Second Nature

The Department of Energy tells us that 15% of the energy we use in our homes flows through our kitchens. So if we can make a big dent in our energy consumption there, we can make a big dent in our energy consumption period. Here’s a side order of kitchen conservation tips:

When making a multi-dish meal, try to cook as much as you can at the same time, then reheat individual dishes as needed in the more efficient microwave or toaster oven (or in the regular oven if you happen to be cooking something else).
Resist the temptation to open the oven door to check your food. That can lower temperatures inside by 25°-50°. Turn the oven off a few minutes before the timer sounds and let residual heat finish the job.
Use the microwave whenever possible. Cooking a typical casserole in an electric oven uses about two kWh worth of electricity. The same dish in a microwave oven uses just 0.36 kWh. Toaster ovens are another efficient option. Continue Reading » » »

Holy Good Buy Batman! (Check this out!!!)

Wed, Jan 25, 2012

My fav company is now selling their products online for great prices and FREE shipping! How cool is that?!? Check it out!

Buy the Deluxe Healthy Home Starter Kit and receive a FREE TOTE and FREE SHIPPING! It is perfect for yourself or for your special someone (think your Mom whom is still stuck in the toxic cleaner stone age).

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

The Dangers of Plastic

Thu, Jan 19, 2012

I found this article on the Seventh Generation website and felt that I had to share it with the world. I am including it word for word because it is well written and has amazing information!

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

We can imagine our kitchens without a lot of things, but plastic isn’t one of them. In the half century since it created a food storage revolution, this material has come to play an indispensible role in nearly every meal.

In recent years, however, plastic’s image as a shining symbol of technological progress has been tarnished by reports suggesting that it may be less than safe, especially in the kitchen. At issue are the chemicals plastics are made from and whether or not these building blocks are able to leach into our food. The answer to that question starts with understanding the different kinds of plastic available today. Here’s a list by recycling code number:

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Why I Recommend… Seventh Generation Baby Diapers

Wed, Dec 14, 2011

From the day my baby has been born, my husband and I have wanted to minimize harmful products that he comes in contact with. We also wanted to be conscious about how our decisions affected the environment. Diapers are such an important thing to decide on and we choose to go the cloth diaper route and supplement with chlorine free disposable diapers to help protect his precious skin. We did some research and chose Seventh Generations Chlorine Free Diapers.

The diapers are FREE of chlorine processing; they are also FREE of fragrances, latex and petroleum-based lotions, so you get to decide what touches your baby’s sensitive skin. Another cool thing is that the diaper’s core has been redesigned so that is more efficient at absorption and uses less processed chlorine free wood pulp = better for the environment than traditional disposable diapers.

I highly recommend these chlorine free diapers and they have been working great for the last three months!

Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

Be Green, Wear Your Gloves!

Wed, Dec 7, 2011

When I was a kid, I used to make fun of my younger sister whom would wear multiple layers of clothes inside our home topped with an oh so sexy ski jacket. Now, the older I get and the more work I do from home, the more I find myself wearing layers inside. Maybe she was onto something? I feel wearing layers provides not only comfort (ever try to nap without a blanket?!?) but also a greener way of heating. Heating a home for one person is a horrible game plan; heating your home while the whole family is present should be the goal.

I enjoyed reading this article from Treehugger.com about how to heat your home and home office. Since I work out of my home office during the day, I find myself cold and warm both in the same day and really agreed with what the blogger said in his article. My favorite thing from the article was the blogger’s point to “Wear Your Bloody Gloves!” aka put on some more clothes!

Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

Practical Trumps Ornate – Death to McMansions?

Wed, Nov 30, 2011

McMansions were part of the “American Dream” not more than 10 years ago. What has happened?

Now homeowners are looking for smaller, more practical homes which emphasize dual-use living spaces, age-in-place features such as main level master bedrooms and fewer detached rooms. The average Joe wants a larger kitchen area which opens to the living room or dining area.

In this article by MyNorthwest.com the reporter speaks with big-time home builder John Buchan Homes to get their perspective.

Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

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