United States – ecogreenlove

How different States’ Commutes affect our Climate (USA) [Infographic]

June 7June 6Posted in Sustainable GuideTagged carbon footprint, carpool, climate change, commuting, eco impact, ecogreenlove, electric car, environment, infographic, transportation, United States

It’s no secret carpooling is good for the environment, but in major cities where life moves quickly, it’s not always possible. People keep different schedules, work on opposite sides of town, or simply prefer to commute alone. The emerging popularity of electric vehicles has helped to alleviate the burden of vehicular carbon dioxide emissions, but are people making the shift to lower their carbon footprint when they can’t carpool?

The states in which commuters most commonly drive alone to work are some of the states with the fewest electric vehicles. This combination leads to a substantial carbon footprint. Below is a breakdown of the states creating the biggest impacts — both positive and negative — on the environment.

With gas-powered cars and trucks accounting for one-fifth of America’s total carbon dioxide emissions, a small change, such as driving with a coworker, working remotely more often, or switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle, can contribute to a major change! Read on to see where each state stands.

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Food Deserts in America [Infographic]

December 17December 27Posted in FoodTagged choose my plate, food desert, Health, healthy eating, infographic, mobile market, nutrition, online tools, tips, United States4 Comments

Food deserts have been a big topic in the United States lately, and for good reason: 23.5 million Americans, about 2% of all households, live in food deserts. These food deserts are defined as areas where it is impossible to find adequate fresh, whole, and healthy foods, particularly fruits and vegetables.

Most food desert areas are impoverished, and many residents of these areas do not have a car to travel to stores that carry healthy options. Not even large cities are exempt from food deserts—according to a 2009 survey, 750,000 New York residents lived in areas without adequate access to healthy food, and in 2006, 500,000 Chicago residents reported the same.

Obviously, having poor access to healthy food has health ramifications. Many people with dietary restrictions like gluten allergies or lactose intolerance have an even harder time getting proper nutrition. It is estimated that healthy eating could save $71 billion in chronic healthcare costs by lowering rates of certain diseases. In neighborhoods with access to healthy food, a 45% decrease in diabetes cases over the course of five years was noted. Obesity was also lower in these areas.

Health costs aside, there are other negative ramifications of living in a food desert. Healthy food is more expensive at smaller stores, and many people don’t have time to venture out to larger stores, even if they do have transportation. Since many people who live in these areas live in poverty, they often have no choice but to eat fast food.

The good news is that there are many different initiatives working toward fewer food deserts in the United States, including school lunch programs and bringing grocery stores to impoverished areas. Learn more from this Tulane University infographic from their School of Social Work.

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The true Cost of a Healthy Lifestyle [Infographic]

October 10October 19Posted in Food, HealthTagged average cost, drinks, eating out, exercise, food, gym, Health, healthy lifestyle, homemade, infographic, save money, tips, United States2 Comments

“It’s a common misconception that living a healthy lifestyle has to be expensive. That simply is not true! Unhealthy eating is more expensive than you think. And getting a balanced diet of protein, fat, carbs, and vitamins is possible with simple, everyday ingredients.“ In this graphic, Personal Income reveals the True cost of a healthy lifestyle (hint: it’s cheaper than you think!)

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The World’s Most Traffic Congested Cities [Interactive Storymap]

August 30September 6Posted in Sustainable GuideTagged brazil, china, city, congestion, interactive, metropoly, mexico, motorist, overpopulation, romania, russia, storymap, thailand, traffic jam, transport, turkey, United States, USALeave a comment

This interactive StoryMap that Southside Motor Factors has put together, highlights 10 of the Most Traffic Congested Cities:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/uploads.knightlab.com/storymapjs/825e414589fbde4ae96feb0ea111979b/the-worlds-10-most-traffic-congested-cities/index.html

If you don’t see the interactive StoryMap please click the image below or go to this link

Do you live in one of these congested cities?
Share your experiences with us 🙂

Summer Antiquing in USA + Tips

August 20August 28Posted in other materials, Sustainable Guide, Upcycle / Repurpose / ReuseTagged antiques, antiquing, auction, buy local, fight consumerism, flea market, second hand, summer, thrift, thrifting, tips, treasure hunting, United States, zero wasteLeave a comment

Who doesn’t like buying inexpensive stuff in good conditions? Or finding some antique vintage items to decorate or use at home? I enjoy going to the flea markets because is a way to fight consumerism and helping reduce the amount of waste. How? Buying second hand! Is less expensive, you are giving a second (sometimes even third) chance to items or clothes and most of the cases are in great condition.

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