There have been many corn crop failures across North America also, but the real culprit for corn is that it is being used to make ethanol fuel, considered a “sustainable fuel.”  Hundreds of thousands of acres that once produced corn for human consumption is now being used to fuel our cars.

At first glance, it may seem like these increases will only mean you’ll be paying more for a few grocery items like bread and popcorn, but wheat and corn are included in the vast majority of foods that you may eat every day. Here are four areas where you will see rising prices:
1. Cereals, Breads and Pasta Products

Most processed cereals are made from corn and these will be hit hard by price increases in the next year. The commodity price of corn has nearly doubled since 2010 and is rising again due to the massive drought Texas is facing. Breads, rolls, cakes and cookies will all rise in price from the steep jump in the price of wheat. According to food manufacturers, the industry has been holding back from increasing retail prices but cannot absorb the costs any longer.

2. Sweets

Most processed “sweets,” from soda to cookies to jam, are made with high fructose corn syrup. The lack of corn supply is causing prices in these areas to steadily rise. Watch out for shrinking packages, as well. Many companies will keep the same price point but drop the amount you get.

3. Beef, Pork and Chicken

Almost all industrialized meats fed on corn, mainly because it was the cheapest feed available. As the price of corn rises, there are still no cheaper alternatives, so the price of meat rises because of the higher input price.

4. Cat and Dog Food

Pet food contains grains in one of two ways: processed dry food often contains corn as one of its primary ingredients and canned food contains meat chunks or wheat-based thickeners. It’s not just the cost of human food that will go up.

Its time to shop smarter and stock up on storable sale items.  Also, making more of your own food from raw ingredients is a great idea.  This can be a fun idea as well to do with your family.  It also cuts down on waste and excess wrappings and containers being discarded.

Cucumbers A Vegetable GEM!

1.Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you  need  Every day, just one cucumber contains  Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin  B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C,  Calcium, Iron,Magnesium, Phosphorus,  Potassium andZinc.

2. 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.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror
Fogging up after a shower?  Try rubbing a  Cucumber slice along the  mirror, it will  Eliminate the fog and  provide a soothing,  Spa-like  fragrance.

4. Are grubs and  Slugs  ruining your planting beds? Place a few  Slices in a small pie tin and your garden  will  Be free of pests all season long. The  chemicals  In the cucumber react with the  aluminium to give  Off a scent undetectable to  humans but drive
Garden pests crazy and make  them flee the area.

5  Looking for a  Fast and easy way to remove  cellulite before  Going out or to the pool?  Try rubbing a slice or  Two of cucumbers  along your problem area for a  Few minutes,  the phytochemicals in the cucumber  Cause the  collagen in your skin to tighten,  Firming up  the outer layer and reducing the  Visibility  of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles  Too!!!

6.. Want to avoid a hangover  or Terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber  slices before going to bed and wake up  refreshed and  Headache free. Cucumbers  contain enough sugar, B  Vitamins and  electrolytes to replenish essential  Nutrients the body lost, keeping everything  in  Equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and   Headache!!

7. Looking to fight off  that
Afternoon or evening snacking binge?  Cucumbers have been used for centuries and  often used by European trappers, traders and  explores for quick meals to thwart off  starvation.

8. Have an important  meeting or job interview and  You realize  that you don’t have enough time to  Polish  your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber  Over  the shoe, its chemicals will provide a  Quick  and durable shine that not only looks  Great  but also repels Water.

9.  Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky  hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it  along the problematic hinge, and voila, the  squeak is gone!

10. 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 with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing,
Relaxing aroma that has been shown the  reduce stress in new mothers and college  students  during final exams.

11. Just  finish a  Business lunch 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  Phytochemcials  will kill the bacteria in your mouth  responsible for causing bad breath.

12. 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 is won’t leave streaks  and won’t harm your fingers or fingernails  while you clean.

13.  Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the  outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to  erase the pen writing, also works great on  crayons and markers that the kids have used  to decorate the walls!!

You may not know this, but regular eggs are produced by hens that are forced to ovulate much more frequently than their bodies were designed by nature to do.

To handle the mass amount of eggs they are forced to produce (within terribly confined spaces), their bodies are robbed of nutrients making their bones brittle and splinter.

The Major Food companies do not want these birds for meat once they have finished producing eggs.  Howe ever, the US government does purchases up all these birds with splintering bones when they are no longer good for producing eggs.  Then, once subsidies are used to buy them up, this meat is used in the school lunch programs for kids and nursing home foods.

This shocks many!  Another great piece of information brought to you by GoGreenItems.com

Food for thought.  Cage Free Eggs for many reasons including the humane treatment of our animal friends who provide for

All of us “Green Minded” individuals who think alike, can do many things without spending extra money to “Greenify” our lives.

 During warm months like July and August,  move your AC up to 78 to 80 degrees while out during the day.  This will keep the house cool and will reduce strain on your AC system to totally re-cool the entire home at night if the system was “off” all day.  Overall its cheaper and conserves more.

- Unplug appliances, cell phone chargers and other items when not in use.

- Switch to CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs to save energy and money.

- Don’t keep as many lights on, particularly in rooms that are not occupied.

- Maintain your plumbing.  Minor leaks can waste tons of water and will run up your water bill.

Also, prepare now for cooler months and future savings by reducing cold air leaks. Installing plastic window energy conservation kits, so you can set your thermostat lower are optimal.

You don’t have to spend a lot to reap the economic returns by going “Green”.  It’s simple.   You’ll be growing your own “money tree”

Go Green Summer Heat Remedies

So the scoop is you can save a lot of money annually by doing something that you have to regularly do at home.  The laundry.  Instead of using your dryer for your clothes, install a line in your backyard or in your garage to hang your clothes.  When drying clothes outside, the clothes take on a  natural air breeze to their drying.  We find that if you dry your towels outside, they may be “stiff” after drying, but you can soften them briefly by throwing them in the dryer with a wet washcloth for 3-5 minutes after line drying.

The savings monthly will add up over time.  According to the Federal Energy Information Administration the Automatic Clothes Dryer accounts for 6% of the total electricity consumed by US Homes, and an average family spends as much as $85 a year just on drying clothes.  The sun and breeze are free.

Also, sunlight is actually one of the best disinfectants there is, and it’s of no cost to you.

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Here you’ll find well designed products that won’t break the bank, and will help you economize!

Air-Dried Laundry is Nice To The Touch and cheaper than machine drying.

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Natural resources are being harnessed to produce green alternatives to many products for your environment. Clothing, purses, shower heads, flashlights, dog toys, baby products, kids toys, and many other items are now available, and when more people buy green products, the market responds with more variety and more innovative items.

You may be wondering what is the big deal with green products? Why do we need them, and what difference will it make? By reducing the toxicity of the products you use and conserving the most amount of power and water, you are contributing to a more natural, healthy environment for yourself and the people around you. Green products contribute to a stronger environment, and they can reduce your energy and water costs.

If you want to go green, you will enjoy a lot of benefits because not only will you be helping your environment, you will also be creating a healthier lifestyle for you and your family. By acknowledging what lies within and how you can make your home or other space more environmentally friendly, you will be showing that you truly understand the footprint that mankind has left on the earth. By taking a proactive step to reduce your carbon footprint, you will be able to see and experience the beauty of nature in a whole new way. Plus, you will get to be a part of the exciting new wave of green items.

Here’s some tips: 

Wash your car on the grass.

This will give the grass a drink, the soil will help to break down impurities and prevent the water from entering stormwater drains and winding up in local waterways. Some of the chemicals in car wash detergents are nutrients for algae; so this water getting into waterways can add to algael bloom and eutrophication problems. 

Be hose wise…The only time you should have the hose on is when rinsing. Also use an adjustable trigger nozzle to improve pressure while reducing water consumptions. 

Detergent. Use an earth friendly detergent or consider not using any at all if possible. If you do use detergent, don’t use in excess of manufacturer’s recommendations; you’ll only waste money, put more chemicals into your lawn and you won’t get a better result.

Use a bucket more. The hose should only be used for the final rinse. Sure, it’s easier to sit there and blast off grime with the hose, but it uses a ton of water. A bit of elbow grease using a sponge and bucket is good exercise too.

Wash in the shade. Hot metal evaporates water incredibly quickly. The more that evaporates, the more you’ll need to use so try and either wash your car in the shade, wait for a cloudy day or do it early in the morning or late in the evening. 

Wash less. Back in the day, it wasn’t unusual for guys to wash and polish their vehicles every Sunday – it became somewhat of a tradition. If you’re washing your car purely out of habit rather than necessity, take a deep breath and try and go cold turkey for a while. It can be done and your car won’t fall apart. 

Automatic car wash. Is an automated  car wash greener? The answer is – it depends. If you pass a car wash on your way to and from work, or during any of your regular driving, it could be a more environmentally friendly alternative. Modern car washes use far less water than a home wash and they recycle their water. Automated car washes use anywhere from 20 to 45 gallons of water, but home washing can easily use in excess of a hundred gallons.

If getting to a car wash requires a special trip, then it’s likely not a green option when you consider the emissions of your vehicle and gas consumption to and from the car wash.  

Waterless car wash. I’ve noticed a lot of products on the market now claiming to be waterless car washes that are also environmentally friendly. I can’t say I’ve ever used them, but I have read some encouraging reviews. These earth friendly products are made primarily from vegetable extracts and silicone. The are said to attract dirt via electrostatic means and then coat it. It’s a matter of wiping on and wiping off. I was always taught that wiping off dirt in such a manner scratches the paint work, but if these products do really coat dirt, I guess it wouldn’t be such an issue.

Perhaps these waterless car washing products could make a good alternative for when your car has only light grime or could be used every other time in order to reduce overall consumption of water. 

As always, with any product claiming to be environmentally friendly, read the label and do a spot test first.

 A nice shiny car is certainly a pleasure to behold, but given that fresh water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource and the general environment is rebelling against all the toxins and excess nutrients we’ve pumped into it over the years, it’s now time for us all to practice moderation in all things – including washing our cars.

“Obligation” gifts such as we buy for birthdays, xmas and anniversaries etc have this horrible tendency of being accepted with a smile and sincere thanks and then stashed away somewhere, never to see the light of day.

Sure, it’s the thought that counts, but in this age of hyperconsumption on a planet groaning under the stress of environmental problems, this is an aspect of our lives we can all certainly make changes to. So what should you give to someone who has it all? Nothing. Well, sort of nothing.

Most people I know like to give and donate – but there’s so many good causes, we can’t support them all. The next time you are deciding on a gift for someone, make a donation to a charity on their behalf. Have a think about what they’ve expressed concern about. It could be polar bears, the lack of drinking water in developing countries, deforestation etc. etc. – there’s literally thousands of different causes that would appreciate the cash and use it well.

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There are several reasons to build sustainably. Not the least of which are the rising cost of fuel, the depletion of our natural resources, and pollution and global warming.

Here are some more reasons:

1. As was mentioned above, there are several environmental benefits to sustainable building. They include reducing carbon emissions, waste reduction, and renewing and preserving natural resources.

2. Buildings built sustainably have better indoor air quality. The reduced level of allergens and toxins in the indoor environment helps people feel better. Studies have shown this leads to increased productivity and feelings of well-being in work environments.

3. Sustainable materials are comparable in quality to their non-sustainable counterparts. Often they are even more durable and/or have other characteristics that make them more desirable. For example, cork is naturally antimicrobial, making it perfect for kitchen and bathroom flooring.

4. Sustainable buildings are generally more energy efficient than their traditional cousins (up to 40% or more). Better systems design, proper equipment sizing, and a tightly sealed building all contribute to a reduced need for heating and cooling. With energy costs increasing, the amount of savings will only grow over time.

5. Many states and local utilities have programs offering tax credits and rebates for sustainable building components. With these incentives, house owners and builders could receive $2,000-3,000 back for building sustainably, and commercial building owners could see $200,000-300,000. (Note that these numbers are estimates only, and depend upon the amount of sustainable measures included in a building, the size of the building, and the building use.) The federal government also offers tax credits for certain equipment installations.

6. The real estate market is slowly beginning to recognize the increased value of sustainable buildings. Several studies have shown that commercial spaces in green buildings receive higher lease rates and have lower vacancies. The industry is currently working on developing the metrics to include sustainability when determining the value of buildings. Listing services exclusively for green buildings are now being developed as well.

With all these benefits, it is amazing that anyone would want to build any differently. But, there is a lot of misinformation out there about what sustainable construction involves and what its costs and benefits really are.

Green Building 101 explores some of the general strategies used in sustainable or “green” building and includes resources at the end of the book for those who want more information.

Visit http://www.gogreenitems.com for sustainable, recycled, fairtrade green products.

What more info contact us at info@gogreenitems.com

The Chinese government is going to implement controls on manufacturing so that only industries that are environmentally conscious will be able to move forward with production. China has really given unlimited opportunities to manufacturing companies in the past, allowing them to emit dangerous levels of fumes and toxins into the air, soil, and water. However, with China’s new policies, the government will establish a risk assessment team to determine the amount of pollutants that the manufacturing plant will emit.

These advisors will be implementing strict limitations on the amount of emissions permitted by each plant because the Chinese government has noted that the deterioration of the environment will lead to long-run decay of their economy. If they use more environmentally conscious policies, then they will be able to maintain growth over the years.

The bleak warning issued by the Chinese government is a signal to the rest of the world that the environment is our most important economic asset, and by preserving the natural resources and the purity of our air, water, and soil, we will live in a much more productive, healthy environment. Mankind has left its mark on nature, and with the new policies the Chinese government hopes to apply, they will be reducing their carbon footprint and growing their economy in a more fruitful way.

The dolphin gestation period is approximately 11 or 12 months, so it is unclear if they were harmed at conception or during pregnancy. Pregnant females have not been found; however, some the babies are stillborns or within just a couple of weeks of birth. Many people want answers as to why so many baby dolphins have had their lives cut short, and many researchers are coming to the conclusion that even though the bodies do not show outward signs of oil contamination, there is still a possibility that these babies were affected by the oil spill. 

The discovery of a dead baby dolphin is horrific, and it has caused many people to fund research and autopsies of the carcasses to ascertain the cause of death. There are no conclusive answers at this point, but many people believe that the oil spill played a major role in the death of these young dolphins. Most of the dolphins that have been discovered were less than a few months old, and they were found over a wide area on the shores. The spill certainly affected a large portion of the ocean, but it makes the deaths even more peculiar that they are so spread out. 

Animal scientists have noted that dolphins take much longer breaths than humans do, so they could have taken a breath of the contaminated water and held it for long enough that it affected the growth of the fetuses.