Entries Tagged 'Eco Friendly' ↓
July 14th, 2008 — Eco Friendly
Natural soy candles are becoming increasingly more popular with consumers. The handpoured soy candles make great gifts for weddings, birthdays, or the any occasion gift. The handpoured soy candles are very fragrant and will fill any room with a pleasant and soothing aroma.
If you have a vegan friend or family member who will not use candles due to the beeswax that is used then handpoured soy candles are the perfect solution. Using only natural resources from US grown soy beans these are eco-friendly candles since this is an easily replenished resource.
Paraffin candles, while the more popular candle at the moment, are slowly being pushed aside by the handpoured soy candles. There are many benefits to the natural soy candle that the paraffin wax candles can not offer.
handpoured soy candles burn cleaner, while paraffin candles leave black soot on the ceilings and walls, soy candles will not give off the black fumes of its counterparts and keep your room not only smelling fresh but looking fresh as well.
Because of the fact that these candles burn cleaner, the candle’s wick burns cleaner, meaning a longer lasting candle, up to 50% longer than regular paraffin wax candles. While not only better for the environment, they are more efficient and economical.
So with the comparison of paraffin to handpoured soy candles in mind, why are paraffin candles still around? Soy candles burn 90% cleaner and will not leave soot or wax build up on their jars or your belongings, they can last 50% longer with proper care of wick trimming, and are better for the environment, causing virtually no harm to the atmosphere or depleting any resources to be made.
When thinking of purchasing your next candle, before picking up the paraffin candle, remind yourself of the benefits of the soy wax candle. Once you have tried the candles and agree that they are equal if not better than the paraffin, then your next gift purchase, give one to a friend and explain the benefits to them. If we all educate ourselves and those around us, then the paraffin will be a thing of the past and soy will be the only candle needed, making our environment happier and us healthier.
June 20th, 2008 — Eco Friendly
We’re all good shoppers nowadays. We’ve educated ourselves on how to choose foods that are low in fat, high in fiber, and low in sugar. Those types of things are on every label and you can read about them before you eat them. But what you’ll never see on a label is information about pesticides. There’s no way to know what chemicals have been used unless you purchase certified organic foods.
Pesticides are universally used by farmers to kill the bad insects that cause crop damage. It’s very common for them to spray or dust several times during the growth cycle. Plants can absorb small amounts of them but mostly the chemicals will remain on the skins or peels.
Why should we care about pesticides?
Little is know about how pesticides affect fetal development and young children who are growing rapidly. There is an increasing concern about how they affect everyone in general. The long lasting effects are not well understood or even studied. So for now, it’s a good idea to avoid them as much as you can.
When you get your produce home, be sure to wash it. There are special sprays you can buy – like ‘Veggie Wash’ – to help remove the waxes that are often used as coatings – especially on apples. You don’t know what’s on your produce or who’s been handling it before it made it to your kitchen.
You can reduce exposure to pesticides by washing and peeling but that doesn’t entirely remove all risk. Whenever possible, purchase organic foods. They may cost a bit more, but the health benefits will more than make up for it. Get used to a chewed lettuce leaf here and there and a few funny looking spots on your fruits and veggies. That’s a good indication that no pesticides were used and your food is organic.
March 21st, 2008 — Eco Friendly
We’ve long been in the middle of a “green” revolution yet it’s been a long, slow process in getting the environmental message across to people. Change is resisted in most aspects of life and this is understandable.
In the manufacturing world, the environmental message is being heard loud and clear in most sectors. One product which has catapulted to the top of the “green” movement is bamboo. It’s rise to prominence has been rather spectacular and doesn’t look like abating any time soon.
Promoting Bamboo Crafts
The popularity of bamboo crafts has surged significantly in the last decade as many people jump onboard the “green bandwagon.”
The number of products which can be produced from bamboo range from flooring to window coverings and fences.
Dedicated forums for bamboo lovers have become a necessary presence for people to exchange views and information on this hardy resource. Forums such as bamboocraft are busy with enthusiasts discussing such topics as bamboo flooring, window shades, blinds, musical instruments, kite making, clothing and of course, growing bamboo and of course, bamboo items.
Prominence Of Bamboo Flooring
As a home improvement resource, it’s undoubtedly an environmental blessing. Bamboo flooring is one area where traditional hardwood floors are being challenged by this extremely renewable resource.
One of the attractions of using bamboo as a flooring product is it’s rivalry in hardness and toughness to traditional surfaces and it’s cost effectiveness.
Emergence Of Bamboo Clothing
Clothing of the bamboo variety offers benefits in the area of versatility which means it’s suitable for cool and warm conditions alike and in the area of health.
As a fabric, one of it’s great qualities is it’s hypo-allergenic benefits. The western world has taken a little time to catch on to the benefits of bamboo items in our day-to-day living.
It’s suddenly regarded as more than just a garden plant and with the world’s sustainable resources taking a hammering, fast renewable products such as bamboo continue to shoot up the popularity stakes.
February 21st, 2008 — Eco Friendly
Even though people are turning to bamboo wood floor in droves as a great alternative to traditional hardwood floors there are several steps you should take before actually parting with your hard-earned money.
The ability to purchase bamboo floors online is extremely convenient but you still want to make sure your buying experience will be a happy one.
Bamboo is such a versatile product that homeowners are discovering it’s wonderful benefits in numbers and it presents an excellent flooring option to people who want to get away from traditional hardwood surfaces.
In fact, bamboo wood floor is actually harder than most hardwood surfaces and in most cases, is less expensive. Add to this, it’s reputation as an environmentally-friendly product and it’s hard to argue against it’s benefits.
Buying Bamboo Flooring
When shopping, the same process needs to be followed when shopping for other types of hardwood. One important addition is you should allow for wastage such as mistakes and extra cuts and order up to 10% extra.
Even if you have your intended coverage area measured to the last square inch and know exactly the amount you require, chances are strong that accidents may still occur so the extra purchase is always great to have as a back up.
Besides, if you have purchased your product online then delays in laying the floor can be avoided if the extra product is there at your disposal.
More Buying Tips
Other considerations to be made include the length of your warranty and the style of grain you choose. Many manufacturers offer varying warranties but the 10 and 25 year models are common.
If you don’t intend to replace the surface in the immediate future then the 25 version is a good option.
The look of the floor, that is whether it has a vertical or horizontal appearance depends on how the bamboo flooring is put together. The wider flat side will give a horizontal appearance while a vertical appearance is achieved when the strips are put together turned on their side.
Where Can You Install Bamboo Floors?
Most areas in the home should be fine except designated wet areas. For instance, it’s not recommended it be laid in a bathroom or laundry.
As far as an outside surface is concerned such as a verandah, you want to make sure it’s secure and enclosed. Open verandahs are still open to the elements and if the bamboo wood floor is bombarded with water then it will be an expensive mistake.
