Efficient Technique: Trading Old Electronics, Books, CDs and DVDs For Cash

recycle_gadgets

Recently, I tested trading-in some of my old books, electronics, DVDs and CDs that were gathering dust on my shelves. I was able to free up some shelf space, and in addition I received some cash and credit (about $400 total). All of these trades went smoothly, the most laborious part was packaging all the… [Continue Reading]

Efficient Technique: Buy It For Life

Cast Iron Pans

“Buy It For Life” means acquiring and using products that are built to last a lifetime. Amidst the thousands of disposable goods and cheaply-constructed gadgets that provide continual fuel for consumerism, there remain some products that promise enduring excellence. The movement to embrace high-quality, long-lasting goods promotes less consumption, less waste, and (often) less money… [Continue Reading]

NASA Sustainability Base Showcases High-Tech, Eco Friendly Design

NASA Sustainability Base Showcases High-Tech, Eco Friendly Design

NASA’s space expertise means it’s virtually unmatched when it comes to creating efficient and sustainable environments for humans to live and work, and the innovative new office facility at their Ames Research Center near San Francisco is a showcase of intelligent and environmentally friendly design.  Designed by William McDonough + Partners, the Sustainability Base draws… [Continue Reading]

Greenstar Leading The Way To Sustainable Recycling

Greenstar Recycling

Greenstar Recycling, one of the largest recycling firms in the U.S., has become a leader in implementing successful residential recycling programs and increasing recycling rates by 300% in cities such as Dallas and San Antonio. By using single stream recycling- meaning residents don’t need to sort their own recyclables- Greenstar has made recycling convenient for… [Continue Reading]

7 Excellent Swap and Share Sites

Freecycle

Remember the 20th century when we were in a consumption frenzy? Terms like swap and share weren’t even on our radar. The economic downturn combined with our fundamental need to connect with others has started a swap and share movement that has been defined as Collaborative Consumption. Businesses are now using the efficiency of the… [Continue Reading]

The Green Christmas Tree: Tips and Alternatives

Organic Christmas Tree Farms

Is there such a thing as a green Christmas tree? Can you still be kind to the earth while chopping down a piece of it to bring into your home? The question of the artificial vs. the live Christmas tree has sparked more heated online debate than Freddy vs. Jason. Lately the green pendulum has… [Continue Reading]

Efficient, Green Carry-On Luggage

Efficient, Green Carry-On Luggage

Whether your next trip takes you to another continent or just the town next door, you’ll want the right carry-on bag for the job. We’ve picked four of the best choices that combine functionality with eco-friendly construction. And remember, materials and manufacturing are only half of what makes a travel bag environmentally friendly. A durable… [Continue Reading]

Efficient Wall Design: Building In Energy Savings

Efficient Wall Design – Quality Of Life & Energy Savings

A wall is one of the most deceptively complex elements of a home. A smart wall system utilizing efficiently designed and produced components will not only reduce energy consumption, it will make living in a home more pleasant. And it will be durable enough to help avoid the hassle of frequent or costly repairs. Read… [Continue Reading]

Looptworks: Products Made Of 100% “Excess” Material

Loopworks Laptop Case: 100% Reclaimed Materials

I’ve been testing some Looptwork products, and they are amazing. Here’s why: the company makes all their products from 100% industrial “excess” materials. That means every zipper, button and thread used in their designs was about to be thrown out. For example, the Hoptu Laptop Sleeve shown above is made with 100% upcycled nylon neoprene… [Continue Reading]

Efficient Home Improvement: Re-Using Materials Gets Easier

ReStore In Austin, TX (photo: HFHI/Steffan Hacker)

For “D.I.Y.”ers, using recycled construction products is a great way to reduce raw material consumption and lessen stress on landfills.  But for retailers, the “Re I. Y.” trend (Re-use It Yourself) is taking the idea a step further, giving unused building products a new lease on life.