7 things to renew, change and Green in the New Year!

It’s time to take all the green ideas I learned in 2009 and start applying it with zest and zeal in 2010! I love New Years Day. I hung my new calendar up on the wall it’s all blank and waiting with expectation for what I will fill it with this year. My head is full of ideas, hope and inspiration for the new year.
So what am I going to do this year that is different from last year? I’m going to take small baby steps like Bill Murray did in his endearing role in “ What About Bob?.” Although I am not fearful of what the new year holds for me I am conscience that I want to do my part to leave this earth in better shape than when I arrived. After all, through birth I was put upon this earth not through my conscience choice. But I do have a choice to become a servant leader and act like a guest that is temporarily visiting our planet.

With that in mind I want to continually grow in awareness of what I can do to change.

1) Read more books. Leaders are readers and I will read, absorb and summarize for my loyal fans interesting and thought provoking books pertaining to anything green. I’ve already selected my first two books. Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying and No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process Both books I’m really enjoying.

2) Work towards not generating as much trash. I’ve noticed over the past year my trash can isn’t overflowing like it used to but there has got to be a more efficient way to recycle that doesn’t require continually walking all the recyclable material to the garage, separating it and either giving it to our disposal company or taking it to the recycler ourselves to make a little money. I’m pondering ideas that don’t create the trash in the first place.

3) I’m definitely growing the garden again especially tomatoes I learned a few things that worked and I’m going to not use miracle grow or any pesticides this year. I’m going to figure it out naturally.  I was not successful at composting last year I created some nasty smelling sludge. I think I’m interested enough that I will invest in a good composting bin. I’ll check in with Ed Begley and see what he’s up to.

5) I’m working on making better food choices. I don’t know how I can eat or get my family to eat more fruits and vegetables so I’m committing myself to learn a few in season recipes so I can save money on our grocery bill, provide better nutrition and I think seasonal eating will be interesting. We tried spaghetti squash last night and it was really good.

6) I will bike and walk more. We are blessed to live in a community where we are within walking distance to our school, church, pizza, sushi and friends. I’m going to be more conscience about not driving a few blocks when it is not necessary. I know I do not have the discipline to exercise as a pastime and so I need to incorporate exercise in part of my daily activities.

7) I’m  looking for like minded local businesses whom I can support and endorse in my community. You don’t know what you don’t know. I’m going to take my purchasing power and spend it more wisely this year.

Okay, I’ve committed in writing for all the world to see that although I’m not an expert on anything green, I’m not an environmentalist or an activist (yet) I truly want to continually educate myself and others that we do have options, we can think outside the box, and yes we can change the world. Don’t let anyone tell you any differently.

Spend under $50 for a sleeping bag and save $100’s on your winter heating bill

Why are Sleeping Bags such a hot item to going green? Why not? Buying a great Sleeping Bag is not only smart but useful. You can use it in

the winter months in your house so you can turn your heaters and electric blankets off. Why pay your electric company when you can pocket the savings? Sleeping bags are an essential necessity if for some unknown reason there happens to be an unplanned disaster such as flood, earthquake, hurricane and your sleeping bag should be close by and accessible to your emergencies supplies.

So how do you pick the right Sleeping Bag for you? Did you know there are generally 2 different styles of sleeping bags available in the market? When choosing the right Sleeping Bag style for you keep in mind there are several variables you need to weigh in on also such as:

• Temperature Rating - Do you need a subzero Sleeping Bag if you live in California?
• Type of Construction - Are you camping outside a lot in different types of weather?
• Insulation Material - What are the best materials for conducting heat or repelling water or moisture? Down fill is a lightweight good choice…
• Shape of the Sleeping Bag - How important is the shape of the sleeping bag? It’s important if you are sleeping alone but not as necessary if you are sleeping with someone.
• Bulk or size of the Sleeping Bag - Is a bigger or bulkier bag better? Not when it comes to heat loss……
• The weight of the Sleeping Bag - Sleeping Bags are meant to be portable so yes weight is important.

Traditional Rectangular Sleeping Bags
This is the most common type of sleeping bag generally used by casual campers or children for sleep overs. typically this style bag is made out of cotton and an inexpensive synthetic fiber.

A major benefit of the rectangular Sleeping Bags is two people can sleep together if you zip two bags together.

Mummy Sleeping Bagss
Mummy Sleeping Bagss are the most heat efficient sleeping bags on the market. They offer optimum reduction of weight and bulk. Two major benefits of a mummy Sleeping Bags are insulated hoods and a shorter zipper area that is well made with baffle along the inside length. Did you know 80% of your heat loss is through the zipper and the head opening?

If reducing your carbon foot print by not leaving your heater or electric blanket on at night is your goal and you decide you need a sleeping bag anyway, it probably makes sense to pick a mummy Sleeping Bag. Surprisingly enough most sleeping bags rectangular or mummy style can be purchased for under $50.

Heat loss isn’t just your house’s fault…..3 tips you can implement today!

Tip #1 - Did you know 50% of your personal heat loss is lost through your head? If you want to save money on your heating bill in the coldest months, wear a beanie while you are in the house! Seriously, you will notice that you can keep the house cooler during the day and not even feel the difference if you insulate your body better.

Tip #2 - Do you walk around the house in bare feet? No wonder you are cold! Put on some heavy socks or slippers You’ll be amazed at how much warmer you’ll be. Common sense dictates that you wouldn’t go outside on a winter day in your bare feet or without something to keep your ears and neck warm.

Tip #3 - Are you one of people that begrudging shut off your heater at night because you don’t want to listen to it going on and off all night? Instead of counting sheep you are watching dollars flying out the window? Before you turn on your electric blanket might I make an interesting suggestion? Do you have a good quality sleeping bag that you use for camping? Why not temporarily use your sleeping bag? You’ll stay nice and toasty and you’ll pocket a decent chunk of change when you’re not turning on the heater in the winter months.

Yes, this blogger is from California and is kind of spoiled because the pipes at our house never freeze and as far as I know the temperature in the Bay Area has never reach 20F. But I also don’t want to just hand my hard earned money over to P G & E. Plus I am working really hard to reduce my carbon footprint. I know I’ll never be as good as Colin Beaven who wrote No Impact Man, but I have to try and if it means wearing a beanie in the house, I can do that….

Uplifting Green is a Certified Contra Costa County Green Business

After a few months of making a few minor changes around the house and developing a few new habits, I am proud to announce that Uplifting Green has joined the group of over 300 small to medium sized businesses in Contra Costa County whom are certified as a “Green Business.” Taking the time to understand what this certification represents and how much of an impact each and every one of us has on our local environment has been a humbling experience. It is my personal goal to heighten the awareness of what each of us can do to live a sustainable, eco friendly lifestyle by continually reducing our carbon footprint. The purpose of Uplifting Green is to bring cities, businesses and consumers together through continually providing information about events, green businesses, and the latest news and tips on the “Green Movement.” It is not enough these days to talk about going green it’s time to take action. Together we have the ability to change law, our buying habits, and we can even make good lifestyle changes that will protect our environment for future generations. I encourage those of you that read this blog to leave comments and ask questions. If you are a green certified business and need a fresh marketing angle, this is the place to be. Green businesses have a voice here. My goal is to write reviews, post green advertising, green classifieds and upload green videos. Let’s make a commitment to “uplift” businesses that are taking the initiative to make our world a better place to live.

If you are interested in obtaining the Contra Costa County Green Certification click here.

If you are interested in “Green Marketing”  contact me directly: Diana Dobbie, Uplifting Green 925.513.7241

Planet Earth - Why we need to embrace the “Green Movement”

I watched this series on HDTV. It was so breathtaking and awe inspiring. Everyone that was involved in making this movie should be commended. Our planet and all its creatures are a gift and as stewards of our planet we have an obligation to preserve and protect all creatures great and small. Not only because its the responsible action to take but because we’re suppose to leave our earth in better shape than we found it.
I highly recommend this film and I also recommend it for family night. I think it should be added to the school curriculum. This would make a great gift for a teacher.