Last Minute Christmas Shopping Tips
This is the most hectic shopping time of the year and it only continues to get worse as we approach Christmas. Whether you forgot a gift for somebody or you procrastinate and didn’t buy anything yet, there are ways to avoid the massive crowds of angry shoppers. Not only can you save time and money, but indirectly go green while doing so.
Donate to a Charity
A gift that most people can appreciate is to make a donation on behalf of friend, family member or spouse. This could include having a tree planted in your community, providing for a local community effort or finding their favorite charity to donate to. This is a win-win situation. It will not only make the person feel good, but you are giving to a worth cause.
Overnight It
I discussed this an article I previously wrote about saving money and time on Black Friday, why not just shop online. Since Thursday is fast approaching, there is still time to either have anything purchased shipped with either two-day shipping or have it overnighted. There is going to be a premium, but both in my opinion are better than going to a local mall to shop. You can probably offset most simply on the cost of gas that you would use sitting in traffic and fighting for parking spots. Most online stores are accommodating and will ship items immediately to ensure they arrive by Wednesday.
Go at Off Hours
Hit the stores at off hours to avoid hitting heavy traffic times of the day. At this time of year, the only good time is to go immediately when the stores open. This will save you many headaches and hours of trying to find a parking spot.
Re-gift
Why not? It saves you time and you can get rid of those gifts that you don’t want anymore. It will also ensure that items are put to good use and not simply thrown in your basement. Just make sure to not re-gift a present to the person that gave it to you.
Give a Hug
If all else fails, you can just let the person know that they are a good friend or spouse and you simply forgot. The only problem with this plan is you may get some grief and some lonely nights on the couch.
Save Water with Delta Water Amplifying Showerhead
Delta has gone to a new level with showerheads by creating the Delta Water Amplifying Adjustable Showerhead with H2OKINETIC Technology. It can save you up to 25% of your water usage during a shower while still providing you with water pressure that is equivalent to a standard 2.5 gallon showerhead. On top of all of that, it is priced affordable under $30.
The Delta 75152 Water Amplifying shower head has two settings, a water savings setting at 1.85 gallons per minute and a high-volume at 2.5 gallons. This will ensure that if the lower pressure setting is not enough pressure for you or your guest, that they will have the option to switch it higher. It also carries a lifetime warranty and requires little to no cleaning.
What is neat about this device that it not only can save you money on your water bill, but it could also reduce your energy bill. Since this device uses less water, it thereby reduces the load on your water heater. This means instant savings on your electric or gas bill and will keep your water hot for a longer period. Now you can enjoy your showers longer without losing the heat as quickly. Imagine how much money you could save on your water and energy bills by combining this shower head along with taking shorter showers.
Whether you cut back on your water bill, save money on your bills or simply want a more pressurized shower-head, this seems like the best available for the price.
Acorn Shortage in Eastern America
If you live on the East coast of America, you might be wondering why it is so easy to walk without hearing constant crunching this fall and winter. The main reason is that oak trees have failed to produce as many acorns, if any at all, this year. I am so used to always seeing tons of acorns scattered all over my yard or pathways and this year I have yet to see many myself. Scientist have been unable to find any acorns at all in certain regions of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and other nearby states. This has left many, including myself, wondering where did they all go?
The clue to discovering the answer come from last year when there was a much larger than normal production of acorns. Since their production runs in cycles, it seems logically normal that there are less fallen nuts on the ground. The basic idea is that the trees are exhausted from last year thus not able to make as many this year. Also attributed to the shortage is a wetter than average spring season. Some scientist are completely baffled that in some areas there are absolutely none to be found. Even with a shortage, it seems strange that some oak trees aren’t making any at all, while others have normal yields.
The biggest question some have is how are the squirrels going to survive? With less amounts of acorns, how are they ever going to survive? The squirrels will be fine as they are extremely adaptive creatures and will find new sources of food. They always seem to find food from the plants in my garden. There has also been past instances when acorns were not present for years and squirrels were able to survive without them. If you really feel bad for them this winter, you could give them some food to help them make it through:
Barbara Prescott, a wildlife rehabilitation expert, agreed that squirrels are not fussy about their diet. She suggested that residents leave whole (not crushed) corn, peanuts and sunflowers in the seed as backyard treats.
How Green is your Christmas Tree?
A common misconception during the holiday season is which type of Christmas Tree if any is most environmentally friendly. Some options seem to be more so than others, but they may in fact be actually doing more harm that good. Here are the most popular options listed in order how eco-friendly they are.
No Tree Needed
Just because society leads you to believe that you have to have a tree does not mean you have to go down that route. This is true green option, but could leave you house feeling less festive unless you decide to be creative. Why not collect pine-cones and tree limbs that have fallen down and use them throughout your house. You get the same feeling as having a tree and you can distribute them throughout your house.
Living Trees
This is often an overlooked way to still celebrate the holidays with a beautiful tree, while still being a friend to the environment. Live trees do not need to be cut down and can be replanted after the holidays are over. This seems like the best option as it is the best of both worlds. You don’t have to sacrifice anything and you can contribute to better air quality and reducing carbon emissions. There are several options when choosing to a tree that is still alive.
Tree Rentals
Various companies have been created across the country to provide a a rental service for your holiday trees. They charge a fee anywhere from $80-$100 to deliver a tree to your house and pick it up when Christmas is over. This option not only allows you to get a living tree to decorate, but you don’t have to pick a tree up and find a place to dispose of it. On top of that, the tree will be replanted in your local community to provide more greenery and better air quality. If you live on the west coast, you could check out the Original Living Tree Company or try searching for a local tree rental company in your area.
Local Nursery
This option requires you to find a local nursery or gardening center to buy a tree. You still get a tree in your house, but the problem is that you have to have room to plan the tree immediately after you are done using it. Having to transport the tree and plant make buying a live tree not as practical, but makes complete sense if you want a new tree in your yard.
Organic Tree Farms
A new breed of tree farms have started to be be born throughout the country. Many traditional farms use harmful pesticides and insecticides to keep bugs off of the trees. Organic and local farms, just as with produce, are all across the nation and allow you to get a tree without the risks to yourself and the environment. You can also recycle them to receive mulch or for other uses after you are finished with them. This makes them a fairly green option as you are not wasting the trees after you are done with them and they have limited environmental damage. On top of that, their cost is usually comparably priced to trees that are exposed to pesticides. To find a local tree farm that grows organic trees, check out Green Promise. If you can’t find a organic farm on the list, you can also visit a a local farm and inquire about where their trees were grown.
Traditional Tree Farms
Even though this seems like the least green option when shopping for a holiday tree this year, in my opinion it is not. There are pesticides used in most farms throughout the nation, but usually the amount used are limited as described in a study done by North Carlina State University. I still think it is a better idea not to use pesticides at all, but still a better choice than going artificial. Just as with going organic, be sure to recycle your tree after the holiday season is over. This will ensure that it does not go to waste and can be reused. Earth911.com has a great recycling directory in which you can find recycling locations in your area. You could also inquire with your local community to see if they offer recycling as well and provide free mulch in return.
Artificial Trees
Artificial trees in principal seems like one of the more eco friendly options on the surface. You buy a tree once and you reuse it for years to come. The biggest problem with this is that the majority of artificial trees are made from PVC plastic that is based from petroleum. Not only does it not biodegradable, but it is also not recyclable. This means that even though you can have a tree for many years, there is no safe way to dispose of it. Also, some artificial trees are known to be harmful to people because they can contain lead in them. This makes especially dangerous to children who may play with the tree. On top of that, many of the trees bought are made in China. Artificial tree’s don’t necessarily have to harmful for the environment. You could always try to make one out of various recycled materials.
EPA Launches Environmental Fugitive Site
The Environmental Protection Agency launched an environmental fugitive website this week that lists the top criminals the EPA is tracking down. All have fled their local jurisdictions or even left America. This is the EPA’s version of the FBI’s most wanted list, but just involving crimes related to harming the environment. Some of the crimes that these horrible fugitives committed include:
- Illegal Smuggling of Ozone harming chemicals.
- Dumping dangerous chemicals and pollutants.
- Discharging oil into the ocean.
Some of these crimes are horrible acts against our environment. The list includes 23 of the top offenders against our environment within the U.S. As you can see, not only are the crimes listed acts that could harm the environment, but are extremely dangerous for us. They are dumping chemicals into local bodies of waters that could filter into our drinking water. All cases are bad, but Raul Chavez-Beltran is one of the worst offenders:
Raul Chavez-Beltran ran an environmental cleanup company in El Paso, Texas, that is accused of transporting hazardous waste from factories along the Mexican border and improperly disposing and storing it in the U.S. In one case, he allegedly stockpiled mercury-laced soil from an environmental spill in a warehouse.
Why? I just don’t get the decisions these people make as well as the horrible companies these fugitives work for that usually are just as guilty if not more. To make a few quick bucks and get away from actually spending money on producing items cleanly, they put out fragile environment in more jeopardy than it already is. The biggest problem with the EPA is that they usually only handle larger cases and are extremely under funded. They are only a staff of 189 investigators for the entire nation. It seems like more money needs to be focused on these critical offenders and making sure that they, along with any company associated with them, are prosecuted to the fullest of the law. If the government starts catching and prosecuting these individuals more, it could also prevent future environmental crimes.
EcoSmart Natural Organic Insecticides
After talking about how to make your homemade pesticides and repellents, I found a brand of natural organic insecticides called EcoSmart. They are not a new company as they have been around for over 15 years now. All of their products are made from essential plant oils that are just as effective the harmful chemical counterparts. If you don’t want to make your products and want to ensure that you are not exposed to unnecessary toxins, this is the way to go.
It contains a patented technology combines plant oils that target and block a key neurotransmitter receptor site found only in invertebrates.
You can see if you check their site to see if they sell their products in a store near you or you can buy directly through them.
The company is also willing to send a sample of their products to a random commenter on this article. Be sure to comment so you try to get a free sample.
The US Auto Industry Bailout Bill
I’m sure you’ve all heard of the enormous amounts of media coverage revolving around the Congressional bailout package for the US Auto Industry to prevent them from going bankrupt. The amount has change from $25 billion to $14 billion, but it is still a substantial amount the Auto Industry is asking of us to lend them. I am torn between the two sides of this issue.
Economic Stability
This bailout is just a loan to major auto makers of this country and would help provide stability for our economy. They are going to be paying back this money and there would be strict government regulations put into place to ensure that they start producing more eco-friendly vehicles including hybrid and all-electric vehicles. Another ramification is that if any or all of the top auto makers in our country went under, it would leave any already fragile economy is a horrible state. This seems drastic, but it could even push us into a depression. The ramifications of something like this happening could be devastating.
More Eco-Friendly Cars
I would hate to see our economy hurt even worse, but part of me wants these companies to go out of business because of their failed attempts at keeping up with the time. They have failed to show that they can make car efficiently and on top of that they haven’t shown that they can produce an affordable, production ready eco-friendly vehicle. If we do give them this money, will they really strive to be more innovative like many other small more innovative smaller auto companies? I don’t think so. I really would rather our country provide more loans to smaller American companies like Aptera and Tesla who are the leading edge of the auto industry. With more funds, these smaller companies could make a production ready car that would nearly eliminate our dependency on oil. Whether it be electric, hydrogen or some other type of energy to run vehicles off of, many would be welcome to the change.
This is an extremely complex issue that is a lose-lose no mater which happens in my opinion. How do you feel about this bailout bill and do you think these companies deserve this money?
