Greetings!
The leaves are changing and, once again,
summer is waving its final goodbyes. As we get ready for the cooler
seasons ahead, how can we make sure we are doing so in a greener, healthier
way?
Fans of wintertime are eagerly awaiting
the blustery months. But the cold belongs outside, so make the most of the inevitable by prepping yourself, your home
and your transportation. A winter wonderland is more welcome when you've got an energy-efficient abode, a safe ride, and a happy, hydrated body!
Did you know? Our featured products and businesses are 100%
paid-placement free. They are solely intended to represent the
views of the SustainLane community. |
 Featured Product: EcoFan
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 Here's an invention so simple and
brilliant we could kick ourselves for not thinking of it first! EcoFan is an elegant
sculptural piece that sits on your heater or wood-burning stove and circulates
heat throughout your home. Excuse the pun, but we're fans of anything
that helps save money on our heating bill, especially since a lower
heating bill equals a smaller carbon footprint! Click for EcoFan Beautiful form and fabulous function  "This lovely little fan appears to
have originally been designed to sit atop your wood-burning stove and
blow the heat across the room. However, I lived in a chilly, drafty
San Francisco Victorian with an old-school gas radiator in one room
(to heat the WHOLE place). My creative roommate put one of these on
top of the heater and, voila. . ." click to read more- Val J.What do you think? Tell us at SustainLane.com!
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Winterize Your Ride
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 If you're gearing up for a cold winter,
remember to gear up your car too. Getting your car ready for winter
doesn't need to be an extravaganza of chemicals and wastefulness.
Just take a look at these great ways to be green -- and winter-ready...
1. Change the oil - You can do
it yourself and follow Adam W.'s tips on recycling old oil or you
can call around and ask your local shops whether they recycle oil responsibly.
2. Put on some snow tires - Heavy duty
tires can save your life in snowy, icy conditions. And when your tires
kick the bucket, make sure they go to tire heaven -- recycle! Then,
next spring, fill your garden with amazing rubber mulch, made from old
tires, to complete the circle.
3. Wax on - Give your car a pre-winter
waxing. It helps protect your paint job and prevents rust on metal
parts. Optimum Michael K. thinks Car Wax is a great product because you can shine
your whole car in less than 15 minutes without harsh chemicals.
4. Anti-freeze, the right way - Did
you know that a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water will work just as
well and make your antifreeze last longer? Disposing of antifreeze is
not as simple as pouring it down the drain, so make sure to recycle
old or unused fluid.
Agree? Disagree? Blog about it at SustainLane.com!
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Featured Business: Ultra Touch
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These days, there are greener (or should
we say bluer?) options for home insulation. Made from recycled natural
fibers like denim, Ultra Touch is a great product for insulation and
sound absorption. Easy to handle and fungi resistant, Ultra Touch is
also an excellent pest and mildew inhibitor. Click for Ultra Touch
Easy to use, may be hard to find  "Ultratouch is very easy to work
with. We installed the R22 under our kitchen (an enclosed porch). It
cut and tore easily and, so far, is insulating the floor well. There
was some dust. . ." click to read more- Jessica C.What do you think of Ultra Touch? Share your review
at SustainLane.com.
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Spotlight: DIY Keeping Warm And
Cozy
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 The best part of winter is feeling
cozy, despite the conditions. After all, nobody wants to live in a freezer.
But keeping things toasty on the home front can take a little work.
If you keep your eye on energy conservation, it's even possible to have a
comfy home plus more money in the bank. Here are some practical
and fun ways to stretch your heating dollar...
Practical:
- We know you've heard it before, but, hey, Mom knows best. Put on a sweater!
- Clean out your vents before
you turn on your heater to prevent allergies.
- Insulate your walls
and your water heater to keep heat where it belongs -- and your energy
bill in check.
- Change your filter
regularly to keep your heater working efficiently.
- Check for drafts and make
sure your doors and windows are sealed tight.
Fun:
Have other ideas to stay warm? We
want to hear from you. Post your comments at SustainLane.com
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Staff Pick: Seasonal Skin Care Tips
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Our favorite fall fruit is the pumpkin. It's wonderful moisturizing
properties soothe our scaliest winter skin. Check out this great pumpkin skincare recipes, and click for some more winter skin tips.
Click for Winter-proof Skin
Fall Skincare Tips Using Pumpkin
 "The fall season is all about change. As the leaves change color and
fall from their branches, it is a good idea to 'fall out' of your old
skincare habits and make subtle changes to help you look and feel your
best as the days grow shorter.. . ." click to read more- Reenita M.
Have something to add? Share your
knowledge at SustainLane.com. |
| Get 30% off at Indigenous Designs
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Indigenous DesignsGet 30% off beautiful clothing hand knit by artisans and made from the finest natural, organic fibers.
Coupon Code: IDSUST2
Click here to redeem coupon
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Offer Expires: 12/31/2008
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Weatherproof News
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Winterize Your Kitty or K-9
Maybe he's got a nice fur coat to
wear, but what else does Scruffy need to be ready for winter? Find out.
Stay Warm, Look Cool, Be Green
Humans need winterizing too. Super
stylin' hemp coats are all the rage with eco-chic fashionistas. Take
a look.
Chores For You, Direct From Kalamazoo
This Michigan newspaper has put together
a list of 25 things you can do to get ready for winter this year. Better
get cracking...
Or Stick With Seattle...
With only five great ways to save money
and energy this winter, this "top 5" green city shows us how it's
done in the Northwest. Read on.
Inspired to discuss a story? Post
your comments at SustainLane.com.
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Video: A Green Winter Garden
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When the leaves have fallen and the
ground is covered with snow, your yard doesn't have to be a colorless,
barren tundra. Learn what plants can give you a splash of green even
in the dead of winter.
Click to watch video |
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| SustainLane 2008 U. S. City Rankings |
Want to know where your city ranks in terms of sustainability? Check out the brand new 2008 U.S. City Rankings to find out.
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| Sponsored Business: Indigenous Designs
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What their customers are saying: "I love Indigenous. They are true pioneers in the organic + fair trade
apparel movement. I've seen them grow since they started in 1994..." - Tristin G. Click for Indigenous Designs |
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