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!

Most people have a certain vehicle in mind, or at least an idea of what they are looking for, before they go car shopping. In fact, many people already have the make and model picked out before they even step foot on the lot. But who is to say that particular vehicle is going to be what they really need and want? Who is to say that vehicle was made with their particular needs in mind? Does it have eco-friendly features and technology designed to assist them on the road to fuel efficiency? Well, that’s where four moms from GM come in with the Malibu Eco.

Never before has a vehicle like the Malibu Eco been designed from the get-go, not only based on what the company feels the consumer is looking for, but with direct insight, input and hands-on engineering expertise from real-life moms. With safety, comfort, eAssist technology, fuel-efficiency and the peaceful quietness that all moms long for, the Malibu Eco is a truly joint effort on behalf of moms (and dads) everywhere.

First let me cover just a few of the features of the new eco-friendly Malibu Eco:

• eAssist technology which aids in increasing fuel efficiency by cutting off fuel to the engine during deceleration,
• a regenerative lithium-oin battery pack recharges when the vehicle brakes and powers the vehicle during stops,
• the battery then starts the vehicle’s engine when accelerating from a stop,
• the energy from the battery also provides a boost to the engine in order to increase fuel economy,
• the entire exterior of the vehicle is designed to deflect the wind and thus increase the vehicle aerodynamic capabilities,
• there is an eco-efficiency gauge so you can tell how well you are doing on staying “green”,
• an electric auto stop indicator lets you know when the vehicle is running on the battery during the stop/start mode and more.

Although the Malibu Eco is not 100% electric, with the technologies it incorporates, it allows owners to travel approximately 580 highway miles between fill-ups, despite having only a 15.8-gallon fuel tank. That’s close to 37 mpg, not too shabby for a combustion engine. I’d even add a little Green Plus® to further assist in decreasing my harmful emissions and increasing my fuel economy.

Now let’s get to the four moms, in particular, who have had a direct hand in bringing the new Malibu Eco to life:

First we’ll start with rocket scientist, Aerodynamic Development Lead Engineer, and roller derby skater Suzanne Cody. Suzanne is one of GM’s aerodynamic engineers and, just as importantly, she is a mother of two. While Suzanne has worked on a number of GM vehicles, she had an intrinsic role in directly shaping and forming the Malibu Eco in order to reduce wind drag and increase fuel efficiency. Her chosen field and desire to make sure the Malibu Eco is exactly what moms (and dads) alike are looking for is what drove her to combine her passions to bring the Eco to a whole new level.

Next comes Kara Gordon, mother of two and Noise and Vibration Performance Development Engineer. Kara brought a unique feature to the Malibu Eco in the fact that she brought the gift of silence. Although having two young sons doesn’t necessarily bode quiet, Kara did a tremendous job of incorporating the calmness of her daily yoga routine and the peacefulness of her organic garden into the Malibu Eco. She went to extremes to identify then eliminate the wind, tire, road and other vehicle noises in order to make the Malibu Eco one of the quietest vehicles ever.

Now we come to Julie Kleinert, mother of four, grandmother of two and the North American Child Safety Technical Lead for the new Malibu Eco. As you can imagine, Julie has one of the most important roles at GM, and in particular with the Eco. She is in charge of integrating key vehicle safety technology into the vehicle in order to make it safer for children. As a parent, I value her work tremendously, because I know there is nothing more important to me than the health and happiness of my two kids. That is why I’m glad Julie is on the job. She has authored three technical papers and has an industry-first patent for a safety technology currently under review. She has also co-authored two technical papers comparing real-world crash conditions with those in manufacturer crash tests. Needless to say, she has really made a difference in the industry and specifically with the Malibu Eco.

Last but definitely not least is Tracy Mack-Askew, international traveler, mother of two and the Vehicle Line Manager on the global platform for the Malibu Eco. Tracy has worked at GM for 13+ years and has played a role as a design engineer, mechanical engineer and harmony engineer for a number of GM vehicles. On the Malibu Eco she was fully responsible for bringing engineering and manufacturing together to see to the end product available today.

With their combined skills, hard work, dedication and commitment these four women have truly shaped the future of GM and the Malibu Eco.

Image by Alex Healing / Creative Commons

With the recent earthquakes we’ve been experiencing and hearing about in the news, I thought it would be a good opportunity to touch on whether or not global warming, or climate change, could be contributing to the seemingly increased quake activity and how we can be prepared in case of an earthquake.

Now to start off, you’ve probably heard about the recent magnitude 8.6 earthquake off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, followed by an 8.2 aftershock.

Image from USGS

You also may have heard about the magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Mexico that could be felt all the way to Mexico City. Did you hear about the magnitude 5.9 earthquake off the coast of Oregon? And what about the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in the Gulf of California? How about this morning’s 6.0 in Iwaki, Japan or the 5.7 in Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, Mexico? Just take a look at the number of earthquakes that are happening on a daily basis. This graph is a clear indication of the location, magnitude and frequency of earthquakes around the world over the past five years.

Accordingly to the USGS, and as of this writing, there have been more than 7099 earthquakes in the last 30 days alone. In the past seven days over 280 of those earthquakes were magnitude 2.5 or greater.

But if you take a look at the graphs below, you’ll see that we are not experiencing any dramatic increase in seismic activity, especially from larger magnitude earthquakes. In fact, the USGS states:

“We continue to be asked by many people throughout the world if earthquakes are on the increase. Although it may seem that we are having more earthquakes, earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater have remained fairly constant.”

That means there is no real indication that global warming, climate change, or any other significant man-made factor is triggering more earthquakes. Not to say those things aren’t contributing factors to the stress of the planet, or that they won’t be a significant contributing factor in the future, but at this point none of them are THE factor behind earthquakes.

The fact is that the planet is billions of years old, spinning through space, with an inner core reaching temperatures of up to 9800°F. The Earth is constantly changing. Of course, with more than 7 billion people inhabiting the planet, we are bound to have some kind of an impact on those changes.

That is why it is important to take care of this planet, because it’s the only one we’ve got right now. Earthquakes will continue to happen though, regardless, so while we take actions to reduce, reuse, recycle and care for the Earth, we also need to ensure we are prepared for when those earthquakes do happen.

The USGS recommends you have these supplies on hand in case of an earthquake. Here are also a few other eco-friendly items you might want to have in your earthquake kit. If you have pets, don’t forget to have a pet survival kit for them as well. Your pets will have needs, as you will, so it is important to be prepared to care for them. Just in case, you might want to get a waste bag kit and some poo powder too. You never know how long you’re going to be without standard amenities after an earthquake.

When it all comes down to it, while global warming may not be triggering more earthquakes, earthquakes are going to continue happening, so are other natural disasters. The important thing is to be prepared. Are you prepared? If not, what are you waiting for?

Image by Joe McCarthy / Creative Commons

St. Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays where it doesn’t really seem to matter whether you are of true Irish decent or not. People from all across the globe love to join in the celebration when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day. Of course there are people who have their Irish traditions, handed down from generation to generation, while there are others who are fully content to go hopping from bar to bar in search of the greenest beer in town.

In order to give you a little head start on your holiday plans, and to instill a bit of the Irish spirit in you, here are a few green St. Patrick’s Day traditions:

1) Drinking green beer. Although Guinness beers are not commonly dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day, mostly because their dark color doesn’t allow the green dye to show through, Guinness does have a fairly “green” beer in that their Guinness Extra Stout – North America is vegan-friendly. That makes it a nice addition to one of your St. Patrick’s Day meals.

Image by Lynn Fennell / Creative Commons

2) Planting shamrocks. One of the more traditional symbols of St. Patrick’s Day is the shamrock. Legend has it that St. Patrick used to use the shamrock, also known as a clover, in illustrating The Holy Trinity. Today the Irish, and many others around the world, consider the shamrock (especially the four-leaf clover version) to be a symbol of good luck.

3) Eating your greens. Bacon (nowadays corned beef) and cabbage is a tasty Irish meal that is often served on St. Patrick’s Day. If you haven’t eaten it yourself, I’m sure you know of someone who has has eaten it. For those meat-lovers, it is a great way to combine meats with your greens and have a relatively well-balanced meal. For those of you who would rather have a vegetarian or vegan option, here are 10 Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes for St. Patrick’s Day.

4) Last but definitely NOT least, getting outdoors. People love an excuse to celebrate and if you’re going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, regardless of whether or not you are Irish, what better place to do it than outdoors? The backyard, a local park, the beach, a campground, or another outdoor destination of your choice.

Image by Nina Matthews / Creative Commons

Whatever you decide to do, I hope your day is filled with green from morning to night. Here’s to a happy and truly green St. Patrick’s 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 Stella Blu / Creative Commons

The holidays are here and as we all scramble to finish up our shopping or finalize those last minute plans, I wanted to take a moment to wish each of you a happy holiday. Here are my biofriendly wishes to you and yours:

1. May your days be filled with smiles, laughter and other eco-friendly ways to brighten your spirits and lift your mood.

2. May the beauty of nature draw you outside to experience the natural wonders of the world around you.

Image by Per Ola Wiberg / Creative Commons

3. May you have lower emissions and higher fuel efficiency as you travel to visit friends and loved ones.

4. May your house be filled with natural decorations, soy candles, and plants that help clean the air and improve your indoor air quality. A healthy dose of fresh air wouldn’t hurt either.

5. May you have little waste, and may you finds way to recycle, reuse and reduce during the holiday season.

6. May your meals feature lots of organic, healthy and local foods, like those found in these gourmet vegetarian recipes, perfect for Christmas dinner.

Image by Andy Roberts / Creative Commons

7. May you have just enough food to provide for you and your loved ones. May any leftovers find their way back to the table to be used and enjoyed. And may your compost be your friend.

8. As often as possible, may your home be warmed by the natural heat of visiting family and friends. The rest of the time, may your home heating oil be tempered with a little Green Plus® to reduce your costs and help save the environment.

Image by Cody / Creative Commons

9. May you take the time to unplug, both at work and home, during the holidays. I don’t mean just log off your computer, unplug. Even those of you who do not have time off work should spend your downtime unplugged. Who knows, you may find you like it.

10. For those of you with kids (or even for those of you who do not have kids), my friend Bethe says it best with her 12 Days of Christmas: Kicking it Grass Stain Guru Style!

Image by Biofriendly

Last, but not least, may the following quotes help inspire your actions and activities throughout the holiday season and into the new year:

“ Take care of the earth and she will take care of you.“  ~Author Unknown

“There is a sufficiency in the world for man’s need but not for man’s greed.“  ~Mohandas K. Gandhi

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.“  ~Native American Proverb

Wishing you and yours a truly biofriendly holiday!

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 Jenn Deering Davis / Creative Commons

December is here and the holidays are just around the corner. Before you know it, the holidays will have come and gone and we will be ringing in the new year. But for those of you (me included) who haven’t managed to finish their holiday shopping, here are some green holiday shopping and gift tips that may help you wrap things up and do so in a relatively “green” fashion.

1) I am a strong advocate of making lists. Before you go out shopping for presents, food for a family gathering or holiday party, make a list and check it twice. Don’t forget to make a list of not only what you need, but where you need to go in order to get it. This way you can plan out your entire day, spend less time, waste less gas and be back home in no time…hopefully with your entire list checked off.

2) Do your last minute shopping online, especially if you have items that needs to be shipped. Think about it. This one is kind of a no-brainer. Rather than driving out to the mall, wandering around trying to find the exact right item, buying it, buying wrapping paper and packaging materials, going home and wrapping everything up, taking it to the post office and shipping it so it arrives on time. Whew! Shop online as it saves a lot more time, they ship it for you, and many sites, like Amazon, have eco-friendly shipping options.

3) Don’t get sucked into the hype. Not everyone needs the latest and greatest, brand new item to hit the holiday season.

Image by Clint Currier / Creative Commons

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure a lot of people love to get stuff like that, however, that doesn’t mean all gifts need to be brand new. Sometimes refurbished or gently used is just as good as new, and it is less expensive. Besides in the reduce-reuse-recycle scheme of things, doesn’t that make more sense?

4) Donate during the holidays. There are many people in the world, and even in your own neighborhood, who are less fortunate than you. During the holiday season take some time and donate. You don’t have to donate money, you can donate goods, donate your time, and even donate your specific professional skill.

You can even donate as a gift to a friend or loved one. The neighbor who needs help repairing the fence would probably much rather have your help, than have you buy them a hammer. The dad who would rather spend the day with you instead of getting another tie to stick in their closet. There are tons of ideas and ways you can donate.

5) Get creative with wrapping. It’s probably no surprise that wrapping paper is a big waste. Because of the dyes, non-paper additives and other materials that go into making up wrapping paper, most of it is non-recyclable.

Image by Julie Magro / Creative Commons

Instead of investing in something that will only get one use before it goes in the trash, how about buying reusable wrapping or using different materials, fabrics, reusable bags, and ribbons you have around the house. It’s a fun way to wrap and it is better for the environment. My mother-in-law is really good at this. In fact most of our gifts come in the same boxes/bags, year after year, holiday after holiday. Works for me!

6) This may seem like an odd shopping tip to some people…smile. That’s right. Smile while you’re shopping. Not only will it lift your spirits, but it will help lift the spirits of people around you as well. And there really is no less expensive way to brighten someone’s day than to smile. My guess is you’ll find your shopping adventures will be more enjoyable and time will past quickly.

Image by LizMarie / Creative Commons

7) Visit your local farmers’ markets, not only for fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and other goods, but for handmade gifts as well. There are a number of very creative gifts you can find at the farmers’ market. If you buy items, you are supporting your local community. If you don’t, you still may come up with some great ideas of gifts you can make yourself. Definitely a win-win!

Those are my 7 simple, green holiday shopping and gift ideas for this year. Take them to heart and I bet you will have a greener, more biofriendly holiday season! Don’t forget to share your green holiday shopping and/or gift ideas too.

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.