Green Living | National Geographic

How to Give Vegetarian Protein Food to Toddlers

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:23:52 +0800

Whether you're raising a vegetarian child or just incorporating more meatless meals into the menu, plant-based protein is vital to your toddler's health -- but his nutritional needs must come before your personal dietary preferences. Michelle Davenport, nutrition researcher at New York University School of Medicine, says, "Kids, and babies especially, need a diet with enough calories, protein and micronutrients -- calcium and iron -- to support their physical growth and mental development." Ensuring adequate nutrients from a plants-only diet takes excruciating attention to detail, and Davenport doesn't recommend a vegan diet for young kids. She does, however, support the inclusion of more vegetarian proteins within a well-rounded diet, and some creativity in the kitchen may improve the chances of a favorable reception.

Can I Compost Meat?

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:31:37 +0800

Composting is a simple, easy, inexpensive and effective way to dispose of yard and kitchen waste. Suitable yard waste for composting includes grass, leaves, garden plants and wood chips. Beneficial kitchen scraps include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grinds and crushed egg shells. In general, composting meat, dairy and oily foods is not recommended (see References 3). However, this rule has some exceptions.

Gray Water Laws for Camping

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:34:55 +0800

Gray water includes any used water that is nontoxic, such as water used for bathing that contains biodegradable soap residue (see References 1). Gray water disposal laws vary across the U.S., depending on the specific park or forest where you're camping. Check regulations ahead of time to ensure you bring all necessary supplies. When in doubt, call the campground or department in charge of overseeing the area so you can honor the local laws.

How to Moisten Compost

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:33:21 +0800

A compost pile turns grass clippings, dead leaves, food waste and other organic materials into a rich soil amendment when the materials are mixed in the proper ratio and maintained correctly. The Utah State University Extension advises a moisture level between 40 and 65 percent to ensure rapid and thorough composting in your pile. Monitoring the moisture level by feel provides a sufficient gauge to determine the water needs of your pile for successful composting. (See References 2)

Information About Nonrenewable Resources

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:33:05 +0800

Nonrenewable resources are raw materials, which take long periods of time to form. (See References 1) Most energy producing nonrenewable resources are fossil fuels, which take thousands to millions of years to form. Fossil fuels develop when carbon, from decomposed plants and animals buried in soil, experiences geologic pressure and heat. Over time, this carbon converted into the fossil fuels that we now use to generate energy. (See References 2 & 3)

Greenhouse Effect on the Climate & Global Warming

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:32:28 +0800

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon by which certain gases in the atmosphere prevent re-emitting of solar radiation back into space. The burning of fossil fuels produces huge quantities of carbon dioxide, an important greenhouse gas. Most scientists say that human production of greenhouse gases is responsible for global temperature increases observed since the mid-20th century (see References 2, page 5).

How to Compost Correctly

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:33:26 +0800

Compost happens -- from farmers' fields to the forest floor, soil microbes break down dead plant and animal material into soil organic matter, all without fancy bins and tumblers or understanding the meaning of terms like carbon-nitrogen ratio. In nature, however, composting can be a slow process. Many gardeners want compost for their gardens quickly, in a matter of months or even weeks. For these gardeners, paying closer attention to what goes into the pile and how they handle the pile can make the process far more time-efficient. (See References 1)

How to Pack Eco-Friendly Baggage

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:32:44 +0800

Hollywood celebrity Joan Collins travels with 30 bags, comparing herself to a packhorse as she drags clothes, accessories and household goods between her residences in London and California. Skycaps groan under the trolleys of her Louis Vuitton luggage monogrammed "J.C." (See References 1) Packing eco-friendly baggage involves basically looking at how Joan approaches packing her bags and doing the opposite.

Explanation of Wind Turbines

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:33:19 +0800

Wind turbines, also called windmills, harness the power of the wind to produce electricity. When used commercially, groups of wind turbines are erected to form a wind farm capable of powering entire neighborhoods. The amount of energy generated depends on the size of the wind turbine and the wind speed in the area.

Organic Control for Pavement Ants in the House

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:33:01 +0800

Pavement ants tend to invade homes in the winter in search of food and water, though they can enter at any time of year (see References 1). Environmentally friendly methods of removing them can take more time than commercial pesticides, but a well-rounded approach will eradicate and prevent infestations.

How to Get the Best Fuel Economy

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:31:34 +0800

Buying a newer, fuel-efficient vehicle like a hybrid can increase your fuel economy significantly, but you can take several steps to get the most gas mileage from the vehicle you already own (see References 1). Something as simple as using the right grade of motor oil can improve fuel economy by 1 or 2 percent (see References 2). Getting the best gas mileage is a matter of combining commonsense driving habits with proper vehicle maintenance, both of which extend your car's useful life and increase your safety while saving fuel (see References 3).

How Does Used Motor Oil Pollute?

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:30:37 +0800

Over time, the oil that lubricates motors -- whether in cars, boats, lawnmowers or farm equipment -- picks up impurities. These impurities limit the lubricating properties of synthetic and petroleum-based oils, and ultimately, they must be replaced with new motor oil. (See Reference 1) Any time used motor oil escapes from an engine crankcase, it has the potential to pollute the environment.

Growing Foods on Balconies

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:23:18 +0800

Approximately 15 percent of the world’s food supply is nurtured and grown in urban settings, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (See Reference 5) A balcony is a great space to grow a miniature food garden. A few well-placed containers and a hanging basket is all you need to transform your urban nook and start growing herbs and vegetables.

Things to Do With Solar Lights

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:35:03 +0800

Solar lights collect energy from the sun throughout the day via solar cells, then store the light in a battery for use at night. In some systems, each individual lighting instrument also contains the solar cells and batteries. Those types of solar lights work best when placed in a location that receives full exposure to outdoor sunlight. In other systems, the lights are wired to a separate component that collects and stores the solar energy until nightfall. In either case, these lamps' nightly run time will depend on how much sunlight they receive during the day (see References 1).

How Do I Recycle & Go Green?

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:31:32 +0800

Deciding to green your life means finding effective ways to reduce your energy consumption while increasing the number of products you recycle or reuse in your home. The goal of going green is to significantly reduce your family's contribution to waste production, greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of natural resources. Recycling is an important part of going green --- it keeps waste out of landfills by turning materials, such as glass and paper, into resources that can be processed into new materials. Start going green by making small changes around your home.

Description of the Greenhouse Effect

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:32:40 +0800

Each time you turn on a light or back your car out of the driveway, you affect the pace of global climate change. Climate change scientists routinely use phrases, such as "greenhouse effect" and "greenhouse gases," which can make it difficult to understand the reasoning behind behaviors aimed at slowing climate change. While humanity couldn't exist without the greenhouse effect, the cumulative impact of all the people on the planet intensifies the phenomenon.

Recycling Ideas for Used Pajamas

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:34:11 +0800

Americans, on average, throw away about 70 pounds of clothing and other fabrics annually, according to the non-profit Council for Textile Recycling. (See Reference 1) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that just over 13 million tons of the municipal waste stream, or 5.3 percent, consists of textiles including cotton, wool, nylon linen and fleece. (See Reference 2) Do your part to avoid contributing to this waste by repurposing used pajamas.

How to Keep Your Home Green While You're Away

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:32:46 +0800

An empty house while you're away doesn't need to gulp energy; just a little sip now and then is all your home needs in your absence. You can create a checklist ahead of the morning of your departure so that in the bustle of getting ready to go, you don't forget things to turn off or adjust. Lowered utility bills and peace of mind are your reward for making green efforts at both ends of your trip, home and away.

How to Get Rid of Termites in a Compost Pile

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:34:50 +0800

Many insects inhabit compost piles, and in general their activity is beneficial (see References 1). Termites, for example, can turn slow-composting chipped wood or brush into powdery organic material in a matter of weeks (see References 4). However, termites in your compost are likely to colonize your home, causing serious damage to wooden portions of the structure. For that reason, if you find termites in your pile they should be eradicated. Pesticides are effective but undesirable in compost. Greener approaches include prevention, heating your compost pile and encouraging predation.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Organic Bath Salts

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:32:12 +0800

If you enjoy soaking in salt baths but shudder at the lurid colors and chemical smells of drugstore products, consider making your own blends. An all-natural, homemade bath salt soak can be as simple as tossing a handful of Epsom salts into the tub. Alternatively, add minerals, natural scents and organically grown botanicals and oils into your bath to increase the benefits and fragrance. If you garden organically, consider reserving herbs and flowers -- such as basil, thyme, roses, chamomile and lavender -- to dry and crumble into your custom bath blend. Make a batch large enough to see you through several months. (See References 2)