JUNE TIP: A Myth Buster - Recycled Toilet Paper

There seems to be a silly notion going around that recycled toilet paper is made from well...recycled toilet paper. This is VERY far from the truth. It is, in fact, just reused paper of a non-toilet origin.

Tissue paper is big business: The global tissue industry is worth over $30 billion dollars annually, and has grown by nearly 4% per year in the past decade. Since about 270,000 trees are flushed down the drain or end up as garbage all over the world, we can take the simple step of using recycled tissue paper and do our part to cut down on the environmental impact.

There are many varieties of recycled paper our there and you can try different brands to discover which you like most. You can review the different brands and their recycled content here.

This is a small change that can make a huge difference in your environmental footprint. Take the extra step, make a small change and it will be a painless transition.

MAY TIP: Building Your Own Herb Garden

Spring is here and this is the prime time to plant, sow, or seed. It's also a timely occasion to plant your very own herb garden! There are many reasons why having an herb garden is Eco-friendly, but it is also an economically sound endeavor as well. Having your own herb garden saves you from having to buy random fresh herbs for that one dish (an expensive add-on to any grocery trip), and then have them go bad just before you need them again. Not having a green thumb is no excuse for not having a simple, beautiful herb garden. We can guarantee that it will be easy, fun, and satisfying.

Below is the play-by-play on how to start one:

1. Make a list of what herbs you use the most and pick one vegetable or fruit to go along with it.
2. Go to your balcony, backyard, or porch and scope out the best spots for your pots. Nothing super-shady and super-sunny either. You'll need a spot that gets at least 5 hours of sunlight a day.
3. Go to a Home Depot, Lowe's, or any garden supply store and head over to the garden area. They usually have huge sections devoted to herbs, especially in the spring. Load up on what you'll actually use. Make sure to read the planting directions for each herb so you get the proper planters or pots.
4. Head to the pot section, and depending on your living arrangements, buy the pots or planters that best fit your growing space and the herbs you've chosen.
5. Get some organic soil, available in most garden departments. Ask an employee to help you decide what best soil fits your growing space.
6. Go home and start planting. Be sure to follow the spacing instructions or you could be in for an unwieldy herb forest.
7.Make sure to regularly water your herbs. You'll be amazed how much these little plants will yield. You can package them up for neighbors and friends when they visit and you'll be surprised how much more flavor they add to the simplest dishes.

We hope you enjoy this simple tip! Have a great green May month!