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Whether
you lug a bag to the laundromat or roll a basket into the
garage, you've got to clean your clothes. But doing laundry consumes a
lot of energy
and water,
so this week we're providing tips for an eco-friendlier wash and dry.
Tip
#3: Let it Hang Out
What a Job: A new Interior Department report alleges that the federal officials assigned to monitor drilling in the Gulf of Mexico regularly accepted gifts from friends at oil companies and, while at work, took illegal drugs and viewed pornography. New York Times
Salt on a Wound? BP’s use of potentially toxic chemical dispersants – 830,000 gallons so far – to break up the oil it spilled has become a topic of much debate, as well as a point of contention between the federal government and the oil giant. Greenwire
Innocent Victims: Wildlife officials report that more than 300 birds, almost 200 turtles, and 19 dolphins have died so far as a result of BP's oil disaster. Of the oiled birds found, 31 have survived thanks to rescue attempts. Scientific American
In the Green: A new survey of executives at corporations with revenues of at least $1 billion indicates that 70 percent of them plan to increase spending on environmental initiatives within the next two years. Reuters
Piscine Profits: New research out of Kenya suggests that closing fisheries and regulating the use of fishing gear, such as nets, can actually result in more profitable catches that raise the overall income of those who make their living by fishing. ENN
--Avital Binshtock
As we remember the sacrifices of our servicemen and women this Memorial Day, it may be worthwhile to ponder a few eco-conscious ways to help commemorate those that will be honored this Monday.
Considering the serious national-security threat caused by our dependence on foreign oil coupled with all that oil currently washing ashore in Louisiana (and the military's response) – stark reminders of the environmental impact fossil-fuel dependence can have on our soldiers, ecosystems, and communities – why not commit to spending your Memorial Day fossil-fuel free?
If you're traveling on Monday, perhaps do it by walking or biking instead of relying on a car. You can also visit a national park to honor those who gave their lives to defend our country and all its beauty. Another option is to enjoy a scenic hike and a vegetarian picnic at your favorite open space. You could spend an hour writing a letter to the editor of your local paper to spread the word about the need for greener transportation options to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
--Sarah A. Henderson
Lance Armstrong is getting a new set of wheels. The zero-emissions Nissan Leaf electric car will be available for purchase in December, and the Tour de France champion will be its official spokesperson.
The Leaf runs on a 23 kilowatt-hour lithium-manganese battery and eliminates gasoline usage, allowing up to five passengers to travel for 100 miles between charges.
But what if you’re planning on traveling more than 100 miles in a day? Nissan’s website assures us that the vehicle’s navigation system displays the nearest charging locations. However, taking a cross-country trip in one of these cars may be a risky plan until charging locations become more widespread.
Tip #2: Choose Earth-Friendly Cleaning Products
You dump all sorts of fancy-smelling products into the machine with your clothes, but those commercial detergents are full of nasty chemicals that can end up in rivers and streams. Consider switching to a plant-based, biodegradable laundry soap (but beware of greenwashing) and don't forget to read the instructions on the container, because you may be using much more detergent than necessary. Worried about your whites? Instead of chlorine bleach, scan the store's shelves for a nontoxic alternative – and skip the fabric softener altogether.
Tell us: What are your favorite eco-friendly laundry products?
With its untouched beaches, coral reefs, and rainforest habitat, the Malaysian state of Sabah, on Borneo, shelters thousands of fish species and hundreds of coral species, many of which are endangered.
However, plans to build a 300-megawatt coal plant on an undeveloped beach in Sabah continue to move forward despite its probable consequences on the region's biodiversity. Many environmental groups argue that the plant's sulfur dioxide emissions will result in pollution and acid rain. Additionally, transmission lines associated with the plant will disturb rainforest land, making even more threatened species homeless.
A group of organizations called Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Repower the Future) is encouraging Sabah to continue opposing the coal plant and to explore other energy options.
Looking to act? Consider sending a postcard to Malaysia's prime minister to express your opposition.
--Kristin Baldwin
On Fashion Monday, we highlight a hip, green fashion item. Got a stylish eco-friendly product to recommend? Tell us about it and look for it in an upcoming blog post.
Looking for a good cause with a good fit? Toms shoes has partnered with Charity: Water to help provide drinking water to Africans in need. Proceeds ($5 worth) from two new limited-edition designs, which are vegan and made with hemp and recycled materials, will go toward the construction of a well in Sekura, a northwest Ethiopian village that currently has no access to clean water. As with all Toms shoes, for each of these pairs sold, a new pair will be sent to a disadvantaged child. $58
--Sarah A. Henderson
Front-loading clothes washers (most have an Energy Star label) use up to half as much water and energy than other, older models, so if you're in the market for a new machine, snag one of those. But don't run out to buy a new washer if your old one still works. Instead, wait until you have a full load and wash your clothes in cold water (it gets them just as clean) on the shortest available cycle.
Tip #2: Choose Nontoxic Products
Tip #3: Let it All Hang Out
Tip #4: Ditch Your Dry Cleaner
More or Less: A new analysis of the oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico estimates the amount could be 100,000 barrels per day, ten times the official figure. Meanwhile, the EPA may restrict BP from securing future government contracts; this could mean that the company would stop drilling in federally controlled oil locations. NPR and ProPublica
Easing the Load: Obama announced the first-ever emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, to be implemented in 2014. The next round of standards, for cars and lighter trucks, are slated for 2017. Sierra Club
Out of Tuna: Researchers say that the Pacific tuna population may crash at any time, as did the species in the Atlantic Ocean. Earlier this year, an international attempt to restrict tuna trade failed. NatureUser comments or postings reflect the opinions of the responsible contributor only, and do not reflect the viewpoint of the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any posting. The Sierra Club accepts no obligation to review every posting, but reserves the right (but not the obligation) to delete postings that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate.
