#ecofriendly living

[disneyirishprincessbackup]

[lashton-is-my-drug]

Sustainable earth friendly mud houses via link on Ash’s ig story

December 14, 2022

X

[cottagelvx]

This cozy cabin on wheels is the perfect blend of nature and comfort, where every detail is designed to bring the outdoors in. The expansive windows frame breathtaking forest views, while the warm, earthy tones of tribal textiles invite you to settle in and savor the serenity of the space. Above, the snug loft offers a retreat for restful slumber, with wood-paneled ceilings that feel as if you're nestled right beneath the canopy of trees. The thoughtful use of every inch of space, combined with handcrafted accents, transforms this tiny home into a soulful hideaway—a place where nature, simplicity, and beauty come together in perfect harmony.

[therefugecollective]

Introduction - The Refuge

In this world there is a turning away of what is human - the outward creation and desire that makes us strong and defines our aspect. There is the codification, the classification, and the organization that turns a world of color into greyscale. Our goal is to restore color to the corners of this commercialized world. To bring experience and being into a place that censors our existence, our “vices,” our “virtues” for units of productivity. 

Lord Shiva - The Destroyer, the one that changes, that inspires that brings upon the next episode, towards enlightenment is the one that we serve through our work. We must honor who it is to be ourselves. To punch in, to punch out, to be a sardine on a bus, a rat in a car - that is not a way to honor our existence. Our being. If we fail in this ritual of the commercialized society in real terms will bring about our downfall. If we do not consume in growing proportions, our place in this world becomes further limited. There is the collective pull outwards to consume more - more credit cards, bigger homes, more food, better taste - to what end our collective downfall so that we can spend the next moments surfing through time to keep up with the monstrosity that is consumer-culture. 

I refute this culture, yes it is the means in which I am able to communicate with you but I am here to write to you about our pathway out of this hell. I believe in the creation of a refuge. A place, where we can exist apart from the consumer culture, where plastics no longer litter our streets, where we are provided a home, where we work together to provide food. Where our collective action provides us with the education to be successful. This iteration is the first instance where the Refuge is created, where income, ability and past are no longer barriers for existence. I accept you, we accept you.

[lomuarredi]

It's time to make a change and opt for eco-friendly furniture! Say goodbye to toxic chemicals and hello to sustainable, stylish pieces!

[gogonano]

Top 6 Myths About Microfiber Cloths Busted

This article is originally published on GoGoNano’s official blog.

Microfiber cloths have conquered the cleaning world, lauded for their versatility, efficiency, and eco-friendliness. Yet, amidst their reign, misconceptions and myths persist, hindering their true potential. Let’s dispel the most common myths and unlock the real cleaning magic of these microfiber marvels!

Myth 1: One Size (and Density) Fits All

Nope! Just like snowflakes, microfiber cloths differ in density and blend. Aim for high-density cloths (80/20 blend). The 80% polyester offers durability, while the 20% polyamide boosts static cling for superior dust-trapping. Avoid low-density cloths that scratch delicate surfaces like glass or electronics.

Myth 2: Water, Their Holy Grail (Sometimes)

While they excel at capturing dust and light grime with just water, some situations demand reinforcements. Fact: Choose ph-neutral cleaners for greasy messes or disinfecting. Water alone might not tackle bacteria effectively. Use appropriate cleaners to ensure a holistic clean. Consider gentle dish soap for greasy surfaces, vinegar solutions for disinfecting, or glass cleaner for streak-free windows.

While water excels for dust and light grime, explore advanced cleaning techniques and diverse applications in our comprehensive guide: The Ultimate Cleaning Guide: The Benefits of Microfiber Cloths.

Myth 3: Replacing the Cleaning Arsenal (Not Quite)

Microfiber cloths are workhorses, but even they have limitations. For heavy-duty scrubbing, tackling grime buildup in ovens or grills, or disinfecting specific surfaces like toilets, you might need sponges, specialized cleaners, or disinfectants. Think of microfiber cloths as your eco-friendly first line of defense, with other tools available for backup, depending on the cleaning task.

Myth 4: Washing? Never Heard of Her!

Imagine a cloth teeming with trapped dirt and bacteria. Shudder-worthy, right? Wash your microfiber cloths regularly! Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically after every few uses. Use warm water (around 140°F) and gentle detergent for both cleaning and disinfection. Remember, clean cloths clean effectively! Avoid fabric softener as it weakens the static cling and reduces their cleaning power.

Want to learn more about the proper way to wash microfiber cloths and extend their lifespan? Check out our Essential Guide to Washing Microfiber Cloths & Towels.

Myth 5: Fabric Softener Makes Microfiber Cloths Softer and Better (Wrong!)

This is a major cleaning no-no! Fabric softener coats the fibers, weakening their static cling and hindering their dust-trapping power. Fact: Stick to detergent only when washing microfiber cloths. Skip the fabric softener and allow them to air dry completely. Heat drying weakens the fibers, reducing their lifespan. Consider hanging them on drying racks or lines for optimal air circulation.

Myth 6: Eternal Life for Your Cloths (Wishful Thinking)

Like any tool, microfiber cloths have a lifespan. With proper care, they can last several months to a year. Watch for signs of wear like fraying, reduced cleaning power, and difficulty absorbing water. Replacing worn-out cloths ensures maximum effectiveness and prevents spreading bacteria. Don’t be tempted to hold onto damaged cloths — invest in fresh ones for optimal cleaning results.

Bonus Myth: A Sea of Specialized Cloths for Every Surface

Master Microfiber, Clean Smarter, Live Greener

Unleash the cleaning power of microfiber and discover how it can transform your home into a sparkling haven of sustainability and wellness.

Organization & Hygiene in Harmony

Ditch confusion and cross-contamination with a colorful solution! Assign different colored cloths to specific areas like bathroom (blue), kitchen (green), and general dusting (yellow). It’s organized, hygienic, and adds a fun splash to your routine!

Ditch Paper, Embrace Crystal Clarity

Say goodbye to wasteful paper towels! Achieve sparkling windows with just two eco-friendly heroes: microfiber cloths and vinegar. The static cling traps dust and grime, while the vinegar cuts through streaks. Sparkling windows, lighter footprint? We love it!

Tackle Tough Messes, Naturally

Forget harsh chemicals and embrace the dream cleaning team: microfiber cloths and steam cleaners! This dynamic duo conquers greasy stovetops, grimy oven doors, and even shower grime. Steam loosens tough messes, while microfiber effortlessly traps and removes them, leaving surfaces clean without chemicals.

Master Specific Challenges:

Appliance Expertise: Learn dedicated methods and solutions for each appliance.

Pet Hair Removal: Banish pesky fur with damp or dry cloths, paired with gloves or a lint roller for maximum results.

Delicate Surface Care: Clean with confidence using dry or damp cloths and gentle solutions. Always test first!

Microfiber is more than just clean surfaces, it’s a green choice

Reduced Chemical Reliance: Breathe easy and ditch harsh chemicals that harm your health and the environment. Microfiber tackles dirt effectively with just water or mild solutions.

Reusable & Durable: Say goodbye to wasteful paper towels! Microfiber cloths are reusable for months, significantly reducing landfill waste and minimizing your environmental footprint.

Water Conservation: Every drop counts! Microfiber requires less water for cleaning and washing, conserving this precious resource.

To learn more about our commitment to sustainability and OEKO-TEX certification, head over to our informative guide OEKO-TEX: Your Guide to Safe and Sustainable Textiles. This certification ensures our microfiber cloths meet strict safety and environmental standards, providing peace of mind for you and the planet.

[reasonsforhope]

It’s an open secret in fashion. Unsold inventory goes to the incinerator; excess handbags are slashed so they can’t be resold; perfectly usable products are sent to the landfill to avoid discounts and flash sales. The European Union wants to put an end to these unsustainable practices. On Monday, [December 4, 2023], it banned the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear.

“It is time to end the model of ‘take, make, dispose’ that is so harmful to our planet, our health and our economy,” MEP Alessandra Moretti said in a statement. “Banning the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear will contribute to a shift in the way fast fashion manufacturers produce their goods.”

This comes as part of a broader push to tighten sustainable fashion legislation, with new policies around ecodesign, greenwashing and textile waste phasing in over the next few years. The ban on destroying unsold goods will be among the longer lead times: large businesses have two years to comply, and SMEs have been granted up to six years. It’s not yet clear on whether the ban applies to companies headquartered in the EU, or any that operate there, as well as how this ban might impact regions outside of Europe.

For many, this is a welcome decision that indirectly tackles the controversial topics of overproduction and degrowth. Policymakers may not be directly telling brands to produce less, or placing limits on how many units they can make each year, but they are penalising those overproducing, which is a step in the right direction, says Eco-Age sustainability consultant Philippa Grogan. “This has been a dirty secret of the fashion industry for so long. The ban won’t end overproduction on its own, but hopefully it will compel brands to be better organised, more responsible and less greedy.”

Clarifications to come

There are some kinks to iron out, says Scott Lipinski, CEO of Fashion Council Germany and the European Fashion Alliance (EFA). The EFA is calling on the EU to clarify what it means by both “unsold goods” and “destruction”. Unsold goods, to the EFA, mean they are fit for consumption or sale (excluding counterfeits, samples or prototypes)...

The question of what happens to these unsold goods if they are not destroyed is yet to be answered. “Will they be shipped around the world? Will they be reused as deadstock or shredded and downcycled? Will outlet stores have an abundance of stock to sell?” asks Grogan.

Large companies will also have to disclose how many unsold consumer products they discard each year and why, a rule the EU is hoping will curb overproduction and destruction...

Could this shift supply chains?

For Dio Kurazawa, founder of sustainable fashion consultancy The Bear Scouts, this is an opportunity for brands to increase supply chain agility and wean themselves off the wholesale model so many rely on. “This is the time to get behind innovations like pre-order and on-demand manufacturing,” he says. “It’s a chance for brands to play with AI to understand the future of forecasting. Technology can help brands be more intentional with what they make, so they have less unsold goods in the first place.”

Grogan is equally optimistic about what this could mean for sustainable fashion in general. “It’s great to see that this is more ambitious than the EU’s original proposal and that it specifically calls out textiles. It demonstrates a willingness from policymakers to create a more robust system,” she says. “Banning the destruction of unsold goods might make brands rethink their production models and possibly better forecast their collections.”

One of the outstanding questions is over enforcement. Time and again, brands have used the lack of supply chain transparency in fashion as an excuse for bad behaviour. Part of the challenge with the EU’s new ban will be proving that brands are destroying unsold goods, not to mention how they’re doing it and to what extent, says Kurazawa. “Someone obviously knows what is happening and where, but will the EU?”"

-via British Vogue, December 7, 2023

[digitalipsum]

Eco-Friendly Living: How Small Changes Make a Big Difference for the Environment

[forestkodama]

I will forever be amused by the fact that, when asked about what first tipped him off that my partner and I are "hippies", the independent contractor we hired to drywall our basement didn't say the rotating composter in our garage, but the fact that we drive subcompact cars.

[lunarpunkwonder]

LunarPunk 🌙

Lunarpunk is Solarpunk for the night dwellers. Similar philosophy and movement but with a darker, bioluminescent, celestial aesthetic. With a focus on Community, Sustainability, Reducing Light Pollution, growing Native Flora and creating a livable and thriving home for the night dwelling Fauna (nocturnal animals, insects, and people too), and obviously, don't forget the Punk.

Lunarpunk is a very new and slowly growing subgenre and community, please continue to add new ideas, add to the conversation of sustainability, do research in your own area about the local flora and fauna, what you can do to help reduce light pollution, even if it's just coming from your home, how to be more energy efficient, how to reduce waste, save money on electricity, see if you can switch your lights to LEDs, speak with your neighbors about switching as well.

Any little bit counts.

[disneyirishprincessbackup]

[byler-alarmist]

Do people know most paper receipts are harmful to their health?

I'm going to get up on my soapbox for a minute, but do people realize how pretty much everyone is being overloaded with endocrine disruptors like BPA/BPS on a near-daily basis??

I don't think many people understand that ever since most of the world transitioned to thermal paper receipts (cheaper than ink), almost every receipt you handle from the gas station to the grocery store to the Square terminal printer at the local co-op is coated with Bisphenol-A (BPA) or its chemical cousin Bisphenol-S (BPS).

These chemicals have not only been proven to cause reproductive harm to human and animals, they've also been linked to obesity and attention disorders.

Not sure if your receipt is a thermal receipt? If you scratch it with a coin and it turns dark, it's thermal.

BPA/BPS can enter the skin to a depth such that it is no longer removable by washing hands. When taking hold of a receipt consisting of thermal printing paper for five seconds, roughly 1 μg BPA is transferred to the forefinger and the middle finger. If the skin is dry or greasy, it is about ten times more. 

Think of how many receipts you handle every day. It's even worse for cashiers and tellers, who may handle hundreds in a single shift. It is also a class issue, since many people who work retail and food service are lower-income and will suffer worse health consequences over time from the near-constant exposure.

Not only that, receipts printed with thermal ink are NOT recyclable, as they pollute the rest of the paper products with the chemicals.

People don't know this and recycle them anyway, so when you buy that "green" toilet paper that says "100% recycled"? Yup, you are probably wiping your most sensitive areas with those same chemicals (for this reason, I buy bamboo or sugarcane toilet paper as a sustainable alternative to recycled paper).

This page from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has some good links if you want to learn more.

As consumers, we need to demand better from our businesses and from our governments. We need regulation of these chemicals yesterday.

If you are a buyer or decision-maker for a business, the link above also contains a shortlist of receipt paper manufacturers that are phenol-free.

If you work at a register, ask customers if they want a receipt. If they don't and you can end the transaction without printing one, don't print one!

As a consumer, fold receipts with the ink on the inside, since that's where the coating is. Some more good tips here.

And whatever you do, DO NOT RECYCLE THERMAL RECEIPTS

[chalogreen]

Exploring Eco-Friendly Packaging

What is Sustainable Packaging?

Sustainable packaging uses materials and production processes that yield a minimal environmental impact. The aim is to be environmentally friendly.

Benefits of Sustainable Packaging

Biodegradable - They are made from either plant-based or recycled materials that naturally degrade without leaving toxic waste.

Compostable - Decomposes naturally through commercial compost processes. Leaves no trace of plastic.

Recyclable - Commodities consisting of post-consumer recycled paper are recyclable.

Accountable Materials - For example, mushroom fibers, banana leaves, and algae reduce the over-reliance on plastic and the excessive processes involved.

Ethical production - the use of sustainably sourced, locally produced, and fairly traded materials has proven to improve lives while having a lighter impact on the environment.

Small Carbon Footprint - Eco packaging vastly reduces the carbon emissions resulting from traditional manufacturing and waste.

Simple Swaps

Paper or Plastics - Go for paper envelopes, boxes and filler made from recycled content. Don’t use plastic poly bags and bubbles.

Glass vs Plastic - Choose glass bottles over single-use plastics because glass is infinitely recyclable.Support plastic reduction initiatives.

Compostable vs. Styrofoam - Replace styrofoam peanuts with compostable corn starch alternatives. Support the ban on non-recyclable products.

For stylish, zero waste, environmentally friendly packaging solutions pay a visit to Chalogreen. They manufacture their products which are entirely plant-based thus saving the planet.

[catrocketship]

fighting my personal feelings about dandelions ATM to draw this little illustration in the name of fighting lawn culture

[thestudentfarmer]

Seed saving succes!

I posted awhile ago about carrots I let go to seed this last season. I finally got round to doing the full seed cleaning, a small germination test and wanted to share on that.

Below, the heads when I finally pulled them, I did clip the heads from the stems and placed them in an open storage bin.

To be quite honest I set it aside and forgot about it for awhile. Day to day and all that. Thankfully the corner I set them in was well undisturbed save for a few spiders when I got back to them.

Still a lil bit 'stick'y but it's as filtered as I can get currently. I'll be looking into some sort of seives to make harvesting seed easier in the future.

Interestingly enough, when separating some of the junk, the seeds got a sort of perfume-yness to them? It was very pleasant.

I took the corn out to handle later, but the cleaned out carrot flowerheads I tossed them in the chicken compost area so any missed seeds would get enjoyed by either the girls or the wild birds and the remaining stems and sticks'll get composted before long.

Did a germination test on the counter to see if the effort was worth it.

Way more germination than I expected! 🥳 very much worth it!

Here's the seed bag, I expect there is still a chunk of chuff/junk that didn't seperate well but it weighed 9 oz. (gallon size ziplock) I'd feel okay saying mayby 5-7 oz seed from seed saving this year. Even at low end of 5 oz that's still pretty good :)

I think I'll keep half and sort the other half among some friends and family as gifts, and donate to the local seed library nearest to me.

And if opportunity arises I'll do the same with the next carrot grow :) they were pretty easy (aside from toppling so much), the pollinators loved them, they were beautiful plants and we can use every part of them as well which is a win win all around 🏆

They were from hybrids of rainbow x nantes carrots. Some got long (but not many, I have shallow soil) they did get nice and fat though and we enjoyed quite a bit of salad, pesto and pretty flowers thanks to them this last grow season.

🥕🌱 Happy Homesteading ����🥕

9.21.2023