zBoards… I just love these products from waybasics.com

Quoted from waybasics.com
zBoards are created through a patented, proprietary process that’s revolutionized paperboard manufacturing. Developing this process took more than 10 years, and it combines techniques of plywood craftsmanship, paperboard composition, and furniture manufacturing. It leads to extremely sturdy yet lightweight boards that hold up to plenty of use.

What are zBoards made of?

Glad you asked – we’re proud to say that zBoards are made from 99% post-consumer waste paper. That means recycled paper that’s already been used, so we’re not chopping down any more trees to create zBoards. Also, we’re saving the enormous amounts of water that are used to make virgin paper. Our purpose was to eliminate as much environmental impact as possible and create a sustainable product. When you’re done with your Way Basics furniture (after long, long use), you can recycle it again by simply putting it in your recycling bin. The remaining 1% of the non-post-consumer material we use is the veneer paper in which the zBoard edges are wrapped. This is also completely recyclable.

The only “down side” for me, there are no local locations to me so there is shipping which isn’t exactly green but I can offset in other ways, so the advantages of using these is greater than the shipping effects.

My daughter has them in her room in black (can’t include a pic of that since it’s all her stuff) but here are a few pictures of different products I’ve bought from them.

They’re so easy to assemble. Remove the “film” over the adhesive and put together.
Woola, you’re done! It’s that easy!
They’re versatile too.

I use one cube as an “end table” which as you can see has my books, etc. on/in it.

I use another by the front door for the kids to put their shoes (note most the shoes in this pic are my daughters–go figure! I own 2 pairs of shoes…both lower left…yoga sandles and sneakers!)
Note the LED light there. It has an automatic on/off light sensor so it goes on when it’s dark and off when it’s light out automatically. (pretty cool!) No more need to leave a light on so you can see when you come in your door! This works perfectly.

and we have lots of these shelves (and yes, lots of dvd’s too!)
Note: the warmer on the shelf, it’s great with water & essential oils in it!

We have others as well that hold all of my daughter’s books, etc. but can’t take a pic of that one right now either as it’s blocked by all the materials I’m using to build Edward a new rabbit house.

But you get the idea:
these are versatile
come in different colors & shapes
easy to assemble
and eco friendly!

You can get yours at WayBasics.com and the customer service ROCKS!
Irene and the others there are attentive to everything! First big company that I’ve ENJOYED purchasing from in a long time! They’re on phone and quick on emails too. Wonderful all the way around!

People are talking about tankless water heaters.
Facts: Instead of wasting power to keep 30 gallons (or whatever size your tank is) of water hot all day , tankless heaters only heat water when you need it.
They also take up much less space than your typical water heater.
For more information to determine if a tankless water heater is for you, read full article here.

I know many are confused as to which is greener…real tree or fake tree.
You can find one answer here.

UPDATE: You can visit thegreenparent.com for more information on eco friendly aspects of your christmas tree!

And if you decided to have an indoor Christmas tree, you’ll want to recycle it after the holidays. Some really good information on Earth 911 Treecycling, check it out.

You can also check with your local cities or towns to find out if they’re offering a tree recycling program after the holidays. Some cities will accept your trees and turn them to mulch to use in parks, etc.

We all know it’s common sense that downloading music is more eco friendly since we can easily play it on our computers, laptops, transfer to ipod, play ipod in car, etc. rather than spend money on CD’s that most likely will not be recycled nor their packaging.

According to TheAmericanConsumer.org “the positive environmental impact of buying online and finds that just downloading music has resulted in 6.5 billion fewer miles driven each year. Less driving benefits the environment. Specifically, we estimate that music downloads alone have spared the emission of 23.6 million tons of greenhouse gases in the last 10 years, and is likely to contribute another 9.8 million in the next ten years. Similarly, as consumers download software and videos, additional environmental benefits will occur. Furthermore, other benefits are realized throughout the supply chain from the avoidance of production and transportation costs associated with manufacturing and distribution of physical products.”

So as you can see by downloading music, it helps the environment in more ways than some may expect…most people don’t think about the driving factor when considering music.

Now, you’re probably asking how Yoga is related to the environment.
Simple…yoga can be an interrelationship between self-transformation and the preservation of our natural environment. Yoga can be done for self transformation, exercise or even to get closer to God (HolyYoga.net). No matter what your reason for practicing yoga is, it can relate to the environment, and the products and how it’s practiced can have an impact as well. It can connect you with nature and give you a better grasp on our environment and what is happening. Spending quiet time can help unify the body, mind and spirit which enables you to be healthier and live in harmony which are ecological benefits as well.

So, next time you want to drive to the store to buy a CD, stop and reflect on the effects that would have and instead download some music and enjoy some solitude and time to reflect.

When shopping, buying in bulk saves in multiple ways.

Cuts down on packaging since there’s one bulk package instead of multiple individually packaged items. This means you’re using less paper, cardboard, plastic and all the other over done packaging materials.

You drive back and forth to the store less often so you save there too.

Not to mention, buying bulk allows you to usually save money as well.

Heating water in your household accounts to close to 13% of your utility bill.
There are ways to reduce that:
Set your thermostat on the heater to about 130 degrees.
You could insulate your existing heater with heater blankets, insulate the pipes connecting to the heater as well.

Or invest in a tankless or solar water heater. Initially they cost more, but they save energy and will save you in the long run.
You may also be eligible for tax credits and rebates if you use a tankless or solar water heater.

In Hawaii they’ve instated a new regulation that new homes have to have solar water heaters, there are no exceptions now.
Wish the rest of the states would get with the program!