Oregon Considers Plastic Bag Ban
In recent years, governments have flirted with the idea of banning plastic bags from use by consumers at grocery stores and similar retail outlets. Relatively “green” Seattle, Washington failed to convince its voters that a tax on plastic bags (20 cents per bag) was a good idea last year. But when the Oregon Legislature convenes [...]
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Grow an Easy Herb Garden Using Soda Bottles
Growing plants is one of my kids’ favorite, healthy summertime activities. Fresh, home-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs can be incorporated into your own recipes for tasty family meals. But what if you don’t have room in your yard for a plot? Why not use recycled soda bottles to grow your own hanging plants?
My friend Mike [...]
How to Find Eco-Friendly Hotels
When planning a vacation, there are a number of considerations that come into play with respect to lodging: price, location, amenities and – these days – environmental practices. Fortunately, its easier than ever to find eco-friendly hotels.
If you want to ensure that your hotel is green, there are several ways to check. First, see if [...]
Clean Water in Africa: Oregon Teens Work to Make a Difference
Water shortage is a growing crisis, particularly in African countries where women spend hours traveling each day in search of water – time that could be spent pursing vocations or raising their children. And speaking of children – estimates are that 5,000 children die each day due to parasites, bacteria and silt in their water. [...]
read moreElectric cars
Eco-Friendly Charging of Electric Vehicles
You might have heard a lot about electric cars this year, especially with the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf hitting the market. But how much of a benefit to the environment are EVs? After all, isn’t most electricity from fossil fuels?
Fortunately, eco-friendly charging of electric vehicles is possible and practicable! The U.S. is actually lagging [...]
Solar power
Passive Solar to Stay Cool This Summer
Its summer and its hot! We all know that its important to stay cool when the mercury rises. But if you don’t have the resources or space to install air conditioning, how can you keep the heat down?
Passive solar could be the answer to your home cooling needs!
There are some easy ways to utilize cool [...]
Going green
Oregon Considers Plastic Bag Ban
In recent years, governments have flirted with the idea of banning plastic bags from use by consumers at grocery stores and similar retail outlets. Relatively “green” Seattle, Washington failed to convince its voters that a tax on plastic bags (20 cents per bag) was a good idea last year. But when the Oregon Legislature convenes [...]
Wildlife
Wild-Caught or Farmed Salmon?
A friend of mine cynically noted many years ago that salmon is the only endangered species you can buy at the store in a can. While that may be half-true (depending on the species, etc.), there are definitely environmental considerations to be made when it comes to choosing wild-caught or farmed salmon.
Yes, you can have [...]
Recent Articles
Passive Solar to Stay Cool This Summer
Its summer and its hot! We all know that its important to stay cool when the mercury rises. But if you don’t have the resources or space to install air conditioning, how can you keep the heat down?
Passive solar could be the answer to your home cooling needs!
There are some easy ways to utilize cool [...]
Oregon Considers Plastic Bag Ban
In recent years, governments have flirted with the idea of banning plastic bags from use by consumers at grocery stores and similar retail outlets. Relatively “green” Seattle, Washington failed to convince its voters that a tax on plastic bags (20 cents per bag) was a good idea last year. But when the Oregon Legislature convenes [...]
Grow an Easy Herb Garden Using Soda Bottles
Growing plants is one of my kids’ favorite, healthy summertime activities. Fresh, home-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs can be incorporated into your own recipes for tasty family meals. But what if you don’t have room in your yard for a plot? Why not use recycled soda bottles to grow your own hanging plants?
My friend Mike [...]
Eco-Friendly Charging of Electric Vehicles
You might have heard a lot about electric cars this year, especially with the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf hitting the market. But how much of a benefit to the environment are EVs? After all, isn’t most electricity from fossil fuels?
Fortunately, eco-friendly charging of electric vehicles is possible and practicable! The U.S. is actually lagging [...]
Set a Good Green Example for Your Kids
I had a friend once say to me that “its not what we say, its what we do,” with respect to raising children. Of course, that all sounds good, but do you ever have a moment when you want to instruct your kids, “do what I say, not as I do”?
Some of our most effective [...]
How to Find Eco-Friendly Hotels
When planning a vacation, there are a number of considerations that come into play with respect to lodging: price, location, amenities and – these days – environmental practices. Fortunately, its easier than ever to find eco-friendly hotels.
If you want to ensure that your hotel is green, there are several ways to check. First, see if [...]
Dubai’s Airline Goes Green
We’ve blogged about the giant carbon footprint of taking a plane flight. Yet, instead of entirely giving up on this mode of travel (and let’s face it, most of us will not stop flying), why not explore how an airline can go green?
In the UAE, Dubai’s airline, Emirates Airline, has been working to become a [...]
Obama Goes for a Chevy Volt Ride
This year is the big test for electric vehicles. Sure, there are a few that are already on the road, but mostly super expensive versions like the Tesla (over $100,000) and cars that have been converted to electric with DIY instructions. But later this fall, Chevrolet is releasing the Chevy Volt! The plug-in electric hybrid [...]
Clean Water in Africa: Oregon Teens Work to Make a Difference
Water shortage is a growing crisis, particularly in African countries where women spend hours traveling each day in search of water – time that could be spent pursing vocations or raising their children. And speaking of children – estimates are that 5,000 children die each day due to parasites, bacteria and silt in their water. [...]
Toxic Cosmetics: Its Time for the Industry to Save Face
That new eye cream you just bought could take years off your appearance. Or maybe it will take your life?
In a new book, No More Dirty Looks and its supporting blog, a pair of journalists uncover the secrets lurking in your beauty bag. Toxic cosmetics – from hair products to makeup – may contain mercury, [...]
Wild-Caught or Farmed Salmon?
A friend of mine cynically noted many years ago that salmon is the only endangered species you can buy at the store in a can. While that may be half-true (depending on the species, etc.), there are definitely environmental considerations to be made when it comes to choosing wild-caught or farmed salmon.
Yes, you can have [...]
Spain’s Wackiest Festivals
I’m always looking for unique travel ideas. In fact, when asked what I would do if I won the lottery, usually its a tie between: (1) book an exotic vacation and (2) purchase all the camera equipment I’ve ever wanted. But then I heard about some of Spain’s wackiest festivals. Hands down, I’m hopping on [...]
Adopt-A-Bot Is The World’s First Robot Orphanage
Yes, through Adopt-A-Bot you can give an adorable robot, fashioned from recycled elements a new home, thus enriching your environment and saving an amazing variety of metal pieces from a future of meltdown or landfill.
After a childhood of Lincoln logs and Lego, designer, Brian Marshall, began creating the cunning little creatures from metal parts which [...]
Plan a Green Family Picnic
Long summer days and agreeable weather always work up our family’s appetite to eat outdoors. In fact, picnicking is one of our favorite outdoor activities this time of year! Fortunately, you can plan a green family picnic that not only incorporates healthy, locally-grown foods, but also minimizes waste, but not the convenience or fun.
With a [...]
Travel Green: Bed and Breakfasts in Oregon
When planning vacations these days, many people have a desire to travel green. Staying at a bed and breakfast could definitely help you minimize your carbon footprint while on holiday. Also known as B&Bs, these properties are generally a single-family home that has been converted (and properly permitted) to allow overnight visitors for limited stays. [...]

