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 …