Image from CookForLife.com

When it comes to eating healthy many people forget to factor in the cookware they are using to make their meals. You could be buying fresh vegetables and only natural or organic foods and still not get all the nutrients you hoped for. Your cookware could be thwarting your efforts to go green, plus it could be adding toxins into the “healthy” food you are making.

Just like you can pick your vehicle based on the form of gasoline, diesel, bio-fuel, alternative fuel or fuel additive used to make it more fuel efficient and better for the environment, the same idea applies to choosing your cookware.  What kind of cookware is best to ensure your food stays healthy after you cook it? What kind of cookware is better for the environment?

Well, there are many you can choose from, but from my personal experience, I’d recommend going with Kitchen Craft® Cookware, made by Americraft. You won’t find them in department stores or your local Bed, Bath and Beyond, but you can find them at most State Fairs or Home Shows.

It’s made from stainless steel and while it isn’t as “easy to clean” per se as non-stick cookware, it doesn’t release chemicals or toxins into the air or into your food as some non-stick cookware can do. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather put a little more elbow grease into cleaning rather than worry about toxins or little pieces of plastic getting in my family’s food.

Now I may be a tad bit biased as my sister sells Kitchen Craft cookware and she did give us a basic set as a wedding gift about six years ago. But, since I pretty much use the cookware every day, I’d say it was one of the best gifts I received.

Not only is the cookware stainless steel, but it is commonly referred to as “waterless cookware“, which is a great way to cook while saving water and energy at the same time.

Now I’m no chef, by any stretch of the imagination and my hubby does do a lot of the cooking, but having this cookware really does help with making good quality, healthy meals. That’s why I thought it would be worth mentioning!

Here’s a simple video that shows you how simple it is to make chicken and potatoes without a lot of fats, oils or grease:

And another that shows you some of the green benefits of Americraft’s manufacturing process, including:

• No harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing process
• Renewable wind energy provides the electricity to power their machines
• Energy-efficient windows allow natural light in
• Their containers are made from 30-100% recycled fiber
• They use reverse osmosis to reduce water consumption and filter discharge
• No VOCs
• They use natural cleaning methods

Some of the benefits experienced by people using their cookware include:

• Saving energy, as it only requires low-medium heat to cook to perfection
• Saving space, as you can not only stack the cookware when not in use, you can stack the pans on top of each other during cooking – requiring only one burner to be in use.
• Saving money, as your cookware will last longer and you can get more nutrients from your food than other types of cookware. You can even take advantage of their $50 off coupon or email healthycookware@gmail.com to see what offers are available.
• Improving health, if used properly this cookware will allow you to prepare your meals using less water, less oils and fats, have less cholesterol as a result, etc. You can even do things like cook fried chicken without grease or boil an egg without a pot full of water.
• Saving time, as there is less prep time involved with most cooking and less need to constantly check your food.

So if you want to improve your health and make sure the food you are cooking maintains its nutrients, invest in a long-lasting, reliable cookware like Kitchen Craft cookware (aka The Healthy Gourmet). They definitely get a green plus in my book for healthy cookware.

Needless to say, I’m very happy to announce that Biofriendly Corporation’s Green Plus® Liquid Combustion Catalyst has been approved by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ), as an alternative diesel fuel formulation solution in Texas.

What does that mean?  Well, it means that diesel fuel producers, diesel importers, retailers and other who need to meet the Texas Low Emission Diesel (TxLED) requirements for lowered emissions, now have an effective fuel additive solution – Green Plus.

For a little background info, the Texas Low Emission Diesel program was set up to lower the emissions of smog-forming pollutants commonly produced from diesel-powered motor vehicles and non-road equipment (tractors, bulldozers, etc.) in over 100 counties throughout Texas, where air quality is a concern.

In order for Green Plus to get this approval, it was put through a series of stringent Federal Test Procedures.  The results of these tests proved that Green Plus reduced harmful emissions to a level equivalent to a cleaner diesel blend.  How clean?  As clean as the lowest emission, mass produced diesel in the world.

This means Texans now have a feasible and effective liquid combustion catalyst for use in helping lower harmful diesel emissions.  And don’t forget an added bonus: with more complete burns and cleaner engines come lower maintenance costs.  All in all, it’s a great step towards cleaning up the air and reducing smog-forming pollutants in Texas. Congratulations to the State of Texas and Biofriendly Corporation!

Image by biofriendly  

I’m sure you’ve noticed the price of gasoline is on the rise again.  The price for unleaded gas where I live in Southern California is right around $3.00/gallon whereas a little over two months ago (on April 16, 2009) it was “just” $2.25/gallon.  In two months it’s gone up about $0.75/gallon…that’s quite an increase.

But what can you do to ensure you aren’t wasting the gas you do buy?  Yes, you can do smart things like car-pool to work, use public transportation, limit your trips, walk, ride your bike, etc.  And of course if you have an electric car, you don’t need to worry about that.  For those who don’t have electric cars, how do you know whether or not you are wasting gas every time you drive your car?

Well, to make it simple, there are hydrocarbons in gasoline and diesel that tend to bundle together.  When they do this, oxygen can’t fully reach the fuel and thus it can’t burn completely.  This results in exhaust and the partially burnt molecules contribute to pollution and the harmful emissions that come from your car.  Basically you are wasting gas and harming the environment by not ensuring you get a more complete burn from your gasoline.

How do you get that more complete burn though?  I’m sure there are various ways, but thankfully a good fuel additive like Green Plus™  (created by Biofriendly Corporation) will help the hydrocarbons in your gasoline or diesel to unbundle.  The unbundling exposes them more to oxygen and therefore allows them to be able to burn more completely.

The result is not only a better use of the gasoline you are paying for, but you reduce the harmful emissions from your car and get better fuel efficiency as well.  It’s a win-win all around.  So before you burn a hole in your wallet from rising gas prices, make sure you car in completely burning your gasoline instead.

The air pollution restrictions proposed last month by the EPA to the International Maritime Organization to establish a 200 nautical mile virtual perimeter around the lower 48 states, Anchorage and the seven populated Hawaiian islands are a breathe of fresh air.  The new restrictions would require ships including tankers, cruise ships, cargo ships and many other large vessels to use low-sulfur fuel or new technology which would ensure they emit less sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and soot within 20 nautical miles of the U.S.

With ports across the U.S., including many major ports right here in Southern California, such as the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, bringing in the vast majority of all U.S. imports, establishing air pollution control for ships is long overdue.

According to the post from the Journal of Commerce, the Port of Long Beach is gearing up towards a $750 million dollar Middle Harbor redevelopment project.  The Long Beach Harbor Commission is scheduled to cast their vote on April 13th for the proposed project which apparently increases marine terminal capacity while reducing pollution.  Diesel emissions are estimated to be reduced by 50% through a series of planned environmental measures including vessels being required to operate from shore-side electrical power while at berth.  Vessels will also have to use low-sulfur fuel in their main and auxiliary engines as they transit to and from berth.

Another company right in line to help with the new proposed air pollution restrictions for marine vessels is Biofriendly Corporation.  With years of sea-trials already complete and certified test results from accredited laboratories, Biofriendly Corporation’s Green Plus™ has been proven to not only improve marine vessel emissions and fuel economy but reduce maintenance needs as well.

Marine vessels ranging from harbor tugboats and ferries to 150,000 dwt oil tankers and container ships have already achieved results by adding Green Plus to their heavy fuel oil or marine diesel.  So, as the new air pollution restrictions get put into place to clean up our ports and the air around them, shipping companies would be wise to check out using a proven marine fuel additive such as Green Plus.

Image by stevendamron

Have you ever wanted to live by the beach but just couldn’t afford it?  I know I have.  Well, now in Santa Monica, CA you can do just that for only about $1327 a month.  Yes, you can live just blocks away from the beach in apartments that are green, plus affordable.  Okay, so you’re probably wondering what’s the catch?

The first catch…each apartment is only 375 sq feet.  But that’s not too bad, right?  Each apartment is built in loft format with a kitchen, living room and bathroom downstairs and a loft bedroom upstairs.  If you’re a bachelor (or bachelorette) or maybe even a couple, it could suit you quite well.  And don’t forget, you’re only blocks from the beach!

The other catch…these apartments are part of an affordable housing project.  Therefore, each person who wants to lease an apartment must meet moderate-income restrictions as set by the City of Santa Monica.  For one person, the maximum gross income is $53,100 and for two people, the maximum gross income is $60,600.

On the upside, the apartments have easy access to freeways and shopping, have controlled access, an on-site laundry facility, underground parking, stainless steel appliances (hopefully Energy Star) and are pre-wired for high speed internet and DirecTV.

Also if you work in/near Santa Monica it makes living in one of these apartments all that more green, plus affordable.  Just think, you’ll save a lot on gasoline, produce less harmful emissions (due to less travel time…and yes, you can always use a good fuel additive for the travel you are doing), have less air pollution and breathe cleaner air by living near the beach, etc., etc.  So if you don’t mind living in a small apartment, I’d say these are worth checking out.

Image by biofriendly

Can you really lower your CO2 emissions?  Well, the obvious answer is yes, of course.  But do you really know what will lower your emissions?  For example, will you produce less CO2 emissions by idling your car or by turning it off and on?  If your tires are under-inflated will that cause your car to produce more harmful emissions?

Well, I checked it out and here are a few tips I found that can help you lower your CO2 emissions.  Some of them are obvious, some not as much, but all are helpful if followed:

• Idling your car: A gallon of gasoline can produce about 20lbs of CO2 and if you leave your car idling for let’s say 10 minutes, you are producing about 10lbs of CO2.  That doesn’t even factor in the half gallon or more of gas you just used up.  We all do it, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t, but it all adds up.  So when you go to drop off your kids at school or wait for that friend you are picking up, turn your car off.  Just 10 seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off your engine and restarting it again.
• Fuel additive: One of the problems with fuel these days is it doesn’t always burn completely.  As a result you can experience lowered performance and higher levels of CO2 exhaust.  By using an effective fuel additive, such as Green Plus®, you are working at the molecular level (without altering the chemistry of the fuel itself) to provide a more complete burn.  The result of a more complete burn is better performance, increased fuel economy and fewer harmful CO2 emissions.
• Proper tire pressure: You’ve probably been told that having under-inflated tires will drive down your fuel economy.  Yes, that is true, a driver with under-inflated tires could potentially spend an additional $500-800 per year on fuel than if their tires were properly inflated.  Additionally, properly-inflated tires could help cut CO2 emissions by up to 84 lbs per car.  Probably not all cars will cut their emissions by that much, but every little bit helps.  Plus just think how much longer your tires will last if they are properly inflated and rotated regularly.
• Car-pooling: Now this one is pretty much a matter of basic math.  If you car-pool twice a week, then you cut your car’s CO2 emissions by 2/5th, unless you work a 4-day week in which case you are cutting your CO2 emissions in half.  It’s that simple.  You also save money from gas, oil, parking, etc.

So, if you are seriously looking to lower your CO2 emissions try some of all of these tips and see the difference.  It will be good for you (both in car performance and money saved) and for the environment – a winner all around.

Image by ryaninc

The idea of going green is such a broad concept.  Can anyone be truly green?  Do you need to have your entire life green before you are making a difference?  Doesn’t switching to more eco-friendly, green items cost more money?  So how can you go green, plus save money at the same time?

The answer is simple.  Do it little by little.  Each step you take towards going green makes a difference to your environment.  Whether it is just planting seeds to grow some herbs for cooking, switching to eco-friendly laundry soap or using non-toxic cleaning agents around the house; each little step reduces your personal carbon footprint and starts to add up.

Care2 had a great post about “Changing the World One Room at a Time”.  It includes simple, subtle and relatively inexpensive ways to make some green, eco-friendly changes in your home.

In terms of the cost of going green, I did a quick comparison on a few household items:

1) Bath tissue – 6 rolls of Bright Green (which is biodegradable, 100% recycled fiber and whitened without elemental chlorine) cost $3.99.  Whereas 6 rolls of Charmin Ultra – $9.99, 4 rolls of Quilted Northern – $3.99 and 4 rolls of Safeway Select – $3.99.

2) Laundry soap – 150 oz of Bright Green (which is biodegradable, phosphate free, septic safe and its bottle is at least 25% recycled plastic) cost $12.99.  Whereas 150 oz of All stainlifter – $13.99, 150 oz of All Free & Clear – $13.99, 150 oz of Cheer – $19.99 and 150 oz of Gain – $17.99.

3) Light bulbs – 2 75-watt Bright Green light bulbs (which only use 18 watts of energy each) cost $9.99.  Whereas 1 75-watt GE Energy Smart light bulb uses 20 watts and costs $5.99 each and 4 GE 71-watt regular bulbs only cost $2.99 but they each use 71-watts rather than the 1/3 of that used on the other light bulbs.

It just goes to show, when it comes to going green, plus saving money – you really can do it if you just take the time to look and see what is available to you.  Start with one step and move on from there.

(Sink is concrete with 50% recycled fly ash)  Image by Jeremy Levine Design

One of the top news stories recently is the Tennessee coal ash pond disaster and the fact that millions of tons of toxic coal ash is being stored in surface ponds across 32 different states.  The issue being that while power plants are apparently being more closely monitored to reduce harmful coal emissions and air pollution, their coal ash disposal isn’t being monitored hardly at all.  But can’t they recycle the coal ash rather than loading it into ponds?

The answer is yes, most of it can be recycled.  It can be used in the construction of bridges, highways, carpets, sinks, bowling balls, etc.  Per a report from CNBC about 126 million tons of coal ash was created last year and more than 50 million tons was recycled and turned into other products.

Per this same article, if you replaced a ton of cement with a ton of coal ash, due to the CO2 generated during cement production, using the coal ash would actually reduce the CO2 footprint.

But one of the factors in recycling coal ash is being able to reduce the harmful carbon emissions during the burning process so there is less unburned carbon in the fly ash.  With less unburned carbon in the fly ash, more of it can be recycled and put to use, rather than piling up in ponds waiting for potential disaster.

So, when it comes to regulating, maybe it would make sense to require plants to use a proven liquid combustion catalyst, like Green Plus® that improves thermal efficiency and reduces the volume of unburned carbon in the fly ash.  This way more coal ash could be recycled and less “stored” in ponds across the U.S.

Image by biofriendly

Fuel additives, fuel enhancers and many other products that promise lowered harmful emissions and better fuel economy may not be exactly what you are looking for.  If you really want to get results, what you need is an actual liquid combustion catalyst.

First of all, what is a catalyst?  A catalyst is commonly defined as a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.  With a true liquid combustion catalyst you are not altering the chemistry of the fuel you have in your vehicle, you are simply – and with the right catalyst, effectively – helping the existing fuel burn more completely.

One of the problems with most fuel is the hydrocarbons tend to cluster, which makes it more difficult for the oxygen to reach all the fuel.  This creates the duel problem of lower performance and the production of exhaust and harmful emissions (as a result of an incomplete fuel burn).

With a liquid combustion catalyst like Biofriendly Corporation’s Green Plus, you can effectively un-bundle the hydrocarbon clusters in the fuel because the ambient oxygen fed into the engine will now be able to better reach more of the fuel, thus allowing a more complete burn.  An added benefit is you don’t get the explosive shattering that usually accompanies a combustion process.

So, when you look for a product to help lower your vehicle’s harmful emissions and/or increase your fuel economy, go for a tested and proven liquid combustion catalyst.  You and your vehicle will be thankful you did.

Image by busymommy

We all know the old story, if you are good Santa Claus (or Father Christmas, depending on where you are from) will put toys and presents in your Christmas stocking and if you are bad, you get coal.  But what do you think Santa Claus does in this day and age?

I’m sure Santa Claus is a reasonable man….he is a jolly ole’ soul, right?  He wants to ensure the children (and adults) are happy and healthy.  Coal doesn’t exactly promote happy and healthy living – whether it’s coal put in someone’s stocking or burning coal in a power plant (which produces at least 40% of today’s CO2 emissions).

I don’t necessarily think Santa was wrong, at the time, for putting coal in the stockings of bad children.  I know in earlier years, coal was used quite often – in industry and in homes to fuel coal-burning stoves, etc., but times are constantly changing.

Nowadays there are many ideas about how to “clean up” coal to help make it less harmful to the environment – some expensive and complex while others like Green Plus™ combustion catalyst are more cost-effective, efficient and relatively simple to implement.

But no matter what, I think Santa probably has a more biofriendly way to let a child know if he/she has been naughty or nice.  Let’s face it, I mean, Santa still rides around in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, which has to be good on his fuel economy and keep the harmful emissions low.  We know he’s thinking green.

So, what do you think Santa puts in stockings of bad children these days?  And what do you think he has to say about coal emissions?