We Can Solve the Climate Crisis

I always like to share good information when I find it.

Cloth napkins vs paper napkins

Today's post is about cloth napkins. I use them at every meal. I love them. Some people think they are a luxury, but when comparing cloth napkins to paper napkins, cloth wins, hands down. Yes, you have to wash them, but not after every use. I remember my mom once telling me that when she was a child her family used cloth napkins, identified with a napkin ring, for a week before they went in the weekly wash. Each person's napkin ring was different, to identify the user.

I know some of you will think that washing cloth napkins uses more energy, and paper napkins are more convenient. Well...check out this article.

If you insist on using paper towels or paper napkins, make sure you're making the right choice for the environment...chlorine free and 100% recycled.

I admit it. I've been buying bleached white, non-recycled paper towels. From now on, I'm only buying the recycled paper towels. That's today's commitment for "Greener Every Day". What are you doing each day to be Greener Every Day?

Carpet Recycling

For those of you who don't read Danny Seo's blog, I'll share what I learned today. (for those of you who do read his blog...come back tomorrow...)

There is a national organization, called Carpet America Recovery Effort. From their website:

Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) is a joint industry-government effort to increase the amount of recycling and reuse of post-consumer carpet and reduce the amount of waste carpet going to landfills. CARE was established as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding for Carpet Stewardship (MOU), a national agreement signed by members of the carpet industry, representatives of government agencies at the federal, state and local levels, and non-governmental organizations.

Check out the positive things they are doing. Are you looking for a place to recycle some old carpet? Check them out here.

http://www.carpetrecovery.org/

A simple idea

OK. I've been thinking about this simple idea for a while, and started implementing it recently. I'll admit it, I use too many zip-top plastic bags. Once. Although I do wash them, with the intent of reusing them, I rarely do reuse them. I pull them out of the drawer, looking at them, wondering what was in them originally. Then, I look at the new ones, and how clear and shiny they look, and use them instead. So, I have a new plan.

When I use a zip-top bag now, I write the name of the food on it with a Sharpie pen (cheese, tomato, lemon...you get the idea). Once I've used the contents, the empty bag goes back in the fridge, ready to be used again, by the same food. I'm already in the habit of looking to see what bags are in the fridge before I pull out a new one.

I do have my limits...I won't reuse the bags that have had raw meat, or other similar things in them.

That's it. Simple, but it works. One less item in my trash.

Mosquitoes are invading

I don't know about you, but the mosquitoes around my house seem to have multiplied and gained weight in the last few weeks. Earlier in the summer, I was bothered by a few flying pests, but lately, it seems I can hear them flying into my sliding glass door (only a slight exaggeration...)

For those of you who have been to my house in the last year, you know I have a new patio that I have been enjoying on a daily basis. I have lots of plants growing, some fun/funky furniture, and lots of privacy. Except for the uninvited mosquitoes. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. So, at the suggestion of my friend Thomas, I started researching natural, earth friendly solutions to rid my sanctuary of these pesky invaders. Even late in August, I'm not opposed to adding some new plants to my garden. Here's what I've found so far, in my effort to ward off the beasts:

Catnip...this is 10 TIMES more effective than DEET. Did you know that?

Rosemary...one of my FAVORITE herbs...I have some growing in a pot now.

Horsemint...this has a scent similar to citronella. Ya either love it, or hate it. (I hate it)

Marigolds...ANYONE can grow these annuals. They also keep aphids away. Double bonus!

Ageratum...the coumarin in the plant is the odor that mosquitoes DO NOT LIKE. It's used in the perfume industry, and also in some commercial mosquito repellents. I just read that you shouldn't rub the leaves on your skin though...I guess gardening gloves are in order here...

Last, but not least...

Mosquito Plants...actually there are 2 kinds. One is agastache cana, and hummingbirds love it (bonus!). The second kind is a member of the geranium family, that has similar properties to citronella.

Now, please realize that just by have these plants sitting around in pots, or in the earth, you're not going to reap the benefits. The mosquitoes are turned off by the smell, so you'll need to crush a few leaves between your fingers, to release the aroma. Now I have a reason for my fingers smelling like rosemary!

If you have other tried and true natural mosquito repellents, let me know!

Where is "Away"?

Last night, I attended the August meeting of the Kansas City Green Drinks group. The goal of Green Drinks KC is pretty simple: good times shared among people working in, or interested in, environmental and sustainability issues. This is only the 2nd month I've attended a meeting, and once again, I left the meeting informed, inspired, and with new contacts!



The next time you start to throw something "away", think about the above picture. Our society has been trained to think that once the garbage truck leaves our street, the garbage has gone "away". We carelessly and thoughtlessly throw "away" items that can be reused or recycled. What humans manufacture and think they are throwing away, is really disturbing all types of ecosystems. The reality is, the world is a closed loop. Nothing leaves the earth. The bottom line...we are the species responsible for polluting. The damage that we have done as a species, has reached the a calamity tipping point, between the earth and mankind. The earth will win, whether it be tornadoes, global warming, fire or other natural disasters, the earth will win. This is becoming an epic battle between man vs earth. Can man live in harmony with the planet. Yes. Is it too late? No. Waste is the byproduct of poor design. What can we do? Be thoughtful. Make conscious decisions.

• Purchase items with minimal packaging
• Write letters to companies demanding responsible packaging
• Reuse and recycle. Really. Think about everything you are throwing away. Can it be recycled or reused?
• Consume less
• Utilize services like freecycle.com

We can each do our part. Be Greener Every Day.

Foreign Oil vs. US Wind Enery

Just yesterday I heard about T. Boone Pickens website, pickensplan.com. We all know the US is dependent upon foreign oil. Be part of the solution. Check out the Pickensplan here:

Campaign Earth

I'm in the habit of regularly searching for websites that support positive, environmental issues. Today's find was Campaign Earth. This website is educational and interactive. Taking the Campaign Earth monthly challenge provides individuals and businesses tips and strategies for getting involved. The action for this month is to reduce junk mail and catalogs. This topic is near and dear to me, and I've posted resources previously on this blog. (check out the archives to the right).

If you feel called to action, check out Campaign Earth here.

To quote directly from Campaign Earths's site:

The Monthly Challenge Program provides folks with one new thing to implement into their lives each month, slowly guiding them along a path toward sustainability.

To quote directly from Campaign Earth's monthly challenge:

Listed below are three actions you can take to lessen the mail you receive. Take a look at the list and do what you can. Remember, every action counts.

* Stop Those Unwanted Catalogs! Now, with the internet, we can do most of our mail order shopping online. Stack your unwanted catalogs in a pile and spend ten minutes a week calling to request that your name be removed from their mailing list.

* Receive Less Junk Mail! Send a short letter to: DMA Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512. List your name, in all its infinite variations, and request that all of these names be removed from their national database. This removal lasts five years, so keep this address handy. For more information contact the DMA at 212-768-7277.

* Keep Your Catalogs and Magazines out of the Landfill! Many municipalities don't accept catalogs as part of their recycling program so find a second home for them. Keep them out of the landfill by dropping them off at a local hospital, assisted living home, senior residence facility or school (they use them for art classes and other projects). It's the next best thing.

Break the Bottled Water Habit

I LOVE the More Hip than Hippie website and podcasts!

Break the Bottled Water Habit here!

Green Home Environmental store

I want to share another good green resource with you. Green Home Environmental Store has anything you'll need from clothing, appliances, furnishing, pest control, pets, even supplies for your restaurant!

By now, you know recycling is a way of life for me. I'm always looking for ways I can reuse or recycle items. I'm also interested in purchasing products that have been made from recycled material. Remember my kitchen remodeling project? I used Richlite for the countertop. It's made from recycled paper, mixed with resin.

On Green Home Environmental Store (click here), you'll find some great products, including this adirondack chair, made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic.

Check out greenhome.com. Be green.

Recycling my closet...

How many times have you gone through your closet and said, “I don’t have anything to wear?”

One basic idea in recycling is to reuse, right? I know I’m guilty of keeping clothes hanging in my closet way too long. What’s too long? That’s up to you. Many “experts” say if you haven’t worn something in 12 months, it’s time to remove it from your closet.

Recently, I packed for a weeklong trip to New Mexico and Colorado. I needed mostly casual clothes, but also one outfit for a wedding. With a closet (actually more than 1 closet) full of clothes, I had to do laundry before I packed. I couldn’t leave without 2 of my favorite summer blouses, right? (I chose to ignore the dozens that were clean, and hanging in my closet…)
I’ve done it. There have been times when I can’t add another article of clothing to my bulging closet, full of items I don’t wear, and then I do it...I go buy more. I’m sure not practicing what I preach here…

One of the best ideas I’ve learned about recycling is the idea that when it comes to our attention that we are in possession of items we are no longer putting to use, pass them on. I love the idea of knowing that someone who couldn’t afford a new outfit it is wearing something of mine that no longer fits me (or I just grew tired of). The other part of that positive thought is that piece of clothing is no longer taking up space and collecting dust in my closet!

Why have items that we no longer have any use for taking up precious space in our lives? It feels great to have extra room in my closet. It took me a while, but that was one of the best things I ever did for myself: cleaning out my closet. Don’t get me wrong; I know I still have too much “stuff”. This is an ongoing process…the more I get rid of, the more I WANT to get rid of. I pass them on and that feels really good.

Do yourself a favor, go through your closet, find what you’re no longer wearing and pass it on. There are numerous organizations where your unwanted items will be put to good use.

You probably have your favorite charities you donate to. One that I use is Big Brothers, Big Sisters. It’s a great cause, and they will come to your house to pick up the goodies! Check them out here.

To read reviews of different charity organizations, check this out:

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

Organic Gardening products

Tonight I stumbled (actually I was searching) on a great site that offers natural and organic gardening products.

Earlier this week I noticed that something (not me) had eaten LARGE portions of my giant coleus. Now, these leaves are huge (8+ "), so something must have been really, really hungry. I'm not sure why they (it?) has waited until mid August to attack, but they have. In searching for a solution to keep the giant leaves giant, I found Fertile Garden: http://www.fertilegarden.com.

I've used Safer's Insecticidal Soap before, but don't have any on hand. I'll head to Family Tree Nursery tomorrow to stock up. You can buy it here.

As I was searching for the coleus killer solution, I found Dry Molasses. It is used to feed and stimulate microorganisms and is a source of carbon, sulfur, and potash. It can also be used in the soil to remove fire ants. What do you know...something that will remove fire ants! Many years ago I lived in the Houston area, and had my first introduction to fire ants...the hard way. They are appropriately named. I remember my neighbor telling me that if I get bit (more likely, attacked), I should take Adolf's meat tenderizer and vinegar and make a paste, and then slather it on the bite(s). Unfortunately, Adolf's meat tenderizer wasn't anything I had in my pantry the first time I got attacked. I don't remember if I ever had to use this potion, but I'm sure the grocery stores in the area sold a ton of Adolf's!

Getting back to the Dry Molasses...for those of you in areas where fire ants reside, check out the Dry Molasses stuff. It might just get those ants scurrying for your neighbors yard. Just tell them about the Adolf's first.

Positively Green - a new magazine

I recently found a new magazine, focusing on green living. It's called Positively Green. The premier issue (Fall 2008) has picture of Rachelle Begley (Ed Begley's wife) on the cover. You probably know that the Begley's (with Ed leading the way), have been 2 of the forerunners of the green living movement, and the hosts of "Living with Ed" on HGTV.

Positively Green does a great job of informing consumers about health, beauty, fashion, food and all things green.

In a previous post, I talked about reducing waste by reducing junk mail. Another site to use, is GreenDimes.com. There are 3 levels of service, the cheapest is "free" (my budget). Although you have to manually enter your information, you can choose to opt out of many pieces of junk mail. There are a few companies that require you to send a letter via mail (can you believe that?), but GreenDimes provides you the letters, addresses, etc. All you need to do is print and mail the letter.

The premiere issue of Positively Green contains information on remodeling your kitchen and bath, decorating (I love the milkbottle lamp on page 81!), furnishings, buying school supplies, giving green and much, much more!

For $4.99, it's a bargain. The only negative...it's not a monthly publication...yet.

Reducing waste

The idea of recycling is to reuse an item rather than toss it into the trash and have it end up filling space in a landfill, right? What about this novel idea? Why not reduce the waste in the first place? How can you do this, without much effort? Take a look:

Be aware of the items you purchase and how they are packaged. Some manufacturers use layers of wrapping that will just get tossed into the trash because there isn't another use for it. Do a little digging, a bit of research to find items that have less packaging and stick to only buying them. I believe the manufacturers will get the hint when consumers start paying attention to the waste one product makes and opt for its competitor.

One way to reduce packaging waste is to buy in bulk. Buying in bulk cuts way down on the packaging and more often than not, you save money. If you think you have to buy too much when you buy in bulk, consider teaming up with a friend or family member...share the fun!

If you have to buy something that has an excess of packaging, try to figure out what you can use that excess for and then put it to good use.

A great way to curb the surplus in a landfill is to reuse things. One easy idea (and obvious to most) is to do this with is the plastic bags you get to carry your groceries home in. Rather than getting the bags home, emptying the contents and putting them away and throw the used bag into the trash, think about the different things you can use that bag for. Just by reusing items like this will cut down greatly on the stuff that is filling up our precious space-craved landfills. If you have an excess of bags, take them to a local retailer who recycles them. Whole Foods, and many other grocery stores have a bin close to the door, to put your used bags in. These bags are recycled into other products.

The best idea is to buy some reusable bags to shop with. I always take mine into the grocery store (Whole Foods has a big sign, asking people to go back to their car to get their reusable bags!). I'm now starting to carry a bag or 2 in my purse, and will use them in department stores, home improvement stores, and anywhere I might make a purchase.

Recycling, at its best, is prevention of excess. Keeping that in mind and taking the steps to incorporate minor changes into your life will reduce waste and will make it much easier for landfills not to get so over-filled. Prevention of waste takes just a little forethought, and any of us are capable of that.

Waste Free lunches for kids

I was recently intrigued by a link on one of my favorite sites www.morehipthanhippie.com. Two women, Amy Hemmert and Tammy Pelstring, founded a company called Obentec.

Obentec was started in 2002, when these 2 women decided to help other families pack low-waste lunches for their school aged children. Their laptop lunch kits provide easily packable, and always reusable containers for lunches (not just for kids!), including an insulated carrying case, utensils, water bottle, and the Laptop Lunch Bento Box.






The Lunch Date (for adults) comes in both designer fabric and hemp. This kit includes a thermos, water bottle, bento box, utensils, cold pack and other goodies. Check them out!

Laptoplunches.com site contains LOTS of practical information, including lunch ideas, nutritional information, recipes, AND, marketing fliers and instructions on how to use the Laptop Lunches for a fund raiser at schools!

Uncommongoods

A few weeks ago, my friend Joey emailed me about a great website, Uncommongoods.com. Today, another friend, Stevie, shared their catalog with me. It's time to share it with you.

One of Joey's favorite recent finds is recycled doormats and baskets made from recycled flip flop foam. Check them out at uncommongoods.com. These items are made in the Phillippines, from the excess foam rubber from flip-flop factories.


Uncommongoods has over 100 products made from recycled materials...everything from jewelry made from old traffic lights, to recycled yoga mats made from rice and feed bags, and glasses and vases reclaimed glass from old car windows.

Check them out here. ENJOY!

Recycling old TVs

February 2009. That's the date that millions of old TVs will no longer be able to receive broadcasts unless a converter box is installed.

Kudos to Sony Electronics USA, who has already established a take-back program for free take-back and recycling to their customers. Sony will take back any product with their brand name on it. We can hope that other manufacturers will follow Sony's lead.

In the meantime, what can we do? Speak out, let the FCC and electronic manufacturers know that this issue must be addressed as a global issue.

Follow these links to speak out:

http://takebackmytv.com/page/speakout/TakeBackMyTV

http://www.coopamerica.org/takeaction/fcc/