The Power of the Sun, Part I

Facts about the Sun

Now that it is summer, many people are inclined to spend more time outdoors: attending barbecues, swimming in pools, or relaxing in the Sun.  Next week's blog will detail several green tips for eco-friendly Sun protection perfect for this warm season.  This week, learn some interesting facts about the sun.  As the center of the universe, the Sun affects many aspects of greenliving and the overall sustainability of the planet.

Did you know?

1. The Sun is roughly 4.5 billion years old.  Even so, it is only a middle-aged star!  The Sun has enough Hydrogen to burn for approximately five billion more years.

A Green Memorial Day

Eco-Friendly Tips for This Summer Holiday

Do you have plans for Memorial Day?  If you want a holiday filled with fun and activities, try to look for some green living alternatives to any event.

Find the green way to...

1) Spend Time Outside: Use Memorial Day as an opportunity to start a garden or buy a plant that will be the perfect accent to your home or apartment patio/ balcony.  If you want to grill, remember- gas and electric grills are more eco-friendly than charcoal or wood.

What You Can't Recycle

Not All Paper, Glass, and Plastic Can Go In Your Bin

If you care about living a green lifestyle, you understand that recycling is a cornerstone of becoming eco-friendly.

However, not every product can be recycled.  Below is a list of commonly recycled products that should actually be thrown away.

1. Juice boxes- Though made from cardboard, juice boxes, orange juice and milk cartons, and similar containers cannot be recycled.  Some companies now produce recyclable drink containers, but these will be specially marked.
2. Aerosol cans- These include deodorants, fragrance sprays, and odor neutralizers.  The cans themselves are metal, but you cannot recycle products that once contained chemicals because they are considered hazardous materials.

What Can You Find in the Ocean?

Recycling and the Ocean

If you don't think recycling is important- consider all of the garbage the eventually makes its way into waterways.  A lot of waste in the ocean was, initially, recyclable materials.

The top 10 waste items found in the ocean are:

1) Cigarettes and cigarette filters- over two million found per year.
2) Food wrappers and containers- over one million found per year.
3) Plastic beverage bottles (recyclable)- over one million found per year.
4) Plastic bags- over one million found per year.
5) Caps and lids- over 900 thousand found per year.
6) Plastic utensils (recyclable)- over 600 thousand found per year.