Sunday, September 12, 2010

Going 'Green' Can Be Easy

     Most people think that being 'green' means you have to replace everything in your home or make dramatic changes in your lifestyle. This just is not the case! Every little step you make to contribute to a more eco-friendly and healthy lifestyle helps.  Even if you have no concern for our planet Earth, at least make better choices for yourself and your family.

     For instance, we here at Harbor Green Store are very concerned about BPA (Bisphenol A). Scientists at the University of Cincinnati found that when the same new and used polycarbonate drinking bottles were exposed to boiling hot water, BPA, an environmental estrogen, was released 55 times more rapidly than before exposure to hot water. (Science Daily, 2008). The chemical--which is widely used in products such as reusable water bottles, food can linings, water pipes and dental sealants--has been shown to affect reproduction and brain development in animal studies.
So what does all this mean? Every time you heat up your food in a plastic container containing BPA, you are releasing these toxins into your food.
So, what should you do about it? Replace your plasticware with glass or BPA free materials. We highly recommend replacing your water bottles with a reusable canteen. This saves the environment of millions of empty water bottles a year and is better for your health.  Plus you can fill them with whatever drink you want and not worry about scarey health consequences.

     Skeptical or unconcerned about BPA? How about just being concerned with your money? Little changes in your living habits can help save you money and the environment.  For starters, turn down the thermostat! Put on a blanket in the winter and open the windows in the summer.  This saves you and the environement in energy charges. Watch your faucets for leaking water. Or walk or ride your bike for short trips.  It's healthy for you and releases no toxins into the air from gas.  Also, what many folks don't think about is buying sustainable products.  This means buying products that will last you a long time or are made from sustainable materials that are easily replaced, such as bamboo.  You can find a great selection of Bamboo clothes, furniture, bedding and bath accessories at Harbor Green Store.

     The best way to start a 'green' lifestyle is to make little changes when they are convenient for you. If you are looking to replace your household cleaners, think about chemical-free and toxin free plant based cleaners. If you are looking for new bedding, think about one made from organic cotton, bamboo or merino wool.  Or if you are looking to spruce up your yard, buy natural fertilizers rich in micronutrients.  All of these changes have less environmental effect and are healthier for you, your family, and your pets. 
Check out Harbor Green Store for great eco-friendly, healthy alternatives for your everyday needs.



    

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