During my web adventures, I’ve come across a lot of interesting topics and people - and green washing is one of the topics that comes up the most often.

We’ve had discussion here on the Planet Blog and we’ve explained our position as a company.

For me, there is a lot of grey in the corporate green movements we’re seeing out there - a lot of claims about going green, a lot of outright lying about going green but there are an equal number of companies making real strides towards sustainable business models.

These companies are trying. They have started. They aren’t perfect - they may not be perfectly green - but are they green washing if they tell you what they’re doing to legitimately make changes even if they aren’t purely green?

The discussion in which I’ve participated most recently is over on a site called Celsias. They are trying to find a new business model, and many of the activist voices on the site are demanding that their business model truly support the green movement. It has prompted a really interesting discussion.

It made me wonder: is purely green business even possible? Is there a company out there that is entirely solar and/or wind powered, that doesn’t need to use shipping methods and that uses only recycled technology, office furniture and exists in a perfect green building?

So my question is - where do we, as consumers draw the line?

If I go to a “green website,” can I not support them if they carry ads from “greenwashing” companies? Can I not support them if they are even running ads for Toyota Prius’ or other large corporate behemoths that might be making some moves towards green but aren’t anywhere near “green” yet? And, if I don’t support those sites, will the true voices of the environmental movement fade because they couldn’t find sustainable and conscionable business models?

Every time I read one of these discussions, I feel frustrated. Frustrated for the companies that are trying and frustrated that we aren’t further along in the eco-process. So I do something.

I Act.

I installed a programmable thermostat, I got an energy audit, I walked to breakfast instead of driving, I reduced, re-used and recycled. If we all think, support good products and companies and send the message that true green is important, all those companies that are greenwashing or who aren’t even pretending to green up yet will have to listen!

But I want to know what you think. This is a real issue that I see green companies with which I see green companies struggling as more and more people want to make sure companies are putting their money where their mouth is.

Where is your line between green and green washing?

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Scary right? I’ll admit the whole heating thing was super intimidating for me. I was happy in my ignorance but now that I’m armed and dangerous with BTU knowledge I can make much smarter decisions about how to move forward. So here are some valuable insights from someone going through the process of optimizing home heating.

1. What the heck is a BTU anyway?

A BTU is a British Thermal Unit and the term is widely used in North America to measure heat values. For our purposes, it just gives us a common value by which we can evaluate home heating options.

2. Remember that where you live absolutely effects decisions you make about energy.

But, don’t think that just because you live in parts of the US that don’t get sunshine all the time that you can’t take advantage of solar or solar thermal technologies!

3. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

The car guys learned that developing hybrid cars was a smart way to use existing, proven technologies and coupling them with great energy saving innovation. Your home heating system may end up doing the same thing – so keep an open mind!

Now that we have those main issues out of the way, let’s get to the nitty gritty.

Let’s assume you’ve replaced your windows and insulated your home and that you’re currently only using Type 2 heating oil and a traditional furnace to heat your home. Let’s further assume that your furnace is working properly and has been maintained so that its giving you optimal efficiency operation (about 85% efficiency is normal). Finally, let’s assume your hot water heater is separate from your oil system.
So having made those assumptions, let’s further assume that you need five refills of your 150 gallon oil tank per year.

5 Tanks * 150 Gallons = 750

This means, based on the above assumptions that you need about 750 gallons annually to heat your home.

Now, one gallon of oil will give you roughly 140,000 BTU.

150 Gallons * 140,000 BTU = 21,000,000 BTU

So, we can calculate that you need 21,000,000 BTU to heat your home.

So how can we offset some this oil BTU number and how many BTU can we get from other heating options?

For the sake of simplicity, let’s look at one of today’s most popular options and then at an option you might not have yet considered.

1. The Pellet Stove – These are super efficient wood burning stoves that burn small pellets rather than logs of wood. They can range from $1700-$3000+ and that cost does not include installation – although many consider that you can install them yourself if you’re handy. Pellets themselves cost between $200 and $300 per ton (roughly).

One Ton of Pellets = 13,000,000 BTU

So, if you only burned one ton of wood pellets, you could offset your oil consumption by more than 50%. There are a lot of folks who use a pellet stove as their primary heat source. Bear in mind they can be dusty, they require electric power and you’ll always have to buy pellets.

2. Solar Air Heater – This wall mounted or roof mounted solar thermal panel can heat up to 750 square feet during daylight hours and can still function well in overcast skies. Costing between $1500-$5000 they are a sustainable alternative heating resource that will pay for themselves eventually and will need minimal maintenance.

Solar Air Heater = 7,000,000 BTU

So, installing this renewable energy resource means you can offset 30% of your oil usage without the need to purchase any additional fuel.

So, at the end of the day, you need to make the decision that’s right for you, but I think having a solar air heater, a pellet stove and an oil furnace makes sense. Then you’re not totally dependent on any source for your home heating and you can be flexible and manage your fuel cost far more efficiently!

Sure, we’re a shoe blog and a green blog, but that doesn’t mean we’re afraid to talk tech every once in a while. If you’re a green enthusiast, you know that at some point you’re going to have to learn about your home energy systems if you’re going to have a real impact on your own footprint on the planet. So let’s get to it!

If you live anywhere that you need heat for a substantial part of the year, chances are you have some sort of oil burning furnace. Depending on when that furnace was installed or how well its been maintained, it may not be working at optimal performance - and with the fluctuating cost of oil, you know that can cost you a pretty penny. Even if it as running at peak efficiency (around 85% for most furnaces), you can make some small investments that will go a long way in reducing your oil usage.

So how can you offset your oil usage without breaking the bank? You should consider a solar air heater. These 4 foot by 8 foot panels use super efficient solar thermal technology to gather the warmth of the sun and traslate that into home heat.

Basically, you wall mount or roof mount the solar air heater on the south side of your home. There is a simple intake vent and a vent that blows back into the room or duct work. Air is pulled out of the room, heated in the solar thermal collector and then blown back into the room, raising the ambient temperature of the room and reducing your dependence on traditional heating systems.

These solar air heaters can range from as little at $1500.00 on up into the thousands for small business sysems and they can offset your fuel consumption immediately up to about 30%. That means they pay for themselves in three to five years!

One of the coolest things about solar air heaters is that if you are handy, you can even install these yourself! Of course, you can also hire someone but many of us green-ies are also DIY enthusiasts.

So check out the benefits of solar air heaters - they are relatively inexpensive, pay for themselves, harness that awesome free energy otherwise known as the sun, and use efficient solar thermal technology.

After I find the shoes I need here at Planet, I go searching for shoes I *want.* You know what I’m talking about - the frivolous, cute ones that I can’t necessarily justify unless I find a really great deal.

I do love a bargain, and you can find them here at Planet Shoes every day!

You may think you need to comb the sales pages, or dig into your favorite brands, but it can be so much easier. Just go to Brands and choose Outlet Brands and you’ll get all of the deepest discounts, discontinued items and best sales in one place. Discount shoes galore!

I do recommend that you narrow by shoe size immediately - we don’t want you to be disapointed if we don’t still have your size. Once you’ve narrowed availability, browse away. You’ll find great looking, high quality shoes at really great values.

Indulge - without guilt!

Did you know that you can have professionals come in and audit your energy efficiency - for free?

Did you know that you can also get recommendations about renewable energy and technology and even a quote for upgrades including incentives and rebates from the auditors?

Oh yes, it is totally possible!

For example, here in Massachusetts, you can head on over to MassSave.com and you can find out how to make your home more energy efficient, schedule an audit and apply for special loans to replace or upgrade your furnace or hot water heater. You can even get insulation, duct sealing and energy efficient windows paid for, or have the costs offset by these programs.

How does it work?

An energy auditor will come to your home with equipment and a laptop. Usually the auditor works for a non-profit organization. You’ll explain the basics of the house and then you’ll head down into the basement so he or she can see what’s what. They’ll assess the age and efficiency of your heat and hot water providers as well as the insulation and air movement within your home.

Once that data has been gathered, you’ll move upstairs where the auditor will assess your insulation (by removing an outlet wall plate and checking our your attic). They will also check out your windows and the exterior of your home so they can really get the lay of the land.

Once all of that data has been gathered, they sometimes provide you with free replacement compact flourescent light bulbs and then they’ll provide their recommendations - including the costs and offset costs by various providers.

Not only will you be able to make your home more efficient with less money up front, but you’ll also learn a lot about your home, get great home maintenance and care tips, and get useful recommendations on systems that could work for you in the future.

So find out if there is a program out there in your state for an energy audit - and schedule one today! Get started at DSIRE.org today!

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Earth Shoes and footwear have brought comfort and health to millions of customers. The Kalso Negative Heel technology is recognized for its health benefits; improving posture, elongating muscle groups and improving core musculature. Now, you can enjoy the durability, comfort and healthy support of Earth Shoes in your cozy slippers. Offered in classic shapes, the two most popular options are the Earth Cloud and the Earth Hedda.

The Earth Cloud

With a sumptuous shearling-look upper and lining, the Earth Cloud lives up to its namesake. The supportive foot bed will keep you in alignment while you’re hanging around the house and the soft and insulating materials used in Earth slippers will keep you warm and comfortable.

The sole of the shoe is treaded and water proof for indoor and outdoor use and the Cloud is also vegan certified, using no animal products in its manufacture. This is a slipper with all the benefits of the Earth brand and with a conscience as well.

Increase your strength and improve your posture just by wearing comfortable and warm slippers around the house!

The Earth Hedda

If you like the look of the classic moccasin slipper, the Earth Hedda may be the best choice among our Earth Slipper line. The soft leather upper and faux shearling lining give these slippers a traditional look and the stitch detailing and earth tones mean they can stay with you for years. The special elasticized heel will keep them firmly in place so you can truly benefit from all of the features hiding in this cozy slipper.

While the Earth Hedda is classic in look and shape, the Kalso Negative heel technology, anatomic arch support and Gelron 2000 cushioning incorporate the benefits of modern footwear technology. Wearing slippers with the health benefits offered by Earth means supporting your body and your feet during all of your hours at home. The Gelron 2000 cushioning conforms to your feet so in short order these slippers will truly be yours.

If you need a slipper that offers more than just warmth, the Earth brand is what you’ve been looking for. Recommended by physicians and developed by a Yoga master, these shoes can help people with chronic back, ankle, knee and hip problems. So give Earth slippers a try and enjoy the benefits of a cozy Cloud or supportive Hedda this winter.

One of the great looks this season is the innovative above the knee boot. Perfect with the skinny jean or stovepipe pant, these tall boots are all about fashion and comfort with a high profile and a low heel. You’ve seen the look on celebrities like Rihanna and on the Gossip Girl fashionistas so check out these great options and grab this hot look for the winter months.

Blowfish:

Blowfish has been offering great boot looks for a few years now and they have taken one of their most popular boots, the Hobbit, and adapted it to the new, above the knee trend. The Blowfish Hi Guy offers the signature comfortable and detailed look of the brand, with button detailing all the way up and adorable bright purple lining.

You can use the zipper closure or the buttons for maximum ease in sliding them on and off. This multiple closure system makes the boots easier to adapt to multiple pairs of jeans as well since we all know that if your skinny jeans aren’t skinny enough, pulling on a knee high boot can be a big hassle! The rubber, flexible sole make these over the knee boots great for walking while the look will make them great for a night out on the town. Durable, adorable and comfortable – this is the easiest over the knee boot we’ve found to slide into!

Chinese Laundry

If you like a more classic and elegant look – something a little more sleek than slouchy, check out the Chinese Laundry Turbo. These high boots come in brown and black leather as well as three shades of suede, including grey, which makes them perfect for skinny jeans, cords or slim black pants. The angular upper means they sit over the knee without adding a lot of extra uncomfortable material behind the knee.

No zipper or buttons necessary here – the Turbo’s slide right on – just pull them on up and the added elasticity at the top will keep them where they’re meant to be. With a simple one inch wedge heel you’ll get comfortable elevation and maximum support. These over the knee boots were really made for walking – and looking fierce in one of today’s more daring trends. This boot is a great melding of classic style and today’s trends so if you’re ready to take a walk on the stylish side – check out the Chinese Laundry Turbo!

As always – we’re adding brands and style every day so check out our ladies boots and find your perfect style for fall and winter!

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