The Latest From Greenopolis

Composting is Cool

Greenopolis — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:12:11 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

bobferris

twitterusername:

bobferris

Compost is cool. There I said it. As we look at ways to reduce our waste stream, composting should rank right up there with the big three: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In my family’s lives it certainly does. We normally compost pretty much anything that is organic and crosses our threshold or otherwise comes within reach. And we are not above liberating compostables when we think they will end up in the garbage and landfill.

That means everything from eggshells to dust bunnies and worn-out t shirts to wet cardboard; it all wends its way to the pile. We have not made the leap to composting humanure or unwelcome house guests, but the former is under discussion and the latter is a long held desire. We also don’t add meat and dairy to the mix, but might if we can figure out a way to keep mound temperatures high enough to cook the associated pathogens and harmful critters.

All this is good, but the thing about composting is that like many behaviors designed to reduce personal impacts on the Planet, it makes you think. It makes you think about what you buy and how it is packaged. It makes you think about how the component parts of a particular product are dealt with ultimately. It is an exercise that makes you acutely sensitive to acquiring what is best for you, your compost pile, and your trash profile. In short, once you get into the compost habit and become fully vested, you begin to see the world through a compost lens. Carrot peelings, soiled paper towels and even belly button lint suddenly become assets in your life.

How To Make a Bowl Out of a Record

Greenopolis — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:17:07 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

CanarsieBK

twitterusername:

CanarsieBK

I first saw these when I went to Bonnaroo this past summer. I came across the project online at CasaSugar and had to make one for myself.

Over the past few years, I've started a record collection. Some of them are framed and displayed on my wall, and the others are stored up in my closet. This project seemed like a great way to use some of the records.

Tools and Materials Needed

1 vinyl album
1 bowl
1 baking sheet
Oven

Instructions on How To Make a Bowl Out of a Record:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
Place bowl upside down on baking sheet and center record on the bowl.
Put into oven for 8-10 minutes.
You'll have to perform the following steps with the quickness because the record will harden quickly.

Using a pot holder quickly remove everything from the oven.
Place it on the counter and take the record off the bowl.
Turn the bowl right side up and put the record inside to help mold the record.
Remove the record from the bowl and let it cool.

My Take on the Project
Overall this is one that I'd definitely recommend and is useful. I didn't have to many different size bowls to use, but the one that I used was workable.

I can see these being used in many different ways - to store produce , change, jewelry or you can put a nail through the whole in the center of it to hang it on the wall.

A word of advice when making one—when you are removing the record from the oven, you have to work quickly otherwise it'll harden and you won't be able to mold. If it does harden, you can just put it back in the oven.

So if you have some old records laying around, definitely make yourself some bowls (or wall art) out of them.

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How To Make a Bowl Out of a Record

The Netherlands: Home of the Recycled Kitchen Sink Building

Greenopolis — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:43 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

Trish Smith

twitterusername:

TheGreenGroove

Reclaimed kitchen sinks get upgraded from home accessory to city monument

I always knew that the Netherlands was cool a place, but now it has gone from cool to environmentally-savvy by housing a building that gives new meaning to the term “everything but the kitchen sink.”

Known as the Sustainable Sky Box, this towering structure located in Utrecht, Vlaardingen and Amsterdam, The Netherlands is made completely of reclaimed stainless steel kitchen sinks! It’s held together by scaffolding, some wire and multiple boards, and has apparently become the perfect place for community get-togethers and casual conversation.

Although it’s completely empty inside there’s no denying that the Sustainable Sky Box is a shining example of how recycled materials can turn into creative masterpieces. Here’s what it looks like from the inside:

And here’s a long-distance view to show you just how eco-savvy it really is:

This recycled kitchen sink structure comes from the creative minds of 2012 Architechten and designer Jeanne van Heeswijks of Jeanneworks. You can see an array of amazing structures designed by 2012 Architechten on its Flickr Photostream.

Source: Inhabitat

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Home of the Recycled Kitchen Sink Building

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From home accessory to city monument

Here, Fishy Fishy Fishy…

Greenopolis — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:00:26 +0000

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Two Girls Go Green

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TwoGirlsGoGreen

Ensuring the food you eat from the sea is sustainable.

Did you know that “almost 80% of the world's fisheries are fully - to over-exploited, depleted, or in a state of collapse?” Or, that “Worldwide about 90% of the stocks of large predatory fish stocks are already gone?”

It’s true, and it’s scary. (See cited information at Overfishing.org.)

Got to tell ya, that hits home for me. Why? Because I love seafood - it’s one of my favorite proteins. I usually don’t leave the grocery without a few fillets. Until recently, I really hadn’t thought about the consequences of my purchases - I bought what I liked and what was on sale.

Then I started noticing the labels: “Atlantic Caught”, “Wild Caught”, etc. And I wondered, “What the heck does all that mean?” Didn’t take me long to find out. I ventured onto Google and discovered Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program.

According to its website, “The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program helps consumers and businesses make choices for healthy oceans. Our recommendations indicate which seafood items are ‘Best Choices,’ ‘Good Alternatives,’ and which ones you should ‘Avoid’.”

I found the most helpful section to be the region-specific seafood “pocket guides”. It’s small, folds into an accordion and easily fits into your wallet. I take mine with me every time I shop. It takes no extra time for me to take a quick peek at it when I’m browsing the fresh and frozen selections.

If I may, I’d like to issue you a challenge: Next time you’re at the store, shopping for a tasty, fishy treat, please take the time to make sure that your purchase helps ensure that this valuable resource sticks around. If your local grocery or fish market doesn’t carry sustainably caught breeds, let them know you won’t be shopping there until they do. Believe me, they’ll start listening if enough people raise an issue.

One more thing: remember your basic economics - demand creates supply. Our purchases show stores what we’re “demanding”, and the more we purchase, the more fish have to be caught. And, “Catching too much fish for the system to support leads to an overall degradation to the system. Overfishing is a non-sustainable use of the oceans.” (Amen, Overfishing.org. ) Make sure you make smart “demands.”

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Ensuring the food you eat from the sea is sustainable

My Nike-Considereds

Greenopolis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:51:36 +0000

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georgesdyer

twitterusername:

georgesdyer

Ok, maybe it doesn't quite roll off the tongue quite as nicely as Run DMC's "My Adidas" but I'm pretty excited about my new pair of Alvord7 Trail Runners, part of Nike's Considered Design efforts.

The Considered Design program is a long-term strategic initiative by Nike to develop progressively more sustainable shoes through innovative design. They've been working on it for a few years now, and they're at a point where they have a pretty good selection.

In all of their Considered products, they try to source local, environmentally friendly materials to cut down on travel and associated greenhouse gas emissions, toxicity, water use, solvents and other by-products. Eventually they're aiming to create shoes that are fully sustainable, where the materials can be separated into biological and technical nutrients - the former safely decomposing into soil, and the latter being reused in shoes again and again - a cradle-to-cradle approach.

They're very upfront that this is a process, and the current iterations aren't quite there yet. But it feels great to finally have an option for buying high-performance athletic shoes that support this kind of innovation (not that I don't love my low-tech Simple's), and send a signal to the market that this is the direction we need to be heading. Also, in the meantime, Nike's been great about providing recycling options for worn out athletic shoes of any brand - reusing the materials for tracks, tennis courts, and basketball courts. It's a form of downcycling, but until we have good options for sustainable shoe design, it sure beats sending them to landfills.

So get out, get active, and vote with your wallet for progress toward sustainability.

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8 Ways To Have A Romantic And Green Fall

Greenopolis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:25:41 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

Sebrina Smith

twitterusername:

LiteGreen

Let cooler temps and abundant opportunities for togetherness bring out your eco-romantic side.

I think fall is the most romantic season. Forget Valentine’s Day—boooorrrring. Any one can be romantic then. Give me crisp weather, snuggley clothes and sweet holidays any time. The fall makes me feel more connected and in touch... with my feelings, with nature, with my family and friends and especially with Mr. Lite Green. And isn’t that what romance is all about? Feeling alive and in the moment?

When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, why not take advantage of the season and bring out your romantic and green side. Below are some suggestions.

8 Ways To Bring Some Eco-Romance Into Your Fall

Enjoy a good vintage. In the mood for a festive and romantic drink? Try sipping a glass of organic champagne. Nothing will put you in a romantic mood faster than sharing a taste of champagne together. The demand for organic champagne is growing quickly, so there are several good choices available. Try NV Pascal Doquet Premier Cru Rosé with its hints of rose and strawberry. Or NV Albert Mann Crémant d’Alsace which has apple, citrus and floral notes.

Take a walk. Take advantage of the cooler temps to walk hand-in-hand with your sweetie through the tree-lined streets of your neighborhood or park. Walk to the store to pick up those last minute items for Thanksgiving. Stroll to the mailbox to drop off your holiday greeting cards or simply window shop together. In the middle of the hectic holiday season, walking together gives you time to reconnect and share your day. Now that’s romantic.

Light a fire. Turn off the furnace and heat up the old fashioned way... with a fire! What could be more romantic than a cozy blanket stretched out in front of a roaring fire. Take advantage of the romantic glow and snuggle up. If you’re hungry, add some old fashioned popcorn. Using your fireplace will save on energy consumption and when the fire has burned out, you can spread the ash in your garden to help feed your plants over the winter.

Don’t curse the darkness, light a candle. Why not spend an evening gazing into each other’s eyes by candlelight? Have dinner, play a game or just talk to each other. No matter what activity you choose, everyone looks good by candlelight. Candlelight promotes conversation and intimacy. Bee Hive Candles has some beautiful 100% beeswax choices. Or, for a super-sexy choice, try the Scandle Body Candle. It melts into massage oil as it burns.

Dine Alfresco. Who says you can’t enjoy a fall picnic. Put on your warmest sweater and carry your meal to the park or the lake. Take in the crisp air and the beauty of fallen leaves while you cuddle your significant other. Picnics are all about anticipation, so enjoy it! You really don’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing for a romantic picnic. Grab a loaf of crusty bread and bottle of organic wine. (Find 5 good selections at The Daily Green.) Throw in a few other traditional aphrodisiacs like almonds and figs, if you like. Maybe add a good organic goat cheese with italian herbs from Coon Ridge Farms. And don’t forget something sweet. Perhaps some eco-friendly chocolates from Fat Turkey Chocolate in Austin, Texas. Gobble, gobble!

Sleep under the stars. Grab your sleeping bag and head for the great outdoors. Time to enjoy an unobstructed view of the heavens, and get romantic. I mean, what could be sexier than two people huddled together in one sleeping bag?

Take A Bath...Together. What better way to conserve water and warm up on a cold evening. You’ll be doing your part to help save the environment, and having some fun, too. Spice things up with a bath sachet. Take a small square of linen or cheese cloth. Add a cinnamon stick, a few whole cloves and some orange peels. Tie with a piece of cotton twine and toss in your warm bath water. Let steep while you bathe. Or add a few drop of Nutmeg Essential Oil from Essential Aura Aromatherapy.

Volunteer Together. Doing good feels so good, doesn’t it? What could be sexier than doing it together? (Oops, almost made it through the whole article without a pun.) But seriously, all that hard work. All that helping and relying on each other to see a project though. All that feeling good about doing good. Get it? So do some good, together. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen. Delivery gift baskets from your church or work at a pet adoption. But do it together. It’s the romantic thing to do. Now get busy!

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Live Broadcast with Mallika Chopra

Greenopolis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:09:33 +0000

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REVOLUTIONist

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RecyclingRevolu

Melissa McGinnis and Greenopolis TV live with Mallika Chopra in Santa Monica California, to find out how setting an intention can be the first step towards change.

Mallika's strength in creating creative content combined with strategic and marketing thinking has allowed her to successfully fuel an entrepreneurial drive in a number of areas. Mallika is the author of A Hundred Promises to My Baby published by Rodale Books in Spring 2005, and is currently working on her second book. She is the creative force and architect behind www.intentblog.com, a popular website featuring South Asia's most renowned thinkers. She is currently producing a feature film with Fox Studios entitled How to Know God. Mallika serves on the board of Chopra Enterprises, the Chopra Foundation, and Virgin Comics and Animation. She is a spokesperson for UNICEF programs for orphans affected by AIDS.

Mallika was a founder of MyPotential Inc, a multi-media company where she helped write the company's business plan, hired the key management team, raised over $10 Million in venture financing and built key strategic relationships. She served as the first representative for the re-launch of MTV in India, and has consulted with Go Networks (Disney) and Yahoo! She is a co-founder of the popular K Lounge in NYC. Mallika has a BA from Brown University, an MBA from Kellogg Business School, and has been profiled in Forbes, W Magazine, LA Times, and Femina Magazine.

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Find out how setting an intention can be the first step towards change

Amazing Lamps Made from Recycled Plastic Utensils

Greenopolis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:58 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

Trish Smith

twitterusername:

TheGreenGroove

Students at Appalachian State University Shine a Light on Plastic Utensils

Each year New York holds the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), a tradeshow that lets people from around the world display their functional, affordable and sustainable furniture. Well this year was a great year for the fair because a group of design students from Appalachian State University showcased some very cool recycled lamps…made from plastic utensils!

This group of design students, known as the BVD Collective, decided to create a “Waste Not” line of lamps made from 100% post-consumer plastic utensils. They realized that too many plastic utensils were being thrown away every day, especially at lunch time, so instead of creating waste with the forks, knives and spoons, they decided to create some amazing-looking lamps.

Take a look at this lamp called the Go Go Ghost Table Lamp. It’s made from 121 recycled plastic knives that were collected from eating at a fried chicken restaurant:

Here’s another cool chandelier made from a conglomeration of forks, knives and spoons:

Finally, here’s my favorite retro plastic ball of light:

These are some very cool lamps that really do prove just how creative people can be when it comes to recycled material. Maybe next year at the ICFF someone will make awesome outdoor lamps from plastic Chinese food containers!

Source: Inhabitat

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Students at Appalachian State University Shine a Light on Plastic Utensils

Finding Happiness Within

Greenopolis — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:52:03 +0000

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bobferris

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bobferris

I was looking at a state-by-state happiness index this morning The measures they used for happiness included non-mortgage debt to income ratios, unemployment, and foreclosure rates. Seems logical. Using these metrics they concluded that the Dakotas were great places to live if you were seeking happiness and that Florida and California were the least happy and more filled with misery. But before we all pack our bags and migrate to Pierre, Bismarck, or Fargo, maybe we ought to stop and take a breath. And maybe we ought to think for a little bit about happiness and how much of it is really linked to economic measures.

I am sure these folks worked hard to put this study together and are extremely confident that their results are defensible to the fullest extent of their analyses, but their assumptions and conclusions simply do not concur with my experience. Through the course of my life I have had an opportunity to travel and meet a huge spectrum of people in the fullest splendor of circumstances. I have hobnobbed with the supper-rich and hobbled with the poorest of the economically challenged. I have seen both unbridled joy and crushing depression on Indian reservations wracked with 80% unemployment and similar extremes in the maid-maintained halls of the mansions and retreats of our country’s fiscally anointed. All of this has led me to conclude that our search for happiness is not inextricably linked at the hip with our relative financial well-being.

So what should the measures of happiness be? The most honest answer I have is that I do not know. I suspect that we start with people and relationships. The number of close friends and the nature of your support network might be wonderful places to begin. Number of laughs per day and amount of time for contemplation and reflection might be other good measures. And studies have shown that satisfaction and happiness are also associated with doing meaningful work. In fact, Buddhist monks who are pretty low on the bling and income quotients have been shown to be really, really high in terms of overall happiness. My sense from all of this is that happiness is much more a product of quality of life than it is of standard of living.

As one of my favorite professors used to say at the end of a particularly long and deep discussion: So what? The “so what” here is that our current economic hiccup might be a great time to look at the calculus of our lives. How can we travel though and emerge on the other side of this economic trial with a smile and in a position to be happier in the future? My sense is that we do that by investing in relationships and community rather than in stuff and complicated or distant gambles in the stock market. We do this by looking for ways to share our lives and our wealth rather than expending efforts to isolate ourselves from our fellow travelers and protect that which does not really give us value or pleasure.

For many of us contemplating a life that is not built on a keeping up with the Joneses—whoever they might be—kind of schema is a little scary. Will our friends still like us if we have a smaller house and an older car? Will our children still love us if we do not have stressful and mind-numbing present orgies at the holidays or other celebrations? Many of us are betting that these relationships will not only remain but flourish when the commodity of trade is face-time and fun rather than over-orchestrated consumption rituals. And maybe, just maybe, you will find your own state of happiness within your own lives and communities by adopting this change. Seems a lot more feasible path to happiness than moving to a place because of the findings of an economically biased happiness poll.

Fomenting the Necessary Revolution: Life Inside the “Bubble Economy”

Greenopolis — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:19:09 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

Joe Laur

twitterusername:

greenopolisjoe

We used to love bubbles when we were kids, soap bubbles, bubble bath, bubble gum. Bubbles meant fun. But when we grew up, we met a different, more sinister kind of bubble.

Dot.com bubbles, real estate bubbles, stock market bubbles. They were fun at first in their own way, but when they popped, we got hurt. We lost money, jobs, and livelihoods. From inside the bubble, everything looks rosy- we’re in our own little world. But the bubble is based on faulty or missing information about the real world. Dot.com companies do need to show a real profit sooner or later, real estate values can’t grow at double digits forever, and markets built on shaky investments will someday fall like ripe apples.

Right now we’re in the middle of another bubble, maybe the biggest of all. We’ve been living in a “bubble economy” for a few generations, inflated by easy access to finite fossil fuels, forests and other resources, using them at a rate that we can’t sustain for the long term. We busted open the piggy bank and went to the candy store. It’s been a fun ride, and has given a billion or two of us unprecedented health and wealth. But like the guy who jumps out of 10 story building and thinks he’s flying, we’re headed for a hard landing if we don’t wake up and smell the concrete. Gravity’s not just a good idea, it’s the law- and the laws of commerce and the laws of nature have been at odds for awhile now, and the laws of nature are not going to change anytime soon. We need to let the air out of the bubble before it pops in our face.

See, we forgot that our economy is not the whole system. The truth is, a sound economy depends on a sound society (been shopping in Darfur lately?) and a sound society depends on a strong ecosystem to provide basic material needs. My friend Paul Morris of the automotive parts company Visteon drew this picture he calls the “layer cake”:

Now Paul’s no bomb thrower. He’s an engineer in a capitalist company. The point is there’s nothing wrong with capitalism, it’s just never been tried- broad based capitalism taking into account social and natural capital, the health of our communities and nature. Not just next quarter’s figures. Sustainability guru and Greenopolis Advisory Board member John Elkington calls this the “triple bottom line” taking care of people and planet as well as profit.

So how do we move to an economy that is rooted in community and environmental health? Comment below or send your thoughts to joe_laur@greenopolis.com

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Life Inside the “Bubble Economy”

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Fomenting the Necessary Revolution Part IV

Flatshare Fridges: Stack ‘em High and Turn the Energy Down Low

Greenopolis — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:07:05 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

Trish Smith

twitterusername:

TheGreenGroove

New stackable fridges are eco-friendly and modernly hip

Many of us remember, back in the college days of yore, how much of a pain it was to share a tiny personal fridge with a roommate, or three. There just never seemed to be enough room for all of the soda cans and Chinese food containers.

Now dorm dwellers and anyone else that uses a personal fridge can find hope for space, as well as energy efficiency, with the amazing Flatshare Fridge.

Designed by Stefan Buchberger, a student at the University of the Applied Arts in Vienna, these Lego-looking fridges featured in Inhabitat.org were made to be stacked on top of each other. You can stack up to four of the fridge modules on top of a supporting base to either claim your own space, or to separate veggies from lunchmeat and soda from cheese. Wait, do college students even eat veggies?

Whatever you want to do with the modules is your business, but you’ll still be more organized with more compartments, and you’ll end up using less energy because each module is so small. Oh, and your room will look ultra hip with the fridge’s vibrant colors and modern shape.

See how cool they look. Here’s Stefan with the Flatshare Fridge:

I saved the best part for last. Each single module can even have its own customized skin, like this one below:

These are very cool fridges, both literally and figuratively, and they can definitely make a statement in any dorm room, office, basement or garage. Although they’re not currently for sale, I suggest that you keep your eyes open for when they will be. I know that I’m already thinking of how cool a few Greenopolis modules would look when stacked on top of each other.

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Flatshare Fridges

Become a Real Bag Person

Greenopolis — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:13 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

Joe Laur

twitterusername:

greenopolisjoe

Crochet Plastic Bags into a Durable Shopping Tote

JoAnne Russo is a real basket case. She’s also a bag lady. No, she’s not messed up and destitute, and I’m not insulting her. She’s a professional and highly talented basket maker and artist from Saxton’s River, VT.

She’s been weaving baskets for over 20 years, and just last summer began teaching folks how to crochet durable purses, zipper pouches, and shopping bags from used plastic bags.

We hope that you are saying “neither” when asked the “paper or plastic” questions. But if you have a supply of those lightweight plastic grocery bags and want to “Upcycle” them into a really neat, durable reusable shopping bag - JoAnne will show you how.

Start with a nice clean bag- these things are everywhere!

Fold it in half, then in quarters,

Cut off the top and the bottom and fold again into eighths and then sixteenths…..

Then cut the bag into one inch sections.

You’ll have little bag loops that you can then loop together into long strands, like you would if you made a rubber band chain…

This becomes your “yarn” for the crocheting project. You can even roll it into balls!

Get a crochet hook and go to town.

For detailed instructions on how to crochet, we’ve included this video:

Once you’ve crocheted a nice flat piece like this, you can fold it in half and crochet the sides together, add a zipper or crochet handles for it.

Pretty soon - or after 42,367 hours, you’ll have a whole collection of bags. Better get started now for holiday and birthday gifts. Note how different colored bags are woven together for patterns, just like yarn. These bags will last a long time, but in use, rather than in a landfill. Another waste to resources success story! Check out JoAnne’s blog or her basket website. Those holidays are closer than you think!

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Styrofoam... what's a consumer to do??

Greenopolis — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:17:15 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

Green Bee Buzz

twitterusername:

dbkmerritt

Two weeks ago I got an email from a church in my town inviting me to a styrofoam recycling day.

I must admit that as I am fortunate to live in a town with curbside recycling, including all plastics numbered 1-7, I thought I was pretty well covered with this. I had been putting out chunks of the fluffy white stuff, as well as (clean) styrofoam containers marked #6 without much thought. However, a quick glance at my town's recycling website has confirmed that I have only been adding to the landfill... not the solution.

Apparently the #6 products my town recycles are the hard plastics like disposable cutlery, plastic models, CD and DVD cases, etc. However, FOAMED Polystyrene (Styrofoam is Dow Chemical's brand of Expanded or Extruded Polystyrene (EPS or XPS), which includes packing materials, insulation, foam drink cups and foam take home food containers MAY have the #6 recycling symbols and numbers on the bottom, however they are NOT eligible for most recycling programs.

What then to do with this ubiquitous material that takes up far too much space in our land fills and never biodegrades?

Currently there are not a lot of options.... but here are some thought starters:

Start paying attention to the role styrofoam plays in your life, and avoid it whenever possible. Bring your own insulated, reusable cups for coffee, ask for restaurant leftovers to be wrapped in foil, and do not buy products (mostly meat) at the supermarket packaged on foam trays.

Bring packaging peanuts to your local UPS store, or find someone who sells on ebay! They will thank you for it!

For larger items, see if you can find a styrofoam recycler in your area at: www.epspackaging.org/pdf/Drop%20Off%20Recycling%20Locations.pdfYou might just be lucky enough to live in an area where styrofoam recycling is happening.

Become a community activist! Most areas do not have styrofoam recyclers in their area, as recycling this product is not particularly economical unless large quantities are available. Find a waste company willing to recycle larger quantities and create a community event like the one I was invited to. Or even better, get your municipality involved, and work towards having styrofoam collection as part of a town wide program.

And don’t forget the all important role of telling others about this issue! The first key to making change is making people aware that there’s a problem to begin with.

Thanks in advance for adding your voice to the call.

Here’s to a greener earth for all...

Top 5 Reasons Why Cast Iron Is The Greenest Choice For Non-Stick Cooking

Greenopolis — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:21:20 +0000

Greenopolisusername:

Sebrina Smith

twitterusername:

LiteGreen

Dependable, that’s what cast iron is. It will last for centuries if properly cared for, and it has a natural non-stick surface that’s eco-friendly.

When I was a bride, my Granny gave me two of her cast iron skillets. A tiny, 6 inch one for making cornbread for two; and a 12 inch skillet for everything else. She told me all I’d ever need to be a good cook was those two skillets, a sauce pan, a stock pot and a casserole dish. And in a pinch, she said, I didn’t really even need the casserole.

Cast iron has been around for hundreds of years. Before fancy teflon cookware was even a notion, cast iron was the standard for good cooks everywhere. Dependable, that’s what cast iron is. It will last for centuries if properly cared for, and it has a natural non-stick surface that’s eco-friendly. You can bake a pan of cornbread, scramble some eggs, make your favorite vegetarian black bean chili or sear a perfect steak. Cast iron cookware is the definition of all-purpose.

If you don’t already have a cast iron skillet, here are a few reasons to go to your nearest resale shop or garage sale and begin looking for one. You won’t regret it.

Top 5 Reasons Why Cast Iron Cookware Is So Green...

Cast iron is naturally non-stick. Properly seasoned (see below) nothing will stick to it. Cast iron eliminates the need for the costly, toxic chemicals used to create the non-stick surfaces in modern cookware.

Eco-easy clean up. All cast iron cookware requires for clean up is hot water and a stiff brush, so you avoid any harmful chemicals in detergent or solvents.

Cast iron can take the heat. It can withstand much hotter temperatures and will distribute the heat more evenly than traditional cookware. And since it holds heat well, you can use less energy to cook. Plus it’s perfect for outdoor cooking. Just remember that cast iron gets hot. so use an oven mitt when handling a hot pan.

It’s a great upcycling opportunity. Don’t ever worry about buying a cast iron skillet or other cast iron cooking vessel—like a dutch oven—from a resale shop or garage sale. Even if it looks rusty and dirty, it can be cleaned and re-seasoned and continue on cooking, forever.

It’s good for you. Cast iron cookware leaches small amounts of iron into food, so you get a little extra iron each time you use it. Almost anyone, especially women in their child bearing years, will benefit from this.

How To Properly Season Cast Iron Cookware

First, wash your cast iron cookware. This is the only time you will need soap to clean it, but you want to be sure you remove any dust or dirt. If you have a brand new cast iron piece, you will need to do this to remove the wax coating that is on it to keep it from rusting until it’s seasoned.

Coat your piece in some type of oil. Cast iron has a porous surface. The seasoning process will fill and smooth the surface to make it non-stick. Some type of oil is used to facilitate this process. I use Crisco vegetable shortening. Traditionalists would use lard. You can use plain old cooking oil, too, but you will get better results with Crisco. You want to coat the entire cooking surface with the shortening. Don’t glob it on, but every nook and cranny should have a nice, medium layer of shortening. Use about as much as you would use to coat a cake pan for baking.

Bake it in the oven. Next, you just pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees and put your cast iron pan in for an hour or so. After heating, turn off the oven and let it cool completely while still in the oven. Then it’s ready to go!

Heating the cookware creates the oxidation that prevents rust and makes the surface non-stick. Some cast iron users advocate heating the pan slightly before applying the Crisco to ensure that the pan is completely dry and to open the pores of the pan before seasoning. Not a bad idea, but remember cast iron gets HOT. Use oven mitts.

Newly seasoned cast iron will take on a dark brown coating. After long use, it will become glossy black. The non-stick properties of the pan will increase with time and use, so use your cast iron often. Remember, seasoning is a process. Even though cast iron can be used immediately after the first seasoning, your cookware will get better and better over time.

How do I re-season a used cast iron piece? If you buy a cast iron piece second hand, the process is still basically the same to re-season it, with one exception. First wash it in hot soapy water, as above. Then I put it in my oven on the highest setting (or on the self-cleaning setting if you have one) and let it bake for a few hours without any oil or shortening. This will remove any rust and the old seasoning. Let it cool, then follow the steps above to re-season.

Caring For Your Cast Iron Cookware

After each use, clean your piece with very hot water and scrub with a stiff brush to remove any particles left behind. Don’t use soap, it will remove the seasoning. After you scrub the pan, give it a light coating with some Crisco or vegetable oil and store it in the oven. Why? Because the oven will have less moisture, this will help keep your cast iron from ever rusting. Plus, each time you use your oven is an opportunity to further season your pan. Even if you take your cast iron pan out while using your oven, give it a light coating of shortening before putting it back in the warm oven. Especially if it’s a new piece, this will help develop the seasoning further.

I have treasured those skillets Granny gave me, and I’ve added to my collection over the years. A dutch oven in 1989 and a griddle just last year. At a garage sale in Los Angeles about 15 years ago, I bought a giant, deep skillet that turned out to be called a Texas skillet. (An omen, I guess since I live in Texas now. ) I love my cast iron cookware. I’m guessing you will, too.

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Ten Stories You May Have Missed This Week

Greenopolis — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:45:01 +0000

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Once again, it was another great week of stories on Greenopolis:

The Awesome Alpaca and Why It's So Eco-Friendly
This South American cousin to the llama is one of the most eco-friendly animals in the world.
Harley Davidson Motorcycle Company: Recycling Motorcycling?
Harley-Davidson is one of the most recognized brands in the world. The Harley bar and shield logo has been an American Icon for over 100 years.
100% Recycled Plastic Furniture
Rotomoulded furniture is designed to conserve energy and materials.
DIY iPhone/iPod Dock Using Old Business Cards
When I'm working and my iPhone isn't on the dock, I usually have it laying on the table or desk next to me. When the phone rings or a message comes through I need to pick it up to check. By putting it on a stand, the screen is in full view at all times.
Calling All Musicians...It's Time to Write Recycling Songs
"Perhaps it is music that will save the world."—Pablo Casals
Listen up John Mayer, Colbie Caillat and U2. It’s time for you to take up the recycling anthem and promote the hell out of it. I’m serious. Why aren’t there more songs about recycling?
Picking Up What Your Pooch Put Down
Dog poop. It is everywhere. Well, not everywhere, but it manages to pop up wherever you’ve got poo-ches. (Punners, beware: This post is full of landmines!)
Landfill Creates Fuel For Garbage Trucks
The Altamont Landfill in Livermore, CA is the Model of the Future. After nearly a decade of development, the largest landfill gas to liquefied natural gas plant is open! It's taking place at Altamont Landfill in sunny Livermore, California.
Recycled Enviro-Tote Bags
Known as the E-Tote line, these different types of recycled bags come in colors like white, black and hunter green. You can also get them personalized in a variety of styles, including a messenger bag, grocery bag, lunch bag, litter bag or jumbo tote!
Spin The Barrel–Making a Rotating Barrel Composter
Today’s waste- to- resource project is a tumbling barrel composter that we’re going to make out of one of those cool Greek olive barrels we used to make a rain barrel back in the summer.
Beer Made From Lake Eerie
Great Lakes Beer, the socially, financially and environmentally friendly beer.

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I Fixing Too

Greenopolis — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:21:21 +0000

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bobferris

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There is an old movie that I remember from Saturday morning re-runs where Fess Parker is teaching a young French immigrant to the American frontier his own special version of English. The lesson focuses on conjugating the verb “fixing” as in I am fixing to and she is fixing to. I was thinking about that film moment recently when dealing with a wimpy watch band. I could have thrown this offending strap away, but a little black electrical tape and it was fixed. This made me think about how things had changed and how they should probably change back.

When I was young my family’s means were on the modest side. We certainly were not poor, but we were absolutely dollar conscious. And we did not engage in the reflex buying so typical of today’s families. If things were worn we patched and if they were broken they migrated to my father’s work bench where they were either fixed or cannibalized to add to the cultch pile for the fixing of other things. Flashlights fouled by leaking batteries were cleaned and sanded until they worked again and not thrown away. Our dress shoes were resoled and cardboard sometimes kept socks from scrapping the pavement when thinness transmuted into see-through. I even remember working with my dad to fix a bad heating element on a dead toaster with a bent hair clip and I made a couple of emergency gasket replacements with paper bags. We made do, as they said.

My point in all of this is that we had a different relationship with the stuff we owned. We valued our stuff enough to take time to fix it and we made sure that we kept our own appliance junkyard to help us in the process. Granted a lot of the solid state electronics we now own would stop us from this, but there is also a knowledge gap, because we were also products of a Heathkit, model building, sewing, gardening, and canning culture that valued knowing how things worked and being connected with the items in our lives. Perhaps economic and environmental pressures will help us flip back to this fixing culture and away from our culture of trash.

6 Ways To Teach Your Kids About Conservation

Greenopolis — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:00:36 +0000

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Sebrina Smith

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litegreen

Riding bikes, nature hikes and outdoor picnics are all opportunities to teach about conservation and have a little fun.

For adults, it’s pretty easy to understand the concept of conservation. Frugality goes hand-in-hand with conservation, and it usually takes only one really high electric or water bill to get the idea that what you do impacts what you have (or have left.)

Kids learn the most from the good examples set for them by others. But they may still need some help to understand that there is a good reason to turn the water off when you brush your teeth.

By teaching our kids about protecting and managing our natural resources, we encourage them to be good custodians of their own future. By teaching basic conservation ideas, our kids will be able to protect not only their future, but the future of the next generation as well.

Top 6 Ways To Teach Kids About Conservation

Make It Fun. Riding bikes, nature hikes and outdoor picnics are all opportunities to teach about conservation and have a little fun. Talk about how riding your bike to the park instead of driving saves fuel and other non-renewable resources. During a long walk or nature hike, talk to your kids about animals and plant life and the different ways we can protect and nurture them. A picnic is an opportunity to teach about eating sustainable food sources and the importance of picking up litter.

Set a good example. If your kids see you put conservation in action, they’ll be more likely to do it, too. Talk with your children about what recycling means, and show your kids how to recycle. Find some recycling facts at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/recycle.htm

Or check out Recycle City for kids K-5.

Teach your kids about “creative reuse” or what we grownups would call upcycling. Encouraging kids to be creative and artistic when finding ways to reuse an item will make it fun. Turn lights off when you leave the room. Your kids will follow your example.

Encourage empathy. For instance, talk to your kids about water conservation. We here in the U.S. are so very blessed to have an unlimited supply of clean, available water. But other countries are not so fortunate. Talk to your kids about why it’s important to conserve water. Ask them to read about other countries, like Africa, where clean water is scarce. Encourage them to think about how it would feel not to be able to turn on the tap and get a glass of water.

Get involved. And encourage your kids to get involved. Help them set up a recycling center at their school. Help them have a garage sale and donate the proceeds to the local animal shelter. Tap into whatever your child is interested in and support them as they work toward that cause. Explain to them why you participate in the causes you support. There may even by opportunities for you to volunteer together. By participating together in community events that promote conservation, you help your child see the value of his contribution, and how it does make a difference.

Talk about responsibility. You don’t want to scare your kids of course, but it’s still important to talk to them about the idea that they will be responsible for what happens in the future. Encourage them to act responsibly and do the right thing by taking care of the planet.

Repeat as necessary. Kids attention span is short. So you may have to repeat the message over and over. Just do it. The earth will thank you, and so will your kids, eventually.

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Do You Need It?

Greenopolis — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:16:43 +0000

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by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

What many people tend to perceive as needs are in fact nothing but wants and it is that that leads us into consumerism frenzy.

Would you buy the fancy car, house or whatever if there was no one around to look at it?

Is it something we really want or is it just another part of the image we present to the world?

I am sure that you would not and neither would anyone else. Most of the stuff that we buy thinking we need a new car, a new computer, a new this or that, is only something of one-upmanship; to have a newer this or that than our peers, our neighbors, etc. and thereby appearing superior to them.

I well understand to buy a “new” car, or computer, or what-have-you, if the old is broken and/no longer works but just because there is a new one around and even if you have the money to do so is futile.

So much that we, or at least the great majority of us, perceive as needs are, as said, not needs at all but pure wants and many of those are simply vanity as well.

Does anyone really need the latest i-Phone or general cell phone, the latest Blackberry device, simply because it is a new one that has a few more bells and whistles on that you haven't needed before and never missed? I sincerely doubt it.

But that is what marketing and advertising are trying to present to us. Namely that if you have not got the latest version then you are no in with the crowd. So what?

Does one really have to be in with the crowd as far as a cell phone is concerned or such? I don't think so. To me the cell phone is a telephonic communications devices for receiving and making voice calls (and the occasional SMS) and not more.

I do not need it to access the Web, my emails or watch the TV on it. Why should I?

I also do not need to be on the thing every minute of the day as some people seem to be – mostly for show they do. Before the cell phone we did not act about like that either so why now.

Mail waited till we got into the office (or home) and phone calls in the main too until we were in reach of a telephone, whether office, home, hotel, or booth.

Seriously, we do not need all those new devices. Make do with what you have got as long as it does the job properly and be content.

Show me the Money!

Greenopolis — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:55:39 +0000

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TwoGirlsGoGreen

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Wachovia/Wells Fargo gives its ATMs a green makeover.

Perhaps for the first time in a long time [maybe...ever?] companies are starting to recognize the importance of their environmental departments. From big drastic changes involving building renovations to small modifications like switching product brands, companies around the world are acting.

Take for example, Wachovia/Wells Fargo's newest line of ATM machines. At first I was thinking to myself, how can an ATM machine really be green unless it's running off solar energy or something like that. So I decided to do some more investigation. Right away, I realized that these ATMs do much more than the machines that I use. In addition to doling out cash, and accepting both check and cash deposits, these Wachovia/Wells Fargo ATMs also sell postage stamps. Handy, but what makes these guys green? The machines do it all without envelopes! I can't really wrap my head around the technology behind it, perhaps some sort of scanning mechanism, but the ATMs have already "saved more than 225 tons of paper or more than 4,000 trees," according to the WTOC in Savannah. The Georgian city recently experienced an ATM town makeover when all of its standard ATMs were transformed into green ones.

It was probably an expensive upfront cost to change over the ATM machines, but in the end, it will most likely end up saving the company lots of money by eliminating paper and labor costs. Plus, most importantly, it's helping out on the environment in an area where the bank can have an impact.

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Pitt Brothers Donate Money to Green Drury University’s Sports Arena

Greenopolis — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:47:43 +0000

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Trish Smith

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Brad and his younger brother Doug help a Missouri University Go Green

We told you how eco-conscious actor Brad Pitt was with our blog post titled Brad Pitt’s Curious Case for Building Green Homes, but apparently the “pit” doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to family values.

Picture courtesy of UK’s Now Magazine

Brad Pitt and his younger brother Doug recently donated $600,000 to Drury University, a beautiful liberal arts college located in the heart of Springfield, Missouri. The school, which is surrounded by streams, rivers and lakes, has supported sustainability since it was built in 1873, and it has taken pride in its ability to keep its natural surroundings alive with wildlife and filled with outdoor activities for students.

The Pitt brothers joined the university’s efforts to make its new sports arena eco-friendly and LEED certified by donating their own money. This money would help the arena go green by:

* Creating low-flow water fixtures, which would reduce the university’s water consumption.
* Dedicating an entire area in the arena for recycling.
* Building a solar-reflective roof.

Although $600,000 is no chump change, the brothers Pitt knew that donating the money would be a great investment for the Drury students and the rest of the planet.

But don’t worry; the brothers do get something out of this, beside the title of eco-heroes. The new stadium will officially be named the William A. Pitt Court, in recognition of their father, and that will be something that lives on forever…kind of like the crazy image of Brad in the film Twelve Monkeys.

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Logan Airport: Fly the Greener Skies

Greenopolis — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:38 +0000

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World’s first airport terminal to be LEED certified by the Green Building Council.

I dislike flying out of Logan International Airport in Boston. It’s 90 miles from my home, and the traffic coming in from the west can be murder. Whenever possible, I like to fly out of Bradley Field near Hartford, which is only 60 miles away with little traffic. But sometimes the fares are so much lower or the schedule so much better, that I make the trip onto Logan. Now I’ve got one more reason to fly out of Boston when I need to fly. Logan is one of the “greenest” airports going.

Logan’s been around since 1923, when it was called Boston Airport and is one of the 20 busiest airports in the USA, with over 26 million passengers a year. That’s a lot of facilities use and waste generated. Logan’s been moving forward on both fronts.

Delta passengers flying through Logan’s Terminal A enjoy the distinction of using one of the most energy and resource efficient terminals in the country. Terminal A is the world’s first airport terminal to be LEED certified by the Green Building Council. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

To combat the accelerated “heat island” effect and storm water runoff issues typically caused by paved surfaces on runways, parking lots and large roof areas, Terminal A features a roofing membrane and paving designed to reflect away heat from the building and special storm water filtration devices to remove suspended solids and phosphorous.

Some of the building’s other sustainable features include water-efficient plumbing and irrigation; extensive "daylighting"- the use of natural daylight instead of having the lights on in the daytime - and high-insulation glass; energy-efficient electric lighting; construction waste recycling; and the use of recycled, local materials. 10 percent of all materials in the building came from recycled sources and 75 percent of construction waste was reused, recycled or otherwise diverted from area landfills.

Photo: Karen Marlene Larsen

Terminal A is comprised of two structures: a 362,000-square-foot main terminal and a 284,000-square-foot satellite concourse, connected by an underground pedestrian moving walkway. That’s a lotta green building.

Boston Logan is the first airport in the nation to use an environmentally friendlier pavement for its runways. 18 percent of the new “warm mix’’ asphalt is made from recycled content. This resulted in the reduction of nearly 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide, the savings of about 200,000 gallons of diesel fuel, and produced an energy savings of about 26.4 billion BTUs in a recent repaving. Logan will use this same formula to pave Runway 9/27 later in 2009 and will continue to use this innovative pavement for future projects

Massport, the public agency that runs Logan, is also purchasing renewable energy credits so that by the end of calendar year 2009, all of the electricity the Authority uses for its operations will be offset through the purchase of those credits. This will allow the operations of the Authority to be carbon neutral.

Photo: j and k mansfield

Logan also features a strong recycling partnership with Delta Air Lines. Delta participates in the airport’s in-terminal recycling program and has added Logan to its roster of airports for in-flight recycling. That includes recycling paper, plastic and aluminum on all its flights landing at Boston Logan. Delta will take advantage of the airport’s single-stream recycling dumpsters that take all recyclable paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, and glass. US Airways is also recycling paper on flights that terminate at Logan.

Greener travel can be as simple as choosing the right airport. 30 percent of passengers and employees arrive at Logan by subway, boat, or bus, giving Logan one of the highest public transit use rankings by any airport in the country. Ok, if I planned ahead, I could drive to the outermost light rail station - about halfway to Logan, and ride the “T” to the airport, avoiding that traffic, fuel costs and car miles. See, I’m changing my ways already.

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Turkey Talk with comedian BJ Honkey Lange

Greenopolis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:38:52 +0000

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REVOLUTIONist

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BJ Lange’s love for entertaining has earned him great acclaim from audiences world-wide. BJ began his career as a “stunt-boy” on the nationally syndicated Steve & DC Radio Network. The sensational street stunts he performed for the morning show even caught the attention of The Dr. Phil Show; BJ appeared as a guest in 2003.

After spending a few years in the theatre and radio industries, BJ crossed into mainstream film and television with an emphasis on live performance and hosting. In 2004, BJ collaborated with JohnsonDiversey at the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention to act as a spokesmodel performing in edutainment videos. Months later, the US Army selected BJ to perform in its international convention event in Heidelberg, Germany. And, throughout 2005-2007 audiences went wild for BJ’s outrageous personality when he hosted multiple MTV cross-country event tours!

Multiple marketing agencies also acknowledged BJ’s phenomenal character acting skills when their execs chose him to perform as the outgoing, fun-loving, privateer, Captain Morgan. BJ has also performed in commercials, voice-overs, dinner theatre, and improv comedy sketches. Additionally, his talents include modeling, as well as DJing. Currently, BJ is hosting The World Series of Video Games, Presented by Intel.

BJ believes acting can be a powerful agent for change and inspiration, and often instructs youth improv and drama workshops. He has trained over 500 performers worldwide. He has worked with renowned performers, acting coaches, and industry experts. He continues to seek opportunities to study and perform with some of the best in the industry. He is now the host of the upcoming ABC Family special 25 Days of Christmas, Bryant Park.

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Overturn the Bird

Tool Use Program Part 1: Swap Shop

Greenopolis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:31:40 +0000

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Randy Brown

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Manufacturing organizations have a significant indirect expense associated with tool and equipment purchases. Indirect costs are costs such as hand tools, handling equipment, and material racks which are required to manufacture a product but not consumed during the manufacturing process. Material consumed during the manufacturing process is applied as direct costs. Indirect costs become part of the overhead expenses and have an impact on the bottom line profitability of a product line and organization.

Each year challenges are placed on controlling, reducing, and finding creative alternatives to reduce indirect costs and raising margins and product profitability. Too often cost is cut without a plan and as a result there is an impact on the morale of the direct labor population. When people are unable to get the tools and equipment they desire or need to do their job they become frustrated and angry. This can lead to the use of the wrong tools, shortcuts to handling material and ultimately the risk of impacting employee safety or product quality.

A solution and means of reducing indirect cost without leaving people with the tools and equipment they need to do their job is the idea of a swap shop. Setting up a simple excel spreadsheet that has 3 tabs... one containing a list of things that people are no longer using and want to get rid of; one containing a list of things needed; and one containing a list of completed transactions. The completed transactions will be used simply for tracking and reporting and a way to build momentum and excitement for the effort. Monitoring the list, matchmaking needs and availability, and sharing it in a convenient public forum will create exchanges that help the organization avoid additional purchases for items it already has on hand.

Why would someone put something on the list? Possible reasons include: a 5S effort; a Kaizen event; a clean up initiative; the end of a product line; the need to free up floor space. Additional benefit from adding items to the list is the ability to avoid discarding functional and useable equipment to the landfill.

I can say this approach has helped to save tens of thousands of dollars in a small manufacturing operation in just its first year of use. It is building momentum. And it is helping to avoid sending a significant amount of material to the landfill.

Give it a try, communicate it throughout the organization, and recognize the swaps that are made along the way.

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Stick with what you got

Greenopolis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:36:23 +0000

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Veshengro

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Why replace if it works and works just fine?

by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

The latest phone in pink titanium. The latest laptop that's 2mm thinner. Peer pressure and ad pressure means that you think that you are incomplete unless you buy those new gadgets as and when the hit the market.

The trouble is that surplus consumption leads to surplus production and CO2 so far better if you can stick with what you got - and be happy. Such surplus consumption also leads to additional waste and more things to go into landfill sites, for, let's face it, not everything does get recycled as it should.

You do not need the latest PC, cell phone, MP3 player, if what you have got works and performs well. PCs don't have to have the latest windows software either and if Windows support is gone use Linux, such as the Ubuntu Linux.

While having said that about computers I have to say that I did “upgrade” to a new laptop about a year ago but that was because my workhorse PC was getting rather wobbly (Windows XP with not enough memory) and because I needed to transfer data immediately without messing around it had to be a new laptop.

I am not happy with Windows Vista though at all. It freezes up much like the old ME used to do and can be a real pain. Unfortunately, the laptop would have cost an additional load of money had I asked for XP to be installed instead of Vista.

I have another old PC workhorse that is running on Ubuntu Linux and a rather old version but needs a wireless card before it is any use online, for instance.

On the other hand I am trying to make use of things that are older though and am, in general, quite happy to do so.

I am still using a 1980's bicycle I got nearly 7 years ago and am currently building – when I have some time – a new single speed job for short rides from an old frame and bits and pieces found abandoned in the parks. And by golly do we find a lot of abandoned bikes; or at least we did until recently.

Some older tools, for instance, and things, are also built to last and hence, if looked after a little, will outlast anything that you can buy new today, with one or two exceptions.

As and where I can I also upcycle waste in order to achieve things that I need and want and do not have to go out and buy this way.

Why go and buy, for instance, glass storage jars for the kitchen when they come free with stuff you buy at the grocery store, such as glass jars for this or that.

It would be a waste of money to buy those storage jars – and they sure are not cheap most of the time – when I can get the same use and basically the same effect by employing empty glass jars that had Dill Pickles or what-have-you in them. Helps both my pocketbook and the environment.

The same is true if you can make do with what you have rather than going out and buying new and then having to find a way of disposing of the old item as well.

Godfather of British Pop-Art Creates Recycled Tin Plate Artwork

Greenopolis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:59:26 +0000

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Trish Smith

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TheGreenGroove

The creator of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Album Cover Goes Green

Maybe you’ve heard of a British band called The Beatles. And maybe you’ve seen the psychedelic cover of their amazing album titled Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. And maybe, just maybe, you’ve thought of who had the artistic genius to create such an amazing cover for one of the most popular bands in the world.

Well, look no further, because the artist’s name is Sir Peter Blake, and he’s still making art that is transforming the way we view pop culture. Along with designing cover art work for other British bands like Oasis and The Who, Sir Peter Blake has also been following his own artistic endeavors to support “a culture of sustainability” and “zero waste” by creating recycled tin pop art with a green message.

Sir Peter Blake launched two limited-edition pop art pieces made on 56% recycled tin plates last week at the National Recycling Awards 2009 in Park Lane, London. These iconic pieces feature colorful images of hearts, stars and rainbows with the sayings “I Love Recycling” and “I Love London” on them.

Check them out:

Partnering with the amazing company Urban Remade, which we mentioned in our post London is Calling for Recycled Train and Bus Seat Shoes, he is now selling them for everyone to enjoy (or at least to the first 5,000 people that are lucky enough to buy them before they sell out).

Despite being made from tinplate metal waste that was recovered from British landfills, they definitely look like treasures to me!

I love the fact that Sir Peter Blake is still going strong with his iconic pop culture pieces of art, and he’s still rolling with the times as the world turns to sustainable solutions. Like Paul McCartney said in his song on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, it looks like Sir Peter Blake is only “Getting Better.”

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