Category Archives: eco-friendly

Here’s How to Put Together a Zero Waste Office

by Meghan18Dnlwwye Posted on August 26, 2018

The office can quickly become the most wasteful room in the house. Known for piles upon piles of paperwork, countless single-use items, and energy-sucking electronic devices, it is so common for the office to get out of hand.

Ready to tackle the beast? Here are some simple, high-impact ways you can reduce the amount of trash coming out of your office. Just pick a few tips that work for you!

1.?Kick?the clutter.

First things first, you have to kick the clutter. It is next to impossible to maintain a zero waste mindset when you’re already bogged down by garbage. Start by creating three piles?? recycle, giveaway, throwaway?? and process everything in the office you don’t need anymore. You’ll be amazed how much lighter you feel when it’s done!

2. Choose reusable / compostable / recyclable.

While single-use items like plastic tape dispensers, highlighters, and staples are a significant portion of office-created garbage, reusables that cannot be broken down at the end of their lives are also big contributors. Opt for plain wooden pencils, compostable cardboard or recyclable metal binders, and refillable pens instead.

3. Share or borrow equipment.

Consider the number of times you truly require a printer at home. Could you make due with the one at your local library? Letting go of your home printer helps cut down on the temptation to print more than is actually required, plus you’ll probably save tons of money on ink…

4. Shop local as much as possible.

We all know the pull of Amazon…ohhh, the pull. Our addiction to convenience could be the end of us! If you have the option where you live, do your best to buy local as much as possible. It’s always great to support local business, and package-free is always best!

5. Go paperless.

Switch from paper to electronic billing, set up auto-pay on recurring bills, refuse phone books and newspapers, and contact all sources of junk mail and ask to be removed from their mailing lists. It’s a process, I know, but so worth it in the end.

All of this is worth it in the end. Happy zero waste-ing!

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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8 Eco Products That Make Dish Duty Look Dreamy

by TangelaEmo Posted on August 15, 2018

For most of us, doing the dishes is pretty far down the list of tolerable chores. It’s such a slog ? and?something you need to keep up with every day, week by week, till the end of time. A good time? I think not.

Lucky for us, there are a lot of brands out there who are working hard creating clever products that make dish duty a lot more fun. Here are some of my favorites!

This Dish Soap

Not all dish soaps are created equal. Lots of them contain numerous chemicals, including foaming agents like sodium laureth sulfate, carcinogenic antibacterial agents and synthetic fragrances. Fortunately, there are a number of delicious, non-toxic variations out there: a favorite is this?safe and effective formula?by Eco-Me.

This Swedish?Dishcloth

You may have seen these cute little?dishcloths?slowly popping up in boutiques and specialty kitchen stores in recent years. Made from earth-friendly cellulose, cotton fibers and water-based inks, these reusable sponge cloths last about a year and compost at the end of their life. Cool right!? To clean, simply toss in the washing machine or microwave when damp to kill bacteria.

These?Bar Mops

These hand towels do what you wish every paper towel could. Made from 100% cotton, these lightweight,?absorbent towels are durable and efficient, plus they dry quickly so you won’t have to worry about mildew. Once you’re done with the task at hand, send them to the laundry. The earth will thank you!

These Copper Pot Scrubbers

Who knew a pot scrubber could be so elegant??These scrubbers are made from copper threads, so they’re tough enough to remove even the most stubborn food residue, but gentle enough to keep from scratching your beautiful cookware. And, bonus: they can be recycled at the end of their useful life.

These?Dish Towels

Renewable hemp woven in a honeycomb pattern makes this beautiful dish towel both strong and beautiful.?Because hemp is especially durable, you can expect these eco-conscious towels to last for years to come.

This Wooden Dish Brush

B?rstenhaus Redecker has been handcrafting brushes in Germany for over 75 years, and their commitment to high quality craftsmanship certainly shows! Use this brush to clean everything from coffee mugs to pots and pans. The hard bristles will hold up to just about anything.

These?Vintage?Trays

Vintage?knick knacks always come in handy. A quick Etsy search of vintage dish trays yields a vast selection of darling secondhand trays eager to prove their worth at your kitchen sink. This one is a?personal favorite (it will match your Swedish dishcloths)?? this one too!

This Bamboo Drying Rack

Perfect for all those hand wash-only items or kitchens without the luxury of a dishwasher, this bamboo dish rack is an attractive addition to the countertop. This particular one is made from eco-friendly bamboo and has two individual racks for large plates and glassware. Plus, it folds up neatly for easy storage!

Related Stories:

3 Ways Becoming a Minimalist Will Improve Your Life
Minimalism is a Debt-Demolishing Lifestyle (Here’s Why)
How to Lead a Nearly Zero-Waste Life

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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8 Eco Products That Make Dish Duty Look Dreamy

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10 Effective Ways to Make Your Summer Flights More Eco-Friendly

by MaxwellLamingto Posted on July 23, 2018

Walk into any airport and you’ll find yourself?in a place custom-built for efficiency, not environmental sustainability. The United States airline industry alone discards enough aluminum cans every year to build nearly 58 Boeing 747s, and the 30 largest airports in the country create enough garbage to equal that produced by cities the size of Miami, according to this article in Scientific American.

But don’t expect the airlines and airports to change their ways anytime soon. Even in the midst of what we hope is a sustainability revolution, the industry remains remarkably apathetic, demonstrating a serious lack in initiative toward recycling and environmental sustainability in general.

This is a startling realization, particularly considering that more Americans are flying than ever before. Summer is the busiest time of year for?United States airlines. This year, despite a surge in fuel prices,?a record 246.1 million people are expected to fly between June 1st and August 31st, a nearly 4 percent increase since?2017.

Imagine each of these individuals checking a bag, grabbing a paper boarding pass, purchasing a magazine, tossing empty snack packs on the flight, and leaving behind a disposable face mask behind on the seat and you can see the problem…

Ready to do better?

Here are 10 meaningful ways you can be more eco-conscious when you fly.

1. Book direct flights and stay longer

Non-direct flights involve more takeoffs and landings than direct flights, because these activities burn more fuel than simply cruising through the skies. When booking your flight, choose an itinerary that has as few stops as possible. You’ll?waste less time standing in line and Mother Nature will thank you.

2. Sit in economy class

This is really just mathematics. Folks sitting in first or business class leave a much larger carbon footprint than those who are sitting in economy because they’re taking up more space. Some estimate that a premium flyer has a six times worse impact than an economy flyer. Yikes!

3. Opt for a (more) fuel-efficient aircraft

Some?airplane models are more efficient than others ? the best of the best including the Boeing B787-800 Dreamliner, Boeing B737 MAX, Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, and the Airbus A380. While you won’t be able to filter your flights by aircraft, you should be able to look up which airlines use them and go from there.

Lower your carbon footprint by flying economy class.

4. Pack as light as possible

A heavy aircraft works harder and burns more fuel than a light aircraft, so pack what you need and nothing more. Traveling with a group? Suggest sharing things like a hair dryer between you or?borrow from your hotel instead. Using a lightweight suitcase can make a meaningful difference.

5. Refuse all disposables

From your boarding pass to your in-flight munchies, you are going to encounter a ton of disposables. To start, simply skip the physical boarding pass and opt for an electronic version on your smartphone instead. Not only is this one less thing to worry about losing, it’s a helpful way to cut down on your personal waste at the airport. Second, think ahead and pack your own food for the flight, and request that flight attendants dispense drinks?into your reusable water bottle instead.

6. Bring your own in-flight gear

Bring your own headphones, eye mask and blanket (or sweater, preferably) so you won’t?create the need for the airline staff to unwrap and rewrap those items in plastic before the next flight.

Give priority to airlines who are making efforts toward fuel efficiency.

7. Offset your carbon

Many airlines ? Delta, Air Canada, United Airlines, Lufthansa ? have carbon offset programs that are designed to counter the CO2 emissions that were generated on your flight by putting resources toward an eco-friendly project?like?planting trees. Just make sure the offset program is certified, and remember that purchasing offset credits should?not be a means of justifying the system in its current form.

8. Lower the shades and open the vents

Closing the window shades might sound like overkill, but doing so actually keeps the aircraft a few degrees cooler ? enough to keep the staff from having to kick on the air conditioning any higher. A peek here and there is enough.

9. Favor airlines who prioritize fuel efficiency

If you have some flexibility with which airline you choose, consider checking this 2010 report by the International Council on Clean Transportation. They’ve listed airline carriers by fuel efficiency, from most efficient to least efficient, the difference between which?is a whopping?26 percent!

10. Limit unnecessary air travel

Limiting air travel is one of the?best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. So, when you’re planning a trip, consider using a carbon emissions calculator to see if driving might be a more eco-friendly option.

Related Stories:

3 Ways Becoming a Minimalist Will Improve Your Life
Minimalism is a Debt-Demolishing Lifestyle (Here’s Why)
How to Lead a Nearly Zero-Waste Life

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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10 Effective Ways to Make Your Summer Flights More Eco-Friendly

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Could This Be the Secret to Reef-Friendly Sunscreen?

by RosalinPigott Posted on July 17, 2018

Conventional sunscreens are having a detrimental impact on the environment and are a major culprit behind coral bleaching. Vast swaths of reef?including the majestic Great Barrier Reef?are turning bone white and dying, and certain chemicals in our sunscreen are partly at fault.

The chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, the FDA-approved active ingredients in most conventional sunscreens, are known to cause bleaching, deformities, DNA damage and death in thriving coral ecosystems. In fact, they are contributing to a great coral die-out. And our love of swimming in the ocean is the problem.

When you wear?sunscreen in the ocean, it?leaches into the water systems, where the chemicals have a havoc-wreaking half-life of about 2.5 years.

Even if you don?t visit coral reefs on a regular basis, the EWG confirms that these chemicals are also powerful endocrine disruptors that can throw hormone levels dangerously?out of whack. Unfortunately,?these chemicals can be detected in the bodies of almost all Americans?even in breast milk.

So what do we do? Is there a healthy sun solution that is safe for our bodies and the ocean? Well, the ocean may, in fact, hold the answer.

According to a study conducted by King?s College, London, a special compound in seaweed could protect our skin from sun damage without harming marine ecosystems.

Scientists extracted a mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) from seaweed known as palythine. When testing on human skin cells, palythine was shown to block UV rays and protect the skin, even at very low concentrations. It also has powerful antioxidant activity, meaning it can actually protect the skin from cellular free radical damage and photo-aging.

And since it naturally comes from the ocean, it’s already ocean-safe.

“here are significant concerns that conventional sun protection products are having a negative impact on the environment,”?Professor Antony Young, senior author of the study, commented.?”Our data show that, with further research and development, marine derived sunscreens may be a possible solution that could have a significant positive impact on the health of our marine habitats and wildlife, whilst still providing the essential sun protection that human skin requires to guard against damage that causes diseases such as skin cancer.?

While seaweed-based sunscreens are unlikely to hit the market anytime in the immediate future, this research does bear promise for the development of a healthy, eco-friendly, natural sunscreen to replace the conventional disasters we are currently told to use.

In the meantime, look for non-nano-particle?mineral sunscreens with very simple formulations. Try hardy, natural surfer-developed sun pastes/cremes like Manda, or cover up with clothing during long bouts of intense sun exposure.

While you should definitely protect yourself from sunburns, the last thing you want to do at the beach is hurt yourself or the oceans.

Related on Care2

Why Endurance Runners Can Ignore Discomfort (and You Can, Too)
This New Wearable Tech Helps You Avoid Sunburns
Is Your Smartphone Prematurely Aging Your Skin?

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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Could This Be the Secret to Reef-Friendly Sunscreen?

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How Often Should You Clean Your Couch Fabric?

by VirgieKong Posted on July 9, 2018

Everyone’s living room couch needs a good cleaning every now and then, but this is doubly true if you have pets that like to lounge on your furniture. Our couches often weather a lot, from spills and pet hair to everyday wear and tear. If it’s been a while since you last cleaned your couch upholstery, you might be wondering if it’s time for a good clean.

Why You Need to Clean Your Couch Fabric

It’s important to clean your couch fabric every so often because, just as your clothes do, your couch is liable to pick up a variety of contaminants. Food, dirt, dust and grime can get trapped in the?woven threads?of your sofa, leading them to harbor microbes and bacteria. In addition to looking unsightly, a dirty couch can smell and can even spread the growth of bacteria in your home.

How Often to Clean

So, how often should you clean your couch??TODAY recommends doing a deep clean at least once a year. You can, of course, go to a professional, but many professional upholstery cleaners use toxic cleaning products that fans of natural alternatives probably wouldn’t like.

Instead, I recommend vacuuming your couch once a week and cleaning the fabric itself at least every two weeks, if not more often. Because you’ll be using more natural methods, it’s important to stay on top of your cleaning schedule.

Tips and Tricks

When you go to clean your sofa fabric, here’s what to do:

First, remove any washable fabric and throw it into the washing machine with your regular laundry detergent. Important: ONLY DO THIS if your couch fabric is machine washable. This should be clearly designated on the tag.
Next, any parts that can’t be washed in your machine or taken off of the couch should first be vacuumed, then cleaned. Running a vacuum cleaner over your fabric will pick up most?pet hair and food particles. Be sure to vacuum under cushions and between pillows. If you have any lingering odors, sprinkle some backing soda over the couch and allow it to sit for at least a few hours before vacuuming it up.
Finally, it’s time to wipe down the fabric itself. As long as your sofa’s upholstery tag doesn’t say that it needs to stay completely dry, you’re good to go ahead and use a clean sponge to wipe it down.

Related Articles:

My Hunt for a Chemical-Free Couch
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean the House
Are Green Cleaning Products Really Safe?

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Couch Fabric?

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7 Ways to Reduce Your Gas Consumption

by HollyA59bq Posted on June 9, 2018

When it comes to eco-friendly living tips, few things are as important as reducing your gas consumption overall. We’re talking about gasoline here?not to be confused with natural gas, another resource that bears consideration.

When it comes to using less gas, some tips are straight-forward and common-sense, while others require a little more creativity to pull off. Here are my top seven tips for reducing your gas consumption.

Live Near Your Work

If you’re currently renting or if you’re considering moving, make it a priority to relocate your home near where you work. Commuting is one of those things that many of us see as a necessary evil, but the shorter you make your commute, the better. Not only will you waste less gas, you’ll enjoy a higher quality of life. If you work in a big city, take public transit to get to work each day. Your reduction in transportation costs will likely even out the higher rent you’ll be paying.

Clean Out Your Car

Extra weight in your car means that it takes more gas to haul you and your personal belongings around. If you have a lot of junk in your trunk, store it somewhere else.

Carpool … There’s An App for That!

Carpooling remains a fantastic way to reduce gas consumption. Think about it this way: If everyone in the US commuted with just ONE other person, we’d be reducing the fuel consumption burned during rush hour by half! Carpool with friends, coworkers and family whenever possible. Don’t know anyone going to the same part of town as you? Download Carpool by Waze, a handy app that lets you connect with fellow carpoolers.

Use Cruise Control

When you’re on the highway, use cruise control. This will help you avoid choppy breaking and accelerating as much as possible. Your car probably knows how to coast better than you do, and setting your car to cruise control will help you save gas in the process.

Learn to Coast

When cruise control doesn’t seem like a viable, safe or convenient option, learn how to coast. While driving, consciously make an effort to avoid breaking unless its absolutely necessary. Instead, if you see a red light up ahead or a car slowing down in front of you, let your foot off the gas right away, giving yourself plenty of time to slow down without the break. By avoiding unnecessary breaking, you will help reduce your need to accelerate later and you’ll be saving gas by doing so.

Don’t Idle for more than 1 Minute

If you pull up to wait for a friend or to drop something in a mailbox, turn your car off if you believe you’ll be stationary for more than one minute. Idling burns gas with little to no return on investment.

Use the A/C on Low

You might think that opening your windows is a more eco-friendly option than using air conditioning, but that’s not necessarily the case. According to Cars Direct, having your windows open while driving reduces fuel efficiency by making your car less aerodynamic. If it’s cool outside, windows up and no A/C is the way to go. But if it’s hot outside and you need to keep things cool, roll up your windows and use A/C on a low setting.

Related Articles:

5 Ways to Make Your Car More Eco-Friendly
5 Ways Drivers Can Safely Share the Road With Cyclists
Why You Shouldn’t Drive in the Left Lane

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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7 Ways to Reduce Your Gas Consumption

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The Very Best Online Shops for Zero Waste Goodies

by SummerLeMessurie Posted on June 9, 2018

According to World Bank researchers, the world generates more than 3.5 million tones of solid waste each day, with the United States contributing a whopping 4.4 pounds of trash per person per day.?In response, many people are embracing a modern, trash-free lifestyle as part of the zero waste movement ? myself included.

The benefits are numerous. Taking trash out of your life entirely has a number of distinct health benefits, both immediate and long term. Zero wasters are also?generally in less contact with plastics, avoid processed foods?and quit using conventional cosmetics that would otherwise wreak havoc on?their bodies.

Instead, the “zero waster” takes reusable bags to the grocery store, stashes bulk goods in glass jars, replaces dangerous toiletry items like conventional deodorant with homemade versions?and uses a safety razor (if anything) instead of a disposable Gillette. Zero wasters also seek out natural, recyclable materials ? the standouts being stainless steel, glass, bamboo and organic cotton.

Sustainable products?like this, while commonplace just 100 years ago, have been majorly replaced by unrecycleable synthetics in most stores (walk down the household cleaning aisle in Walmart and you’ll be hard pressed to find a wooden pot scrubber like this one), which is why zero wasters who don’t have major-city advantages turn to online shops to find what they need.

What makes these shops zero waste?

Zero waste shops like Wild Minimalist and Tiny Yellow Bungalow offer eco goodies to worldwide customers while also maintaining as close to zero waste operations as possible. Package Free Shop in Brooklyn, for example, has a strict packaging policy and works one on one with brands to help them make sustainable changes within their companies, such as reducing plastic use or product packaging.

What products should I buy first?

While most zero wasters would recommend working with what you have, there are a few items?you’ll want to buy if you?plan on pursuing?a zero waste lifestyle. Here’s a quick starter list:

A couple of tote bags
Reusable drawstring bags for produce and bulk goods
A set of storage jars for?your pantry
A reusable cutlery set or multipurpose utensil for while you’re out and about
A hankie or cloth napkin
A reusable glass or steel straw
A lunchbox

Got your shopping list? Let’s take a peek at my favorite online zero waste shops: Package Free Shop, Wild Minimalist, Tiny Yellow Bungalow, Life Without Plastic, Mighty Nest and The Ultimate Green Store.

The Best Zero Waste Shops Online

Package Free Shop

Ever chic, Brooklyn-based Package Free Shop is a great place to start browsing for your collection of eco-friendly reusables. Everything you need you’ll find here, including safety razors, personal care items, toiletries, reusable containers and even joggers made from fabric remnants! Everything shipped will come to you without any plastics.

Wild Minimalist

“Passionate about living a minimal, zero waste lifestyle and helping others do the same,” the founders of Wild Minimalist, Max and Lily, offer timeliness reusable alternatives to disposable products for both home life and travel. Can’t find what you need secondhand? Definitely look?here! There’s tons to choose from.

Tiny Yellow Bungalow

Georgia-based Tiny Yellow Bungalow is a one stop shop for people looking for sustainable products. The shop exclusively features items that the owner, Jessie at the blog Tiny Yellow Bungalow, has tried herself. I especially love their Mason jar pour-over drink kit and handmade items!

Life Without Plastic

Life Without Plastic has been a go-to resource for zero wasters for years ? long before it was gaining popularity. All products are entirely plastic free, so no worries there, and have been well-vetted by their team of eco warriors. Chantal and Jay, the couple that runs the site, are also true activists, working hard to raise awareness about the detriments of plastic by providing solid science- and experience-based information. Love it!

Mighty Nest

Inspired by the birth of their first child, founders Kristen and Chris launched?MightyNest.com ? an online shop dedicated to helping parents find?safe, healthy products for their families. All products on MightyNest are natural, organic, non-toxic, sustainably-sourced and beautifully-designed. Perfect for young families!

The Ultimate Green Store

The Ultimate Green Store is exactly what it sounds like: a one-stop green shopping destination. The Ultimate Green Store goes far beyond household items and to-go kits. They also sell USDA-certified organic cotton bedding, mattresses, baby clothes, and kids toys! This is certainly a shop to bookmark.

Have you tried going zero waste? Where do you do your shopping?

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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The Very Best Online Shops for Zero Waste Goodies

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It’s World Oceans Day! Let’s Say Sayonara to Single-Use Plastic

by Claudia58Q Posted on June 8, 2018

In July 2017, a study tallied up all the plastic ever made, arriving at the jaw-dropping figure of 8.3 billion metric tons. That was 11 months ago. How much more do you think has been added since then?

Most people get that plastic is a major problem, but the extent of?that problem eludes us. This is understandable, given that we generally don’t see the results of our own actions when it comes to plastic waste.

We’ll use a plastic straw in our smoothie, for example and excuse it as one small thing.

However, all those small things add up, until eventually what you?re left with is a garbage patch in the ocean that?s two time the size of Texas. That?s a heck of a lot of plastic.

According to Reuse This Bag, we use over 320 million metric tons of plastic annually. Do the math on that, and it?s easy to understand why the action focus for World Oceans Day 2018 is centered around?stopping?plastic pollution.

Single-Use Plastic is Destroying Our Oceans

It would be bad enough if our garbage ended up only in landfills, but around 2.41 million metric tons of plastic end up in the sea each year. The resulting impact of plastic on marine and bird life is disastrous.

Just recently, a whale was found in Thailand with eighty shopping bags and other plastic debris clogging its stomach. It literally starved to death. That?s just one story out of millions.

The number of countries and cities that have banned single-use plastics is growing. It?s time for all of us to step up and do our bit. Together, we can make single-use plastic obsolete.

By properly informing ourselves, we?ll be able to view our actions as part of the collective whole, rather than standalone indiscretions that don?t make all that much of a difference.

This infographic offers an in-depth look at plastic in the ocean. Along with dispelling myths around the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, it shows the impact of plastic pollution on?sea birds and marine life, including the harmful effects when these creatures eat plastic waste.

This video by National Geographic does a great job of explaining the history of plastic as well as the impact it’s had on the world and what we can do to make a difference. They, too, emphasize?the importance of eliminating single-use plastic.

What can you do to help?

If all we did was eliminate our use of single-use plastic, we?d make massive inroads into the problem. Avoiding plastic is a struggle, but it can be done. Here are some hacks to reduce your single-use plastic consumption:

  1. Carry your own travel mug.
  2. Carry your own eating utensils.
  3. Bring your own cloth shopping bags.
  4. Bring your own fresh produce bags, too.
  5. Don?t use plastic straws.
  6. Carry a reusable water bottle.
  7. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
  8. Buy laundry detergent that comes in a box.
  9. Opt for zero waste lunches.
  10. Refuse plastic at the dry cleaner. Or skip the dry cleaner all together!
  11. Use eco-friendly shaving supplies.
  12. Stop buying single-use coffee pods.
  13. Avoid processed food.
  14. Use bar shampoo and soap.
  15. Light your fire with matches.
  16. Use cloth diapers instead of disposable.
  17. Ladies, make your period waste-free.
  18. Shop at package-free stores.
  19. Rethink your food storage options.
  20. Make reusable bowl covers?(or bribe someone to make them for you)

We all know what we need to do, it’s time to do it. Let’s all commit to saying sayonara to single-use plastic for good.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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It’s World Oceans Day! Let’s Say Sayonara to Single-Use Plastic

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Is Eco Toilet Paper Worth the Extra Cost?

by JuanaA940633085 Posted on May 10, 2018

I try to be conscious about the products I buy. I look for items that are recycled and plastic-free. I recycle aggressively. I research the environmental impact of my favorite brands. But as I sat down on the porcelain throne the other day, I realized that I don’t hold my toilet paper to the same high standards.

I’ve never abandoned the septic-safe, economical, white Scott toilet paper I grew up using. What a waste! Think of all those virgin forests that had to be cut down just so I could have a clean bum.

So I delved into the eco-toilet paper market and was surprised to find that it actually isn’t much more expensive. I also realized?that there are a lot of reasons why we should all switch over to greener toilet papers?beyond the general ‘saving trees’ idea.

6 Questions to Ask When Shopping for Eco Toilet Paper

Here are six environmental issues to consider when it comes to buying toilet paper, plus a breakdown of five popular eco toilet paper brands.

1. How many trees were cut down?

To make that plush toilet paper we know and love, companies are clear-cutting forests, contributing to global deforestation. Is it worth chopping down all those trees just so we can clean our butts? Absolutely not.

Rather than buying virgin or partially recycled toilet paper products, look for those made with 100 percent recycled paper or, even better, bamboo fiber. Bamboo is a super sustainable, fast-growing plant that can keep up with our incessant butt-wiping.

2. If the paper is recycled, are BPAs present?

Yes, BPAs have found their way into recycled toilet papers.

During the paper recycling process, most plants use thermal paper which is the source of endocrine-disrupting BPA. As a result,?Research?has shown that the shocking majority (80 to 99 percent) of recycled toilet paper products contain very small amounts of BPA–even uber-clean companies like Seventh Generation, who, in their defense, are?working to make a change.

Do we want BPAs anywhere near our most sensitive areas? No way! But don?t hop back on the Charmin Soft-and-Strong train just yet. Bamboo-fiber plys?may be the more sustainable and health-conscious solution, as bamboo is not water intensive, is easily renewable, and is not tainted with BPAs during the manufacturing process.

3. Are the rolls wrapped in plastic?

Most toilet paper comes wrapped in a thin sheath of practically non-recyclable plastic that will sit in our landfills and oceans for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Don’t let the recycling symbol fool you. This plastic must be recycled separately at special facilities.

It is an utter waste. If you are trying to reduce your plastic consumption–but aren?t into wiping your butt with cloth rags–look for companies who?wrap their rolls in paper (ideally recycled paper). It?s definitely a big step above plastic and can be easily recycled when you’re done.

4. Is there a cardboard core?

Most toilet papers have a cardboard core, even eco-friendly brands. Surprisingly,?Scott?s is one of the few brands I could find that sells a tube-free version of their popular, inexpensive toilet paper.

According to?Scott?s online calculator, I will toss (ahem, recycle) almost 6,000 cardboard tubes in my lifetime–definitely a waste. Yes, this Scott?s product is still not recycled, is bleached, and is dressed up in plastic, but it?s a start for more sustainable mainstream toilet paper.

Otherwise, if your t.p. comes with a cardboard core, make sure to toss it in your recycling bin or reuse those tubes.

5. Is the toilet paper bleached, dyed, or scented?

Most toilet paper is whitened so as to look more appealing to the consumer. To do this, companies use elemental chlorine. There is a worry that chlorine’s dangerous byproducts, like carcinogenic?dioxin, will steadily accumulate in our bodies over time as a result of long-term exposure to bleached items.

While this is more concerning for products like tampons, which?stay in contact with sensitive areas for hours on end, it is something to be aware of if you are deciding between bleached and unbleached toilet papers.

As for dyes and fragrances, it’s best to avoid these as they are usually mystery chemical cocktails. We?have no way of knowing what is inside since companies are not required to disclose fragrance?information to the consumer.

6. How much does it cost?

Believe it or not, not all eco toilet papers are expensive. They might?cost a few cents more per roll, but a few dimes?is worth it when it comes to treating the environment with respect. Plus,?if you buy your paper in bulk, costs go down considerably. Either way, eco toilet paper is absolutely worth the modest extra cost.

Eco Toilet Paper Review

Here are the most eco-friendly t.p.s for your buck, ranked.

1.?Who Gives a Crap, premium line

$1.08 per roll, free shipping for 48 roll pack.

Soft and strong three-ply, made from sustainable bamboo, fun,?whimsical, and plastic-free, this brand is everything toilet paper should be.

You should know that the paper?is gently bleached to make it more appealing for those just entering the eco-realm. But you should also know that?they also donate 50 percent of their profits to help build toilets for those in need. They?ve donated around a million dollars to date and are saving trees and water in the process!

2.?Tushy

$0.92 per roll, but shipping costs (out to Massachusetts) bump that up to $1.30 per roll for a single 36 roll pack.

This is another fun brand with a great sense of toilet humor.?Their?two-ply bamboo rolls are unbleached, plastic-free, dye-free, and BPA-free.

They are a little bit less plush than the Who Gives a Crap premium line, so if you like a slightly less plush, unbleached bamboo toilet paper, this is a winner.

3.?Who Gives a Crap, recycled

$1 per roll, free shipping for 48 roll pack.

While most recycled toilet papers contain BPAs, this one claims it doesn?t, although they can’t offer a 100 percent guarantee. It is also plastic-free, 100 percent recycled, and doing a world of good. Of course, it is carefully bleached, but it is also pretty affordable.

4.?Seventh Generation Unbleached

$0.83 per roll on Thrive Market, assuming free shipping.

Seventh Generation is a great company, but there are a lot of complaints about how rough this toilet paper is. If you like a rough paper and care about your t.p., this one is?unbleached, 100 percent recycled, and comes from a company with very good intentions.

5.?Thrive Market Bamboo Hybrid

$1.70 per DOUBLE roll, assuming free shipping.

Thrive Market has merged recycled paper with bamboo fiber to create a soft, strong, and eco-conscious?toilet product. They also claim their surprisingly white rolls to be completely chlorine-free. They are packaged in plastic film and seem a little costly, depending whether or not the rolls are true double rolls.

Honorable mention: Scott Tube Free

About $0.58 per roll.

It?s widely available and a step in the right direction. If you?ve been a lifelong Scott user, are on a super tight budget, or?aren?t a fan of change, this is an easy-to-find, super cheap, and slightly greener option. Small shifts do matter.

Related on Care2

Most Tampons Are Toxic. Here’s What to Look Out For.
Alcohol Makes PMS Worse. Drink this Mocktail Instead!
Your Nightlight May Increase Your Depression Risk (& What to do About It)

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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Is Eco Toilet Paper Worth the Extra Cost?

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How to Conduct a Home Energy Audit

by Wesley72Ppqhw Posted on April 25, 2018

Energy is a precious resource, and wasting it can really?take a toll on your monthly utility bill and on the environment. On the flip side, taking the time to locate and address your home’s greatest inefficiencies is one of the best things you can do to ensure the energy?you’re buying is being put to good use.

But how do you discover those energy inefficiencies? A home energy audit of course!?So block out your Saturday??? it’s time to take a tour of the?attic, windows and doors, and a couple of stops?in between. Here’s what you’ll need before you get started:

  1. A clipboard and pencil to take notes
  2. A smartphone or computer with internet access
  3. A measuring tape or ruler
  4. A stick or two of incense and matches

Step #1: Take a peek at?your insulation.

On average,?30 percent of heated air is lost through leaks in attic floors. That’s 30 percent of your heating costs going toward energy that will never heat your home! According to the Department of Energy, the vast majority of homes built before 1980 were not properly insulated when built.

Ready to find out if your home is?losing conditioned air? Follow these steps:

  1. Fill out this form to determine your home’s recommended R-value (a measure of thermal resistance)
  2. Submit the form and mark down your results. Save for later.
  3. Measure the depth of visible insulation in your attic using this tutorial.
  4. Calculate your home’s current R-value.

Return to the recommended R-value you discovered in step one. Is your home’s R-value less than the recommended value? You’re probably losing energy. Consider hiring a contractor to insulate your place!

Step #2:?Check for draftiness.

Besides gaps in the attic, drafty walls and crawl spaces are also big causes of wasted energy. Air leaks can be a little bit difficult to find, but sealing them up can make a huge difference in the comfort of your home.

Here’s how to find air leaks in your house:

  1. Shut all windows, fireplace flues and exterior doors (leave interior doors open).
  2. Turn on every exhaust fan that blows air outside (clothes dryer, bathroom fans, vents, etc.).
  3. Light an incense stick and hold?it in front of access points like doors and window frames, as well as attic hatches, electrical outlets and vents.
  4. Look for smoke that wavers or blows in odd directions. This signals a draft!

Step #3: Examine your windows.

Those windows giving you all that gorgeous natural light could also be a main source of energy loss! Similar to insulation, windows?are rated by U-factor ? aka their ability to keep conditioned air inside where it belongs. The lower the rating, the better.

Here’s how to check your windows:?

  1. Grab the R-value you calculated earlier in step number one.
  2. Input that value into this calculator and leave the U-factor section blank. Calculate.
  3. Mark down the result. This is the?recommended U-factor for your home!

If the U-factor you calculated is a lot lower than the U-factor listed on your windows, you are most certainly losing energy. They aren’t up to snuff. To solve the issue, look into replacing single pane windows with double pane windows, as well as considering air sealing.

Action Steps

Make it through? By now you should have a solid idea of whether your home is well-insulated and well-sealed, as well as whether it’s operating efficiently or inefficiently. Take note of those areas of improvement. Every upgrade?you make?to address energy inefficiencies is a step toward a more comfortable, more eco-friendly home.

These upgrades are also a great investment!?Looking to sell your place in the future? A well-insulated home will be much more attractive to buyers. Sticking with your place for the long haul? You’ll get to reap the benefits for years to come. Enjoy it!

What steps have you taken to make your home and your lifestyle more eco-friendly?

Related Stories:

9 Questions to Ask Before Buying Solar Panels
11 Home Energy Enhancers
An Easy Guide to Saving Energy in Your Home

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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How to Conduct a Home Energy Audit

Posted in alo, ATTRA, bigo, eco-friendly, FF, GE, LAI, LG, Natural Light, ONA, PUR, solar, solar panels, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on How to Conduct a Home Energy Audit