With gas prices in constant flux, people are looking more and more into alternative energy sources and green vehicles. Whether you are interested in learning more about the latest green technology, looking for a greener car, or want to make your car more eco-friendly by exploring alternative fuels, these 50 great green blogs for cars lovers will help you find what you are looking for.

Green Cars, Generally Speaking

The first part of this list contains blogs that cover green cars and a wide variety of topics related to this particular market.

1. Autoblogreen: Autobloggreen covers everything from news to manufacturers of green automobiles, and much more. According to them, they ”obsessively cover the green scene.”
2. Green Car Advisor: Edmunds.com has become one of the go-to websites for car enthusiasts, and their Green Car Advisor blog is no exception. It covers different facets of green technology from different angles, which readers will find informative and interesting when looking for green vehicles.
3. Green Car Congress: The writers at Green Car Congress cover a startling wide array of topics related to green auto technology. It is a great place to get started if you want to learn more about green cars.
4. Car Domain Blog: CarDomain in and of itself is a great blog for car lovers, but their Green Machine blog gives great coverage of green concept cars, news, and other interesting items related to green vehicle technology.
5. Green Motor: This UK-based blog is full of information on green cars, including hybrids, electric cars, and concept cars. See what going on in the green car market outside of US on this blog.
6. Chris’s Car Blog: Green cars aren’t just for environmentalists and people looking to save money. If you thought green cars were purely functional, this blog will give you some food for thought.
7. Interactivist: Give this page a visit to hear from one of the web’s biggest proponents of green cars and all things green.
8. Motor Trend: Motor Trend is another industry-standard source when it comes to getting information on cars—even green cars. Turn to the folks at Motor Trend for all kinds of information on green cars.
9. Ask Patty: On this blog, patty takes you on a tour through the newest developments in the green car market. Whether you’re simply interested in the future of cars, or are seriously looking toward the future with your eye on the green, check this site out.
10. Eco-Friendly and Green Cars: Looking into alternative sources of transportation? Take a look at what this blog has to say about your green choices when it comes to seeking out your ideal green car.

Hybrid Car Blogs

The burgeoning demand for hybrid cars has helped to provide blog surfers with a treasure trove of information, reviews, news, and more related to this particular green car market.

11. Hybrid Car: According to this blog, everything you need to know about gas and plug-in hybrid cars is available through this blog. Find news, reviews and much more when you visit hybridcarblog.
12. Future Cars: Along with much information about the future of automobiles in general, futurecars has many articles on hybrid and electric cars readers might find interesting.
13. Hybrid Reviews: Visit this blog for the latest news and reviews on hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs. Readers will also find commentary and analysis on the value of owning a hybrid vehicle versus a combustion engine vehicle.
14. Mixedpower: Mixedpower offers readers and subscribers up-to-date news and information on hybrid cars and concept cars. Learn more about the future of hybrids and other green cars by visiting their page.
15. Internet Auto Guide: Internetautoguide has many blog posts on the latest hybrid technology. Find the latest news, photographs, and expert opinions related to the future of hybrid technology.

Alternative Fuels and Energy Sources

Finding new ways to power vehicles to reduce dependence on oil and gasoline is on many people’s minds. The following blogs explore different energy sources as an alternative to petroleum.

16. Domestic Fuel: With multiple posts about renewable energy and ethanol, this page has a wealth of information related to domestic alternative fuels.
17. Green Fuel Power: This blog is dedicated to biofuels and other renewable sources of energy for vehicles. External links to other sites pertaining to biodiesel and other renewable fuels, including conversion kits, are just a click away as well.
18. R-squared Energy Blog: The R-Squared energy blog focuses on alternative fuel sources and the veracity of claims made by those trying to push alternative fuel development to the next level. On this blog, you will find reviews of e85, hydrogen, and other new and information related to green cars.
19. E85 Ethanol: This blogger turned his sights from politics in general to focus on e85 and its potential to reduce dependence on oil. How-to’s, analysis, and news are the chief focus of this blog.
20. Gas 2.0: The chief focus of this particular blog is finding an alternative to petroleum-based fuel. News and reviews of conversions and other topics related to alternative fuel can be located here.

E85 Ethanol/Flexfuel Blogs

As we learn more about the types of alternative fuels available, blogs become more specific. The following blogs are dedicated mainly to the topic of e85 ethanol fuel.

21. e85 Tips: There is a loud buzz on the web as of late regarding e85 ethanol fuel. With many cars and trucks on the market now able to use either gas or e85, people with questions about this renewable resource should turn to this blog for more information.
22. Constant Life Change: New developments will naturally have their opponents. Check out what this blog has to say against the use of e85 fuel.
23. Kicking Tires: Could sifting through garbage help bring your gas costs below $2 a gallon? Read this blog and find out.
24. Dark Palmer: Another blog weighs in on the benefits of using ethanol over regular gasoline.
25. Alex Tiler: Support for the use of ethanol continues to grow with this blog. Find out how e85 helps benefit our farmers and out economy, while saving consumers money at the pump as well.

Biodiesel Blogs

The ability to convert commercial and industrial waste into an alternative fuel is the focus of the following blogs.

26. Biodiesel Blog: Biodieselblog.com is a great resource for those interested in biodiesel, how it works, and news and information as it relates to this alternative fuel source.
27. Rabid Biodiesel Nut: The blog by self-proclaimed “biodiesel nut” Graydon Blair gives many insights related to processing biodiesel fuel.
28. All Things BioDiesel: All Things Biodiesel lives up to its name by providing readers with plenty of information on this alternative fuel source. If you are looking for general information, or want to delve into the inner workings of biodiesel, this is a great site to visit.
29. Biofuels: Turn to this blog, where articles on biodiesel and other biofuels have been catalogued for your convenience.
30. B100 Fuel: Ponder this question: “What if the world replaced all diesel with B100 biodiesel?” The answer to this question, and many more, can be found here.

HHO Conversion Blogs

In recent months, more attention has been given to the HHO phenomenon. Claims of being able to convert water into gas abound on the internet, as do the amount of blogs saying whether it works or not. Make up your own mind by checking out the following pages.

31. HHO Fuel: This blog discusses the advantages of installing an HHO convertor on your vehicle. Want to greenify your car? Take a look at this blog if your interest has been piqued.
32. The Technological Experience: Focusing on technology, this blog explains the inner workings of cars that convert water to HHO. Statistics and external links to more information on HHO can be found here.
33. HHO Conversion in the USA: Another blog takes a look at the HHO converter, offering statistics and information about installing an HHO converter on your car.
34. Landjets 2020: This blog discusses concept cars based on HHO converters. Find news, information, and photos of cars that run on water on this blog.
35. RJ3S: If your inner skeptic has gotten the best of you is the HHO debate, turn to this site for arguments against HHO technology.

More MPG! Blogs About Vehicle Efficiency

If you’re interested in more miles for your buck, check out these blogs all about efficiency

36. Get Better MPG: This blog is dedicated to cars that get better gas mileage and finding ways to improve your mpg. News, suggestions, and modifications related to improving your car’s mileage are among the many posts you will find on this blog.
37. Jon’s Fuel Economy Blog: If you are looking for helpful suggestions on how to get better mileage with your car, check out this blog. From fuel additives, to accessories and conversions, this blog will help you with your quest.
38. Consumer Reports Car Blog: The folks at Consumer Reports always seem to have the inside scoop when it comes to getting the best value for your dollar. Turn to this blog for current, relevant information that may save you money at the pump.
39. Daily Fuel Economy Tip: Almost delivering a daily fuel economy tip, this blog does monitor the gas and oil markets, and gives sensible advice to those looking to save money at the pump. If you are looking to save money and be more green with your car, give this site a chance.
40. Texas Tailwind: If keeping your auto green involves spending less gas and money, take a look at this blog. Helpful suggestions for saving both fuel and money can be found here.

Getting Greener: Modifications and Conversions for Your Car

Not only are people looking for alternative fuel sources, but many are looking to convert their existing automobiles using kits or after-market products in order to make their cars more eco-friendly.

41. Hymotion: At the forefront of green conversions and modifications for your vehicle, Hymotion offers conversion kits to make even the best of the green cars on the market and even greater edge.
42. Car Domain: Take a look at the future of conversions and green technology through the postings on this blog. Combining multiple technologies, both power and economy are increased!
43. Ecoworld: This blog features a myriad of articles related to green cars and the latest green technologies. Browse through their astoundingly large collection of articles and related topics.
44. Electric Cars: Learn some basics about converting your car into the green machine of the future on this blog. Find links and other blogs about converting your old beater into a cleaner, greener car.
45. Car Tech from CNET: Rather just plug your car in when you get home than head to the pump? This blog reviews the abilities and capabilities of being able to do just that.

Maintenance-Taking Care of Your Car the Green Way

There are different things you can do to minimize your car’s impact on the environment. Whether you wash your car in a different way, change your tires to an environmentally-friendly brand, or pump your gas at a different time of day, every little bit counts.

46. Autotropolis: On this blog, you will find some basic ways you can help “green up” your car, helping you with mileage and sparing the environment in the process.
47. Clean Tech Blog: Keep an eye on the future with this innovative company’s waterless car wash. If you love your car, you keep it clean and maintain. If you love Mother Earth, keep it clean, green, and maintained.
48. Green Paige: This blog has different suggestions on how to take care of your car without making a substantial impact on the environment. Look for helpful suggestions on keeping up with your car without making a big impact.
49. Directory M Buying Guide: According to this blog, there are newer, more eco-friendly tires available on the market that also improves your car’s overall performance. Consider this when making your next tire purchase.
50. Ray Sands Glass Blog: See how even changing the type of glass used on your vehicle can impact the environment.

Although the organic movement is larger than ever, it’s still pretty difficult to find helpful information out there. Fortunately, there are a number of bloggers out there who have made it their mission to spread information about conscientious shopping and consumption. We’ve highlighted 50 of the best here.

Parenting

Child-rearing usually involves the purchase of a lot of stuff. These blogs will give you advice on how to reduce the amount of this stuff, and make sure that what you’re buying is responsible for your family and the world.

1. Busy Moms Go Green: This mom is raising six "green" kids, and sings the praises of organic eating.
2. Enviromom: These two stay-at-home moms are newbies in the green and organic movement, and they’re chronicling their baby steps.
3. Eco Child’s Play: On Eco Child’s Play, you’ll find advice for toys, food, and more.
4. It Takes a Planet: This mom focuses on natural resources for her family.
5. Healthy Child Healthy World: Learn about organic food, pesticides, baby care, and more from this blog.
6. Green Baby Guide: Get insider secrets on organic and sustainable baby gear from Joy and Rebecca.
7. Ask an Organic Mom: These authors of The Complete Organic Pregnancy answer questions and give advice on making your pregnancy and child care as organic as possible.
8. Raising Peanuts: This mom works to live as naturally and organically as possible.
9. Crunchy Chicken: This family grows and makes their own food.

Consumption

Learn more about being a responsible organic shopper through these blogs.

10. The Alternative Consumer: The Alternative Consumer blog writes about comparison shopping that goes beyond price.
11. Egglog: The Egglog has lots of information on organic and green marketing.
12. Organic Consumers Association: This association promotes the views and interests of socially responsible and organic consumers.
13. Knowmore: Check out responsibility profiles for the companies you patronize.
14. Leafygreen: Look to Leafygreen to learn more about organic and natural products.
15. Fake Plastic Fish: Check out Beth Terry’s blog to learn how she’s living in a world without plastic.
16. Life Less Plastic: With this blog, you’ll learn how to cut down on plastic products and find out how plastic negativelty affects our world.
17. OrganicMania: Lynn at Organic Mania makes it easy to research and find information on organic products.
18. Diane’s Big Green Purse: Diane believes that we can pressure polluters where it hurts-in the marketplace.

Lifestyle

These blogs will show you how to use organic products and principles in your daily life.

19. Down to Earth: On Rhonda Hetzel’s blog, you’ll learn about gardening, green cleaning, and living a simpler life.
20. The Accidental Environmentalist: This blogger writes about her lifestyle changes, and how she’s grown into a greener person.
21. Green Eggs and Planet: Green Eggs and Planet provides readers with insight on healthy living through organics and beyond.
22. The Lazy Environmentalist: Check out the Lazy Environmentalist for tips on how to go green and organic without sacrifices.
23. Organic Picks: These bloggers find organic and sustainable products for their families.
24. Alotta Errata: This blogger loves organic and local products, but admits that she doesn’t always get things right.
25. Ideal Bite: Ideal Bite breaks "doing the right thing" into bite-sized ideas.
26. La Vie Verte: Follow this guide to green living in France.

Home

Organic products aren’t limited to food-you can use them in your home, too. These blogs will show you how.

27. Building Gypsy Rose: Learn how one house is being built in a sustainable way.
28. design^sprout: In this design blog, you’ll find lots of great ideas for conscientious home design products, organic or otherwise.
29. Low Impact Home: Find out how one Tennessee family is working to make a low impact home, from less plastic consumption to more organic products.
30. Earth Friendly Gardening: Check out this blog to learn how you can create an earth-friendly garden of your own.
31. My Green Home: This blog has loads of information about greening your home, from organic products to builders.
32. Crafting a Green World: Check out this blog to learn about conscientious crafting.
33. Broomhuggers: On the Broomhuggers blog, you’ll learn how to clean your home in a more organic and sustainable fashion.

Food

Learn more about organic food, recipes, and more with these blogs.

34. Chews Wise: On Chews Wise, you’ll get information about the food system and where your food products come from.
35. Culinate: Culinate aims to make food decisions easier, from when to buy organic to finding out where your food comes from.
36. 100 Mile Diet: Learn how to eat food that’s produced within 100 miles of your home with this blog.
37. Eat Local Challenge: Check out this group blog to learn all about eating locally and organically.
38. Envirovore: Envirovore subscribes to the thought that we are what we eat, and they want to eat responsibly.
39. Green Lemonade: This blog covers sustainability in food, asking you to become aware of what you put in your body and the effect it has on the world.
40. Bean Sprouts: Melanie Rimmer’s household grows some of their own food, and works hard to be "green."
41. Eat. Drink. Better: Discover more about the world of food from this blog.
42. FoodShed Planet: This blog discusses sustainability in food any beyond.
43. Edible Nation: Learn about eating local, organic, and tasty food from this blog.

Ethics, Safety and Policy

Learn about the political side of organic consumption in these blogs.

43. Muddy Dog Roasting Co.: Check out this blog to learn more about sustainable coffee.
44. The Ethicurean: This blog encourages readers to "chew the right thing."
45. Coffee & Conservation: This blog illustrates the connection between coffee and the environment, particularly bird habitats.
46. Beyond Pesticides: Learn about the environmental and health hazards of pesticides, and alternatives to their use in this blog.
47. Farm Policy: Hear about the latest in food politics from this blog.
48. Organic Horizon: Learn about organic food and farming in the US from this virtual farmer.
49. Blog for Rural America: Read this blog to learn about what American farmers are facing today.
50. Mulch: Hear commentary on agriculture, policy, and food safety on this blog.

With all that goes into daily life, the average family’s environmental footprint is often wasteful. With soccer practice shuttling, family meals, and vacations, it all adds up. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here, we’ve compiled 50 ridiculously easy ways to cut down on your household waste without a large impact on your lifestyle.

Cooling & Heating

One of the worst environmental offenders in any family’s home is temperature control. Here’s how to tame it.

1. Turn down your hot water heater: Reduce the temperature of your hot water heater, and you’ll reduce the amount of energy required to heat your water.
2. Install a programmable thermostat: Fairly cheap and easy to install, programmable thermostats offer a great way to manage your home’s temperature in an energy-friendly way. You can set them to use less energy while you’re away from home or sleeping, and stay comfortable in your waking hours.
3. Adjust your thermostat: Save energy and money at the same time by turning your thermostat just a bit warmer in the summer, and a little cooler in the winter.
4. Improve your insulation: Help your home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by checking to make sure that you’ve got proper insulation.
5. Use house-warming appliances strategically: When you use your washer, dryer, oven, or dishwasher, your house will become warmer, so use them in cooler summer nights and mornings, or anytime you’d like to be warmer in the winter.
6. Use a ceiling fan instead of the AC: Whenever possible, use a fan instead of turning on your air conditioner.
7. Replace your AC filter: Make your air conditioner more efficient by replacing your filter as soon as it needs it. Many new thermostats will tell you when you need to make the change.
8. Insulate your hot water heater: Make it easier for your water heater to retain the heat it has created by insulating it, and you’ll use less energy.
9. Invest in a tankless water heater: If you’re looking for a new water heater, consider a more efficient tankless model.

Electricity

Cut down on electricity usage using these tactics.

10. Turn off and unplug devices: A plugged in hair dryer, cell phone charger, and other devices will all pull energy even when you’re not using them, so don’t just turn devices off-unplug them, too.
11. Enlist the energy police: Ask your family to keep a watchful eye on wasteful electricity by turning off lights that are left on, or TVs that aren’t being watched.
12. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs: When your incandescent bulbs burn out, replace them with more efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Large Appliances

Get more efficiency out of large appliances like your refrigerator and washer using these tips.

13. Wash with cold water: Unless you absolutely need to, avoid using hot water to wash your clothes. You’ll save energy by not having to heat up the water.
14. Replace old appliances with Energy Star ones: When it comes time to get rid of your old refrigerator or washer, buy a new model that conforms to Energy Star standards.
15. Hang-dry your clothes: Your clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy hogs in your house, so you should dry your clothes outside or in your bathroom whenever possible.
16. Place your refrigerator strategically: Even worse than the dryer is your refrigerator, so make sure you give it a fighting chance at staying cool by keeping it away from sunlight and warm areas.
17. Properly maintain your refrigerator: Once a year, wipe down your refrigerator’s coils to keep it efficient.
18. Let food cool before refrigeration: Don’t take food from the stovetop straight to the fridge, or your refrigerator will have to work to cool it down. Instead, let it cool to room temperature before putting it in.

Water

Practice water conservation at home using these easy methods.

19. Install aerators: By putting an aerator on all of your faucets and showers, you’ll save thousands of gallons a year. These devices work by injecting air bubbles into low water flows, so that your water pressure stays the same even though you’re using less water.
20. Take a shower instead of a bath: Save water by taking a shower, which will almost always use less water than a full tub. Alternatively, you can bathe small children together in the same bath.

In Your Mailbox

Follow these tips, and you’ll cut down on the paper waste your household generates.

21. Cut down on junk mail: Reduce junk mail by asking credit cards to not share your information, manually removing yourself from lists, and signing up with services specifically designed to reduce mail.
22. Sign up for paperless billing: Get bills sent to your inbox instead of your mailbox to save paper and transportation costs.
23. Cancel unread magazines: If you get lots of magazines, but read only a few of them, cancel your subscriptions, or just catch the online version instead.

In the Kitchen

Follow these tips to make your family’s kitchen greener.

24. Eat at home more often: Instead of hitting your fast food joint or picking up takeout, consider eating at home. You’ll use a lot less packaging, and probably eat healthier.
25. Consume less animal products: Commit to at least one meatless meal a week to help cut down on packaging, processing, and transportation of animal products.
26. Eat local: Most food has to travel across countries and regions before it reaches your plate, burning fossil fuels the entire way. Eliminate this waste and support your local community by eating and purchasing food that’s grown in your area.
27. Eat organic: Organic foods are easy on the earth, so eat them instead of conventional foods whenever possible.

Cleaning

Make sure your cleaning doesn’t dirty the environment by following these tips.

28. Use cleaning products that are reusable: Instead of cleaning with paper towels, use a sponge that can be sterilized and reused.
29. Bring in large-leafed plants: Use plants to freshen and clean your air instead of filters and air scents.
30. Clean with baking soda, vinegar, and other natural products: Avoid using harsh chemicals that require lots of resources to produce, and use milder, more natural cleaners instead.

At the Store

Follow these methods when out shopping.

31. Buy recycled products: Look for items that are made of recycled products, particularly paper items like paper towels and toilet paper.
32. Bring a reusable bag: Cut down or completely cut out your usage of plastic bags by bringing a bag that you can use over and over again.
33. Consider every purchase: Although most consumers are trained to buy, buy, buy, put this urge on the back burner and ask yourself how important it is that you buy a certain product.
34. Look for products without a lot of packaging: Cut down on waste by purchasing items that have very little or no packaging.
35. Buy used: Hit the secondhand store or eBay for one of a kind finds that don’t create more waste.

Travel & Transportation

Reducing your family’s travel footprint doesn’t have to mean garaging the car permanently or forgetting about family vacations, but it does require strategic planning, which can be found in these tips.

36. Stay on top of car maintenance: Keep your tires inflated, your car tuned, and all fluids at their proper levels to make sure you’re getting every mile you can out of your car.
37. Carpool: Whether it’s your kids or yourself, make every effort to share rides with work and classmates whenever possible.
38. Get gas in the evenings: Fill up your car when the sun is down to cut down on evaporation.
39. Take direct flights: A lot of the emissions created by airline flights are given off during takeoff and landing, so by avoiding layovers, you’ll save energy.
40. Take fewer trips: Consider taking fewer trips, but staying longer each time so that you cut down on transportation waste.
41. Travel light: Whevever possible, walk or bike instead of taking your car. You can also clean out your car to improve its efficiency.

Waste

Use these methods to make your family’s waste as green as possible.

42. Recycle whenever possible: With the wide availability of recycling programs, there’s just no excuse for not recycling many items. Whether that means using your neighborhood’s curbside pickup, or hitting a recycling center every few weeks, just do it. If you need help finding out where and how you can recycle, check out Earth911.
43. Compost organic waste: Instead of throwing banana peels and garden clippings in the trash, put them in a compost to reduce waste and enjoy a high quality mulch.
44. Use appropriate disposal methods: Never dump paint or oil down the sewer drain. Instead, locate facilities that will accept your waste and dispose of it properly.

General Rules & Tips

Keep these tips in mind when trying to reduce your family’s consumption.

45. Never replace an item when it can be repaired: If you’ve got a shirt that needs mending, stitch it up instead of buying a new one.
46. Share with friends: Whether it means buying in bulk and splitting the cost, or recycling clothing and toys among friends, sharing with others will help reduce your family’s footprint.
47. Use your local library: Cut down on paper waste by checking out books, magazines, and other media at your library.
48. Use renewable energy and resources whenever possible: Whenever you have the choice, always choose renewable energy, like wind or solar, over fossil fuels, and go for rapidly renewable resources like bamboo instead of hardwoods.
49. Show your children the beauty in your own backyard: Encourage your kids to explore your grass, garden and insects so that they can appreciate a healthy environment.
50. Plant a tree: By planting a tree (or ten), you’ll help reduce your home’s energy costs with shade. Even better, they absorb CO2 from the air and create oxygen.

Much has been said about blood diamonds, but many people don’t realize that there are a number of other conflict resources that facilitate violence around the world. Products from lumber to your cell phone all play a part. Here we’ll take a look at these products, and discuss how you can help to reduce their impact.

1. Gold

   So, you’ve taken every step to ensure that you’ve purchased a clean diamond, but did you know you’re probably putting it in a bloody setting? The mining of gold is responsible for both environmental and human rights atrocities. In a 2005 report, armed groups and international companies in the northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo were found to have caused ethnic slaughter, torture, and rape of indigenous people.

   Often, the mining companies develop relationships with armed groups who will grant them access to new sites. One company, AngloGold Ashanti, refused to wait until peace agreements were signed in the Mongbwalu area of Congo to start mining, and had to interact with warlords to do their work. It’s estimated that between June 2002 and September 2004, up to 2,000 civilians have died as a result of fighting between armed groups just in Mongbwalu alone. What’s worse, the same people who are suffering are the ones who work in the mines, often forced into labor by combatant groups.

What can you do about it?

Unlike blood diamonds, there is currently no official process for finding "clean" gold. However, there are a few steps you can take.

• Instead of purchasing new gold, you can recycle old jewelry. Bring in old rings and other gold items and have them melted down to create a new piece.
• Support retailers that create recycled gold products.
• Buy vintage and antique jewelry.
• Only shop with retailers that support the Golden Rules. This includes Tiffany & Co., Brilliant Earth, and even Wal-Mart.
• Sign the No Dirty Gold Pledge.

2. Wood

   Forests are perhaps one of the worst natural resources to be exploited, because they’re not just a source of revenue-they’re home. People live in them and depend on the vital resources forests produce. Furthermore, cutting down forests only serves to make global warming worse, as trees are excellent at absorbing CO2.

   In 1992, the Khmer Rouge’s war against the Cambodian people was being funded by a secret timber trade by up to $20 million every month. Now, Burma’s corrupt military regime gains power and revenue from granting logging concessions. In Liberia, former president Charles Taylor used illegal logging earnings to finance a civil war that killed nearly 10% of Liberians. In fact, investigations revealed that the Liberian government facilitated the use of a timber company warehouse for storage of weapons as well as housing. Even when timber does not support conflict, illegal timber logging steals revenue from the countries and people that need it to survive.

What can you do about it?

The obvious question is, how can you make sure that your building materials and furniture in your home aren’t made of conflict timber? There’s not a lot you can do, but we’ve highlighted a couple steps that you as a consumer can take.

• Write to Congress. In 2003, Congress passed a law against conflict diamonds, and the Sierra Club is working to support a similar law for timber.
• When purchasing wood, ask about the origin of the products you’re buying.

3. Oil

   In the past, oil has motivated violence in a number of situations, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the Gulf wars. Perhaps the most high profile example of oil-fueled violence is Saddam Hussein, who used resources from oil to arm himself for attacks on Kuwait and his own people.

   Even when oil companies attempt to provide aid to indigenous communities, it often ends in violence. Specifically, ChevronTexaco’s attempt to aid communities has left those who don’t get aid feeling underprivileged, and sparked conflict between the communities. Another failure is the practice of paying "ghost workers," who are really local troublemakers, a salary for doing nothing at all. The Royal Dutch/Shell Group says that it supports human rights, but they have allowed death and violence by supporting militarization and repressive government acts.

   Even more painful is the knowledge that oil revenues could do much good if they stayed in the communities that actually own the oil. Every year in Angola, $1.7 billion in oil revenue goes missing, an amount that would be more than enough to solve major health problems like AIDS in the country. More recently, China has been linked to violence, selling arms to Khartoum while increasing Sudanese oil imports. These arms are used in the genocidal conflict going on in Darfur. Examples like these are plentiful, but the point is obvious: oil is perhaps one of the most violent products in the world.

What can you do about it?

Oil violence is an ongoing problem that has entangled most of the world. When faced with such a large problem, what can you do?

• One obvious way to help is to cut down on your personal fuel consumption. The more demand there is for oil, the worse violence is.
• Consider alternative fuels. Great strides have been made in recent years to make fuels like biodiesel, vegetable oil and electricity more viable.
• Contact oil companies and US officials. Let them know that you’re painfully aware of the problems oil consumption is causing, and that you want them to do something about it.

4. Cocoa

   Chocolate may be sweet, but the process that brings it to you is not. In the Cote D’Ivoire, the government, along with rebels, has used cocoa to fund a civil war. In fact, President Laurent Gbagbo, combined with opposing rebels, has used more than $88 million to fight in the civil war from 2002-2003. There is fear that, given the resources, these groups would be free to create conflict once again.

   More recently, Gambit Investment is facing allegations that it traded cocoa for military helicopters that are suspected to have been used in attacks on civilians. Between October 2002 and April 2003, government helicopter attacks killed 370 civilians.

What can you do about it?

• Support companies that offer transparency in their records. NGO groups have requested that cocoa exporters publish their levies and tax payments so that corruption will be easier to find.
• Buy fair trade chocolate. By purchasing this type of chocolate, you’ll not only ensure you’re helping to stop violence, you’ll also be supporting better labor conditions, human needs, and environmentally sustainable chocolate production.

5. Tech toys

   Miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo work extremely hard in dangerous situations, just to get the cassiterite that goes in your cell phone, laptop, and other high tech devices. When they come out of the tiny holes in which they have to dig for the mineral, they’re greeted by soldiers at gunpoint that will take it. Other miners work on sites that are directly operated by the military and other armed groups. Even when they’re not working directly for these groups, they’re heavily taxed by them, or just robbed outright. Often, these mines collapse, leaving many miners and their rescuers dead.

   The war over coltan has caused the death of more than 4 million people in central Africa, mostly civilians who have died from starvation, disease, or displacement. In addition to human life, the Eastern lowland gorilla is being driven to extinction through poaching and habitat loss tied to mineral mines.

   Even worse, as phones become "greener," the demand for cassiterite, coltan, and other high-tech minerals like them has risen, and violence along with it. Although the amount of these minerals in each individual electronics device is small, it all adds up.

What you can do about it?

• Recycle your devices. By donating your cell phone or laptop to services that know how to properly disassemble them, you’ll help reduce mining for the minerals it contains.
• Buy used or refurbished. With technology growing at an ever-increasing rate, the turnover for devices is high enough that you can purchase a used or refurbished cell phone, laptop, or other device that is perfectly able to stand up to your demands.
• You can cut down on this turnover yourself by avoiding full upgrades as long as possible. This can be achieved with proper maintenance, repairs, and upgrading specific parts rather than your entire device.
• Buy for quality. If you’re going to buy a new device, make sure that you’re purchasing one that will be functional for years to come, rather than one that will be discarded within a few years or months.

More Actions You Can Take

In addition to specific product cautions, there are a few general actions you can take to help ensure that the products you buy aren’t responsible for violence in other parts of the world.

• Donate to Global Witness: This organization works to expose exploitation and end resource-linked conflict. In the past, they’ve helped to close down the Khmer Rouge and instigated the Kimberley Process. Currently, they’re the leader in research devoted to stopping resource violence.
• Purchase fair trade products: Although not directly linked to stopping resource violence, fair trade certifications can offer the assurance that the products you’re buying are made in a socially responsible way.
• Educate yourself: We’ve highlighted just a few of the products that have a socially negative impact on our world, but there are many more out there. Do some research to find out more about how you can be a socially responsible consumer.
• Invest responsibly: All of these human rights atrocities are enabled not just by consumers, but by investors who make these ventures possible in the first place. Be sure that any investments you make are good not just for your personal finance, but for the world at large as well.

By Kelsey Allen

Water conservation is an important part of responsible living. Water is a precious resource which is not to be squandered. Fortunately, there are a number of really easy ways to save water without a whole lot of hassle, and we’ve compiled some of the best here.

In the Kitchen

Cut down on water usage in your kitchen using these methods.

1. Wash only on a full load: This is true for both washers and dishwashers. By washing in bulk, you’ll cut down on the number of cycles you need to run. Also important to keep in mind is the fact that most dishwashers on a full load can clean dishes more efficiently than a hand wash.
2. Cut down on your disposal: Instead of using your disposal, start a compost pile for food waste.
3. Buy foods close to their natural form: Water is needed to produce just about everything from Coke to boxed mashed potatoes. You can cut down on your water consumption by avoiding processed foods that require lots of water to make.
4. For large washing jobs, fill your sink: Instead of running water to wash dishes or produce, fill your sink to wash them all at the same time.
5. Cut back on rinsing: If you’ve got a fairly new dishwasher, it should be powerful enough to clean your dishes thoroughly without pre-rinsing.

In the Bathroom

Save water while still enjoying good hygiene using these tips.

6. Check for toilet leaks: Drop some food coloring into your toilet tank and let it sit about half an hour without flushing. If you see color in the bowl, you have a leak that needs to be repaired. This is generally easy to take care of, as replacement parts are cheap and install easily.
7. Avoid using your toilet as a trash can: Throw tissues, insects, and cigarette butts in the trash instead of the toilet. You’ll save about 6 gallons with each flush you avoid.
8. Turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth: Certainly you’ve heard this one before, but it’s simple and important enough to be repeated. Turning off your faucet while brushing can save up to 10 gallons a day.
9. Make your toilet low-flow: Place weighted plastic bottles in your toilet tank to save water in your tank. You’ll need to make sure that there are at least 3 gallons remaining in the tank so that your toilet will flush properly.
10. Replace your flush handle: If your flush handle sticks and lets water run, it needs repair or replacing. These can usually be found in the hardware store for a few dollars, and are incredibly easy to install.
11. Take showers instead of baths: Showers generally require less water than baths, coming in at 20 gallons versus a bath’s 50 gallons.

Outside

Water conservation doesn’t have to mean a dried out lawn. Follow these strategies for a lush outdoors without a huge water toll.

12. Insulate water pipes: Pre-slit foam pipe insulation is cheap and easy to install, so it’s a convenient way to get hotter water, faster. By getting faster hot water, you’ll cut down on the time you have to run your faucet while waiting for water to heat up.
13. Bathe your pets outdoors: By washing your pets on the grass, you’ll water your lawn while getting Fido clean.
14. Give your lawn a deep soak: Although it may seem counter-intuitive, water your lawn for a long time so that the moisure will go town to the roots and encourage a deep root system. When you’ve achieved a deep root system, grass can get more natural moisture from below.
15. Water strategically: Pay attention to the time of day you water. Water early in the morning and late in the evening so that you’ll lose less water to evaporation. Watering early is also great because it defends against garden pests and fungus.
16. Collect rainwater: Put a water-catching barrel outside to collect rainwater that you can use for your garden, lawn, or cleaning.
17. Lay down mulch: Put down bark, peat moss, or gravel to slow down evaporation. This is an easy way to save literally hundreds of gallons a month.
18. Be a lazy waterer: Water only when you absolutely need to. A good rule of thumb is to check it by stepping on your grass-if it springs back when you lift your foot, you can put off watering for a bit more.
19. Never use a hose when you can use a broom: Don’t clean sidewalks and driveways with water-use a broom instead.

Everywhere

These tips will help you just about everywhere around the house and in daily life.

20. Install an aerator: Easy to install, and often quite cheap, aerators are about the easiest way you can save water at home. Water aerators in your showers and faucets will help you use less water while still enjoying high pressure, achieved by putting extra air bubbles in the water flow.
21. Reuse excess water whenever possible: Instead of pouring old water glasses and boiling pots down the drain, reuse the water for pet dishes or plants. You can also use fish tank water on household plants.
22. Dispose of hazardous materials properly: Keep oil, prescriptions, and other contaminants out of the water, as these items can effectively eliminate water from our supply. Do some quick research to find out how you can properly dispose of them.
23. Use a commercial car wash: Often, car washes can wash your car more efficiently than you can in your own driveway. To save even more, find one that recycles their water.
24. Fix leaky faucets: If you’ve got even a slow drip, you’re letting money go down the drain. Even more importantly, you’re wasting hundreds of gallons over time. Pick up a wrench and fix your leaky faucets for a quick and easy way to curtail water usage.
25. Locate your master water shut-off valve: In case of a pipe burst, you’ll need to know how to shut off water in your home. This will not only save gallons of water, but potentially your property as well.