Yesterday, I attended the annual New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation’s annual Environmental Management Councils’ meeting, where I learned a lot about green initiatives that are taking off within NYS.  Unfortunately, I also learned of several terrible afflictions that are currently killing off our native trees.  As I had not yet heard much about these issues, I felt the need to share them with you so that we can spread the word.

The largest threat at the moment seems to be the Emerald Ash Borer.   The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species of insect that is native to Asia that is a threat to all of our New York ash trees.  It is very hard to quarantine or control, and affected wood MUST NOT BE MOVED from its source, otherwise it will cause the pest to spread much more quickly.  Click here for more info.

Other threats include the Asian Longhorned Beetle:

the Sirex Woodwasp:

and Hemlock Wooly Adelgid disease:

In order to prevent the spread of these invasive pests and disease, please DO NOT TRANSFER FIREWOOD or ANY wood that you have sourced from within New York more than 50 miles from its original source.

Some tips from the DEC:

“A REGULATION is in effect that prohibits the import of firewood into New York unless it has been heat treated to kill pests. The regulation also limits the transportation of untreated firewood to less than 50 miles from its source.

By transporting firewood, you could be spreading diseases and invasive insects that can quickly kill large numbers of trees. Help STOP THE SPREAD and obey the Firewood Regulation:

• It is best to leave all firewood at home – please do not bring it to campgrounds or parks.
• Get your firewood at the campground or from a local vendor – ask for a receipt or label that has the firewood’s local source.
• If you choose to transport firewood within New York State:
  • It must have a receipt or label that has the firewood’s source and it must remain within 50 miles of that source.
  • For firewood not purchased (i.e. cut from your own property) you must have a Self-Issued Certificate of Source (PDF, 100 kB), and it must be sourced within 50 miles of your destination.
  • Only firewood labeled as meeting New York’s heat treatment standards to kill pests (kiln-dried) may be transported into the state and further than 50 miles from the firewood’s source. Acceptable firewood heat treatment must raise the core temperature of the firewood to 71 degrees C, or 160 degrees F, and hold it there for at least 75 minutes. Most “kiln-drying” processes that reduce the moisture content to less than 18% achieve this sterilization standard.
  • For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions for Firewood Regulation. For additional questions regarding this regulation, please call this toll-free number: 1-866-640-0652 or e-mail: firewood@gw.dec.state.ny.us.”

Info provided by  NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation. http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/28722.html

New York State has some of the most beautiful, pristine forests in the U.S.  Please help save our trees by spreading the word!

It has been a while since you’ve heard from us, but we’re back in full effect for all of your summer eco updates!

Looking for a great way to save some cash this summer AND divert more landfill waste?  US News & World Report had an excellent article yesterday listing 21 items that are just as good – and make for a better deal – if bought second-hand.  The article is highlighted below, or click here for a direct link.

“If you’re looking to get the most value for your dollar, it would do your wallet good to check out secondhand options. Many used goods still have plenty of life left in them even years after the original purchase, and they’re usually resold at a fraction of the retail price, to boot. Here’s a list of 21 things that make for a better deal when you buy them used.

1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don’t want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.

2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.

3. Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you’re not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it’s worth the purchase.

4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you’ll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.

5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won’t hurt as much.

6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture—that’s when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.

7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child’s favorite before they’re left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children’s toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.

8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don’t get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You’ll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children’s games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they’ll be happy to let you take off their hands.

9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you’re a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.

10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you’ll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.

11. Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they’re generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some décor pieces, you can be sure you didn’t pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don’t forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!

12. Craft Supplies: If you’re into crafting, you probably have a variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can join a craft swap where you’ll find other crafty people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your local schools.

13. Houses: You’re typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.

14. Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they’re resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.

15. Cars: You’ve probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive them off of the dealership’s lot. In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you’ll be aware of any potential problems before you make the purchase.

16. Hand Tools: Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales. If you don’t need to use hand tools very often, an even better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.

17. Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.

18. Consumer Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they’ll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your purchase.

19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look outdoors and you’ll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood, and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common goods at yard sales.

20. Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn’t for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: on average, you’ll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you’re new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.

21. Recreational Items: It’s fairly easy to find high ticket recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they’re barely used at all. As long as they’re in safe, working condition, they’ll make for a better value when purchased used than new.”

From the Kitchen

1. Coffee grounds and filters
2. Tea bags
3. Used paper napkins
4. Pizza boxes, ripped into smaller pieces
5. Paper bags, either ripped or balled up
6. The crumbs you sweep off of the counters and floors
7. Plain cooked pasta
8. Plain cooked rice
9. Stale bread
10. Paper towel rolls
11. Stale saltine crackers
12. Stale cereal
13. Used paper plates (as long as they don’t have a waxy coating)
14. Cellophane bags (be sure it’s really Cellophane and not just clear plastic—there’s a difference.)
15. Nut shells (except for walnut shells, which can be toxic to plants)
16. Old herbs and spices
17. Stale pretzels
18. Pizza crusts
19. Cereal Boxes (tear them into smaller pieces first)
20. Wine corks
21. Moldy cheese
22. Melted ice cream
23. Old jelly, jam, or preserves
24. Stale beer and wine
25. Paper egg cartons
26. Toothpicks
27. Bamboo skewers
28. Paper cupcake or muffin cups

From the Bathroom

1. Used facial tissues
2. Hair from your hairbrush
3. Toilet paper rolls
4. Old loofahs
5. Nail clippings
6. Urine (yup)
7. 100% Cotton cotton balls
8. Cotton swabs made from 100% cotton and cardboard (not plastic) sticks

Personal Items

It might be a good idea to bury these items in your pile. Just sayin’.

1. Cardboard tampon applicators
2. Latex condoms

From the Laundry Room

1. Dryer lint
2. Old/stained cotton clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces
3. Old wool clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces

From the Office

1. Bills and other documents you’ve shredded
2. Envelopes (minus the plastic window)
3. Pencil shavings
4. Sticky notes
5. Business cards (as long as they’re not glossy)
6. Receipts

Around the House

1. Contents of your vacuum cleaner bag or canister
2. Newspapers (shredded or torn into smaller pieces)
3. Subscription cards from magazines
4. Leaves trimmed from houseplants
5. Dead houseplants and their soil
6. Flowers from floral arrangements
7. Natural potpourri
8. Used matches
9. Ashes from the fireplace, barbecue grill, or outdoor fire pit

Party and Holiday Supplies

1. Wrapping paper rolls
2. Paper table cloths
3. Crepe paper streamers
4. Latex balloons
5. Raffia
6. Excelsior
7. Jack o’ Lanterns
8. Those hay bales you used as part of your outdoor fall decor
9. Natural holiday wreaths
10. Your Christmas tree. Chop it up with some pruners first (or use a wood chipper, if you have one…)
11. Evergreen garlands

Pet-Related

1. Fur from the dog or cat brush
2. Droppings and bedding from your rabbit/gerbil/hamsters, etc.
3. Newspaper/droppings from the bottom of the bird cage
4. Feathers
5. Alfalfa hay or pellets (usually fed to rabbits)
6. Rawhide dog chews
7. Fish food
8. Dry dog or cat food

Click here for the full article

Secondly, you may have noticed that we have a new look!  We have finally implemented the new Ecossentials logo, created by Typework Studio, right here in Buffalo, NY!  Our main website is coming along as well, and we hope to have something to show you on that front very soon – thank you for your patience!

Ecossentials will be celebrating Earth Day by visiting the Green Living Show in Toronto, where we hope to find some new products and projects to bring back stateside for you!

Have a great weekend all.  Make it a great opportunity to get outside, get some exercise and perhaps participate in a neighborhood clean-up!

Here are some great neighborhood clean-up opportunities going on in your area this weekend:

Buffalo, NY – Elmwood Village

Anaheim, CA

Boston, MA

Boston, MA – Charles River Cleanup

Charleston, SC

Chicago

Los Angeles – Lizarraga Elementary

Los Angeles – Heal the Bay River Cleanup

Los Angeles – Panorama City

Los Angeles – Sun Valley

Los Angeles – North Hills East

Madison, WI & Madison, WI – Parks Cleanup

Monmouth Co, NJ

Nashville, TN (upcoming)          

New Milford, CT

NYC &  NYC – Rockaway Beach Clean

Pittsburgh, PA

Portland, OR

Providence, RI & Providence, RI (2)

Richmond, CA

Toronto, ON

Washington, DC / Maryland

Soccer (for my husband):  The sOccket Ball – The newly-developed sOccket Ball is a soccer ball that actually generates energy while you play with it, storing it for later use to power your lighting, cell phone, ipod, etc.  It was developed by a group of female Harvard grads, and is intended for use in developing countries where electricity is scarce and kerosene is often used as a light source.  The sOccket is currently still in the prototype stage, but the company has already implemented youth programs and studies in developing African nations.  They also have plans to release a high-end version of the sOccket in the US and Europe, although no formal date has been announced. More at: www.soccket.com.

Hockey (for my hometown heroes, the Sabres, of course!):  The Brooklyn Park Hockey Rinks in Minnesota are saving energy by using untreated water from a city well to keep their rinks cool.  That’s right, the geothermal project uses an underground heat exchanger to cool the water off, transferring it back to the community center for use in cooling their rinks. They will also be able to recycle heat from the cooling system to use in heating the building.  The project is expected to save the community $60,000 a year, and cut energy usage in half!  Via myfoxtwincities.com.

The Hockey Stick Box – Furniture designer Dorothy Spencer has designed a storage box made entirely from old hockey sticks – and it looks pretty cool, too! Via furniturehomedesign.com.

Football, Baseball & Motor Sports:  Fan Cans – Fan Cans are customizable recycling bins that feature lids shaped like football, baseball or motor sports helmets.  They are made from 50% post-consumer and industrial plastic (we wish it was 100%), and can be ordered in the color and logo of your fave team, driver, etc.  Coca cola is has purchased baseball and football-themed Fan Cans as part of their “Give it Back” campaign, and has implemented them at NFL and MLB games across the country.  More at fancans.com. Via justgoodcars.com.

Skiing:  We may be just about done with winter sports for the season, but when you plan next year’s ski trip, select an eco friendly ski destination from this list from Planet Green.

Surfing:  Ride the waves in style with these bamboo surfboards by Gary Young.

Kayaking (for my Aunt DD): Forego the plastic, and get a low-impact wooden kayak, or if you’re really ambitious, make one yourself! From Guillemot Kayaks.   Also be sure to grab your PVC-free personal floatation device, like this one from Sierra Trading Post.

1- The Toilet Plunger Lamp (via Instructables.com): Click here for instructions

2- The Coffee Can Lamp (via Readymade.com): Click here for instructions

3- The Birdcage Lamp (via Design Squish blog): Click here

4- The Detegent Bottle Lamp (via Readymade.com): Click here for instructions

5- The Wine Bottle Lamp (via crafterstouch.com & ehow.com): Click here or Click here for instructions

6- The CD Lamp (via yousaytoo.com): Click here for instructions

7- The Blender Lamp (via blacktable.com): Click here for instructions

Have a leftover film on your dishes after washing?  It’s because you’ve used too MUCH soap, not too little.  The article goes on to exclaim that “Most people use 10 to 15 times the amount of soap they need,” and “you definitely don’t have to fill up the entire soap container in the dishwasher.”      Click here for the article.

To search for local drop-offs, click here or call 1-800-828-2214.

Other re-uses for foam packing peanuts:

- Put under soil in your potted plants for a light-weight drainage substance.

- Keep a couple in your toolbox:  When hammering a nail, stick it through a foam peanut first, and hold on to the foam instead of the nail for those first couple of taps. Remove the foam for the final taps.  Your fingers will thank you!

- If you’ve drilled a hole that’s too large for your screw and don’t want to damage your walls with an anchor, screw it into a foam peanut first, then drill into the wall and pull away the rest of the foam.  The foam trapped in the threads of the screw will hold it in place.

- Stuff a plastic bag with the peanuts and put it on top of your ice and food/beverage-packed cooler for extra insulation.

Whether you’re a fan of the little slimy guys or not, the truth is that the world’s frogs are dying out at an alarming pace, and that means trouble for the rest of us.    The nonprofit group “Save The Frogs” has been established in an effort to save our little leaping pals from the many threats that hinder their survival.  Visit www.savethefrogs.com for more info on “Save the Frogs Day” 2010, and how you can play a part in helping to keep the world’s frogs and other amphibians from extinction.

1- Find an empty 2-liter soda-pop bottle OR a 1/2 gallon milk jug.

2- Fill the bottom of the jug with pebbles, and the rest with water.

3- Place the jug in your toilet’s water reservoir (the tank).

Now, every time you flush your toilet, you will be saving 1/2 gallon of water from needlessly being, um, “flushed” away!