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A Green Smile

2011-10-21T20:36:29Z

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. So, we wanted to share some of our favorite green products that help you have an eco-friendly smile! One thing to keep in mind with all of these products is that using too much creates unnecessary waste. You only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste (not a huge glob like they use in the commercials).

"Clean Teeth" © Geraktv / Dreamstime.com

Tom's of Maine Toothpaste and Mouthwash - These natural products are made with the environment in mind and come in an array of great flavors. We really love their peppermint flavored Clean & Gentle fluoride toothpaste, which is sodium lauryl sulfate free.

Eco-DenT Gentle & Vegan Floss - You get 100 yards of this floss per package, making it quite economical. Its plastic-free packaging is recyclable and biodegradable and this floss contains 100% vegetable wax (no beeswax!).

Bambooya Toothbrush - We haven't tested out this product yet but we think it sounds pretty neat. This toothbrush lasts two years and is biodegradable. When you're finished with it, you can put it in your compost pile! The handle is made out of bamboo fibers and the bristles are made of boar's hair.

Acca Kappa Toothbrush from Anthropologie - This Italian luxury toothbrush only costs $5.50 and is entirely biodegradable! The bristles are a little hard though. So if you prefer a soft toothbrush, this may not be the one for you.

Green Halloween Decorations

2011-10-13T13:30:00Z

Fall is a busy time of year. So, while many of us enjoy celebrating and decorating for Halloween, we just don't have enough time to do everything ourselves. Buying recycled and reusable decorations is a great way to have a Green Halloween. So, for this week's tip, we found a few awesome green decorations that cost $20 or less and are available on Etsy!

1. Black & Orange Origami Star Garland - These 4.5' garlands are handmade using magazine paper and hemp cord. Each star measures 0.5" and adds a wonderful detailed accent to your festive atmosphere.

2. BOO Garland - Another handmade garland that will be a great addition to your reusable decorations. This one is made out of recycled cardboard and fabric remnants. We love this one because it is unique and stylish.

3. Black Cat & Raven Magnets - These decorative Halloween magnets are made out of soda cans! The intricate designs and lime green eyes make these a wonderfully spooky, eco-friendly decoration.

4. Personalized Treat Bags - Made out of recycled materials and totally customizable, these treat bags are sure to be a family favorite year after year!

5. Repurposed Book Art - Printed on pages from 1800's dictionaries, these unique art pieces might just find a spot on your wall all year long. We love the eerily romantic proposal skeletons!

For hundreds more Green Halloween decorations, costumes and other ideas, visit Etsy HERE.

Odd Item Recycling

2011-10-12T19:53:23Z

Depending on where you live, there are certain things that your curbside recycling program will not accept. Knowing what you can and cannot put into your blue recycling bin for regular collection is important. Here are a few options for eco-friendly disposal of those odd items that you can't place on your curb for collection.

Espresso Machines - That wedding gift that has been taking up space on your counter since it stopped working and the warranty ran out has many different parts that can be recycled but you don't have the time to disassemble it and figure out what to do with each individual part. Seattle Coffee Gear will take care of it for you. You have the option to recycle and/or trade-in your machine for credit. Don't live in Washington? No problem. Just fill out the request form HERE and they will email you an assessment of value and directions on how to proceed.

Lawn Mowers - Ecomowers teamed up with Earth911 to compile a list of locations across the US where you can bring your lawn mower to be recycled. Click HERE to find a place near you.

Shoes - While your slinky stilettos may be best suited for Good Will or eBay, there's not much hope for your abused sneakers and athletic shoes finding a new home. To recycle them, check out www.recycledrunners.com.

Batteries and Handheld Electronics - The iRecycle Kit from Battery Solutions is an easy solution for recycling your batteries and handheld electronics. Just request a kit HERE and all you have to do is fill the box and send it back. Everything is included in the cost of the kit, including pre-paid shipping once you've filled your kit with your spent batteries.

Furniture - The best way to recycle your furniture is to donate it. Charities like Habitat for Humanity and Vietnam Veterans of America will even come to your house and pick up your furniture when you donate it! They also accept clothing, appliances and other items.

Have other odd items? The best place to start is www.freecycle.org. Even if no one may be able to use your item as-is, there is a good possibility that someone could use its parts.

Teatulia - a Land, a Tea, a Philosophy

2011-10-07T16:59:33Z

Pure, fresh taste, sustainability and social responsibility, these are the pillars of Teatulia. At Global Green Property Services, we love products that are not only good for us, but good for the world. Teatulia teas are just that.

Grown in a single location in Teatulia, Bangladesh, Teatulia teas are not subject to long-term warehouse storage. Teatulia produces some of the freshest USDA certified organic tea in the world and you truly can taste the difference. Check out this video and see the garden for yourself!

All of Teatulia's packaging is eco-friendly. The pyramid bags and individual wrappers are biodegradable, canisters are compostable, labels are printed on recycled paper using water based inks and display chests are made of reclaimed wood. If that isn't enough, every time you purchase Teatulia teas, you help fund revolutionary social efforts in Bangladesh. From education and health programs to cattle-lending, Teatulia strives to take the best care of the community surrounding their garden.

Our favorite part is still the taste. Try it for yourself! Teatulia teas can be purchased online at www.teatulia.com or click here to find a store near you that sells Teatulia.

Image courtesy of Teatulia

Green Halloween - Pumpkins

2011-10-06T18:42:51Z

It just wouldn't be Halloween without pumpkins. For this week's Green Halloween Tip, we decided to compile a list of ways to use every part of your pumpkin. Being eco-friendly means cutting back on waste and pumpkins are just too delicious to not make the most of them!

Pumpkin Seeds - Roasted pumpkin seeds are an easy to make and healthy snack but if you're not a fan of them, saving your seeds is a great option. Even if you don't have room to grow pumpkins yourself, they make a great gift or can always be traded for other seeds in the spring. Just be sure to let them dry out completely before putting them into a bag or seed packet so that they don't get moldy. (Click here to learn more about Seed Swaps)

Pumpkin Guts - This part of the pumpkin is probably the most easy to overlook. While it's slimy texture can be great for occupying young children during pumpkin carving, its practical uses aren't quite as obvious. If you add a little food coloring to the mix and use your imagination, the guts can become a great addition to your decorations in the form of guts, brains, vomit and more. If you're planning a Halloween party with games, the pumpkin guts are an excellent option for a "guess what's in the box" type of game where guests must identify various substances or pretend body-parts by touch only. Finally, the guts can be used to make delicious breads!

Pumpkin Shell - There are countless recipes for this part of the pumpkin. From pie filling to breads and cookies there's something for everyone to enjoy. However, if your jack-o-lanterns are past the point of being an edible option, compost them. Make sure to break them down a bit before tossing them in. Smashing them can be stress relieving and fun before adding them into the compost pile!

Bringing Nature to Your Home or Office

2011-10-05T18:16:57Z

Boskke, derived from the Old English term 'bosky' (meaning small forest), is the name of one company that is revolutionizing indoor planting. With innovative, modern designs, Boskke offers indoor planting options that are the perfect marriage of vitality and style. No window sill? No problem!

Meet the Boskke Sky Planter Recycled, an easy to install, space-saving and chic indoor planter. Made of recycled polypropylene, these planters come in three sizes and can support a small orchid, large palms and everything in between. Imagine yourself walking through a small hanging garden in the middle of winter, conveniently located in your home or office…

image courtesy of Boskke

These planters were designed with a Slo-flo internal irrigation system that feeds water directly to the root of your plants, decreasing both dripping and evaporation. Each Boskke Sky Planter Recycled comes with a locking disc to secure the plant in place, ceiling hook, plastic plug, a float stick indicating water level and suspension wire. They are easy to water and range in price from just $14.95 to $34.95. Find your Boskke Sky Planter Recycled today at www.boskke.com!

Protect Yourself and the Environment

2011-10-04T13:30:00Z

Fire sprinklers save lives. You've probably heard this before. But did you know that they also help protect the environment? According to a 2010 research study conducted by FM Global and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, fire sprinklers can reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by burning buildings by up to 98%. Watch this video and see for yourself…

Global Green Property Services wants to help you stay protected. We proudly support and oversee fire sprinkler installations. We want to thank all firefighters across the nation for their tremendous bravery. We are deeply grateful for your service.

Show your local firefighters that you appreciate them by getting involved with the National Fire Protection Association's Fire Sprinkler Initiative (www.firesprinklerinitiative.org).

National Costume Swap Day

2011-09-30T18:12:51Z

According to greenhalloween.org, "swapping half the costumes kids wear (instead of throwing them away) at Halloween would reduce annual landfill waste by 6,250 tons, equal to the weight of 2500 midsize cars". So, we encourage you to challenge yourself and choose a costume this year without buying anything new! One way to do this is to participate in National Costume Swap Day! On Saturday, October 8th, people all over the country will be trading costumes and you could be a part of it. Visit www.greenhalloween.org/costumeswap for more info.

Another option is to make something new out of materials you already have. For a few simple, homemade green costume ideas, click HERE. Check back throughout October for eco-friendly, money-saving Halloween tips!

Moving Planet Success

2011-09-29T13:30:00Z

Last Saturday was Moving Planet and we were truly inspired by this video of events from all over the world.

www.moving-planet.org

www.350.org

Improving Air Quality = Better Health

2011-09-28T13:30:00Z

Cold & flu season is upon us and we wanted to share some great eco-friendly prevention methods for your home. Indoor air quality is a major concern in cold weather. Windows aren't being opened and we start spending more time inside. There are a few things you can do to help keep the air in your home cleaner and improve your chances of staying healthy.

1. Do not use harmful chemical cleaners! It's just not worth the risk, especially when an area cannot be properly ventilated. We love Seventh Generation cleaning products and sometimes, just good old vinegar.

2. Using a broom or feather duster will send dust particles into the air. Instead, try using a wet rag that can be reused.

3. Keeping a few houseplants on your sunny windowsills is not only good for your mental health, but it helps to purify the air! In a study conducted by NASA and the ALCA in the late 1980's, houseplants like bamboo and spider plants were shown to help remove harmful elements from the air.

4. Energy efficient air purifiers are another option for the winter months. Just be sure to follow the cleaning and maintenance directions carefully.

© Ivan Grlic | Dreamstime.com

Moving the Planet

2011-09-23T13:30:00Z

It's a powerful thing to see a large group of people coming together for a cause. Tomorrow, that is what will be happening all over the world. Will you be there?

350 is a powerful number. It's the ideal maximum level in parts per million of CO2 in our atmosphere. Currently the CO2 level is at 392 ppm in our atmosphere, the root cause of climate change. 350.org is a worldwide movement of grassroots efforts aimed at fighting climate change and bringing our atmosphere back to 350.

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 24th will be a global event called Moving Planet where people from all walks of life will unite to tell the world that it is time to move past fossil fuels and be the change that we want. Tomorrow, join a group of people in your area to say that you believe in 350. Walk, run, bike, skateboard or come up with your own idea and join the movement. To find an event near you, visit www.moving-planet.org.

Skip the Gas Station

2011-09-22T13:30:00Z

What if you never had to pump gasoline into your car ever again? What if filling your tank meant just plugging it into the wall? With the recent introduction of electric vehicles by major automobile manufacturers such as Chevy and Nissan, the possibility of a plug-in future seems more viable than ever. As reported in the Fall 2010 Energy Matters publication from Fresh Energy—a nonprofit organization for cleaner, more efficient, and fairer energy based out of St. Paul, MN—smart policies by legislators in the near future could ensure a shift in the types of vehicles driven on our roads. Now more than ever, as our energy resources are being depleted as well as interfering with our foreign policy, electric vehicles are essential for the success of a future embracing a cleaner environment, leading to more efficient decisions on energy resources, and putting an end to our dependence on foreign oil.

At the Pump © Shane Link | Dreamstime.com

American consumers have the power to change the course of our future with regard to the products that are manufactured, the resources used, and the impact they have on the environment. We are more powerful than we may think; companies respond and react to the consumers’ demands. It is time that American drivers demand the more progressive and beneficial option: electric vehicles. While electric vehicles are not perfect as they still rely on our coal-intensive electricity system, they “produce 30 to 60 percent less pollution than similar internal combustion engines” and are the best alternative that we currently have.[1] The car-buyer’s power to choose could bring America the future it needs to become more independent and environmentally responsible.

Currently, proposed policies and goals have been set across the country and in Washington, D.C., that look forward to a day in the near future when electric vehicles are the norm and polluting combustion engines are a diminishing burden. Incentives for users of electric vehicles have even been suggested that would help make these vehicles the more rewarding option, and not just the cleaner and more beneficial. It is our responsibility as consumers to support these visionaries and to push more lawmakers to also think of our country’s energy and environmental future. This country needs a swift reshaping of our energy system and a more responsible lifestyle, starting with the way we drive. Imagine if all of our vehicles were powered by clean and homegrown renewable energy resources such as wind and solar. Now, let’s make it a reality.

Written By: Claire Lukens
Northwestern University
President, Chi Omega Sorority

Global Green Property Services welcomes Claire Lukens to our student writing team for the 2011-2012 school year! Claire is a Senior at Northwestern University and a budding environmental advocate through and through. Growing up in Minnesota, the beautiful lakes and forests and the cultural commitment to conservation and the environment left a lasting impact. Through her university and sorority, Chi Omega, she has had the opportunity to work on environmentally-friendly programming on a small scale, and, thanks to her summer internship in Washington, Claire was lucky enough to witness the changes that can be created in Congress that affect Americans and our environment across the country. Though she has worked primarily in lobbying for clean water standards, Claire is excited to have the opportunity to share her dedication to the environment in all aspects of the issue.

[1] “Transportation Connections: Accelerating electric vehicle adoption,” Energy Matters 20 (Fall 2010): 4.

$GREEN$ Your Home Heating

2011-09-21T15:52:57Z

Want to save money on home heating this winter? We've got a few eco-friendly tips that will help you get the most out of your home heating system. The best way to improve the effectiveness of your home's heating and cooling systems (and to conserve energy) is to make your house more airtight. The less air you're losing per hour, the more effective your HVAC will be.

1. Start out by inspecting the exterior of your home. Fill any small gaps or cracks in the building's exterior with caulk. Be sure to follow-up by closely inspecting the areas surrounding any doors and windows.

2. The threshold, or bottom area under your door, is a common place for unwanted air exchange. Door sweeps come in many different variations and are an inexpensive way to fill this gap.

3. Do you have any electrical switches or outlets in your home that tend to feel cold to touch in the winter? Maybe you even have an outlet on an exterior wall that allows a slight draft into your home? This problem is very easy and inexpensive to fix. For just a few cents each, outlet and switch insulators will create an airtight barrier. To install, simply remove the cover plate, put the insulator in place around the switch or outlet and screw the cover plate back on. Outlet plugs are also a good idea for when an outlet isn't in use.

4. There are countless ways to insulate your windows. Admittedly, some are more aesthetically pleasing than others, but even the less attractive options are a good idea and will help keep heating costs down. Of course, there is the old plastic sheeting method. Some companies now offer easy to use DIY kits that include double-sided tape, plastic sheeting and can be easily installed with some scissors and a hair dryer. (Just be sure to recycle the plastic in the spring!) If you want something more permanent that will help all year long, window film comes in many different colors, designs and transparencies. If this sounds like the option for you, installing before the end of this year will get you the added benefit of an energy efficiency improvement tax credit. Homeowners can receive a tax credit equal to 10% of the cost of the window film up to $500.

5. Due to something known as the "stack effect" small gaps, cracks or holes in your attic floor can cause a great deal of hot air to escape into your attic and result in more cold air rushing into your living area. Sealing holes in your attic floor will help keep warm air where you want it to be.

6. Turn down your thermostat while you're not home. By lowering your thermostat just ten degrees when you are at work, you will see a visible impact on your home heating bill.

Looking in the Mirror

2011-09-19T13:30:00Z

Michael Jackson put it perfectly when he said "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change". Making a positive impact on the world doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to do a complete character overhaul and delve into our deepest flaws. It can be as simple as keeping ourselves healthy and happy.

With cold weather just around the corner, now is the time to focus on our own health and well-being. Simple things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy and even stopping by your neighborhood pharmacy to get a flu shot can make a tremendous difference on your performance level this fall. Being GREEN takes energy and we aren't as effective when we're run-down, exhausted or sick.

So, take a little time to pamper yourself. Relax, get a massage or maybe try something new! September is National Yoga Month and studios across the country are offering one free week of classes to new students (www.yogamonth.org).

Direct Trade

2011-09-15T11:55:51Z

Most of us have become very familiar with the term "fair trade". Even if we don't have a detailed understanding of the global socioeconomic impacts of our choice to purchase coffee like Starbucks over a non-fair trade option, we get the basic principle: it's good. Alas, just when you think you're up on your eco-savvy lingo and you're just about as GREEN as they come, evolution has to rear its head and present you with a whole new array of options…

And that brings us to "direct trade". The basic difference between fair trade and direct trade is that direct trade eliminates the middle-man. Using direct trade, coffee roasters (for example) can purchase beans directly from farmers and build personal relationships with the individuals and families growing the beans. Since there isn't one central direct trade certification program, each company that uses a direct trade model can have their own unique set of standards and they have the ability to pay a premium above what fair trade would require, ensuring they are getting higher quality product. Many companies that have adopted the direct trade model have sought to develop a third-party certification system to ensure that their unique standards are being upheld.

So, which one is the better GREEN option? They're both good and they both have potential downfalls. We advise looking into any company's individual standards and practices before you buy.

Sustainably Stylish Savings

2011-09-14T13:30:23Z

I have yet to meet a girl that doesn't love TJ Maxx (or Marshalls, Home Goods, etc.!) because I've never met a girl that didn't like to both shop and save money. My problem is that I also want to buy products that are eco-friendly and my life doesn't leave much time for trips to the store, so I do most of my shopping from my computer. This created quite a challenge, until I discovered LovingEco.

LovingEco offers daily private sales to members (it's free to sign-up!) featuring eco-friendly, natural AND stylish clothes, jewelry, handbags and more. Each featured brand is accompanied by these awesome little badges that allow you to quickly see which ones are organic, recycled, energy efficient, cruelty free, fair trade, vegan, biodegradable and even made in the USA. Yes, they thought of everything. They even donate 3% of their net proceeds to environmental or social causes. So, sign up today!

Eco-friendly Flood Protection

2011-09-13T13:30:00Z

In light of recent widespread flooding, we decided to do a little research to see what, if any, eco-friendly flood protection options were out there. We discovered that there are indeed eco-friendly alternatives to sandbags and that some of them are also much easier to use. Traditional sandbags have long been the go-to flood barrier but they take a lot of time to fill, are cumbersome to transport and they are not particularly eco-friendly. We found these green alternatives:

1.) The Eco Sandbag (an environmentally friendly sandless sandbag) - These 100% biodegradable "sandbags" are filled with water absorbing resin that makes them easy to transport and fill, and they are ready to use in just 3-5min! Check out this video to see the bags in action:

2.) HydraBarrier - These barriers are easy to use (simply fill with water from your hose) and fold nicely for compact storage. Check out the website for video and more information!

www.hydrabarrier.com

We're Back!

2011-09-12T13:30:00Z

Thank you for visiting our Green Blog! The team here at Global Green Property Services wanted to start off this school year by thanking our readers and our contributors for their support. Global Green Property Services is a GREEN national property management and consulting firm specializing in Greek housing. Our intention for the Green Blog is to share ideas and start conversations that promote all things GREEN.

To us, the word GREEN doesn't just mean recycling, LEED-certified or locally grown. At Global Green Property Services, GREEN is our purpose. It's our belief that as stewards of this planet, it is our responsibility to strive to leave everything we touch better than how we found it. GREEN is our hope for a future where sustainable practices are the status quo rather than the exception. Over the next nine months we will share with you our GREEN projects, tips and feature GREEN products, businesses and movements. This year, we are also very excited to welcome our new team of student contributors!

Global Green Property Services
Turning Every Investment Green

Are You Green? Do You Enjoy Writing?

2011-09-06T21:05:32Z

The Green Blog will be back from Summer Break on September 12th and we're looking for college students to join our team of contributors for the 2011-2012 school year! Our editors are open to any content involving something GREEN (no matter how large or small). You can write as often as you like, with no minimum requirements. So, send us your articles, questions/concerns or refer a friend who you think would make a great contributor. Our student writers receive credit and the opportunity for their work to appear on a global platform. Email us at nikiyaGREENBLOG(at)globalgreenps(dot)com (just be sure to remove the phrase "GREENBLOG" from the address).

Reduce Reuse Swap Recycle

2011-07-20T13:30:00Z

Being Green, in basic, is about reducing your negative impact on the environment. Reducing your consumption and choosing sustainable, recycled and/or recyclable products when you must buy something new is the first step. Purchasing used items from consignment shops, antique stores and yard sales is a great eco-conscious option. For building projects, reclaimed wood not only adds character but reduces deforestation and can often be of higher quality than new lumber.

Links We Like:

World of Good by ebay:
worldofgood.ebay.com

Old Barn Reclaimed Wood Company
reclaimedwoodco.com

The Environmental Home Store
environmentalhomestore.com

Reusing items you already have is essential but sometimes we just don't have a use for certain products anymore. In this case, we have the option to sell, donate or swap! If you are in the midst of a cleaning frenzy, moving or simply want to unload something quickly, you could try FreeCycle! (freecycle.org) It's quick, local and green. Just be cautious and choose a safe meeting place for your exchange. If you have a little more time and perhaps are looking for something to replace your item with, trading can be a great option. Swap.com connects people all over the country looking to trade goods and now offers a page dedicated to schools and teachers in need of items for their classrooms!

Finally, if your item cannot be reused, recycle it!