Posts Tagged ‘environment’
The World of Ground Source & Air Source Heat Pumps
I’ve been fortunate to be in the position to build my own house, and when I say build I mean 80% project manage and 20% get my hands dirty as and when I can. I decided that building in the 21st century meant that I could and should embrace all things sustainable, which includes looking at renewable energy and examining the options.
I’m on vacation but I still have guest bloggers to highlight while I recharge my rechargeable batteries. (Ha! Get it?)
Today I have a guest post from the UK, Thomas O’Rourke, sharing some information on WEEE recycling in his country.
****
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive) became a UK law in January 2007. The primary purpose of this regulation is to attempt to reduce production of electrical and electronic equipment by promoting the benefits of reusing and recycling such resources. WEEE recycling not only enriches the future outlook for natural resources and the environment, but also improves the business performance and cost effectiveness of electronics manufacturing. Companies who are directly involved in the manufacture or sales of electrical equipment and electronics must comply with these regulations by registering on a producer compliance scheme and following certain criteria for selling, manufacturing and disposing of such materials and products.
It’s been over a year since I made to the switch from a gas mower to a push reel thanks to EcoMowers.com. (See me review it here on You Tube.)
I live on an acre, though up until this year only about half of it was mowed. We had seven trees removed in the early spring, so guess what? I have way more than a half acre to mow. I don’t add any chemicals, I just let it do whatever it’s going to do. I like to keep it tidy. Did you know that mowed down weeds look like grass? Mine do, anyway! I weed some of the more pesky buggers by hand.
I know, I know, everything these days is BAD. Chemicals are everywhere, difficult to avoid. We try to do our best for our families by using the least amount of chemicals, but sometimes, chemicals do the best job. Or do they?
Take laundry. Early last year I made the switch to 7th Generation laundry detergent. (Unscented, I never use scented cleaning products.) I have a great front loader washer and it doesn’t need more than a tablespoon or two to do the job well. Throw in a little Borax or vinegar, and you are good to go. However, laundry detergents from 7th Generation or Method are not 100% chemical free, you need to know that. They do contain chemicals like SLS, though in smaller amounts, I believe. What’s the alternative?
