Your Eco Buddy

You want to go “Green” in every way possible, right? Then be sure that when dining out you choose a restaurant that is eco-friendly. Restaurants aim to be LEED-certified among the most environmentally friendly businesses, but it is often hard for them to do. The Green Restaurants Association has its own standards for restaurants to abide by that certify them for eco-friendly operations. Though it is not a mandatory initiative, many restaurants choose to pursue it to attract customers with eco-friendly minds. Here are the criteria that make up a green restaurant according to the GRA.

Efficiency and conservation of water

The GRA claims that the average restaurant can use 300,000 gallons of water per year. Its first goal is to promote water conservation and efficiency. Landscaping, restrooms, and kitchens are analyzed to calculate consumption and efficiency including water catchment and reuse, low-flow rate of sinks and toilets, and EnergyStar efficient washing machines.

Proper waste management

In addition to the huge water consumption of the average restaurant, it also produces 150,000 pounds of garbage each year. Eco-friendly restaurants should aim to reduce waste output, increase reusable items, recycle, and compost anything left over. The ultimate environmentally friendly restaurant is a zero-waste facility. This can be accomplished from various perspectives through other conservation and reuse efforts of the restaurant.

Furnish with nature

One of the most telling signs of an environmentally conscious restaurant is its furnishings and décor. A truly eco-friendly restaurant is constructed of natural and recycled materials, and then furnished with reused or salvaged accessories. Attractive furniture can easily be made from bamboo or recycled wood, and it adds a unique element to the establishment.

Eat sustainably

Eco-friendly restaurants should aim to serve foods that contribute to sustainability measures. Part of going Green is encouraging everyone to either grow their own vegetables or support local farmers who do the same. Restaurants are considered eco-friendly especially when they serve organic and vegetarian foods. Meats and dairy should be supplied from grass-fed animals with no added hormones.

Energy efficiency

Since restaurants are the largest consumers of electricity in America’s commercial sector, it is only fitting if energy efficiency is one of the eco-friendly goals. Green restaurants should have the goal of becoming carbon neutral so that they use only sustainable sources of energy. Beginning this process requires offsetting energy usage, generating on-site renewable sources of energy, and using more energy-efficient equipment.

Bio-based materials and recycling

Restaurants are encouraged to use bio-based materials, derived from living matter, or recycled materials in providing new products. Examples of this include eliminating disposables such as napkins, dishes and utensils, and takeout containers, and then replacing them with reusable ones.

Reduction of chemicals and pollutants

Restaurants that show reduction in chemical use and pollution receive positive reviews from consumers and eco-enthusiasts alike. These reductions contribute greatly to decreased carbon emissions, polluted air and waterways, and soil degradation. Also taken into consideration are its proximity to public transportation locations and parking in regard to pollution, and limited use of bleached products or paints not made from natural resources.

Additionally as a consumer other things you can look at include the establishment’s decorations to see if they are made from antique items that would otherwise be thrown away or from recycled. Pay attention to see if biodegradable materials; items such as utensils and straws are utilized. Some eco-friendly restaurants are keen on the fine details and print their menus on recycled paper using environmentally friendly inks. See if the menu states how much of each dish is organic. Eco-friendly restaurants that provide delivery services should supply these by foot, bicycle, or low emission vehicles.

When choosing eco-friendly restaurants to dine in, keep the above criteria in mind to ensure that your meal comes from a completely environmentally friendly establishment. The eagerness of a restaurant to be eco-friendly is apparent when it chooses to gain voluntary eco-friendly certification. Search your local restaurants today for the most eco-friendly establishments and enjoy your meals that come from “Green” businesses.

This article was written by Richard Varner who is a freelance author for iStayGreen.org – The Online Directory of Environmentally Friendly Lodging. Richard writes about the environment, how live more eco friendly, green travel, and lodging destinations like Houston hotels. If you would like to publish an environmental article on your web site or blog visit the iStayGreen Directory of Eco Articles. To have a custom written article for your blog or website contact Richard@istaygreen.org

The problem of climate change is worsening as day goes by and scientists are still trying hard to find immediate solutions. But until then, we should all do our share even in the most little things to, at least, slow down global warming. Some of the things we can do are, among others, joining a car pool when bringing your own car is unnecessary, minimizing electricity usage, recycling and segregating waste materials, and, patronizing eco-friendly products.

Nowadays, small businesses are joining the green revolution, not only by implementing reforms in their offices, but also, by making their products eco-friendly. More and more companies are joining the campaign as people are becoming aware of the problem of global warming and climate change.

Plastics are one of the most common things we use on a daily basis. From packaging of products, office supplies, to carrying the things bought in a grocery. Most of the time, these plastics are used only once, since they are intended for a specific purpose, and it becomes a pollutant due to the long degradation process it goes through. Nowadays, there are plastics that are oxo-biodegradable, which means, the degradation process is catalysed to a much faster pace than before. Companies are now trying to shift to this kind of plastic to show that they care for the environment.One of the pioneers in this reform is the multinational baking Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV from Mexico City.

Paper is another thing we commonly see everywhere. Manufacturing of paper products is costly to the environment since it would entail cutting down trees. To minimize this, paper products like boxes, paper bags, writing pads, etc., are now made from recycled materials by companies like Promocean Australia. In this way, less and less trees will be needed for manufacturing paper products.

Much of the man-made things around us are made up of non-biodegradable materials especially in the ever growing industry of consumer electronics. Moreover, these equipment and gadgets have their life expectancy and are of the wear and tear nature. Continuous production of such equipment will mean continuous non-biodegradable waste. To minimize this, companies are now salvaging and recycling everything they can from worn out electronics.

More and more small businesses are making use of organic and natural materials in their products. This includes a wide variety of products from multi-purpose bags and baskets made from water lily stalks, bamboos and abaca, organic cleaning solutions, to as any product you can think of. In the Philippines, these products are usually manufactured by cottage industries and livelihood programs of communities that have direct access to the raw materials. It will be like shooting for a star to make everything eco-friendly but the important thing is that more and more businesses are joining the green revolution by making their products eco-friendly.

There are also those who put carbon footprint information on their food product labels. This informs the consumer on how much carbon dioxide (CO2) was emitted by the product from the time it was planted to the time is will be disposed. British Sugar, Cemex cement, Marshall pavings and Quaker Oats, to name a few. Those who choose to care for the environment will choose products that have lower carbon footprint. The effect will be that there will be lesser demand for products with higher carbon footprints and the less will be produced which equates to lower carbon emissions.

These are just some of the things small businesses are doing to make their products eco-friendly and there are much more out there. The important thing is that more people are becoming aware of the need to do our share in caring for the environment.

Emissions Management International provides consultancy for businesses aiming to reduce ecological footprint.

Eco friendly pet products have been on the market for some time now, but in recent times, consumers are aware of the importance of going green, and also the advantages of using eco friendly products in their everyday lives. Organic pet products can benefit your pets in many ways.

We love our pets and want to do everything we can to make them healthy and happy. Eco friendly pet beds, pet toys, and sweaters are safer for your pet than many of the pet products you find in your local stores. Some pet goods that are imported can contain harmful chemicals that could possibly make your pet sick if they ingested the materials when chewing on them.

The quality of eco friendly pet beds is very high, particularly ones made right here in the USA, and you can be assured are made of the best quality organic materials. Some are made of recycled plastic bottles, which converts into very soft materials used for the stuffing and covers for pet beds. In addition to being very comfortable, durable, and safe, they are completely washable. This material is also used in dog toys, cat toys, collars, leashes, mats, and sweaters for your best buddy.

Keep in mind there are also organic dog and cat foods on the market, which contain much less preservatives, and are less processed than regular dog or cat food. Previously it was hard to find organic pet foods, but now most supermarkets carry it. This is much healthier for your dog or cat, just as organic food is healthier for us.

If you are having problems finding eco friendly pet products in your local pet stores, try searching on the internet, from the comfort of your home. There are many internet sites that have a variety of pet products made in the USA from recycled materials. You can search and find the best price and products. The price may be higher than average pet beds and toys, but the cost is well worth it in the long run, to help keep your pet safe and vigorous.

Consumers spend millions of dollars every year on eco friendly goods for themselves so they can have a better life. We should not exclude our pets. There are more and more eco friendly pet products available for your best friend. After all, our pets are part of the family, and we want them to have a better, longer, healthier life.

Barb Mueller loves animals, particularly her two border collies, Ruby and Elsie. She started her website, http://www.petbedsplusmore.com for pet lovers to find high quality eco friendly pet beds and other pet products.

A lot of eco friendly homes have been built all over the world. There are more individuals wanting to keep our planet healthy, and start living a green life is to start it right at your own home. There are lots of eco friendly homes which are now sprouting all over the world. You can make your own home one just by doing a few simple things. Start with limiting your usage of water. One can do this by recycling their bath water and using it to flush toilets and water your flower garden. Rain water can be even used for drinking and cooking. One can boil rain water and it is ready for usage.

Another thing to do is to recycle your garbage. First one has to segregate their trash into biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Organic waste can be recycled and used as a fertilizer to your plants while empty bottles can be easily used for storage. In this way you will help lessen the amount of garbage being thrown into our landfills daily.

There is a wide collection of used papers that is being directly sent to recycling plants somewhere near your area. There are even communities that are responsible for these tasks. Metals are also being are being recycled and made into other metal products.

The most difficult material to dispose of is plastic products. These products take years before it decomposes. That is why if ever you see landfills you will notice that most of them are made from plastics. No worries though, there is now process on how to properly dispose plastic.

Another way for house to be more environmentally effective is through the usage of solar power. The power of the sun is free for everybody. Anyone can use this as long as they have the equipment and the right climate. There are lots of ways that we can conserve energy and makes our homes eco friendly. It is only up to you to make everything possible. Taking a step now is never too late.

Find the best eco friendly living [http://www.ecofriendlylivingtips.com] tips from Veronica Colley, who makes it her business to stay on top of keeping our planet green and eco conscience.