We at GEN are undoubtedly animal lovers and for that reason are in the process of opening a cage-free boarding and training facility at our compound in Agua Dulce, CA. Seeing that we’re all about lowering our environmental impact wherever we can, we have been contacting many eco-friendly companies to try out their products for review. Enter P.L.A.Y — or Pet Lifestyle and You — a company dedicated to reducing environmental waste by recycling old bottles and turning them into pet beds. This awesome company offered to send us one of their swanky beds for large breed dogs. We tried it out and here is our honest opinion on their product:

Comfort-

This bed is SUPER plush especially considering it was made with recycled bottles. My husband decided to try it out himself and said that it is not only spacious enough for a person to lay on (in the fetal position, granted!) but its also provides ample cushion to keep him from sinking into our hardwood flooring. He also weighs about 200 pounds, by the way. It should be noted that my business partner purchased a few of Costco brand dog beds to cut costs, which are similar in size — and those beds don’t even come close to the padding that P.L.A.Y provides. Definitely a well made dog bed.

Durability-

About 4-5 dogs have already made their home on the P.L.A.Y bed, and every seam and stitch is completely in tact. In comparison again with Costco brand beds, P.L.A.Y is MUCH more durable – as the former already had snags at the seams before any dog even touched it. Since we’ve only been using the bed for about 2 weeks, it is too early to tell the true durability especially because we haven’t had too many dogs coming in and out of the facility yet. Photo below is comparing the cushion in the Costco brand bed (left) to the P.L.A.Y brand dog bed (right).

Design-

The style of this “Savannah” dog bed in the sepia/dark chocolate color scheme is absolutely stunning. The top of the bed features a glossy, almost elephant skin looking design, but colored to fit the African desert. They also have an ash grey/cool grey option that actually much more resembles elephant skin, but the brown tones were more appropriate for our indoor dog lounge area. This bed could definitely fit the more upscale home decor.

Eco-Friendly Factor-

The best part about P.L.A.Y beds, as we mentioned before, is the fact that they are made to help reduce the world’s environmental waste. An astounding 92 recycled bottles made their way into the polyfiber filling for this particular bed. Not only that, but all the tags on their products are made from F.S.C. certified paper. While it would have been nice to see the entire bed being made out of re-purposed materials, the filling is a good start.

All in all, we couldn’t find too many negative aspects about this bed. However, with a price tag of $189 USD, it seems to be more well suited for the sophisticated dog owner looking to lessen their environmental impact a bit while still considering style.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received a product sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

You can make a difference. Making the effort to be more environmentally friendly is easier and cheaper than you realize – and good for both you as well as the environment. Read on for 5 easy ways to do your part.

Recycle.

It is so easy and simple to recycle these days that it’s almost harder not to recycle. Your local council will have provided you with a recycling bin and a calendar so you know which days to put out your recycling.

Have you ever had friends over and they have been confused when they go to throw out something and discover you don’t have a recycling bin? Avoid potential embarrassment and change this as soon as you can!

Glass, plastic, cardboard or aluminum should be recycled wherever possible. If you are unsure, turn the item upside down and look for the green triangle that will let you know if it can be recycled.

Going one step further and making an effort to buy items that are in biodegradable or very little packaging is even better if you can.

Bike or walk.

Cars are the largest contributor to air pollution in the world today and while you can do your best effort to look after your car or invest in a hybrid or greener model, the truly best thing you can do is reduce your car usage altogether! This will save you money AND work wonders for your health.

Switching your drive to work in the morning for a bike will mean you get exercise, fresh air and also save time searching for parking or being stuck in traffic – as well as save you money on petrol.

If biking isn’t your thing, go old school and walk – set yourself a challenge or a limit: if a place is less than 20mins walk away, make it a rule to always walk rather than drive. The more you get used to walking, the easier it will be, the fitter you’ll get, and the cleaner your air.

Cloth bags not plastic bags.

Green bags are very widely available and there is absolutely no reason that you should still be using plastic bags.

Not only are they reusable: they are also convenient. You can fit a lot more in cloth bags, including heavier or sharp items that just tear through plastic bags, and you can use them for pretty much anything.

Make a habit of keeping one handy at all times: there’s nothing more frustrating than heading to the supermarket and realizing you have left these bags at home. Constantly buying enviro bags is just as bad – if not worse – as constantly using plastic bags, and defeats the purpose.

Support eco businesses.

While it’s very easy now for businesses to practice greener habits, to recycle, to buy and stock environmentally friendly products and use eco promotional bags: it’s typically not the cheapest option for them.

Those businesses that are environmentally responsible are making a conscious effort and investment – and we are consumers are responsible in helping make their efforts worthwhile.

There are still so many businesses out there that, no matter what, will always choose the cheapest and easiest option because they only care about the bottom line.

The more we demand that businesses turn green, support those that do and avoid those that don’t, the sooner businesses will relent to pressure and start introducing more environmentally friendly practices.

Encourage your friends.

As one individual you may not think that your efforts alone can have a significant effect: but if you spread the word to your family, friends and all others you know, you can create a ripple effect and soon there will be an extra 100 or 1000 people practicing eco-friendly habits – all thanks to you!

Lead by example and become conscious of how others might be inspired by your habits – and encourage them to do the same.

Almost 4 billion trees are cut down each year to make paper. The average American uses more than 748 pounds of paper per year. Many times paper is used, unnecessarily, to sign documents. What do you do when you get a request to sign a document in your email inbox? Chances are you print the document, sign it with a pen, and fax it back. If you don’t have a fax machine, you get in the car and waste gas driving to the post office to overnight the signed document. The signature requester gets your document, scans it back into electronic format, and then shreds the paper version. This is a waste of resources. There is an environmentally friendly way to sign documents. You can save trees and money by signing electronically. In other words, sign and send documents from your computer or mobile device.

What is an electronic signature?

It is “an electronic sound, symbol, or process logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record” according to the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. There are mobile applications and e-signature web services that enable you to sign electronically. Many of them are free or low cost. One such application is SimplySign by Vignature.

Here is how to sign and send a document from a mobile device with Vignature:

1. Open the document from your email inbox or from Dropbox.
2. Tap to sign, and pose for a live image capture.
3. Email the signed document to yourself and/or another recipient.

Signing documents electronically is a great way to save trees. It keeps documents in digital format from beginning to end, eliminating the need for paper. Try using an e-signature application the next time you need to sign a document. Video below is a demonstration and review of the Vignature app on iPhone. There are also reviews available for Android users by visiting Best Android Apps Review.

Article by Kelly Spradley, Cofounder of Vignature

An eco-friendly lifestyle can also be a treat for your wallet as many of the methods you can use to go green can result in substantial cost savings. Check out these ways to help the environment and save money.

Insulation

Moving into winter, gas and electricity bills are on the rise. Improving the insulation of your home means that your house will lose less heat and so you can cut down on both your heating bill and your contribution to harmful emissions. Forty percent of the heat in your home is lost through the loft and walls, so if you are choosing just one eco-friendly change then loft and wall insulation is the way to go. Government estimates put the cost of insulating a loft at around £230 (about $363.00), excluding labour, and cavity walls at £260 (about $411.00). You may even be able to get a grant from the Energy Savings trust to help with the cost. You can also insulate your hot water cylinder to gain savings of £20 (about $32.00) a year on your got water bill.

Energy-Efficient Boilers

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a new boiler can reduce energy bills by up to £240 (about $379.00) annually. They may offer you a grant to help with the cost of a new energy-efficient boiler.

Double glazing

Your windows can also be causing your house to lose heat. Double glazing throughout your home can save up to £100 (about $158.00) annually on your energy bills. Alternatively, make sure you draw your curtains behind radiators so that the windows are better insulated.

Draught-proofing

Simple draught-excluders can help to keep your home’s heat contained. This solution is low-tech and extremely cheap but can make a substantial difference to your energy costs.

Energy-Saving Electrical Goods

The more energy efficient the light bulbs, fridge and other electrical goods in your home, the less energy you use when they are running. Look for appliances that have a high rating on their European Union energy label as they will be the most energy-efficient.

Reduced Water Consumption

Installing a low-flow showerhead will reduce your water consumption and your water heating costs. Low flow showerheads can be bought for less than £20, and if you are on a metered water rate you can institute other water-saving measures such as putting a flush-saver in your toilet cistern and re-using any non-soapy washing up water in your garden.

This editorial is a guest post from the car rental comparison site vroomvroomvroom.co.uk.

SIM Publishes 2011 Winners of its Annual Contest in Green Building-

Sustainable Industries Magazine recently introduced its winners of the sixth annual Top 10 Green Building Products award. The winners were chosen by an expert panel of judges from more than 100 entries based upon design aesthetic, environmental performance, innovativeness, scalability/market impact, as well as value and compatibility using the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system. “The green building industry has seen unprecedented growth and change in the six years that Sustainable Industries has produced the Top 10 Green Building Products awards. This year’s winners reflect the diversity of exciting opportunities in the green building space,” says Brian Back, Founding Editor & Publisher of Sustainable Industries. Selected winners are as follows:

1. Adura Wireless Lighting Controls, made by Adura Technologies, slashes lighting-related energy costs by up to 70 percent using a system of sensors and controllers that creates a network to turn off unneeded lights while offering consumers complete control over their electricity through a unique web interface.

2. Breathe Living Wall, made by DIRTT Environmental Solutions, improves air quality and conserves energy by relieving the load of ventilation systems. The system fits any flat wall or vertical building surface. Plants are watered at one point at the top of the wall, and as the water moves through the trough system, wicks from other pots bring water up to the plants.

3. Greensulate, made by Ecovative Design, uses mushroom roots to make its innovative insulation and packaging material. The company doesn’t need any light to grow their fungi and only uses heat during the final drying process – making this product almost entirely sustainable.

4. HydroRight Dual Flush Converter, made by MJSI Inc., created a “drop-in” service for already existing toilets which offers water conservation up to thirty percent. To boot, it only takes about 7 minutes to install.

5. Indow Windows, made by – you guessed it! – Indow Windows, uses thermal inserts that can achieve 94 percent of the energy savings of double-pane replacements at a fraction of the cost. The inserts plus installation run about $13 per square foot, so refitting a house with 14 average-sized windows costs about $2,400.

6. Juice Bar, made by Green Garage Associates, (although not exactly a green building product) is an electric vehicle charging station that can either be bought or rented by property owners. The product is considered sustainable by the judges in that it will encourage more widespread purchases of EVs.

7. Mobile Solar Power System, made by Pure Power Distribution, designed its Mobile Solar Power System to replace dirty, noisy diesel generators, which create air pollution in the form of carbon dioxide, particulate matter and carcinogenic compounds. The company also makes a hybrid system that combines solar power with a biodiesel generator that kicks in when needed.

8. Modlet, made by ThinkEco, aims to cut power wasted by plug-in appliances when they’re not in use. For an office or building that plugs in modlets throughout its facility, that could mean a reduction in overall energy costs of about 10 percent – or a cut of up to 80 percent in the amount of power used by each plugged-in device, according to the company.

9. SageGlass, made by SAGE Electrochromics, offers a unique product using electrochromic glass that can change from clear to darkly tinted using a simple light switch. The good news? It offers a significant reduction in energy savings, lowering peak demand by as much as 24 percent.

10. SmartSlope Living Retaining Wall, made by the Furbish Company, took its inspiration from the tightly-populated central European landscape where buildings are designed vertically rather than horizontally due to the lack of space. Using concrete blocks with a cavity for plant roots, the hollow centers offer space for various plants to take root and, apparently within months, covers up the wall with natural growth. It can be built in open spaces near buildings, highways and other not-so-aesthetically-appealing areas while encouraging the growth of carbon-eating plants. And while concrete isn’t exactly environmentally-friendly, it does offer a structural soundness that other building materials don’t. Longevity is definitely sustainable.

With the increased importance of going green, more and more homeowners are beginning to consider clean energy options for their home. The alternative energy industries are relatively new so many consumers aren’t fully informed about the choices they have and the benefits and drawbacks of each. Wind and solar power are two growing alternative energy markets that many people speculate will play a critical role in sustaining our planet. While both wind and solar are clean energy sources, it is important to learn the pros and cons of each in order to determine which option is best for your home.

One benefit of wind power in comparison to installing a solar PV system is the lower initial cost. Studies have shown that the total cost per kWh produced is less for wind power. Therefore, at this time it is apparent that wind power is typically more cost effective than solar. Even though the initial cost of wind may be lower than solar, it is important to also consider the maintenance costs that will incur throughout the life of the system. Because PV systems have no moving parts, they require very little maintenance and can be operated unmonitored for extended periods of time. Every once in a while, the dust and dirt needs to be removed from the solar panels which can easily be done by spraying them off with water. On the other hand, due to the moving parts that comprise a wind turbine the system is much more complex and difficult to maintain. Another benefit of installing a solar system in comparison to a wind turbine is the unobtrusive nature of the system. In addition to the large size of a wind turbine, they tend to produce a considerable amount of noise in high wind conditions. Solar systems on the other hand make no noise and aren’t distracting to the residents. When considering these options, it is important to also factor in the local climate and weather patterns. Solar produces more energy during summer months, whereas wind tends to produce more during winter months. Some areas experience windy conditions and are therefore great for producing wind energy. In sunnier climates however, solar may be much more advantageous. The orientation of the home and yard space available also factor in to the feasibility of each system. Wind turbines are fairly large and require a large amount of yard space. They also need to be situated away from trees or structures that may obstruct the flow of the wind and hinder the efficiency of the system. For a solar PV system, an unobstructed Southern facing roof space is an ideal space to install the solar panels. As long as there is little or no shading and a large enough surface area, most roofs can accommodate a PV system. Investing in a clean energy source is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save on future electric costs. When determining which is the best energy source for your home it is important to consider the location and orientation of your home and property, as well as the initial and future costs of each system. Having these clean energy options is great for the future of our planet. Both alternatives are very promising, so it’s now a matter of homeowners discovering which option is the most feasible for their home.

Health and Safety Best Practice with your Solar Panels-

Since they became something homeowners and environmentalists could install around their own properties, solar panels have proved incredibly popular. But whether you want them to save money or save the planet, it is important to have things like safety signs around to protect others.

Solar panels aren’t cheap, so if you do happen to be investing in them and are not confident of your own DIY skills, it may be advisable to contact a professional. The complexity of the installation will depend entirely on the make, model, size and position you choose – so think very carefully about whether or not it is something you will be happy doing on your own.

If you do decide to take on the project yourself, it is best to be prepared. Even if you are only installing compact solar panels, it is likely to be a messy task and will require electrical equipment and tools. Therefore, warning or hazard signs might be useful while you are doing the job. Of course, this is something to consider whenever you tackle a home improvement project – especially if yours is a family home where inquisitive hands are likely to be around.

When you start the installation process, try to do some research to help you understand roughly how your solar panels or system is going to work. If you don’t have at least some knowledge of the reasons why you are drilling holes and stringing cables up all over the outside and inside of your home, you are more likely to come unstuck – or worse still, damage the equipment itself before you’ve even had chance to enjoy its benefits.

If all of this sounds too complex, rethink the possibility of employing a professional. You’ll want to figure out whether the panels are to be flush against the roof of your property or tilted up, as well as whether they need individual panel mounts. This is all information that a qualified person will be able to help you with – so don’t hesitate to contact one if you find yourself scratching your head! Regardless of who ends up putting them in though, make sure you fit trip hazard signs where necessary to make sure people are a aware they are there.

Solar panels can be a great addition to your home and, in the long term, could help you save money on your energy bills. Installing them properly will help you make the most out of them too and reduces the risk that they will need attention or replacement later on.

It’s no secret that offices are powerhouses and can have an incredibly negative effect on the environment. The realms of wasted paper and abundance of computers that may not even be in use are wreaking havoc with the Ozone layer and contributing to climate change. Working from home is now becoming more popular than ever, due to the advances in technology and communication. Not only is it a convenient alternative for many employees, it also carries environmental and financial benefits.

Commuting

The drive to and from work each day is accountable for a large amount of CO2 emissions. Axing the drive to work reduces this effect, reducing the damage to the Ozone layer. The financial aspects mean the employee no longer has to pay extortionate prices for fuel in an attempt to get to work. Even if the employee doesn’t drive, they may have to pay for public transport which can be equally as cost for long distance commuters.

Renewable Energy Options

When an employee works from home the benefits of renewable energy sources such as solar panels can be even greater. Solar PV panels can be extremely beneficial to home workers who may need to have their computer and other electronic devices plugged in all day. They have the ability to produce clean, green energy whilst supplementing their income with the feed in tariff rates.

Green Office

When working from home, the employee has the ability to choose which accessories and stationery to use in their office. This allows them to be able to buy green accessories which will help the environment such as energy saving light bulbs, recycled office supplies and solvent-free adhesives. When working in a company office, the employee rarely has much control of what kind of office supplies are used, meaning the ones being purchased could be potentially harmful to the environment. Although the employee will have to buy their own stationery, there are office supplies companies which sell stationery at cheap, discounted prices to keep costs low.

No Work Wear

Many office workers buy an entirely new wardrobe for a section commonly referred to as “work wear”. Employees may not have control over what’s acceptable to wear in the workplace, forcing them to pay for more clothing. Working from home, this problem is non-existent. The worker may choose to stay in their pajamas all day if they wish, cutting costs and reducing the likelihood of buying clothes from retailers who don’t support Fair Trade.

Childcare

This is one of the main reasons people choose to work from home. Childcare costs can be extortionate and the worker may not be able to provide sufficient funding. Also, working from home gives the employee the opportunity to bond with their children in between working, which could improve productivity and family relationships. Working from home carries many benefits, making it an extremely attractive alternative to the daily office grind. Employees have the ability to manage their own workload, choose green products and services and save money in the process.

Greenwashing Hits An All-Time Low with Bottled Water Claims-

I love the show Mad Men, because (among other reasons) it gives us all a glimpse into the advertising industry and every stop they pull to get the public to buy a certain product. The lines advertisers use are, for the most part, heavily sugar coated at best and a downright lie at worst. Enter the new greenwashing trend: Organic bottled water. Llanllyr Water, for instance, is claiming that their water comes from the ground beneath “certified organic fields” and nothing above ground has ever been farmed any other way. They are supposedly certified by the Soil Association, but who can really trace that far back to see whether the farmers used organic or inorganic materials in their farming practices? The company has only been around since 1999, so I would assume a couple years prior is as far back as a soil analyst could hope to find remnants of inorganic materials. While the company has not come right out and said it sells “organic water”, it is certainly insinuating that to get people to purchase their product. Its for this very reason that the USDA has exempted water from organic certification, but that doesn’t seem to put a halt on any of the claims. All I can say is, hopefully the new regulations proposed by the FTC will prevent more companies from misrepresenting their product or business. I wouldn’t put all my eggs into that basket, though.

How Does Your “Natural”, Plant-Based Detergent Measure Up?-

Assuming that most of you out there would be more inclined to purchase a product labeled “environmentally friendly” or “green”, its important to know that the majority of these products use deceptive labeling. According to a CBC study, three major “green” detergent brands came up dirty when tested to find out exactly what was in their bottle. Sunlight Green Clean, Clorox GreenWorks and Purex Natural Elements were tested, and of the three, Clorox GreenWorks was determined to contain the most natural, plant-based ingredients (98 percent). Sunlight Green Clean had only 62 percent plant-based ingredients, and Purex Natural Elements has 70 percent. The remaining thirty percent in each of those brands contained petroleum-based ingredients. The main problem is lack of proper regulation, according to Adria Vasil, author of the book Ecoholic Home. “It’s basically an indication that the government needs to step in and say we cannot allow misleading labeling to continue because it’s basically duping the consumer,” Vasil said.