green lifestyle Archives – The Green Optimistic

3 Natural Options for Keeping the House Clean

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 20:52:22 +0000

Many chemical cleaners available on the market today are bad for the environment, and also probably bad for human health. However, the CDC also reports that 76 million US residents become sick from food-borne pathogens every year. Most of these illnesses come from the kitchen, usually the dirtiest room in the house; even bathrooms usually […]

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5 Home Preservation Methods to Get Through the Winter (Or Any Time of Year)

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 19:14:22 +0000

Farmer’s markets are closing up for the year, and if you ended up with too much produce, here are some surprisingly simple home food preservation methods to get the most out of what local fresh produce is still available. 1. Fermentation Food that is preserved using fermentation actually does spoil, but the chemical processes produce friendly, rather […]

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Villa K Uses Natural Temperature Gradient to Reduce Energy Footprint

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 20:49:28 +0000

The Villa K, designed by Paul de Ruiter Architects blends into its surroundings and uses very little energy. Sheathed in glass, steel and concrete, it’s built into a hillside found in Thüringen, a state in Germany. It comes complete with climate-optimization and a heat exchanger to regulate the temperature. There are solar panels located on […]

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Foodfully – How to Reduce Food Waste with a Smartphone

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 19:17:42 +0000

Food waste can leave a pretty big carbon footprint. The farther the food had to travel to get to your fridge, the bigger the footprint. However, the health issues surrounding healthy eating become more and more critical and adds another dimension to food management. It can feel overwhelming to navigate through a busy day, only to […]

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Unsurprisingly, Media Overstates Link Between Bacon and Cancer

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 06:41:07 +0000

Yes, the World Health Organization (WHO) now states that eating processed meat like bacon and sausage can cause cancer. However, that certainly does not mean that it is “as big a threat as cigarettes”, as one headline on the subject read. The WHO’s list of carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, substances doesn’t address the degree to which they […]

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Neighborhood Electric Vehicles Take US by Storm

Annika Tostengard — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 15:58:45 +0000

While electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S get all the hype, a lot of people just want something simple to get them around town. They don’t need all the performance and extra features provided by Tesla Motors, and they just want something they can use to run errands fuel-free. Even smaller and cheaper than […]

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The 10 Greenest Cities in the US

Annika Tostengard — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 15:54:47 +0000

Appearance isn’t everything. The current concept of a green lifestyle has more to do with the products you buy than actual fossil fuel output. Of course, it’s impossible to calculate all your neighbors’ carbon footprints (and you would get the police called on you), but there’s no denying that a lot of people who are […]

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7 New Sustainable Designs from London Design Festival

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 18:15:46 +0000

The latest, most innovative designs were on display at the recent London Design Festival. The SustainRCA exhibition featured several advances in materials and devices that will soon be changing the world into a better place from some of the most creative students at the Royal College of Art. Check out some of the most sustainable designs below below: […]

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San Francisco Parklets: Tiny Parks Replace Parking Lots

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 04:56:59 +0000

San Francisco has a reputation as an eco-friendly system, and their parklets program demonstrates their commitment to green living. For the last five years, the city’s business owners have been busy turning ugly parking lots into gorgeous, tiny parks. Some are just a few plants, while some have places to sit down and relax, but […]

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3 Indirect Ways Sustainable Food Makes the World Better

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 05:22:44 +0000

Everyone knows that sustainable foods are better for the environment and that the lack of pesticides and antibiotics make them a safer choice for humans, too. However, buying from sustainable farms has invisible, indirect benefits on entire communities of people. Here are 3 non-obvious reasons to support sustainable farms: 1. It Helps Small Businesses Factory farms […]

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3 Tips for Choosing Eco Friendly Gadgets

Annika Tostengard — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 19:34:23 +0000

It is difficult to be an environmentally-friendly consumer. People are more interested in green living than ever, which is great. The downside is that marketers will claim that something is eco-friendly just to make a profit. The tips below will help make decisions when buying products. 1. Be Skeptical and Do Research The first […]

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San Diego Padres Food Trucks Lead in Sustainability

Annika Tostengard — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 19:33:19 +0000

When professional sports come to mind, “environmentally-conscious” does not usually follow in the same line of thought. Large parking lots, bright lights and plenty of trash are much more commonly associated with sports stadiums. However, the San Diego Padres’ food trucks are working to change this reputation, and have made several important steps toward making the ultimate […]

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3 Tips for Picking the Best Fish to Eat

Annika Tostengard — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 09:26:29 +0000

Overfishing and pollution caused by the fishing industry have made it almost impossible to enjoy a salmon filet without feelings of guilt. However, the undeniable health benefits of eating fish make it an important part of a healthy diet. By carefully considering the types of fish you choose to eat, however, you can enjoy seafood while making a minimal […]

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