Josh Dorfman, the "Lazy Environmentalist" from Sirius radio, introduced these ecofriendly ideas that can help make a positive impact on the environment.
Ixi Bike
- Design-driven bike that makes riding a bike more desirable
- Made out of aluminum so the entire bike is recyclable
- Rides like a full-size bike
- Has a greaseless chain so pants won't get dirty
- Handlebars and pedals fold flat, so it can be stored out of the way
- Has a repair kit inside the frame and poncho
- Purchase at Ixibike.com ($799)
Robomower
- Fully automated electric lawn mower
- Cuts lawn by itself and then returns to docking station to recharge
- Mower includes a wire that you lay around the perimeter of your yard and the mower automatically cuts the lawn within that perimeter
- More gallons of gasoline are spilled onto lawns per year than were released during the Exxon Valdez disaster
- Available directly from Friendlyrobotics.com ($1,999)
Loll Designs Adirondack Chairs and Table
- A contemporary take on the classic Adirondack chair
- Made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic mostly from milk jugs
- Using recycled plastic reduces our reliance upon additional natural resources, specifically oil since most plastic is petroleum-based
- Built to withstand the elements and last for years
- Available directly through Lolldesigns.com (Adirondack chairs: $349, rectangle curve table: $229)
Aquia Dual Flush Toilet made by Toto
- Flushes with a larger or smaller amount of water depending on need
- Can help save 7,000 gallons of water per year and $80 from your utility bill
- This is made by Toto, one of the largest manufacturers of plumbing products in the world.
- Purchase at hardware stores around the country ($395)
G Diapers
- A flushable diaper system
- Washable cotton outer pant
- Plastic-free flushable liner
- Liners breakdown within 50 to 150 days
- Cradel to Cradle certified -- meaning they use environmentally safe and healthy materials; design for material re-utilization, such as recycling or composting; use renewable energy and energy efficiency; efficient use of water, and maximum water quality associated with production; and instituting strategies for social responsibility
- 50 million disposable diapers go into landfills every day
- Disposable diapers take up to 500 years to fully decompose
- Available at many natural retailers including Whole Foods (starter kit: $24.99, diaper refills: $12.69, pants purchased individually for $14.99)
Bio Bags
- Dog waste bag
- Fully biodegradable and compostable
- Certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute
- Made of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)-free corn
- Decomposes in 10 to 40 days in a municipal composting environment
- Available at many natural food stores ($5.99)
Motion Sensors
- First Alert Motion Sensing Light Socket and Decora Motion Activated Light Control
- Will turn the lights on when you enter and off when you leave
- Can set them on timers so they're not going on and off every time you walk out of a room
- Available at www.smarthome.com (First Alert: $34.99, Decora: $24.99)
Resources
For more information on converting your home to use green energy, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov. Go to www.lazyenvironmentalist.com for more information on Josh Dorfman and his show, "The Lazy Environmentalist," live weekdays at 11 a.m. ET on LIME Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 114. Find out more about Vivavi contemporary sustainable furniture and design services at www.vivavi.com, or visit their showroom at 644 Manhattan Ave., 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Phone: 866-848-2840, email info@vivavi.com).
