With colder weather around the corner, many of you may be thinking about the air quality within those four walls you will soon be confined in. Where are the hidden dangers?
1) Your Attic. If working in your attic consider wearing a dust mask, long sleeves and pants, and shower when you're finished. Because dust builds up through the decades; you may have rodent droppings, which in some cases can carry fatal viruses. Clouds of dust can be easily stirred up while you are up there. Yep, I think I'd wear a mask..... You may consider hiring a company to clean those air conditioner ducts while you are thinking of cleaning out the attic.
2) Crawl space (if you have a pier and beam home) can be the most undesirable as a space in your house . Definitely bathe afterward.
3) Carpets. They are nice to have in the winter months but socks do just fine on wood floors. Personally, I'd do without the carpets. Until you have pulled out old carpets, you don't realise the dirt and decay laying under foot.
4) Lead paint. Before 1978, lead-based paint was widely used. Lead, which disturbs neurological development, is particularly dangerous to children. It also can cause digestive problems and joint pains in adults. Thank goodness for the low and now No VOC Paint available!
5) Wallboard removal. Ripping out sheetrock creates powder like dust that will permeate your home and will keep appearing for days, resettling unless you take precautions to use material to close off doors during removal. Cover everything you can.
6) Mold. Enough already. We have heard it all before. Good old bleach works great on mold. Wear gloves and through them away. Black mold especially can produce toxic spores that can get in your respiratory systems and cause problems for a lifetime. Make sure you know the difference between regular household mold and toxic mold.
View more great ideas and learn about Green Building at GreenBatonRouge.com!
Brought to you by:
Your Green Realtor,
Toni House
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Park Spark Project
First of all I'd like to give a Big Thanks to everyone who attended the Keller Williams Dog Wash last week! It was a privilege to be able to help out the East Baton Rouge Animal Rescue Shelter.
Have you heard about The Park Spark Project?
The Park Spark methane digester, unveiled this week, only powers a streetlight for now — no poop-powered popcorn yet. But it’s a neat concept: Replace trash cans with a public methane digester, and you demonstrate how simple it can be to turn waste into fuel. “As long as people own pets in the city and throw away dog waste, the production of energy will be continuous and unlimited,” the project’s Web site says.
The project involves three basic steps: Throw your dog’s waste into the digester, where anaerobic bacteria are ready to break it down. Stir the mixture to help methane rise to the top, and burn the methane to generate light or electricity.
After picking up their dogs' waste in biodegradable bags, visitors to the Park Spark digester can feed the waste through an above-ground tube, and stir it with a hand crank. The bacteria container is buried underground and the methane is piped through the ground to the streetlamp, which burns with an eternal flame. Eventually, the project leaders want to use dog-generated methane to power vendor carts selling human food.
I wish the best for this project and hopefully we'll see it expanded to Baton Rouge one day!
View more great ideas and learn about Green Building at GreenBatonRouge.com!
Have you heard about The Park Spark Project?
The Park Spark methane digester, unveiled this week, only powers a streetlight for now — no poop-powered popcorn yet. But it’s a neat concept: Replace trash cans with a public methane digester, and you demonstrate how simple it can be to turn waste into fuel. “As long as people own pets in the city and throw away dog waste, the production of energy will be continuous and unlimited,” the project’s Web site says.
The project involves three basic steps: Throw your dog’s waste into the digester, where anaerobic bacteria are ready to break it down. Stir the mixture to help methane rise to the top, and burn the methane to generate light or electricity.
After picking up their dogs' waste in biodegradable bags, visitors to the Park Spark digester can feed the waste through an above-ground tube, and stir it with a hand crank. The bacteria container is buried underground and the methane is piped through the ground to the streetlamp, which burns with an eternal flame. Eventually, the project leaders want to use dog-generated methane to power vendor carts selling human food.
I wish the best for this project and hopefully we'll see it expanded to Baton Rouge one day!
View more great ideas and learn about Green Building at GreenBatonRouge.com!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
What are Rain Barrels?
Looking for ways to become more self sufficient or live a more eco-friendly lifestyle? You may want to think about buying one or more rain barrels for your home.
What are rain barrels? Rain Barrels catch rain water run off (typically from your gutters) that would normally flow to the ground. You can use this water for watering your plants and lawn (rain water is healthier for plants than tap), washing cars, or it can be used as an alternative water source during dry spells. Saving this rain water helps to decrease the amount of treated water you would normally use and saves you money.
You can make your own rain barrel or visit RainBarrelSource.Com where you can buy rain barrels in almost every style and color.
Above is an example (Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Oak Rain Barrel) of one of the many rain barrels ‘The Rain Barrel Source’ has to offer. It is made of 100% recycled plastic resin and can be connected to additional rain barrels for increased capacity. The top includes a screen which keeps water free of debris and insects.
As you can see you can ‘Green’ your home without having to give up style!
View more great ideas and learn about Green Building at GreenBatonRouge.com!
What are rain barrels? Rain Barrels catch rain water run off (typically from your gutters) that would normally flow to the ground. You can use this water for watering your plants and lawn (rain water is healthier for plants than tap), washing cars, or it can be used as an alternative water source during dry spells. Saving this rain water helps to decrease the amount of treated water you would normally use and saves you money.
You can make your own rain barrel or visit RainBarrelSource.Com where you can buy rain barrels in almost every style and color.
Above is an example (Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Oak Rain Barrel) of one of the many rain barrels ‘The Rain Barrel Source’ has to offer. It is made of 100% recycled plastic resin and can be connected to additional rain barrels for increased capacity. The top includes a screen which keeps water free of debris and insects.
As you can see you can ‘Green’ your home without having to give up style!
View more great ideas and learn about Green Building at GreenBatonRouge.com!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Have You Met Bobble Water?
Have you met Bobble yet? Bobble Bottles are everything you want your water bottles to be and then some. They are made of 100% recycled plastic and also recycable themselves. They are BPA-Free and FDA-Approved.
The truly neat feature about these bottles is that they include a built-in filter. This reusable bottle filters your water as your drink! A single filter is equivalent to 300 bottled waters and lasts for 50 gallons of water.
Think of how many bottled waters you will be saving from going into the landfill! Plus you can be reassured that the water your drinking is safe and clean.
The 18.5 oz bottle costs $9.95 at WaterBobble.com
The truly neat feature about these bottles is that they include a built-in filter. This reusable bottle filters your water as your drink! A single filter is equivalent to 300 bottled waters and lasts for 50 gallons of water.
Think of how many bottled waters you will be saving from going into the landfill! Plus you can be reassured that the water your drinking is safe and clean.
The 18.5 oz bottle costs $9.95 at WaterBobble.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Baton Rouge Goes Back to School: Start an Eco-Friendly School Year
Ready to start an eco-friendly school year?
Children around the country and here in Baton Rouge are gearing up to go back to school so I thought it would be appropriate to share ways you can shop 'green' for school supplies!
The first step is to make a list of all necessary supplies and make sure you don't already have them at home! Are there things you can re-use from last year? This is the greenest option of all!
The next step is to shop for school supplies that are made from recycled and non-PVC materials. Below is a list of the most common school supplies and where to find the environmentally friendly option!
-Backpacks: Many kids are walking around with backpacks made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride, aka vinyl). This is also referred to as 'Poison Plastic'. Why would you want your children carrying a toxic material on their back? Opt instead for backpacks made of hemp or recycled materials. Hemp Backpacks: Pristine Planet, HempMania
Backpacks made from Recycled Materials: Osprey, Mountainsmith
You can even find solar power booksacks to charge PDAs, Phones, or even laptops: TUWA, Voltaic
-Pencils: Often pencils are made from non-regulated forests and use unnecessary paint. Try these fun and eco-friendly versions instead!
TreeSmart: Made of 100% recycled newspaper
Blue Jean: Made from reclaimed denim of jean manufacturers
Greenciles: Made completely of recycled paper, no wood used whatsoever!
-Notebook Paper: Try this 100% post-consumer recyled lined notebook paper from Green Earth Office Supply
-Notebooks: In the need for notebooks instead? Mead offers sturdy lined notebooks made of 100% recycled fiber, including 30% post consumer waste.
-Binders: Keep your 100% recycled notebook paper in these eco-friendly cardboard binders by Jorgel Binders. They actually last longer than the toxic PVC binders most children use. The Sustainable Group also offers a large selection of eco-friendly 3-ring binders!
Good luck this year!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Picture credit: Hempmania.com; Style shown is the Delux Hemp Backpack
Children around the country and here in Baton Rouge are gearing up to go back to school so I thought it would be appropriate to share ways you can shop 'green' for school supplies!
The first step is to make a list of all necessary supplies and make sure you don't already have them at home! Are there things you can re-use from last year? This is the greenest option of all!
The next step is to shop for school supplies that are made from recycled and non-PVC materials. Below is a list of the most common school supplies and where to find the environmentally friendly option!
-Backpacks: Many kids are walking around with backpacks made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride, aka vinyl). This is also referred to as 'Poison Plastic'. Why would you want your children carrying a toxic material on their back? Opt instead for backpacks made of hemp or recycled materials. Hemp Backpacks: Pristine Planet, HempMania
Backpacks made from Recycled Materials: Osprey, Mountainsmith
You can even find solar power booksacks to charge PDAs, Phones, or even laptops: TUWA, Voltaic
-Pencils: Often pencils are made from non-regulated forests and use unnecessary paint. Try these fun and eco-friendly versions instead!
TreeSmart: Made of 100% recycled newspaper
Blue Jean: Made from reclaimed denim of jean manufacturers
Greenciles: Made completely of recycled paper, no wood used whatsoever!
-Notebook Paper: Try this 100% post-consumer recyled lined notebook paper from Green Earth Office Supply
-Notebooks: In the need for notebooks instead? Mead offers sturdy lined notebooks made of 100% recycled fiber, including 30% post consumer waste.
-Binders: Keep your 100% recycled notebook paper in these eco-friendly cardboard binders by Jorgel Binders. They actually last longer than the toxic PVC binders most children use. The Sustainable Group also offers a large selection of eco-friendly 3-ring binders!
Good luck this year!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Picture credit: Hempmania.com; Style shown is the Delux Hemp Backpack
Monday, August 2, 2010
2nd Annual Green Paradise by Baton Rouge Green
Looking for a way to become involved in Baton Rouge and have some fun? Baton Rouge Green is a nonprofit environmental organization that helps plant and maintain green spaces and trees throughout Baton Rouge.
They are hosting their 2nd annual Green Paradise Party next Friday and you won't want to miss it! There will be live music, great food, and a silent auction! All proceeds benefit our trees and green spaces throughout our community. When and Where? Crescent Condominiums, 990 Stanford Ave, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13
“Enjoying a fun and lively evening at the Green Paradise Party is a great way to help Baton Rouge Green build on the work it has done for the past 23 years to make the greater Baton Rouge area more green and beautiful.” -Diane Losavio, executive director of Baton Rouge Green
Tickets on Sale at: BatonRougeGreen.com
They are hosting their 2nd annual Green Paradise Party next Friday and you won't want to miss it! There will be live music, great food, and a silent auction! All proceeds benefit our trees and green spaces throughout our community. When and Where? Crescent Condominiums, 990 Stanford Ave, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13
“Enjoying a fun and lively evening at the Green Paradise Party is a great way to help Baton Rouge Green build on the work it has done for the past 23 years to make the greater Baton Rouge area more green and beautiful.” -Diane Losavio, executive director of Baton Rouge Green
Tickets on Sale at: BatonRougeGreen.com
Thursday, July 29, 2010
FREE Green Mobile Apps
If you are technology savvy and looking for extra help to become eco-friendly then check out these FREE Green Mobile Apps for the iPhone!
Find Green- This app helps you locate local green and sustainable businesses quickly and easily. Find everything from local bicycle shops to organic restaurants to yoga centers near you. It's powered by GenGreenLife.com datable of 56,000 green businesses and the 3rdWhale sustainability mobility platform. What a great app for finding places to check out when you're traveling!
Whole Foods Market Recipes- The App to download when you want healthy and delicious food recipes! All the recipes feature natural and organic foods. You can search recipes by ingredients or dietary preferences (such as gluten free, low fat, and vegetarian/vegan). Includes nutritional information and cooking instructions.
Zero Carbon- "The Personal Accounting and Carbon Offsetting Tool" This app has a personal carbon footprint calculator which will then provide you with simple tips to reduce your emissions based on this. You can share your results with friends on Facebook or Read the Q&A with invaluable information!
Find Green- This app helps you locate local green and sustainable businesses quickly and easily. Find everything from local bicycle shops to organic restaurants to yoga centers near you. It's powered by GenGreenLife.com datable of 56,000 green businesses and the 3rdWhale sustainability mobility platform. What a great app for finding places to check out when you're traveling!
Whole Foods Market Recipes- The App to download when you want healthy and delicious food recipes! All the recipes feature natural and organic foods. You can search recipes by ingredients or dietary preferences (such as gluten free, low fat, and vegetarian/vegan). Includes nutritional information and cooking instructions.
Zero Carbon- "The Personal Accounting and Carbon Offsetting Tool" This app has a personal carbon footprint calculator which will then provide you with simple tips to reduce your emissions based on this. You can share your results with friends on Facebook or Read the Q&A with invaluable information!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Must Have Green Gadget: Portable Solar Charger
It's summer time and that means fun in the sun! But when you're relaxing on the beach where will you charge your phone or your mp3 player? You may want to think about investing in a Portable Solar Charger. Some of the coolest ones I've seen are Solio brand chargers.
The Mono version is compact and the perfect fit to throw in your bag or slip in your pocket. It works with 3200+ devices from Phones/PDAs (iPhones and Blackberries just to name two) to Cameras to MP3 Players to GPS. It's Hybrid Versatility allows you to charge via the sun, from USB port, or from an optional wall charger. The Mono is available for $49.95 and your first adapter tip is included (Coupon Code: FREETIP2010). Additional adapter tips are available on average for about $9.95.
Get yours today!
The Mono version is compact and the perfect fit to throw in your bag or slip in your pocket. It works with 3200+ devices from Phones/PDAs (iPhones and Blackberries just to name two) to Cameras to MP3 Players to GPS. It's Hybrid Versatility allows you to charge via the sun, from USB port, or from an optional wall charger. The Mono is available for $49.95 and your first adapter tip is included (Coupon Code: FREETIP2010). Additional adapter tips are available on average for about $9.95.
Get yours today!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Baton Rouge Weekend Event: Dog Wash to Benefit Local Shelter
Come out this weekend and help us support the East Baton Rouge Animal Rescue Shelter! Details below (Click to Enlarge Photo):
Monday, May 24, 2010
How to Help: The Gulf Coast Oil Spill
In wake of such catastrophic events such as Gulf Coast Oil Spill, we always wonder "What Can We Do?". I recently posted an amazing article from TakePart.com on my blog with over 10 ways we can do our part to save our beautiful coast. Still want to do more but can't join the clean up?
Here's a really easy way to help our coast:
Fleurty Girl, local New Orleans Tshirt Designer, is selling a 'Rescue Me' Tshirt with all proceeds going to the Audubon Institute's Louisiana Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP). The tshirt is organic cotton and printed with soy inks-- no petroleum products were used in printing!
That's it! Buy a Tshirt and 100% of the proceeds go to helping the oil spill clean up.
Here's a really easy way to help our coast:
Fleurty Girl, local New Orleans Tshirt Designer, is selling a 'Rescue Me' Tshirt with all proceeds going to the Audubon Institute's Louisiana Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP). The tshirt is organic cotton and printed with soy inks-- no petroleum products were used in printing!
That's it! Buy a Tshirt and 100% of the proceeds go to helping the oil spill clean up.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Green Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Are you still looking for that perfect Mother's Day gift?
The Huffington Post has found 13 gifts perfect for any woman in your life you'd like to say thank you to. What is so special about these gifts? Not only are they affordable but they are also eco-conscious.
Below are a few of my favorites from Huffington Post's original post:
1) Glass Bead Fringe Necklace- Need a gift for someone who loves jewelry? This beautiful necklace is the handiwork of artisans in India. It is fair trade which enables them to earn a fair wage. $20.00 at World of Good
2) Garden in a Bag- No green thumb or backyard required! Garden in a Bag allows you to grow herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Thyme, & More!) right out of a bag. Water regularly and fertilize occasionally and you'll have herbs all year round. Extremely convenient for the cook in the family. $9.00 at inhabitat shop
3) Bambu Bowls- Each one of these very cute bowls is made of sustainably harvested bamboo. They are remarkably durable, waterproof, and food safe. Did I mention they come in 10 different colors and 3 different sizes? $12+ from Bambu
Be sure to visit the original post 13 Smart, Green ECOnomical Gifts for Mother's Day at HuffingtonPost.com for even more ideas!
Wishing you a Wonderful Mother's Day!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tax Credits so simple
Did you know you can get a tax credit up to $20.00 per week for just riding a bike to work? If you are into biking or close enough to work to ride, consider carpooling to conserve energy.
Also be thinking about purchasing a more fuel efficient vehicle. Thanks to the new federal standards, you will have more choices for fuel efficiency. When you do go shopping for another car, pick one that is at least 20% more fuel efficient than your current one.
Check out the new Audi A3 2.0 TDI which gets 43 mpg and fills the needs of those seeking a sporty, fuel-thrifty, and efficient ride with luxury overtones. It’s a deserving winner of the 2010 Green Car of the Year® honor. The others on the list are the Ford Fusion hybrid, Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid, Honda Insight, and the ever so popular Toyota Prius.
Consider this truth: Our nation has only 2% of the world's known oil reserves, but we consume 25% of the total world's production. We are also importing 75% of our oil. That doesn't feel too good, does it?
Also be thinking about purchasing a more fuel efficient vehicle. Thanks to the new federal standards, you will have more choices for fuel efficiency. When you do go shopping for another car, pick one that is at least 20% more fuel efficient than your current one.
Check out the new Audi A3 2.0 TDI which gets 43 mpg and fills the needs of those seeking a sporty, fuel-thrifty, and efficient ride with luxury overtones. It’s a deserving winner of the 2010 Green Car of the Year® honor. The others on the list are the Ford Fusion hybrid, Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid, Honda Insight, and the ever so popular Toyota Prius.
Consider this truth: Our nation has only 2% of the world's known oil reserves, but we consume 25% of the total world's production. We are also importing 75% of our oil. That doesn't feel too good, does it?
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