The truth is, the recognizable smell of a new car or fresh coat of paint actually comes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The new survey, conducted by FLOR, a manufacturer and marketer of design-inspired carpet tiles, found that 91 percent of Americans are concerned about the environment, but only 10 percent say they are familiar with VOCs — and why they are unsafe.

VOCs are harmful gases released by everyday household items, including paint, carpets, cleaning supplies, aerosol sprays, air fresheners and some cosmetics. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air consistently contains 10 times the amount of VOCs as outdoor air. Given that Americans typically spend 80 to 90 percent of their time indoors, many people face prolonged exposure. The problem? VOCs can lead to asthma and other respiratory problems.

While an overwhelming majority, 91 percent, of respondents expressed concern about the environment, 61 percent reported that they throw unwanted carpet in the trash or place it on the curb for someone to take, according to the recent FLOR survey. What people fail to realize is that it can take 50 years for wool to break down in a landfill, and 250,000 years for man-made fibers, like nylon and carpet backing, to completely decay.

The FLOR survey also uncovered that a small percentage of people actually opt for some of these other disposal solutions, with only 15 percent of consumers choosing to recycle their old carpeting, and 25 percent choosing to donate it to others. But, FLOR is doing its part to offer people a more responsible alternative. Consumers can participate in the company’s environmental efforts through FLOR’s Return & Recycle Program, where old FLOR tiles can be returned to be recycled into new product. Many FLOR products contain renewable or recycled materials and meet the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Green Label Plus standard for VOC emissions.

“FLOR has always been a believer in providing smart solutions for the home,” says Greg Colando, president, FLOR. “We want to help consumers understand the range of eco-friendly issues and products out there when it comes to renovating or updating home décor.”

For more information, visit http://www.FLOR.com.

According to a recent Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL) survey of more than 1,200 youths, ages 11-13, 92 percent of tweens said they are “very concerned” or “somewhat concerned” about the environment. Nearly half recycle or reuse their food and drink containers, and 40 percent would watch less television and play fewer video games to save energy.

One example, Florida’s Edgewater Boys & Girls Club Torch Club, was named a winner of the “Be Great. Be Green” National Project Award for the Club’s efforts to educate members about environmental stewardship and sustainability of resources, while also motivating neighbors to take action. Awarded by BGCA and SFFL, the national award is designed to raise awareness about environmental issues and motivate youth, educators and parents to take action.

“We all know how important it is to protect our country’s natural resources so they can be enjoyed for generations to come,” said Camille Winbush, an actress best known for her roles on “The Secret Life of An American Teenager” and “The Bernie Mac Show,” and a judge of the “Be Great, Be Green” award. “When youth are educated about environmental issues, they become involved in their communities and are able to make big changes.”

Along with SFFL, BGCA wants parents, educators and children to take a tiny green step by being on the lookout for green office and school supplies throughout the year:

• Recycled pencils. The good old No. 2 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but now you can find recycled pencils. Made from some of the billions of scrapped tires in stockpiles today, the RENEW Recycled Tire Pencil’s casing is made from 30 percent recycled tires. With a No. 2 graphite core, the pencil also contains bio-degradable latex-free erasers.

• Eco-friendly pens. If you’re more of a pen person, be on the lookout for recycled and biodegradable versions by Pilot or Industries of the Blind.

• Re-binders. No student can get through the school year without a binder. Recycled binders from Re-Binder are not only eco-friendly, but sturdy and cheap.

For more information, visit http://www.staplesfoundation.org and http://www.bgca.org.

Each reusable grocery bag can eliminate 1,000 plastic bags over the course of its lifetime. Even better, consumers can purchase reusable grocery bags that benefit good causes. For example,
two organizations that benefit poverty-stricken families, Americans Helping Americans and Running Strong for American Indian Youth, recently started printing their logos on grocery bags containing 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.

So, why do so many people fail to carry reusable bags? Despite the planning that goes into creating shopping lists, it is mostly a store-time decision when deciding what they will use to carry their groceries.

For shoppers who want to get the most out of reusable bags, keep these tips in mind:

Keep some extra bags spare. Purchase several bags. Keep some in your car and in a visible location in your home. Fold lightweight bags, and keep them in your purse or a large pocket.

• Designate bags for different purposes. Label separate bags for vegetables, meat and fish. You might also want to purchase one or two insulated bags for frozen or refrigerated foods. If cold foods sweat and dampen the bags, let them air-dry on a clothesline before storing them.

• Put your reusable bag on your list. When you write out your shopping list, make a note to remember your bag.

• Think beyond the grocery store. Keep one or two bags for non-food use, and take them with you when you go to the mall or convenience store.

• If you do forget a reusable bag, purchase a new one. Hopefully, if you purchase enough new bags, you will start remembering to take them to the store. Make your money count by purchasing bags from reputable charities like Americans Helping Americans and Running Strong for American Indian Youth.