Guest Post - The Leading Air Pollution Controls

With the recent news that air pollution is now considered to be a leading cause of lung cancer, there is a growing emphasis on the need for stringent controls and measures that curb the potential impact of carbon emissions. The issue facing small business owners, however, is that few of them have an understanding of these measures or quite how important they are in the current environmental climate. Without this fundamental basis of knowledge, however, you may run the risk of failing in terms of compliance and providing a safe working environment to employees.

The Most Effective Air Pollution Controls

With this in mind, it is worth considering the most effective air pollution control and the reasons for their widespread appeal. Consider the following: -

• Hazardous Waste Flue Cleaning Systems:

  Construction and manufacturing plants will often have waste flue pipes and conduits, and these are a leading contributor to the global release of harmful emissions. Therefore, ensuring that these systems are thoroughly and regularly cleaned is one of the most important air pollution controls, especially if it is undertaken correctly and by a reputable industry professional such as ERG Air Pollution Control. Using techniques such as high temperature quenching and scrubbing, this method will reduce the amount of harmful emissions that your business is responsible for.



• The Removal of Particles in High Volume Gas Flows:

  In power and nuclear plants, harmful materials and substances are particularly prominent. These particles can be especially damaging when they are released through high volume gas flows, as this maximises their volume and the level of harmful emissions that your business produces on an annual basis. To negate the threat of high volume gas flows, you should ensure that variable throat venturi scrubbers are used to remove all particles effectively and completely without fail.



• Managing and Removing Soluble Contamination:

  While harmful gas emissions are a key contributor to air pollution, you should not underestimate the damage that can be caused by soluble or liquid materials. Your approach to the management and removal of soluble contamination is therefore critical, and this often requires the use of wet chemicals scrubbers and solutions to ensure an effective outcome. These materials and items of equipment can be used for various unique applications, but once again it is important to solicit the guidance of industry experts prior to taking direct action.

Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW) - Random Acts Of Green

Welcome to Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW)!

Wondering how to live greener? You've come to the right place. Each week we challenge ourselves to try a new task ... or "amp up" something we're already doing. We raise our awareness, learn from each other and develop Eco-friendly skills which will improve our lives and protect our planet. Doing so together gives us power ... the power to Change The World!

If this is your first visit, please click HERE for information and a complete list of all the challenges we've taken on so far.

This post contains great information and I encourage you to read through it at your leisure ... however, if you are short on time, you might find the following quick links helpful:

• The #CTWW Gang
• The Honor Society
• My Final Thoughts on Our Last Challenge
• This Week's Challenge

Last week we focused on food safety; specifically, eliminating BPA from our lives. This harmful chemical is used to line food and beverage cans, shows up in almost any plastic which holds foods or beverages, and has even been found in baby bottles. It has been linked to cancer (especially breast and prostate cancers), heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, brain tumors, and issues concerning fetal/infant brain development. While the "experts" say that there is "minimal concern" with the use of BPA, I would rather not take any chances. So, in my house, we avoid canned foods and anything which comes in clear plastic. We use reusable water bottles, opt for frozen vegetables over canned (when fresh isn't an option or when we've run out of our own preserved vegetables), and generally avoid processed foods.

The Honor Society are those people who help us spread the "green" word by writing an article about our challenges and/or leaving pertinent comments.

Lois wrote Change the World Wednesday, Chemicals and shares some interesting (disturbing) information. Buying food in glass jars does not completely eliminate BPA because it's used in the lids. She also talks about receipts ... did you know that they contain BPA?

Argentum Vulgaris (AV) shares a lot of information in Change the World Wednesday – 23 Oct. For example, did you know that some companies are removing BPA from their products, replacing it with BPS? It turns out that BPS is worse than BPA. AV also talks about cookware and offers a warning about the use of aluminum pans.

The Nurtured Beauty Daily gave CTWW a nice mention. That edition includes other interesting topics like how to make a cozy pair of slippers or socks from an old sweater, and how to use lemon to brighten laundry.

Aimee accepted the challenge and says, "Done! Eden (organic) cans have BPA-free lining so I support them when I buy black beans :) And props to Whole Foods who now ask their customers if they even want a receipt - I just hope more folks continue to move to "Square" type services where you can have receipts emailed to you if desired on those purchases where you do want proof of purchase!"

Katie did an audit of her pantry and came up with a strategy to eliminate BPA. Her post, Reduce BPA Exposure from Food Packages [#CTWW], includes a table of items, which typically come in cans, along with safer alternatives. Be sure to read her "side story" ... I LOVE it!

Our Twitter friends joined the conversation and shared the following:

From @SoulfulLab
- I try to use my juicer pulp in my sauces for less waste and no pre made bpa canned food!

From @GiveTreeGifts
- Study ties chemical to possible miscarriage risk ow.ly/q627u
- Canned foods, plastic containers & receipts all increase risk of miscarriage... ow.ly/q62e2
- BPA Leads to Miscarriages: Tips to Avoid #BPA Exposure : ow.ly/q62oa

From @RobPolka
- BPA isn't even my main concern. There's also the energy used to make/distribute/recycle cans that makes no sense.

The #CTWW Gang are those folks who tweet our challenges using the hashtag #CTWW. If you're a Twitter member, I recommend following them ... they share great things. Let's meet them:

@89linz	@adventuresof8	@allnaturalkatie
@anitaadamsnc	@beatepdx	@bethsegreen
@biculturalmama	@biggreenpen	@bobbiskozyktchn
@cellomomoncars	@cleansediva	@clothaddicts
@collegegogreen	@conservationm	@counselorholley
@crazedmom	@dehelen	@delysia_choc
@deniseodwyer	@dusdifissette	@eatdrink_better
@ecoexpert1	@ecothrifty	@esssc7
@evelynmccpeters	@getme2mosselbay	@ginavalley
@givetreegifts	@greeningwestfor	@greenwithrenvy
@groovygreenlivi	@guayaba	@healthyhomemag
@herbgir1972	@hismerecry	@imprintpdx
@ionpowergroup	@jenniharris4	@jennkessw
@jiggywonderland	@jnjgogreen	@johannamcook
@joyochs	@kayelleallen	@kriswetherbee
@krmbalclothing	@laalicia	@ladyjcmuses
@leighanneramsey	@lifelovemusic1	@littlegreenblog
@mamapoolecooks	@marjoriemcatee	@mike_printeco
@mom2tle	@momgamerwriter	@mommacuisine
@nathansvoice	@nebulousmooch	@nicmanuel
@nolafusion	@nurturedbeauty	@officialcwerner
@ourfavadventure	@rckweddings	@realityarts
@rtrecipe	@rulesofgreen	@sayitrahshay
@shannongrissom	@smallbits	@soulfullab
@spafloating	@squishablebaby	@theworld4realz
@treesgroup	@turningclockbac	@useventphotos
@veggiebeet	@wencdj	@whopaysthepiper
@yfnjman	@zenfarmz

My Final Thoughts:

One wonders how these "bad" things enter our life ... how a potentially harmful chemical can be approved by the Food & Drug Administration or deemed a minimal risk by experts. The sad truth is that our health and safety aren't always high priorities. Any number of hidden agendas can take precedence. It is up to us, therefore, to search for the truth ... to stay informed so that we can make good decisions. We owe it to ourselves ... and the environment.

Thanks, everyone! If you wrote an article, I Stumbled, Tweeted, Facebooked and posted it on Google +. You can help spread the "green" word by using the share features located below this post.

This Week's Challenge:

I was searching the Internet for something fun and interesting to challenge you with and came across a very old post about random acts of green. I like the idea of allowing our generous spirits to soar. Here's the challenge:

This week, perform a random act of green. Similar to a random act of kindness, the idea is to help the planet by looking for Eco-friendly opportunities which may present themselves as you go through your day. This could be picking up trash while you walk or helping an elderly neighbor bring their recycling bin to the curb for pickup. Maybe you turn off a light which was left on, offer to carpool to save gas, or share local produce with a friend. Perhaps buy a reusable bag or bottle for someone or invite a neighbor to share a vegan meal. The possibilities are endless!

Are you up for this challenge? I know that you are!

Until next time ...

WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!

Meet & Greet Monday (#MtaGt) - Eco Passport

Welcome to Meet & Greet Monday, a regular series designed to grow our green community.

Banner by Art Ist

Grab our banner for your site:<br /> <a href="http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/p/meet-greet.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="A link-up for green blogs on Reduce Footprints Blog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkes4Ye110zbirkxMV6FAevl_7ymkBSWTCsXC7Li1_Vqm5HuIZkn81pN-CFX8iYJkLxAnDNccMjfHmFEMX8Hy8kFjkepmewEnRhBII4indKyexo3L1n6QDC0YrS0jY5Jy94ZyCLUx-_sg/s220/meet--and-greet-003-1000.jpg"/></a></a>
The rules:

1. Use the link-up tool below to share your green-living blog or collection of environmental posts.
2. Visit at least one other blog and/or the featured site and leave a pertinent comment.
3. The link-up closes on Thursday at 6:00 pm (EDT).
4. Random.org determines the featured site each week.

Our featured blog, Eco Passport, is relatively new. Associated with the social media management company of the same name, it focuses on green living by sharing the founder's life experiences. Father of 3 boys, Robert Polka shares things like how he canned four bushels of tomatoes and why, how to kill a cold with a raw vegan carrot soup, and how to nourish your tomato plants with leftover coffee. His posts are "quirky" and often start with a surprising, grab-your-attention paragraph. For example, in a post entitled Birthday Planetary Death Brigade the reader is encouraged to "undermine all these hippie do gooder tree hugging freaks who want to save the planet." ... WHAT?? Once he's got you "hooked" with that line, he goes on to offer terrific Eco-friendly ways to host a children's birthday party. Robert's commitment to the environment comes through, loud and clear, in his writing. Eco Passport promises to be a fine blog with a lot to offer. Keep your eye on this one, folks!

For previous features & blogs, check out the Meet & Greet Page: http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/p/meet-greet.html.

Our link-up is live. Please list your blog, visit and have fun!

PLEASE NOTE ... we're accepting links from blogs this week ... stay tuned as this will change from time to time.

Guest Post - Eco-friendly Tips for Travelling Across Europe

Its culture, art and history makes Europe a fantastic region to travel through. Not only does it attract tourists from the US and Canada, but Europeans themselves will often travel through the region exploring the many different traditions and cultures it has to offer. The fact that there are so many countries with such different traditions and characters compacted into a small region makes this an exciting and interesting part of the world to discover.

Another great thing about travelling through Europe is that it is one of the most Eco-friendly regions in which to travel. If you are planning a trip to Europe soon here are some Eco-friendly tips that will help to reduce your carbon footprint:

Transport

Of course there is no getting away from the fact that if you’re travelling from the US or Canada you’re going to have to fly to get to Europe, but once you are there you will be able to use much more Eco-friendly forms of transport. Trains are a great way to travel, as they allow you to see parts of countries that you would never see any other way, plus they are great for the environment. Europe has a brilliant rail network, which spans across the entire region and connects the majority of the major cities and countries.

When you’re at your location try and use local transport instead of hiring cars and taxis. Cities like London and Paris have a bike scheme that enables you to rent bikes and leave them at any of the many docking stations around the cities. As well as this, the majority of the major cities have efficient underground train systems that are cheap, safe and convenient to use.

Accommodation

Many European countries have Eco-friendly hotels and lodges that make it easy for environmentally-conscious travellers to lower their carbon emissions. If you are on a tight budget and travelling in summer consider camping, as there are many campsites throughout Europe that offer fantastic facilities and which are safe to stay at. Self-catering is another popular option, as it means you can bring your Eco-friendly home habits with you while you travel.

Eating and drinking

Many European countries are famous for their cuisine and as such eating out in countries like France, Italy and Spain is part of the experience of visiting these places. Saying this, constantly eating out is not only bad for your waistline and wallet, but also for the environment. Instead consider buying local foods at markets and picnicking, or when you do eat out try and choose small, family-run cafes and restaurants where the food is usually locally sourced and the owners are more conscious of wasting electricity and water.

Constantly buying plastic water bottles is another huge environmental mistake many travellers make. In many, especially western, European countries water from the tap is safe to drink so instead of continuously buying water simply fill up your water bottles. A bit of online research before you leave will let you know which countries this is safe to do so in.

Respect the local environment

Remember that one of the best Eco-friendly practices you can do when travelling is to respect the local environment. Whether you’re hiking through the Alps or taking in the history in Rome remember to keep all your waste with you until you can throw it away. Also recycling is common in many European countries, so try and make sure you dispose of waste in the right bins.

Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger

Image courtesy of Magali M. / Flicker

Also posted at Green Living Thursdays and Small Footprint Fridays

Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW) - BPA

Welcome to Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW)!

Wondering how to live greener? You've come to the right place. Each week we challenge ourselves to try a new task ... or "amp up" something we're already doing. We raise our awareness, learn from each other and develop Eco-friendly skills which will improve our lives and protect our planet. Doing so together gives us power ... the power to Change The World!

If this is your first visit, please click HERE for information and a complete list of all the challenges we've taken on so far.

This post contains great information and I encourage you to read through it at your leisure ... however, if you are short on time, you might find the following quick links helpful:

• The #CTWW Gang
• The Honor Society
• My Final Thoughts on Our Last Challenge
• This Week's Challenge

We've had two unique challenges over the last couple of weeks. During the first week, we prepared and ate a vegan meal. I've been vegan for awhile so that one was easy. But it did remind me that living green is often about small changes; in this case, switching just one meal from animal-based foods to plant-based foods. Some people shared recipes and tips ... check them out:


Week two asked that we consider human rights in terms of the environment. I thought about our right to fresh air, clean water and safe food ... and how not everyone in the world enjoys those rights. I thought about the right to provide for our families and how people in the rain forest often must choose between the environment or food on their table. I also thought about being a citizen of the earth and whether that, in itself, gives us the right to determine how land is used. The topic is complex but got me thinking about the environment in a different way.

The Honor Society are those people who help us spread the "green" word by writing an article about our challenges and/or leaving pertinent comments.

CelloMom shared this, "Try Elana's Pantry for a collection of great recipes: all gluten free, many vegan, all very good for you. http://www.elanaspantry.com/ Seasonal idea: try a simple kale soup (kale, onions, garlic, salt & pepper, blended to a pleasing smoothness), poured over slices of butter-sauté'd apples and pecans arranged artistically on the bottom of the soup bowl."

Argentum Vulgaris accepted our vegan meal challenge and enjoyed Gnocchi with a homemade tomato and herb sauce. Mmm! Change the World Wednesday – 9th Oct includes an update on his little red chillies. He also wrote a very thoughtful post on health and our right to know what's in our food ... you can read that HERE.

Doesn't Vegan Black Bean and Squash Chili sound good? That recipe and several CTWW posts were included in this edition of McBride’s Organic Farm Daily. Several more delicious recipes, and CTWW, showed up HERE.

The Sustainable Education Initiative included a CTWW post ... was it yours? This EDITION gave CTWW a nice mention.

I tweeted about one of your posts and Tweets for Good picked it up.

Welcome back to Sarah ... and CONGRATULATIONS on your marriage!! Sarah says, "Hello again! I used to frequent CTWW but fell away, but I am back! I love the weekly challenges, they make them so manageable! If you haven't, you should check out Project Green Challenge - it is a month long challenge similar to CTWW for high school and college students. I participated in it two years ago and was a finalist. I am evaluating how my changes have lasted on my brand new blog: http://mylifeasaprovowife.blogspot.com/" By the way, Sarah, I tried to visit your new blog but couldn't get in. :-(

Katie shared a recipe for Red Curry Vegetables with Basil ... oh yum!

On the day that Lois wrote this POST, she had a pumpkin pudding in the crock pot (pumpkin from her garden, tofu and pumpkin spices). She also shared several of her favorite vegan recipes from around the web. My Sisters Pantry (http://mysisterspantry.wordpress.com/) is her "go to" site for delicious inspiration. In Change the World Wednesday, Blog Action Day she talks about education ... it's a thoughtful post on the idea of teaching kids to be good stewards of the earth.

Aimee (aka EcoGrrl) accepted the challenge. She says, "Done - and actually I made today 100% vegan & GF with the "Rogue Oatmeal" and almond-hemp milk hot cocoa from Prasad (http://www.prasadcuisine.com/#!menu/c24tf) and then for lunch had the "Black Market Hash" at Radio Room (http://www.radioroompdx.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2013_Main_Menu_Web.pdf). Tonight I'm having the last of my batch of kale & white bean soup for dinner - YUM! (Included menu links so you can see the cool stuff they offer and how many PDX places code for vegan, veg, and GF) :) " Portland continues to impress!!

@HerbGir1972 offered this edition of Greening it Forward ‘Daily’ for CTWW ... there's information about herbs, vitamins and maintaining a healthy "gut". She also gave us a nice mention in TEAM ESS. And finally, @HerbGirl972 included CTWW in Sunflowers & Edibles.

Mrs. Green took on the vegan challenge and whipped up a delicious lunch of veggies, chick peas, tomatoes, rice and avocado. Read Mrs Green eats a vegan lunch for more about that and a link to her recipe for kale and pea soup. She also wrote Can a minimalist and a hoarder live in harmony?, an interesting article about respect, compromise and de-cluttering.

Alicia accepted the vegan challenge. In her words, "This one is really easy for us since we pretty much eat vegan most of the time.One of our favorites is vegan Lasagna with a great salad on the side with homemade Italian dressing. I make this dressing using the herbs from our herb garden. I have recently discovered an awesome Vegan "cheese" sauce made from soaked raw cashews, nutritional yeast and lemon juice and spices. You will think it is actual cheese sauce. It really does taste that good. We love having it over broccoli and cauliflower. I also found a vegan recipe for raw almond joy bars this week. Made them yesterday and they are so good!! My husband said that they tasted just like the Almond Joy bars from the store but even better! It really isn't hard at all to have awesome Vegan meals, salads and desserts. Most everyone that eats the foods we prepare love it and ask for the recipes. I am getting ready to do a blog post on some of the recipes that have been a big hit at our house lately."

If you're looking for excellent vegan recipes, check out Cooking #Vegan. Raw Carrot Soup ... Mizuna, Quinoa and Pear Salad ... Blackberry Coconut Bars ... oh yeah!

Melanie shares a modified version of Yellow Curry in Change the World Wednesday- Vegan Recipes. She also shares several of her favorite recipes from around the web and points out that while they might not be written as vegan, they can be easily transformed to vegan.

Kaye wrote a very thoughtful post for Blog Action day entitled Human rights and the environment – do trees have rights?. It's an interesting idea; one worth considering. What do you think?

James stopped by and says, "Great stuff! I'm pretty appreciative that you're posting these on a weekly basis!" Thanks, James ... I appreciate your comment!

ArtisansintheAndes joined us and shares, "I am taking part in blog action day! See http://www.theearthfriendlyfamily.com/consumers-responsible-ethical-fashion/ Thanks for your encouragement!" It's a wonderful post on ethical fashion and consumers' responsibility.

Are you familiar with Malala Yousafzai? She stood up for the right of girls to go to school in Pakistan and was shot by the Taliban regime. In Education is a Human Right, Cat offers us a video ... a poignant account of Malala's story and the importance of education.

What about our right to clean air ... and our responsibility to make it happen? That's what Lisa writes about in 10 Steps to Cleaner Air.

Our Twitter friends joined the conversation and shared the following:

From @VeganBeat
- Love this idea of making the world a better place with everyday choices. The world is what you make it, eh?

From @KrmbalClothing
- good one this week, we've been consciously trying to cut down on dairy in our meals at home for a bit now
- but we don't have any strict rules - it feels easier to make the change then :)

From @GiveTreeGifts
- One of our favorite fall vegan meals is spaghetti squash with a lovely homemade, meatless tomato sauce
- It can be dangerous to cut in half raw, so instead I now make tiny incisions with a knife & roast it whole then cut - safer
- Last night, our vegan meal was stir fry with veggies from the farmer's market, served with organic brown rice #CTWW
- TLC Cooking "10 Vegan Recipes for Fall" ow.ly/pE4mW
- Hearty Fall Vegetarian Recipes - Hearty Vegetarian Recipes for Fall ow.ly/pE4rm
- 41 Easy Vegetarian Recipes ow.ly/pE4DF
- Top 10 Health Benefits of Eating Kale ow.ly/pE4Xp I include Kale in my daily "green" nutri bullet shakes & I feel awesome!
- We've definitely changed R thinking about eating veggies for breakfast. It's amazing how gr8 you feel. Satisfied & energized
- United Nations Mandate on Human Rights and the Environment http://t.co/GpX0cDRhvH #CTWW
- What is the Human Right to A Safe and Healthy Environment? http://t.co/9GfIm1jYu5
- World Food Day: October 16, 2013 - Join #Oxfam and Host a Meal http://t.co/CtxvofBISs

From @rulesofgreen
- #CTWW my walk with a purpose; we volunteered for an elderly home and took them for a walk around the block today pic.twitter.com/cvdcwl3G57

From @ArtisansAndes
- Make my pumpkin puree from scratch rather than using canned, processed, shipped goods

From @LindaAckman
- instead of spraying TOXIN'S in your house for freshness, Sprinkle carpets with baking soda ~ pour another coffee ~ vacuum!

From @CelloMomOnCars
- The season of mellow fruitfulness: Vat of pasta sauce, tomatoes from the CSA. Vegan.

From @HerbGir1972
- Our #CTWW goal this week #Vegan Meals for 7 days. if you do something 10 times in a row it becomes habit #Hope

From @allnaturalkatie
- OPEN YOUR EYES! Interesting view of the industrial food system. http://t.co/tCm2nfXDsz @allnaturalkatie #CTWW
- Wordless Wednesday: #Rotten #Fruit http://t.co/jnDTHbjnXO #CTWW @allnaturalkatie #compost #gardening #kitchen #food #waste

The #CTWW Gang are those folks who tweet our challenges using the hashtag #CTWW. If you're a Twitter member, I recommend following them ... they share great things. Let's meet them:

@89linz	@_lyal_	@a_kiasi
@adventuresof8	@ahthesimplelife	@allnaturalkatie
@anitaadamsnc	@authors_secret	@beatepdx
@bethsegreen	@biculturalmama	@biggreenpen
@blueovenbakery	@bobbiskozyktchn	@bot_de_guayaba
@cellomomoncars	@cleansediva	@clothaddicts
@clubcontent	@collegegogreen	@conservationm
@counselorholley	@crazedmom	@dehelen
@deniseodwyer	@dusdifissette	@eco_novice
@ecoexpert1	@ecopassport	@ecothrifty
@esssc7	@evelynmccpeters	@familyfocusblog
@foodtoglow	@frederickbrooke	@ginavalley
@givetreegifts	@gogreenbeans	@grailville
@greeneral	@greenwithrenvy	@groovygreenlivi
@guayaba	@h2cm	@healthfulmama
@healthyhomemag	@herbgir1972	@hismerecry
@insignifblog	@ionpowergroup	@ithoughtiknewma
@jaemacjustsayin	@jbjourneys	@jenniharris4
@kanelstrand	@krmbalclothing	@laalicia
@ladyjcmuses	@leslieveg	@lifeohm
@littlegreenblog	@lorcadamon	@mamapoolecooks
@marjoriemcatee	@mcbridesorganic	@mike_printeco
@mom2tle	@mommacuisine	@mommyladyclub
@nathansvoice	@nebulousmooch	@nicmanuel
@nolafusion	@officialcwerner	@ourfavadventure
@rckweddings	@realityarts	@reginaryerson
@robertlaird80	@robpolka	@rtrecipe
@rulesofgreen	@ruralmoms	@sayitrahshay
@sevenpoint2	@sgenziuk	@shannongrissom
@smallbits	@soulfullab	@spafloating
@squishablebaby	@starcreations	@tammycurry
@theworld4realz	@treesgroup	@tsmp_blogguide
@turningclockbac	@useventphotos	@veganbeat
@veggiebeet	@veggiebuzz	@violetsbuds
@wencdj	@whopaysthepiper	@wrenmeyers
@zenfarmz

My Final Thoughts:

I'm going to focus my final thoughts on human rights and the environment. I take a lot for granted ... when I turn on the faucet, I get clean drinkable water. When I walk outside I breathe clean air. In the supermarket, I expect to find organic food which is safe and free from chemicals ... I also expect our farmer's market to be full of produce grown by local farmers. I take for granted that there are public spaces available for my enjoyment and that I can experience all that nature offers us. I can, and do, actively work to protect my home, the earth. Are these things my right? I believe that they are ... that they are the rights of any citizen of the earth. But they aren't freely given ... we must fight for them. That, too, is our right.

Thanks, everyone! If you wrote an article, I Stumbled, Tweeted, Facebooked and posted it on Google +. You can help spread the "green" word by using the share features located below this post.

This Week's Challenge:

This week's challenge is inspired by 5 Ways BPA Affects Your Health (And How to Avoid it), an informative post about this toxin and its affects on our health. Here's your challenge:

This week ban BPA from your life. Need some ideas? Avoid canned foods, including prepared soups, vegetables, sauces, soda and beer. Don’t microwave polycarbonate plastic food containers. Say no to printed receipts; they contain BPA.

OR ...

If you live in a country which bans BPA (Canada and Europe both ban this toxin), then please consider other ways to ensure food safety in your home. For example, defrost food in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature (which encourages the growth of harmful bacteria). Take a look at your pots and pans and make plans to replace any, which may leach chemicals into your food, with safe cookware like cast iron or stainless steel (here's a hint ... any coated pans or "non stick" varieties are unsafe). Avoid packaged, pre-cut produce which may be washed in a solution containing chlorine.

This week we're tackling food safety. Are you with me?

Until next time ...

WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!

Guest Post - What Can the Middle East Teach Us About Sustainability?

When one thinks about urban development in the Middle East, sustainability may not be the first idea that springs to mind. But recent reports show that, as a matter of fact, the Middle East is actually leading the way when it comes to implementing sustainable practices.

Disparate Attitudes

This news has come as a surprise to many, particularly in light of the disparate attitudes towards promoting sustainability which are held by Middle East and Western governments. The British government, for example, introduced a tax which made it exponentially more expensive to purchase landfill space in the UK. In addition, there are many more resources available, from companies such as Mark Group, for homeowners who want to shore up the sustainability of their homes. By contrast, there have historically been significantly fewer financial incentives provided in the Middle East for the development of green buildings.

International Findings

Nonetheless, the findings of a major international study which was recently commissioned by the UN Global Compact has shown that, when it comes to sustainability, the Middle East is actually ahead of the global game. In particular, Qatar is shaping up to be an international player on the sustainability stage, with strong investment in circular economy and incentive driven green developments at the forefront of urban policy.

Increased Trade Benefits Sustainable Development

It certainly helps that certain Middle Eastern regions have been benefitting from increased trade, which follows a slump caused by the global financial recession. Increased spending has meant that there is more consumer interest in shopping locations which had previously been overlooked. The famous Mall of the Emirates, for example, is one of the only shopping centres in the world to be in receipt of a prestigious LEED gold award.

Recognising Demand

Perhaps at the heart of the Middle East’s sustainable overhaul is a government and developer-driven recognition of the need to understand the requirements of people at both local and regional levels. To uphold this ethos, commercial standards were first implemented in government buildings before being applied elsewhere. In addition, water and electricity costs are heavily subsidised throughout many Middle Eastern markets, and government sponsored initiatives to reduce carbon emissions are being introduced across the UAE.

So, what can we learn from the Middle East about sustainability? Their greatest successes seem to stem from paying close attention to the needs and requirements of people, consumers and businesses at a local level. Communication, as ever, seems to be at the heart of success.

Meet & Greet Monday (#MtaGt) - CelloMom on Cars

Welcome to Meet & Greet Monday, a regular series designed to grow our green community.

Banner by Art Ist

Grab our banner for your site:<br /> <a href="http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/p/meet-greet.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="A link-up for green blogs on Reduce Footprints Blog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkes4Ye110zbirkxMV6FAevl_7ymkBSWTCsXC7Li1_Vqm5HuIZkn81pN-CFX8iYJkLxAnDNccMjfHmFEMX8Hy8kFjkepmewEnRhBII4indKyexo3L1n6QDC0YrS0jY5Jy94ZyCLUx-_sg/s220/meet--and-greet-003-1000.jpg"/></a></a>
The rules:

1. Use the link-up tool below to share your green-living blog or collection of environmental posts.
2. Visit at least one other blog and/or the featured site and leave a pertinent comment.
3. The link-up closes on Thursday at 6:00 pm (EDT).
4. Random.org determines the featured site each week.

CelloMom on Cars, a terrific blog, has been featured on Meet & Greet before (find that feature HERE). So, rather than give you a synopsis of the site, I'll share a few new things which I found on my last visit. In the sidebar I found these words "October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This post in memory of my mom." The link leads to one of the most informative posts on breast cancer that I've ever read. It includes facts ... things like how environmental factors are more important than genetic predisposition ... and things like common weed killers and pesticides, plastic additives or by-products, ingredients in spray paints and paint removers, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used extensively in the manufacture of food packaging, medical products, appliances, cars, toys, credit cards, and rainwear are all linked to breast cancer. The post goes on to suggest ways to reduce our risk. Men, don't ignore the post thinking it's just for women ... breast cancer is not gender specific. Another recent post asks readers to think back to the hottest day they can remember ... and goes on to explore the possibility of those days happening frequently. If you've ever been confused by the scientific terminology related to climate change, then you'll love Radiative Forcing and Global Warming Potential, a post which breaks down the words and makes them understandable. As with all of CelloMom's posts, these articles open our eyes. She helps us see the situation in new ways and by doing so, prompts us to act. CelloMom on Cars continues to be one of my favorite sites. Check it out ... and I think it will become one of your favorites as well!

For previous features & blogs, check out the Meet & Greet Page: http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/p/meet-greet.html.

Our link-up is live. Please list your blog, visit and have fun!

PLEASE NOTE ... we're accepting links from blogs this week ... stay tuned as this will change from time to time.

Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW) - Blog Action Day (#BAD13)

Welcome to Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW)!

Wondering how to live greener? You've come to the right place. Each week we challenge ourselves to try a new task ... or "amp up" something we're already doing. We raise our awareness, learn from each other and develop Eco-friendly skills which will improve our lives and protect our planet. Doing so together gives us power ... the power to Change The World!

If this is your first visit, please click HERE for information and a complete list of all the challenges we've taken on so far.

I'm a bit under the weather this week so won't be doing a wrap up. Instead, let's jump right into this week's challenge. Stay tuned because next week I'll be back with two weeks of comments and posts.

This Week's Challenge:

Today is Blog Action Day. The theme this year is Human Rights. Each participating blog is asked to consider the theme as it relates to the focus of their blog. Here's your challenge ...

This week please consider human rights as it relates to the environment. A good place to start is by reading The Human Right to A Safe and Healthy Environment.

THEN ...

Leave a comment below or write a post discussing our environmental rights, whether or not they are being realized and how we, as individuals, can help maintain or realize them.

I'm looking forward to the discussion.

Until next time ...

WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!

Meet & Greet Monday (#MtaGt) - Go Green Academy

Welcome to Meet & Greet Monday, a regular series designed to grow our green community.

Banner by Art Ist

Grab our banner for your site:<br /> <a href="http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/p/meet-greet.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="A link-up for green blogs on Reduce Footprints Blog" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkes4Ye110zbirkxMV6FAevl_7ymkBSWTCsXC7Li1_Vqm5HuIZkn81pN-CFX8iYJkLxAnDNccMjfHmFEMX8Hy8kFjkepmewEnRhBII4indKyexo3L1n6QDC0YrS0jY5Jy94ZyCLUx-_sg/s220/meet--and-greet-003-1000.jpg"/></a></a>
The rules:

1. Use the link-up tool below to share your green-living blog or collection of environmental posts.
2. Visit at least one other blog and/or the featured site and leave a pertinent comment.
3. The link-up closes on Thursday at 6:00 pm (EDT).
4. Random.org determines the featured site each week.

This week's featured blog is one of my favorites: Go Green Academy. The first word that comes to my mind about this site is "Professional". The clean design and organized layout elicits a feeling of competence and lets me know that I'll find the information that I need. Mauro, a registered Professional Engineer and a LEED® accredited professional, owns and authors the site. With such credentials, one might expect to find articles that are technical and hard to read. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each well-written post is interesting and easy to understand. For example, in an article entitled Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy readers learn about two ways to install a solar system: 1) going completely off the grid or 2) staying tied to the main grid with an integrated system. It goes on to discuss Efficiency vs. Aesthetics and even offers a customized return on investment ... great information for anyone considering solar. Under the category Green Buildings, you'll find topics such as blown-in insulation, dual-flush toilets and vertical gardens in the work place. The category Lighting includes great information on all things lighting ... light bulbs, solar powered garden lights, LED stair lighting and even battery-powered LED lights. In addition to informative articles, Mauro shares some calculators with readers ... handy tools to determine energy costs associated with lighting, the refrigerator and solar. Whether you are interested in living green at home or in the office, Go Green Academy has something for you.

For previous features & blogs, check out the Meet & Greet Page: http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/p/meet-greet.html.

Our link-up is live. Please list your blog, visit and have fun!

PLEASE NOTE ... we're accepting links from blogs this week ... stay tuned as this will change from time to time.

Review - Sustainable Disposable Products by Eco-Products

I don't like single-use, disposable products and avoid them. That said, I also know that there are times when a reusable product isn't realistic.

For example, hosting a party, picnic or dinner for a large organization or business would mean buying reusable plates, utensils, glasses, etc. That would be expensive and then there's the problem of washing and storing the items.

Reusable plates and glasses, which are usually breakable, are not safe for pool parties. Sure, one can buy plastic products but plastic has problems of it's own.

Let's say you're hosting a family wedding, anniversary celebration or retirement party. Again, it might not be practical to supply reusable items.

While I'd love to live in a world devoid of disposables, the fact is that our society regularly uses them. Unless you stay at home and never venture out into the public sphere, you've probably been given a disposable item ... straws, carry-out boxes, napkins, etc.

Yes we avoid them ... yes we encourage others to avoid them ... we even contact stores and restaurants asking them to discontinue their use. But maybe we're looking at this in the wrong way. Maybe we need to investigate a disposable product made from earth-friendly, safe and sustainable materials ... a product which, after serving its purpose, can be composted.

The folks at Eco-Products are doing exactly that. They offer cups, cutlery, containers, plates, etc., made from renewable sugarcane (the GreenStripe product line) and products made from post-consumer recycled content (the BlueStripe line). They also offer other services like waste diversion consulting where they help clients make their business or event more sustainable.

The GreenStripe products are made from renewable plant materials, not petroleum. They are compostable in commercial facilities ... it's not recommended that they be composted in backyard bins because personal compost piles cannot generate enough heat to efficiently breakdown these products.

Products in the BlueStripe line can be recycled in most communities, with the exception of the hot cups which aren't recyclable.

At this point you might be thinking that they are better than traditional disposable products but still ... not perfect. You're right and Eco-Products understands that. They are committed to continually searching for new ways to make both their business practices and products more planet-friendly. Visit their Impact Assessment Page to read about how their products impact the environment. If you're interested in how their business (headquartered in Boulder, Colorado) impacts the environment, you'll find that informatiion HERE.

So now that you know who they are and what they sell, let's talk about product quality.

I received a box of samples which included just about everything they make.

The plates and bowls are sturdy and come in sizes to meet every need. I loaded them up with raw vegetables, juicy fruits and even used one as a cutting board. These are not your average paper plates ... they held up well.

The cups and containers also performed well ... no leaks, comfortable to hold and they come in various sizes.

The cutlery is strong ... I was able to cut vegetables and fruits with the knives.

While I still encourage you to avoid single-use, disposable dinnerware and food containers, I believe that Eco-Products have a place in our world. If you are entertaining on a large scale, own a company or a restaurant, or require unbreakable, safe items, then these products might be for you. They are an earth-friendly option when "reusable" isn't appropriate.

Browse around the Eco-Products Store and let me know what you think.


I received samples from Eco-Products in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the material reviewed.

Posted at Small Footprint Fridays

Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW) - A #Vegan Meal

Welcome to Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW)!

Wondering how to live greener? You've come to the right place. Each week we challenge ourselves to try a new task ... or "amp up" something we're already doing. We raise our awareness, learn from each other and develop Eco-friendly skills which will improve our lives and protect our planet. Doing so together gives us power ... the power to Change The World!

If this is your first visit, please click HERE for information and a complete list of all the challenges we've taken on so far.

This post contains great information and I encourage you to read through it at your leisure ... however, if you are short on time, you might find the following quick links helpful:

• The #CTWW Gang
• The Honor Society
• My Final Thoughts on Our Last Challenge
• This Week's Challenge

Last week we cleaned house. Why? Because, as we seal up doors and windows in preparation for the cold months ahead, we trap air inside our homes. If that air is toxic (containing dust, mold or chemicals from cleaning products and room deodorizers), then we have a problem; namely, putting our health in jeopardy with every breath we take. The "fix" is easy! We give our homes a thorough cleaning using safe, Eco-friendly cleansers.

The Honor Society are those people who help us spread the "green" word by writing an article about our challenges and/or leaving pertinent comments.

Amber got busy and tidied up her home. In Eco-friendly Ways to Scrub Your Home: #CTWW she offers tips for cleaning the sink, garbage disposal, walls and the bathtub. Each method uses cleansers made from natural ingredients ... items you probably have in your home.

This edition of Shopping Charity includes several CTWW mentions of your posts ... hop over to find out if yours was mentioned.

Argentum Vulgaris is heading into summer so his windows are always open, allowing fresh air to circulate. He offers another way to improve indoor air quality in Change the World Wednesday – 2nd Oct. Want a hint? Think green!

Lois was busy, last week, getting her home ready for the cold months. One of her tasks made an immediate difference. Change the World Wednesday; Autumn talks about her home improvements and the timing of her least favorite chore.

La Alicia, a dedicated CTWW Gang Member, jumped over from twitter this week and says "it's that time of year for a tidy up and checking to make sure the house is ready for the change of seasons! ;) Happy Wednesday!"

The Miljöbloggen Daily included our challenge this week. Other interesting content includes a video entitled Compassion in world farming and an article on how Australia has a chance to slow global warming down.

Change The World Wednesday got a headline spot in Tweets for Good. I also found posts entitled UK to help World Food Programme reach an extra 230,000 Syrian children, The Power of Words: How You Say "No" Matters and Loans that change lives.

Clare joined us and shares, My home could certainly do with a Spring Clean, but it's not going to get it this week, I'm afraid. The summer rains are starting so it's time to clean the gutters and roofs of dead leaves etc, and spray coconut oil and vinegar to discourage spiders (they grow big here and I'm terrified!). Still, at least I don't need to check seals on doors and windows - they're open all the time - but fridge seals are certainly important, and I need to replace the seal on my oven door - thanks for the reminder, and I wish everyone a great week! While I was visiting Clare, I found this post which adds to our conversation: 6 Ways to Avoid Formaldehyde in Your Home.

Was your article picked up in this edition of Sunflowers & Edibles? How about in this EDITION? Both of those papers include interesting posts and photos ... check them out!

I love McBride’s Organic Farm Daily which includes, among other things, CTWW and an article on the problems with pesticides?

Alicia has been having computer problems (as in ... her's died). But, she jumped on a borrowed laptop and dropped by to see us. She shares this: So glad to be back after a little bit of computer challenge the past several weeks. We have already started doing pre cold weather cleaning. We make all of our cleaners so everything is non toxic.We have been checking doors and windows for any leaks. Our back door is sort of the French kind that have windows on both sides of the door. I am looking for insulated curtains for them which I think is going to make a big difference. We have just started and there is so much more to get done before the cold weather gets here!

Most homeowners cringe when they hear the words "winterize your home". It means a lot of work and a lot of money ... right? Not necessarily! Lisa shows us just how easy and inexpensive it can be in Simple non-costly Ways to Winterize your Home. She shares some video tutorials to help us along.

Our Twitter friends joined the conversation and shared the following:

From @OfficialCWerner
- Here is my #ctww #CTWW progress! Going to pot these and put them in the kitchen this week! They are so happy! pic.twitter.com/1lnwWNuxtk

From @GiveTreeGifts
- 10 toxic hotspots in the home: How to get rid of toxins in each room of your house ow.ly/pqTKh
- 10 Ways to Detox Your Home ow.ly/pqTUZ
- Non-toxic Home Cleaning & Care ow.ly/pqU6P
- Non-Toxic Cleaners You Can Make at Home ow.ly/pqUgM
- Green Cleaning Recipes: Make your own non-toxic natural cleaners with these simple recipes ow.ly/pqUlx

From @dusdifissette
- "Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen." Horace Mann

From @HerbGir1972
- Doing Anything Especially Green this weekend? New Practices #CTWW Crew? A: #Oktoberfest support some local artisians & Farmers.
- We're going to try to change all our outer lighting to #solar (and times to save the battery life). #CutTheWires #CTWW
- Doing Anything Especially Green this weekend? New Practices #CTWW Crew? A: #Oktoberfest support some local artisians & Farmers.

From @KrmbalClothing
- Great links for what to do w old shoes #CTWW RT @downsizinghome: It's #MotivationMonday! http://downsizingthehome.wordpress.com/2013/09/26/where-have-all-your-shoes-gone/

From @GlobalIHN
- Learn more about the global burden of indoor air pollution http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjxoK2aVrq0&feature=youtu.be

The #CTWW Gang are those folks who tweet our challenges using the hashtag #CTWW. If you're a Twitter member, I recommend following them ... they share great things. Let's meet them:

@_lyal_	@a_kiasi	@aleamilham
@allnaturalkatie	@beatepdx	@biggreenpen
@bobbiskozyktchn	@burp_blog	@busyathome
@ccuisiniere	@cleansediva	@collegegogreen
@cravingslunatic	@crazykids6	@csrvastsverige
@diethood	@dusdifissette	@ecoexpert1
@ecopassport	@ecothrifty	@eddiegear
@esssc7	@evelynmccpeters	@ferrarokitchen
@ff2ffblog	@flouronmyface2	@foodiearmywife
@foodtoglow	@ginavalley	@givetreegifts
@globalihn	@gottagetbaked	@groovygreenlivi
@guayaba	@herbgir1972	@hezzid
@hismerecry	@inthekitchenkp	@jenkehl
@jenniharris4	@jnjgogreen	@julialittlebit
@kanelstrand	@kayelleallen	@krmbalclothing
@laalicia	@ladyjcmuses	@leslie_limon
@lorcadamon	@mamapoolecooks	@manusmenucom
@martindredmond	@mcbridesorganic	@messybakerblog
@mike_printeco	@miljobloggen	@millarjohn
@mom2tle	@mommacuisine	@mommyladyclub
@nicolehcook	@officialcwerner	@ourfavadventure
@pinkladyapril	@pooja_y_jain	@rckweddings
@realityarts	@redkathy	@reginaryerson
@robertlaird80	@rtrecipe	@rulesofgreen
@ruralmoms	@seetfei	@shannongrissom
@shoppingcharity	@smallbits	@sonisfood
@soulfullab	@squishablebaby	@srushton1
@ssunithi	@starcreations	@supperforasteal
@taranoland	@theworld4realz	@treesgroup
@tsmp_blogguide	@tumbleweedconte	@useventphotos
@varunner7	@vintagekitchen1	@violetsbuds
@wahmdiva	@whopaysthepiper	@wrenmeyers
@writelane	@zenfarmz

My Final Thoughts:

Cleaning our homes is a good idea ... it removes dust, dirt and other "stuff" which endangers the air we breathe. That said, we must also be conscientious about what we introduce into our homes, avoiding items which negate our hard work. For example, plastic shower curtains "off gas" harmful chemicals. Room deodorizers, like those plug-in varieties, spray a toxic mist into the air. Many commercial cleaning solutions pollute our air and our water systems. Avoid pollutants and clean ... it guarantees easy breathing this winter.

Thanks, everyone! If you wrote an article, I Stumbled, Tweeted, Facebooked and posted it on Google +. You can help spread the "green" word by using the share features located below this post.

This Week's Challenge:

Autumn always makes me think of food ... beautiful dishes made from the summer's harvest, holiday fare, comfort food. If you've followed me for any length of time, then you know that I believe our food choices are one of the easiest ways to live green, with plant-based foods being the most earth-friendly. Ready to eat? Here you go ...

This week prepare at least one vegan meal. Vegan means no animal products ... no chicken, pork, fish, beef ... not even milk, cheese, or eggs. I encourage you to consider whole foods and avoid processed items. If you're feeling ambitious, go for a whole day or even a week ... make a switch for a month and you'll be my hero!

WANT MORE? HERE YOU GO ...

If you've embraced this challenge, or have already made it a lifestyle, please share tips and ideas. Leave a comment on this post or use the link-up below to share vegan recipes and/or articles about incorporating plant-based foods into your diet. Posts can be your own or your favorites from around the blogosphere.

Are you ready to head into the kitchen? I know that you are!

Until next time ...

WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!