Long gone are the wonderful days when we could leave empty milk bottles for the trusty (and hopefully handsome) milkman to pick up and reuse. Today, however, milk is packaged in large plastic jugs or printed-paper cartons. After getting our, “daily 3,” some jugs and cartons get recycled, while most make themselves comfortable for the next millennium (that’s how long it takes for a plastic milk jug to break down) at your local landfill.

There are plenty of creative ways to reuse milk cartons. Search the internet and you’ll find an overwhelming number of do-it-yourself milk-jug projects ranging from horse feed-scoopers, to watering cans, to planters.

One only needs so many scoopers and planters, so if you can’t find another use for the plastic jug in your house then make sure you pop your milk carton into the recycling bin. As said before, recycling is not the perfect solution, but it’s better than letting that jug sit in your landfill.

The plastic resins used to make bottles are derived from petroleum and natural gas-fossil fuel. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that fossil fuels are in great global demand at the moment . . . or for eternity. Recycling milk jugs not only reuses a depleting resource, but also conserves 50% of the energy needed to make products from new resin.

Additionally, plastic milk cartons are often used to make products that would be made out of wood. By using fewer fossil fuels and keeping the trees alive you’re preventing a global warming double whammy!

Take for example this Adirondack chair. Yeah it looks like wood, but guess what? It’s cold, hard, milk-jug plastic. In fact, 500 milk jugs were used to make it . . . how’s that for a recycling bonanza? The great thing about this Adirondack chair, and other recycled plastic patio furniture, is that it’s completely weatherproof. Unless it gets pelted by giant hail balls, it requires no painting, re-varnishing, or splinter sanding. Most of all you don’t have to worry about pesky insects making a home in your furniture . . . instead they can go and make a home in the real tree you didn’t cut down.

My last post listed the many ways tires can be recycled into cool and innovative products. The thought of useless tires becoming new sneakers, floors, swings and running tracks is exciting and made me wonder . . . what other random things can be made from the world’s trash?

Many major companies now offer recycled alternatives to their best-selling products. For example, Rubbermaid has a whole line of recycled desk accessories; while Buddy Products, a local Chicago-based manufacturer, offers a number of recycled-steel paper and mail organizers. Viva Terra sells recycled silver wine glasses. Patagonia makes our favorite fleece out of recycled bottle caps. Golfers can even buy recycled golf balls from Nike. The list goes on and on.

Of course, it’s “greenest” to simply reduce the amount of trash you accumulate by buying less stuff in the first place. Recycling uses a lot of energy (heavy machinery, large trucks transporting recyclables to the plant, production lines), and can emit toxins. That being said, however, recycling is the best option for those things that can no longer be reused such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and paper. As a rule of eco-thumb it’s best to follow the three R’s in sequential order. First reduce, then reuse, and as a last resort recycle. If you need to buy a fleece, basketball hoop, or even some golf balls try your local thrift store first. If the Salvation Army doesn’t have it, then check out the options listed above.

As Americans take to the grill this July 4th, thousands of pounds of charcoal will go up in smoke. Cover coals with toxic lighter fluid, throw on a briquette or two, don’t forget the bug spray and the fireworks and you’ve got a recipe for toxic air.

Charcoal is one that burns dirty. Upon ignition, the substance not only produces hydrocarbons, but also emits tiny, air-polluting, soot particles. Lump charcoal, made from flavor-enhancing charred wood, adds to greenhouse gases and contributes to deforestation . . . another global warming double whammy! Charcoal briquettes, though partly composed of sawdust–a good use of otherwise useless wood–can still be harmful. Most popular brands contaminate the charcoal with sodium nitrate, coal dust, limestone, borax, and starch. When burned, these compounds can cause problems.

If you want to be green on the barbie this 4th—and hopefully the rest of the summer—consider buying some environmentally conscious charcoal. Eco-charcoal is made from pure natural wood fiber and contains no added chemicals. There are several on the market and Shop Green offers an Artisan Lump Charcoal, Mesquite. The Artisan Lump Charcoal is made locally in Texas (the BBQ capital of the world) from a cleansing process that rids wood of resins and acids—common to most major-brand briquettes. What remains in the Artisan Lump Charcoal, however, is a pure fiber that accounts for, “a subtle, natural flavor.” Yum, how many more days ‘til the 4th?

America has quite a few tires lying around. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are around 4 billion abandoned tires in the U.S., with another 280 million being added each year.

Tires are not welcome at most landfills. By some divine force of physics, discarded tires make their way to the landfill surface and then “pop out” to create a big mess. Efforts by some states to charge a hefty disposal fee for old tires have led—quite predictably—to the common problem of illegal tire dumping. Tire-felons tend to chuck and run in woods, open fields, and wherever else they won’t get caught.

Aside from their lack of aesthetic appeal, abandoned tires are potential health, fire, and environmental hazards. Tire piles are a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes (West Nile Virus) and rodents. Left out in direct sunlight, the black piles can become heat and pressure cookers, eventually combusting into dangerous fires. Such fires can last for weeks, emitting toxic smoke and a polluting goo that seeps into surrounding land and water.

Due to the plethora of problems associated with tire trash, many states and counties are looking for viable commercial uses for old tires. Aside from “recapping” and resealing, there are several ways—from the sculptural to the industrial—to put old tires to good use.

Wildlife Recycled Tire Swings are fun and profitable answers to tire pollution. Truly a piece of art, these handmade sculpture-swings are constructed from cleaned, non-toxic, shock absorbing recycled automobile and truck tires. As an added bonus they’re locally made in the USA.

Tires that are completely unsalvageable can be processed into asphalt additive, which is used for athletic fields, playground surfaces, running tracks, shoe soles, and landscape composting. Increasingly, old tires are being converted into clean fuel in cement production, or supplemental energy in power plants and paper mills.

With so many products made from recycled rubber and energy, consider supporting businesses that make use of old tires, Most of all, don’t become just another tire brigand. The next time you need a tire change, consider donating old tires to your local recycling center . . . they’ll be put to good use.

What’s my worst environmental vice? There are a few, but recently—as I’ve been learning about the concerns surrounding global water monopolization—I’d have to call out those long hot showers I enjoy so much.

Water is a big topic right now. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most global citizens get by on 2.5 (or fewer) gallons of water per day. The average North American, however, uses an astounding 400 gallons per day . . . a large portion (22%) of which comes from those lengthy showers. To add insult to injury, 1.1 billion (that’s 1/6 of the world’s population) does not have access to safe water, while 2.6 billion (2/5 of the world’s population) lack acceptable sanitation. North American’s enjoy both safe and sanitized water and with just one flush they use more than half what the average Kenyan uses all day!

As the world’s population and economy continue to swell, excessive water consumption is causing some major environmental problems including the degradation of rivers, wetlands, and bays. It’s imperative that we start using water more wisely—especially potable water, which requires chemicals and energy to treat. I’m not advocating a no-shower policy. The last thing I would want is to further that “smelly hippy” stereotype. No showering is no answer! But there are simple ways one can curb water wastage without much effort while still allowing for those long showers.

One of the best ways to save water is to switch to a low-flow showerhead. A low flow showerhead is an ordinary showerhead that lets water flow at a rate of 2 gallons per minute (gpm) or less. Conventional showerheads use 3-4 gpm. The low-flow looks just like a regular showerhead, but the amount of water output is reduced by smaller internal openings. Some low flows even include aerators which, mix air into the water stream to create a high velocity spray. It may not be a super indulgent shower, but it’s pretty close.

Another great factor about the low flow is that it saves energy. According to EarthEasy.com, low flow showerheads can reduce shower-related energy consumption by as much as 50%. As less water is used, less energy is needed to heat your shower. And from my previous posts we all know that less energy means lower numbers on your utility bills. Besides saving water and energy, you’ll also save money . . . a valuable resource in my book.

Any true environmentalist would never use an air conditioner. The, “greenest” way to stay cool is through meditation—humming “ommmm” until the discomfort of sweaty lethargy disappears. But lets be honest, most of us can barely focus on the morning news—let alone altering our internal thermostat. So how can “most of us” stay cool this summer without making the planet even hotter?

My first suggestion is to keep the shades down. This will help any room stay a few degrees cooler. Then consider a fan (an Energy Star one, of course) and create cross ventilation by leaving doors and windows open. If you still can’t take the heat, then consider “gettin’ out the kitchen” and loitering in some already cool places. Museums, libraries, movie theaters are all public spaces that crank the AC all summer long. Or you can always go to your favorite café. Hang out; grab an iced latte and let “them” pay for the air conditioning.

If staying at home or in your office is essential, then invest in an Energy Star air conditioner. Like most Energy Star products, Energy Star air conditioners use less energy—meaning less fossil fuels and lower utility bills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if just half of all American homes were cooled with Energy Star qualified products, the change would prevent nearly 70 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to the emissions of nearly six million cars. As said above, it’s always better not to AC, but if you can’t take the heat any longer definitely go for an Energy Star model.

We all know fathers love appliances and gadgets. With Father’s Day coming up, what better way to thank your dad for . . . well, being your dad . . . than with a green-appliance gift? He’ll like getting a piece of heavy-duty equipment, but he’ll love that it’s green. Most of all, you’ll enjoy that “feel good factor” . . . you know, the one that comes from taking the environment into account and supporting environmentally conscious products and businesses.

One of the best ways to research green gadgets and appliances is through Energy Star. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy that identifies and promotes energy efficient products. Those appliances carrying the Energy Star symbol are better not only for the environment, but also your father’s energy bill. According to Energy Star’s website, “Americans, with the help of Energy Star products, saved enough energy in 2006 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars — all while saving $14 billion on their utility bills.” Wow, that’s a pretty convincing statistic!

There are so many places to buy Energy Star products. If you’re a first time ES purchaser, however, and need to get something soon for Father’s Day, it’s best to start small and simple. Avoid getting overwhelmed by a plethora of options and visit a simple site. Shop Green is actually a great place to start. It has a solid assortment of Energy Star dishwashers, air conditioners, cordless phones, showerheads, refrigerators, etc. The site picks the best Energy Star products and organizes them in an easy and convenient list so you can scroll by price, brand, or customer rating. Check it out . . . your dad, his energy bill, and the environment will thank you.

For a long time I’ve wondered what “reclaimed wood” is and why it is such a popular material for eco-friendly furniture and products. Now that I’m getting older and considering purchasing “real” furniture, I figure there is no better time to investigate this mysterious “reclaimed wood” phenomenon.

After doing some online research and talking to a friend at a sustainable furniture company, it turns out that “reclaimed wood” is exactly what you’d expect . . . “rescued wood.” It is simply discarded lumber, re-constructed and re-fashioned for re-use in new products. “Reclaimed wood” can come from old buildings, scrap furnishings, outdated constructions—even wharves, piers, and old barns. In other words, it is collected anywhere wood is thrown out, slated for demolition, and eventually headed for a landfill. Depending on the quality, condition, size, and form of the abandoned wood, companies will “salvage” pieces and incorporate them into new projects, furniture, and buildings.

Not only is reclaimed wood a pro for the environment, but it also adds a sense of history and heritage to any piece of new furniture. It’s fun to have a table that was once a door of a mill or perhaps the deck of an important 18th century mansion. One of my favorite simple pieces of reclaimed furniture—a great addition to any bedroom, living room, or home office—is VivaTerra’s coffee table made from teak, pine, and ironwood railroad ties. These tables are sleek, thin, and modern and the smaller one can slide under the larger one to save space. I recommend this table because it is so simple and reasonably cheap (for nice furniture). The wood’s natural tones blend well with most color schemes and it’s minimalist design fits seamlessly into a variety of styles and genres.

Lumber connoisseurs also tout reclaimed wood as an excellent financial investment. According to Mountain Lumber Timber, a company specializing in reclaimed wood, “reclaimed heart pine, oak and chestnut create beautifully behaved building material that only gets better with time.” How so? Apparently, the natural color, character and patina are more readily visible in weathered and older wood. Additionally, wood that has already been through seasonal expansion and contraction cycles is more stable than younger wood. Who knew cast-off wood could be valuable, beautiful, and eco-chic? Apparently, “one man’s trash” really is “another man’s treasure.”

Hello, and welcome to ShopGreen’s new blog, BlogGreen!

This is the place to come for green news, product information, and more. We’ll have a new post every day from our team of bloggers so be sure to check back often.

We have two accomplished bloggers posting for us here at ShopGreen. You can get to know Courtney Tenz and Olivia Zaleski here.

You won’t want to miss a single post, so click here to subscribe to our RSS feed. You’ll always be able to find that link over to the right.

Once again, welcome to BlogGreen!