Reverse Your Ceiling Fan for Winter, Save Money and Energy

For those of you that have a ceiling fan, it's time to reverse the rotation for winter. Doing so could save you up to 40% on electricity bills and 40% on energy consumption. Here's how it works: Ceiling fans don't actually lower the temperature in a room. Instead, they affect the wind chill factor. This means that in a room with a temperature of 78º and fan on, the room could be perceived to feel more like 72º; it's important to understand that the temperature is not actually affected. Winter Time: Set your ceiling fan to rotate Clockwise (looking up at the fan) and the blades pointed downward in the leading direction. This will cause the air to be pushed upward. Ceiling fans often have a switch conveniently labeled "Winter Mode".  

Summer Time: Set your ceiling fan to rotate Counter Clockwise (looking up at the fan) and the blades pointed upward in the leading position. This will cause the air to pushed downward.

If I Could, I Would...

...fill my cabinets with these handmade, locally made ceramics. I think they're superbly designed. I don't enjoy inadvertently ingesting toxic chemicals and supporting foreign-owned companies when I eat from my Ikea tableware, so Heath Ceramics make sense. I just wish I could afford to replace all of my tableware.

New Eco Font Uses Less Ink and Saves Money

Until now, using soy ink and recycled paper were some of the only methods graphic designers could use to reduce their negative impact on the environment. Not any more. With a new "Eco Font", designers can prevent an unnecessary amount of ink from being wasted in the printing process. It's an easy to understand concept: more negative space, less ink. The font was designed by a team of designers in Amsterdam. It's based off of the font Verdana, a common system-standard font that comes stock in most computers. Gerjon Zomer, co-founder of Eco-Font, says the font can reduce ink usage up to 15%. It works best on laser printers and at a size greater than 10 points. The font is available for download on their site, EcoFont.eu. The font is available for Windows and Mac users. For more ways to reduce you're negative impact on the environment, visit One-Earth.com. For a list of local eco-printers, click here.

Roll on Over to Oroe

Time to take out the winter clothes. I took this opportunity to get rid of old clothes I don't wear anymore. I dropped them off at the Grand Army Plaza OROE textile recycling table. In return, someone else has something warm to wear this winter... or my old sweaters and shirts may be turned into rags. And I get to deduct almost $500 from my taxes. Cool.

Chevron Says October is 'Energy Awareness Month'

Okay, this is bullshit. I received the most ridiculous piece of direct mail ever. EVER! In short, Chevron created the concept of 'Energy Awareness Month', as referenced by a separate website, WillYouJoinUs.com, created, owned and operated by Chevron specifically to market the campaign and celebrate the month. The mailer I received perfectly sums up the hypocriticalness of the concept of an OIL company creating, sponsoring and promoting an energy awareness month (not to mention direct mailing the piece to who knows how many homes–I haven't been a Chevron customer since I owned a truck almost six years ago):

Fine. First frame, I like where they're going with this. Let's all replace a lightbulb. Great. But wait, there's more..

Oh, of course, changing one lightbulb translates to saving enough energy to light a bulb for exactly 1,643 hours... so you can read to your child. How sweet :)

But that's NOT the end of the message. Flip to the next frame: "If 10o people joined me we could fuel a 7 hour flight". Of course! And use Chevron aviation fuel!

So, what is the 'awareness' part of Chevron's 'Energy Awareness Month' really about if it's not about 'saving' energy? this isn't really about 'saving' energy, it's about 'redistributing' the energy we save and expending it elsewhere. Don't be fooled. Chevron is an oil company. Their business is to make sure you spend your money on their fuel. They've laid it out for you in the messages (only it's hidden). Save your energy/money there, spend it here...

Act Now While Supplies Last!

Late one night this week, I saw an infomercial about the EcoCanteen, which is very similar to the various other types of reusable canteens available. Initially, it was difficult for me to not criticize the campaign because, after all, it was another poorly produced infomercial–with all the usual gimmicks. But behind the tricks, the EcoCanteen infomercial represents a significant tipping point for the green movement.

Many companies produce campaigns that are effective for the LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) market segment–think of companies selling expensive products like Seventh Gen., Whole Foods or NAU. But very few companies–and I mean very few–achieve what EcoCanteen has. They are able to appeal to both the Frugal market and LOHAS market segments–simultaneously–and without posing a threat to the other (as sometimes happens when a product is marketed specifically to the LOHASians, it can come off as pretentious or conversely, cheap when marketed to the Frugals.)

Another good example of how these two markets can be reached simultaneously is evidenced in a very recent Pratt Institute design competition (at ICFF 2009) in which the competing designers were challenged to make products from sustainable materials all purchased for under $1. Brilliant. We need more inspiration for innovation using the sustainable materials we have and with less money. Good job Pratt. (By the way, did you know that the Pratt buildings on its brooklyn campus were originally designed to function as a factory for shoes if the school idea failed? Luckily that never happened. However, it is evidence that RRR philosophy is built into the curriculum at Pratt whether consciously or not.)

But wait, there's more!

What's more important to realize is the context this informercial is appearing in. Employment rates are up to 9.8%. Even if you have a job and things seem good, I guarantee, at least out of fear, you're still looking for ways to save money.  The EcoCanteen is an environment AND money saving solution. It's the ideal blend of two markets that need to be exploited in this economy to push the Sustainability movement forward.

The War of the 'Do Not Post' Signs in Brooklyn's 'Greenest' Neighborhoods

Everyone knows about the war between tenants and the deliverymen of unwanted advertisements that appear on our entry gates every day. But little do you know, there's another war going on. One being waged by members of the community you'd least expect.

Walking around with Caitlin O'Connell, a local Brooklyn blogger, this Saturday afternoon for just an hour, we spotted half a dozen different 'Do Not Post' signs. Albeit, we were in Park Slope and Fort Greene, which, according to Brooklyn Botanic Garden's recent contest, are two of Brooklyn's 'greenest' neighborhoods. So we expected to find more there than the average Brooklyn neighborhood. However, we didn't expect to find signs from so many different community associations.

There is a war going on, folks. And it's getting messy. All but two of the signs we found were from different local community associations. I talked to a local association member (he wishes to remain unnamed) and according to him, there have even been recent reports of certain members belonging to certain associations actually taking down other association's signs to replace with their own. In a way, and I agree, it's a form of free advertising for an association. But, what about working together. Can't we just agree on a sign and be done with it? We're all after the same cause, right? It's not just about promoting the local organization, is it?

Sadly, yes, I believe it is. We can't remain naive for much longer. Let's face it: they don't care solely about preventing your junk mail pile up, they also care about promoting their community association and increasing membership.

That's why I'm encouraging you to go out and take a stand. Make your own sign. Follow these three simple steps to make an effective 'Do Not Post' sign: 1) Make it red because it helps to reinforce the command 'stop'. 2) Make the text bold and keep it short; 'Do Not Post Unsolicited Advertisements on this Property' is the most concise syntax I can imagine. 3) Laminate it! You don't want your time spent on the beautiful calligraphy to be wasted after the first rain.

Check out the signs we discovered here:

'Do Not Post' Signs

If you decide not to make you're own, you can always download one here. I couldn't help but put our businesses information on there. What? Everyone else was doing it!

Gildan, You're Not Gettin' Me

I received a flier in the mail today offering t-shirts with designs like "Save Our Planet" and "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". And they were cheap too! Only $7.99 for a Men's shirt. But I'm not falling for it. Yes, I believe in the message on the shirts offered (although I may not necessarily like the design), but the shirts are made by Gildan–you know, the company that makes your high-school jerseys, your college t-shirts and sweatshirts.

Gildan is one of the largest t-shirt companies in the world, grossing over $300 million last year. Nowhere on their site or in any of their corporate literature do they mention anything about their commitment to the environment, let alone do they use organic cotton or any other form of sustainable practices in their manufacturing or distribution processes. This is the one of the most egregious and blatant acts of greenwashing I could imagine: wear the message on the shirt while the shirt itself doesn't align with the message.

What's more, Gildan claims to be sponsoring "America Recycles Day". Um, shouldn't we be recycling everyday? And when did this become an official "Day"? I guess if a company as large as Gildan backs it, it's official. Hey, Gildan, do you recycle? Where do you put you're toxic chemicals used to bleach your shirts? How about the excess cotton? Are you recycling today?

Oh, and while they were at it, they sent the flier out on non-recycled, bleached, non-FSC certified paper. Way to top it off. Hypocrites.

The most important thing we can do is make the choice to purchase organic cotton. Find out where to do that in Brooklyn here. Find out more about organic cotton here. Share you're anger below by making a comment.

Eco-DenT in YouR FacE

I floss regularly and–I'm not kidding–I've had the same roll of Eco-DenT Dental floss for over a year. It's insane. Albeit, I did pay twice the price of a regular roll of dental floss such as Crest's Glide. However, it's well worth the extra initial cost if it's going to last so much longer. It's the same principal as investing in CFL lightbulbs: pay more upfront, save more in the long run. Learn more about Eco-DenT and find out where to buy it here.

On another note, does anyone know why they capitalize the "T" in "DenT"? From a design perspective, I assume it's to achieve symmetry in the logo, but I'm probably wrong about that. Free Eco-DenT to the person who comes up with the best answer!

(Yes, that's Tom's Of Main and Aveda shampoo, but that's another post.)

We're Hiring!

We're looking for a salesperson with knowledge of sustainability. Check out the post on Craigslist.org for more details.

Verizon Co-Sponsoring Rally with Eco-Villain Coal Company?

To read more about Verizon's involvement in the upcoming "Friends of America" rally, click here.

Towel Reuse Program Spun as Part of Hotel Environmental Initiative

While staying at the Betsy last week as part of a belated birthday gift, I noticed the hotel's ambitious environmental initiative. Most of the items on the list included basic methods of conservation and reuse like the Towel Reuse Program which encouraged guests to reuse towels by hanging them up instead of throwing them on the floor (which would signal to the Guestroom Attendant to wash them). The most effective item on the list was a new climate control system, which determined–through motion sensors–if a room was occupied, thereby determining if a room needed heating or cooling. Heating and cooling a room consumes more energy than any other activity. So this is one of the best solutions because guests are almost always given the privilege of controlling the temperature and they almost never think about turning the heat or air conditioner off when leaving a room. Other items include: cloth laundry bags (instead of plastic), organic non-toxic cleaning products and Low-E window panes. 

Make the Connection for a Greener Planet

The subhead in the photograph of the MTA ad, "your city, your subway..." reminded me of a few things as I waited on the tracks this evening after a long GMAT study session. Firstly, it brings to mind a 1970's New Yorker cartoon that illustrates the connection between "throwing away a newspaper" and "throwing away the Earth". Secondly, it's similar to the quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, "let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the whole world will be clean." Lastly, and conclusively, it emphasizes the type of thinking necessary to achieve the level of consciousness needed to solve many of the environmental problems that exist. We live a world where the connections that make up the systems of our society are hidden; i.e., it's not obvious how the trash we throw away in our subway station affects the broader scope of the NYC's environment, nor is it obvious how the food we consume affects the Earth's fresh water supply.

One-Earth.com Nominated for NAU Grant for Change!

We're excited to announce that One-Earth.com has been nominated for NAU's Grant for Change! This year's $10,000 award will highlight the efforts of people who move in the spirit of the Nau Collective and support those who instigate lasting, positive change in their communities.

Please vote for us!

Voting ends August 31st - thanks so much for your support!

Make a Video. Win Stuff. Deadline: August 1st.

Check out the Contest Here!

Think the world could be a better place? Want to make a difference? Want to win some stuff? Help make an ad for www.One-Earth.com by doing the following.

   1. Go to www.One-Earth.com, register for an account (don't worry, it's free)

   2. Post a solution in one of the available cities: Berkley, San Fransisco, Chicago, NYC, or Tuscon (More cities coming soon!)

   3. Shoot a short (less 10 second clip of yourself holding a sign with the URL of

      your solution written on it, and say the name of your city and the

      solution.

    * for example, if the link to your solution is: http://www.One-Earth.com/city/us/ny/manhattan/11/turn-and-unplug-unused-appliances-and-lights

    * Write it in big bold letters so it's easy to read. Black on a white, non glossy-background is best.

    * Hold it in front of you like a mug shot, look into the camera and say"  "Manhattan NY.... Unplug unused appliances and lights"

    * See the demo video below for a better idea.

4.  Upload your video to www.Vimeo.com or www.YouTube.com with the tag One-Earth.comWe will download your video and edit it into a rocking commercial!

Alternatively, if you're in the NY area and want to stop by and have your solution shot by a professional, contact the One-Eath.com Visual Marketing Coordinator at: Nicholas@One-Earth.com to make an appointment.On Aug. 1st a random drawing of all the subbmissions will be made, and the winner will receive a free One-Earth.com T-shirt, One-Earth.com bag, and One-Earth.com Klean Kanteen, and the choice between two tickets to TV on the Radio in

Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY, August 11th, or Animal Collective on August

14th.

New Features on One-Earth.com!

We have some new features coming out that will help increase usability on One-Earth.com. Marc Nicholas Robinsone Caballero, One-Earth.com's developer, is working to get these features integrated before the next Posting Party on June 27.

Probably the most demanded feature of all has been a search tool. So, as an alternative to the category navigation system, Marc has developed a simply, yet effective, search tool to help you find solutions. And we're going to place directly under the Logo in the upper left corner for easy access. Check it out:

With the Search Tool, you'll be able to filter results by category like:

Here are some other cool features:

A mapping utility, which allow a user to plot solutions onto a Google map. With this feature, you'll be able to see where local eco-restaurants are in relation to where you are.








A rating system so you can tell people how much Food Swings in Williamsburg sucks! (oops, I may have just lost my posting privileges):



PS: We're having another Posting Party on June 27 at 6pm. Free beer! Send me an email to RSVP. The last Posting Party inspired all of the features I discussed above.

Amid Awareness and Action

The average American consumer receives 41 pounds of junk mail per year, according to 41pounds.org. That seems like it could be a lot of paper. But then again, maybe it’s not. How much does the average magazine even weigh? Have you ever seen 41 pounds of paper?

Chances are you don’t know what 41 pounds looks like–I certainly don’t. Not many people are going to take action on something they can’t fully conceptualize even though there are easy ways to stop junk mail.

The debate of the importance of awareness and action has been going on for some time now. The challenge has always been finding creative ways of getting people to reach the tipping point to take action.

Awareness and action go hand-in-hand; they must compliment each other. If you present a problem, you must present a solution.

I came up with an idea for a junk mail sculpture that helps people visualize what 41 pounds looks like.

One-Earth.com Launches with a Posting Party

On May 16, an inexorable gathering of a dozen Brooklynites (and a couple Manhattanites) marked the launch of One-Earth.com. We came with nothing more than our laptops and knowledge.

The goal of the Posting Party was simple: post as many solutions to One-Earth.com as possible in four hours. And we did just that. Over 250 solutions were posted that night! One-Earth.com is now rivaling some of the most acclaimed resources for information about sustainable living in New York.

For four hours, we posted (and drank). Congratulations to Misty who posted 105 solutions and won the grand prize package purchased from Green in Brooklyn, which included a Solo Solar Powered Cell Phone Charger, a Klean Kanteen, a Wrap-n-Mat, and few other essentials.

The effort and energy people brought helped make the event a huge success; we owe each other the congratulations. Each posting party (and One-Earth.com as a whole) will only be as successful as we choose to make it. That's the beauty of the design. Soon, with the help of the global community of local activists, One-Earth.com will be the source of sustainable information for people in every major city around the world.

There will be another Posting Party in mid-June. Send me an email if you'd like to attend.

This is the New Home for the One-Earth.com Blog

For all previous posts about the development of the web site, visit the old blog.