Green Jobs Now

Once again, I'm sharing information about another Green initiative, called Green Jobs Now. From their website:

About Green Jobs Now

Green Jobs Now is a day of action on September 27th to show Congress, the next President, and the Nation we want an inclusive green economy, strong enough to lift people out of poverty and solve the climate crisis TK

On September 26, we will watch the first presidential debate of this election.

The next day, the candidates will watch us.

On Saturday, September 27, we're launching a national mobilization to say, "I'm ready for the green economy." We are ready to tackle the climate crisis by building a green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty.

Green Jobs Now is a National Day of Action that will empower everyday people to stage hundreds of grassroots events throughout the country. We will have a special focus on low-income communities, communities of color and indigenous people. This will send a message to our leaders that, when it comes to creating green jobs for a more sustainable economy, PEOPLE ARE READY!

To get more information, including locations for meetings, click here.

Campaign Earth

A month ago today, I wrote about Campaign Earth. Their mission is to challenge individuals and business to get involved. Last month, the challenge was to reduce junk mail and catalogs. Here's this month's challege (quoted directly from their site):

Your challenge: Change a Light, Change the World

Campaign Earth is proud to announce this month's challenge is in partnership with the EPA. We are asking all members to change out 2 of their most used regular light bulbs to CFLs, compact fluorescent lightbulbs. It's a quick and easy way to make a BIG difference!
Here are some bright ideas on why this challenge is so important:

* trillion pounds of greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.
* Also with this model, the annual energy savings would be equivalent to the annual output of more than 21 power plants!
* Although CFLs cost more initially than traditional bulbs, the electricity savings and longer life more than justify the higher cost. CFLs last 6 to 10 times longer and use one-quarter to one-third the amount of energy of a traditional bulb. In other words, by paying $5 to $8 initially for a CFL, consumers can avoid buying ten ordinary bulbs and save about $45 in electricity costs over the life of the CFL.

Take the challege today. Make a difference. Click here now.

Recycling Men's suits

I just read where Men's Wearhouse is sponsoring a men's suit drive, in September and October.

For many unemployed men, a new suit is the first step toward a second chance. During the National Suit Drive, every one of the Men's Wearhouse stores will be collecting gently used professional attire to benefit at-risk men and youth transitioning into the workforce. All clothing they receive will be distributed throughout the community by local nonprofit organizations. To read more about this program, click here.

Make it a goal to give 1 suit, or other professional clothing (belts, ties, sport jackets, etc) before the end of October.

Reusablebags.com

I know, I've already written about how much I like the reusablebags.com site. I just heard that they received the prestigious Bizrate Circle of Excellence 2008 Award for outstanding customer service! Very cool. Check out their site, if you haven't been on it recently.

They have these really cute baby bottles, called Green to Grow. Green to Grow bottles are the best combination we found of design, safety, and corporate responsibility. Every part of these bottles is made with 100% BPA-free, phthalate-free materials - ideal for parents who want a safe alternative to polycarbonate. What a great baby shower gift!

Got Technotrash?

I found another resource for responsibly and securely disposing of all your computer-related waste. It's called GreenDisk.

GreenDisk takes everything from old CDs to PCs, and everything inbetween. One of the options, pictured above, is one of the "Technotrash cans". Technotrash Cans are convenient collection boxes for CDs, diskettes, DVDs, ink cartridges, cell phones, videotapes, pagers, PDAs, and all of your “byte-sized” technotrash. Collection box, postage, processing, and audit report with the Certificate of Destruction are all included for one low price. How handy would this be in your work environment?

Check out the other services offered by Greendisk here.

Kudos to SAMSUNG!

This week, Samsung announced that they will launch a comprehensive television take-back program, starting next month. Samsung will set up collection sites and sponsor electronics drop-off events in all fifty states. Consumers will be able to drop off any Samsung consumer electronic product for proper recycling for free.

Back in August, I wrote about Sony, who had already announced their take-back program. There are still other manufacturers who have yet to jump on the bandwagon. Our voices do count, and are heard.

If you haven't already done, so, follow this link to send a message to TV manufacturers, asking them to start a take-back program. Do it now.

ICU Eyewear

I was reading the Fall 2008 edition of the GREEN GUIDE magazine tonight (from National Geographic). One thing that caught my eye (pun intended) was a page featuring a company called ICU Eyewear. They make over-the-counter readers from sustainable and 100% post-consumer recycled materials... including bamboo, recycled metal and reclaimed plastic. They range in price from $22.95 to $62.95 (yep, the really cool bamboo ones are the most expensive). Check them out at icueyewear.com

101 Years of Recycling

I have to admit, I'm stuck on a few basic cleaning products these days. I really like Seventh Generation products. I've used their dish soap, laundry soap, and all-purpose cleaner. However, I was intrigued when my niece Erin told me about Arm & Hammer's new green cleaning products. Here's a blub from their web site:

Did you know that Americans throw away 60 billion pounds of plastic each year? Each ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Cleaners refill pack you buy means 2 less plastic spray bottles in landfills. And the refill pack uses 80% less packaging than 2 pre-filled spray cleaners. The ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Cleaners formula is biodegradable and uses powerful plant-based cleaners* — and contains no harsh ammonia or phosphates.

*With other biodegradable cleaners.

Plus, you’ll save money every time you refill your
ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Cleaners bottle — up to 25% compared to buying traditional cleaners. It’s simple: ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Cleaners are better for you and your family, and sensible for the environment.

OK... a nice sales pitch, huh? I continued to read more on their site. I think I knew some of this, but I wanted to share this also (from their website):

To consumers like you around the world, ARM & HAMMER® stands for simple solutions to household needs — and for active concern for the environment. We began using recycled paperboard in our packaging over 100 years ago — in 1907. We also launched the nation’s first non-polluting, phosphate-free laundry detergent in 1970. Today,
ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ products continue to expand our commitment to the environment.

So...next time you grab your box of Arm and Hammer Pure Baking Soda, in the cardboard box, let it be a reminder of how they jumped on the recycling bandwagon...101 years ago.