Supernatural Botanicals

 Dispose of electronics properly.  Green tips to keep in mind:

• Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
• Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxins and is a growing environmental problem.
• Recycle your cell phone.

A perfect green utopia!  A green city of the future…whose ready to move?  I know I’d certainly sign mortgage papers in this car-free, waste-free, carbon-free land of green perfection.  Check out this clip for a look at a perfect green city. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4zh0p2veZk

What:  Global Warming.

Question:  Is global warming a real concern?

Facts:   The rate of warming is increasing. The 20th century’s last two decades were the hottest in 400 years and possibly the warmest for several millennia, according to a number of climate studies.  And the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that 11 of the past 12 years are among the dozen warmest since 1850. 

What Will Happen?: 

• Strong hurricanes, droughts, heat waves, wildfires, and other natural disasters may become commonplace in many parts of the world. The growth of deserts may also cause food shortages in many places.

• Sea level could rise between 7 and 23 inches (18 to 59 centimeters) by century’s end, the IPCC’s February 2007 report projects. Rises of just 4 inches (10 centimeters) could flood many South Seas islands and swamp large parts of Southeast Asia.

Source:  National Geographic News.

Green’s mantra is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  Did you know that by reducing plastic bag consumption by just two bags per week, you’ll throw away at least 100 fewer bags per year.  If tied together, handle to handle, these plastic bags would make a rope long enough to wrap around the earth more than 126 times. 

You can purchase canvas bags for about $1.00 a piece.  They are stylish, green, and so much better for the environment than plastic bags.  It’s one simple way to becoming more eco-responsible. 

Terminology:  Organic Cotton (and why we should use it.)  Organically grown cotton is not treated with pesticides, herbicides, or petroleum based fertilizers, nor does it use genetically engineered seed.  In the United States, Egypt, India, and other countries, farmers are raising cotton organically, without the use of costly, often ineffective and dangerous chemicals.Look at labels and buy organic when given the option.   Tres eco-chic!

An eco-idea:  Planting mint near a downspout fills your garden with its fresh scent after every rain shower. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT_TVd41vyQ&feature=player_embedded

“If everyone in the country elected to buy one package of 100 percent recycled napkins instead of the non-recycled variety, that act alone would save one million trees.”

    -Jennifer Powers, spokeswoman for the Natural Resources Defense Council

Did you know that three-fourths of the bottles from bottled water do not get recycled?  That’s 75%!   Scientists roughly estimate that it takes 450-1000 years for a water bottle to decompose.  If you are going to drink bottled water, please be mindful of the environment and recycle the bottle….and then encourage someone else to do the same.  Plus, you’ll save money on trash bags.  It’s one small step you can take to being more responsible to the environment.  It’s everyone’s job!

Going Green goes far beyond recycling.  Lyocell is a fabric most know better by its brand name Tencel. It has a soft finish, packs light and is made from cellulose (vegetable matter), or wood pulp, typically a mix of hardwood trees like oak and birch. This makes it a natural fabric, and it is noted for its durability and strength, in addition to its eco-friendly manufacturing techniques.

Lyocell is made by chipping wood, breaking down the wood fibers with the non-toxic chemical amine oxide, and then placing the material in a spinneret. The spinneret produces long fibers, which are then dried and woven into cloth.  …What’s not to love about that?  Be cognizant of what you are buying.  Buy Green!