Download an eBook from EcoBrain and Save the Environment

Are you looking for a green book to spur some eco-friendly inspiration? Look no further than eBooks from EcoBrain.com!

This website has hundreds of eBooks about natural health, outdoor activities, green cooking, eco-friendly kids, climate change, and so much more. Browse everything from serious eBooks (like Climate Solutions) to sassy eBooks (like Sex in a Tent).

EcoBrain eBooks are greener than traditional books because they are paper-free books that you download and read on your computer or handheld device. This not only cuts down on paper consumption, but it also boosts energy and fuel conservation efforts. No printing, no binding, no packing, no shipping...just point and click, download, and read. It doesn’t get much easier (or greener) than that.

Prices range from a mere $1 to over $300. Plus every two weeks, EcoBrain features a new eBook that is totally FREE. You can browse by topic, price, or publisher. Or do a search for a more targeted approach. You can read customer book reviews and add your own two cents as well.

I will warn you that the text on this site is rather small but you can bump up the font size by holding the Ctrl key while you press the + key. You can bump it down again with the Ctrl key and the – key.

The only thing this eBookstore is missing is a cyber coffee shop! Nothing like sipping a steamy cup o’ joe while perusing a bookstore. But I guess I can settle for my own home-brewed java.

EcoBrain eBook Giveaway:
Leave a comment and enter to win a FREE copy of Radical Simplicity from EcoBrain and New Society Publishers. Just visit EcoBrain now and browse their selection. Then return to this post and let us know which title strikes your fancy. But hurry! This giveaway ends November 6, 2008 at 11:59 PM (PST). The lucky winner will be announced here and notified via email so be sure to leave your email address in your comment. View our contest rules for more info.

Bloggers
Bloggers can also receive a 2nd entry by promoting the EcoBrain eBook Giveaway on your blog. Just copy and paste the URL of your blog post in the comments section.

How to recycle those CFL bulbs

I just noticed the CFL bulb on our front porch has burned out. Not only is it time to replace it, it’s also time for me to finally figure out what the heck to do with the expired bulbs that I’ve been collecting over the past year.

I’m sure you are well versed in why CFL bulbs are a better choice for our environment and energy conservation but not many people know that they need to be disposed of properly. Each bulb contains a trace amount of mercury, which has been proven to cause kidney and brain damage. So it’s critical that we dispose of these bulbs properly and keep that mercury out of our landfills.

It’s not only a healthy decision; it’s a lawful decision in some states. Did you know that it’s illegal to throw away CFL bulbs in California, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana?

There are several options for disposing of your CFL bulbs properly:

1. Stores like IKEA and Home Depot are now accepting expired and unbroken CFL bulbs. Simply take your bulbs into the store and give them to the person at the returns desk.

2. Visit Earth911 to find a recycling center near you. They have a cool search box at the top of their site where you can enter what you want to recycle (CFL bulbs, batteries, paint, etc.) and your location. They will give you a list of options in your area.

3. Check with the bulb’s manufacturer. Many companies now offer a free mail-back program. Just call the phone number listed on your bulb to see what kind of recycling programs they offer.

4. Contact your local waste management company to see if they accept hazardous waste materials.

When you are ready to recycle your used CFL bulbs, take the following steps to ensure your safety and a cleaner environment:

1. Place the old bulbs in the packaging from your new bulbs to prevent breakage. If these aren’t available, wrap your bulbs in newspaper or plastic shopping bags to cushion them and prevent them from breaking.

2. Store your old bulbs together in a box until you have time to take them to the recycling center.

3. Mark your calendar for hazardous waste recycling. Some areas only accept hazardous waste once or twice a year. Don’t miss out! Check now and save the date so you aren’t stuck with a box of hazardous waste for another year.

4. If a CFL bulb does break while storing or transporting it, follow these important clean-up steps from the EPA.

10 Tips to Go Green and Save Green

With the financial crisis looming over the country, and unemployment rates rising, it’s only natural for people to be less concerned about greening their habits and more concerned about keeping green in their wallets.

It’s important to note that the two are not mutually exclusive. You can have your green cake and eat it too with the following eco-friendly tips that will also save you money.

1. Conserve energy! This is an obvious one but necessary. Save energy by turning off unnecessary lights, lowering your thermostat, cleaning your refrigerator coils, unplugging unused electronics, and washing laundry in cold water instead of hot. Prep your house for winter by sealing drafty windows and doors.

2. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, watering your lawn less often, washing full loads of laundry, and fixing leaky faucets.

3. Organic produce is not always the most expensive option. Watch for sales when you shop – you will find some organic bargains. Maximize your food budget by opting for organic on the items that typically have the highest amounts of pesticides and herbicides including: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes.

4. Buy in bulk or in larger sizes to reduce the amount of packaging that goes to our landfills and lower your grocery bills.

5. Save on gas by going the speed limit, keeping your tires properly inflated, and avoiding the “idle” waiting. Carpool with neighbors when you can. Better yet, use mass transit, ride a bike, or walk.

6. Visit your local library instead of buying a new book.

7. Invest in a water filter and drink tap water instead of buying bottled water.

8. When it’s time to cleanup, use cloth towels, washcloths, or napkins rather than paper towels.

9. Skip the expensive and abrasive chemical cleaners and opt for more natural (and less expensive cleaning alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and ammonia.

10. When a light bulb goes out, replace it with a CFL bulb. It does cost more than a regular bulb but it lasts ten times longer and uses a third less energy which will lower your electrical bill each month.

As you can see, you don’t have to spend green to go green. Tell us what you think! What do YOU do to save money and the environment?

Easy Energy Saving Tip

Quick Tip: Bypass the timer on your garage opener light and save over 42 hours of electricity usage each year!

My garage door opener has a timer on the light. It turns off four minutes after the door closes. I know this because I stood there and timed it this morning. That was a looooooong four minutes.

It usually takes me about 30 seconds to get out of my car and walk into the house (thats being rather generous). That means the handy light in my garage stays on for at least three and a half minutes after I've left the garage. It doesn't seem like a long time but it adds up. Consider the following:

3.5 minutes x 2 drivers = 7 minutes a day

7 minutes x 365 days = 2555 minutes a year or 42.58 hours a year

As I walk into my house, I bypass the timer and turn the garage light off myself. Doesn't take but a second (disclaimer: I did NOT time that).

How do you conserve energy? Leave a comment and let us know!

Line Drying Laundry

I live in San Diego, where the yards are TINY. I really wanted to start line drying my clothes but simply didn't have the space in my yard. Then I discovered this wooden clothes drying rack and my problems were solved! Because it collapses, I just store it behind my laundry room door when I'm not using it. It's easy to expand for plenty of clothes - up to 28 feet of drying space. And it's great for indoor or outdoor use. Saves energy and money and gives your white clothes a little boost of sunshine bleach. I highly recommend this clothes dryer from Abundant Earth.