Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. These are three crucial actions that are top of mind with society’s heightened awareness for the need to protect our planet.

What most people don’t fully realize about making green upgrades to reduce the carbon footprint of their homes, is that it can ultimately save them a lot of money! Many eco-upgrades can be implemented quickly, easily, and on a fairly low budget; and between government incentives and savings on your energy bill, it really pays to go green right now!

• How does going green save you money?
  • Government rebates and incentives

• Here is what you can do:
  • Water conservation
  • Energy conservation
  • Energy Star appliances
  • Home Decorating

Read the rest of the article here.

Samsung recently launched a new eco-friendly cell phone: the Reclaim(MC).

This cellular phone integrates all the latest technologies while respecting the environment. Made out of 80% recyclable materials, the Reclaim(MC) is also sold in a recyclable packaging. The packaging graphics and the warranty information were even printed using a soy-based ink!

‘Samsung is determined to develop an eco-friendly technology without sacrificing function and style. The Reclaim offers consumers all the messaging functions as well as being powerful, elegant and easy to use» explains Paul Brannen, director of Samsung Electronics Canada.

As for performance, the Reclaim has nothing to envy other phones on the market with a 2 mega pixel camera equipped with 3x digital zoom, Bluetooth 2.0 functionality, a memory expandable to up to 32GB, an HTML web browser and a GPS navigation system.

The Reclaim is available through Bell Mobility for $49.95 with a 3-year contract or $219.95 without a contract.

Media Hook, a Toronto-based business, recently launched an environmentally friendly hanger called the Smart Hanger.

‘This hanger is entirely biodegradable, and contains no toxic inks or glues’ explained Leigh Meadows, the company’s president, during the launch of the product held in Toronto.

Media Hook hopes to replace traditional hangers in our homes, but also in dry cleaning businesses around the country. Leigh Meadows shared their objective of 12 million hangers distributed to Ontario dry cleaners in the first year.

The Smart Hanger is a solid triangle made entirely of cardboard fibers, with a space for a message inside the hook.

The actual version is made to hang shirts, but other models are being created for pants and jackets.

The hangers should soon be available in local stores. Media Hook is currently negotiating with department stores and hotels across Canada.

Environmental consciousness is on everyone’s mind these days, whether it be what we eat or the type of energy we consume. If you are amongst those who have this eco-mentality, you will be happy to know that ICA Solar Technology Inc. has recently launched a brand new line of solar cell phone chargers.

The iSun pocket-sized chargers will make it possible to charge your cell phone from wherever you are:  at work, at home, or even outside, all the while doing your part for the environment.  Designed for a world run by mobile phone users, these chargers can adapt to the majority of cell phones currently on the market. They will also be able to charge your GPS or your music player, which is very handy if you’re the adventurous type!

‘We are very happy to release these new solar chargers to the market, especially designed for the gigantic world of modern mobile communication. For smart phones, music players and energy hungry GPSs, the iSun will offer a simple and practical answer in order to obtain energy in a fast and economical way,’ said Sass Peress, President of ICA Solar Technology Inc.

Disneyfamily.com just declared that OrganicKidz™ stainless steel feeding bottles as the best bio and green product of its kind.

Unbreakable, and without chemicals like Biphenyl A or even PVC, these unique bottles are naturally resistant to bacteria, making sure your little one is completely safe, inside and out. Not only are these bottles respectful of the environment and of your baby’s well being, they are also very popular with celebrity parents like Charlie Sheen and Tori Spelling!

An other advantage of these bottles is that they can keep milk, or any other liquid, hot or cold for close to 6 hours – a feature that may come in handy if you take your kids out for long walks!

ICP Solar, a Montreal based company specializing in the development of solar panels, just announced its collaboration with Konarka Technologies for the launch of new solar chargers by the end of 2009. This new line of chargers will be built using Konarka’s Power Plastic, a solar plastic film that converts light into energy.

Quoted from their press release of July 21, Sass Peress, Chairman and CEO of ICP Solar said, “This relationship with Konarka is one more example of ICP Solar expanding its global reach with new, innovative technologies and partnerships to better position the company for sustained growth and profitability. We expect thousands of visitors to be at the Outdoor Retailer show this week and can think of no more appropriate venue to showcase these solar chargers, marketed under the respected Coleman® brand name. Given the uniqueness of Konarka’s OPV applications, we look forward to a long and beneficial relationship and the opportunity to offer additional low-cost, cutting edge solar solutions in the years to come.”

Their solar chargers will be showcased in ICP Solar’s kiosk during the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market taking place from July 21 to 24 in  Salt Lake City, Utah .

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090721005685&newsLang=en

A new American company called ‘Looptworks’ has just announced the launch of a clothing line created out of recycled products.

All of Looptworks’ fashion items are designed using discarded materials, in order to reduce the quantity of garbage accumulated by American homes – a new trend that should really please eco-minded people.

‘We try to prevent excess and to change the way people buy. Looptworks will not create anything new in the marketing of its products or the way the company runs. Everything will be designed and created from already existing materials’ declared Scott Hamlin, one of the founders of Looptworks.

Since the creation of this clothing line uses recycled products, each item will only be available for a limited time based on the quantity of materials sourced.

This innovative collection will comprise of 20 pieces for men and women, all created from high quality excess materials. You will find vests, skirts, camisoles or hoodies, all of which will be targeted towards surf or snowboard lovers, as well as hikers or climbers.

Unfortunately, you will have to wait until August 2009 before you will be able to your hands on these originals products, and prices will be released at the same time.

Electrolux has just announced the launch of the “Green”, a new vacuum cleaner made from recycled materials.

The “Green” uses 75% of recyclable materials (93% of those coming from recycled CD and DVD cases), is recyclable at 77%, reduces carbon emissions by 183 kg, uses 10% less electricity than other vacuums, and even emits less noise pollution. There is no wonder that Electrolux deems this to be the most eco-friendly vacuum cleaner in the world!

When it comes to cleaning the aspirator itself, you don’t have to worry either. The ‘Green’ auto cleans with a HEPA filtration system, avoiding the use of cleaning products that could be harmful to the environment.  It has also been designed to last around 20 years, which is three times more than your standard vacuum.

REFRESH Cucumber Organic Facial Toner

Living green no longer has to break the bank!  According to the Canadian government, retail sales of organic products account for over $1 billion of consumer spends.  It’s obvious that Canadians have a strong pull to organic but historically it has come at a price.

With the launch of D’Avicenna’s line of organic hair and body care, organic no longer puts a dent in the budget.  Click here for more details on d’Aveicenna’s products and principles.

Until this morning I had no idea that traditional cultivated silkworms were forfeited in their cocoons for their silk.  I don’t know what I thought happened to them actually, and having had them as “pets” growing up, I suppose I never really thought to care because they creeped me out a little bit in their smelly shoe box of mulberry leaves.

Anyway, it is interesting to know that a corporation in Jarkhand – a state in eastern India – is working on getting its organic silk products exported to Canada and Britain.  Other than the interesting way in which the worms are fed and farmed, I was really intrigued to know that their method of silk collection is non-violent which means that the worms (in their moth phase) are able to leave the cocoon before the silk is collected.  Click here to read the full story.