5 posts tagged “recycle”
Well, Happy Earth Day!
I couldn't let this day go by without posting a very short blog!
In the spirit of keeping energy usage to a minimum, I will keep this short (so I don't waste energy on my end, and so you don't waste energy reading/using the computer on your end).
Here are some green tips to keep top of mind today, and hopefully everyday!
1. Buy organic.
2. Look for concentrated products.
3. Install compact flourescent light bulbs.
4. Use resusable shopping bags.
5. turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth (and if you do dishes by hand too!)
6. Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies.
7. Reduce water in your toilet tank.
8. Turn down the heat during the Winter.
9. Calculate your carbon footprint and learn how to reduce it. www.nature.org/initiatives/cliematechange/calculator.
10. Attend an Earth Day Event. www.EarthDay.net.
***All these tips brought to you by Safeway Grocery Stores!!! www.safeway.com
Okay people. So part of green living is of course prevention, and another huge part is recycling and reuse, which of course helps lead to reduction of waste.
There is an awesome magazine that shows you what you can do with all that crap you either can't recycle (like styrafoam cups) or stuff you have left over (like extra cardboard boxes, or shirts, or tires, etc.)
What is this magazine called? ReadyMade. Now, yes there is something to be said for a company that focuses on recycling actually printing their mag, but they have an awesome website, and they only print bi-monthly so it's 6 issues instead of 12 issues a year!
I will be asking them if they print on recycled paper, so stay tuned for their reply (here's hoping I get one!)
Check them out! READY MADE MAG: http://readymademag.com
So I know that everyone in the country right now (at least everyone who doesn't have their head under a rock) has heard about the new push to go green. And some people are a little more willing to "give it a shot" than others. Since this is my self commitment for this year, I am going to continue to share some great things with you that are super easy to do.
Last week, Oprah (I know I know, just keep reading) did an entire show on going green. And I have to say that there are a few GREAT ideas in here. So here are my top faves, things I was already doing or now have adopted!
Take my own bag(s) to the grocery store.
Did you know that the store will usually give you a discount on your total purchase? I was just shopping at Safeway this past weekend, and brought my canvas tote bag and a webbed cotton produce bag (that I honestly had laying around the house, but could be bought a number of places for less tha $5 - keep reading for that info) and they credited me the $.06 for the bag I would have used, AND they gave me a 10% discount on my purchase!!!!!! SWEET! One more thing: even more important than the bags you take your groceries home in, are the produce bags you use in your cart. WHAT A WASTE!!!!! You can also get reusable produce bags (see below for info and a link).
Check out
www.earth911.com. This site is the bomb! Among other things, I was able to find a place to recycle my Christmas tree (that I cut down myself with a forrest service pass for $10.00, rather than supporting a lot that clear cuts trees they can't sell, and ends up wasting more trees!), and where I can recycle my old cell phones (that have been sitting in an old bag waiting to be sent off to the cell phone farm for retirement).
You must see www.greendimes.com. These guys do two great things, (1) stop all the junk mail you hate that comes to your house, but still allows you to get the catalogs or coupons you like, (2) plants a bunch of trees all over in your name. You can also give this service as a gift to someone you know!
I have three things to say:
These three eco-friendly companies make GREAT household cleaning products and remind you that clean really doesn't have a smell. If you want something to smell good, light a candle. And for the entire month of January, Shaklee is offering a 33% discount on their starter kit, and 15% off any other products offered!!!!! So great! Check it out!
About those grocery bags. Now you can visit a site like www.ecobags.com to find out what kinds of bags are good for what and also get great deals, like this week, if you watched the Oprah show on going green, you get free shipping! and there's a bunch of bundled bags they're selling at a discount because of the exposure she gave them. But, to REALLY reduce, reuse, and recycle, you can either rummage through your closet for old canvas tote bags, ask your mom if she still has some from the 80's, or hit up your local thrift store, where they'll definitely have some (which you'll obviously wash in the laundry before taking to the market).
That's all for now, until next time, stay green and remember how to liveasy!
-Siiri
Well, Happy New Year. So, here is my second post for all you out there that have stumbled upon my blog. I have decided that the age old purpose of putting thoughts down online - that is, sharing with others - will be what I do. So I am going to start gifting - that's right, gifting - you hints, links and sweet little nuggets of info that you can use to your own benefit. Why? To help you liveasy!
So here are the first few items on my list (keep in mind, my 2008 self-committment is proactive earth friendliness) - I hate the idea and word "resolution" as in New Years Resolution....so this year is year one of Siir's self-committments.
Here we go:
1. Sierra Trading Post http://www.sierratradingpost.com/
This online company has great gear for outdoors, everyday and pretty much anything inbetween. They have print catalogs they mail out once every couple of weeks, or you can just go online (and not waste the paper on the catalog) and order there. Two great things about their online store: (1) if you are a first time customer, you get a discount if you sign up first (2) they have a web exclusive section that isn't published in their catalogs, (3) most of the products they sell are really high quality, and while that doesn't necessarily mean what they sell is made eco-friendly, it does mean you'll have it for a lot longer, thereby reducing your trash output (especially when it comes to shoes, which tend to fall apart quickly....these Merrells for instance will last a pretty darn long time, and I just ordered them).
2. Platypus: Hydration 101 http://www.platypushydration.com/
This company really gets the whole earth friendly deal! Great water bottle alternatives, especially if you're a gal that likes to take her water in her purse. It's the lightest weight option out there and literally folds into nothing.....just about the size of an envelope. Also, it can be used for things other than water, like freezing soup and taking with you on a hiking trip. Since it's freezer and boil safe, you can freeze your soup in it, take it on the trip, and put the whole thing in boiling pot of water, reducing the washing that happens on the trails, which means less soap in the rivers/streams, and less work for you! Then it rolls up to nothing for the hike back!
3. SIGG USA - Eco-Friendly, Reusable, Swiss Water Bottles http://www.mysigg.com/index.asp
Great if you like your water bottle to represent your style, or if you have split personalities!!! I just got one for Christmas and have already been given a bunch of compliments on it. Not only do they have water bottles, but also thermoses, flasks, and any other liquid holder you might need! The company is eco-friendly and the product guarantees no chemical leeching. Yay!
Okay, those are my 3 pieces of wisdom for the day, don't spend it all in one place! I can't wait to share more with you, although I can't promise they will all be eco-friendly......but stay tuned anyway!
