Image by Per Ola Wiberg / Creative Commons

I don’t know about where you live, but it has been getting pretty hot around here. Temperatures have been closing in on 100°F and I’d say it is about time for some eco-friendly summer tips. Last year I covered this topic as well, and I figured it would be worth repeating, especially for those of you who missed out. So in honor of the “greenie” in all of us, here are my eco-friendly summer tips that are worth repeating:

1. Let in some light. Why waste electricity in your house or workplace, when all you need to do is open the blinds and you’ve got light.

2. Get a few living air purifiers aka indoor plants. They will liven up your home as well as help fight indoor air pollution, which is often worse than most of us realize.

3. Plant some native plants. There are many reasons why you should do this, but here are a few good reasons to plant native species in your garden. Of course, one of the best reasons is that you won’t waste so much water.

4. Start your own backyard (or front yard) garden and grow some fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re organic and they taste better. Here are a few ideas for vegetables to plant in July.

5. Find out when your local Farmers’ Market is being held and go there to get some in-season, local produce.

Image by Andy Fell

6. Eat at home. Get away from processed foods and start making more meals at home. It’s cheaper and better for you too.

7. Remember to practice healthy summer grilling tips. And even though it isn’t grilled, I wanted to share my new favorite recipe, Anita’s Lime Avocado Quinoa Salad, and yes, this tasty recipe is perfect for summer picnics and parties.

8. If you need to do any driving, slow down a little. Not only will it help with your fuel consumption but it will help you enjoy your drive time. A proven fuel additive wouldn’t hurt either…hint, hint.

9. Quit idling. Just turn off the car. Turn it back on when you are ready to go again. It’s that simple and it saves gas and harmful emissions. (The new Malibu Eco has a cool feature that switches off the gas-guzzling engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and lets it idle on a lithium-oin battery.)

10. If you can walk or ride your bike instead, then do so. Many people don’t consider this as a viable option, but just think how much you used to walk around when you were younger. Those feet were made for walking.

Image by one2c900d

11. If you need to go somewhere a little further away, check public transportation options. Riding the bus or taking the train are smart ways to get around during the summer.

12. Make the simple change so you do all your energy-heavy chores off peak hours. Do your laundry, dishes, vacuuming, cooking, etc. at night. Doing so will cut your energy bill and help prevent your home from heating up unnecessarily during the day.

13. Skip the dryer and hang your clothes out to dry. If you have the space to do so, might as well take advantage of it.

14. Plan a staycation. Maybe you don’t have time to go on a full-blown vacation. Maybe you’d rather stay closer to home. Either way, here are 25 great ideas you can incorporate into your staycation plans.

15. If you are planning on going camping this summer, be sure you learn how to have a “leave no trace” camping trip. Some simple basics can help ensure others will be able to experience the beauty of your camping spot just as you did.

16. Is the thought of going somewhere to camp during the summer months a little too daunting? Set up camp in the backyard. Especially if you have kids, this is a great idea for a smart, eco-friendly activity the entire family will enjoy.

Image by zet

17. Have a potluck get-together. Invite family and friends over for a picnic or backyard party. Ask them each to bring a specific food item (in a reusable container) along with their own dinnerware, cups, etc. This way you’ll have a great mix of foods and drinks. Plus, there will be very little clean up or waste afterward. Check out these green picnic tips.

18. Remember the sunscreen. But not just any sunscreen, you need to choose a non-toxic sunscreen so you aren’t polluting your skin or the environment.

19. Drink, but don’t waste water. Your body needs water to stay healthy and hydrated. So you need to drink water. Don’t waste it though. Any “leftover water” can be used to water plants, give to your pets, etc. Just be aware of what you are doing and you will probably save quite a bit.

20. Unplug. Even if you missed this challenge on the 4th of July, it doesn’t mean you too can’t make a personal commitment to unplug more and reconnect with family and friends. Declare your independence from technology.

Image by Ben

21. Since you are going to unplug, get outside! That’s right, I saved this one for last, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t important. It’s key not only for your health, but your peace of mind to get outside, breathe in some fresh air and enjoy nature a little bit. Go for a hike, a walk, a bike ride, relax in the pool, sit on the porch…whatever you do, just get outside for a bit every day.

There you have it. 25 simple eco-friendly tips to help you get through the summer. If you have any personal favorites, let me know. I’d be happy to hear what eco-friendly things you’ve got planned for the summer. Have a great one and as I always say, have a biofriendly day!

March 11th is the day. Time to turn those clocks forward an hour and spring into Daylight Savings Time. Now, in my book, there are pros and cons to people having to move their clocks forward an hour. In all honesty, I think the pros outweigh the cons, but to each his own.

Image by Sarah / Creative Commons

Here are few tips I thought I’d share for those of you who are looking for some eco-friendly ways to take advantage of Daylight Savings Time:

1. Go for a walk. It’s going to be lighter much later into the evening now, so rather than spending that time cooped up indoors, get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

2. Get into the garden. Whether you have an outdoor or indoor (small kitchen-type) garden, you might as well get in the Spring spirit and do a little gardening. If you need advice on how to get started, check out my friend Mike’s site: Urban Organic Gardener.

3. Have dinner outside. Why sit inside, when you can enjoy a nice evening meal on the patio, deck, backyard or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous…head out to a local park. The sun, fresh air and new setting will do you good.

For those of you who are still feeling the chills of Winter, try opening your windows for a bit and at least getting some fresh, clean, crisp air into your home. Nobody likes eating in a stuffy room. Besides, you’ll probably find the sunlight will not only brighten the room but lift your spirits as well.

4. Remember that you can save energy by adjusting anything you have set on a timer; lights, thermostat, etc. With the sun being up later into the evening, automatic lights, heaters, fans and more will all turn on before they are actually needed. Also, in most cases you’ll find that you will need your lights on a lot less. Adjust your timers and let Mother Nature cover it for you. Who knows, the money you save may come in handy.

5. Do some pre-Spring cleaning. I know this one is not necessarily on the top of your list, but Spring is coming and you know as well as I do that some cleaning is probably in order. Why not get a little head start? I’ve got 10 eco-friendly Spring cleaning tips that can help you out.

Image by Denise Mattox / Creative Commons

There are many different tips, household chores, and fun activities you can plan in order to take advantage of Daylight Savings Time. The above are 5 simple ones I thought might help you get through at least the next week or so. Oh…and don’t forget to move your clocks forward!

Image by tanakawho / Creative Commons

Valentine’s Day is typically one of the most romantic days of the year. People all across the globe take time out of their day to honor, cherish and shower those they love with flowers, candy, gifts and romantic gestures. The question is, how can you do all of that with a little eco-friendly twist? Well, here you go…10 eco-friendly Valentine’s Day tips that can help you through not only Valentine’s Day, but any other time you feel like treating those you love to something nice.

1. Name something, or plant something, on behalf of the one you love. If you don’t want to buy a physical gift to give your loved one on Valentine’s Day, how about naming something on their behalf. You can name a star after them, plant a tree in their name, adopt a wild animal, donate to a non-profit, or if you want something a little more out of the ordinary, you can name a cockroach after the one you love. (Image: Casey Fleser / Creative Commons)

2. Want to exchange gifts? Go vintage. Rather than spending money on a brand new watch, necklace or pair of earrings, try going a little more classic and find something at a vintage clothing or thrift store. There are so many options available and you might as well “recycle” people’s treasures and make them into new treasures of your own, don’t you think?

3. Give a long-lasting plant instead of cut flowers. If you are thinking of giving your loved one a bouquet of flowers, how about opting for a long-lasting plant instead. There are so many flowering plants you can choose from including mini roses, orchids, hibiscus, even herbs are a great option. The bonus? They will last a lot longer than cut flowers, so your loved one will be able to enjoy them day after day. (Image: Jennifer Feuchter / Creative Commons)

4. For all you chocolate lovers, go divine, Divine Chocolate that is. Chocolate is one of the primary gifts associated with Valentine’s Day, so if you want to stick with traditional, then opt for fair trade. Divine Chocolate is one of the leading fair trade brands, with companies in both the UK and the U.S.

5. Make a Valentine’s dinner from scratch. We all know how crowded restaurants are on holidays such as Valentine’s Day. Why not skip the crowds this year and have a romantic meal at home. Weather permitting, you could even go out and have a picnic lunch. TreeHugger’s Green Wine Guide has a variety of recipes to choose from if you are not quite sure what to make.

6. Relax at home with some sexy valentine cocktails. Again, there is no reason to go out when you can make some tasty drinks right in the comfort of your own home. It saves money, saves time, there is no need to drive anywhere (unless it is too far to walk to your local store for supplies) and you get to test out your bartending skills. (Image: Lori L. Stalteri / Creative Commons)

7. Indulge in a few at-home spa treatments. Whether you want to pamper yourself before your date, or you want to set up a romantic at-home spa for just the two of you, here are some spa treatments you will want to check out.

8. Write your special someone a poem. It’s a lot more personal than going out and buying a card and it will let them know how you truly feel about them. To top it off, you can use recycled paper or even a piece of fabric (one that may have a particular meaning to you or them).

9. Take a hike. Rather than spending the day indoors, why not plan an outdoor activity with your friends or loved one, such as going on a hike. Going on a walk or hike is a nice way to spend time with someone. You can walk, talk, enjoy the beauty of nature around you, and breathe in a little fresh air. (NOTE: If you like it, you can make it a regular occurrence.)

10. Go camping. Last but not least, if you and your loved one want to have a quiet, yet romantic weekend away from home, go camping. It’s a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors and get some alone time in the bargain. Try to find places nearby though, the less traveling you have to do, the better. (Image: Adam Campbell / Creative Commons)

Whatever you decide to do for Valentine’s Day the key is to show your loved one how much you care. So if you are looking to celebrate, while having as little environmental impact as possible, I hope one (or more) of these eco-friendly tips will be able to help you have a wonderful and happy Valentine’s Day.

Image by Carrie / Creative Commons

The holidays are here and if your life is anything like mine, you’re pretty busy right about now. I still have gifts to buy, presents to wrap, packages and cards to send, e-cards to put together and send out, and a whole slew of activities, parties and events to attend. Between all the hustle and bustle though, I wanted to share a few simple and eco-friendly ways to brighten your holiday mood.

1) Open those windows. Whether or not it’s cold where you live, opening your windows will help bring in some fresh air and get rid of the stale indoor air pollution lingering inside your home. If you are worried about getting cold, bundle up for a little bit while you air things out. The fresh, clean air will do wonders to help brighten your day and your overall mood.

Image by Miguel Virkkunen / Creative Commons

2) Get outdoors every day. Why? Because fresh air is good for your energy. Letting the fresh air into your home is a smart idea, but spending some time outdoors is even smarter. Go for a walk, a run, or perhaps a bike ride. Take the kids to play in the park. Even stepping outside to enjoy the day will help brighten your mood and give you a little burst of energy.

3) Indulge in a few foods that will help lift your spirits and brighten your mood. Walnuts, chocolate (fair trade chocolate, of course), and blueberries are just some of the foods you can eat during the holidays to help brighten your mood.

Image by Jessica Spengler / Creative Commons

4) Speaking of foods…eat natural. Stay away from foods which contain a lot of sugar and opt for more natural foods like fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. This will help level out your sugar levels and prevent you from riding the sugar-induced roller coaster. Just a quick stop at your local Farmers’ Market and you’ll be set.

5) Give to someone in need. Whether you volunteer at your local food bank, homeless shelter, animal shelter or any other organization which helps those in need, you will find that helping others is a terrific way to brighten your mood. Even helping out a friend in need, or doing some random act of kindness, can put a smile on both their face and yours.

Image by Jemingway / Creative Commons

6) I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again. Smile. Even if you are feeling a little down, brighten your holiday mood with a smile. Studies have shown that smiling helps activate happiness. Start smiling and before you know it, you’ll be feeling as happy as the smile on your face!

“The world always looks brighter from behind a smile” – Unknown Author

I hope you found these eco-friendly ideas useful and that you too can add them to your daily schedule in order to help brighten your holiday mood. Remember, sometimes it is the little things that can make the most difference. Here’s to a happy and eco-friendly holiday season!

Image by foto4lizzie / Creative Commons

New inventions come to light every single day. Many shoot into the spotlight as the latest and greatest thing to hit a particular market, while others only get so far as a design or prototype before they are shot down. It is almost impossible to try and keep up with the newest inventions. Sometimes the only way you can find out about a particular invention is by doing a Google search and seeing what comes up. Well, here are some eco-friendly inventions I came across recently, which you may not know exist.

The first is the iPhone 4 bicycle charger kit. There is a lot of talk, and efforts are being taken, in favor of more eco-friendly transportation options, to lower harmful emissions. Besides walking, riding a bicycle is one of the best ways to get where you need to go, get exercise while you are doing it, and have relatively no emissions along the way.

Image from EnviroGadget.com

For those of you who are getting back into bicycling, are bicyclists at heart, or who might want to give bicycling a try, there is a pretty smart invention you may want to check out. The bicycle charger kit allows you to ride your bike and charge your phone at the same time. Never again will you be left with no charge on your phone. Simply start riding and your phone charges right up.

The next eco-friendly invention is that of compostable car parts. As it is, around 10 million cars are recycled every year in the United States. In fact, the number one recycled product in the U.S. is the car. By adding in mushroom-based compostable car parts, car production climbs the next rung on the sustainable ladder. This particular material is a more natural option which can be used to replace bumpers, dashboards, side doors and other components without compromising safety features. Once buried, the product decomposes within about one month.

Take a look at some of the other actions Ford has been taking to make more eco-friendly materials for their vehicles:

This next one is one of my favorites because it is extremely simple and it uses/reuses materials that would otherwise have to be recycled or would end up in a landfill. This invention isn’t your typical invention, it’s more like a bright idea. A very bright idea in fact. This one is called “A Liter of Light” and is part of a program in the Philippines to bring light into the homes of people who either don’t have electricity, cannot afford to pay high electric bills or those who want to tap into the power of the sun. Solar panels are great, but the cost can be a major deterrent. This invention works right away and the cost is almost nothing.

This last one is a smog-eating roofing tile. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s a tile designed to help reduce harmful emissions and essentially digest smog. According to the company that makes the tiles, within one year, 2000 square feet of this particular tile can destroy the amount of NOx produced by driving a vehicle for 10,400 miles. In essence, your roof tiles could cancel out the pollutants produced by your vehicle. That, along with using Biofriendly Corporation’s Green Plus® liquid catalyst in  your vehicle, and you could end up getting rid of more pollutants than your vehicle generates.

It is interesting to see the different ideas people have and the eco-friendly inventions which result from those ideas. Sometimes instead of thinking bigger is better, it helps to think smaller and simpler. Either way, eco-friendly inventions are out there and I’m sure we will see many more in the next decade. Do you have a favorite eco-invention? Do you have an idea for an eco-invention? We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Image by Richard Molpus / Creative Commons

It is interesting that over the years the idea of cleaning house has become getting rid of dust and grime by using chemicals and other toxins. How that is cleaning I’m not really sure. What happened to using some vinegar, lemon, maybe a newspaper and old t-shirt turned rag, and some good ole’ elbow grease?

In order to get “fresh” smells people have turned to cleaners which are advertised as having fresh scents. They want “natural” cleaners, they turn to bottles and cans which state they are all-natural. But wouldn’t it make more sense to open your windows to get some fresh air? And if you want natural, how about making your own cleaners? Then there is no doubt what you are using to clean your house.

Now, I’ve covered various cleaning ideas and tips in the past including 10 Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips and 10 Eco-Friendly Steps to Add to Your Autumn ‘To-Do’ List. This time I figured I’d give you a few more ideas for eco-friendly cleaners, this time using food you probably have around your house.

Here are 5 foods that make eco-friendly cleaners:

1) LEMONS: The first one I want to cover is lemons, more in particular lemon peels. You’ve probably used lemons in one form or another around the house, but what about those peels?

Image by Jonathan Phillips / Creative Commons

If you’re looking to get the most out of your food, then you can use the lemon and lemon juice for food/flavoring and use the peels to help you clean. From de-greasing to deodorizing to polishing and more, lemons make great eco-friendly cleaners.

2) CUCUMBERS: I love cucumbers, they taste good and they are great for various different beauty treatments. Did you also know they make good cleaners?

Image by Michelle / Creative Commons

Need to polish your dress shoes? Cut a few slices of cucumber and rub them on your shoes. They will look shiny and the cucumber helps repel water too. Cucumber brings the shine back to stainless steel as well. Who needs toxic cleaners when a few slices of cucumber will do the trick!

TIP: If you’ve got kids, try using the outside skin of the cucumber to slowly remove pen and crayon from the walls. You can even have the kids help you out.

3) CONDIMENTS: You probably have ketchup and mustard sitting somewhere in your fridge, right? Well haul them out and get busy cleaning.

Image by Denise Mattox / Creative Commons

Ketchup, mustard and a few other condiments, can clean, help remove odors and bring a shine to some of the dullest silver or brassware. Toss a little vinegar, baking soda and salt to the mix and you’ve got some quick, natural cleaning agents.

4) ONION: Maybe you like onions on your burgers, maybe you like them grilled, maybe you like them sauteed with other vegetables.

Image by Matt / Creative Commons

No matter how you like your onion, onions apparently make a great grill cleaner. So next time you fire up the BBQ, grab an onion and you’ll have an eco-friendly way to clean up when you are done.

5) COFFEE: Personally I’m not a coffee drinker, so I’d probably opt for using tea bags for cleaning. But for all you coffee drinkers, coffee and coffee grounds are great for deodorizing, repairing scratches in furniture, and even removing grease. So don’t toss those coffee grounds, put them to work cleaning your house.

Image by John Cohen / Creative Commons

You see…cleaning doesn’t have to be done using toxic chemicals. There are many natural and even food products which can be used to make your house smell better and shine brighter. Do you have a favorite food you use as an eco-friendly cleaner? Share! Happy cleaning.

Image by Moyan Brenn, Creative Commons

You’ve probably heard the term “pay it forward”. Maybe you saw the movie or read the book, or maybe you’re simply familiar with the term as it relates to doing good deeds for others. But it’s more than that. It’s about making changes for the better.

The whole idea behind paying it forward is that rather than paying back the person who did a good deed for you, you pay it forward and do a good deed for someone else. It is a selfless act, done without expecting to be paid back or reimbursed for your action.

In my opinion, we don’t see that kind of behavior as often as we should…people doing something for another without feeling they need to be paid back, but rather spreading the good deeds and making a positive change, if you will.

How do eco-friendly actions and caring for the environment tie into paying it forward? Well, take a moment and look at your life. Why do you try to be more green or eco-friendly? Do you do it so someone will do something in return for you? Do you do it so you can save money? Do you do it so your kids and their kids will have a cleaner, greener planet?

Let’s take a look at a few, eco-friendly ways you can pay it forward:

1) Leave-No-Trace Camping: One very basic way to pay it forward is by working the idea behind leave-no-trace camping, into your own life. When you go camping, pay it forward by leaving no trace that you have ever been there. Let the people who arrive there after you’ve left, enjoy the environment and untainted beauty nature provides.

You can also use this in other areas of your life, for example, when you go to the beach, when you go hiking, biking, to play at the park, etc. Pay it forward by doing the simple good deed of leaving no trace you were ever there. While some people like to “leave their mark” on the world  isn’t it better to let people enjoy nature, as nature intended? You were able to enjoy nature, why shouldn’t they?

2) Start a Community Garden: While some people may argue this is something you are doing for yourself as well, I think starting a community garden is a great way to pay it forward. Don’t be selfish and grow fruits, vegetables and herbs only for you. Why not grow them for the community? Grow them for someone who doesn’t have what you have. Start a community garden, get the people in the area involved and give them the means to have a thriving, garden they can care for and watch grow for years to come. All you need to ask in return is that they then pay it forward.

This is also something you can get started at your child’s school. What a great way to get children involved by having them care for a garden and be responsible for growing fresh fruits and vegetables. They can then pass on the knowledge and garden itself to the next year’s class, as well as give their harvest to the school or community around them.

3) Donate: Whether it is time, money or items you no longer have a use for, donating is a wonderful way to pay it forward. It is giving in the purest sense of the word. Without any desire to be paid back, you are giving something of yours to someone else in order to help them out.

Donate to others and you’ll often find they too begin donating. It’s a nice way to “get the ball rolling”. But more importantly, it helps an individual or family in need. Besides, when it comes to clothes, furniture, kitchenware and other such items, there is no reason to throw away good things when there are others who need and can put them to good use.

In honor of World Humanitarian Day, which was celebrated just last week, here is a video paying tribute to people who do what they need in order to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to donate their time, money and/or services to help others in need:

While each of the above steps are ways you can try and live more a more green and eco-friendly life, it isn’t really about “going green”. There is no need to ‘go green’. It is more about living a simple life and appreciating the natural world around us.

But it is also about paying it forward. If we want others to be able to enjoy this planet and all that nature provides, then we would be wise to take steps and start to pay it forward. Can you imagine what would happen if person after person figured out eco-friendly ways to pay it forward? Tell me…what ideas do you have to pay it forward?

Image by Adam Campbell

Summer is here and although most of us will be working or will be on our computers most of the time, I figured I’d give you a few tips to help make your summer a little more eco-friendly. Not every tip will relate to everyone, but there is bound to be something in here that you can use to help you have an eco-friendly summer.

Here we go:

1. Let in some light. Why waste electricity in your house or workplace, when all you need to do is open the blinds and you’ve got light.

2. Get a few living air purifiers aka indoor plants. They will liven up your home as well as help fight indoor air pollution, which is often worse than most of us realize.

3. Plant some native plants. There are many reasons why you should do this, but here are a few good reasons to plant native species in your garden. Of course, one of the best reasons is that you won’t waste so much water.

4. Start your own backyard (or front yard) garden and grow some fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re organic and they taste better. Here are a few ideas for vegetables to plant in July.

5. Find out when your local Farmers’ Market is being held and go there to get some in-season, local produce.

Image by Andy Fell

6. Eat at home. Get away from processed foods and start making more meals at home. It’s cheaper and better for you too.

7. Remember to practice healthy summer grilling tips. And even though it isn’t grilled, I wanted to share my new favorite recipe, Anita’s Lime Avocado Quinoa Salad, and yes, this tasty recipe is perfect for summer picnics and parties.

8. If you need to do any driving, slow down a little. Not only will it help with your fuel consumption but it will help you enjoy your drive time. A proven fuel additive wouldn’t hurt either…hint, hint.

9. Quit idling. Just turn off the car. Turn it back on when you are ready to go again. It’s that simple and it saves gas and harmful emissions.

10. If you can walk or ride your bike instead, then do so. Many people don’t consider this as a viable option, but just think how much you used to walk around when you were younger. Those feet were made for walking.

Image by one2c900d

11. If you need to go somewhere a little further away, check public transportation options. Riding the bus or taking the train are smart ways to get around during the summer.

12. Make the simple change so you do all your energy-heavy chores off peak hours. Do your laundry, dishes, vacuuming, cooking, etc. at night. Doing so will cut your energy bill and help prevent your home from heating up unnecessarily during the day.

13. Skip the dryer and hang your clothes out to dry. If you have the space to do so, might as well take advantage of it.

14. Plan a staycation. Maybe you don’t have time to go on a full-blown vacation. Maybe you’d rather stay closer to home. Either way, here are 25 great ideas you can incorporate into your staycation plans.

15. If you are planning on going camping this summer, be sure you learn how to have a “leave no trace” camping trip. Some simple basics can help ensure others will be able to experience the beauty of your camping spot just as you did.

16. The thought of going somewhere to camp during the summer months a little too daunting? Set up camp in the backyard. Especially if you have kids, this is a great idea for a smart, eco-friendly activity the entire family will enjoy.

Image by zet

17. Have a potluck get-together. Invite family and friends over for a picnic or backyard party. Ask them each to bring a specific food item (in a reusable container) along with their own dinnerware, cups, etc. This way you’ll have a great mix of foods and drinks. Plus, there will be very little clean up or waste afterward. Check out these green picnic tips.

18. Remember the sunscreen. But not just any sunscreen, you need to choose a non-toxic sunscreen so you aren’t polluting your skin or the environment.

19. Drink, but don’t waste water. Your body needs water to stay healthy and hydrated. So you need to drink water. Don’t waste it though. Any “leftover water” can be used to water plants, give to your pets, etc. Just be aware of what you are doing and you will probably save quite a bit.

20. Unplug. Even if you missed this challenge on the 4th of July, it doesn’t mean you too can’t make a personal commitment to unplug more and reconnect with family and friends. Declare your independence from technology.

Image by Ben

21. Since you are going to unplug, get outside! That’s right, I saved this one for last, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t important. It’s key not only for your health, but your peace of mind to get outside, breathe in some fresh air and enjoy nature a little bit. Go for a hike, a walk, a bike ride, relax in the pool, sit on the porch…whatever you do, just get outside for a bit every day.

There you have it. 25 simple eco-friendly tips to help you get through the summer. If you have any personal favorites, let me know. I’d be happy to hear what eco-friendly things you’ve got planned for the summer. Have a great one and as I always say, have a biofriendly day!

Image by Joel Mann

Fourth of July (and Canada Day) are almost upon us. Millions of people will be enjoying their weekend by spending some time at local parks, beaches, lakes and even enjoying the great outdoors found right in their own backyards. BBQing and grilling are both a Fourth of July and Canada Day past time and for many people ending the night with their own personal fireworks show is a given.

So before you head out for your weekend, here are a few eco-friendly tips to help you enjoy Canada Day or the Fourth of July even more:

1) Fresh fruits and vegetables: Summer is here and there is nothing quite like fresh fruits and vegetables on a hot summer day. This Lime Avocado Quinoa Salad recipe is one of my new favorites! Now, unless you’ve been growing your own for awhile, getting fresh produce from your local growers or Farmers’ Markets is the way to go. And if you plan on grilling, here is a video with some simple tips:

2) BBQ: Now, when it comes to barbecuing, the debate has gone back and forth as to which is the greener way to BBQ, gas or charcoal. While it boils down to a choice of taste for many, here is a video with some smart green tips should you choose to BBQ this weekend (or any weekend).

3) Picnics and partyware: If you plan to have a picnic or party this weekend, whether it be in the park or the backyard, your choice of dinnerware is key. Of course opting for reusable items rather than paper plates and plasticware is the best way to go. You can even ask guests to bring their own dinnerware. That way after the party, everyone can bring their items home to wash and reuse. If you do intend to supply plates, cups, forks, etc. take a look at this video for a few tips that may help you have a greener picnic:

4) Leave no trace: No matter where you decide to celebrate your Fourth of July or Canada Day weekend, if you are going to spend some time outdoors, be sure you do so responsibly. Leave no trace. Protecting nature is something we all need to do. In order to protect and preserve it for the next generation or even the next visitor, it is key that you leave no trace that you were even there. Here is a video with tips to help you do that:

5) Fireworks: If you must incorporate fireworks into your holiday weekend, attend a local fireworks show (and encourage them to switch to eco-friendly fireworks). However, be sure you stay upwind from the celebration so you don’t end up inhaling the smoke from the fireworks. Smoke from fireworks is harmful to health, especially for people who have asthma or other health problems. Don’t bother setting off your own fireworks (even if they are legal in your state). Besides the smoke you could inhale, fireworks can be dangerous and could easily spark damaging fires.

If you have young children or pets, a safer option would be to watch a televised fireworks show from the comfort of your own home. For those of you who love fireworks shows, here is last year’s Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show to tide you over:

But however you choose to enjoy your Fourth of July or Canada Day, please remember there are choices you can make which will allow you to enjoy your time while still being a friend to the environment. I’d love to hear what eco-friendly tips you are incorporating into your holiday weekend! May each of you have a safe, fun and biofriendly time!

Spring is already here and if you haven’t already done your round of Spring cleaning, now is the time. Remember, Spring cleaning is more than just dusting or straightening up. It is a whole process. A process which, if done right, can help lighten, brighten and freshen up your home more than you might imagine. But it’s not only your home that benefits from a good Spring cleaning, you will benefit as well!

Image by Svadilfari

So, here are 10 eco-friendly Spring cleaning tips:

1. Before you start any cleaning, you have to decide you are willing and able to let things go.

2. Now onto an oldie, but goodie. How to make a non-toxic cleaning kit. If you are truly going to do some eco-friendly Spring cleaning, you need to ensure you are getting rid of dust, dirt, grime and lingering chemicals without adding more toxins and chemicals to your home.

3. As far as cleaning rags, it’s best to make your own. Old t-shirts, socks, towels, etc. are great for cleaning. Don’t waste your money on buying one-use rags when you probably have plenty of perfectly good ones lying around.

4. However, before you start dusting let’s work on getting rid of a few items. Go room by room, figure out what items you don’t really need or use. Put them into two major piles: trash and giveaway/sell. Once you’ve gone through every room, get rid of the trash and either sell or donate the remaining items left in the pile. Craigslist.org and Freecycle.org are also great ways to get your old items to someone new.

5. Now that you’ve cleaned up some of clutter lying around, go look in dressers, closets and cabinets. Look for those items you haven’t used in months (or years). Yes those. It’s time to get rid of them. Good rule of thumb: If you haven’t used it in at least 6 months, then you don’t REALLY need it.

Follow these declutter steps so next time you won’t have as much “stuff”.

Image by clared23

6. Now it’s time to get some dusting and cleaning done using the non-toxic, natural cleaners I mentioned above. Remember, elbow grease is your friend here. Another tip is use Mother Nature. Open your windows and air out your home. A fresh breeze blowing through can remove odors and keep cleaning smells at a minimum.

7. Now that you’re in the Spring cleaning mood, how about taking another step forward and do a little detox on your home. Get rid of those chemicals, old medicines, toxic cleaning supplies, etc.

8. Don’t forget to Spring clean your diet too! While you’re taking eco-friendly steps to Spring clean your home, wouldn’t it be smart to spring clean your diet too? Take a look at what you have in the house, what you are eating, what you should be eating, etc.

9. On that note, since Spring cleaning is all about cleaning and freshening up our homes and lives for Spring and Summer, it just makes sense to include the garden in our clean-up. Don’t you think? Just look at some of the benefits of gardens and gardening. (And if you don’t have a garden, start one.)

10. Last, but not least…get yourself a few indoor plants. Houseplants have been proven to improve indoor air quality. A couple of well chosen houseplants and your Spring cleaning freshness will last a lot longer. Check out these 15 houseplants on NASA’s list of air purifying plants.

Image by califrayray

These tips should help you through your next round of eco-friendly Spring cleaning. And if you’ve got a personal favorite Spring cleaning tip, we’d love to hear what it is. Happy cleaning!