Sunday, April 12, 2009
Saving water (tips)


More Tips About How To Save Water!
1. Remeber to fix any leaks at home
2. Water used for things like washing vegetables can be collected in a basin and used to water any house plants later.
3. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
4. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
5. Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.
6. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

ALSO!

How much Carbon Dioxide do YOUR FAMILY contribute to the enviroment?
Take a little test to find out!
http://www.mycarbonfootprint.sg/


Sources:

Pictures:
http://wicanzayu.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/save-water-save-life.jpg

Tips:
http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php


on 8:26 AM

Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Saving electricity

Little ways to save electricity and reduce the amount of electricity used ( so we dont have to burn so much natural gas)




Turn it off
Lights. The TV. The computer. The radio. It’s common sense, but when these things are left on, they use up energy. When you’re not using something, make sure that you turn it off.

Control the temperature
Do you really need the inside of your house to be so warm 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 (and a quarter) days a year? Try to keep a reasonable temperature, so the air conditioning and heater don’t have to work so hard. Also, make sure that there is nothing blocking the air conditioners and heaters. A poorly placed couch can impede the flow of temperature controlled air throughout the house, and make it twice as hard to heat or cool.

Cooking habits
There are a few minor changes to the way that you cook that can help to save energy. Make sure that your pots and pans have a flat bottom. Pots with rounded bottoms don’t transmit heat as efficiently. Also, get used to cooking with lids on; this captures more heat and allows you to cook faster and use less energy. When using the oven, try to minimize the number of times that you have to open the door. Avoid doing numerous spot checks; trust your timers.



Eliminate phantom power
Even when they’re turned off, things like VCRs, cell phone charges and computers are still drawing power. The simple solution is to unplug these things when you’re not using them. An easy way to coordinate all of this unplugging is to use a power strip and just unplug that.

Sources:

Tips:
http://www.xprize.org/get-involved/make-a-difference?gclid=COPWhOSX4ZkCFRUupAodzHeHWA

Pictures:
http://www.caskwidge.com/shop/images/thermometer.gif
http://dvice.com/pics/bulb_old_new.jpg
http://www.jamberry.co.uk/training/images/team_building_with_cooking.jpg
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tech-transport/images/2007-11/phantom-power-plug.jpg


on 4:34 AM


Letting our voices be heard







we told 207 people and their families about the damage plastic bags causes, and got them to refuse to use platic bags as much as possible.


on 4:14 AM

Sunday, April 5, 2009
Recycling your own paper!


Don't throw away your old newspapers. Try making your own recycled paper!

Recycled paper can be made from old newspaper, following the instructions below. Recycling paper uses cellulose (plant fibers) over and over again, it uses less electricity, less water, a lot less pollution, and it saves trees from being cut down!

You will need:
a food processor or an old blender
an electric iron
an old wire hanger
an old pair of panty hose
newspaper or other paper, torn into 2-inch squares
white glue
water
an insect screen or strainer (optional)
onion skin(optional)

a big sink or tub filled with 4 inches of water Make sure you have a place to work where you can make a big mess!

Step One:Make a frame out of the coat hanger. You'll need a frame for each piece of paper you make. Stretch the hanger and bend it into a rectangle/square shape. Take one leg of the panty hose and stretch it carefully over the hanger frame. Make sure it is tight and flat.

Step Two:Put a handful of the torn up paper and some water into the food processor or blender. Blend the mixture on high until it becomes mushy. Keep adding paper and water until you have a big gray blob. You may have to add a little more water to keep things moving smoothly. Keep the food processor on until all the paper has disappeared. Then leave it on for 2 minutes.
***
For some color, add a handful of brown or red onion skin (not the onion itself, just the papery outer skin).

Step Three:Put 2 tablespoons of white glue in the sink water and add all of the paper pulp you just made. Mix it really well. Use your hands.

Step Four:Scoop the frame to the bottom of the sink, then lift it slowly. (Count to 20 slowly while you are lifting.) Let the water drain out for about a minute.

Step Five:Hang the frames on a clothesline or put them out in the sun. Wait until they are completely dry with no dampness at all. You can then gently peel off the paper.

Step Six:Use the iron, set on the hottest setting, to steam out your paper. You can keep making paper until the pulp is all strained out of the sink. Mix up the sink every time you make a new piece.
***
Try other things like using in insect screen over a wood frame, or a strainer instead of the pantyhose and hanger. Try adding lots of food coloring, for colored paper, or try adding lint or leaves to the food processor. Your paper will have an interesting texture.

Making your own paper can be fun, and it's a great way to re-use old paper. You can recycle all kinds of paper for re-use. Sometimes paper printed from color-inkjet printers will run, that is, the color will bleed off and become part of your new paper, but that can make for an interesting effect!

***
These papers can be used to make any type of cards, a small booklet if you tie them up together nicely, etc, the texture of the paper is very different and can add a creative touch to anything, best off all it cost absolutely nothing!


Why are you still here? Go recycle now!


Source:
http://www.make-stuff.com/recycling/paper.html
http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/article_images/handmade_paper.JPG
http://www.mcgarrigles.com/nippon/d_april2004/hikone_deforestation.jpg









on 1:43 AM