For most of us the purchase of a period or listed property is a dream or otherwise a pretty big investment of both finance and time. It can be considered that whatever the state of the property or era in which it was made there is always renovation work to be completed.

Period properties are notoriously inefficient. Whether it is the big gaps between doors and floorboards or the lack of any insulation whatsoever; large energy bills come with the project. But what if you don’t want to settle for large energy bills? What if you want to reduce your carbon footprint? Below we highlight a number of DIY projects which can instantly transform your leaky period home into a snugg efficient castle.

Green DIY for Period Homes

Replace/add roof insulation

By far and away the update which will have the biggest impact. Most period properties are totally lacking in the roof insulation department and as such it should be one of the first things you look at. Adding insulation shouldn’t fill you with DIY fear either; in most cases the procedure is straight forward (changing slightly if you have flooring upstairs or not). Either way adding roof insulation could trim your energy consumption by 25% and have little to no impact on the look of your property.

Eco Friendly Sash Windows

Windows are one of the biggest areas of heat/energy loss from a period home and as such updating/replacing them should be high up your list of priorities. However be wary of signing up with just any window company as you may end up with efficient but ugly PVC alternatives; which will totally change the appearance of your home. Instead look for companies which specialize in replicating your existing style or even repairing them. English Heritage suggests that by repairing your windows you can reduce heat leakage by as much as one third. Add draft proofing too and efficiency is improved by 86%.

Pick a new door with period design features

Unfortunately wood is amongst the least efficient material a front door can be made from. It is also unfortunate that all the original period doors tend to be made from it as well. There is however an alternative in the form of a composite door, which are manufactured using 21^st century technology but feature period design character. Be sure to show around though as different door manufacturers produce doors of differing efficiency. You are looking for the lowest U-value rating available (around 1.0W/(m2.K).

Invest in cavity insulation

Most homes built after the 1920s should have cavity walls, which means filling them with insulation will boost the overall efficiency of your home and not have any effect on the look of your property. The problem is with older homes built without cavity walls as previously energy efficiency would be gained by hiding features such as stone or woodwork. A recent study by SPAB however concluded that 79% of old walls (including timber, cob, limestone and slate) retained heat better than expected. If you do choose to insulate your walls, make sure you choose a suitable material. Older walls need to ‘breathe’ to function properly and a non-breathable material could cause damp problems down the line.

These ideas on how to reduce home energy consumption were brought to you be Nick Williams. Nick works for Yale Door who manufactures energy efficient, U-value compliant composite front doors.

Because of the space these phones require in landfills and the harm their components can do to the environment, many states are beginning to enact requirements on cell phone recycling. Retailers in these states are required, by law, to take outdated, broken or otherwise unused cell phones from consumers at no charge.

We know what you’re asking…

“How does recycling cell phones help the environment?”

Copper
One ton of cellular phones can provide close to 100Kg of copper and that amount of copper is more than can be pulled from an equal amount of its own ore. By recycling these devices for copper, we reduce the impact of copper mining on the environment.

Green House Gases
No matter what a factory produces, as long as it is producing, it is releasing green house gases into the atmosphere. By recycling used cell phones, using them for parts or even donating them to shelters, we reduce the need to produce more new phones.

Lead
Lead that is leached into our groundwater supply has been shown to cause problems with the liver, kidneys and other vital organs. By recycling our used mobile phones, we are safely reusing or removing the lead components from our environment.

Plastic
Once recycled, the plastic casings of cell phones are used to make park decks, playground equipment and even saxophones. In fact, every single component found inside of a cell phone can be recycled. Just imagine if all of the cell phones that are discarded each year would be recycled instead!

What else can you do with your old cell phones?

There are many organizations will take cell phones and either recycle them to raise money or give them to people in need. Some of these organizations are:

Cell Phones for Soldiers: this organization will accept your used cell phones and convert them into calling cards, prepaid of course, for soldiers overseas. In the three years the program has been running, over 12 million minutes have been given to these men and women.
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

Shelter Alliance: this organization runs the largest mobile phone donation program in the country. Collection programs are available for students, businesses, organizations and individuals.
http://shelteralliance.net/

Collective Good: this organization makes it worthwhile to donate your cell phone. Different incentives are offered throughout the year and have included $5 gift cards for every phone donated.

Before you toss your outdated cell phone in the garbage, find out if your company takes used cell phones for some type of recycling program. If your office doesn’t, check with your child’s school. If you can’t easily recycle your phone, consider donating it to a charity; there’s always someone who will be more than happy to have it.

Author Stephanie Sanders is a communications consultant and writes for a UK mobile phones site, offering all the latest phones and plans.

But the truth is, not only are traditional head lice treatments decidedly environmentally unfriendly, they’re not really kid friendly either. The chemicals used in these shampoos have been linked to neurological damage, breast cancer, and childhood brain cancer. Some of the chemicals used in head lice treatments are also used in Ant and Roach Spray! What is wrong with this picture? And we all know that just because we watch these chemicals go down the drain, they don’t actually disappear.

And it would be bad enough if these products were efficient. But they’re not. Which has led pediatricians to coin the term “superlice” in reference to the head lice that have adapted to our treatments, and who escape from these treatments entirely unharmed. Many parents will describe combing their child’s hair after a pesticide treatment only to find several live lice squirming around unscathed. There has to be a better way.

And there is. Do you know what lice cannot survive? One hundred percent natural heat. That’s right. It’s that simple, yet we’ve been complicating it for generations. If you or someone you know is at risk for head lice, you might point them to a new product called the Lice Terminator. This simple product safely kills both lice and their eggs by applying heat. This means your child won’t cry that her scalp is burning from the chemicals. This means that you’ll get the job done the first time. No need to retreat—against heat, even the superlice don’t stand a chance.

The Eco Friendly Lice Terminator

If you know of another safe and effective home treatment for head lice, please do leave a comment below this post. We are all in this together! We parents really ought to be able to outsmart these bugs, without harming the planet!

Bamboo blankets

Bamboo blankets are one of the best eco-friendly blankets on the market. They will help to keep you warm, while regulating your body temperature. Bamboo blankets will make sure you are really warm, but not to the point of being sweaty, such as what cotton tends to be like. The material is also very breathable, so that helps with the temperature regulation of the blanket. These blankets are anti-bacterial, extremely soft, healthy and highly absorbent. What more could you possibly ask for in a blanket?

Polarfleece

Polarfleece is another option for an eco-friendly blanket, if you cannot find Bamboo. This is the original synthetic fleece blanket that has changed the way people everywhere will dress for the colder weather. Polarfleece is very soft, comfortable, nice and warm, dries quickly and is extremely durable to make sure that it will last for a really long time. The material is perfect for blankets, accessories and casual wear clothing. This fabric will last for years to come, even after multiple washes. You will find that the garment will last long after the color goes out of style. The biggest eco advantage is that this fleece can be made out of recycled plastic bottles, which means it is extremely durable and renewable.

Legna and Lambswool

Legna and Lambswool blankets are made from 17 percent wool and 83 percent legna. Legna is an eco-friendly option for those who enjoy everything that cotton has to offer. It is produced from the managed forests in Italy using a closed-loop process to repeatedly recycle 99.6 percent of this water and bleach-free solvent to create the fibers. You won’t have to worry about the quality of this environmental friendly blanket because it is sturdy enough to withstand the test of time.

If you would like to read more about eco friendly blankets we found a great related article;

http://www.flor.com/blog/eco-friendly-blankets-to-keep-you-warm-this-winter/

• Troops to Energy Jobs
Like the name says, this program, created by five of the nations largest energy company, helps train and facilitate veterans in energy careers. They work with the federal government along with local community colleges and unions to get veterans into accelerated training programs and placed in jobs. To see what opportunities are available in your area, you can check out the Troops to Energy Jobs section of CEWD.org.

• Solar by Soldiers
This is a small program created by Tipping Point Renewable Energy that specifically hires and trains veterans to work in their solar and efficiency programs. They install solar panels for customers that reduces our dependence on energy from oil. You can find out everything you want to know about this Ohio based company at Tipenenergy.com/Solar-By-Soldiers.

• Green Jobs 4 Vets
This is a small Massachusetts based program not only trains and places veterans in energy and weatherization jobs, but also has opportunities for positions in hazardous materials removal, green construction and energy audits. Their website, with links to all their programs and job leads can be found at GreenJobs4Vets.us

If a new green career isn’t one you’ve considered before, please do. It is one of the most rewarding ways to work and continue to do good in the world for today and future generations. This nation is grateful for the services our veterans have provided and there are resources available to serve them in return.

Photo credits: Fort Dix solar panels by U.S. Army Environmental Command/flickr; Windmill Farm by Kumaravel/flickr

Kenny Alvarez is an education counselor to veterans and also writes for a military education site which explores all the college education benefits to veterans and their dependents; for example, check out this information on Marines tuition assistance.

1. Turn off the Water
In certain places, people keep sprinkler systems on year-round. In other areas, sprinkler systems need to be shut off when temperatures begin dropping. Once winter arrives, plants, grass, and other shrubbery do not require as much water. However, many people may continue watering when it is not needed.

• Reduce the amount of water you use in your backyard.
• Even if you do not use a sprinkler system, reduce the amount of water you use in your backyard.
• Instead of watering your lawn and other greenery every day, only water it when it is needed.

Turning off your sprinkler system as temperatures become cooler can also help prevent wasted water. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to burst in sprinkler systems, which causes water waste.

2. Create Animal-Friendly Areas

An Eco-friendly backyard should have plenty of animal-friendly areas. When you want to create an animal-friendly backyard, you can set up a few areas where animals will feel safe and happy.

• Hang a few bird-feeders from the trees in your backyard or off your back porch.
• Scatter bird food around the bottom of the tree trunks, as well as underneath other bird-feeders. The food on the ground will attract non-flying birds, as well as scavenger birds.
• Use recycled materials to create bird-feeders.

3. Winterize Your Lawn in an Eco-Friendly Way

All lawns need to be winterized before the temperatures drop. However, if you want to keep your backyard eco-friendly, you should consider using organic or eco-friendly fertilizer on your grass and plants.

• Prepare your lawn before winter with eco-friendly fertilizers.
• Plant grass and plants that are intended for the area you live.
• When you use the right type of grass and plants in your yard, there is not as much need for fertilizer or water.

4. Pesticides are a Bad Idea

Pesticides can harm your pets, as well as any outdoor animals that visit your yard. When you want to deter certain animals, or lawn killers, consider using natural methods.

5. Trade Your Current Furniture for Eco-Friendly Items

Use eco-friendly outdoor lighting and furniture. You can still enjoy your backyard in the winter by using eco-friendly lighting and furniture.

• Enjoy the cooler weather by placing an environmentally friendly outside wood burning stove in your yard.
• Use eco-friendly yard lighting and holiday lights.
• Use outdoor furniture made from recycled materials outside on your porch or in your yard.

Just because the weather is cooler does not mean you cannot enjoy your yard. With bird feeders, outdoor wood stoves, and recyclable furniture, you can have fun outdoors, even in winter. When you make an effort to have a greener yard, it can be more enjoyable for you, and the environment.

Photo credits: Bird Feeder – Cardinal by Marni-/flickr; Solar Lights in backyard
by shidairyproduct/flickr

Author Casey Stevens owns his own landscape business and writes for truckertotrucker.com, a site where you can find a dump trailer for your renovation project or a flatbed trailer to haul all your heavy equipment.

1. Skip the Appliances.
The energy and resources required to make and power mini-fridges and microwaves is huge. Campuses also have hundreds of places to hang out that provide free air conditioning. If your dorm or apartment doesn’t have all those energy draining gadgets, just spend as much time as possible not there. Getting out and meeting new people is what college is all about anyway.

2. Trash into Treasure
Get that quirky eco friendly look by creating your own style at thrift stores. Take an art or sewing class and learn how to alter or embellish your clothing, book bags, and linens. Buying second hand will not only save you money, but keep hundreds of pounds of trash out of the landfill.

3. Change Light Bulbs
Compact florescent bulbs save energy and money. Try to make sure all the fixtures and lamps within your reach are energy efficient.

4. Kill Switch on the Phantom Menace
Computers, phone chargers, modems, TV’s and other electronics all drain power if left plugged in, even when they’re turned off. Cut them off at the source by plugging everything into a power strip and turning it off when you’re not using them.

5. Recycle Electronics
Old cell phones, dying mini-fridges, or obsolete monitors all need to be disposed of. If you recycle electronics and appliances appropriately, you can prevent not only tons of non-biodegradable ending up in landfills, but you can also reduce the amount of toxic mercury leaked into the soil and ground water. Also, read this about the effect of cell phones on gorilla habitats.

6. Recycle and Encourage Others to Recycle
Start using refillable water bottles and travel mugs rather than bottle water and disposable cups, and wash your dishes rather than using paper plates. Set up bins for your dorm, collect printer paper, pick up litter, and encourage your friends to do the same. Every little bit helps!

Colorful Recycling Containers for Trash

9. Get Involved
Campuses run on student groups. Find a green group that’s doing something about what you’re passionate about. GreenStudentU.com has a huge list of student environmental groups.

10. Pee Outside
It sounds like a crazy way to go green, but the average toilet uses THREE gallons of water per flush. Help save that water for where we really need it. Visit PeeOutside.org for more on this unusual way to save the planet.

A little creativity will help you get started on your own green initiatives today—don’t wait to start making your contribution to the earth’s good health!

Photo credits: Colorful Recycling Containers for Trash by epSos.de/flickr; Walking by English106/flickr

Peter Harrington is a career counselor and content contributor for Top Online Colleges, a great source for tons of information on expanding your education, from top online colleges for nursing to School Counseling degrees.

Water

According to the National Atmospheric Deposition Program, since the instillation of the Clean Air Act of 1990, acid rain has decreased dramatically. From 1985 to 2008, sulfate emissions decreased by 50% while nitrate emissions fell by over 30%. Conversely, the levels of acid ions in our rainwater have decreased by similar percentages.

Acid rain damages buildings, bridges and roads and can cause widespread damage to the ecosystem. The study has shown the Clean Air Act has done what it set out to do and this is good news. While we do have work to do, knowing that we are on the right track is cause for celebration.

Climate

Many people have not heard of the Monte Pascoal-Pau, Brazil Ecological Corridor project for reforestation, but they should! Not only will the project create a 37-mile long corridor for migration, but will expand the habitat of threatened species in the country of Brazil. As if this wasn’t enough, the first 28 acres that have been planted will remove up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide per year for every 2.4 acres planted.

Once the project’s goal of covering 2400 acres with new forest, the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the air could be up to 360,000 tons over a 30-year period. Researchers estimate that this number is the equivalent of removing 65,000 vehicles from the world’s roadways!

Recycling

Do you know why we recycle? Most people are aware that recycling prevents mountains of waste from building up in landfills but, beyond this, have no idea how recycling helps the environment. Recycling reduces the waste and greenhouse gases that it takes to produce aluminum by up to 95%. The numbers are 70% for plastic, 60% for steel and 40% for plastic and glass.

Not only do we produce fewer emissions, but also for every ton of paper that is recycled the number of trees cut down to produce paper is reduced by 17. According to Stanford University, by recycling for one year, they saved over 33,000 trees and reduced the need for iron ore, coal and limestone by 636 tons. These numbers are staggering and only given by one university! Think of how dramatically these numbers would increase if all universities were tallied, and how those numbers could further soar if every business and household were factored in.

NASA

We all know that NASA is responsible for space exploration but did you know that they are also responsible for environmental research? NASA conducted a study on alternative-energy and, as a result, developed a method of using algae to produce clean fuel.

Scientists have since come up with an idea to place wastewater filled, semi-permeable membranes in the ocean. The algae that will eventually grow in the membranes will feed on the waste. The algae will then create their own waste, a byproduct of which is biofuel that can be harvested from the membranes. This method of biofuel production doesn’t pollute the ocean, as the algae consume all of the waste. The only end result byproducts are oxygen and water!

While there is still a long way to go towards healing our planet and preventing further damage, we do need to stop and remember to be thankful for the strides that have already been made. Perhaps our newscasters and politicians would do well to concentrate their efforts on letting us know how our ‘green’ changes are benefiting the environment. People are often more apt to follow through with a lifestyle change when they are aware of the positive effects. And follow through is what we need, now more than ever.

Author Tom Blanchard tries to be less wasteful about all things, and along with that is saving money that could be better used elsewhere. To that end, using discounts when possible, such as Coupon Croc of the UK, allows him to use money saved to donate to green projects whenever he can.

1. Leaf by Jeff Kubina

2. His Fingerprints Fern Leaf by Randy Robertson

3. Sailing by Steve H

4. A Frosty Morning in Denmark by Flemming

5. Random Assemblage from Yard by Ctd 2005

6. Untitled by Dave Morrow

7. HerbstFeuer by Wolfgang Staudt

8. Netting by Jenny Downing

9. Rain Drops by OurEverydayEarth

10. Plant Shadows by Kevin Dooley

A large handful of students were seen grinning about Columbian Square on October Twentieth with Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, model Christy Turlington Burns and Juju Chang, journalist. They were all in attendance to host the George Washington University “GW + Phones=Hope” celebration to kickoff the GW Phones for Hope campaign.

George Washington University - Phones for Hope

The Phones for Hope campaign is supported by the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) created by Former President Bill Clinton and Doug Band, who through this program hopes to bring about changes around the world through actions that are measurable. The purpose of Phones for Hope is to recycle old electronics and phones that aid maternal health programs located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nepal by recycling them or by converting them into mobile medical communication devices.

As stated by Christy Turlington Burns, supporter for the campaign,

“The best way to address child survival is to invest in a mom”

and by March of 2012, GW strives to make an investment by way of approximately 20,000 used cell phones.

The CGI is comprised of a large group of corporate businesses, non-profits and organizations who even though they come from assorted industries, they have the same common goal in mind. This powerful group would like to bring about change to the world’s problems dealing with poverty, education and climate change. CGI requests that its members start assisting the world by participating in “Commitments to Action”. Of course, sustainability is a key ingredient to their core. Phones for hope bases it’s actions around the principles of viability (along with good will), and does an excellent job of presenting to its subscribers the important of our future.

Check out the following video for more campaign info;

As we know it, finding long-term solutions to any of the issues addressed by the CGI is extremely important. Turlington and Clinton demonstrate their interest in renewal and recyclables by aiding in the early development of children in Africa. The CGI continues to do great work in similar areas, and their predecessor (CHAI or Clinton Health Access Initiative) provides supplemental help as well.

Through prodigious campaigns like these, that bolster positives changes around the world, like GW’s Phones for Hope, we will all see the benefits from individual and groups who are committed to making a difference. The Phones for Hope program not only benefits the United States, by supplying a secure way to recycle phones and other electronics but the greatest of all impacts will be reached in areas across the seas like Africa and Nepal where families can have a chance at survival because they now have access to healthcare for mothers and children.