Archive for September, 2007


Back to Work: How to Green Your Office

Labor Day weekend is not only a time to light up the Barbie, make sandcastles, and get stuck in ridiculous holiday traffic, but also a celebration of the welcomed or dreaded—you choose—return to the work-a-day world. If you’re coming back to the office, refreshed, renewed, and ready to grab that promotion, why not take on a few green office resolutions while you’re at it? You’ll do global good, and generate some pretty green rewards for you and your colleagues.

There are several small and quick, but incredibly helpful changes you can make to your workplace—no bizarre purchases or time sucking projects, just changing a few light bulbs and habits. Not only will your effortless efforts benefit the planet, but also you’ll save money and create a pleasant, less toxic space—important as you probably spend the majority of waking hours there. And don’t forget the miracle work you’ll perform on those nasty office politics. Greening no doubt generates a sense of community. You and your corporate compadres will share a common project—other than the annual report. Finally, something to talk about at the water cooler!

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Over the next few days I’ll fill you in on some helpful tips for greening your office. In no time you’ll be propelling your office from environmentally harmful to harmless. Stay tuned!

For a sneak peak, check out green office supplies here.

Posted on Monday, September 3rd, 2007 Back to Work: How to Green Your Office by Olivia Zaleski


Good Fences Make Good Neighbors:

Robert Frost, the great American poet, knew what he was talking about when he wrote that famous line. Fences do, indeed, make good neighbors. If you’re considering putting up a fence you should know about the latest in eco fencing materials and gadgets.

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To add beauty to your garden, I recommend Bamboo Fencing from Brookstone. Bamboo is considered one of the best green design materials for several reasons. First and foremost, Bamboo is an endlessly renewable resource. Once harvested it does not need to be replanted and will grow a new shoot from its extensive root infrastructure.

Second of all, bamboo, though very light and airy, is incredibly tough and can withstand a great deal of wear and tear. It does not swell or shrink as hardwoods do, making it ideal for a fence, which will have to stand up to rain, snow, or heat. If you live in an extreme-climate zone or Southern Florida then definitely go Bamboo.  When laminated, bamboo is nearly as strong as soft steel and even stronger than oak, considered the most durable hardwood.

3166585_640.jpgBrookstone’s Bamboo Fence is 13 ft. long and is banded together with rust-resistant galvanized steel wire. To take it to the next level add bamboo edging for a total natural garden look. Or if you’re feeling particularly eco and want to make your fence electric (perhaps to keep predators out and pets in) consider the Parmak Precision Low Impedance Solar Fence Charger. This thing is intense: a 6 volt battery operates for 21 days in total darkness and can send weatherproof charges that extend up to 25 miles of fence. Yikes!

Posted on Sunday, September 2nd, 2007 Good Fences Make Good Neighbors: by Olivia Zaleski