Look for FSC Label
When shopping for wood products, look for a FSC, (Forest Stewardship Council) label. The Council certifies that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests.
Avoid PFAS
Nonstick, grease resistant paper-based food ware such as pizza boxes & pastry bags, microwave popcorn bags can contain the toxic chemical PFAS (polyfluoralkyl) found in Teflon products. Keep this info in mind when getting food to go or delivered.
Alternative to Peat Moss
Harvesting of peat moss destroys bog ecosystems. Substitute these materials: compost, leaf mold, sawdust, shredded bark or wood chips. Another option is coir dust or cocopeat from coconut husks.
Good On You is Good For You
Interested in organic, eco-friendly and fair trade clothing? Check out the website Good On You for guides and tips on sustainable shoe products as well as clothing.
Why Power Strips
If left plugged in computers, stereos, TVs will still draw power even when turned off. To reduce your energy consumption, plug electronics into a power strip and when not in use, flip off the switch.
Fabric Softeners
Conventional Fabric softeners even when “fragrance-free” contain a host of chemicals. To avoid toxins, make your own: pour half a cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine or put the vinegar during the rinse cycle
Safe Cookware
Avoid nonstick cookware coated with Teflon made with the chemicals PFOA and PFC. In 2013, PFOA was found to be dangerous and replaced with PFCs which have not proven to be any safer. Better options are cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel and ceramic coated cookware
Interested in Composting!
Check out Green America’s article “Pick a Composter, Any Composter” on its website that provides details on some of the most popular options. Green Tip brought to you by Earth Community Circle action group. Click here for more ideas/
Laundry Efficiency
What’s more Efficient, a Front-Loading Washer or a Top-Loading? A top-loading washer can consume almost 50 percent more energy and twice as much water as a front-loading washer of the same capacity.Consumer Reports has found that the most efficient washers need less than 10 gallons a load. (Mr. Green, Sierra Club) Green Tip brought to you by Earth Community Circle action group. For more ideas: http://uuasheville.org/social-justice/green-sanctuary/
Fuel Economy
Check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s official source for fuel economy information site: www.fueleconomy.gov. On this site you can find information on such things as how to calculate your fuel costs, tips on driving more efficiently and side by side comparisons of a variety of car models.
LED Bulbs
LED bulbs are now the way to go for energy-efficient lighting. If you have any incandescent bulbs, go ahead and replace them now. If you have compact fluorescent bulbs, wait till they burn out to replace them. LED bulbs are super cheap (less than a dollar) at Habitat ReStore and close to that at certain other stores, including Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Walmart, Lowes and Goodwill.