GreenHackz » Going Green

How To Build A Homemade Windmill

jdrohn74 — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 03:04:22 +0000

I just found a pretty cool site on how to build a homemade windmill! I’ve thought about building one for a while now but haven’t really been able to put the time into it.

Earth4Energy has a pretty good section on homemade windmills but I’ve yet to find a place that I could really put one. The electricity and wiring wouldn’t be a problem, or so I’d think. It would just be difficult to put in in a location that gets enough wind to justify it.

Then again, I live in northern Pennsylvania and we get snow for about 5 months out of the year – so wind power might be a better alternative than solar anyway!

Anyway, check out homemade windmill if you’re interested! The site has lots of good tips and tricks!

Jump On The Green Bandwagon!

Courtney — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:07:58 +0000

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!!!

Reuse Your Old CDs

Courtney — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:49:28 +0000

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!

Everyday Products And Services To Help Green Your Life

Courtney — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:03:45 +0000

Every few weeks, I plan to update my list of eco-friendly products and services that you see below. This list allows people to jump between my posts a lot easier depending on what they are looking for. The links next to the items will take you to my posts, but each post has links to buy the products or find further information on the services.

Again, I am just trying to make it as easy as possible to help you put a little green in your life. Enjoy!

PRODUCTS

Browser

Flock: Eco-Edition (Free)

Office/School Supplies

Kitchen

Bathroom

Misc.

Vehicles

100% Electric Car by Tesla Motors

Cleaning Supplies

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

SERVICES

Reuse Your Holiday and Birthday Cards!

Courtney — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:59:52 +0000

Every year I keep all of the holiday cards, birthday cards, etc. that I receive because they are just too nice and thoughtful to throw away. But, how many times do you go back and look at them? Not often. I’ve got quite the stack of cards, so I figured there had to be a way to turn them into something useful. Here are some thoughts…

First, you can cut them into name tags for your Christmas presents this year. Creative and saving money!!

Second, you can cut them and make them into a collage. This would serve as original holiday cards to send to your friends and family. A money saver once again.

Lastly, you can make them into coasters. I found a lady at Etsy.com that transforms old holiday cards into seasonal coasters. Take a collection of cards and make them into a unique pattern. Brush a layer of PVC glue over them and back them with cork. Ta Da!! Easy, recycled Christmas presents.

The Right Path For The Environment Does Not Have A “Trail”

Courtney — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:04:15 +0000

Here are a few easy tips to help the environment everyday.

1. Click no when the ATM and gas pump ask you if you want a receipt. I used to take the receipt just because I have always been taught to do so for records. But if you think about it how many times do you really go back and look at it? I would just crumple it up and throw it away…absolutely useless.

2. If you receive a newspaper, see if there is an online subscription available. If you enjoy having a newspaper in front of you with your coffee in the morning then just make sure it is recycled after use.

3. Have your employer direct deposit your paycheck. This method is often preferred because the check is immediately available in your account and cannot be lost in the mail. Plus no wasted paper!

4. Pay you bills electronically. I pay all of my bills online and it is easier. You don’t worry about your payments not making it or being late. You will receive emails when the payments are due and you can send them in whenever you have time and on whatever day you want.

5. Receive your bank statements electronically as well. In this instance, you will also receive an email when your statements are available. You can review these statements at your convenience and as often as you want.