EcoGreenies – Green Blog and Eco News

Eco-friendly living is taking a new turn. We have the ecofriendly clothing, eco office supplies and organic food but there are some products out there that you wouldn’t think could be green. It’s great to see so many people stretching the idea of green living to other areas of life. Here is a list of the top 5 things you wouldn’t think could be eco-friendly.

1) Eco-friendly textile coffins: Who knew that eco-friendly living could be utilized even when you’re not living. There is a new trend emerging and it is green coffins. Many of the eco coffins out there are made from recycled newspaper and recycled silk and mulberry leaves. Some are even made of extra thick corrugated board or cardboard. These cardboard and recycled paper coffins are good for the environment and are just as functional as traditional coffins. Eco-friendly coffins are a great way to make your last green impression.

2) Eco-friendly fireworks: With the fourth of July behind us those that are big firework fans are preparing for next years celebration or really any occasion to set off some fireworks. Traditional fireworks are fun and exciting but can harm the environment. Scientist are trying to come up with more earth friendly fireworks that wouldn’t produce as much smoke and toxins as traditional fireworks do. There’s no telling when these fireworks will be on the market but you can expect that they will be more expensive than traditional fireworks. Look out for these environmentally friendly fireworks!

3) Eco-friendly pizza box: Looking to enjoy a delicious pizza anytime soon? There is a new pizza box out there that is made from completely recycled and recyclable corrugated cardboard. The manufacturer of the eco pizza box not only produced the box from recyclable good but also made it more eco-friendly by allowing the consumer to make plates from the box. The top of the eco-box can be made into four individual serving plates so there is no extra need for paper or plastic plates. The bottom portion of the pizza box can then be folded over to store leftover pizza in any refrigerator.

4) Eco NBC studio: That’s right there is an eco-friendly NBC studio. With Jimmy Fallon taking the stage as NBC’s “Late Night” host, he has requested everything in the studio be green. He wants everything to be earth friendly so they will be using recycled metal and all green lighting. This will be the first eco television studio that will be completely green. This will sure bring him more support from earth conscious viewers.

5) Green bathrooms: The Habana Outpost is Brooklyn, New York is the first ecofriendly eatery in its area. Not only is their food delicious and affordable they also have an eco-friendly bathroom that is worth mentioning. Their eco-friendly bathroom is a greenhouse style bathroom that has a sink and toilet rainwater recycling system. This bathroom saves an average of 40,000 gallons of water a week! This environmentally friendly bathroom doubles as a functioning green house, so next time your in Brooklyn, NY be sure to stop by this bathroom.

Guffly is a one product per day online store and community featuring eco friendly products and fair trade lifestyle goods like home, pet, clothing, office and personal accessories. We know that people aren’t interested in ugly stuff, so you can bet Guffly’s green products are stylish, fun and attractive – eco stylish if you will. Learn more at [www.guffly.com]

Since the late 1980s and the early 1990s the phrase “going green” has emerged as a term to reckon with. Advances in industrial technology has led to a dump yard of toxic components which is polluting the environment and disturbing our eco-system. More recently, countries all over the world have woken up to the challenge of going green. Retailers have been the first to respond by their introduction. The “Go Green” philosophy has forced us to re-think even our methods of packaging and discover more eco-friendly ways to package our products. Companies that have adopted such systems are making a loud and clear statement to the world. These companies are saying they care for the future of our world and will do their little bit to conserve the world’s resources.

Definition

Eco-friendly packaging is packaging that uses environment-friendly materials in its production. Most of the materials used are either recycled paper, or packaging that is biodegradable.

Biodegradability means that substances can be broken down into more basic structures by other living organisms acting upon them. Through these chemical reactions, the substance in its original form no longer exists having been broken down into smaller substances which naturally combine with the eco-system. Eco-friendly packaging is one of hottest ethical global trends. Big-time companies in Europe, Japan, China and the United States now prefer packaging made from recycled materials which are biodegradable. Now that bio-degradable packaging has become cost-efficient with new technology and greater demand, most of these companies are actually counting on boosting their sales because of their switch to biodegradable packaging. Various studies show that consumers would be willing to pay a little extra for packaging that is eco-friendly. Eco-friendly packaging also adds brand value to a product. It shows that a company is willing to forfeit a part of its profit in order to preserve the earth’s resources. This is especially true if the product itself is eco-friendly. For example, mineral water sold in biodegradable containers creates an impressive brand image. Cosmetics and natural health products would also enhance their brand image by adopting eco-friendly packaging. Some of the more popular eco-friendly packaging methods and materials are:

Biodegradable Plastics Plastic packaging, derived from petrochemicals, has significantly contributed to our environmental crisis. As an alternative, bio-plastics are made from plants sources like potatoes, wheat or corn. Bio-plastics are recyclable, unlike petrochemical plastics.

Recycling of Paper Paper that has been recycled is also an option for eco-friendly packaging, including 100% recycled boards.

Metal Metal makes for stronger, durable recyclable packaging material. Some of the more advanced alloys are light in weight and more versatile for packaging purposes.

Minimizing Wastage Overpackaging has becoming an overnight no-no in the packaging business. The bottom line is conservation of resources and too much packaging or packaging a product more than is necessary, is considered downright wasting of the earth’s resources.

Using Re-Usable Recyclable Packaging Not only is eco-friendly packaging made up of materials that are bio-degradable, but the package itself should be recyclable for further use. This is called Post Consumer Recycled (PCR). More companies that use eco-friendly packaging prefer recyclable fibers.

Energy-Saving Bio-Friendly Packaging Manufacturers Packaging that has been manufactured with renewable, pollution free energy is also given more preference by consumers. For example: eco-friendly packaging manufacturers that work on wind generated power.

More Companies are Going for Eco-Friendly Packaging Chalone Vineyard based in Soledad, California was one of the pioneer companies to adopt eco-friendly packaging in 2002, receiving international awards for its achievements. Wild Oats began the trend of eco-friendly packaging by being the first grocery store to use bio-degradable packing made from corn, instead of petroleum. The famous chain store, Wal-Mart, is also using bio-degradable packaging made from corn. Nordstorm and Macy’s began producing 100% recyclable shopping bags from April 208. In Europe, eco-friendly packaging was introduced in the cosmetics industry from March 2006. Since then 600 products are using eco-friendly packaging, as reported by Mintel’s Global New Products Database. More companies are using paper-pulp molds made from recycled cardboard, newspapers and cartons. This is used as shock-proof packaging for packaging cameras, appliances, glassware, etc.

Rapid Expansion of Bio-Degradable Packaging This new trend in bio-degradable packaging is seen in the rapid growth of bio-degradable packaging manufacturers, who are struggling to keep up with the market demands. Cereplast, which is a bio-based cosmetics packager, reported a 134% increase in their sales for the first quarter of 2008. Whether companies report actual profits after adopting eco-friendly packaging is not the crucial question here. The importance is in joining forces with a worthy, worldwide cause for the future of our generation, and of generations to come. It is about companies that choose to be kind to the environment and it’s about consumers who care enough for the environment to prefer products that are eco-friendly in every way. This is the future trend, and those who miss out on this opportunity may get left behind.

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Being eco-friendly isn’t just for the modern day hippie anymore. There are many celebrities that have recognized the importance of being eco-friendly and are now spreading the word to the rest of the world. Here is a list of eco-friendly celebrities and why we love them.

1) Leonardo DiCaprio: If eco-friendly had a name and a face it would go by the name Leonardo DiCaprio. The 34 year old actor exudes what it means to be eco-friendly. He drives a hybrid car and has recently purchased and eco-friendly condo in New York City. What makes this home eco-friendly? The condo has a 24-hour fresh filtered air system, a water treatment facility and rotating solar panels. DiCaprio recognizes the environmental challenge we face because of global warming and has since committed to the environment. He also started the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 which supports environmental causes.

2) Adrian Grenier: This American actor, director, writer, and musician, best known for his role on Entourage, is the host of an eco-friendly series. On Planet Green Adrian Grenier will be hosting AlterEco, a show devoted to the eco-friendly lifestyle. He is backed by a team of green activist, experts and some close friends. The show will document him and his team renovating a 1920′s Spanish home in Los Feliz. The renovated home will be both green and sustainable. Be sure to check this show out to gather some eco-friendly renovating tips!

3) Natalie Portman: If you aren’t a Natalie Portman fan now, you will be soon! This 28 year old Israeli American actress has started her own eco-friendly fashion line. Portman has created a line of vegan shoes. These stylish and sexy shoes are made from alternative materials like faux leathers. Portman and her team of designers didn’t harm any animals in their construction. This eco-friendly vegan is not only environmentally conscious but also socially. She has been praised for her efforts in saving gorillas in Rwanda. Portman has raised the bar when it comes to being an eco-friendly and socially conscious celebrity.

4) Julia Roberts: This “Pretty Women” star has turned into an eco-friendly all-star. She and her husband drive an eco-friendly car, a Prius. She is also looking to build an entirely eco-friendly home in Malibu. Her inspiration to be more eco-friendly came from her children. That has inspired her to purchase more eco-friendly diapers for her young ones. She uses chlorine-free, non-toxic diapers for two of her children and a plastic-free, flushable diaper for another. The flushable diaper is a unique hybrid between cloth and disposables.

5) Cameron Diaz: If you haven’t read her book by now, you certainly should. She has recently published an eco-friendly how-to book called “Green Book.” The book, as I’m sure you have guessed by now, offers ways to make your everyday life greener. From beauty products to household supplies, the Green Book offers 700 ways to make your life as eco-friendly as possible. Not only does she offer her own suggestions but she also features tips from Ellen DeGeneres, Will Ferrell, Martha Stewart and even Justin Timberlake. Check out this book and pick up some great tips!

Guffly is a one product per day online store and community with a focus on eco friendly products and fair trade lifestyle goods like home, pet, clothing, office and personal accessories. We know that people aren’t interested in ugly stuff, so you can bet Guffly’s green products are stylish, fun and attractive – eco stylish if you will. Learn more at blog.guffly.com