Fuel is an important aspect of our everyday lives; we need it to keep things running.  But, while our minds may initially scurry to images of coal and oil at the mention of fuel, it’s equally important to think of the materials that fuel our bodies:  food.  When it comes to feeding a world of 6.8 billion people, we’re talking about a lot of loaves of bread. 

No GM Food for Zambia
It seems curious, then, that in 2004 Zambia would reject 27 000 tons of food aid despite having a population struggling with a food crisis and starvation.  The catch?  The food aid consisted of transgenic material.  In other words, it had been genetically modified (GM).  The Zambian President, Levy Mwanawasa, rejected this aid claiming that the food was poisonous.  But where’s his proof?

The reality is that genetically modified foods have been widely accepted in North America.  In the same year as the Zambian controversy the National Academies of Sciences published a report stating: “To date, no adverse health effects attributed to genetic engineering have been documented in the human population.”  If it is a poison, it’s not a very good one.

GM foods have done wonders for the agriculture business.  Genetically modified crops can be made pest resistant and disease resistant, both of which help increase productivity and allow for higher yields.  With the right GM crop a farmer is able to more effectively battle against the many environmental factors that beat, burn, eat, and whither a year’s growth.  This means more food production and more food available for the 15 million children dying of starvation each year.

The Green Revolution
The transformation in agriculture towards a system capable of coping with our planets population growth has been termed the Green Revolution.  Between 1943 and 1964 Mexico was able to ride the Green Revolution from total reliance on other countries for its wheat supply, to exporting half a million tons a year.  By accepting new ways of thinking in their approach to agriculture Mexico was able to greatly increase yields, thereby providing for its rapidly increasing population.

In the 1960s India followed Mexico’s example and utilized the life saving power of the Green Revolution.  By using a new rice variety, made possible through crossbreeding, India was able to prevent mass famine, saving countless lives, and has since become one of the worlds most successful rice producers.

Today technology has advanced, allowing for stronger and more resilient crops to be created through biotechnology.  By directly manipulating the genes of different crops science enables us to enhance the favorable attributes of a crop, or diminish the problematic traits.

Trouble in Africa
The Green Revolution has had a difficult time catching on in Africa.  Because of heavy corruption, difficult environmental conditions, and nay-saying politicians, the implementation of GM crops in Africa has been slow.  But, as with any new idea, education comes before acceptance.  Every bit of food sent as aid has to be cleared by the health authorities of the donor country as fit for human consumption.  The food on our tables every night has to pass these same tests, but, for some reason, forces continue to keep this form of nutrition from hungry mouths.

If genetically modified crops were allowed for not only consumption in African nations, but production as well, these severely malnourished countries could find themselves with the means to effectively feed their populations, and no longer be dependant Western food aid.

» News 24

 At ecollo the search for the truth is never ending and both sides of the story is always valuable. In the past I wrote an article about composite decking that was based off a few sources that were quite negative on the product. Since then I talked to a representative from a company that manufactures and sells the product and got a pile of new information.

Universal Forest Products is one of the largest suppliers of lumber products in North America. They provide several products including wood alternatives to construction markets and DIY home centers. Recently they were awarded the Forest Stewardship Council’s Chain of Custody certification which means they’re manufacturing plants only use lumber from well managed forests around the world. Remember, wood is renewable as long as the forests it comes from are managed properly. As for composite decking or wood alternative decking UFP is one of the major suppliers to Home Depot providing the Veranda line of decking.

Here is quick recap of the composite decking world. The first products were developed back in the 80’s and one of the first big companies was Trex. Widespread use and commercial viability didn’t come until the 90’s and along the way there were problems with early versions of the product, for instance, which ever color you started with they all faded to grey over time. Since then the products have been refined and problems have been ironed out to the point today where you have a very durable and long lasting product.

Most composite decking products are manufactured using wood dust waste left over from other lumber products plus High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which by the way is a #2 recyclable plastic. So, when using wood alternative products you are getting your environmental value out of the fact that industry by-products are used to build it plus your product is going to last a long time and will not need emission emitting stains or paints to protect it.

As far as maintenance goes there is some involved and this shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that owns a home. Everything around the house needs general maintenance and upkeep to prolong it’s life from roofing to siding to landscaping, and composite decking is no exception. It’s true, they don’t need stains or waterproofing but they can absorb stains if you spill something and don’t clean it within a reasonable time period. There are products on the market that can remove older stains. As for mold, this is rarely a problem with the product but the location. Let’s face it, mold grows on just about any surface if it’s wet, shady and doesn’t ever get a chance to dry out. When composite decking is replaced it’s usually the result of aesthetics not structural integrity, the home has changed hands and the new owner has different ideas.

All in all I’d say things are looking up for composites, I’m definitely going to check out these products for my own deck project next summer.

» Universal Forest Products

There are a number of things you can do to get your garage from basic to energy-efficient – an idea that sparked my interest when I read about what late night talk show host Jay Leno was doing to get his garage greener.

As a writer desperately in need of some quiet space for all my scribbling, I had long since decided to convert my garage into a writing studio.  This generally works out great but proved to be a real challenge during winters.  Despite additional insulation and adding stacks and stacks of rugs to create a warm cozy feel, my writer’s corner is left completely exposed to the cold as soon as the temperature drops around this time of year.

After a little research and a lot of persistent question asking this past week, I was able to sort out what I needed, which apparently was an electric heater.  However looking around my neighborhood, there are tons of families who use their garage as an extension of their home.  These days, garages double as laundry rooms, workshops, play areas and even as niches for pets.  The garage has become an extension of the family's living space, as well as our own personal space.

If you’re like me, either a profuse hermit barely visible behind stacks of books, or a car enthusiast eternally pilfering through some engine, or if you just enjoy congregating with fellow man over a cold one, hopefully my notes here will help you keep your garage sanctuary a comfortable green niche throughout winter.

The Green Heat Solution
What type of garage heater you get depends on what you use your garage for and there are tons of recommended garage heaters.   Personally, I prefer the green appeal of electric heaters.

If you plan on doing any type of body work on cars where bare metal will be exposed, you may want to go with an electric heater as opposed to a heater that burns propane or natural gas. Burning any type of fuel can create moisture in the air which may cause problems when doing body work on cars. With electric heaters, you don't have to worry about producing moisture since these types of heaters use an electric coil as opposed to a burner.

Portable electric heaters also require very little maintenance.  And while electric heaters used to be expensive, newer models on the market are competitively priced.  A higher efficiency rating, contrasted against the extreme cost of natural gas, has made electric heating far more popular than the alternative models that still use natural gas.

A personal  favorite is the Lasko ceramic heater, which heats up in seconds and feels like you’re working alongside a roasting fire. In my quest for a new work space heater this week, I tried out Lasko, Vornado and Soleus, and while they were all great, I felt the Lasko was not only rated at a lower cost but also the one that was far more effective. If you plan on being in your garage space for longer periods of time, it’s probably best to get a larger unit, and then a smaller space heater.

Overall electric heaters have a number of benefits, such as an automatic shut off feature. Most electrical heater units will also automatically turn off if the unit has tilted off its base and/or fallen over. This safety measure prevents hazards and fires - which is critical feature if you're using flammables or have pets or children nearby.

An additional safety benefit includes protection against carbon dioxide poisoning.  Unlike natural gas furnaces, with electric heaters you don't have to worry about lethal gas leaks (which are often undetectable to humans). And since electric heaters don't produce emissions, they're definitely the green choice for any eco-minded home. 

A cost benefit in by electric heaters is that many cities and states offer incentive programs to home owners who switched out traditional heating for electric furnaces.  Additionally, many utility companies offer similar perks to those who heat their space with electricity rather than natural gases.

Just knowing what heater is right for your needs, paired with quick insulation techniques, can go along way in making it easier for your to shift from a warm toasty summer to chilled winters.

Green Garage is brought to you by Shireen Qudosi of Heater Home. Follow Heater-Home on Twitter @HeaterHome.

Images: Apartment Therapy

» Heater Home

While most people go into hibernation mode during winter, wanting nothing more than to curl up around a fire with hot coco, there are those of us who start going slightly delirious at the thought of being caged in for the next few months. However, unless you’re in the Arctic, there’s no reason why you have to induce self imprisonment during the season.  With a mix of both creative and practical thinking, you can have just as much of a ball during winter as you have during summers by bringing the outdoors in. 

And even though we’re penny pinching these days, we can still have a fabulous get together – and with the slightest bit of effort and inventive spirit, we can host a splendid evening boasts of eco-chic brilliance. When thinking of winter, my first thoughts escape straight to a “Winter Wonderland” theme and with a slight obsession for eco-friendly entertaining, I’ve been able to source some charming ideas.

One of the great things about winter is that you can get really creative and free-spirited with the décor. (During what other season would you get away with bringing trees indoors and the decking them with magpie-envying pieces?) When you think of “wonderland”, think odd, magical and strange. Think Alice in Wonderland meets the Snow Queen, where everything is just slightly off the wall, creative and wonderfully mad – with a rich frosty touch. 

Setting the Scene

Ambiance is everything. This is especially true if you’re going to host an evening of kaleidoscopic proportion.  Think white candles, silver accents, pops of color, reflective surfaces– just about anything that would catch the eye.  The great thing about the holiday season is that just about anything goes and the best way to get this is to pay attention to details. Make sure you include lots of accents and clusters of décor pieces. 

A quick inexpensive and recyclable option is to top your cake platters with old Christmas tree ornaments. This ensures that you’re using them not just around the holidays, but in a clever festive way that actually gives you the thrill of holiday decorating without sacrificing a tree for it.  You can use either tiered cupcake platters or single level ones. Standard cake platters are also great to use as a base for nesting pillars of candles among pine cones and branches from your yard.

Not forgetting our Winter Wonderland theme which embraces creativity, start by breaking convention and bringing in a tree earlier in the year – then turn it upside down.  The idea has been popular for a few years now, and it’s both gorgeous and eco-friendly since these trees are of the faux variety.

Another simple idea that heats up the evening was discovered in Sunset Magazine, which suggested that “vases of varying heights [can] contain conifer sprigs in an inch of water.” White votive candles behind each jar adds a mesmerizing glow.  This is a much more sustainable décor idea than flowers, since branches can be found in most yards and can last up to a month in an inch of fresh water. The idea makes even more sense when the taken the scarcity of naturally available flowers during the winter, and the high cost of store-bought stems.

The Feast No matter how much time and energy you’ve invested in creating a lush atmosphere, there’s one key element that always wins out – and that’s taste! Your party doesn’t have to have a five course meal but it does have to have rich savory foods perfectly paired with a winter setting.

For a beer bottle budget, try either a cheese and bread fondue party and for dessert take the evening outdoors. Set your patio or deck with a couple patio heaters about a half hour before you expect guest to step outdoors – this way by the time you enjoy the next half of your evening, you’re in a nice toasty niche. 

Next, have your guests collect twigs from around the yard and bring them back to serve as marshmallow skewers. Pair that with organic chocolate and your classic cup of hot chocolate, and you’re set for the evening. 

“Eco Winter Wonderland” is written by Shireen Qudosi and brought to you by http://www.air-n-water.com/

Images in order of appearance: The White Company, Sunset Magazine, Flickr User Lisa23366, Martha Stewart Living

» Heater Home

As great as winter is, one of the definite pitfalls is the inevitable amount of time that gets spent indoors. But with a few clever eco-friendly ideas, you can thwart cabin fever by keeping your walls visually interesting.

Recycled Cardboard Deer Trophy

To appease the hunter in you, opt for an interesting 100% recycled cardboard deer trophy. While not normally into heads of animals adorning my walls, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the artistic element they offer. The anomalous form that offers a shape but no features is strangely futuristic, and definitely a conversation starter.

Eco-Clock

Fast forward your thinking of time with an bare bones no fuss eco-friendly time keeper. This rubberized clock is made from bicycle chain ring, a tire rubber face, and a bicycle cog pendulum.  The clever clock is the brainchild of cyclist Graham Bergh, who in 1991 used a flat tire tube to hang speakers – sparking ideas that continue to heat up new recycled creations.  A few other creations, specifically the “Hybrid Wall Clock”, pairs recycled bicycle parts with reused computer hard drives.

Recycled Traffic Signs

Speed limits, stop signs and other warnings are easy to overlook in your daily drive, but when twisted around and recycled, make very eye-catching track stopping pieces.  Ideas around reused signs include light switchplates, house numbers, holiday wreathes, hanging plates, coasters, trays, and more.  Most of these pieces are created by metalsmith Boris Bally, whose work is featured at the New York’s Museum of Art and Design among other notable venues.

Creative Comforts for Kids

Inhabitots features sustainable bamboo mobiles that steer clear of non-recyclable plastics known for giving of toxic fumes.  Their adorable mobiles take a step away from traditional wall ware and offer a more engaging 3-d approach to traditional style. There are about a dozen different things to do if your winter home includes kids. Keep their niche warm and cozy by playing with a few different ideas, including fabric re-stickable wall prints and sustainable screen prints, a hanging birdhouse night light made from salvaged French oak, or even vintage wall paper silhouettes of woodsy settings. 

Moss Art

Hot Eco-Art doesn’t get any more literal than this. Eco artist Edina Tokodi creates moss graffiti portraits made with white panels and moss – creating a perfect picture. Tokyo, known for its rigid lack of green space has also inspired the Hokkaidu Sanyu Corpo to create the “River Re Wall”, a framed moss wall garden complete with its own irrigation system offering a faint but relaxing water sound.

And while cooped up in your now highly eclectic home, top off your new hot walls with a wall heater, a much more eco-friendly approach to heating than conventional gas furnaces. Another type of wall heater is the baseboard heater, which is not only discreetly placed but also allows for more wall space to display your eco-art.

“Hot Walls: Eco-Friendly Art Heat up Homes” is brought to you by Shireen Qudosi.  For more information, visit http://www.heater-home.com/category/wall.aspx
 Deer Trophy, Eco-Clock and Recycled Traffic Signs can be found at Eco-Artware.com

» Heater Home

Whether it’s from the backseat of a car or right next to a mountain stream, there is nothing my dog loves more than the smell of clean fresh air. The reason I bring this up is because often times my dog is the one who is reminding me of just how much I cherish the environment.

The following is a daily occurrence for me that you may have experienced as well. Sometimes I’ll be laying in bed, eyes open, early in the morning knowing that the temperatures outside are nearly freezing but guess who’s staring into my eyes, thrilled to be alive and ready to get outside and enjoy the frigid air? Yeah, it’s my pup, sitting by my bed breathing on me, and no, he hasn’t brushed his teeth yet.

Okay, okay let’s go, but be quiet and don’t wake anyone else up. Yee haw, his tail is waggin’ now and banging the railing on the way down the stairs, so much for keeping quiet. Off to the park we go. The city is still quiet, slowly getting revved up for the day. The sun is just peeking over the horizon turning the scattered clouds a brilliant red color and there isn’t anyone around, beautiful, just me, my dog and the environment. By the way, thanks for the kick in the butt pooch, this is great.

That’s just one example of my pet reminding me how alive I feel when I’m out in the elements. A good long weekend out of the city camping is ten times as fun for both of us. My dog needs that time in the outdoors to feel good and I think humans do just as much. Perhaps our big brains or our busy lives sometimes get in the way of our instinctual desire to be outside. So next time your dog wants a quick run in the park don’t miss the chance for him or for you.

» DOGBLOG