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Australia’s newest online publication and directory for the green industry is running a competition. To win though, you must take action!

In 25 words or less…
What would you give up today to be greener and why?

Click here to enter

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Competition – Online Eco Friendly Journal, News and Directory.

Biofuel is fuel derived from renewable sources, especially biomass. It consists of materials from flora fauna, and micro-organisms, such as sugar cane, soya, and agricultural waste. It is usually turned into gas (methane) or liquid fuel (ethanol) for use in engines. It is often mixed with petroleum, with details of exactly how much printed on the bottle.

More information …

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Each week the average Australian household generates up to 800 litres of washing and cleaning water. With many Australian cities and regional centres enduring drought conditions the opportunity to correctly recycle water used in cleaning and washing is vital, and when done correctly, it can be used for watering plants and gardens, flushing toilets, washing cars and much more.

However, users beware; not all greywater is created equal. If the washing or cleaning detergent you have used contains phosphates, petrochemicals or non-biodegradable materials it can do more harm than good. Why you ask?

* When it enter waterways phosphates feed blue-green algae resulting in algae blooms which contribute to weed and algal slime build up.

* Petrochemicals can cause allergic reactions and take a long time to break down

* They are made from non-renewable resources

Maximise the benefits of your greywater by choosing a washing powder such as Aware Eco Choice or Sensitive Skin to ensure the water you put back into your garden is as safe as possible. When looking for a greywater friendly detergent make sure it is plant based, able to break down quickly and made from renewable resources.

Using greywater needn’t be a chore either. It can be as simple as attaching a hose from the washing machine and into a catchment bucket for later use or for the more hi-tech consumer there are treatment systems available that collect water from the laundry or shower and treats it to a suitable level for indoor use.

Follow these greywater use tips to take a ‘green’ step in the right direction:

* It is law to ensure greywater does not run onto neighbouring properties or into stormwater drains

* Don’t use greywater on vegie patches or food plants you intend to eat raw

* Cool water from hot wash cycles before using on the garden

* It is best to discard water used to wash nappies to avoid spreading diseases including Giardia

via http: www.orangepower.com.au/messages/09dec2009/web.html

From food and everyday household items to cars and plane flights, growing numbers of consumers want to make more sustainable choice. But not all ‘green claims’ can be trusted.

The issue

Consumers need reliable, simple and comparable information to make greener choices.

Information on product labels and in advertising can be useful for helping consumers make better decisions.

But consumers are getting bombarded by greenwash: deceptive marketing designed to portray a company or product as caring for the environment.

via Green watch with Choice.com.au.

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Light-emitting diodes LEDs really shine as an energy-efficient, long-lasting source of illumination in sensors, flashlights and video screens. For larger and more powerful LEDs to succeed in replacing incandescent and fluorescent bulbs in home and industrial lighting, however, they must be designed to better keep their cool.

via New Cooling Technology Uses Air “Bullets” to Shoot Down Overheated LEDs: Scientific American.

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In Europe diesel cars represent about 53% of the fleet and in Australia 6.5% and increasing. One could easily assume this is in part due to owners wishing to adopt “greener” motoring.  But diesels are not as green as they appear.  Only two diesel cars made it in the Australian Green Vehicle Guide top 100 cars, BMW E87 1 Series 120d and The Volkswagon Golf. The reason given for the lack of high rating diesels, their air pollution rating lets them down.

While diesel vehicles perform comparatively well on fuel consumption and produce lower levels of greenhouse emissions (CO2 being the main consideration), their contribution to air pollution (NOx and particulates) is generally higher than that of comparative petrol or LPG vehicles. Of most concern with their effect on air pollution are particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions which can cause a range of adverse health effects. These emissions are generally higher in diesel vehicles compared to petrol or gas vehicles. For the sake of clarity, the term “greenhouse”  basically refers to the health of the planet whilst “air pollution” relates to more towards direct human health.

So emissions is a bit of a mixed bag for the diesel, whilst they do have the edge in terms of greenhouse benefits that is lost in higher air pollution.

So just maybe the real attraction to diesel cars is related to the hip pocket more than clean emmissions! Diesel engine fuel consumption is about 28% less than a petrol one all else being similar, but the fuel is about 5% more expensive at the pump. This means you can save about 20% on your fuel cost by owning a diesel.

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Meet Lee Kilsby, founder of greenleap. Be inspired by her story and find out how you can make a positive difference for the environment

via YouTube – Discover greenleap planet saving products.

Add to: Facebook | Digg | Del.icio.us | Stumbleupon | Reddit | Blinklist | Twitter | Technorati | Furl | Newsvine

Green Living Guide lists consumer products that I believe are environmentally friendly. I have chosen these products based solely on their reputation and credentials.

What the manufacturer, Natural Instinct, says about the product:

Many deodorants are packed with harsh chemicals and ingredients that clog your skin. Natural Instinct Deodorant is made from all natural ingredients that won’t just mask body odour instead it actually kills the bacteria that causes body odour.

Ingredients: Purified Water, and Crystal Mineral Salts.

via Natural Instinct

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Green Living Guide lists consumer products that I believe are environmentally friendly. I have chosen these products based solely on their reputation and credentials.

What the manufacturer, Remedica Australia, says about the product:

Allez.Allez! Certified Organic

THE ORIGINAL Neem Based—Citronella Free Personal Insect Repellent

Mosquito & Fly Personal Repellent No DEET, No Citronella, No Tea Tree

Our New Certified Organic Allez.Allez! is still Australia’s First All Natural Citronella Free personal insect repellent and Still Australia’s Best!

New Certified Organic Formula for Day or Night.

This Mighty Formula is guaranteed to keep mosquitoes away and not the person sleeping next to you! A dynamic, all natural and citronella free insect repellent that not only works, but is actually kind to the skin and suitable for all ages.

Based on Australian organic and trade Neem, which not only protects from mosquitoes and flies but as a therapeutic botanical in it’s own right, has been used for centuries by various Eastern and Asian cultures as a skin nourishing agent and healing tissue tonic.

Allez.Allez is deliberately citronella free, to avoid skin sensitisation and potential photo damage and because it is such a natural and gentle product on your skin, it can be applied to any part of the body including the face day or night. Allez.Allez has a naturally fresh, citrus spice scent incorporating ingredients such as Neem oil, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Sweet Orange, Lavender and Clove in a light base of Australian organic hydrosols and Organic vegetals such as Black Sesame Seed and Macadamia Nut.

Allez.Allez is the result of extensive research into the synergistic effects of certain essential oil combinations to deter mosquitoes and flies. The formula has been “humid climate tested” in Malaysia and Indonesia.

via REMEDICa Australia – What’s New :: CERTIFIED ORGANIC Allez Allez Personal Insect Repellent Spray 100ml.

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