September 3rd, 2010
Needing to add a nice map to something?
This is easy. I ran across this my fiance was getting so mad at the computer, he was trying to vectorize an image of a map from a screen shot on google for directions. I let him play a little bit because he has worked with the programs some and then took over. But the thing you can use is place the image in Illustrator and then use the pen tool to go over the path that you desire. This will create an easy line to follow and you can add in little building or extra help as you go. Set the stroke to whatever size you need it to be.
Written by: Kim Woods
Tags: illustrator, line, maps, pen, tool
Posted in Tips, Tricks, and TriLeaf, TriLeaf's Design Tips |
September 3rd, 2010
Why throw away your old milk jugs when you can use them for a quick game of scoop ball?
What is scoop ball? Scoop ball is what you get after reusing your old milk jugs to make “scoops”. Interested? I thought so. First, after you find that you have an empty milk jug, rinse it out thoroughly, and carefully cut the area under the handle. This is real useful if you have kids and want to play a “green” game with them. Grab a plastic ball, and have a go. This is great for a quick activity with kids.
Written By: Brandon North
Tags: ball, Jugs, Milk, reuse, scoop
Posted in Everything Environmental, Leafy Discussions |
September 2nd, 2010
How to set up crop marks
When you need to print something that has a bleed, which we covered earlier is colors that go over the edge or “bleed” over the edge. You will need to give the printer a lot of times crop marks so that they know how far to cut into the color, this will save them and you a headaches. If you do not send them crop marks they may crop in too or too little. This causes problems especially for things that are being mailed. If they do not fit into the envelope then you are in trouble. By helping out the printer you are keeping both of you happy. You can can set up bleeds when you make your pdf out of Illustrator or InDesign. Just go to Marks and Bleeds and add whatever size bleed they need and be sure to put the Printer’s Marks on.
You can also do it when you are designing in InDesign when you set up the document just say use the documents bleeds in the pdf saving.
Written by: Kim Woods
Tags: crops, easy, happier, marks, nicer, printer, What is, where to cut
Posted in Tips, Tricks, and TriLeaf, TriLeaf's Design Tips |
September 2nd, 2010
Oh when you see that little cute panda, you may wonder what it means. I always knew it was a logo for something but until recently did not wonder about it’s affects.It is the World Wildlife Fund and is the leading conservation organization in the world that works in over 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members and 5 million globally.
Their mission is simple:
- protect natural areas and wild populations of plants and animals, including endangered species;
- promote sustainable approaches to the use of renewable natural resources; and
- promote more efficient use of resources and energy and the maximum reduction of pollution
I know being green this is important to me. I hope they also reach their goal for 2020 which is to conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and significantly change global markets to protect the future of nature.
The thing that pulled me in the most to adopt is they have a program to “adopt” animals. They have varying things you can adopt and they send you little gifts with them for adopting. I think it’d be a great present. I know I’d love if someone got me a dolphin adoptee.
Written By: Kim
Tags: environment, leafy discussions, nature, panda, wwf
Posted in Everything Environmental, Leafy Discussions |
September 1st, 2010
Have an idea for a site but don’t know where to start?
A wire frame is a basic drawing of the site you want to make. Often it helps to do this because it helps you prioritize where you need to start. When drawing a wire frame, be sure to include all you want in the page, as the more detail you include in the drawing the better you can “see” how your page is going to turn out. Even experts still do wire frames and it’s a good habit to get into for beginners. If you haven’t used one before, try it out and tell me what you think.
Written By: Brandon North
Tags: design, frame, help, web, Wire
Posted in Tips, Tricks, and TriLeaf, TriLeaf's Design Tips |
September 1st, 2010
How and where to dispose of batteries.
Did you know that each year over 3 billion dry-cell non-rechargeable household batteries are purchased in the United States? Did you also know that these batteries contain harmful ingredients and that there is no good economical way to recycle these batteries and most end up in landfills?
These batteries cost less in the beginning, but they need to be replaced frequently, and in the end will cost more. They contain heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, lithium, mercury, nickel, silver and zinc. If improperly disposed of, buried in landfills, or incinerated, these heavy metals will harm the environment by getting into our water supply and the soil. Long-term exposure to heavy metals can lead to serious health problems.
Because the cost of recycling non-rechargeable batteries exceeds the value of the materials that would be recovered, fees must be charged to make recycling them economically feasible. So if you have the money to do it, by all means please recycle them. Few people will do this because of the cost, so if you do put batteries in the trash, put them in a plastic bag and secure the ends of each battery with masking tape. This will prevent leakage of the toxic chemicals into the soil.
The “green” thing to do is to invest in rechargeable batteries. Each rechargeable battery you use could eliminate hundreds of single-use batteries in landfills. In addition, all rechargeable batteries are also recyclable. So the next time you need to get batteries, spend the extra money and get the rechargeable batteries. You be glad you did in the long run.
Information taken from: City of St. Louis – Department of Streets – Refuse Division – Recycling Program
Please go here for locations and information about battery recycling for rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.
Written By: Chris Horn
Tags: batteries, landfills, money, rechargeable, recycle
Posted in Everything Environmental, Recycle Me |
September 1st, 2010
An all electric car coming in the near future
While perusing on treehugger I ran across the 2010 Green awards Cars and Transportation Section, which led me to do some research on the Nissan Leaf. Before this I had never heard of the Leaf before, so I was very interested.
At first look, I fell in love with it just because of the appearance I am a sucker for a hatchback partly because I love the look partly functionality. I currently own a Mazda 3 hatchback, so you can see the appeal. When I began researching I found that it will be the first affordable all electric car. This is because the buyers get a nice federal tax credit of $7,500 for buying the leaf which makes the cost as low as $25,280. That is very reasonable considering the Toyota Prius starts at $22,800. Currently there are more than 8,200 people who have reserved the cars through the early reservation program that started on May 15th.
The one thing I will say that I do not like is the range on this car and by range is how long you can drive it without worrying about the battery. It can only go 100 miles on a full charge. It definitely wouldn’t want to be used for long distances, but for everyday use for people who don’t have to drive far to work or for people willing to recharge it every night it’d be worth it. It has no emissions so you will notice that it has no tail pipe as well.
I think this is a great step for our cars and I hope to see lots of these on the road once they come out in December to the general public. For those of you concerned about issues after it comes out, it even has an 8 year warrant that’s 5 more years than most cars. I hope anyone who buys one will tell us how they are enjoying it’d I’d like a first hand testimonial as well.
Written By: Kim
Tags: cars, electric, gas, green, leaf, nissan, no
Posted in Everything Environmental, Leafy Discussions |
August 31st, 2010
While CSS is still better for positioning, a slightly easier way would be tables
These days, using tables for positioning is outdated and not as precise as CSS. But if you’re a beginner, and using CSS is a little beyond you, tables are useful. It lets you set things in order in a grid-like fashion. Set the size of this grid, and you’re set. Just put where you want the content to go. When I first started web design, tables were very useful for this purpose. New designers, tell me how it works out for you.
Written By: Brandon North
Tags: design, grid, positioning, tables, web
Posted in Tips, Tricks, and TriLeaf, TriLeaf's Design Tips |
August 31st, 2010
Saving the Planet One Scoop at a Time
Dottie’s Ice Cream Parlor in Des Peres, MO was founded on a commitment to providing premium ice cream at an affordable cost, with minimal impact on the planet. Simplicity is bliss at this eco-friendly ice cream shop, and they offer a variety of flavors and toppings to please the entire family. From hand-dipped desserts to soft serve sensations, Dottie’s earth-minded efforts always make treating yourself a little sweeter. Go ahead and visit Dottie’s, and help Save the Planet, One Scoop at a Time! I hear they have great ice cream cakes as well.
Written By: Chris Horn
Tags: des peres, dottie’s, family, green, ice cream
Posted in Everything Environmental |
August 31st, 2010
I miss Captain Planet
I don’t remember how this show came up the other day in conversation but I remember thinking it is green. I mean how more can you be a show that talks about how to help the environment. It is the original green teacher especially to children. I think they should bring this back in all it’s glory. I mean look at what is back from when we were kids. Ninja turtles is back so why not. Who wouldn’t watch it I know I would or at least have my niece and nephews watch it.
Written By: Kim Woods
Tags: bring it back, captain planet, discussions, ideas, shows, tv, why
Posted in Everything Environmental, Leafy Discussions |
