Tag Archives: reuse
New Zealand wine set to display carbon footprint
Scrutinizing bouquet, viscosity and finish on the palate is no longer enough for the accomplished wine connoisseur but carbon footprint as well. Now they can consider a vintage’s environmental credentials — for one brand at least.
A New Zealand wine has become the first in the world to display the carbon footprint of each individual glass serving on its label — laying bare to the shopper or drinker the full environmental impact of making and transporting it. Each bottle of Mobius Marlborough sauvignon blanc — which takes its name from the highest peak of the range of hills above the town — will display its carbon footprint emissions for a typical 125 ml glass.
On the new label the relevant emissions, which are calculated to reflect the environmental impact of factors such as transportation and refrigeration, will be measured separately for every export market. So, bottles sold in New Zealand, for example, will carry a figure of 140g CO2, whereas bottles shipped to Australia will display 190g.
Significantly, the wine is the world’s first to be certified by the UK’s Carbon Trust which is leading a drive to influence consumer choice by encouraging universal carbon footprint labeling — using its own Carbon Reduction label — across all products.
This certification is a milestone for the New Zealand Wine Company (NZWC), which is based in Marlborough in the country’s South Island and which has been pursuing sustainable management within the New Zealand wine industry.
Craig Fowles, NZWC’s sustainability manager, said, “It’s a very important certification as it is a full-life cycle carbon approach. In a very recent development, the Carbon Trust in the UK announced that sales of products carrying its carbon footprint reduction label will shortly top GBP 2bn per annum.”
Definitely a great move to display carbon footprint on their products.
Solar powered Blood Pressure meter
Blood Pressure meter
There are places on Earth that are so far fetched and distant from any urban civilization, that electricity isn’t all too common as it is to many. These off-grid places do have a hard time catching up with a lot of facilities enjoyed by many today, including medical aid. A few researchers with some really great intentions in their hearts have designed a Blood Pressure meter device, powered by solar energy. This one needs no electrical outlets to plug in and is juiced up solely by the sun. With a device like solar Blood Pressure meter, doctors in areas far away can now keep tabs on cardio-vascular diseases amongst people.
Currently being tested in Uganda and Zambia in Africa, this Blood Pressure meter is not too expensive either — $32. An innovative way to keep health issues in check using green energy, this Blood Pressure meter will for sure make the work of doctors in off-grid areas a lot easier.
Top 10 worlds greenest cities
Going green seems to be the new fad and there are whole countries that have upped their efforts to reduce their impact on the environment. Here are 10 countries that have set the stage to creating a ‘Greener’ Earth. All of these countries have found ways to reduce their carbon and sulphur emissions which leads to cleaner air and water. This list is based on each country’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) rating provided by Yale University.
10. Colombia (76.8): It is said Colombia is home to 10 percent of various species found throughout the world. Scientists have also discovered it may be home to as many as 10 new amphibians species. The Colombian government has made efforts to turn the country into one that is eco-friendly. TO do so, numerous national parks, some including native medicinal plants, have been opened, like the Orito Igni-Ande Medicinal Flora Sanctuary. Also, architects in Colombia have started to use bamboo, which they say is just as durable and reliable as a means to building structures. Even fashion has gone green in Colombia – designer Maria Nubia Ayala has created a line of clothing using leaves and flowers.
9. Cuba (78.1): Cuba has never been a country that has been extremely harsh to the environment. Most who live in the country either travel by bicycle or foot, and many make their money by selling crops and raising livestock. However, there have been times when illegal pesticides were used as well as land that was abandoned. To fix this, the country has put forth effort to reuse farm land, decrease the use of harmful pesticides, and to lower the sea level to ensure that salt from the water does not ruin the rich soil. Cuba has also decided to only use organic products on all farms. Cuba has decided to put a lot of effort and money into using hydroelectric energy. In 2008, it began connecting many homes and businesses located in Guamá to a hydro-electric power station. Once it is all said and done and the 30 rivers located near or in Guamá are used, almost 7,000 people will have clean electricity.
8. Austria (78.1): The 2010 Winter Olympics were just one place where Austria planted its green footprint. To house the Austrian Olympic Committee as well as several broadcasters, the country built a ‘passive house’ in Whistler, BC. The passive house is self-regulatory and is able to heat and cool when necessary. Austria has teamed up with the Czech Republic in order to plant eco-friendly gardens across the border between the two countries. There are already 330,000 gardens in Austria and 6,800 of them are natural and eco-friendly.
7. France (78.2): France is earning a reputation as an eco-friendly country. It now gets 80 per cent of its electricity from the use of nuclear power. Alès, a commune in France, is said to be one of the greenest locations in the country. The commune is home to one of only three buildings that utilizes solar panels as a means for energy. To encourage the use of solar panels, the country offers a reduction in taxes if a home-owner decides to use solar energy in their home. France as a whole has decided to utilize more wood and straw bales to construct. It is said that straw bales are very sturdy, eco-friendly, renewable, and even provide for great thermal insulation.
6. Mauritius (80.6): Mauritius is an island off the coast of Africa and east of Madagascar. The country wants to focus on recycling and finding ways to reuse items. This includes burning solid waste instead of storing or dumping it. Finance Minister Rama Sithanen wants to rely on renewable and cleaner types of energy. The country is focusing on wind power and using sugar cane plants to create fuel, especially for boilers.
5. Norway (81.1): By 2030, Norway hopes to be a country that is carbon neutral. This means the country plans to find ways so that there are no green-house gases emitted. But, before 2030, the country also plans to cut its total emissions to 40 per cent. Norway has also planned to set aside large amounts of money to put towards other green-friendly ideas. For example, it wants to focus heavily on utilizing railroads more, as well as finding an alternative source for fuel. Those who use diesel fuel will have to pay a higher fee for it. Norway hopes to have all businesses in the country run with flexible energy systems and from 2009 on, the use of oil-powered heating systems has been banned. The country also hopes to cut down on the amount of deforestation. 
4. Sweden (86): Sweden has a plan to phase out the use of fossil fuels by 2020; however, these efforts didn’t just begin. The change started in 1980s during the oil crisis and today 28 per cent of the energy and resources used in Sweden are renewable and eco-friendly. The country has focused on the use of hydropower, nuclear power, and wind power to provide electricity and other necessities throughout Sweden. One major way Sweden is going green is by using every piece of their forests. Though the trees are often used for various lumber projects, there is usually sawdust left behind. The government has decided sawdust can be manufactured into wood pellets, which are sold to homeowners to generate heat. Sweden has also decided to cut back on the amount of fuel needed for transportation. Many citizens in Sweden now power their cars using methane, which is taken from the entrails of cows.
3. Costa Rica (86.4): By 2021, Costa Rica hopes to be one of the few, if not the only country in the world that is carbon neutral. For decades, Costa Rica has been plagued with deforestation. Because the country is very agricultural and known for its export of food, including corn and bananas, there is a great need for land to farm and produce these crops. However, the country has made use of the forest land and actually began to utilize the shade that is created by the canopy to successfully grow the necessary crops. This not only saves space, but reduces the amount of pesticides used to protect the produce. Now Costa Rica is focusing on reforestation and building up the land that was ruined. In fact, the country planted over 5 million trees in 2008.
2. Switzerland (89.1): Switzerland has a long, proven record of being eco-friendly and protecting the environment. For instance, in 1914, it created the first Alpine park located in the Alps, and the tradition has carried on, as it plans to build at least 20 more of these parks. Not only has Switzerland added eco-friendly parts to their country, they’ve also taken a few things away. In some cities, cars are not allowed. While it may seem a little strict, the country has even imposed a fee for disposing of trash in the country. There are also fees for using waste management services. The governments pushing for eco- friendly living, but even hotels are joining in with hopes to show that going green does have its benefits. For example, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers discounts to those who arrive in a hybrid car. It had an entirely new heating system installed which is said to reduce its carbon output by 80 per cent each year. The new heating system gets all of its energy from a nearby lake, as do many other hotels and even schools.
1. Iceland (93.5): Because of its location, Iceland has focused on using its geothermal landscape to utilize clean electricity and heat. The most commonly used source for heat and electricity is hydrogen, and the country hopes to become the first to be entirely reliant upon this energy source. Not only will the hydrogen energy be used by homeowners and those who occupy buildings, it is also used for transportation. The government of Iceland has provided hydrogen-powered buses to ensure people can get to their destinations in an eco-friendly way. To go along with the buses, Iceland has put a lot of focus on the Mercedes Benz A-Class F-Cell. This car is also fuelled by hydrogen and can go up to 100 miles on a full tank. Today Iceland can proudly say only 18 per cent of its energy sources come from coal, the other 82 per cent is pure hydrogen and geothermal power.
Versatile uses for ice cube trays
People may have the habit of throwing away ice cube trays after a few uses. However, there are many uses for ice cube trays besides freezing water. Below are some of the uses of them.
• Ice cube trays are great for organizing office or sewing supplies. All of those little compartments are wonderful for buttons, stamps, paper clips, et cetera. 
• You can save a tonne of money by making your own baby food. Just cook veggies, meat, et cetera and run it through the food processor with a bit of water. Place the baby food into ice cube trays and freeze. After the food is frozen, pop it out of the tray and freeze it in a gallon sized zipper bag. Pull out one or two cubes at a time and microwave for a quick, inexpensive meal for the baby.
• Ice cube trays are great for storing loose change.
• Use ice cube trays as paint trays for craft projects. Children especially love using these trays as the little compartments keep the paint from mixing together.
• Start flowers, vegetables or herbs in old ice cube trays. Just make sure you poke a hole in the bottom of each compartment for drainage.
Other uses of Banana peel
Banana is one of the most beneficial and easy to consume fruits! Peel off the skin and gulp the moist, soft, and juicy bananas down. As you savour the fruit, where does the banana peel go? Right into the garbage bin! The next time you pick a banana to dig into, save the peel as there are different ways to reuse banana peels. Apart from the banana itself, the peels, too, are rich in potassium, calcium, and vitamin D. Find out a few genius and indigenous ways to recycle the slippery guys and use them.
Get rid of psoriasis: Simply massage the inner side of the peel on the affected skin areas. Initially, you’ll find the skin turning red, but with consistent use, you’ll see a change in the skin.
Get rid of acne: Tired of trying numerous medicines and visiting dermatologists to treat the ugly acne? Try massaging the inner portion of the banana peels onto the affected areas and see effective results in a few days’ time. Apply in the night so that you’ll not have to smell the banana throughout the day.
Trek aid: Planning for a camping or trekking holiday? Put in some bananas while packing your stuff. For if you get a poison ivy rash, you can peel off the bananas and use the inner portion of the skin to rub on the affected areas. This will reduce itching and inflammation. Repeat as required until the condition improves.
Wart off: If you suffer from warts, then use banana peels to see effective results in a week’s time. Massage the inner portion of the peel onto the lump/wart before going to bed. This treatment has been very effective for curing the Planter’s warts; hence, you can very well try this remedy on other warts as well.
Shine on: Bring back the lost shine and lustre on your silverware and leather items, such as shoes, purses, jackets, sofas, and so on. Simply rub the inside of the banana peel on any item and buff it with a dry and soft lint-free cloth or paper towel. You’ll have your old items turn into new ones.
Allergy antidote: Treat allergies, skin irritation, and skin bruises by taping the banana peels on the affected areas and leave overnight. The chemicals in the peels will help in getting rid of the itching sensation.
If you happen to hurt yourself and cannot find an antiseptic cream, do not worry. The peels will help in the healing process. Rub the wounds with the peels and allow them to cure.
To remove splinters, cover it with a piece of the inside of the banana peel. Tape it over and let the enzymes work in dissolving and sealing the wound. 
Longing for soft and supple skin? Rub the inner portions of banana peels on your face before bed in the night and leave it overnight. Wash it off with warm water in the morning.
These are some creative and unusual ways of reusing banana peels. The next time you eat a banana, think twice before throwing out that peel!
How to reuse plastic bags
The cat’s meow: Plastic bags make changing cat litter easier — dump the box into the bag and the bag into the trash.
Diaper duty: Carry some bags when you’re away from home with the baby — they can be used as garbage bags for soiled diapers.
Traveller’s tip: Use old plastic bags to stash your dirty clothes when you’re travelling. This will keep your suitcase neater and smelling fresh. It also makes unpacking a breeze — carry your bags of dirty laundry straight to the washing area.
Soak it in: Want a quickie manicure? Coat your hands with a moisturiser and cover them with plastic bags for 15 minutes. The plastic will keep in your body’s warmth, and your hands will emerge soft. You can even do this with cracked heels. Once you’ve applied the cream, cover your feet with plastic bags around your them. It’s a bit noisy, but your heels will definitely benefit.
Bury them: If you have a large planter to fill, crumple plastic bags to fill the bottom of the container first (keep drainage hole clear!). Then fill the rest of the planter with potting soil. The planter will be lighter and therefore easier to move.
Ship ‘em out:Use bags as packing material to ship fragile items. Stuff the box full to support the item enclosed, and your recipient will be grateful that you didn’t use messy foam peanuts when she unwraps with ease.
PepsiCo’s green bottle
PepsiCo Inc has developed a bottle made from plant-based resources that is fully recyclable, and will start using it in a test programme next year.
The company’s new ‘green’ bottle is currently being made from materials such as switch grass, pine bark and corn husks. In the future, components for may include orange and potato peels, oat hulls and other byproducts left from the company’s food business.
PepsiCo’s chief scientific officer told the Reuters Food and Agriculture Summit on March 14 the company was working on ways to reuse such waste.
On March 15, PepsiCo announced that it has found ways to create a molecular structure identical to petroleum-based PET for a bottle that looks, feels and protects products just like existing PET containers. 
The company said it would start pilot production in 2012 and then move to full-scale commercialization if it was successful. Coca-Cola Co already produces a plant bottle, which is 30 per cent made with sugar cane.
Firth and his Wife go green on Oscar’s red carpet
At the 83rd Academy Awards, actor Colin Firth not only stole the show with accolades for his The King’s Speech performance but for his eco-friendly attire.
As always, Firth and his wife Livia donned environment-friendly outfits at the Oscars and this year they did it recycled style in order to raise awareness for recycled fashion.
Livia, who founded Fair-trade boutique Eco Age, wore an amazing paneled gown recycled from old dresses on the red carpet while Colin made a Tom Ford suit made of ethical materials look better than good. “It defies what you normally see on the red carpet. It’s really beautiful — it’s pretty but also has a message,” said Livia.
Battery using sunlight to power itself
Here’s a battery that will never run dry and you will never need to toss in the bin so long as the sun shines up there in the sky. Designed by Yung-Hsaing Chang, Ming-Shien Lin and Chang-Ting Lu, the Light Catcher battery, (a catchy name for a battery) powers using energy from the sun.
With AA and AAA variants, the body of this battery is transparent and coated with an anti reflective layer. Inside lie the solar cells that soak in the sun’s energy.
The Light Catcher entry for the 2011 IF concept designs competition. Running out of juice will not be so much of a concern anymore, especially if you’re out there in the outdoors.
Cutting oil consumption by eco-driving
You can save fuel by avoiding stop-and-go traffic, closing your window, not using air conditioning or coasting toward halts — basically what is coming up as eco-driving.
Research at the University of California Riverside’s College of Engineering Centre for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) can give you the answers. The research field is called eco-driving, which refers to providing drivers with advice to minimise fuel consumption when driving, according to a university statement.
“This is a really big deal,” said Matthew Barth, the director of CE-CERT and professor of electrical engineering. “Automobile manufacturers are doing anything possible to make cars more fuel efficient.”
In a study last year, a group of drivers in the Riverside area used the eco-driving device, known as Eco-Way, for their daily commute for two weeks. Researchers found it improved fuel economy by six per cent on city streets and one per cent on highways.
Eco-driving studies in Europe, most of them conducted in pre-planned driving courses, have found fuel economy improvements between five and 15 per cent.
A survey provided to the Riverside area drivers found that most are willing to adopt eco-driving practices in the near future. On a one to 10 scale, with 10 being the most likely to adopt, the average score from drivers was 7.4.