Hey, hey, hey...I'm back.

A lot has happened in my world (and yours too), since my last entry. I am fully entrenched in the world of Ideal Health. I'll tie in my new career to my Greener Every Day blog in more detail soon, but I want to start by focusing on one of our products, the QuikStiks. OK, here's the deal. The energy drink and coffee business is a $44 Billion dollar industry, and what do you get? Well, most of the products contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine. (and you say..."that's the point of drinking them.") The more you drink...the more you want to drink. These calories add to our waistlines, these ingredients are addictive, and they are not healthy in the amounts that many people consume.

When I was in my caffeine drinking days (for those of you who don't know me, I was drinking a large quantity of ice tea everyday...no sugar, or sweetener, just the good ol' caffeine...strong and black) I literally drank ice tea from early morning 'til late at night. I needed/wanted/craved the caffeine.

Along came the Custom Essentials (more on those later) and QuikStiks.

The QuikStiks are mood infusion beverages. They contain quality natural bionutrients our bodies need, all in a convenient, easy to use delivery system! (Did I tell you they contain fiber too?)

That's where the "Greener Every Day" comes in! No more recycling of glass or plastic bottles. No more worrying if the paper coffee cup is recycable. They are packaged in an easy to carry paper sleeve, and you mix them with your own 16 ounce container of water.

WindUp in the morning gets you going with the nutrients your body really needs, infusing your brain with the essene of clarity.

ReWind in hte afternoon brings you back from droopiness by replenishing depleted nutrients and infusing your body with the spirit of renewal

UnWind in the evening infuses you with the naturally relaxing bionutients to help you unsind as your day peacefully comes to a close.

Interested in ordering? Leave a comment!

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.

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/