8/8/12

One of the biggest culprits in ocean pollution is a growing "island" of discarded plastics from commercial and consumer waste. As the use of throwaway plastics continues to grow, so does the island. Method, the San Francisco-based eco-friendly cleaning supplies company, has come up with a solution: Collect the waste plastic from the ocean and recycle it into recycled plastic packaging. Called Ocean PCR packaging, Method is using the recycled resin for a variety of products. Find these goods in stores, or learn more at methodhome.com.

8/7/12

Do you know how your energy supplier creates and generates electricity? Many consumers can now choose their own energy supplier, which means you can use renewable options like solar, wind and geothermal. The Natural Resources Defense Council makes it easy to find out how with their Green-e Pick Your Power website, which has a state-by-state guide to green energy options. Sometimes it's as simple as checking a box on your electric bill to do the right thing.

8/6/12

If you use your dryer regularly, do these two things to cut down on energy costs. First, clean the lint filter in the dryer after each use; a dirty filter will force the dryer to work harder and is a fire hazard. Second, dry heavier items -- like blankets, towels and jeans -- separately from lighter items that dry quicker; most dryers have a moisture sensor setting that can default if there is even one wet item still inside.