What’s important to note about cork materials is that it is a rapidly renewable material. Cork's elasticity, combined with its near-impermeability, makes it the perfect material for making bottle stoppers, floor tiles, insulation sheets, bulletin boards and other similar products. Because of its remarkable qualities, cork is used in high-tech applications including car engines, dam mechanisms and airport runways. The aeronautics industry has used cork as a thermal insulator in space shuttles.

Whether you're sending a child back to school this season or haven't thought of backpacks and lunchboxes in years, it's worth checking out the Center for Health, Environment & Justice's new Back-to-School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies. In it, you'll find tips on how to identify PVC, advice for avoiding vinyl and other plastics in school (and office) products, and links to PVC-free products and suppliers.

Useful tips include things like:

Stick to the plain metal paperclips. Colored paper clips are coated with PVC.
Avoid shiny and colorful plastic umbrellas as these are typically made out of PVC. Look for those made out of other materials such as nylon.
Avoid modeling clays made of PVC (polymer clays such as Fimo and Sculpey). Polymer clays are often loaded with phthalates. Look for clays made without PVC and phthalates, or make your own (recipes are available online such as at http://www.theholidayzone.com/recipes/dough.html)

For more information go to www.re-nest.com

The title of this article is what homeowners need to focus on when you are fed up with high electricity bills or uncomfortable rooms and want to do something about it.  No, I’m not talking about getting out of town via Delta’s “T” gates at Hartsfield. The “Delta T” is simply the difference in temperature between the air conditioned space in your home and other places that aren’t air conditioned.  When you’re serious about investing in the comfort and energy efficiency of your home, you need to attack the areas that have the greatest Delta T.