Although an item may possess the ability to biodegrade, that does not ensure that it will. It is the environment that will either enable or prevent the bio-degradation of any object.

Grapes and corncobs in decent shape have been found in landfills decades after they were thrown out. Whether or not an object is natural, the anaerobic environment of landfills are clearly not suited for the natural breakdown of organic waste.

This is what makes composting important not only for the health of your garden, but as a measure of waste reduction. Even if you don’t own a yard, there are many ways you can compost inside your cozy abode, whether a condo or a studio apartment.

While indoor composting machines exist, one of the most popular and cheapest methods is to “hire” a team of worms. Red wiggler worms are the best, as they are naturally suited to create rich humus out of organic matter – in other words, they make black gold from your food scraps.

Naturally, you may feel a tad skeptical at the thought of housing a bunch of worms in your house. You needn’t worry, however, as it easy to make a worm bin, some about the size of a standard trashcan, where the worms can do their work without interference, while remaining out of the way so as not to inconvenience you. But if you have a garage or shed, you could always place your worm bin there instead.

Benefits of composting indoors, especially using a worm bin, include the ability to compost year-round, using relatively little space. It could also lead to the development of healthier eating habits, as you begin to gravitate towards food that are suitable for the worms.

Worms do well on fruit and vegetable scraps (but no leeks, garlic, or onions), coffee grounds, tea bags, and even egg cartons and pizza box cardboard (just not the pizza itself). They do not, however, appreciate meat or dairy. A few whiffs and you would probably agree. Nor do they feed on glossy paperboard.

Even if you don’t grow your own plants, live in an apartment, or have limited to no access to outdoor space, there are still benefits your composting efforts. Quite simply, it tremendously cuts down on the amount of waste sent to the landfill. There is no need to be throwing a great portion of our items in the trash, when they could be given a meaningful purpose creating nutrients for the earth and its occupants.

If you don’t intend to use the compost yourself, check to see if your city has a composting program and if it does, by all means use it. If not, see if your friends could benefit from your compost in their own homes and gardens. Otherwise, you could likely sell it for a decent amount of money at a local garden shop.

Source -Stephanie Davies, Composting Inside & Out, Betterway Home Books, 2011
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Candlelight emits a relaxing glow, but store bought candles can be expensive.

They can also have an overpowering scent or be laden with toxins that can be released into the air when burned.

Making your own candles allows control over the ingredients, scent and presentation.

There are some general techniques for candle crafting. Container candles basically involve melting the wax and slowly pouring it into a heat safe container. Candles made in molds require a bit more effort, especially when applying advanced techniques, but it is a skill worth learning.

Hand dipped candles take some time to complete but can be made into smaller ones for things like birthday cakes or larger taper candles. Rolled candles can be made with beeswax sheets which are flexible and easy to work with, especially when warmed.

All types can result in attractive, flickering works of art.

Waxes can be purchased in different sizes, such as in blocks, chips or sheets. When selecting a wax, choose additive-free natural blends to avoid burning chemicals along with your candle, as petroleum or paraffin based ones can emit dangerous fumes. Palm oil wax, beeswax and soybean waxes are natural varieties that do not put off smoke as some cheaply made commercial varieties do. Candles made from these materials usually burn longer, more consistently and are also completely biodegradable.

When using waxes, be sure to note what it is specified to get the best results. Consider what you are trying to achieve when choosing a candle wax to work with. For instance, the soybean chips that are available for use in molds may be different from the wax that is needed to make container candles. Mold or pillar candles require a different blend as melt and pour waxes are a softer type of wax.

Use precaution when making candles because wax is extremely flammable and should not be left unattended. A wax thermometer is a good investment so you can keep a close eye on the temperature.

Things like heat proof glass jars can be reused for candle containers. Recycled cans and pails are also good choices. Even seashells can be filled with poured wax and a wick can be inserted near the middle for an interesting display. Candle molds can be purchased in endless varieties, or you can repurpose used containers into candle molds. Dipped or rolled candles can be displayed in any holder that may be lying around, however keep in mind these may drip wax as they burn.

Additionally, remember that the candlewick is as important as the wax. Some unregulated candles may still be made with wicks that contain lead or may be coated in chemicals. You can make your own natural wick by dipping pure cotton twine in wax, letting it dry and snipping it into the needed size.

Pure essential oils can be stirred into wax just before pouring, and wicks can be dipped in them and dried before use for an aromatic bonus. Let candles sit for 24 hours or at least overnight before burning so that the wax has a chance to solidify.

Candlemaking is a handy and economical pursuit, since the wax is never wasted as most of it can be re-melted and reused. Also, knowing how to create your own supplies is useful. Crafting your own candles can make you feel glowingly self-reliant.

Source: Hicks, S. 2010. Don’t Burn Toxic Candles!

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I have tried one of these at a green trade show – it’s a computer mouse made of cork.

That means biodegradable but more interestingly developers have seized on the idea that movement of the mouse can generate electricity. Precisely what the cork mouse from Inhabitat does. Kinaesthetically your hand movements are producing electricity, somewhat like the Kinetic watches that were big in the 1990s.

What role do gadgets like these have? Some argue these are mere fashion statements – they are half right.

A cork mouse may well be a trendy stocking filler but it does send a statement out about how electricity is produced and how we might conserve it.

I do share the view that we cannot allow green technology to remain a niche market, and to some extent gadgets such as mouses made of cork do perpetuate the fanciful rather than the functional.

Yet if we are to re-think the concept of energy then where better than through an object most of us are using every day. The technical scope of cork is limited, Portugal should not be holding its breathe that cork exports might just save the planet. Yet the scope for changing attitudes is infinite. The next invention in electricity generation will come from he or she who took inspiration from little eccentricities such as these.

I’m struck by what else we might be able to use to generate electricity, already I am thinking of the power in using technology around us for a green purpose.

Blackle, in fact, is an example in itself. Search engines already exist, but drawing attention to energy conservation via search technology is a good use of existing technology. The cork mouse, in its one sweet way, is a further example of building on that dynamic. The developers don’t say whether this mouse has a wheel, but surely a wheel would be more suitable for a hamster, not a mouse.

Image: www./inhabitat.com

Puma presents their newest concept of sustainable footwear, apparel and accessories for Spring/ Summer 2013.

The product will be sold to help its consumers reduce waste and lessen their personal environmental footprints.

PUMA will be launching a collection of shoes, apparel and accessories that are either biodegradable or recyclable.

When consumers return the used goods to PUMA’s “Bring Me Back Program,” the work will be done for them. With the PUMA “InCycle” collection set to hit stores in Spring/ Summer 2013, PUMA will take the first step toward reducing the environmental footprint of its consumers’ disposal.

By taking on the challenge of launching an entire line that is either biodegradable or recyclable PUMA is making noise and wants to be heard.

The PUMA InCycle collection includes the Lifestyle Sneaker Basket (biodegradable), the legendary PUMA Track Jacket (recyclable), shirts (biodegradable) a backpack (recyclable) and other things. According to PUMA’s 2010 profit-and-loss statement, production of raw materials such as leather, cotton and rubber are over 50% of PUMA’s environmental impact.

PUMA took notice and wanted to begin increasing the number of products made of more sustainable materials. PUMA InCycle uses biodegradable polymers, recycled polyester, organic cotton and other biodegradables to eliminate harmful hazards.

The PUMA track jacket is made using 98% recycled PET bottles. The backpacks will be 100% polypropylene. The biodegradable athletic shoe, the “Basket,” will be made with organic cotton and linen. The sole will be made out of biodegradable plastic. Every product within the PUMA InCycle collection will be labeled under the trademarked Cradle to Cradle certification program. Cradle to Cradle is the leading “green” certification program using a multi-criteria approach to address product design and manufacture from a sustainable perspective.

But, you can’t just dump a jacket in the recycling bin or bury your worn out sneakers in your garden. With PUMA’s “Bring Me Back” program, customers can return those unwanted and worn goods to the company’s stores. PUMA then does their part and will ship the products back to their suppliers and have them recycle the goods into new products. As for biodegradable clothing, one of PUMA’s contractors will shred them at an industrial composting facility.

The PUMA InCycle collection will debut in Puma stores worldwide in February.

Image: citizenbrooklyn.com

If you haven’t noticed the onslaught of “natural/organic” products in the past few years then you have been hiding in the Himalayas. Pure products are omnipresent and it seems the “organic” industry can only get bigger. Amongst some stellar natural products, there are also some dubious impostors that claim to be something they are not. Of course the only way to truly know how natural the products are, is to make it yourself.

In a modern world there are some commercial beauty and cleaning products I cannot live without, however, there are some common natural products found in your cupboard that can rival the commercial brands. There is also satisfaction in the fact that you made it yourself and are helping the Earth one small step at a time. If you have to buy cleaning products, select products that are plant-based and biodegradable.

The following common household products can often clean as well as the commercial ones and can save you money too:

• Bicarb soda – works well on sinks and toilets and freshens as well. To clean your dishwasher, simply sprinkle the bicarb soda into the base of the dishwasher, underneath the roll-out trays. Then run it through a full cycle, without any dishes in it.
• Vinegar – and water in a pump spray bottle for cleaning mirrors and shining chrome
• Eucalyptus oil – can be used to keep insects and bugs at bay. Add 3 drops of eucalyptus oil, 3 drops of lavender oil & 3 drops of basil oil and use as an oil vaporizer or diffuser.
• Salt – use to clean and shine copper or brass surfaces, make a paste out of equal parts of salt, flour, and vinegar. Rub on with a soft cloth, let sit for about 1 hour, then wipe off and buff with a clean, soft cloth.
• Lemon juice – acts as a natural bleaching agent. Put lemon juice onto white linens and clothing and allow them to dry in the sun. Stains will be bleached away.

Other tips for a more natural existence at home:

• Use dishwasher detergents that are free of chlorine bleach and low in phosphates.
• Use bathroom cleaners that are free of aerosol propellants and antibacterial agents.
• Avoid air fresheners – consider how you can eliminate odour problems rather than just covering them up.
• Use reusable unbleached cotton towels, rags, and non-scratch scrubbing sponges for all-purpose cleaning instead of bleached disposable paper products.

Pests can be controlled without the use of toxic chemicals. The best start to controlling pests is prevention.

Easy non-toxic ways to prevent pests:

• Keep your home as clean as possible – particularly food areas.
• When storing winter clothing, use cedar blocks or bags of cedar chips hung with your clothes – avoid mothballs that contain dichloro benzene or naphthalene, which are toxic and can contribute to respiratory problems.
• Use mouse or rat traps instead of baits.

Plastic bags last for five hundred to a thousand years