 Useful Resources
Our directory of service providers is growing rapidly. Whether you are interested in weatherization, organic lawn care, alternative energy, or other services to reduce your environmental impact, check out our directory for local companies offering the services you need.
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Safe and Cool Back to School Essentials
We've been busy finding and testing innovative products to help you live more sustainably and save money, too!
 Made with botanical oils, Mosquito Guard and Tick Guard not only are completely safe for you and the environment, but they work incredibly well and smell nice, too!
Made with Neogreene
from GreenSmart, the non-toxic alternative to neoprene. Check out the three styles and four color pairings -- there's a perfect bag for everyone from kids to adults.
 These durable baby bottles are enveloped in a food grade silicone sleeve that is free of BPA, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate and 100% non-toxic. Available in 4 oz and 9 oz sizes.
Why should babies have all the fun? These durable reusable bottles are perfect for older children and adults! Made with the same high quality FDA approved materials as the baby bottles, these 22 oz bottles hold enough for the biggest thirst, and the silicone sleeve can be left right on the bottle in the dishwasher.
To reduce waste and chemical exposures from plastic in your lunchbox, switch to reusable containers. The stainless steel Klean Kanteen is rugged, dishwasher safe, and toxin-free. SnackTAXI reusable fabric sandwich and snack bags are durable, environmentally friendly, and come in lots of great patterns! |
Stop paying for wasted electricity!
The SmartStrip reduces "phantom energy drain" by turning on/off your peripheral equipment when you turn on/off your computer or TV. According to the Dept of Energy, the average SmartStrip installation saves a minimum of $39 per year.
Several major and municipal
Massachusetts electricity utility providers have teamed with Sustainable Life Solutions to offer an instant $10 rebate to on each SmartStrip purchased. That's a 32% saving off the $31 retail price. Go to our online store to see if your utility company is participating.
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Behold the Mighty Cucumber!
Who knew the humble cuke was actually such a power house? Check out these many ways a cucumber can brighten your mood, your health, your breath, and even your sink!
Run out of your multi-vitamins? Eat a cucumber. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, including Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.
Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.
Just finish a meal and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath. The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Rub a cucumber slice along the mirror. It will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.
Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won't leave streaks and won't harm your fingers or fingernails while you clean.
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President's Cancer Panel 2010 Report on Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now
The President's Cancer Panel recently published a landmark report, "Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now", highlighting the impact of environmental factors on cancer risk. To read the details of the 240 page report, click here. While the report highlights disturbing statistics including what percentage of the population is estimated to get cancer and eventually die from cancer, we should look at the report as a challenge to educate ourselves about products, food, and water that will keep you and your family safe.
As stated in the report, the prevailing regulatory approach in the US is reactionary rather than precautionary. Instead of requiring manufacturers and proponents of a chemical, device, or activity to prove their safety, the public bears the burden of proving that a given environmental exposure is harmful - after countless people have already been exposed. Only a few hundred of the more than 80,000 chemicals in use in the US have been tested for safety.
Because we suspect that many of you, like us, are primarily concerned with how to keep yourself and your family members safe, we are first focusing on the report's recommendations: concrete steps that we can each take to reduce our exposure to environmental chemical elements that increase our risk of cancer. |
What Individuals Can Do - Recommendations
Reduce Chemical Exposures
- Remove shoes before entering the home; wash work clothes separately from other family laundry.
- Drink and use filtered home tap or well water. Unless you know that your home water source is contaminated, it is preferable to use filtered tap water instead of commercially bottled water.
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Store and carry water in stainless steel, glass, or BPA- and phthalate-free containers to reduce exposure to chemicals that may leach from plastic containers. (We recommend you take the same precautions for all foods and drinks.)
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Eat foods grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Wash conventionally grown produce to remove residues. (We recommend spraying with white vinegar and then scrubbing the produce to really get the residues off.)
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Eat free-range meats raised without antibiotics and growth hormones. Avoid processed, charred, and well-done meats to reduce exposure to carcinogens.
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Properly dispose of pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, paints, and other materials to minimize water and soil contamination. (Call your city or county to see if its household hazardous waste collection program includes pharmaceuticals. If not, mix unused drugs with coffee grounds or cat litter, put in a sealable container and put in the trash.)
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Choose products made with non-toxic substances or environmentally safe chemicals (We recommend using no-VOC paints; neogreene instead of neoprene; non-toxic household cleaners and pest deterrents; and organic landscaping techniques).
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Turn off lights and electrical devices when not in use. Reducing demand for electricity will reduce exposure to petroleum combustion by-products (in other words, toxic air and water pollution).
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Drive a fuel-efficient car, bike or walk, or use public transportation to cut the amount of toxic exhaust in the air. (Turning off your car if you're going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds will save gas and reduce emissions.)
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Reduce or eliminate exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in the home, auto, and public places. If you're a smoker, consider quitting: most counseling medications to help smokers quit are covered by health insurance or are available at little or no cost. (And you'll save money by not buying tobacco products!)
Protect our children
It is vitally important to recognize that children are far more susceptible to damage from environmental carcinogens and endocrine-disrupting compounds than adults. To the extent possible, parents and child care providers should choose foods, house and garden products, play spaces, toys, medicines, and medical tests that will minimize children's exposure to toxics. |
Going Solar in Massachusetts
Amy Levine, Sunlight Solar
Going solar is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and gain energy independence. Many homeowners still have questions: How does it work? What are the benefits and costs? What incentives are available to make solar energy more affordable and profitable over time?
How does it work? A Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric system connects to your utility grid and converts sunlight into electricity for your home, causing your electric meter to slow down or spin backwards. Homeowners receive credits from their utility company if they produce more electricity than they use.
Solar electric systems have a lifespan of over 40 years and are built to work in a wide range of weather conditions, so New Englanders need not worry that typical Massachusetts weather will inhibit their electricity production. In fact, solar panels work more efficiently in colder weather, so a cold sunny day will allow a solar electric system to produce more electricity than a very hot sunny day.
What are the benefits? The environmental benefits of solar energy are enormous: a typical solar system reduces a homeowner's carbon footprint by over 2 tons of CO2 per year. The sun is free, clean, and renewable, making it an ideal energy source. Studies have shown that over 30 years, the benefits of a 5kW system are equivalent to planting 30 acres of trees or not driving 237,000 miles!
What incentives are available? Massachusetts has been ranked as one of the best states for going solar, due to the substantial state rebates and tax credits available to homeowners. Massachusetts residents are currently eligible for a 30% Federal Tax Credit off the net cost of their system, as well as a 15% State Tax Credit and the Commonwealth Solar Rebate, which subtracts $1.10-$2.10 per watt off the cost of the system (up to $10,500). These incentives make solar energy much more affordable than ever before, and have reduced payback periods to an average of 6 years.
Says Emily Chambers, Director of Operations for Sunlight Solar's Massachusetts office, "utility rates are steadily rising, often at a pace of 5% or more each year. By investing in a solar array, consumers can protect themselves from these costs, and supply their homes with clean and efficient electricity for decades to come."
Where should you start if you are interested in a solar electric or solar hot water system? Most solar companies offer free site evaluations in order to assess the main factors that make your site viable for solar: orientation of the roof, pitch, and shade. Those interested can check out the Service Provider Directory for contact information and get an evaluation. About Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc.
Sunlight Solar Energy is a certified grid-tied solar electric installation contractor committed to providing the highest quality grid-tied solar electric installations for homes and businesses. Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc is a licensed and insured Solar Installer and has installed over 400 solar arrays throughout New England. Sunlight Solar is a Premier Dealer of SunPower solar modules and inverters. |
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Something to consider... Sometimes it's tempting to become discouraged by things we hear -- such as the President's Cancer Panel's Report; or the BP oil spill. We can't pretend that these things aren't happening, or that they aren't causing tremendous damage to our health and the health of our planet. But there is always room for hope, because there are very real actions we can take. Every one of us has the ability to make small changes that together can add up to a huge impact. Almost everything you can do to help yourself, help the planet, also has the wonderful benefit of saving you money. So what's to lose? Learn more about ways you can conserve energy, reduce your exposure to toxins, reduce waste and pollution, and -- by the way -- save money, by attending or sponsoring a Sustainable Life Solutions event in your home, community organization, or workplace. Please e-mail us or call 978-707-2347 for more information. Sincerely,
Laura Kischitz and Dianne Martz
Co-Founders Sustainable Life Solutions |
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