Last week we talked about the bugs that hang in your home and garden and the greenest alternatives to get rid of (or encourage) them to find someplace else to party. But we realize there is a much bigger picture to the problem of pests – a global picture that includes pollution, oil, food and the health of people, animals and the planet. Pesticides are a huge contributor to climate change and alternatives are slow in coming. Let’s hear what you have to say about pesticides and we’ll follow up shortly with our findings.
[more]I have bugs. Eeek!! What’s a greener alternative to harmful pesticides?
We love summer for the warm weather and lazy days but we may not love the little extra “friends” that tend to show up this time of year.
Bugs. Ugh.
Ants, flies, mosquitoes, spiders and uh…others, we may not want to mention, they are all part of our summer. So what’s the greenest way to “discourage” these warm weather visitors from hanging out in our homes and yards without using nasty chemical pesticides? Is there a non-toxic alternative to Raid? We want to hear your ideas, concerns and solutions. Please! Meanwhile, the Green Team will get to work doing some heavy lifting research, so be sure to check back in a few days.
[more]Indoor or Outdoor Air?
Spent anytime in a big city this summer? If you have, chances are you’ve participated in a muggy, smog-filled afternoon. The haze that sits on the horizon is a powerful visual, and reminds us of black exhaust belching from the tailpipes of old buses and smoke stacks spewing soot into the air and that’s about the time we panic and think, “I better get out of this stuff!”
[more]Gas or Charcoal?
Nothing says summer like a barbecue! Relaxing outdoors, sipping cool drinks, lounging by a pool or lake, all while enjoying the wafting smell of dinner on the grill. There are multiple arguments regarding the difference in taste and convenience between charcoal and gas but what about the environmental effects? Is one greener than the other?
[more]Independence Day!
Greening the 4th of July  sounds a little impossible doesn’t it? And sort of un-fun. So in a departure from our usual “What’s Greener?” format here on the Live Earth Blog, we’d like you to tell us about your independence - or your dependence! Keep reading and find out what we mean:
[more]Shade or a fan?
With the warm days of summer around the corner (or already here at our home base in Los Angeles) we’ve been wondering about the best ways you’ve found to keep cool. Have you found ways to keep your home cool without air conditioning? If you do use an air conditioner, what are the strategies you can use to minimize your energy use? Check back soon for tips from our green team, and share your own now!
[more]Father’s Day, or Mother’s Day?
Both of these holidays are a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the parents (and grandparents) in your life. Tell us about the recycled materials craft project you’re working on for your Mom or Dad, or the special breakfast you’ll be cooking using organic, local ingredients. Some of you may be looking for green gifts; we’d love to hear your suggestions for those, too. What are you planning for Father’s Day? We’ve added some Dad-specific ideas to our list of Mom ideas - check them out!
[more]Green Graduation?
As you get ready to celebrate the graduates in your life, why not make sure your graduation-related events are green? Have you seen any green components incorporated into your school’s graduation ceremonies? What are some good ideas on how to make graduation more eco-friendly? Has your school started recycling robes? Using organic flowers? Printing diplomas on recycled paper? Let us know! Read about how to green your graduation here!
[more]Mutual funds or certificates of deposit?
Is it possible to enjoy financial security, growth, and prosperity, and save the planet while you’re at it? There are more and more “green” investment options available…mutual funds, renewable energy company stocks, and growth in “green” venture capital. What has your experience been like with socially responsible investing? What have shareholder activists been able to accomplish? Tell us about the decisions you’ve made with your money…and read about Socially Responsible Investing in this post from our green team.
[more]Bricks and mortar… or your mouse?
So what’s a green shopper to do? Is it better to buy online and have a product shipped, or to patronize a local merchant or the closest big box store? Does the answer change depending on the product? If you can walk to make your local purchase, does that change the equation? What about buying in bulk? While the least we can do it avoid extra driving trips to the store, what else can we do to minimize the impact of buying things we need? Let us know how you shop green, and check back soon for some advice from the experts.
[more]Bamboo Part Two!
Last week we discussed bamboo as a building material. But there’s lots to say about bamboo - next week our discussion will be about bamboo fiber used for clothing, sheets, etc. Stay tuned and tell us whether you’re sleeping well under your bamboo bedclothes!
[more]To bamboo, or not bamboo? (part one)
…that is the question. Is bamboo the answer for your flooring needs? Does bamboo damage the environment? Tell us about how you’re using bamboo in and around your home - click here for a report back from our Green Team on building with bamboo.
[more]Spring Cleaning - What’s the Greener Solution?
What’s feasible for busy people who want their home to be clean AND green? Do you have time to make your own cleaning products? What are the best of the “green” brands? As we get ready for spring (and spring cleaning!) Share your green cleaning strategies here, and find great cleaning ideas from our Green Team!
[more]Beer or Wine? Get REALLY green beer and wine for your St. Patrick’s day festivities
St. Patrick’s day is often an opportunity to celebrate the Irish influence around the world. And the celebration often involves a drink or two - can you be green and also “green”? Tell us about your favorite organic wines and beers and read some information from our Green Team - Erin go Bragh!
[more]Chicken or Beef? Or Vegetarian? Or Vegan?
If you’re going to eat meat - are some options better than others? Where can you look for local, organic food? Is local always the right answer? Is is greener to be vegan than vegetarian? What other answers are you looking for from our green team about what’s on your plate? Check back soon for our responses - but in the mean time post your perspective - and your best recipes!
[more]Paint or Wallpaper?
Considering doing some spring upgrades at home? Trying to make the most ecologically sound choice for your new apartment? Tell us your ideas and strategies for climate-friendly home improvement ideas - and stay tuned for an update from our green team!
[more]Chocolate or Flowers?
Is green the new red? What are the best ways to express your love and minimize your Valentine’s Day carbon footprint? Tell us your favorite organic chocolate, where you found fair trade or organic flowers (hopefully at your local farmer’s market!), or your tips on making a Valentine from recycled materials. Share your ideas with our community here!
[more]Clinton or Obama? McCain or Romney?
As we get closer to primaries in more than 20 states on February 5th, we’re curious about who you think is the “greener” candidate. Who are you supporting in the primary election? Have the candidates’ positions on climate change, the Kyoto treaty, and their plans to increase energy efficiency or create green jobs changed your opinion? Is climate change a partisan issue? Tell us what you think, or find out more about each candidate’s position here.
[more]LCD or Plasma TVs?
At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas more people were talking about “green” electronics than at any time in the past, and more green electronics will be available in 2008. .. but if you’re considering buying a new television now, what should you look for? Click here and find out, or tell us your solution!
[more]Real or Artifical Christmas Tree? Tell us about your green holidays!
Post your comments about how to have a “green” holiday - what are the best options to get that wonderful pine scent and Christmas-y feeling and still be mindful of the environment? Is there an organic tree farm near you? What are your favorite “live” Xmas tree/ holiday decoration options? Have you found an environmentally friendly artificial tree or a menorah made from sustainably farmed wood?
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