What Are Lean To Greenhouses? 

A lean to greenhouse refers to a type of greenhouse built up against the side of another structure. The lean to greenhouse has only one sloped roof. It has three sides of its own, and uses the side of another structure for the fourth wall.  

• Lean to greenhouses can be made of metal, plastic or vinyl (commonly referred to as polyvinyl chloride or PVC). The plastic materials used in building lean to greenhouses are usually coated with various UV protective materials to ensure the safety of the people who use them and so they last a long time.
• Lean to greenhouses are small, versatile buildings that can easily adapt to various climates and weather conditions. They work well in various environments and landscapes. Like fully-built greenhouses, they’re also able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Wondering what kinds of materials to use, and what sizes and shapes are available? Swgreenhouses.co.uk has a nice range here of lean to greenhouses for you to choose from.

Where to Place A Lean To Greenhouse?

Now that you know what lean to greenhouses are, it’s time to learn where you should place yours. Here are three options

• Over An Existing Porch Or Near Your Kitchen If you’re eager to grow more vegetables and herbs to eat, installing your lean to greenhouse near your kitchen makes a lot of sense. No matter what the weather, you can dash out to your greenhouse to gather herbs and greens or pick cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables that can be grown in a compact space.
• Adjacent to Your Deck or Shed Accessibility is key. Place your lean to greenhouse in a spot you can easily get to.
• NOT Under a Tree! Never install your lean to greenhouse directly under tall trees because of the following reasons:
  • Trees will cast shade, encouraging growth of green algae. 
  • Tall trees block light, and their falling leaves and branches may cause damage to your greenhouse and block guttering. 
  • Also, tree roots could upset the greenhouse’s foundation and make planting into the beds tricky. 
  • In addition, honeydew from insects coming from the tree’s foliage can make the plastic or glass material of your greenhouse sticky and hard to remove.

NOTE: Position Your Lean To Greenhouse South-Facing

When placing your lean to greenhouse, take stock of how much natural light it will receive. It will be shaded by the structure it leans on for at least part of the day. You want the supporting side of the structure to be on its north side, so as much natural light as possible bathes the greenhouse from the south. Plan to supplement with lighting, and potential some heat, especially in colder climates.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to position your lean to greenhouse in your property. You can install your greenhouse over an existing porch or near the kitchen, or against an existing shed or garage. Just make sure to avoid installing it under tall trees to avoid mold growth due to light limitations and pest infestation. Also, it’s best to position your lean to greenhouse facing south for maximum sunlight exposure.

You can get more tips for building a greenhouse here.

NOTE: Paid partnerships and sponsors help us bring you the expertise you need to live the greener life you want. Our editorial positions remain our own. 

The post 3 Places to Put A Lean To Greenhouse So You Can Grow More Food appeared first on Big Green Purse.

We all have a responsibility to care for the Earth, and the environment which sustains us. While we need to take many “big” steps, we can also take small ones to both care for our planet and improve our own immediate environment. Here are three small changes you can make for a more eco-friendly lifestyle at home.

Shelter A House Plant.

Besides their aesthetic value, houseplants can be good for your overall health. They naturally purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into their immediate environment. Studies by NASA have found that houseplants can remove about 87 percent of harmful air toxins within a 24-hour cycle. Cleaner indoor air can improve your mood, and their beauty can help reduce stress, turning your home into your own personal oasis.

With such a large variety of houseplant species to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the right one. The key to choosing the perfect houseplant is to take into consideration the conditions and level of care it needs. The ing Ming Aralia plant is a great start for beginners. These plans can thrive in both indirect light and bright light and require minimal maintenance as they can go for days without water. Indigenous to the Pacific Islands, their beauty lies in the green upper sides, and purple undersides of their leaves.

Despite being a great air purifier, the Ming Aralia was traditionally hailed for its medicinal components, as early research showed it helped reduce inflammatory, fungal, and bacteria-related illness.

Consider Using CBD Products.

Cannabidiol is fast becoming a natural remedy to help in the treatment of common illnesses. Popularly referred to as CBD, it is one of the active ingredients (cannabinoids) found in the industrial hemp plant. Whilst THC is another well-known cannabinoid and has a psychoactive effect (meaning it gives the user a “high,”) CBD has no psychoactive effect, making it the preferred option for individuals seeking relief from their discomfort.

Some common CBD products include CBD oil, CBD supplements, CBD edibles, and CBD tinctures and topicals. Of these, CBD oil is the most commonly used. It is made from CBD that has been extracted from the cannabis plant, then diluted with hemp seed or coconut oil. The wellness industry is fast embracing it and has found CBD oil is commonly used to help those with insomnia, as well as reduce anxiety and depression in people with an over-active mind, and alleviate discomfort NOTE: I have rubbed CBD oil on my hands to help reduce joint pain related to arthritis).

NOTE: Never ingest anything intended for health or wellness reasons without speaking to a medical professional or doctor first!

Opt for Natural Insect Repellent.

Most people use insect repellent to prevent bug bites and the infections that they transmit. However, most consumers are not aware of the chemicals used to make insect repellents. DEET, for instance, is an active ingredient found in a majority of synthetic insect repellents. But some studies show that DEET has a toxic effect on the body’s central nervous system, with the added side effect of causing a skin rash.

Stop The Bites insect repellent is a natural repellent for ticks with none of these downsides. Hailed as having the same efficacy as synthetic tick repellents, when properly applied, it can repel ticks and mosquitos for a period of up to one week. It can be applied as a spray on shrub and vegetation, as well as on swing sets and the patio.

Instead of DEET, it consists of active ingredients like lemongrass oil, geraniol, castor oil, cedarwood oil, corn oil, and sodium lauryl sulfate, plus water, soap, oleic acid and 1-monolaurin, a byproduct of coconut fat.

NOTE: Take special care not to apply it on or near food and vegetables, or food-bearing plants. Apply late in the day or early evening and not directly on bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Keep children and pets off lawns that have been treated until the product dries.

About Sponsored Posts: Occasionally, we run posts sponsored by companies that offer some interesting options. The post doesn’t imply endorsement of a particular product.  

The post 3 Natural Products to Add to Your Eco-Friendly Lifestyle appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Solar, wind and other clean technologies are key to fighting climate change. But what do you do if you can’t put solar collectors on your home or buy an electric car or tap into your own windmill? RE Royalties has an answer: invest in “Green Bonds” that help finance investments in renewable energy generation, energy efficiency management and sustainable infrastructure.

When RE Royalties offered to sponsor a post here so we could all learn more about their unique approach to fighting climate change and protecting the planet, I immediately said “yes!” Here’s what I learned by interviewing electronically their chief operating office and co-founder, Peter Leighton, a veteran renewable energy executive with over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, including wind energy and more. This year Peter was named as an Honouree to Canada’s Clean50 for 2020.

In a nutshell, what is RE Royalties?

RE Royalties Ltd. is a specialty finance company created in 2016 that provides innovative financing for climate change solutions. It does so by using a “royalty financing model” to build and support renewable and clean energy projects and companies globally. In other words, it collects royalties from the companies it finances, and uses those royalties to build more projects.

With climate change a pressing issue globally, RE Royalties has become an important and innovative source of capital for renewable energy projects. Royalties is a publicly traded company on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “RE,” It is the first to pioneer the royalty-financing model for renewable energy projects.

Green Bonds enable you to reduce your personal carbon footprint and directly fund the growing green economy.

Why invest in clean energy at all? It seems like the market for solar, wind and geothermal is taking off nicely on its own.

Renewables are currently the lowest cost source of new electricity generation in two-thirds of the world. But, we have many clients who still have trouble accessing low cost capital to help them deliver their renewable energy projects. Our goal is to help these clients build more renewable energy while delivering our investors with growth, yield and the opportunity to help the planet.

The fundamental vision of RE Royalties is to:
1. Help build a cleaner and more sustainable world; and
2. Generate a strong, economic long-term return for our investors.

Why do you need investment dollars when governments subsidize companies like yours so heavily?

This is an interesting question and I would like to answer it in three parts.

Firstly, RE Royalties does not receive any form of government subsidy, whatsoever. We pay tax, we pay our employees and our suppliers on a competitive market basis, and the capital we raise is priced based on investor choice.

Secondly, there is a broad perception that renewable energy is subsidized. I would agree that historically, government policy was necessary to develop the renewable energy industry and subsidies were required to get the monopolistic public utilities to encourage innovation. The fact is that today, renewable energy is the cheapest source of new electricity generation in two-thirds of the world and will be the cheapest everywhere by 2030.

Thirdly, I note that on your excellent website www.biggreenpurse.com, you state that you believe that “… the fastest, most effective way to stop polluters is by pressuring them in the marketplace.” I could not agree more!! I would turn your question around and ask it a different way. Why as a society, are we OK subsidizing the fossil fuel industry by not asking them to pay for the negative impact to the planet that they create?

Personally as a consumer, I am happy to pay a deposit fee to encourage me to recycle a pop bottle, or to pay an extra charge if I forget to take my knapsack to the grocery store and have to use a plastic bag. I am happy to pay for transit to get to work, if it is snowing and I cannot ride my bike. I am also happy to pay a premium for organic produce because I think that is better for my family and better for the global environment. In other words, I am already paying for the negative externalities associated with bottle production, plastic bag production, transportation, and industrial scale farming.

Our society has the opposite view of the fossil fuel industry. There is a groundswell of anti-carbon tax sentiment even though we know that global carbon emissions are causing climate change. Just ask the citizens of California, Washington and Oregon whether they would like to remove the subsidy that prevents the oil and gas industry from paying for their product’s negative externalities. This would be like me saying that I don’t want to pay the city for garbage pickup – that I would prefer to just throw it in the woods.

How risky are Green Bonds compared to other types of energy investments?

It is difficult to compare risk across investments unless you have a clear view into all of the details of each investment alternative, and a clear view of the investment risk horizon for each individual investor. The assessment of Green Bond risk depends on the following: the individual investor; the financial strength of the issuer; and the details (terms, conditions, covenants, etc.) of the offering.

RE Royalties Green Bond offering is different from others in the marketplace because the Bonds are senior-secured against the assets of RE Royalties Ltd. Think of this being like a car loan where the bank’s loan is fully secured against the asset, or car.

The RE Royalties Green Bond also pays a fixed annual rate of interest of 6%, paid on a quarterly basis for the life of the bond. This means that a potential investor knows exactly how much they will earn on this investment. Finally, the International Capital Markets Association oversee the Green Bond Principles governing the issuance of Green Bonds and this means that investors can be sure that the bond proceeds will be used only for truly green investments.

Would Green Bonds ever invest in nuclear power companies, given that some who are concerned about carbon see nuclear power as a solution?

Our investment mandate at RE Royalties would preclude us from using the proceeds of our Green Bond financing from investing in nuclear power companies.

Can Americans or Europeans or the Chinese invest, given that the company is based in Canada?

Yes, investors from the US, Europe or China can purchase our RE Royalties Green Bonds, but they will need to have a Canadian investment account to buy and hold the securities. Canadian securities regulations require a high degree of disclosure and transparency, so the fact that we are traded on the Canadian exchange may be an advantage for some foreign investors. The fact that we trade in Canadian dollars may also be some advantage to  US and foreign investors who are looking to increase their exposure to the Canadian dollar. Some investors in very low interest rate environments such as Europe or Japan may also find the 6% yield on our green bonds very attractive.

In addition to solar, wind and geothermal, are there other promising renewable technologies that Green Bonds might help boost?

Our vision is to create a cleaner future by investing in renewable and sustainable energy. We are agnostic to technology, meaning that we will support any technology. We like proven technology and we have a bias for operating projects. This is because we really like near term cash flow!

It is important to note that to meet our goal of helping to build a cleaner and more sustainable world, we are focusing on both renewable and sustainable energy. Put simply, the world’s carbon emissions are very broadly speaking, driven approximately one-third by electricity generation, approximately one-third by building heating and cooling, and approximately one-third by transportation. Currently we are focusing on the electricity generation piece, but we do see lots of opportunity to utilize our royalty financing product to advance projects in the energy efficiency and transportation sectors.

Is the 6% per annum interest rate guaranteed, regardless of how the economy (nationally and globally) performs?

Yes, the 6% interest rate is guaranteed for the term of the bond. There is no relationship between the interest rate and the performance of either the national or global economy.

What is the projected growth rate of the renewables economy over the next 5 to 10 years?

Globally, $289 billion was invested in renewable energy projects in 2018, according to the United Nations. This investment is expected to increase to $534 billion by 2030 according to the UN Environment Programme as of June 18, 2019.

You can learn more about investment opportunities with RE Royalties Green Bonds here.

The post RE Royalties Green Bonds Power Clean Energy appeared first on Big Green Purse.

If you care about the air you breathe, the water you drink, stopping climate change, and reducing your family’s exposure to toxic chemicals, it is absolutely essential that you vote in the 2020 election. But with Coronavirus raging, the U.S. Postal Service under assault, and record turnout expected, many of us wonder what is the best way to vote in 2020 so we also stay safe and make sure our vote counts.

The absolute best way to vote in 2020 is actually pretty simple for most of us:

BEST WAY TO VOTE IN 2020? VOTE EARLY

Here’s how:

REGISTER: Make sure you’re registered to vote. Use this site to check your registration status if you’re unsure or need to register. In most states, it is quick and easy to register.

PLAN: Vote early in person, or vote at home using an absentee ballot. Find out how to vote early in your state here.

IF VOTING EARLY IN PERSON: Find out when your state’s polls open and pick a day to vote. Several states have already begun in-person early voting. Others will open in October. Choose your day and time. Probably mid-day during the week when others are working or homeschooling would mean fewer crowds.

IF ABSENTEE VOTING AT HOME: Request an absentee ballot NOW. Each state decides for itself how it handles absentee ballots. You can find out how to do it in your state here. This map shows early voting options state-by-state.

DROP YOUR BALLOT IN AN OFFICIAL BALLOT BOX: If possible, vote early and put your ballot in an official ballot box. You can also mail in your ballot. If you choose to mail it, mail it as soon as possible.

Why is Voting Early the Best Way to Vote in 2020?

Beat the Crowds. Presidential elections are always big events. But this year, so much is at stake, voter turnout is expected to be particularly high. Voting early will help you beat the crowds but also help state elections boards handle the huge influx of votes they expect.

Avoid Coronavirus. Voting early also could help you avoid exposure to the Coronavirus. Especially if you vote at home and then drop your ballot off at an official drop box, you will minimize your contact with other voters and limit your chances of getting COVID-19.

Help the Post Office. If you decide to mail in your ballot, voting early gives the U.S. Postal Service more time to deliver your ballot (though the USPS says it is fully committed to delivering all ballots in a timely way).

Inspire Others. Once you vote early, you can turn your attention to helping others vote. Use your social media to share links to websites in your state that help you register, get your ballot, or vote early in person.

How to Stay Safe If You Vote in Person

If you decide to vote in person, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.

Don’t Miss:

6 Best Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizers That Kill Coronavirus

5 Plastic-Free Reusable Cotton Face Masks To Outlast Coronavirus

Stand 6 feet away from the person in front of you and behind you.

Know if advance who you plan to vote for, so when you get to the ballot box, your can quickly make your selections and leave. You can find out what’s on your ballot here.

Do not linger at the polls and around crowds of other voters. Minimize contact with other voters.

Vote For Candidates Who Support Protecting the Environment and Our Health – But Not Third Party Candidates!

No matter when you vote, choose candidates for every office – president, governor, Senator, Representative, mayor, local statehouse office holders – who are committed to protecting the environment, stopping climate change, and safeguarding our health.

Don’t miss this “open letter” to voters who might be inclined to vote for the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, or other third party candidates. This is not the year to cast a “symbolic” vote. Too much is at stake!

How Do You Plan to Vote in 2020? Please go to the Big Green Purse Facebook page and share your plan!

The post Here Is The Absolute Best Way to Vote in 2020 appeared first on Big Green Purse.

If you care about the environment, you must vote for Joe Biden for president in 2020 — and not for the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, or any third party candidate.

That is the message of more than 170 longtime environmental activists, including me, expressed in an “Open Letter to Green Voters” released this morning. The letter is now being widely circulated, especially in the key battleground states, where in 2016 Donald Trump carried Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania by margins of less than 1 percent. He would have lost all three races if the votes cast for the Green Party had gone to Hillary Clinton instead.

There is no environmental problem we faced in 2016 that is not even more problematic today, from climate change to air and water pollution to endangered spaces and plastic pollution. Each of these problems — and many more — will get exponentially worse if we don’t get Trump out of office.

But just as importantly, in Joe Biden, we have the opportunity to elect someone who could become the strongest environmental advocate in the history of the presidency.

We can’t sit this election out. We can’t write in “Thoreau” or some other entity. And we can’t vote for third party candidates who could ensure another four years of Donald Trump.

Green voters need to vote for Joe Biden, not a third party!

OPEN LETTER TO GREEN VOTERS:

DON’T BE TOO PURE TO BEAT DONALD TRUMP

See the complete list of Open Letter signatories here.

See the press release about the Open Letter here.

PLEASE USE OUR FACEBOOK AND TWITTER LINKS ABOVE TO SHARE THE LETTER AS WIDELY ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA AS YOU CAN.

#GreenVote4Biden

The post Why Green Voters Need to Vote For Joe Biden, Not Third Party appeared first on Big Green Purse.

I’ve found 7 plastic-free organic hand soaps for you that contain no toxic chemicals and come in paper packaging you can easily recycle. Why hand soaps? Because the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say washing our hands with soap and water works better than hand sanitizer for killing the germs that cause Coronavirus, the flu, and other illnesses, like diarrhea and the common cold.

Why plastic-free? Because plastic trash is out of control!

And why organic? Because as good as soap is for fighting germs, too many soaps contain harmful toxic chemicals or come packaged in throwaway plastic.  The soaps listed below contain healthy ingredients that work – and don’t come in plastic!

7 Plastic-Free Organic Hand Soaps

Dr. Bronner’s

Zum

Tom’s of Maine

O Naturals

Makes 3 Organics

Ma’na Organix

Patchouli Soap

Here Are 7 Plastic-Free Organic Hand Soaps That Fight Coronavirus and the Flu

Dr. Bronner’s – Made with vegan ingredients and castile soap, but no synthetic preservatives or foaming agents. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Available unscented, or in peppermint, lavender, almond, eucalyptus, hemp rose, hemp tea tree, and hemp citrus. Fair Trade certified and Non GMO verified, too!

Zum – Made with goat’s milk, essential oils, and fresh citrus herbs. Minimal paper packaging that can be recycled. Available in variety sampler pack as well as individually. Look for it online but in Whole Foods, natural foods stores, and food co-ops, too.

Tom’s of Maine – 5 oz. bars, available in 6-packs; available in lavender, orange blossom, coconut oil, and other plant-based compounds (NOTE: May also be available in store in CVS, various supermarkets, Whole Foods, Target, etc.)

O Naturals – 100% natural organic ingredients, vegan, and infused with essential oils. Available in oatmeal & coffee, agave nectar & soy milk, coconut & shea butter, jojoba & tea tree, and rosemary & peppermint. PETA certified.

Makes 3 Organics – Made in Santa Barbara, CA with USDA certified organic ingredients, including coconut oil and shea butter. Packaged plastic-free in a recyclable paper box. Also available in orange blossom.

Ma’na Organix – This hemp oil based soap is infused with eucalyptus that both cleans and leaves your hands smelling fresh. Ma’na is also sulfate- and paraben-free, cruelty-free and vegan. It’s packaged in a minimal recyclable cardboard wrap. Available in lavender, peppermint, spearmint, and cinnamon vanilla cappuccino.

Patchouli Soap – In case you’re wondering, patchouli is a fast-growing shrub related to mint and lavender with an “earthy, sensuous” scent. Additional ingredients in this soap include olive, coconut, avocado and castor oil, cocoa butter and cocoa powder, water, and sodium hydroxide.

When Should You Wash Your Hands During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

After you have been in a public place and touched an item or surface that may have been touched by other people, like door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping cars, or electronic cashier registers and screens

Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, because that’s how germs enter our bodies

Before, during and after preparing food, and before eating food

After going to the bathroom

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After shopping and packing and unpacking groceries

After opening mail

Remember to lather and scrub for 20 seconds. The CDC recommends people no longer shake hands with each other. If you somehow do shake hands with someone, wash your hands afterwards and before you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

NOTE: We may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through our link. It’s teeny tiny, so not enough to affect how we think, but helpful enough to keep us going. Thanks!

The post 7 Plastic-Free Organic Hand Soaps That Fight Coronavirus and the Flu appeared first on Big Green Purse.

What are the best non-toxic hand sanitizers that kill Coronavirus?

We’ve done the research,* consulted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and reviewed data from non-profit science-based groups, and used that knowledge to find six of the best non-toxic hand sanitizers you can buy that will get the job done. They are:

6 BEST NON-TOXIC HAND SANITIZERS

(available as sprays or gels and in large sizes to reduce plastic trash)

Hot Shot’s Secret Hand Sanitizer Gel  Buy one large gallon jug then decant into smaller reusable bottles to reduce plastic trash

Forward Science Hand Sanitizer  – A 6-pack of 16oz. bottles to reduce plastic trash is still better than a whole bunch of throwaway 2 or 3 oz bottles.

Pipette Hand Sanitizer  – 32oz jug can still be used to re-fill reusable bottles and reduce plastic trash.

Everyone Hand Sanitizer Spray  – If you need small spray bottles for your purse, briefcase or backpack, these work and are non-toxic.

The Naked Bee Gel – This non-toxic hand sanitizer also contains aloe vera gel and witch hazel. The 8 oz. size might be perfect for your workplace or a car trip.

North Star Organics Advanced Organic Hand Sanitizer Gel – 8 oz. – This product  can be used for babies and children as long as you rub it into their skin until it is completely dry.

What Makes These Hand Sanitizers Better Than Others? Safe Ingredients That Work!

The key ingredient to look for in a hand sanitizer is ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol.

What Ingredients Should You AVOID in Hand Sanitizer? Methanol, and These Others

What if you’re in a store or elsewhere online and see a hand sanitizer that looks appealing or cheap but is not listed above? Before you buy, make sure the sanitizer you’re considering does NOT contain the following ingredients:

METHANOL, also known as Methyl Alcohol or Wood Alcohol:  Methanol is toxic; it is completely different from the ethanol listed above. It is made primarily from natural gas or coal. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned people against using as many as 130 brands of hand sanitizer because they contain methanol.

Methanol is dangerous for several reasons. It is highly flammable. It is extremely toxic to humans if it is ingested or if vapors are inhaled Ingestion of as little as one to four ounces can cause irreversible injury to the nervous system, blindness, or even death. Symptoms of acute methanol exposure may include headache, weakness, drowsiness, nausea, difficult breathing, blurred vision and loss of consciousness.**

In addition to methanol, avoid the following ingredients:

Triclosan (an antibacterial agent that may lead to antibiotic resistance, and is toxic to fish and frogs when it washes into our lakes, rivers and streams)

Synthetic Fragrance (causes allergic reactions like sneezing, headaches, and other flu-like symptoms)

Parabens and Phthalates (linked to hormone disruption)

Most dyes and synthetic colors

You can get more Information on Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizers That Kill Coronavirus from the National Institutes of Health, linked below. ***

Here are more details on the sanitizers we recommend.

Hot Shot’s Secret Hand Sanitizer Gel – Hot Shot’s gel contains four simple and safe ingredients:

80% alcohol, which kills germs and viruses; glycerin (a hand softener); hydrogen peroxide (an additional germ killer); and purified water. Another benefit of this product is that it reduces plastic trash. Buy a one gallon dispenser with a pump, then easily fill up smaller reusable 2oz bottles for backpacks and purses.

Forward Science Hand Sanitizer Spray – Though not quite as low-waste as a one-gallon jug,

Forward Science is sold as a 6-pack of 16oz. spray bottles that still reduce plastic trash. Does not contain dye, triclosan, parabens, or phthalates; made in the USA.

Pipette Hand Sanitizer Gel – Ethyl alcohol, plus moisturizing glycerin and sugarcane-derived squalane, and water. Fragrance-free. Comes in 32oz jug to reduce plastic waste; EWG verified. Buy the large jug and refill smaller reusable containers to limit plastic waste.

Everyone Hand Sanitizer – In addition to meeting the CDC recommendations for hand sanitizing, Everyone Hand Sanitizer also contains vegetable glycerin to keep hands soft, and is available in a variety of plant-based scents (my favorite is lavender).

North Star Organics – This formulation includes aloe, Vitamin E and 65% alcohol; free of dyes, silicones, parabens, SLS, and synthetic fragrances. The 8 oz pump dispenser could be the right size for your workplace, classroom, or reception area or bathroom.

The Naked Bee –  Ingredients include natural honey, aloe vera gel, witch hazel, sea weed extract, green ea extracts and essential oils. No parabens, dyes, phthalates or other nasty ingredients.

In Addition to Avoiding Toxic Ingredients, Beware The Following Misleading Claims and Packaging When Buying Hand Sanitizers

“FDA-approved” – No hand sanitizers have been approved by the FDA. If you see a product being marketed as FDA-Approved, skip it.

“Chemical-Free” – Nothing on Earth is chemical-free. Everything is made up of chemical compounds. Some of those chemicals are safe; others can make us sick. Either way, you and every product you buy consist of chemicals. Don’t let the words “chemical-free” affect your choice.

Products Packaged to Appear as Drinks, Candy, Liquor Bottles, or Cocktails – Hand sanitizer should never be consumed. Keep all sanitizers out of the reach of children.

DON’T DRINK HAND SANITIZER!

You can’t prevent Coronavirus by drinking anything, especially hand sanitizer.

DO USE SOAP AND WATER

Hand sanitizer is very handy to have when you’re not at home. But when you are home, use soap and water primarily. Suds up your hands for 20 seconds then rinse with warm water. Easy peasy.

AND REMEMBER: BUY THE LARGEST DISPENSER OF HAND SANITIZER YOU CAN FIND TO MEET YOUR NEEDS

Empty plastic bottles of hand sanitizer are starting to litter streets and end up in lakes, rivers and streams. You can minimize how much plastic you use and throwaway by buying the largest dispenser of hand sanitizer you can and refill smaller bottles for your purse or your kids’ backpack.

Don’t Miss: Why I Ditched Plastic Water Bottles And You Should, Too! 

Last by not least, here’s a hand graphic from North Star Organics that shows the best way to apply sanitizer so it gets to every part of your hand.

*We base our recommendations on the scientific analyses done by the non-profit research group Environmental Working Group and the green and non-toxic standards set by Made Safe, as well as our own long-standing experience reviewing scientific data on various chemical ingredients.  We also reviewed the:

National Institutes of Health analysis of alcohol-based products being used in hand sanitizers.

Here are the toxic hand sanitizers containing methanol that the FDA wants you to avoid.

** Get more information about methanol from the Methanol Institute.

NOTE: We may earn a teeny tiny commission if you purchase products using our link. It is not enough to sway our opinion, but over time, the commissions help support our effort to continue to bring you the expert help you need to lead the greener life you want. (I knew you’d understand!)

The post 6 Best Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizers That Kill Coronavirus appeared first on Big Green Purse.

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS POST ABOUT REUSABLE COTTON FACE MASKS!

√ Links to 5 reusable cotton face masks you’ll love that will last a long time.

√ Short reminder about why it’s important to wear a mask.

√ Update on how much plastic pollution throwaway masks create.

The coronavirus pandemic isn’t going away any time soon. That probably means you’ll need more and better face masks that won’t create plastic trash and can last you through the end of 2020 and potentially way into 2021. Of the many brands and varieties available, we knew you’d most be on the look-out for reusable cotton face masks that you could wear comfortably and securely and that are plastic-free.

Here are five of the best options we’ve found, plus filters you can get for them.  (NOTE: Some products are linked to sites we have affiliate relationships with, so we might earn a few pennies if you make a purchase. Thanks!)

USA Reusable Cotton Face Masks – 100% Cotton with Filter Pocket, Ear Loops and Nose Wire Bridge for closer fit. Made in the USA. (I haven’t tried this one, but it got lots of 5 star ratings on Amazon!)

Avocado Organic Cotton Face Masks – These 100% organic certified face masks are made with two layers of organic cotton canvas, a pocket so you can insert a filter (not included), and simple tie straps.

Triple Layered 100% Cotton Face Mask with Filter Pocket – This made-in-the-USA mask comes with a flexible nose clip for a better fit and adjustable ear loops. Does not come with filters, but you can buy some separately and insert them in the mask pocket.

 Cotton Face Mask with Replaceable Filters – This mask uses activated carbon PM 2.5 filters for extra-effective particle capture. Adjustable ear loops make for a closer fit.

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Cotton Reusable Face Masks With Filters – Here’s another option for a face mask that comes with adjustable straps, a nose bridge, and activated carbon filters for extra protections.

Activated Carbon Filter Inserts for Reusable Face Masks – If you only wear your mask a little while each day (which is what I do), these filters will last a long time. If you wear your mask a lot, the manufacturer recommends changing the filter every three days.

By the way, if you don’t have a “professional” filter, you can make one out of a coffee filter.

Here’s a short refresher course from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on why face masks are essential.

Centers for Disease Control: Wear a Mask!

COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Studies and evidence on infection control report that these droplets usually travel around 6 feet (about two arms lengths). So, stay 6 feet away from anyone who you are not certain is not infected. (If you’ve quarantined with someone for two weeks and neither of you has gotten sick, you’re probably fine. If you’re getting together with friends or family to hang out, you should all wear masks and still stay 6 feet apart.)

Also, wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations.

This is another important point: Cloth face coverings may slow the spread of the virus by people who may have it but not know it. If you have it but don’t have any symptoms, you could still spread it just by talking, coughing, sneezing, and even singing. Wear a face mask to keep your viral germs to yourself!

NOTE: The CDC says that children younger than 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing or is incapacitated should not wear a mask.

I personally expect to wear a face mask for years to come. In addition to protecting against COVID-19, my mask could also help protect me from the flu and the common cold. I never wore a mask before, but from here on out, I’m going to wear it all the time when I’m out shopping, on the subway or bus, or at a public event.

Single-Use Throwaway Masks Pollute the Seas and Could Kill Wildlife. Plus, They Create Ugly Litter.

Throwaway plastic-based masks, along with single-use plastic gloves and wipes, are quickly becoming a significant source of pollution. Environmental group OceansAsia’s recent survey of the waters around HongKong found dozens of masks washed up on shore and floating in the water.*

Opération Mer Propre (clean seas), a French nonprofit, worries that there may soon be more masks than jellyfish in the Mediterranean.* Even in my neighborhood outside Washington, D.C., every day I find throwaway masks on the ground, where they can get washed into the storm drain and end up in the Chesapeake Bay and, eventually, the Atlantic Ocean.

Most single-use masks are made from polypropylene, a plastic that does not break down. It’s already estimated that over eight million tons of plastic enter our oceans. Some of that breaks down into micro plastic. Animals eat some of it, dying in the process.

Some people are adding to the problem by just tossing their mask out the window or to the ground, where it becomes ugly litter that no one wants to pick up.

Reusable face masks last many times over. And even if they’re thrown out as litter, cotton masks will biodegrade into harmless fibers.

What To Look For In a Reusable Cotton Face Mask

There are many masks on the market. CDC recommends we wear cloth masks like the ones featured in this post to help prevent all of us from spreading the disease.

CDC does NOT recommend an “N-95” mask regularly. N-95s are what doctors and first-line responders need to protect themselves when they help people who are sick with COVID-19. Some of us with compromised immune systems and respiratory diseases might need them, too. Or if you’re getting on an airplane or otherwise will be in an enclosed space in close proximity to other people, an N-95 could be your best option, because the N-95 prevents almost all particles from coming through your mask, where you might inhale them.

However, on the whole, the CDC says if we all wear tight-fitting, multi-layered cloth masks, we’ll go a long way to protecting ourselves and each other. Here’s me in one of my masks!

Reusable Cloth – You might be able to wear a paper mask a few times, but ultimately, it will end up in the trash. Get a cloth mask you can wash and reuse frequently.

Two Layers of Fabric – Choose (or make) a mask that has at least two separate layers of cloth. When you hold your mask up to  the light, the cloth needs to be woven so tightly that you can’t see through it.

Filter Pocket – In addition to two layers of fabric, you’ll get extra protection from having a filter between the layers. Before I had an actual mask, I rolled up a cotton bandana and put a folded coffee filter between the layers. That worked really well and provided extra protection! The mask I now use most often has a pocket in the middle that I can slip a filter into. I have bought some charcoal filters that will trap really very tiny particles.

NOTE: You may have heard about using a vacuum HEPA filter for your face mask. Make sure the filter is NOT made of fiberglass, as minuscule particles of glass may break off and be accidentally inhaled. A coffee filter folded in half adds more protection. This Merv 13 Material is not fiberglass and is designed to stop tiny airborne particles, increasing your masks’ effectiveness.

Proper Fit – The mask should cover both your nose and your mouth snugly without slipping down. It should either have ear loops to hold it on properly, or two sets of ties, one to tie the top sides of the mask around the back of your head, and one set to tie the bottom sides. It should extend an inch or so beyond your nose and mouth and fit snugly under your chin. I got one mask that looked pretty nice but kept slipping down off my nose. That forced me to keep adjusting it, which wasn’t particularly safe. I had to stop using it. I personally prefer the adjustable ear loops because I can tighten them around my face better.

Enough Masks – I have three masks I rotate among: one to wash, one to wear, and one as a back-up. Some moms had told me that they have gotten seven masks for their kids, one for every day of the week. You decide how much you need.

We are not recommending masks made from recycled plastic because plastic-based fabric can shed micro-plastic when it wears out or is washed. There are so many cotton masks to choose from, there’s no need to use recycled plastic fabric.

If you want to make your own mask, here are some sew and no-sew DIY instructions.

How to Wear Your Reusable Cotton Face Mask Correctly

• Wash your hands before putting on your mask
• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face; use adjustable ear loops to pull the mask tight.
• Make sure you can breathe easily

And to reiterate, make sure your mask covers your nose as well as your mouth for the max protection the mask offers.

**SOURCES**

Coronavirus face masks ‘could have a devastating effect on the environment’

More masks than jellyfish in the sea!

The post 5 Plastic-Free Reusable Cotton Face Masks To Outlast Coronavirus appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Plastic-free reusable produce bags are the MUST HAVE way to avoid those flimsy single-use plastic bags you grab when you’re shopping bulk produce aisles.

I’ve updated this post for Plastic-Free July to remind you how great reusable produce bags are and help you find ones that work for you.

Get some and do what I do: keep them with my reusable cloth shopping bags. That way, I’m sure to take them into the store and have them handy when I need to stock up on loose green beans or a half dozen apples. I LOVE not having to use  throwaway plastic bags that are so thin they can’t be used more than once.

We originally partnered with SGM Reusable Mesh Produce Bags to let you know what plastic-free alternatives were readily available. While those are out of stock, here are three other great options so you’ll never need to use ANY plastic bags again.

Organic Cotton Mesh Reusable Produce Bags – These bags come in a set of 3 large bags, 3 small bags, and 4 medium bags. I have a set of 3 medium cotton mesh bags. I use them for everything except bulk beans. I can put them and the produce they carry directly in the fridge, so they’re very convenient. They’ll get a little stretchy if you put heavy food in them, but that doesn’t affect their performance.

Simply Eco Reusable Produce Bags With See-Through Window – This set of 7 bags includes muslin bags for bulk shopping. It also includes mesh bags for produce shopping, and a bag the manufacturer says works like a lettuce keeper in the fridge.

Reusable Produce and Muslin Bags, Plus Bonus Bag – This looks like a good set. It includes three  produce bags and three muslin bags (good for seeds, oats and grains, rice, cereals, etc.). And the large drawstring bag can be used either for bulky items like apples or corn on the cob, or as a grocery bag.

Here’s Why You’ll Love Reusable Produce Bags

⇒ They’re both durable and washable. They can be used over and over and over again, so each bag could probably replace thousands of throwaways. They’ll last pretty much as many times as you go shopping.

⇒ They often come in “value packs” of 12, in three sizes: 3 small, 6 medium and 3 large. Use the small ones for foods like herbs, nuts, and raisins that you buy in bulk. Use the medium sized ones for lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, radishes, onions, carrots, plums, and more. Use the large ones for grapefruit, apples, oranges, bananas, and larger quantities of anything else you need to get. (I personally don’t need more than 8-10. You might need a couple more or less.)

⇒ They’re “Multi-Purpose.” In addition to using them for produce, you can also use them as mini laundry bags when you travel, or to hold kids’ toys, office supplies, and laundry “delicates” (i.e., underwear!).

⇒ They’re cheap. And once you buy them, you don’t need to buy them again.

⇒ You can rinse fruit right in the bag and then put the bag directly in the fridge. They create no extra waste or packaging.

⇒ They’re versatile. Use them in the grocery store but at the farmer’s market, too.

⇒ They’re easy to store. Just place them in one of the reusable tote bags you take to the grocery store.

At least once a day, someone from the Big Green Purse community contacts me asking where she can get reusable produce bags. For a lot of people, getting rid of single-use throwaway plastic produce bags is the last step to truly plastic-free shopping!

We’re happy to link you to these bags and hope you’ll get some straight away. And please share this post and the links on your own social media. The more people use them, the less plastic we’ll be throwing away.

NOTE: Partnerships and affiliate links enable us to bring the expert green living content you want at no expense to you. Our editorial recommendations remain our own. Thanks!

The post Don’t Shop ‘Til You Get These Plastic-Free Reusable Produce Bags appeared first on Big Green Purse.

When it comes to living plastic-free, party supplies can be the last thing you might think about. But it’s so easy to shift to plastic-free options, why not put them on your list now?

You’ll save money in the long run by buying long-lasting reusable supplies once instead of throwaways over and over again. And you’ll throw away a lot less trash, too.(We’re updating this post for Plastic-Free July 2020.)

NOTE: Even though “compostable” paper plates and napkins are available, they usually can only be composted in an industrial facility – not in your home compost pile. If they are “recyclable,” check with your local recycling facility to see if they will accept them – many don’t.

Here are the 5 Plastic-Free Party Supplies I Have That You Don’t Want to Miss

Here’s a picture of the plastic-free party supplies I usually use.

1. Plates – I have several sizes of reusable plates: salad-sized dinnerware for buffets, and full-sized plates for potluck dinners. I have bought the salad-sized plates over time when they were on sale after the Christmas holidays.

The dinner-sized reusable plates are by Preserve. They’re made from 100% recycled #5 plastic. They’re dishwasher-friendly and if you ever decide you want to get rid of them, Preserve will take them back and recycle them. I have both the 10.5″ size and the 7″ size, which are perfect for dessert, fruit, or salad.

NOTE: I normally don’t recommend using recycled plastic, but because these last so long and you won’t be throwing them away, they’re a good alternative, especially for an outdoor picnic or party.

2. Napkins – I went to the local Dollar store and bought the festive 100% cotton bandanas pictured above. They’re big enough to cover a lap, colorful, and very easy to wash. I think I have around 50 of them at this point. They’re good for picnics, too.

3. Table cloths – If you like to have seasonal or holiday themed table cloths (like for birthday parties, Thanksgiving, or Christmas), you’ll find a wide variety of reusable cotton table cloths online, at thrift stores, on sale in department stores, and at local yard sales. At this point, I have reusable table cloths for the 4th of July, Halloween, general birthday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, plus table cloths I use for picnics.

4. Forks, Knives, Spoons – Plastic-free cutlery makes so much sense. The plastic stuff is usually so weak it breaks (I was at a party just today where the knives and forks weren’t strong enough and kept splintering.) You can get a 36-piece set of stainless steel flatware on Amazon that will last you 20 or 30 years. The set includes 12 each of a fork, knife and teaspoon.

5. Glasses/Cups/Tumblers – Of all the items listed here, glasses take up the most space. I have about 40 8 oz. glasses at this point, and I keep them in a couple of boxes that I stack and put in the back of a closet.

NOTE: You can get stackable stainless steel pint cups, with the advantage being both that they’re durable and they are unbreakable. But the smallest size they come in is 10 oz. I prefer to serve smaller drink portions, which is why I go with an 8 oz. glass. Figure out what’s right for you.

Preserve, the same company that makes reusable plastic plates, also makes reusable cups. They’re a bit big for me, but they might be perfect for you. Take a look.

I store all the table cloths, plates, napkins and cutlery in the cute duffle bag in the picture. Then I just tuck the bag out of the way in a closet, where it can easily be retrieved.

Get More “Green” Party Tips Right Here!

Where Can You Get Affordable Plastic-Free Party Supplies?

Speaking of Sales…

I buy many plastic-free party supplies on sale. All holiday-themed supplies will be 50 or 60 or 70% off the day after the holiday. Department stores like Macy’s, as well as the Big Box stores like Wal Mart and Target, are the place to look for post-holiday supply sales.

Borrow and Lend…

A Big Green Purse reader (and neighbor) wrote recently to say she’d accumulated enough reusable plates and glasses for a party for 40. She has let the neighborhood know that they’re available for anyone to borrow!

The post How Many Of These 5 Plastic-Free Party Supplies Are You Missing? appeared first on Big Green Purse.