No ice at the North Pole this summer?!

For the first time in human history, ice may disappear entirely from the North Pole this year - perhaps this will wake up those who say Global Warming isn’t real!

Experts give it a 50/50 chance of melting entirely since the thick ice normally formed over many years has been blown and washed away and replaced by thinner one-year ice.

Keep reading …

The high cost of fireworks

The breathtaking colors of the annual, nationwide celebrations have a far greater cost just their sticker price.

Every year, across America, cities, communities, families, and friends celebrate Independence Day with fireworks. The ritual usually begins a few days prior to July 4th and trickles off a few days after the 4th. During this one week period, give or take a day or two, Americans set things on fire in celebration of Independence. Many trying to outshine their own previous displays - or that of their neighbors, friends, or foes.

Oohs and aahs often come from all points of the compass within viewing distance. From simple sparklers, bottle rockets, and roman candles to complex devices requiring timing, planning, and fire departments on standby - we light it all up and cheer. The only limiting factor, for most displays, is monetary budget. These pyrotechnic extravaganzas have many hidden environmental costs…

Learn more about the toxic lifecycle of fireworks, alternatives, and more just keep reading …

Global Warming Expert states, ‘This is the last chance’

According to James Hansen, a top NASA scientist specializing in global warming, the situation has gotten so bad that the world’s only hope is to take swift, drastic action.

Learn more… keep reading …

Conscious and green summer entertaining

Don’t forget your party’s host as you prepare for a summer party. I’m not talking about you as you plan for your annual Independence Day celebration or family get together, or about your sister who is having an outdoor baby shower - I’m talking about the real host of the party. The planet. Armed with some basic knowledge you can make conscious choices even at large Walmart supercenters. If you are able to plan ahead you can explore some online options for a green party that everyone, and everything, can enjoy. Keep reading for more information as well as shopping sources…

To learn more about how to have a green celebration, shopping resources, and more keep reading …

10 Ways To: Reduce Your Water Consumption

Here are some quick and easy ways to reduce your water consumption around the house:

1. Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth
   You can save a few gallons each time you brush by simply turning it off while you’re brushing
2. Check your toilet for leaks
   If you see any ripple or movement in the bowl whatsoever then odds are your tanks rubber seals need to be replaced. To test for leaks outside the tank a couple of drops of light-colored food coloring will indicate where water is escaping…

To read the rest of the tips keep reading …

Over 100 toxic chemicals associated with vinyl shower curtains

Do you enjoy that new shower curtain smell when you open up a new vinyl shower curtain? That smell is a result of chemicals within the PVC vinyl and is a health hazard. A new study, “Volatile Vinyl: The New Shower Curtain’s Chemical Smell“[pdf], released by the Canadien Environmental Law Association (CELA) and the US-Based Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) exposes the dangers of an often overlooked, widely used bathroom product.

“The new shower curtain smell may be toxic to your health,” according to Michael Schade, co-author of the report and CHEJ PVC Campaign Coordinator.

PVC shower curtains contain numerous harmful chemicals including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and organotins. Some VOCs are known to cause cancer in animals and suspected to cause cancer in humans. The toxic gases (off-gassing) released from PVC shower curtains can contribute to: respiratory irritation; damage to the central nervous system; liver damage; kidney damage; nausea; headaches; and loss of coordination - what a terrible way to start your day!

To learn more about the study, disposal information, or about some safe alternatives that we dug up for you keep reading …

Hello world!

Welcome to GreenBloom! My friends and I have been saying that we are going to start our “green” site for a long time. Being nitpicky perfectionists we never got it “just right” but we’re done with caring about perfection in layout or style - we have to share the stuff we find and spread [...]