Ah babies, they smell so good - their skin, their hair, their clothes. However a parent of a baby or young child will tell you that last one does not come easily. While any new parent will warn you in advance about the sleepless nights and round-the-clock feedings, they fail to mention the sheer volume of laundry that accumulates in every corner of your home. If a baby doesn’t spit up on himself, then he’ll inevitably experience a “pooplosion” (the name is pretty self-explanatory), and once he finally outgrows that phase and is on the move, you’ll have to worry about mud, grass stains – and the list goes on. So what is a conscientious earth-lover to do? You need the clean clothes, but feel guilty about the amount of water and energy you’re using. After all, one load in the washing machine uses approximately 40 gallons of water, while a clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy-sucking appliances in your home, second only to the refrigerator.

As the mom of a four-month old who can’t resist depositing breakfast (and lunch and dinner) all over herself, this Mama Bean has quickly learned a few simple ways to reduce the impact of seemingly endless loads of laundry.

Soak, soak, soak
The poop of a breastfed baby is a not-so-lovely shade of mustard yellow. Have you ever tried to get a mustard stain out of light-colored clothing? Thomas Edison probably had an easier time figuring out that whole electricity thing. When your little one soils some clothing, rinse it as soon as possible with cold water. Fill a pail with warm water, add some detergent and let soak for a few hours or overnight. While you may not be able to get rid of every stain, you can often at least salvage clothing and bring it back to a wearable state.

Cool like dat
While you may enjoy a hot bath from time to time, the same doesn’t hold true for onesies, t-shirts and pants. In fact, 90 per cent of the energy a washing machine uses is to heat the water. So turn that dial from hot to warm or cold. Using warm water uses half the amount of energy of hot water.  The exception to this is the washing of cloth diapers. You can use cold water for pre-soaking and rinsing in the machine, but the water should always be hot for the regular wash and set to the highest level of agitation.

Not so Cheer-full
The names of common detergents are somewhat misleading; after all, who could feel bad using something labeled Cheer or Sunlight? However these detergents may not be as friendly to the environment as their name implies. You can find eco-friendly laundry products everywhere, from your organic supermarket to big-box stores like Wal-Mart. Look for brands such as BabyGanics if you want one that has been developed especially for a baby’s sensitive skin. Or even better, take Hunny Bunny’s advice and make your own detergent so you know exactly what’s going in it.

Sweet and sour
These days it’s recommended that you wash baby clothing twice before using it so the chemicals formaldehyde are eliminated before coming in contact with your newborn’s skin. Thankfully the leader of our prenatal class had a much more eco-conscious suggestion: add one cup of vinegar when your machine reaches the rinse cycle and you only need to wash it once.

Hanging out
Mr. Pinky Bean, being the handyman that he is, installed a retractable clothesline in our basement so all those receiving blankets and sleepers didn’t have to go in the dryer. Once the summer comes, we’ll take Baby Bean’s wardrobe to our backyard and do the same thing outdoors. You think the scent of “Fresh Air” dryer sheets smells nice? Try the real deal! If you don’t have the room for an indoor clothesline, try a drying rack instead.

If you find the clothing too wrinkly, linty or stiff after air-drying, go ahead and toss them into your dryer on the lowest heat setting for five to ten minutes.

Twice as nice
So how about those rare days when your child actually doesn’t soil their clothing (or they aren’t wearing it long enough before you change them for bed)? Don’t automatically throw them into the pile of dirty laundry – save them for the next day! Babies don’t sweat, so there isn’t any reason you can’t get another use from them.

Full of it
If you have enough blankets and clothing to get by for a couple of days, let the dirty laundry accumulate until you have enough for a full load. Or toss your own shirt and pants the baby projectile vomited on into the machine with their stuff. Either way, that machine should be full before you run it.

Out with the old, in with the new
If it’s financially feasible and you’ve been considering replacing your old machine, choose an Energy Star –rated front-loading machine. They’re bigger and can handle bigger loads, plus they use approximately 30 per cent less energy and about half the amount of water. If you decide to go this route and your old machine is still in good condition, be sure to sell your machine or donate it to a charity that accepts large household appliances.

» US dept of Energy

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

Whether you're simply looking for good, solid protein to incorporate with your me or thinking of taking our suggestion to go ice fishing this winter, remember that not all fish are created equal as Environmental Defense demonstrates. Before you head to the lake or to your kitchen, make sure you review their list of sea creatures that are the best and worst (and somewhere in between) for the environment. 

Eco-Best
Anchovies - only a small amount of the world's population of anchovies end up being consumed by humans as a food. Most are used in fish oil for animal feeds, as well as in dietary supplements and fertilizers. They reproduce quickly and in the event you worry we're cutting them short of a long, prosperous life, have no fear - they have a very short life span anyway.

Mussels - Mussels strain biological matter from water, keeping it cleaner, and most are farm-raised on ropes hung in the ocean, which causes minimal environmental damage.

Salmon, wild (Alaska) - These salmon are fairly well-managed fish stocks in the United States and are not high in the contaminants found in other varieties of the fish. Their population is a healthier one, and the methods to catch the fish are environmentally safe.

Eco-OK
Clams (wild) - Most of these clams you would purchase at in the supermarket or at a fish market are brought in from wild fisheries and farms, which typically have little environmental impact so long as hydraulic wedges (which can cause damage to the ocean) floor are not used.

Shrimp (U.S. wild) - Policies are in place to ensure that other ocean creatures are not harmed in the catching of the shrimp. Devices are required that free other fish and sea turtles from shrimp nets.

Lobster (American/Maine) - The pots used to catch lobsters are not harmful to the ocean floor, however they occasionally endanger the North American right whales, and the state of the health of lobster populations in the U.S. is relatively unknown

Eco-Worst
Chilean Sea Bass - The popularity of this fish that can be sold at high prices has inspired illegal fishing and significantly declined the species population. The lines used to catch the fish will often snag albatrosses (which are endangered), as well as other sea birds. If you make the decision to buy this fish, ensure it is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as being farmed sustainably.

Orange Roughy - These fish have a long life span and do not age quickly and its popularity has also decreased the population. Most countries do not have regulated procedures for catching or selling the product.

Salmon (farmed/Atlantic) - The habitat of these fish often contaminate surrounding water with chemicals and other pollutants due to being packed so densely together. The fish frequently escape and breed with or spread parasites to other wild fish.

Many of the fish on the worst list also contain warnings of high mercury or PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) levels.

The above are only samplings of the lists. You can visit the Environmental Defense website to view the entire top 10 in each category to learn which fish are given the green thumbs up and which you are best to avoid. When you click on a particular type of fish, you'll also see a list of the related fish that are ranked in the three categories. The site even provides recipes and eating/buying guides for several of the "good" fish.

» Environmental Defense

Sure you might believe your brain is telling you it really wants something fried and greasy for dinner. However, there is actually evidence there are some foods (of the non-fried and greasy variety) that will do your brain good, helping to increase memory and concentration, reduce stress levels and slow down the aging of brain cells to name a few. January is a great time to start introducing some of these foods into your diet to set the tone for the rest of your year.

One of these super-foods is the blueberry. The phyto-nutrient antioxidants contained in blueberries can help reverse the neurological effects of age-related diseases such as Alzheimers and dimentia. In fact, researchers have found that rats fed a blueberry extract for a period of time demonstrated a learning capacity and motor skills comparable to those of younger animals. In one study, scientists attributed improved cognitive performance on tests to the presence of blueberry phytochemicals in the brains of the test rats.

Blueberries have also shown evidence helping those who have experienced a stroke or suffered brain damage due to a loss of blood flow and oxygen. Scientists are hopeful that one day they'll be able to harness the powers of blueberries not only for preventative measures, but to restore cognitive and motor functions that an individual may have already lost.

Try to find locally grown blueberries at an organic market if possible, but don't close the door on this power-fruit if you can't find them fresh. Blueberries aren't currently in season, however researchers agree that fresh, frozen or canned make no difference in the benefits they offer.

» Life Extension Magazine

Previously on Ecollo, we offered gift suggestions that will keep your child active. As it turns out, kids aren’t the only ones who will benefit from this type of present. The latest trend in Christmas gifts are those that reduce stress, or increase exercise and nutrition.

Some of the suggestions in the CNN article are great ideas; others may require tip-toeing around to ensure you won’t offend or send the wrong message. For example, if you send a woman to a dietician or give a weight loss cookbook to someone who hasn’t requested it, expect to be frozen out (no matter how much you reassure her you don’t think she’s fat). Instead try sessions with a “nutritional consultant” if one has expressed the interest in healthy eating or a healthy living cookbook rather than one focused on weight loss.

Additional gift suggestions to promote a healthy lifestyle:

☆ Yoga DVD with yoga mat, water bottle and a headband

☆ Any other type of fitness equipment or clothing for an activity that an individual has shown interest in. In-line skates, athletic shoes, a new swimsuit, fitness clothing, etc.

☆ Nike + iPod Sport Kit – A device for runners that can slipped in Nike shoes and works with your iPod to keep real-time spoken feedback, track running distance, calories burned, time and pace.

☆ Enrolment in an activity or class an individual has expressed a desire to learn

☆ Hot stone facial

☆ Couples massage. Not only do you de-stress, you give a person the gift of time with someone they love.

Note that if you aren’t completely sure, a fitness-related gift may sit in a closet, unused if the person on the receiving end has never expressed the interest in participating in the related activity. Fitness requires effort and therefore, an interest in the activity in question. Gifts such as spa treatments may be more well-received in some cases because they invite luxury and relaxation.

Things you never give your significant other unless she asks for it

I don’t care how much she whines about feeling fat, wanting to get in shape or start eating better. No man should ever assume he’s being helpful and give his wife/girlfriend/life partner the following unless specifically directed to:

☆ Membership to a gym

☆ Exercise equipment (An exercise ball for “stretching” is fine. A treadmill is not.)

☆ Bathroom scale

☆ Weight Watchers or any other diet cookbook

☆ While we’re on the topic, membership to Weight Watchers or any other weight loss program

» CNN Health

There are several reasons you may choose to do your own oil changes, but if it's a task you choose to undertake yourself, you'll want to ensure you're familiar with proper disposal instructions of to avoid causing any harm to the environment in the process.

Why you need to be so careful
Making a small mistake can be costly to the earth - the seemingly small amount of used oil from one vehicle is substantial enough to pollute one million gallons of fresh water. Not only does this pose a problem for drinking water, it can also harm animals such as birds, whose feathers become stuck from the substance. Oil is not easily degradable and contains toxic chemicals and heavy metals.

Why you should recycle it
The reasons listed above are just a start; making sure your used oil ends up in a safe place not only prevents these types of problems from occurring, it also means it can be used again. Used oil can be turned into new oil at a refinery, processed into fuel oils or used as raw materials. In fact, one gallon of the stuff provides the same two-and-a-half quarts of lubricating oil as 42 gallons of crude oil.

If every single person who changes their own oil were to recycle it, the amount would be provide enough motor oil for 50 million vehicles each year, helping to significantly reduce dependency on foreign oil.

What can be recycled
Motor oil from your car, truck, motorcycle, boat, lawn mower and farm equipment can all be recycled.

How to recycle your oil
When you drain the used oil from its filter, makes sure you use a container that has not previously been used for household chemicals  is safe from leakage and that has a lid that seals properly.

Check around at your local car maintenance shops to see if they recycle used motor oil or know of a disposal facility that you can take it to. You can also check the Filter Council website for more information regarding proper recycling tips for used oil.

» Environmental Protection Agency