Youtube is a huge phenomena that has taken over the video world.  Every aspect of your life can be taped and uploaded to the internet for the world to see.  But, what if you were more specifically interested in videos that related to the environment?  Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a site that ran the same way as Youtube, but only discussed issues regarding the green side of life?

emPivot is just that! emPivot states that, “it is the online network for green video.”  I would definitely rather watch videos about saving the environment than continuously reading articles relating to it.  The site allows you to search for videos based on the most recent, most viewed, etc. along with specific categories including energy & climate, green building and the list goes on.

This site is its own little community.  You can sign up to be a part of it as an individual, business or organization.  All are welcome!  Anyone can upload videos, but make sure that they are specifically green related media or the video will be flagged and removed. emPivot believes in their site and wants it to be used for what it is intended.

In particular, emPivot wants to represent choice; the choice to educate yourself to become part of the solution instead of the problem.

Be sure and check it out!

Since it is the middle of winter, I feel it fitting that I do some research regarding eco-friendly snowboarding and skiing.  If you haven’t ever skied or snowboarded then this will hopefully help you entertain the idea of buying green equipment.  If you currently ski or snowboard, then maybe this will open your eyes to greener alternatives.

Arbor is a company that takes pride in moving toward environmental conservation.  Their snowboards are made from eco-friendly wood sources and prove to be lighter than the average snowboard.  When making the boards they try and use as many organic materials as possible.

The site states that they are committed to:

• Using forest products that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
• Being conscientious about the environment in designing our products.
• Giving back to the environment and the environmental movement.

Another eco-friendly option is Venture.  Venture is also a snowboard manufacturing company that strives toward conservation of the environment.  Not only is their entire operation ran by wind power, but they are also becoming a member of 1% for the Planet, which means that one percent of their business will go to preserving the environment.  They strive to use recycled and sustainable products while providing the quality and performance that you deserve.

Snowboard maintenance is very important to keep the board in tip top shape.  This includes waxing your board every three trips.  Typical snowboard wax is made with toxic chemicals such as perflurorchemicals (PFC’s).  Once you are on the slopes, these chemicals are being transferred to the snow and then into the waterways after the snow melts, which is horrible for the environment.

Instead of the usual snowboard wax try:

Beaverwax – contains all environmentally friendly additives, which repel water and reduce friction.

Enviro Mountain Wax – for $15.97, this wax is also eco-friendly and is made from renewable resources.  Plus it naturally enhances the speed and control of the board.

Why wouldn’t you want to preserve the mountainous land that gives you the opportunity to do what you love?  Without the environment this wouldn’t be an option.  Make sure to open your eyes.  With technology, just about anything has green alternatives, so take advantage!!

Today I was at the grocery store and I saw something that made me smile.  Two out of 10 people were putting their bought items in reusable bags!  I know it is only 2 out of 10, but it is catching on, so jump on the bandwagon!!!

And I took notice of the bags that the one lady was using, they were from JoAnn Fabrics.  I can’t find them online or I would give you the price, but they were perfect.  They looked very sturdy and they could carry a bunch of groceries; a lot more groceries than those little bags that are usually sold at stores.

Over Christmas I bought myself Love This Planet bags, not only are they cute and stylish, but they are affordable at only $5.50 a bag.  I know they are more expensive than the bags that you see in the stores, but they hold two to three times more items and they have a solid bottom to keep the bag balanced.

If you don’t want to spend the extra money to buy reusable bags there is another option.  You can keep your plastic bags and return them to the stores.  It doesn’t have to be the store you got them from though, so that is convienient.  Most of the stores have bins available when you walk in or you can take your used bags to the customer service desk.

Let me know what you think about buying and having reusable bags!!!

One thing I absolutely can’t stand is having stuff that I don’t use, so i have been going through all my things and getting rid of a lot. Well I came across a bunch of CDs that I don’t listen to anymore.  With technology these days music is played from either your computer, ipod or mp3 player.  All of these CDs are already on my ipod and portable hard drive, so they are definitely not necessary to have anymore and are just taking up space.  Online I found a bunch of different ieas for your old CDs and I picked a few of my favorites.

Mosaic: You can break the CDs up and turn them into a creative mosaic.

DiscsforDogs.org: Donate your used CD’s and DVD’s to help support dogs and cats at the local SPCA.  CDs are made of polycarbonate which does not degrade in landfills, therefore the need to be recycled.  This organization takes in used CD’s and DVD’s and sells them for $1.00 each and 100% of the profits goes to the SPCA.  This isn’t a lot, but anything helps.  The instructions are very easy to follow and they reimburse you for shipping!  Hence, it’s free!

Clock: Make your old CD’s into a clock for your room.  All you need is a CD, paint markers, clockworks and a metal washer (the one that is supplied with the clockworks won’t be big enough).  Check out how to make it here.

I bought a bunch of CDs a couple years ago and I just finished putting them on my hard drive, so I will be sending those to DiscforDogs.org.  With all of my burned CDs, I am going to try and make a mosaic. I’ll keep you updated!

A few months ago I was searching for a green hosting site and I came across HostPapa. I did research on a couple other green hosting services and HostPapa seemed to be the best choice. I have been using HostPapa to host one of my sites for 3 months and everything has been perfect. It was extremely easy to setup the site and I haven’t had a problem. People are skeptical about green energy because they feel that it might be unreliable, when in fact it is just as reliable as any other hosting company.

HostPapa can be used for as low as $4.95 a month. Here are a few more features:

• 100% Green Energy Web Hosting
• Unlimited Web Hosting
• Unlimited Data Transfer
• Host unlimited domains on one account
• Free Setup – No hidden fees
• Free domain for life

A second green hosting service is Good Avocado. They also have unlimited disk storage and bandwidth along with 100% uptime guarantee. And the best part…they are powered by wind energy! Check them out for more information.

If we compare packages with a well known hosting company called Go Daddy, then both of the green hosting companies above take the cake.

Go Daddy’s Unlimited Plan can be used for only as low as $12.74 a month and contains:

• Unlimited Data
• Unlimited Transfer
• Unlimited Web Sites
• Unlimited Number of MySQL Databases

If you choose HostPapa or Good Avocado over Go Daddy, you will be getting the same package for about $7.00 less a month. PLUS you are hosting you site with green energy!!!

Saving money and helping the environment!!!