Going Green Ideas - Reduce Usage of Petroleum Products

The rising price of oil and gas is, in part, the fault of us all. Let's look around our homes and be aware of the products that contain petroleum distillates and other hydrocarbons and then find alternatives.

For example, cleaning sponges used in the kitchen are made from oil-based chemicals. Why not use washable cloths?

Baby oil. Replace the popular brands with all-natural products. Healthier too!

Do you use plastic drinking cups at home or on a picnic? There is an incredible substitute - corn. And, because they are biodegradable these cups are compostable. Of course, there are issues with using corn. However, considering there are probably millions of these cups thrown away every day the benefits of reducing oil consumption while reducing landfill waste are tremendous.

Petroleum distillates are a group of hydrocarbon-based chemicals that are refined from crude oil. Petroleum distillates include gasoline, naphtha, mineral spirits, kerosene, paraffin, paint solvents, adhesives, and automotive chemicals.

Look at your furniture polish, degreasers, lighter fluids, Vasoline, and treated bar-b-que coals. Can they be replaced with a non-petroleum product?

Other common, oil-based, household products that many of us use every day, and for which there may be natural alternatives, include:

• hair spray
• hair gel
• bottles for cosmetics and toiletries
• sandals/flip flops
• ballpoint pens
• plastic clothes hangers
• polyester clothing
• children's balls and other toys
• trash bags
• freezer bags
• shopping bags
• storage containers
• band-aids
• egg cartons
• disposable plates
• marking pens
• office equipment
• faux fur
• pantyhose
• candles
• garden hose
• balloons
• Teflon products
• kitchen utensils
• spray paint
• pet toys
• vertical blinds
• picture frames
• photo albums
• document binders
• extra phones
and many more products!

There are approximately 300 million Americans who can collectively make a big difference. Let's use these products wisely and make our contribution to the reduction of demand for oil products while living a healthier life!

Founder’s Message

Around the world people have been "going green" for many years and enjoying it. There is a sense of pride when we incorporate some basic steps into our everyday life, at home, at school and at our place of business. The cumulative effect of our actions can have a dramatic effect on our environment.

At GoingGreenResources.com we realize that people are often prevented from doing more as they don't have a central resource of ideas and products. We aim to change that!

Ten years ago some ideas seemed crazy that we now take for granted. Now within ten years it is entirely possible we may not have gas stations as auto manufacturers are finally creating some really incredible "green" cars. Many people we know now drive hybrids and are not only thrilled with the reduced cost of gas but they also feel good about fighting global warming in their own small way.

In March of 2008 we visited a "sustainable farm" in Costa Rica. Using intriguing methods this farm is growing beautiful organic vegetables, tasty free-range eggs, unique plants with health benefits and so much more. There is reason to believe that many of these farming ideas can be used around the world. More on this wonderful experience can be found in our travel section.

Last November, we traveled to Barbados in the Caribbean. Beaches were lined with recycling bins. There a small number of visitors were fortunate enough to help the locals return some newborn turtles into the waves so they could begin their journey. The excitement everyone felt as they helped Mother Nature along was beyond words. Our travel section has some great photos.

Back at home we take the steps that we can. Our recycling container is full each week, while the trashcan is nearly empty. It's a good feeling knowing that there is a lot less waste being sent to landfills. Where possible at home, CFL's are used for lighting; water waste is minimized; biodegradable detergents are used and all personal grooming products are organic and fragrance free. The benefits are many of minimizing the chemicals that come in touch with the skin, the body's largest organ.

Please bookmark our site and tell your friends. New content will be added frequently and we will be offering commentaries from our fellow green citizens and well-respected individuals in the environmental field.

- John Livingstone, GoingGreenResources.com