Apr, 2021

Easy Tips to Save Energy and Cut on Your Electrical Bills

The reasons for saving electricity are diverse, but the most important one is caring for the environment and saving money, which at the same time means saving resources (time, work, energy, and ironically, more money). Below, we list a few easy tips that will allow you to reduce your electricity consumption and therefore save money.

Use Energy-Saving Light Bulbs or LED

Energy-saving light bulbs and LEDs provide the same light as incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes but consume up to 60% less electricity.

Take Advantage of Sunlight

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not so obvious. Many people are used to having the curtains and blinds drawn down, and the light and lighting come from lamps. Although not all houses have a location that takes full advantage of sunlight, external and natural light is always better than artificial light. Taking advantage of the sunny hours to illuminate the house with the rays of this star will be an excellent way to save energy.

Disconnect the Devices That You Are Not Using

Chargers, laptops or computer adapters, and stand-by devices continue to consume power even when they are not used. That is why it is essential to unplug mobile phone chargers when they are not being used and to unplug devices that are not in use but are still active despite being off.

Refrigeration

Refrigerators are inevitably one of the most expensive appliances, but at the same time, they are necessary and unavoidable. Therefore, despite being in dire need, there are some things that make these devices not use more energy than necessary.

The average energy consumption of refrigerators is 662 kWh (kilowatt hours), but this can be triggered in the refrigerators that have the option of automatic defrosting. In addition, if the door does not close correctly or if the tires are worn (something that is very cheap and easy to repair), these numbers grow even more.

Therefore, make sure that the refrigerator closes well, replace worn or damaged parts, and if you need to change the appliance, those classified as A +++ can save more than 24% of energy, those of energy classification A ++ will save 30% of energy and the A + will save up to 42%.

Washing Machine

Using washes with short programs and with plenty of clothes (without overloading yourself, of course) is an excellent way to save electricity and water in these appliances. Avoid temperatures above 30 degrees, which, in addition to damaging clothes, trigger the energy expenditure of these appliances.

Shut Down Computers

One of the most common uses for computers is to put them on sleep mode while they are not being used. It is true that the screen is not displaying images, but the entire system is active. Therefore it may be spending 70% of the energy necessary for its total operation without us using it. Therefore, it is better to turn them off if you won’t be using it for a while.

Heating

One of the most significant energy costs happens in winter with the need for heating. If your pocket allows it, replace old stoves with energy-efficient stoves. Ceramic electric stoves are a very good option. In addition, these types of appliances can be programmed to turn off when we are not at home and to turn on again to prepare the temperature so that when we return home we do not freeze.

An alternative to the latter applicable to other types of electric stoves can be the use of timers for the sockets to turn on and off when we program them to.

While these are a few easy tips to save energy and reduce your electrical bills, you probably have more useful tips to share. Don’t forget to leave them in the comments below!

Apr, 2021

Products to Avoid If You Are Eco-Friendly

Sometimes the little steps that we take can have an enormous impact on the environment. If you are ready to start going green or are already living sustainably, here is a list of items that you should avoid at all costs.

#1. Styrofoam Containers

Everyone knows that Styrofoam is not biodegradable and is bad for the planet. However, many people tend to overlook the harm it can cause to the environment due to its usefulness in everyday life.

Styrofoam is the trade name of polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based product. It is popular because of its light weight, very good insulation characteristics and benefits as a packing material for shipping without adding weight.

However, chemicals can easily leach into the Styrofoam containers and contaminate food, affecting human health and reproductive systems. Moreover, did you know that hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that are used in the manufacture of Styrofoam can have negative impacts on the ozone layer and climate change? Besides, according to some research, the brominated flame retardants used on Styrofoam products can negatively impact the environment and lead to health problems.

So, next time, I recommend you to get your coffee to go in a reusable coffee mug rather than a Styrofoam cup.

#2. Paper Towels and Napkins

When properly managed, it is true that paper is a renewable source. However, isn’t it also true that most of us tend to use more paper products than necessary?

For example, paper towels and napkins are are particularly big waste of forest resources, landfill space and your money. A better alternative would be to use cloth napkins at meals and use rags, sponges, wipes and towels to clean up any liquid spills. However, if you insist on buying paper towels and napkins, I suggest buying an eco-friendly variety.

#3. Plastic Utensils

Most plastic utensils are made up of polystyrene, which can give off toxic chemicals when heated. And can you guess how many plastic utensils are being used every day in the United States alone? More than 100 million. Now, imagine all the damage caused to the environment.

Plastic utensils are very high on the waste scale and, as you’re no doubt aware, most disposable plastic utensils can be used only once and then thrown away rather than reused. As they are not biodegradable and will live forever in the environment, you should think about washing and reusing them or instead go for regular cutlery or portable metal kits.

#4. Bleached Coffee Filters

Dioxins are chemicals that are produced through the chlorine bleaching procedure and these chemicals can contaminate groundwater. Many studies have discovered that it is linked to cancer in both humans and animals. Therefore, if you are a coffee-drinker, I recommend using eco-friendly unbleached filters that are healthier, both for you and the environment.

#5. Overpackaged Food and Products

Do you often purchase products that are wrapped in huge layers of heavy plastic, bubble wrap or piles of packing peanuts? If yes, then let me inform you that excess packaging can waste resources and cost you much more money.

For example, in the United States, a significant portion of trash in most households comes from packaging, which leads to overflowing landfills.

Hence, if it is possible, I suggest you to buy products in bulk, without excess packaging and if you can only buy smaller sizes, then opt for those products that are packaged with recycled materials.

#6. Toys Made With PVC Plastic

How many times have you bought a toy for your kid without knowing what it is made of?

It is true that PVC plastic is mostly used in construction, but nowadays, it can also be found in some everyday plastics such as children’s toys. As these additives can be dangerous, it is essential to know what materials your child’s toys are made from.

Will you try to avoid buying these items? Please share your comments!

Apr, 2021

Eco-Friendly Schools From Around the World

Sustainability is like a choice that has to be made and there are many educational institutions around the world that have made the choice of bringing sustainability to schools while also educating the youth.

Group Phi’s Sustainable Military School for Girl

Located in Pune, Maharashtra, India, this military school was constructed by Group Phi. Known as the first military school for girls in India, it was built based on the concept of sustainability. For instance, a grey water recycling system was established to reuse wastewater and polycarbonate sheets were used to cover the yards and protect the passageways from rainfall.

Moreover, they applied the daylighting concept, which refers to the practice of controlled admission of natural sunlight into a building in order to reduce electric lighting and save energy. This practice can be carried out by incorporating many windows, skylights, other openings and reflective surfaces.

Besides, natural materials were employed in the school’s construction to reduce the carbon footprint and make the students feel closer to nature.

Animo Leadership High School

“We should have more schools like Amino”

– President Clinton

This public school for 500 students is known as the first Green Dot School and is found in Inglewood, California, a tough and economically depressed city, where it is noted that 25 % of the population lives below the poverty line. However, despite this, the school has been ranked as one of the top 100 high schools in America by the US News and World Report.

The school was designed by Curtis and Davis, New Orleans architects, who wanted to promote passive sustainable strategies. Due to the harsh climate of the area, the designers decided to use natural ventilation rather than air conditioning. For instance, cooling strategies such as cross-ventilation and large roof overhangs were used. In addition, the shape of the building was constructed in a way to shade itself and induce airflow.

The south facade of the building is covered with 650 solar panels that provide at least 75 % of the school’s energy and which reduce costs by over 3 million dollars. There are also large glazed openings, various exterior decks and terraces that connect the interior spaces such as classrooms with the outdoors.

The Docks School

The zero-energy school, found in Saint Ouen in France, was designed by the Paris architects Mikou Design Studio. The school is found in the middle of the Zac des Docks, which is a sustainable urban development area.

The school was built with tiers that slope diagonally across the building to form large triangular terraces. All the classrooms are opened onto internal courtyards and sheltered by canopies laden with photovoltaic panels. Also, these panels are slanted at an angle of 30 degrees to allow maximum sun exposure.

Creative Pavilion

The Creative Pavilion was constructed as an “out of the box” scheme compared to existing standard structures. The idea behind the building was that it should not be considered only as a learning space but also as a place that could stimulate social values and accommodate a range of activities.

The building was designed and constructed in a way to minimize environmental costs in terms of the building’s carbon foot print and energy usage. Awnings and pergolas were installed to shade the openings. Also, rain water harvesting systems were established.

Hillside Middle School

Located in Salt Lake City School District, the Hillside Middle School has established high standards with their green practices for others to follow.

The building structure makes optimum use of natural sunlight to reduce electric lighting and save on energy. Moreover, the use of insulated windows keeps heat away and ensures a cool learning environment for students. And, I have to mention how even the paints used on the building had low levels of volatile organic compounds.

Do you happen to know more sustainable schools? Please share your comments!

Apr, 2021

The 12 Most Sustainable Tourism Companies in Colombia

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism of Colombia carries out the National Sustainable Tourism Award annually, an event in which tourism companies that have shown commitment to preserving biodiversity are recognized. If you are interested in knowing the dozen of the most sustainable companies in Colombia, keep reading and discover which ones were awarded in each category.

An Award for Ecotourism Purposes and a Motivating Spirit

This award is how the ministry wants to show that it supports the commitment to environmentally responsible tourism. Sustainable tourism practices are based on environmentally friendly procedures, support for the conservation of nature or cultural heritage, and social and economic benefits for local populations. The idea is to reward the best ecotourism projects and motivate other service providers to bet on a kind of tourism that is gaining more and more popularity worldwide.

The Most Sustainable Tourism Companies in Colombia: From Parks to Travel Agencies

Topping the list of the most sustainable tourism companies in Colombia, we find the Arví Park Corporation, which manages Arví Park. This eco-company is responsible for organizing trails, preparing the Arví Markets with local products, the Corasante Artisan Market, the Trueke Festival, and the San Gabriel Agricultural Fair. For its part, the Ecoturismo Estratégico travel agency develops sustainable tourism programs in grassroots communities (indigenous, black, and peasant). Also, it offers community ecotourism in protected areas of Colombia, agro-tourism, and ethnic-tourism in trades and tasks in the Colombian countryside, adventure tourism, and hiking in natural regions, such as mountains, jungles, rivers, deserts, and coasts.

Category “Best in Green Tourism”

In this category, the first-place winner was Ecolodge el Almejal. This company has been working for sustainable tourism for three decades, with a hotel complex built on the four pillars of ecotourism: conservation, sustainability, environmental awareness, and community participation. The ministry has highlighted its “Golfing” project, focused on the ecotourism conservation of sea turtles in Bahía Solano, Chocó. The other winners in this category were Hotel del Llano and Biogourmet.

Category “Best in Actions for the Benefit of Local Communities”

The Yakumo Blanco Community Association, established under the essential keys for sustainable tourism, took first place in this category. The organization offers environmental education services, lodging, gastronomy, leisure activities, and recreation in the Natural Sanctuary of Fauna and Flora Otún Quimbaya. Likewise, The Plantation House Travelers Hostel Salento and Ecoturismo Estratégico were the tourism companies that took second and third place in the category in question.

Category “Best in Actions for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage”

As part of Colombian culture, these category rewards companies that wish to preserve the country’s heritage. JBY Servicios (Mom’s Soups and Grandmother’s Desserts) won first place to promote the rescue of Colombian culinary and gastronomic traditions. Thee Posada Ecocultural «Dermass Inn» Native Lodge and La Sierrita Ecotour obtained the second and third places. All these companies have in common their continued effort for sustainable tourism that is not devouring nature but is integrated into it, respecting and accompanying its processes. More and more tourists and travelers are demanding responsible tourism; Fortunately, Colombia is one of the world’s places with the most significant number of tourism companies and ecological hotels. It is estimated that this South American country receives 250,000 international visits related solely to sustainable tourism. This figure allows us to identify the great importance of responsible tourism for Colombia or Latin America and the entire world.

The concept of tourism in Colombia is still relatively new and has avoided many of the worst forms of mass tourism, from all-inclusive resorts to prize competitions. Since 2007, the number of visitors has almost tripled in the ten years, reaching 3.2 million in 2017. Although Colombia is vast, tourists are relatively concentrated in the same places, so keeping tourism running smoothly and safely will be a challenge in the coming years. The country is incredibly ecologically rich – it is the most biologically rich region in the world after Brazil – and many of its landscapes, from the Andes rainforest to the coastal Chocó rainforest, are fragile and full of rare and endemic species. The Colombian people must also be treated with respect. Tourism companies must ensure that they do not exploit indigenous people for their own ends and that they do not exploit people who have experienced decades of brutal civil war and conflict with rebels.

Top 10 Reasons to Opt For Local and Seasonal Food

Eating local and seasonal, that is why we should prefer it. Of course, we don’t have a local alternative for some types of food; let’s think, for example, of coffee, cocoa, and bananas. But we can make different choices for much of the fruit and vegetables we usually bring to our tables. Why, for example, choose peaches that come from afar when we can have varieties of peaches grown in Italy in the right season at our disposal? The same goes for zucchini, tomatoes, strawberries, and numerous other fruits and vegetables. Here are ten important reasons to prefer local and seasonal food.

#1. Less polluting emissions

The less food has to travel to reach our tables and stores, the better for the environment. Think of the amount of polluting emissions released by the transport of food products on airplanes, trucks, and ships. We try to reduce pollution by choosing more often local and organic food grown by our trusted farmer.

#2. Better tasting products

Conventional food for sale in the supermarket is often collected when it is not yet ripe in the hope that when it reaches its final destination, it will be ready for consumption. Sometimes, however, the fruit is still unripe and is treated with ethylene gas to accelerate ripening. On the other hand, local food can naturally ripen on plants and be harvested at the right point. Some farms directly allow customers to choose their favorite fruit and vegetables and collect them at the time of purchase.

#3. Rich and varied menu

Choosing local food means preferring seasonal products and being sure they are grown next to us. This good habit favors greater variety on the menu. If in winter we tried to give up the typical summer vegetables (grown in greenhouses or that come from afar), we would discover a world of new flavors.

#4. Rediscovery of typical products

Some people are so used to the standard supermarket shopping that they no longer know which typical products are grown nearby. Many farmers are rediscovering them and giving space to ancient and almost forgotten varieties on their land. If you’re seeking something new for your table, don’t forget to take a trip to the next farmer’s market.

#5. Biodiversity

Many small local farms are committed to biodiversity conservation, and by buying from them, we can help out so that this very important commitment continues. We choose, if we can, farms that do not exploit the monocultural model and are attentive to the surrounding ecosystems’ balance.

#6. More nutritious food

Vitamins present in fruits and vegetables begin to deteriorate as soon as these products are harvested. What remains of their nutritional value after a long journey? Here’s one more reason to go looking for locally grown produce to buy locally.

#7. Support the local economy

With our purchasing choices, we can support the farms in our area and small producers from an economic point of view. Especially in a crisis period like this, it is the local realities still tied to traditions that suffer the most. With this type of purchase, we will help the facts we want to recover and progress.

#8. Agricultural land protection

In the last fifty years in Italy, most of the available agricultural land has been sealed by concrete. What if a local farmer cannot run his business due to a lack of funds? Sooner or later, its fields will disappear to make way for a new highway. Here is one of the most important reasons for preferring local food and supporting small businesses with our shopping style.

#9. Respect for animals

Buying local food means giving a hand to farmers who are concerned with cultivating the land and think about protecting the surrounding ecosystems and the wild animals that live in the area. For example, they could monitor ecological corridors that favor the movement and migration of wild animals.

#10. Lead by example

If we want many people to change their shopping habits, we should be the first to lead by example. We show others, starting with family and friends, that good and healthy foods are grown in the area where we live and that we can do without most of the common products on sale in supermarkets to compose a rich and varied daily menu to bring on the table.

Apr, 2021

How Do I Teach My Friends About Sustainable Living?

“Go green, go green!” Just by repeating and repeating this motto to your friends is not enough to spread and make them understand the message of sustainable living. And, remember your friends are not like your parents or teachers, so nothing is stopping you from having some fun while teaching them about going green!

Use Instagram

Did you know that, according to the Instagram statistics for 2021, there are approximately 1.074 billion Instagram users around the world? So, why not use Instagram to spread the message about sustainability?

I believe that the social media platforms can be used to promote our environment. For instance, you could start an Instagram account about eco-sustainability and invite all your friends to follow. You can then post eco-friendly practices and knowledge that inspire them and encourage them to start composting or using all-natural and green products.

Now, you don’t have to limit yourself to your friends only. You can also go beyond and encourage relatives or even complete strangers to be more eco-friendly.

Create a Zoom Book Club

During the pandemic, it is indeed true that Zoom was a huge help to many business, organizations and even educational institutions. Unless you are a kid and did not like fact that you had to see your teacher’s face even during the lockdown, many of us appreciate Zoom’s efficiency as a video conferencing software program.

But did you also know that you can start an online book club through Zoom? And, let me tell you that virtual book clubs can be really rewarding. Besides, you can even connect with friends who don’t live in your city.

So, if you want to get your green message out, why not start a book club on Zoom dedicated to sustainable living. It would be an excellent way to socialize at a distance with your friends and at the same time learn more about your environment. There will be an abundance of good books to read on the topic and in an online book club, you will also be able to help your friends to find new books, opening them up to new authors and new experiences. In addition, you can also engage in chats about sustainability as long as you like and due to the online natures of these types of book clubs, you will be able to use tools and technology to track and chart your reading.

Start a Community Garden

Another great way to teach your friends about sustainable living: create a community garden!

Now, what is a community garden? It refers to a piece of land that is garden by a group of people. A community garden contributes to a cleaner environment and can also create social ties and a sense of community spirit. In this case, it will not help you to accomplish your objective but will also bring you closer to your friends.

So, get started by either choosing a barren patch of earth in your neighborhood or a container garden in the common area of an apartment building and ask your friends to give you a hand.

Challenge Friends to Sign up for Community Clean-Ups

Having friends are all about fun and doing crazy stuff together. One way to have fun and still teach your friends about sustainability is by challenging them to sign up for community clean-ups.

For all those who don’t know, community clean-ups are when volunteers come together to clean, repair and improve public spaces that have been polluted and misused. Moreover, by helping the environment, you will also have some outdoor fun. And, if you want to, you can take some pictures or videos of your friends picking up trash, planting or delivering water to other volunteers.

Organize a Joint Garage Sale

Why do you think it’s good to organize a joint garage sale and invite your friends to add their unwanted stuff to the inventory? Because it will be an excellent way to keep stuff out the landfill. And, let’s not forget that in the process, you can also make a little pocket money. It will also help to free up space in your home.

Will you use these tips to raise awareness? Please share your comments!

Mar, 2021

Going Green: Top 10 Eco-Friendly Shopping Tips

The purchases of products that we need in our daily lives can be made with more or less impact on the environment. Consumers who adopt purchasing criteria based on sustainable guidelines reduce their ecological footprint and, incidentally, save money. Do you want to do the shopping sustainably? In this article, we show you some tips to fill the shopping cart while respecting the environment. Do you know how to shop sustainably? Filling the shopping cart can and should be an act of responsible consumption and helps reduce our ecological footprint. Taking care of the environment and saving on your supermarket purchase are fully compatible actions. Take good note of the following tips and apply them whenever you can.

#1. Check Your Fridge and Pantry to See What You Need

First of all, take a look at the foods you already have at home. On the one hand, you will be aware of what you really need and, on the other, you will know the expiration date of the products you have, to be able to take advantage of them before they spoil.

#2. Plan Your Menus

Plan your meals for the next few days before going to the supermarket. In this way, you will avoid storing more food than the account (which, possibly, you will have to throw away later), and you will save much more on your purchase. And, if even so, you see that you have something left over, try to be creative and opt for the kitchen of use. You will be amazed at what you can do!

#3. Make a Shopping List with What You Lack

A widespread mistake is to go to the supermarket without making a list beforehand. Without it, the usual thing is that you end up buying more products than you need and accumulating more food than you can consume. Take a few minutes to make a list of everything you need to purchase and try to stick to it as much as possible.

#4. Buy Fresh Seasonal Products and Prioritize Local Ones

Food products from far away need to be transported. And this has a significant impact on the environment, such as CO2 emissions. Local and seasonal products defend domestic biodiversity, support markets close to the consumer, and are cheaper. And they are also fresher and more durable.

#5. Bring your Own Bag

Reuse gives products the longest possible shelf life. In addition to generating less environmental impact, citizens save money. You can use jars, jars, or boxes at home to store all kinds of products, refill printer ink cartridges, use rechargeable batteries, etc. The reusable bags are the perfect complement for our purchases. They are durable and do not have as negative an impact as virgin plastic. There’s also the option of bioplastic bags; these can be used as a container for organic garbage. They can also be made of paper with a forest certificate, which takes care of the environment. If you opt for the plastic bag, make sure it is certified (made with recycled materials, for example, certified Blue Angel) and is reusable.

#6. Choose Products with Sustainable Certificates

Product labels can help you discern which ones are the most environmentally friendly. The consumer can find more and more information: recycling symbols to know if materials will be recovered after their useful life, energy certificates to see which are the most efficient, sustainable production labels such as FSC for forest products or MSC for fisheries, etc.

#7. Don’t Buy Excessively Packaged Products

Some products come with packaging that they don’t need. The skin of fruits is a natural protective covering that does not require plastic wrap or polystyrene trays. This extra packaging becomes waste that can be avoided with products that do not carry it. Another option is to buy in bulk and choose what is needed only!

#8. Avoid Throwaway Products

Disposable products waste natural resources and significantly increase waste. Any sustainable purchase worth it’s salt must replace these products with others of a more durable and reusable nature.

#9. Don’t Shop Hungry

Another fairly common mistake is shopping on an empty stomach. Hunger drives you to buy more products than you really want (or would not choose if you had already eaten). Try to go to the supermarket without hunger; otherwise, you will fill the cart with things you do not need.

#10. Benefit from the Offers Wisely

Take advantage of opportunities to save money, but before deciding to buy, think about whether and when you will use the product. You can benefit from an offer by cooking in the short term, freezing or storing, but always keeping the expiration date in mind to avoid food waste.

Reducing your ecological footprint can be very simple. Thanks to these tips, you will be able to make the purchase sustainably and save money at the same time.

Mar, 2021

Tips to Be More Sustainable in Your Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the spaces in which we generate the most significant amount of plastic waste. Among cosmetic packaging and other hygiene products, and disposable or short-lived products, the amount of waste generated in a typical washbasin today is usually significant. However, with a few simple tips, we can have a bathroom without plastic and almost zero waste. We promise!

So, without going much deeper, if you want to have a bathroom without plastic and as zero waste as possible, try to follow these recommendations:

Analyze the products you use at home and think if you could do without some when they run out.
Take out all the products that you probably have half in the back of a closet and prepare to use them up (or give them to someone who is going to take advantage of them) before buying anything new. Although it is not an ideal product, nothing will happen because you use it for a limited time and there is usually nothing more sustainable than what you have at home.
Again, every time you go to buy a new cosmetic, stop and think if you really need it.

Once you know what you need and what you don’t, you should choose an alternative without plastic, low in waste, and with the least possible environmental impact. It is something that you can achieve in different ways, which you can combine to your liking to reduce a lot of waste in your personal hygiene routine:

Buy your personal care products in bulk. There are more and more stores selling personal and household hygiene products in bulk. If you are lucky and have a store like this, take advantage! They are a solution for bath gels, shampoo and conditioner, sometimes even for creams or body oils, because they allow you to fill the same container many times, without generating waste.

Some Considerations Before You Go To Buy Hygiene Products in Bulk:

Bring an empty container (ideally the one with the product that you have finished) for each product you want to buy.
Find out about the ingredients of personal hygiene products that they sell. That it is in bulk does not mean that it is ecological. It is your decision what you want to buy but be an informed decision. I recommend you make sure that they do not have synthetic components derived from petroleum.
Enquire about the origin of the product and its way of working. If you have several alternatives, prefer those of proximity and that reuse their own jugs when restocking.
Let the solids enter your bathroom, and you will avoid a lot of waste: in Venezuela, for example, it has always been normal to use body soap bars, instead of gels.

Gels require more plastic packaging and therefore more plastic will be thrown away and more out of pocket. Soaps and other solid cosmetics do not need plastic in their packaging. In fact, they don’t really need any packaging.
As they weigh less and occupy less volume, they have a lower carbon footprint. Since they last a long time, you avoid more than one canister per lane and further reduce your CO2 footprint. As they are so durable, they also usually mean a significant saving of money.
Choose a pure soap or an ecological shampoo. They will also have less impact on the quality of the water and on your health, because they are free of petroleum derivatives, which, for example, can be endocrine disruptors.

And these advantages are not reserved for soaps, because now it is possible to find solid alternatives for many personal hygiene products in solid form:

For starters, there is a wide variety of solid shampoos. And to complement them perfectly, there are also solid conditioners.

There are also hydrating bars for the body and face, made with butters and vegetable oils, which go very well. They are marketed under several brands, but they are also very easy to make.

It is even possible to buy toothpaste in a stick, although we would not recommend sharing this for an oral health issue. On the other hand, there is another very similar option, but more hygienic and very functional: toothpaste in tablets.

Another good example is stick deodorants, which is used exactly like soap, applied directly to the skin. And most of the time works better than many conventional deodorants.

Mar, 2021

Green Energy and Its Advantages

Did you know that renewable energy sources account for 25% of the world’s electricity consumption? Although we still have a long way to go, fortunately, understanding the benefits of these forms of energy is growing. For instance, clean energy production is increasing every year, especially in the area of solar energy.

WHAT ARE RENEWABLE ENERGIES?

Renewable energy, also called green energy, ecological energy or clean energy, is energy from natural sources, which is inexhaustible and can be used permanently. Solar energy, for example, is considered green, in part because the sun is expected to power humanity for the next four billion years.

Although all forms of energy impact the environment, specific renewable energy sources – unlike fossil fuels – are characterized by the fact that they do not produce greenhouse gases or other polluting emissions. As a result, they are the most sustainable forms of energy in existence today, and they are prime candidates for efficiently combating climate change.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY?

You undoubtedly know that there are different types of renewable energy, but the most common forms of energy today for human development are the following:

1) Wind Energy

Referring to the term “Aeolus,” god of the winds in Greek mythology, this is the renewable energy obtained using the kinetic energy generated by the wind on the air turbines.

2) Geothermal Energy

This comes from the Greek geo (earth) and thermos (heat). It is the energy generated thanks to the use of natural heat from the interior of the earth. There are three types of geothermal reservoirs: hot water, dry, and geysers.

3) Hydraulic Energy

Hydropower, also called hydroelectricity or hydropower, converts the energy generated by the force of currents and waterfalls into electricity.

4) Seawater Energy.

This is a form of energy obtained by using the tides, where electricity can be generated thanks to the use of a dynamo. A variant of this form of energy is wave energy, which uses the waves of the sea.

5) Solar Energy.

Solar energy is one of the most competitive forms of renewable energy because it captures electromagnetic radiation from the sun through various collectors. The most popular are solar panels or solar cells, but there are also heliostats and solar collectors.

ADVANTAGES OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES

1) Renewable Energies Are Inexhaustible Sources of Energy

Unlike fossil fuels or nuclear power, renewable energies come from finite natural resources and are permanently available.

2) Green Energies Treat the Environment Respectfully

Clean energy does not emit greenhouse gases or other polluting gases that promote climate change. Therefore, they are the essential allies for sustainably obtaining energy.

3) Renewable Energy Sources Avoid Dependence on Outside Sources

Since they are obtained by using natural resources and can be found everywhere on the planet, they have enabled countries to develop their technologies, such as solar panels or panels and wind turbines. Thus, they develop the economy of the region, making it much more autonomous.

4) Green Energy Sources Are Easy To Decommission

Unlike nuclear power plants, there is no need to monitor their waste the moment their operation ends. There is practically zero emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and other pollutants contributing to climate change.

5) Renewable Energies Are More Favourable To the Labour Structure of Nations

They are more beneficial because they create five times more jobs than conventional energy sources. Indirect job creation (in agriculture, by expanding irrigation systems, livestock and poultry, with the installation of electrified stables, in commerce and services).

What do you think about green energy? Let us know in the comments below!

Mar, 2021

How to Wash and Care for Your Organic Clothes? (Part 2)

Despite not being such a fun practice, doing the laundry is indeed indispensable. Believe it or not, this action significantly impacts your economy since washing clothes is wasting electricity, water, and natural resources. You should know that some of the soaps or detergents that you use are likely to be the primary pollutants for our environment. That is why it is crucial to reduce these products’ consumption without affecting the home’s hygiene. To achieve this, we give you some tips that can help you wash your clothes more ecologically. If you haven’t yet read the first part of this blog, check it out now!

Separate and Classify the Clothes

Separate the garments by the washing temperature, by color, or by their composition. If you want your sustainable clothes to last longer, make sure not to mix the colors and turn them over before putting them in the washing machine, which will protect them better. Separate delicate garments and save non-woven items such as zippers, buttons, decoration details. Imagine a garment with a zip along with your delicates. I advise you that this garment goes in a special bag for washing. Also, if you have outfits (pyjamas, underwear, etc.) I recommend that you wash them together to prevent one part from wearing more than the other.

Remove and Treat Stains Before Washing

Put a garment with a stain in the washing machine and remove it stained again. Who has not happened? I recommend that you make sure to remove the stain before putting it to wash for the wash to be really effective. You can try soaking the garment with baking soda, vinegar or applying a few drops of lemon (if it is white clothing).

Wash With Cold Water, 30º or With an Eco Program

Whenever you can, use cold water. Hot water causes fabrics to wear out prematurely, and garments lose color and may shrink. If you wash at a low temperature, you will save energy, and also, the clothes will need less iron.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Quantity is not always quality. Use the detergent as recommended by the manufacturer. More detergent does not always equal more cleaning. Excess detergent and fabric softener in garments dry out the fibers, stiffen the fabric, and reduce life. The fabric softener can be easily substituted for apple or white cider vinegar. It does not leave an odor on clothes. There are many ecological and natural detergents, such as Marcella soap or Lagarto soap for the detergent. These use components of plant origin. They are made with biodegradable materials and without chemical elements which do not pollute the environment. If you are trying to dress sustainably and with clothes made with ecological fabrics, why use chemical detergents? Don’t use bleach is very aggressive, especially with organic cotton garments.

Avoid Using the Dryer

Personally, I do not have a dryer, and I have never missed it since the best option is to hang the clothes inside out and in the open air – never directly in the sun. Since on sweltering summer days, the intense sun rays damage the color and the fibers, producing minor burns that are not perceived until the garment is broken. This is especially noticeable in fabrics with elastane, lycra, or elastic bands that lose their elasticity.

Iron Little and Only the Clothes That Need It

Opt for hanging your clothes with hairpins or hooks instead of ironing. If you still have a garment a little wrinkled, a trick is to hang it on a hook in the bathroom while you shower. You will see how the water vapor works miracles. For dress shirts, there is no choice but to iron them. In this case, wait until you have a few items to do it at once. Very wrinkled organic cotton garments sometimes require steam while ironing. In this case, fill the tank of your iron with distilled water. You will avoid filling the garment with lime, and your iron will last longer in perfect condition.

I hope that with these tips you take good care of all your clothes without harming the environment.

Easy Tips to Save Energy and Cut on Your Electrical Bills

Apr, 2021

Use Energy-Saving Light Bulbs or LED

Take Advantage of Sunlight

Disconnect the Devices That You Are Not Using

Refrigeration

Washing Machine

Shut Down Computers

Heating

Apr, 2021

#1. Styrofoam Containers

#2. Paper Towels and Napkins

#3. Plastic Utensils

#4. Bleached Coffee Filters

#5. Overpackaged Food and Products

#6. Toys Made With PVC Plastic

Apr, 2021

Group Phi’s Sustainable Military School for Girl

Animo Leadership High School

The Docks School

Creative Pavilion

Hillside Middle School

Apr, 2021

An Award for Ecotourism Purposes and a Motivating Spirit

The Most Sustainable Tourism Companies in Colombia: From Parks to Travel Agencies

Category “Best in Green Tourism”

Category “Best in Actions for the Benefit of Local Communities”

Category “Best in Actions for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage”

Apr, 2021

Use Instagram

Create a Zoom Book Club

Start a Community Garden

Challenge Friends to Sign up for Community Clean-Ups

Organize a Joint Garage Sale

Mar, 2021

#1. Check Your Fridge and Pantry to See What You Need

#2. Plan Your Menus

#3. Make a Shopping List with What You Lack

#4. Buy Fresh Seasonal Products and Prioritize Local Ones

#5. Bring your Own Bag

#6. Choose Products with Sustainable Certificates

#7. Don’t Buy Excessively Packaged Products

#8. Avoid Throwaway Products

#9. Don’t Shop Hungry

#10. Benefit from the Offers Wisely

Mar, 2021

Some Considerations Before You Go To Buy Hygiene Products in Bulk:

Mar, 2021

WHAT ARE RENEWABLE ENERGIES?

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY?

1) Wind Energy

2) Geothermal Energy

3) Hydraulic Energy

4) Seawater Energy.

5) Solar Energy.

ADVANTAGES OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES

1) Renewable Energies Are Inexhaustible Sources of Energy

2) Green Energies Treat the Environment Respectfully

3) Renewable Energy Sources Avoid Dependence on Outside Sources

4) Green Energy Sources Are Easy To Decommission

5) Renewable Energies Are More Favourable To the Labour Structure of Nations

Mar, 2021

Separate and Classify the Clothes

Remove and Treat Stains Before Washing

Wash With Cold Water, 30º or With an Eco Program

Use the Right Amount of Detergent