Why Leo Rocks Our Planet

It’s an awesome thing when celebrities use their influence and star power to promote positive change.  Leonardo DiCaprio has focused on the environment by founding The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation and through his participation as a board member of Global Green USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to greening America’s schools, creating affordable housing, and encouraging cities to combat global warming, lower energy bills, and create green jobs.

The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation was established in 1998.  It has actively created awareness of environmental issues by participating with various organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, Global Green USA, and the International Fund For Animal Welfare. The DiCaprio Foundation created the web site www.leonardodicaprio.org to create a wider outreach to an international audience. The site also promotes current environmental campaigns, such as “the world wide movement to eliminate the use of plastic bags.”

In celebration of Earth Day this year, Leonardo DiCaprio is participating in an online ebay auction of green experiences, such as getting to meet Leo at the premiere of his newest film with a green hotel and eco-car service included.  Also included in the auction are some costume pieces from Catch Me If You Can, signed memorabilia, and more.  All proceeds benefit Global Green USA.

The iPhone has stirred up a lot of hype, but for the eco-geek, there’s another touch screen phone this year that might be even more exciting.  Samsung has introduced their new eco-friendly Blue Earth phone, one of the first solar-powered cell phones on the market.  In addition to being sun-powered, the making and packaging of the phone places a strong emphasis on recycled material while the user experience encourages the phone’s owner to take little steps (literally) to improving the environment.

ECO USER EXPERIENCE

• The phone’s software has functions to encourage users to contribute positively to the environment
• One example is the “Eco Walk” function, where the phone acts like a pedometer and tells users the amount of CO2 emission they’ve reduced by walking, and consequently the number of trees saved by this decision
• Another application, the “Eco Mode,” is an easy way to adjust the phone’s backlight so that it’s more energy efficient

POWER SAVING

• The phone has a solar panel located on the back, in which 10-14 hours of sun power yields about 4 hours of talk time
• An energy efficient charger also comes with the phone, claimed to be over 75% more energy efficient

ECO-PACKAGING

• The commercial packaging for the phone is made of recycled paper
• Overall, it’s 40% lighter than typical packaging, thereby reducing the delivery weight

ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

• The phone is made from PCM, recycled plastic from water bottles

–Image credit: Samsung/Cnet–

The phone is scheduled to be available in Europe later this year.  No word as to when it’ll hit the states — but if you know, let us know!

Save up to 50% on your next move and do the world some good while you’re at it.  Rent-a-Green box offers innovative alternatives for an earth-friendly moving experience that shuns the conventional, expensive cardboard boxes and bubble wraps that harm the environment.  Exceeding 45,000 green deliveries, the company has created a win/win solution for both consumers and the earth.

WHAT DO THEY RECYCLE AND HOW IS IT REUSED?

Rent-a-Green box has invented a series of unique solutions made from post consumer trash such as baby diapers, unusable cardboard and newspaper waste, packaged food boxes, aluminum cans and even plastic bottles to redesign environmentally-friendly moving products.  Here’s a look at some of their most popular items:

Recopack, the cardboard box replacement in medium, large, extra large
• Ideal for fast pack/unpack, quick loading/unloading
• Medium sizes are great for small objects like books, CD’s, crafts, small decorations, misc. items that need to be grouped
• Large sizes are perfect for pots, delicate dishes, glassware, product samples, office supplies
• Extra large sizes can handle bulk items such as linens, bed spreads, pillows, large picture frames, computers, and commercial equipments
• Available for residential and commercial moves
• Comfortable handles for easy moving and stacking

Geami Packing Paper (Geami: “‘best friends forever’ of the earth”)
• Replacement for conventional bubble wraps
• Designed for easily breakable items like china, porcelain, and other expensive items that need delicate care
• Prevents scratches
• Can be reused to ship anything that needs extra care

Recobubes, “the replacement for petroleum based Styrofoam packing peanuts”
• Made from 100% recycled newspaper
• Toss them into your garden after your move and they become compost for your plants

Expandos, another packing peanut replacement
• Ideal for protecting your valuables like crystal vases, figurines, rare collectibles, etc.
• Cool little triangles that interlock and prevent your valuables from moving around during transit

Recopaper
• Replacement for conventional wrapping, packing paper
• Again, throw them into your garden once you’re done with them and they’ll be come compost for your plants

Need more? Check out their recolabels, reco-zips, recobags, reco-dollys, poopy pallets and other upcoming products that will save you time, money and give back to the earth.

GET STARTED

Rent-a Green box now services every city in Orange County, Los Angeles County and continues its expansion through the Inland Empire and San Diego County.  To save yourself the time and hassle of buying moving material, go to the Rent-a-Green box website and follow these simple steps:

1. Determine how many Recopacks you need for your next move using the online Box Wizard or talk to one of their eco-agents

2. Make a reservation and confirm your moving date

3. Recopacks will be delivered to your garage on your moving day.

4. Pack, stack and move!

5. Once you are done, Rent-a-Green box picks them up!

The cassette tape is back and looking hotter than ever in a new design by Stefano Pertegato.  Don’t be deceived by the retro-inspired design of the NVDRS Tape, because it won’t play if you pop it into your mom’s old cassette player.  The NVDRS Tape is actually a mp3 player, but with the characteristics of a tape and powered by battery kinetic energy (aka. you have to wind-up the tape with your finger to power it for play).  Check it out!

THREE DESIGNS, ENCASED IN RECYCLED MATERIAL

QUIRKS OF A CASSETTE TAPE

(1) You can’t skip songs or shuffle around — so the songs you put on there should be your favorite beats
(2) You can fast forward or rewind by reeling the cassette wheels with your finger (or a pencil, pen or anything else we used to use)

MP3 AND COMPUTER COMPATIBLE

(1) There’s a hidden USB to connect to your computer (sweet)
(2) You can switch up your mp3s, gone are the days of recording over your old songs

GREEN MEANS GO

(1) Besides being encased in recycled material, it’s charged by kinetic energy
(2) A light indicates the life of the kinetic battery
(3) You never have to bring a charger with you, unless you consider the pencil

SO WHAT’S THE CATCH?

It’s still just a design concept and not available for purchase. Bummer. But it’s a design concept on the right track!

Designed by: Stefano Pertegato, Massimiliano Rampoldi, Eloisa Tolu, Francesco Schiraldi & Giovanni Mendini

Image source via: Yanko Design

• If you’re looking for actual way to listen to your music green (and to score an ipod in the process), check out iPodmeister: The Cool Way to Exchange CDs

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Not everyone can afford a new hybrid vehicle.  Sure, they boast great mileage per gallon, but the struggling economy makes it difficult for all of us to purchase a new car just for the sake of saving gas.  There are other ways to utilize your current car to save gas.  Here are a few.

Watch your acceleration and speed. Gradually moving faster instead of slamming your gas pedal makes your engine use less gas.  Keep your speed steady, as that is the most efficient use of your gas.  Speeding up and slowing down will use up more gas, such as aggressive braking, speeding up, and accelerating quickly.  Build up speed when going up a hill, instead of accelerating furiously when you are on it.  You will notice a difference.

Roll your windows up once you start driving over 45 miles per hour. The open windows will create more resistance for your car and use up more gas than needed.  However, if you are driving below 45 miles per hour, the windows do not effect your gas mileage.  You can save yourself some energy by having the windows down on a hotter day to avoid using the air conditioner.

Wash your car. Believe it or not, that dirt and residue can actually cause air drag.  Another tip is to remove those bike racks or vinyl/leather tops on top of your car because it also creates air drag.  Unloading unnecessary items from your car can also reduce how much weight your car has to haul.  Do you really need two cases of water in your trunk?  Probably not.  Keep them in the garage and grab a bottle before you run out the door.  Don’t use your car as storage!

Plan your trips. Know ahead of time what errands you have to run and plan accordingly.  You then avoid driving back and forth, wasting time and gas.  Combine your trips and save yourself trouble and money.  Avoid unnecessary idling.  If you have to wait longer than 30 seconds, roll down the windows and turn off the engine.  Commuting with coworkers or friends reduce use of gas, and if you’re really looking to cut back, biking is even better.  Check out our article about how biking to work can even earn you more money.

Maintain your car. Keep your tire pressure to the proper measurement noted on the side of the wheels and vehicle manual.  Under-inflated tires can reduce your mileage by 1 mpg.  Never over-inflate, because the tires will wear out faster.  Change your oil and filter at the recommended times, because dirty oil will create more friction between the parts, reducing efficiency.  The same goes to keeping your parts in good condition or replacing parts that are in need of changing.  Cracked pipes and dirty filters can seriously reduce the mileage and lifetime of your car.  Check out our article on Repair Pal, which makes sure you don’t get cheated by your mechanic.

What are other ways you save gas?

Target features a wide range of household items that are eco-friendly and easy on the wallet.  They offer good quality bed sheets that are 200 thread count made of cotton and bamboo ranging in price from $19.99 to $50.99.  You can also purchase a 3-drawer set made of organic wicker, priced at $69.99 and more eco-friendly furniture at great prices. Look through the website, and you will find baby clothes, bath accessories, soy candles, and rugs that are both eco-friendly and beautiful. Target is also selling pre-owned iPods and televisions, rechargeable batteries and reusable shopping bags.

Reduce your impact on the environment by choosing furniture, electronics, and clothing from companies that are organic. Target is a great place to get started. Purchase responsibly.

Work in a cubicle or a windowless office?  It’s time to revamp your space with a bit of life and color.  Here are a few simple ways to freshen up and revitalize your desk space.

Greenify Your Cubicle. You may not be sitting on the lawn with your laptop, but this doesn’t mean you can’t bring the garden to you.  Consider stocking a flower vase with seasonal flowers from your local farmer’s market, or for a less-costly alternative, a small plant or two can bring the same effect.  If you’re worried about watering your plant, then go conservative with a cactus!

Inspire Your Day. Tack up your favorite quote or poem to start your day off on a good note.  It’s easy to get caught up in our morning flood of e-mails and memos, but don’t let that be an excuse to ignore your inner muse.  A happy you means a happy job.

Bring in the Family & Friends. Not literally, of course, but don’t be hesitant to bring in your favorite photos of your family and friends.  Just don’t bring in anything you don’t want your supervisor seeing.  That may cost you the promotion you’re hoping will get you out of your cube!

Love Your Colors. There are a ton of ways to add more colors to your desk space.  You can opt to deviate from the bland, generic yellow post-its for more vibrant colored notepads, or you can throw a colorful scarf or shaw over your chair to lend your outfit more tone during those chilly morning meetings.

How do you spruce up your work space?  Share your ideas with us!

We all have CDs.  Tons, in fact.  From soundtracks to albums to basic singles,  more than a few of us have shelves upon shelves of discs in plastic cases collecting dust.  The digital wave in music have most people downloading songs online and advances in digital radio allows us to listen to our fave genre of music without a bunch of commercials and ads.

With iPodmeister, you can exchange your CDs and DVDs for a new iPod, and your songs can all be converted into MP3s so you can store them on your gadget.  Not only does this decrease the amount of space your CDs used to take up, but it definitely requires less equipment and energy to play from an iPod instead of some massive CD player.  Plus, no more worries about scratched discs or skipping songs when the CD player hits a bump on the road.


iPodMeister offers a NEW iPod or iPhone in exchange for your CDs and DVDs:

• All iPods/iPhones are brand NEW
• Full Apple warranty
• FREE pick-up & shipping in the U.S.
• No cherrypicking, no list required
• Proven 3-year track record

How many CDs do you need to send in? 150 old CDs/DVDs give you an 8GB nano, and another 50 will have them convert them all for you into MP3s.  If you have tons and tons of CDs, this is the way to go.

More and more tech companies are investing their research to create products that decreases energy consumption.  From printers that automatically go to sleep when they’re inactive to better computer chips, green is the way to go.  If you are looking for a new computer, look into laptops instead of desktops, which suck a lot of energy.

The latest Apple Macbook Air uses the least energy of any Mac.  You can even use the SimpleTech external drive for extra memory.  It’s made of recyclable aluminum and bamboo and also has an automatic setting to turn on and off.  Hewlett-Packard has a new printer, the Deskjet D2545 that is made of 83% recycled plastic and has the automatic sleep option.

While you may not be in the market for buying a brand new computer, there are also other ways to reduce your energy use.  If you have Windows 2000 or XP, you can download the EZ Wizard from Energy Star, a free application that will help you enable power management features on your monitor and computer in just a few minutes.

Google Desktop also has a program for Windows XP and Vista.  Once you download Google Desktop, you can add a gadget that helps you save energy by minimizing your PC’s power consumption when it’s not actively in use. It does this by enabling and optimizing your Windows power settings to EPA recommended standards.  It even tells you how much energy you have saved individually and collectively.  You can even set the program to “Pause” when you are watching a movie on your computer or giving a presentation.

You can set your Apple computer to energy saving mode by customizing the amount of time when your computer is idle to turn it to sleep mode or completely off.  By adjusting your screen brightness, you can also reduce the amount of energy you are using.  Apple also has a free recycling program for Apple and other manufacturers with the purchase of a new Mac.

There are also a ton of companies, such as Best Buy, Techforward and Circuit City who will give you credit or cash for your old electronics.  We recently wrote about a few companies that will give you cash for your electronics.

With this new information at hand, go forth and be green!

September’s here and it’s time to go back-to-school shopping if you haven’t already done so (or for those of us already working, it’s a great time to restock office supplies for the fall)! But are you short on time and overwhelmed by back-to-school shopping ads? Here are a few of our suggestions to help you keep your shopping list safe and eco-friendly!

Look for PVC-free supplies. Polyvinyl chloride (aka PVC or vinyl) is a plastic containing cancer-causing chemicals that is harmful both during its manufacture and its subsequent usage. Not only does the production process of PVC cause a number of toxic chemicals to be released into the environment, similar chemicals can be emitted over the lifetime of the PVC-containing product. Never thought the plastic Barbie lunchbox you used when you were five could contain harmful chems? Think again.

The good news is that many major retailers are making efforts to limit or eliminate PVC-containing products from their shelves and private labels. In fact, Walmart has been one such retailer, removing lead and PVC from all of their products intended for children.

Nevertheless, you should still be aware of whether you’re purchasing PVC-containing products. How can you tell if a product contains PVC? Look out for the word “vinyl” or for the number “3″ or the labels “V” or “PVC” beneath the product’s recycling symbol - this indicates that the product contains PVC.

Buy recycled goods. Go for notebooks and notepads made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Post-consumer material comes from waste that’s no longer used for its original purpose, generally separated from waste and refuse and salvaged into reusable raw material. Alternatively, you can find items that are created from post-industrial material, which makes use of original raw material that would have otherwise gone to waste — like these Woody Ballpoint Pens made from recycled wood scraps.

Opt for energy-efficient. Whether you’re looking for a new laptop or another desk lamp, you can be smart and save money by choosing energy-efficient products. To help you out, the Green Electronics Council has created a three tier standard of environmental performance for desktops and computers so that you can choose an eco-friendly computer to fit your needs. And if you’re looking to dispose of your old computer, consider donating it so that it can be reused!

If you want more eco-friendly back-to-school or office tips, check out Girst’s special Baby Got Back-to-School article as well as The Green Office’s wide range of green products!