It's been a long time coming, but here's an update to this Green Experiments entry.
Having replaced most of the light bulbs in our apartment, during the past year or so I discovered several drawbacks. First, not long after I made the switch, CFLs got widespread media attention for their mercury content and the consequent difficulties this fact poses ( Read more... )

I realize it's been quite a while since I've posted anything about my green experiments; they've continued, but the blogging, not so much. Some of my recent greening and plans for future projects are also admittedly a result of my slow conversion to voluntary simplicity and frugality. So here's a brief summary of the last several months of greening ( Read more... )

Why switch? About ten years ago the conundrum facing consumers was choosing paper or plastic bags to tote their new purchases, the new problem is whether they should use disposable bags at all. While the switch to plastic bags was a step forward (plastic bags require drastically less energy to produce and recycle), the fallout from their widespread ( Read more... )

Renewable energy is Homeland Security.

:-)

Why switch? Because clean energy drastically reduces the carbon emissions that pollute our environment. The more we reduce our collective carbon footprint, the healthier our living spaces and lives will ultimately be. Plus, with rising fuel costs come rising electricity rates.

The potential impact: Texas is the #1 state in the Union in carbon ( Read more... )

Steps taken to "green" our new apartment:

1. Caulked cracks around windows.
2. Replaced almost all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones.
3. Bought (but have yet to install) blackout curtains to be kept closed while we're not in the apartment.
4. Bought and installed (all by myself! I'm so proud) a programmable thermostat with a one degree ( Read more... )

Better than carbon calculators! Thanks to
( Read more... )

Why switch? Organic products are generally better for the environment. Whether this particular product mitigates any health risk factors is unknown.

The potential impact: See above.

The product I tested: Kiss My Face Hold Up Styling Mousse bought at The Cupboard for about $6.99.

The results: Total failure! The product claims it has a "light" level of ( Read more... )

What is Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap? Dr. Bronner's soaps are castile soaps -- that is, they are made from saponified vegetable fats instead of animal fats. The soaps are also scented using organic essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. The famous Dr. Bronner's label claims the soap has 18 uses. It is a product meant to replace common ( Read more... )

Why switch? Many cosmetics, hair conditioner included, use preservatives called parabens. Although the government, based on a 1984 study, says that parabens are safe for cosmetic use, a more recent study found parabens in breast cancer tumors, suggesting that parabens can upset the endocrine system. Parabens can also do the same to aquatic life. ( Read more... )