Ruth asks…
How are eco-friendly resources eco-friendly if they take things from the enviroment?
How are eco–friendly resources eco–friendly if they take things from the enviroment?
I think the word is being over used. I see things like bamboo made hair brush so they cut down some bamboo forests that pandas need to eat. So how is this being eco–friendly? Is it causing more damage than good? More than factories making a brush without bamboo?
The Expert answers:
I agree it’s not really the best term. But, we should look at what it means, not the literal interpretation. Humans need to utilize resources at some level just to survive. Even hunters and gatherers had to remove some plants and animals from the environment for food and tools. The term isn’t meant to give the impression that it’s non-impact, just better that the alternative. Like with most things, eco-friendliness isn’t really best measured on a yes/no scale, but as a matter of degree. If the product is something completely useless that we don’t need anyway, it’s best to not use it all, second best to use a greener alternative, and worst to use something completely destructive and non-renewable.
Bamboo used for manufacturing doesn’t come from forests, it’s farmed in a plantation method. Yes, this means that land is being allocated to mono-cropping instead of natural growth, so that has it’s inherent non-friendly aspects, but it’s not exactly the same as ripping the food right from the panda’s mouth. Mono-cropping has it’s eco downsides, but it is more land-efficient than natural growth so in some ways it’s better.
Mark asks…
What are some good eco friendly ideas for a project?
In my tech class we need to design any eco friendly item that serves for dual purposes. My idea so far is an eco friendly cane that folds up and can be easily packaged. Do you think this is a good idea? What are your ideas for some cool eco friendly projects?
The Expert answers:
The cane idea is good but I think there is one already. How about a walking stick that holds water (eliminates water bottles) it could also have a water filter built in.
Robert asks…
What is an eco friendly glue for art use that will need to hold strong. Also, an eco sealant to protect it?
I am working on masonite board and will need to glue down sand and some light stone but I need it to be eco friendly. Also, I need an eco friendly product to apply after to make sure it is sealed and protected.
The Expert answers:
‘Elmer’s casein glue is made of milk protein and ‘eco-friendly’.
Most sealants are not bio-degradable by nature.
The most ‘eco-friendly’ woud be shellac, (all organic,
both the lacuer and the alcohol solvent), but it’s far from the
best sealant you can get.
It should be adequate for indoor use though.
It’s available in both ‘gloss’ and ‘matte’ finish.
Linda asks…
What are some eco-friendly ways to prevent hookworms from eating my tomatoes?
I have Roma, Big Beef, and Cherry tomatoes, but I haven’t seen evidence of hookworm feeding yet. I’d like to find an eco–friendly preventative method, if there is such a thing.
Any ideas?
The Expert answers:
Yes, it is call Thuracide Baccillius. A naturally occurring fungus that attacks certain caterpillars such as Tomato Horn Worm, Tobacco Horn Worm and others.
It has no effects on people, animals and other worms.
Thuracide is grown in the lab, and then sold so you can spray it in your garden to get rid of vegetable eating caterpillars. Buy it at most garden shops.
Daniel asks…
What are some eco friendly advertising ideas for a go green club?
My friend and I have just started a go green club at our school. We plan on advertising at our open house. Does anyone know of any cheap eco friendly products we could give out (such as pencils)? We are also interested in creating cheap t-shirts. Please post any known web links. And keep cost in mind. Thanks!
The Expert answers:
Depending on how much time you have before hand, you could make your own products! If you have old scraps of material (such as tshirts etc.) you could make and sew bean bags (like the kind you toss) and fill with beans or rice. Then you could write things like GO GREEN! Or something on them with fabric marker. T-shirts don’t have to be expensive, you can buy cheap bulk shirts and decorate them yourself, but it could get expensive if you did various sizes. If you wanted to buy and decorate something, I would suggest buying and decorating reusable shopping bags. That way, they could use them instead of taking plastic bags from the store! You could also do fun things for younger kids, like reuse water bottles and fill them with pebbles or rice to make noise makers, and decorating them with ribbons and messages and your school colors. Hope this helps! The possibilities are endless!
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