Corn based cups – good for the environment? December 2, 2008

Cups made from corn have been showing up at some coffee shops and other places were beverages are sold but are they the best option for the environment? Let’s take a look.

Some say they are:

• They’re made from corn so they reduce our use of petroleum, which most plastics come from.
• They’re made with a naturally occurring resources.
• They can be composted.

Some say they aren’t:

• They cost more to make than traditional plastic cups.
• The corn used is often made from genetically modified corn.
• The cups cannot be composted in your backyard. They need to be commercially composted.
• Not all shops that use these products are collecting them for composting.

If the cups are sent to a landfill rather than a commercial compost, they will decompose eventually, which can’t be said for plastic cups. It will take a long time, though.

The best bet, of course,  is to use a BPA-free, reusable beverage container when your on the go. You were kind of expecting me to say this, weren’t you?

But I’m curious everyone – have you seen these cups being offered where you live? If so, where?

Photo from Flickr by Elisharene

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.

Eco-Innovations – Beautiful Light September 4, 2008

Back in July, Business Week Magazine named its 2008 Design Winners. This prototype light bulb was one of them. It’s called the Frog Light Bulb and it uses half the power of a fluorescent bulb but lasts ten times longer. It’s made of unbreakable plastic and contains no mercury. The Frog Light Bulb comes in six patterns and each reflect light differently. Isn’t it beautiful?!

Photo: Business Week Magazine

Eco Innovations: Mokugift – Plant a tree August 23, 2008

I used to send cards out to every family member and friend for birthdays, anniversaries – you name it. About a year ago, I started switching over to e-cards. They save both time,money, and resources and my loved ones still see that I remembered their special day.

In comes Mokugift. At this web site, you can purchase a tree for $1.00 (far less than what you would spend on a card at the store) that will be planted in a tropical region and will produce enough oxygen for a family of four for an entire year. Your purchase is in the form of an e-card and the recipient watches a character plant a tree. What a great idea!

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Eco Innovations – Pentel’s Recycled Pens August 22, 2008

I have far too many pens around the apartment. They’re at my desk, in my purse, the kitchen drawers. Even extras are in the closet with office supplies. I guess part of the problem is that they cost so little for a package of ten. So, I was very please today when I saw that Pentel has a new line of pens made from a minimum of 50% recycled materials. Many of their products are refillable, further helping to reduce waste.

In general, I need to start working on buying less inexpensive, disposable items and choose others that last longer and make less of an impact on resources. I know they’re just small changes but small changes over time can add up to big results.

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Eco Innovations – The Totes “Eco ‘brella” August 18, 2008

Yesterday I was in a Barnes and Noble bookstore when umbrella caught my eye. It’s made by Totes and called the Eco’brella. This umbrella has a canapy made from 100% PET plastic bottles, a frame made from 70% recycled materials, and a handle made of bamboo. Both the canapy and the tie closure display the recycling symbol so you can spread the word on rainy days. At $24.95, it’s not cheap, but with a lifetime warranty, think of all the other umbrellas you won’t have to buy!

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