realised that millions of people who live in cities think they have little involvement with the environment and therefore, as is typical of human nature, are not concerned by the loss of trees or waterways.

However, the reality is that "the environment" is much more then then just green space. It is the air we breath, the water we drink, and the 'concrete jungle' in which many of us live and work.

Similarly, "improving the environment" does not just mean "planting more trees". But instead it has a broader meaning encompassing the concept of making our living space healthier and happier for all. This could include things such as: improving the indoor air quality of your home or office; strengthening your community by shopping local; becoming politically aware and involved, or maybe even helping an elderly neighbour rake their leaves.

Hopefully, if this expanded, and more accurate, definition of "the environment" takes a foot hold, then everyone will become green, not just those that plant trees.

Cleaning - Not Just For Spring!

Canadians spend 90% of their time indoors. Frankly, I do not know where this statistic comes from, but I have heard it enough times from different reputable sources that I have little reason to doubt it.

Due primarily to our lack of fur, the majority of this indoor time occurs during the upcoming cold winter months. With this in mind, it makes sense that before you hunker down in our cocoon for a "long winter's night" that you give it a good cleaning. Otherwise you run the risk of spending this quality indoor time with an abundance of dust particles and their friends.

Ideally this cleaning should happen before you have to shut all the windows, as this will help minimize the issue of indoor air quality. In the next few weeks I suspect there will be a few glorious days where the temperature is slightly above normal. This is the time to break out the broom, vacuum and mop to capture the dust bunnies long lurking behind furniture and under beds. Having the option of an open window will help to dissipate any residue odour from cleaning products, as well as clear the air of dust particles that might get stirred up.

In my opinion, because indoor air quality is a greater issue in winter then summer, this fall cleaning is more important to my health and comfort of my home then the more traditional spring cleaning.

For more information about indoor air quality, check out the Indoor Air Quality site from the Ontario Lung Association

Fight Green Fatigue

I recently heard the comment that the the movement to get people to live a greener lifestyle is being hindered by a perceived lack of results. I know first hand the feeling of frustration and seeming futility when after putting in a consistent effort to decrease my ecological footprint I then pick up the paper to see reports of more evidence of global warming. Are all my efforts for naught?

One way of countering this feeling of ineffectiveness is to put small measurable goals in place. The key is to identify a change that can be easily measured in a short time frame and can be implemented with minimal effort other than habit change.

For example, consider on average how many plastic bags you use in a week. Can this be decreased? Set a goal and then figure out how this goal can be reached.

In my household the majority of plastic bags were used for poop & scoop purposes and for lining the kitchen compost container. These two uses, combined with always forgetting to take the reusable bags when I head out for grocery shopping, resulted in quite a large number of plastic bags being used. I was able to decrease this usage by about 70% by using sheets of newspaper to 'scoop', thereby needing just one bag per walk, and lining the compost bin with newspaper rather then plastic bag. To overcome the mental weakness of forgetting to take a reusable bag in the car there is now at least one reusable bag with the remainder within easy view of the front door.

Other projects to consider include: trying to decrease the number of bags put out to the curb each month for landfill; increasing the percentage of Compact Fluorescent lightbulbs being used in your house.

The key is to have immediate, measurable impact. Deciding to get energy efficient appliances or better insulate the house are positive things to do, but because the impact will only be seen over a long time period, they lack the immediate visible results necessary for re-motivation.

Unfortunately, the reality is individual efforts have a minimal impact on the huge challenge of global warming. However, at least it is a step toward the solution, rather then wallowing in futility.

Leave the Leaves!

With each passing breeze, more leaves are falling off the tree and on to your lawn, driveway or front walk. It it this time of year that being an environmentalist can really pay off! Unlike my neighbours who diligently gather up all the leaves and put them into bags for the city to take away, I take the much easier route of just raking the leaves directly into the garden.

Apart from the obvious benefit of making the job easier, leaves are a wonderful way to enrich your soil and protect tender plants from the chill of the winter months. In the spring all that has to be done is dig the leaves a little bit into the soil to continue composting. This process is such a wonderful way of increasing the organic nutrients in the soil that I even know of some people who will pilfer their neighbours leaves for additional compost material!

As an added benefit, you do not even have to do a good job of raking the leaves off the grass. A small scattering of leaf material also helps the soil for the grass. It is advised though that you do take the majority of leaves off the grass so it can grow better in the spring rather then be covered up.

The only downside with this approach, is that any 'weeds' such as maple keys that are in leaf material will also become part of the garden. As a result, you might find the occasional sapling growing inamongst your daisies. When this happens to me, I first decide if I want a tree to grow there. If it seems like a good idea, or I am not sure, I will leave it. If it is not a good spot for a tree than it is just a matter of one good yank! For better or worse, this approach has resulted in the addition of three or four trees in my backyard!

Set it, forget it and save!

One of the easiest ways to decrease your ecological footprint and save money is to purchase a programmable thermostat!

The logic behind programmable thermostats is simple. The heat/cold on when you are home, off when you are out. Furthermore, to maximize the comfort and savings benefit of the thermostat you can set it so that the heat/cold goes on a few minutes before you traditionally get home so you walk into a comfortable environment. During the winter the thermostat can also be programmed to go a few degrees colder around bedtime considering you are going to be under blankets anyway.

When buying a programmable thermostat there are a few things to look for:

Easy to program. Any thermostat you buy will have to be programmed. Furthermore, at times, such as season and schedule changes, you might have to re-program it. While with most thermostats this is a pretty simple process, look for instructions and characteristics that make sense to your technology comfort level.

Easy to install. Buying a programmable thermostat and never installing it does not save any money. Like programming, the installation of the thermostat is pretty straight forward, usually just a matter of removing the old one and reattaching the wires to the new one. If you are not sure about the installation, ask about that from the people you are buying the item from. They should be able to give you clear instructions so you can gauge for yourself the difficulty level.

Easy to read. Consider the size of the viewing screen. Look for one that will allow you to see the information clearly and easily. This is particularly important in homes where there are elderly or people with weak eyesight.

Easy to change on the fly. Schedules change. Take a look at how difficult it is to change the temperature setting manually without having to reprogram it.

Flexibility. Some thermostats allow for more flexibility then others. The biggest difference is "five and two" or "seven day". "Five and two" means that Monday - Friday will have the same time settings and Saturday and Sunday will have the same settings. "Seven day" means that you can program each day individually. If the household schedule during the week is generally the same each day then a five and two would do fine. If there are some days that people are home during the week then a seven day might be a better option.

Also take a look at the number of different time settings you can have in a day. Some thermostats will only let you set two or three times, whereas others could have several more. Caution - the more features you have, generally the more complex and expensive the unit tends to be.

More information about what to look for with programmable thermostats check out this recent article on Thermostats from Consumer Reports.

Looking Beyond the Labels

I had an experience over the weekend which reminded me that the most important tool in living a greener lifestyle is good old fashioned common sense!

I recently discovered a Compact Florescent Lightbulb [CFL] from Philips that is only 5w [the equivalent of a 25w incandescent]. These bulbs are great for decorative backlighting such as in wall sconces. Until discovering these bulbs I had been torn because I like to have some backlighting so my house is not completely dark, but at the same time find even the 9w CFLs too bright and therefore an unnecessary waste.

As an added bonus, I just received a coupon from the Ontario Power Authority for CFL bulbs. Coupon in hand I went down to the only store that I had found these lights in [hint, they wear orange aprons], and picked up a few of these super low wattage, energy efficient bulbs.

However, when it came to paying, my precious coupon was turned down because these super low wattage, energy efficient bulbs were not an "Energy Star qualified" product. The higher wattage CFL bulbs were "Energy Star qualified", so if I wanted to get one of those, then I could use the coupon. Interesting idea, and yet would not using a higher wattage bulb be less energy efficient...?

Considering the main goal of using these bulbs was to save energy, not using coupons, I put the coupon back in my pocket and paid full price for the non qualifying, but super low wattage, 5w CFL bulbs. If all that I had looked at was whether the product had a particular symbol or logo on it, then I would have missed out on potential long term energy savings. However, by employing common sense, I was able to make what in reality was a smarter green decision.