Green Environment Resources

dictionary_150.jpg4 Glossaries: Green Textile Terms, Green Rug & Carpet Terms, Green Interior Design Terms, and Green Window Terms

I compiled these alphabetical listing of definitions from my 19 years of teaching notes and textbooks, and from the websites listed at the end of each definition. I think having one glossary in each subject area that encompasses so many terms is relatively rare."

Dayle's hours of research are available to you in these easily downloadable pdf files.

Glossary of Green Textile Terms

Glossary_of_Green_Rug_and_Carpet_Terms

Glossary of Green Interior Design Terms

Glossary_of_Green_Window_Terms


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Connection between Pollution and the Individual

The pollution of the planet is only an outward reflection of an inner psychic pollution:  millions of unconscious individuals not taking responsibility for their inner space….Are you polluting the world or cleaning up the mess? You are responsible for your inner space; nobody else is, just as you are responsible for the planet.  As within, so without:  if humans clear inner pollution, then they will also cease to create outer pollution."


Ekhart Tolle, “The Power of Now” pp77-78.

Dayle has received great inspiration from the teachings of Ekhart in this book and in his subsequent book, “The New Earth, Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose”. Click For More Information


Air Quality Tips from the Lung Association:

lung_association.jpg

Your home should be safe and comforting, not a place that makes you sick. People can have air quality problems in any kind of home, new or old. The good news is that you can do something right now to improve the indoor air quality in your home."

Lung Association

 


The Guide to Less Toxic Products

consumer_products_150.jpg

Everyday, most North Americans use beauty and cleaning products which contain hazardous ingredients. How can you find the products which are least toxic, among the thousands of products on store shelves?"

This amazing website was developed by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, a non-profit, charitable organization that is entirely independent of any supplier or manufacturer of products mentioned in the Guide.  Dayle has this 80+ page guide listed in her personal ‘favourites’ for choosing good, better & best products in every category for the home.

Guide_to_less_toxic_products

 


Why Should You Care About Pesticides on Fruits & Veggies?

fruitveg_150.jpg

There is growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can adversely affect people, especially during vulnerable periods of fetal development and childhood when exposures can have long lasting effects. Because the toxic effects of pesticides are worrisome, not well understood, or in some cases completely unstudied, shoppers are wise to minimize exposure to pesticides whenever possible."

This produce ranking of 43 fruits and vegetables was developed by analysts at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a not-for-profit environmental research organization.  This list is another one of Dayle’s personal ‘favourites’.

Food_news

 


David Suzuki shows you 10 ways you can stop global warming, reduce energy consumption and make a difference

david_suzuki_nature_challenge_logo_350.jpg

The David Suzuki Foundation has an excellent website, one part of which lists simple changes in our everyday lives that can help slow climate change. For an excellent overview of actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint, please download the pdf brochure link above.  http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/ 

David Suzuki is one of Dayle’s great heros.  He has been consistent in his message for over 40 years. Dayle just finished reading his autobiograpy, a 'must read' for anyone interested in the history of the environmental movement.

 


Organically Grown Cotton

cotton_bolls_150.jpg

Although cotton is a natural, renewable resource and is comfortable to wear, many aspects of conventional cotton growing make us very uncomfortable.  Over-application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has made thousands of acres too barren or contaminated for further farming. Many of the chemicals used are highly toxic, and injure or kill plants, animals, and people."

Mountain Equipment Coop is an outdoor sporting goods cooperative company that has pioneered responsible sustainable choices for their products.  This article explains the rational behind selecting 100% organic for their cotton clothing.  Ranked in the top 25 global buyers of organic cotton, they used in excess of 129,000kg of raw cotton, avoiding more than 42,600 kg of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, or defoliants. Read article here

Also see About_organic_cotton


 

Off Grid Eco Stay New Zealand

ecostayhouse_150.jpg

A renewable energy powered off-grid Ecolodge has been built by friends of mine in New Zealand. They are renting it out for a unique vacation experience. I visited New Zealand more than 20 years ago, and this would be one of the many reasons for returning."

Are you seeking an exciting new adventure on your next vacation where you can really get away from everything, even reliance on the traditional power grid? You want much more than a tent, without giving up life’s comforts, yet reducing your carbon footprint.
newzealand_view_150.jpgecostay_deckview_150.jpgLearn about the joys of sustainable housing and how you might apply this to your own home! Set on 64 hectares of native bush in the south island of New Zealand, yet less than 10 minutes drive from the town of Picton, and within easy reach of the Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sounds and fabulous vineyards, Clarenden Eco-stay is the perfect way to taste environmentally friendly living during a refreshing vacation. Here is your opportunity to experience ‘off the grid’ living in comfort and style.  Book now for a totally unique experience or contact Brendan Norris with any questions at: Off_Grid_Eco_Stay

 


aninconvenienttruth_150.jpg

An Inconvenient Truth

Our climate crisis may at times appear to be happening slowly, but in fact it is happening very quickly-and has become a true planetary emergency. The Chinese expression for crisis consists of two characters. The first is a symbol for danger; the second is a symbol for opportunity. In order to face down the danger that is stalking us and move through it, we first have to recognize that we are facing a crisis. So why is it that our leaders seem not to hear such clarion warnings? Are they resisting the truth because they know that the moment they acknowledge it, they will face a moral imperative to act? Is it simply more convenient to ignore the warnings? Perhaps, but inconvenient truths do not go away just because they are not seen. Indeed, when they are responded to, their significance doesn't diminish; it grows."

This must-see movie can be rented from the local video store or purchased on DVD.  It is also available in book format; the above quotation is from Al Gore’s website. Dayle prefers the 'opportunity' part of this crisis message and believes we can make a difference if we focus on the positive.

www.algore.com

 


The "Six Sins of GreenwashingTM"

greenwashing_terrachoice_150.jpg

The Six Sins are outlined in a "Study of Environmental Claims in North American Consumer Markets, A Green Paper" by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing Inc., November 2007. They explain very clearly by defining and quantifying the sins, followed by recommendations for consumers and marketers.  The sins TerraChoice identified are: Hidden Trade-Off, No Proof, Vagueness, Irrelevance, Lesser of Two Evils, and Fibbing.  The importance of 3rd party certification on multiple attributes is stressed."

www.terrachoice.com
You are responsible for your inner space; nobody else is, just as you are responsible for the planet.  As within, so without:  if humans clear inner pollution, then they will also cease to create outer pollution."


Ekhart Tolle, “The Power of Now” pp77-78.

 

Dayle has received great inspiration from the teachings of Ekhart in this book and in his subsequent book, “The New Earth, Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose”.

 

http://www.ekharttolle.com

 


Air Quality Tips from the Lung Association:

lung_association.jpg

Your home should be safe and comforting, not a place that makes you sick. People can have air quality problems in any kind of home, new or old. The good news is that you can do something right now to improve the indoor air quality in your home."

 

http://www.lungassociation.ca

 


consumer_products_150.jpg

The Guide to Less Toxic Products

Everyday, most North Americans use beauty and cleaning products which contain hazardous ingredients. How can you find the products which are least toxic, among the thousands of products on store shelves?"

 

This amazing website was developed by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, a non-profit, charitable organization that is entirely independent of any supplier or manufacturer of products mentioned in the Guide.  Dayle has this 80+ page guide listed in her personal ‘favourites’ for choosing good, better & best products in every category for the home.

 

http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca

 


Why Should You Care About Pesticides on Fruits & Veggies?

fruitveg_150.jpg

There is growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can adversely affect people, especially during vulnerable periods of fetal development and childhood when exposures can have long lasting effects. Because the toxic effects of pesticides are worrisome, not well understood, or in some cases completely unstudied, shoppers are wise to minimize exposure to pesticides whenever possible."

 

This produce ranking of 43 fruits and vegetables was developed by analysts at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a not-for-profit environmental research organization.  This list is another one of Dayle’s personal ‘favourites’.

 

http://www.foodnews.org

 


David Suzuki shows you 10 ways you can stop global warming, reduce energy consumption and make a difference (PDF)

david_suzuki_nature_challenge_logo_350.jpg

The David Suzuki Foundation has an excellent website, one part of which lists simple changes in our everyday lives that can help slow climate change. For an excellent overview of actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint, please download the pdf brochure link above. Take David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge and join the 364,855+ individuals who have already done so. www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge

 

David Suzuki is one of Dayle’s great heros.  He has been consistent in his message for over 40 years. Dayle just finished reading his autobiograpy, a 'must read' for anyone interested in the history of the environmental movement. http://www.davidsuzuki.org

 


Organically Grown Cotton

cotton_bolls_150.jpg

Although cotton is a natural, renewable resource and is comfortable to wear, many aspects of conventional cotton growing make us very uncomfortable.  Over-application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has made thousands of acres too barren or contaminated for further farming. Many of the chemicals used are highly toxic, and injure or kill plants, animals, and people."

 

Mountain Equipment Coop is an outdoor sporting goods cooperative company that has pioneered responsible sustainable choices for their products.  This article explains the rational behind selecting 100% organic for their cotton clothing.  Ranked in the top 25 global buyers of organic cotton, they used in excess of 129,000kg of raw cotton, avoiding more than 42,600 kg of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, or defoliants. Read article here

 

also see http://www.aboutorganiccotton.org

 


Off Grid Eco Stay New Zealand

 

 

ecostayhouse_150.jpg

A renewable energy powered off-grid Ecolodge has been built by friends of mine in New Zealand. They are renting it out for a unique vacation experience. I visited New Zealand more than 20 years ago, and this would be one of the many reasons for returning."

 


Are you seeking an exciting new adventure on your next vacation where you can really get away from everything, even reliance on the traditional power grid? You want much more than a tent, without giving up life’s comforts, yet reducing your carbon footprint.
newzealand_view_150.jpgecostay_deckview_150.jpgLearn about the joys of sustainable housing and how you might apply this to your own home! Set on 64 hectares of native bush in the south island of New Zealand, yet less than 10 minutes drive from the town of Picton, and within easy reach of the Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough Sounds and fabulous vineyards, Clarenden Eco-stay is the perfect way to taste environmentally friendly living during a refreshing vacation. Here is your opportunity to experience ‘off the grid’ living in comfort and style.  Book now for a totally unique experience or contact Brendan Norris with any questions at: www.offgridecostay.com

 


aninconvenienttruth_150.jpgAn Inconvenient Truth

Our climate crisis may at times appear to be happening slowly, but in fact it is happening very quickly-and has become a true planetary emergency. The Chinese expression for crisis consists of two characters. The first is a symbol for danger; the second is a symbol for opportunity. In order to face down the danger that is stalking us and move through it, we first have to recognize that we are facing a crisis. So why is it that our leaders seem not to hear such clarion warnings? Are they resisting the truth because they know that the moment they acknowledge it, they will face a moral imperative to act? Is it simply more convenient to ignore the warnings? Perhaps, but inconvenient truths do not go away just because they are not seen. Indeed, when they are responded to, their significance doesn't diminish; it grows."

 

This must-see movie can be rented from the local video store or purchased on DVD.  It is also available in book format; the above quotation is from Al Gore’s website. Dayle prefers the 'opportunity' part of this crisis message and believes we can make a difference if we focus on the positive.

 

www.algore.com

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

The "Six Sins of GreenwashingTM"

greenwashing_terrachoice_150.jpg

The Six Sins are outlined in a "Study of Environmental Claims in North American Consumer Markets, A Green Paper" by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing Inc., November 2007. They explain very clearly by defining and quantifying the sins, followed by recommendations for consumers and marketers.  The sins TerraChoice identified are: Hidden Trade-Off, No Proof, Vagueness, Irrelevance, Lesser of Two Evils, and Fibbing.  The importance of 3rd party certification on multiple attributes is stressed."

 

www.terrachoice.com