GOING GREEN! Newsletter

December Tip: Recycle your tree!

2010-12-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

As you take down your holiday decorations (sad times) and start to re-focus for a new, refreshing new year. Please remember to recycle your Christmas tree!
Yep, that's our tip. Recycle, recycle, recycle your tree! Please.
Some may think leaving your tree on your curb is a sure way to be taken into the recycling truck "gods". But it's not. Research and find out what your city IS doing for recycling trees, where the nearest recycling center is, or if your city DOES do curb side recycling pick-up...make sure it's being recycled. These trees are grown all year and are only used for just one month. Let's give them a more of reusable life then just one month!
Earth911 helps locate a recycling center in your area that you can take your Christmas tree too!
We sincerely hope this has encouraged you and we also hope you have a wonderful and greener New Year!

November Tip: "Greener" Plates

2010-11-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is on it's way, just two weeks away actually. Ahhhhhhh the smells, the yummy dishes, the smells, the yummy dishes... but we digress. Here is a simple way to keep a wonderful, special, yummy, smelling SO good Thanksgiving day a bit more green:

Green-up your plates! Are you having 20+ people over? Do you NOT have nearly enough of your own plates for everyone? Well, below are some ideas to help you keep it green. Let's be honest, there's a lot of trash on Thanksgiving and purchasing MORE one use items just adds to the waste.

-Use mismatched plates! Visit your local thrift store and load-up on cute mismatching plates. They almost always have sets. It's clever and an artist angle for your table setting. You could try: Goodwill, Salvation Army Store, Out of the Closet, or your local thrift stores.

-If you love having Thanksgiving at your place every year consider investing in a cute Thanksgiving-inspired full plate setting. Some places to go: Target Oval platter, Bed, Bath, & Beyond: Thanksgiving reusable table decor., Amazon: Thanksgiving China, or go out and check your local department store. They almost always carry a Thanksgiving plate setting, and they're so cute!

-If you don't have the money to buy new or old china, please, please use recycled paper plates. They are already recycled and will dissolve naturally into the Earth after usage. Try these: Chinet biodegradable products (Very durable!), Party City Eco-Friendly Tableware (also durable & you get a ton for the $). Many grocery stores are carrying biodegradable flatware, look into yours.

-Lastly, try something new like - bamboo flatware! We have a few bamboo plates and they are great! You just use them until they naturally dissolve. Simple. Ross carries them often!

We hope this tip has inspired you to be more green, simply. Especially on a day when you are enjoying time with family or friends.

Have a lovely "Green" Thanksgiving!!!!

October Tip: Being Green & Fighting Against Breast Cancer!

2010-10-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

If you are not aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This month we wanted to bring to your attention how you can support a VERY important cause all while still being Eco-Friendly, simply. There's TONS of lovely reusable lunch, travel, grocery shopping, purse, and tote bags, reusable tumblers, mugs, and water bottles available, all Eco-Consciously designed. Please explore the sites below, there are many sites to view and support. It's a simple step to help fight this horrible disease, and all the while you are supporting the environment too!

Some Facts on Breast Cancer:

"One in eight women or 12.6% of all women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer risk increases with age and every woman is at risk. Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer." from: Women's Heath.

"Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer in the United States is---

- The most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity.

- The most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women.

- The second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native Women. "

from: Centers of Disease Control and Prevention

The links below we felt, are the specifically "green-focused" sections of different organizations or groups sites that contribute to Fight Against Breast Cancer.

(More descriptions below)

ShopKomen.com : Large & Small tote bags. Goes directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure

ShopKomen/Waters bottles, mugs, tumblers : VERY Eco-Friendly

Warriors In Pink, Warriors Getaway Tote Bag
Warriors In Pink is supported by Ford and gives to Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Warriors In Pink, Warriors Back Pack

The Breast Cancer Site/Bags, Lunch bags, Tote, and Purses
The Breast Cancer Site funds Mammograms for women in need.

Reusable Bag Depot/Breast Cancer Awareness Bags
Show your support while grocery shopping "Green"!

CafePress/Fight Like a girl Tote Bag or try this one!
they donate to Breastcancer.org

CafePress/Eco-Friendly Water Bottles

CafePress/Coffee Mugs

CafePress/Large Beach Tote Bags

We sincerely hope this has inspired you to step out of your comfort-zone and support a cause ALL the while being "Green"!

September Tip: Green Your Workout!

2010-09-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

It's September! Sweet, lovely, fall-itching-so-close September. GOING GREEN!'s favorite season is near! It's frankly a season to be outside. But first, let's assume you work out and that during the summer the phrase "It's just TOO hot" has been a repeating pattern. Well, let's step outside and try to embrace this lovely weather, all while greening-up your workout, simply!

Here's a rough list of energy used while getting fit:
Using your car back & forth from the gym
ALL the electrical equipment you use at the gym to burn those cals!
Purchasing new gear for your cool new work out room
Grabbing a plastic water bottle (YIKES! & WHY?!) on your rush out the door to the gym.

~Well, I think you get our idea. It's so simple to work out around your home and outside. Let's lay it out right here. Here are some key, simple, elements that will help you be more green in your daily/weekly work out routine.~

-GO OUTSIDE; instead of the gym. Walk, run, ride your bike, go for a hike. Enjoy the many state parks all around you. Make your daily dog walking part of your cardio routine. Embrace the sidewalk!

-DVD's! Don't want to go outside, it's raining, still TOO hot? You may be using energy with the DVD player, but you just saved some gas from driving to the gym and restrained from using the "energy sucking" exercise machines.

-YOGA! learn some basic yoga routines and practice in the comfort of your own home. A plus= if you mess up on upward dog or any position for that matter, no one will see! hehe! Another bonus to yoga besides the numerous health benefits, is it will give you more flexibility to go on longer walks, i.e. enjoying the outside.

-CHEAP! Let's just say it, you are not spending any money walking around in your neighborhood, are you? You may spend a few bucks on work out clothes here and there but it simply doesn't add up to the amount of money you spend for a membership at a gym.

-"O.K., I get it, but I need a gym membership or some class for encouragement and/or flexibility." We understand. But please just research the gyms in your area. Are they more Eco-conscious or community driven (ex. the Y)? Support those instead. Also, balance out your carbon foot print by still embracing the outdoors. Try to save your gym visits for mandatory after work or class visits.

-WATER BOTTLE. It's simple, use your own and keep using it until it falls apart. Here's a great place to purchase one: REI: Water Bottles

-SAFETY: It's a legitimate concern. Grab a local or neighborhood map and layout where you think it's best to do your 30min. - 1hour cardio "burn". Still feel unsafe? Embrace pepper spray key chains and ALWAYS bring your cell phone. If you're a dog owner try to bring them along. You'll feel immediately safer and your dog will forever love you (they say, taking your dog walking is the #1 love language you can show them.). Also, bring a friend or significant other if you can or if they are available. But don't be dependent on them coming along. Be able to do these things alone. Lastly, walk in the morning to late morning or mid afternoon to early evening. People are leaving/coming to work/school, it's the busiest time of day.

We sincerely hope this has encouraged you to think twice about how your work out can have a positive effect on the environment, simply!!!!!

August Tip: Two Grocery Stores!

2010-08-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow readers!
This month we simply wanted to highlight two large chain grocery stores that have taken the initiative and created a brand of Eco-conscious products. There are many more brands that are taking this same initiative in GOING GREEN and we will periodically be highlighting these companies too.
However, this month we want to encourage you to venture down the aisle's of Publix and Safeway/Vons grocery store's and find their "green" brands. They are: Publix GreenWise Market and Safeway - Bright Green.

Their links are below:

Publix GreenWise Market - SouthEast of the country

Safeway - Bright Green - South & North West of the country

Why, you ask does it matter if I buy these products? Well, you are supporting these companies initiative to make a more green choice. They made the effort to have in stock a green-line for the consumer, so we should do our part and buy them.
You can simply buy recycled paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, organic or locally grown food items, safe for the water-supply dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, hand soap, bleach etc.. There are many options to choose from. So just go, walk down the aisle. Give it a look, that's all. A look. You'll realize that not only are the prices comparable or LESS, but the cleaning products are also much safer for your family; all while doing a SIMPLE deed for the environment.

Take the plunge! Grocery shop more green!

~A side note~ Please take a look around the blog! We've (obviously) redesigned it, added MANY new Eco-conscious sites, and a few advertisements that are green-minded.

July Tip: Green Car washing

2010-07-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

We are in the middle of prime summer time! Yep, people are out swimming, children (& some eager adults) playing in the slip n slide, folks going on road trips, let's face it summer is the time to get out side! ONE of those lovely out door task we seem to do more often is washing our own car. Saving money, getting a little tan (not too much, wear that sunscreen!), and squirting your doggies OR significant other with the hose is reason enough to wash your own car!

However, when you wash your vehicle please do it the GREEN way. Here are some very simple tips for doing just that:

-For starters check out the brand Simple Green. They have a strong desire to keep their cleaning products as Eco-friendly and non-toxic as possible. We use their dog carpet cleaner and their auto degreaser, it works fabulously. Here is a direct link to a chart showing their products, benefits, etc.. They're not over-priced and can be found almost anywhere, ie. Target, grocery stores, etc..

-Grab a bucket instead of the hose. The average home car wash uses up to 110 gallons of clean drinking water, if you use a bucket instead you can save at least 80 gallons! Also, just washing the car less frequently or using an outdoor rainwater tank is a great SIMPLE alternative.

-Wash your car on the lawn! The waste water can contain oil, degreaser's, residue, etc.. IF your using "Simple Green products" this will help tremendously but you still want to prevent the water run off as much as possible which will eventually go into rivers, streams, lakes and the ocean. Especially with the current oil spill, let's try to reduce the pollutants we put in the water around us as much as possible. The lawn will be able to contain and help prevent them from reaching these water sources.

-If you must go to a commercial car-wash, examine to see if they treat their waste water before they dispose it. A lot of new companies recycle and reuse the water, so supporting them is a great thing, but please check, they are all around the same price. You, the environment, your car, and the ocean are better off supporting an Environmentally friendly Commercial car wash company.

(The above tips are from this awesome site!)

Also, please make sure to read June's Tip on how YOU can help with the Gulf Oil Spill!

Have fun this summer and remember to keep it simple and keep you car washing simply green!

June Tip: Helping with the Gulf Oil Spill

2010-06-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hello our wonderful readers! It is mid-June and we have been pondering what would be a simple tip that could be immediately helpful.

As most of you know on April 20th there was a horrible oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It has yet to be capped, fixed, or sealed. Many wild life are being very negatively effected by this unfortunate insistent. This is an immediate problem that is effecting our natural resources and more so the wildlife.

Choosing to be more GREEN sometimes means helping the natural habit around you and contributing to help keep the environment sustainable.

Our tip this month: Help this cause if you can. You can donate, volunteer, or even seek out new ways to contribute. It really is simple.

To Donate:

http://no-hunger.org/News/Gulf%20Oil%20Spill.aspx

Help and buy a shirt to contribute! A GREAT, LOCAL, GROUP!

http://www.ccstb.org/

Another local charity, helping fishermen:

http://www.ccano.org/

This link shares some QUICK ways you can help with the oil spill, VERY USEFUL!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5479734/top_five_ways_to_help_in_the_gulf_of.html

To Volunteer:

~Same groups from above, just their volunteer section~

http://www.ccano.org/?p=662

http://no-hunger.org/Donate/Give%20Time.aspx

Also, we found this group on Facebook. It had the most members and looked the most legit. The group is called "Golf Coast Oil Spill Volunteers":

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=121928837818541&ref=search

We hope at least ONE of the links above will motivate you to help. You'll be green while giving and feel good about it too.

May Tip: Green Traveling

2010-05-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Green Traveling you say?!

Yes, starting this month, folks will be setting out on 4 months of vacationing, visiting family, mini weekend trips, etc.. When we travel we often forget things like: deodorant, toothpaste, a pair of jeans, a dressy outfit. We also often forget to be more green when living beyond the comforts of home. There are many simple ways you can "go green" while still relaxing on a beach or canoeing on a gorgeous lake.

Below are some simple tips to help guide you in planning your trip and while your experiencing it!

-Bring reusable hot/cold bottle containers and extra shopping/grocery tote bags along with you.

-When searching for a hotel, check out greenhotels.org to find eco-friendly accommodations. Also, Hertz is offering a Green Line of rental cars. Honor corporations who are trying to reduce their Eco-footprint with your business.

-When you check-in to your hotel ask where the recycling is located, if they don't provide any recycling options, save your materials to put in your car to take home to recycle or find a recycling center close by.

-Remember when you shop, simply go local. Consider green, fair trade, slave-free, and local products, just like you do at home. We promise the locals of wherever your staying will VERY much appreciate you boosting their economy.

-Ever heard of the new trendy term, "Eco-cation"?! Well, this is simply saying your going to vacation with the mind-set of allowing the nature around you to be the highlight of your trip.
For example: using the local canoeing or kayak rentals, go on a guided nature tour or just wander in the natural habitats around you, a hike at the local state or National parks, or a Hedrick personal favorite: camping at a state park! The community will appreciate your investment in keeping it preserved. Simply search around the area your visiting for it's "natural" high-lights and visit it!

-Lastly, are you staying with family or friends? Use this opportunity to inform and educate by example. Don't be difficult, but simply continue your green habits and hope that it rubs off on those around you. Be a good guest though!

We hope you have relaxing, fun, simple, and green-focused traveling these next few months!

April Tip: Going Green & the Small Things

2010-04-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

Going green IS simple, but hard. It's about intentionally avoiding certain efficiencies and shortcuts that damage our environment and create unnecessary waste because it's the right thing to do. It's about giving something, your time or energy, for the good of your community and the long term health of the planet. We're all working to make the planet a greener place, but going green is about the incremental, the small things.

Yes, that's a little bit of a preachy statement, but it's also very true. Recycling means taking the extra moment to set up a sortable trash recycling system, and it might mean an extra errand to take some bottles and cans to a recycling center. But you're lessening the volume of garbage in landfills and you're reducing the demand for raw materials in new goods.

It takes effort to repair leaky faucet heads, or to adjust your sprinkler system to use less water. But your effort is rewarded by saving money.

It might be walking back to the car because you forgot your reusable bags. It might be adding a reusable mug to the array of items you take to work everyday. But you're trimming just a few of the billions of plastic bags and cups that end up in landfills. It's the little things that count when you're going green.

On this Earth Day, we want to encourage everyone (and ourselves) to embrace the small things, embrace the extra few seconds or minute, to build in the extra few moments in your day to make the environmentally conscious choice. So, remember to keep it simple but also to keep it green.

Happy Earth Day!

March Tip: Green-Up Your Work-Space

2010-03-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow readers! First, let us quickly say, as always, we will have a TIP posted. But it will be at some point during the month not only at the beginning. Oh hail! the anticipation!

Alright, now for your Going Green! Newsletter tip:

Green-Up Your Work-Space!

This may seem out of your hands, but this is not the case. If you work in corporate America, a hospital, or any large working environment walk around your office building and take note.
Ask:
-Are we using 100% post-consumer recycled print paper?
-Do we have recycling options? ie. plastic bottles, cans, paper, card-board
-What kind of light-installation are they using? Are LED light bulbs installed or equivalent too?
-How is the companies daily energy used? Do they reuse the air, heat, have they installed solar-panels?
-Check your buildings cafe, do they offer 100% post-consumer recycled coffee cups, "for here" mugs, plates, and silverware? More importantly, For your "to-go" needs, are they using Styrofoam?! Yikes!

The above questions can be asked for anyone working in the Public or Private school system too. You can also add to the above questions:
-Is the cafeteria using trays or Styrofoam carriers?
-Do they encourage a Car-pooling system with-in faculty/staff, parents, and if it's high school the students?
-Do they encourage faculty, staff, and students to ride their bikes safely to and from school?
(The above two can obviously be used in the Corp. world too!)

This may seem like a "not so" simple task. But when you take note and write down some greener options, then give it to your boss, human resources dept., or principal, people will listen because believe it or not others want to be a little greener too! Take leadership in your office to lead efforts to increase Car-pooling, recycling, etc.. It's a move, if you handle it right, you might actually cause someone in management to recognize your ability!

We sincerely hope you have been encouraged to make a step, any step. We support you and remember it's truly simple to be green, even at work!

Donate your BLUE JEANS!

2010-02-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hello!

We've been studying up on different ways to help our community with effective green choices. Besides the conservation impact we automatically make with living with a green conscience. It's often nice to see an immediate, physical impact. So this month, or at least the rest of it, we challenge you to simply click on the link below and think about how you can take action.

YOU, your family, you child's school (pubic or private), church, synagogue, mosque, or even just your local community center can create a group and donate...yes YOUR JEANS! We ALL have old jeans laying around and donating them is really the simplest task ever. When you donate your jeans to the organization below they recycle them into "UltraTouch" Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation and donate them to communities in need of new homes. Beautiful.

We have seen many families loose their homes these past few years. We can be an integral part in helping our community, still being Eco-friendly, and supporting a new beginning in people's lives. Please give it a click, it really is quite simple!

Where to donate:
http://www.cottonfrombluetogreen.org/

More about blue jean insulation:
http://www.green-talk.com/2009/01/02/recycle-your-old-blue-jeans/
http://www.buildinggreentv.com/keywords/blue-jean-insulation
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/fashion-beauty/donate-blue-jeans.html

JANUARY TIP: Carpooling

2010-01-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

First, let us say we are sorry for the late post. It has been a busy beginning to the new year for us and we feel terrible just now getting to our lovely, simple, green tip for the month!

With that said: Let's talk being "GREEN" in this new year! Now in passing, we have mentioned the word..."Car-pooling". But this month, or the rest of the year for that lovely matter, we REALLY want you to re-consider your driving options.

The Benefits of Carpooling:

Save money on gas!
Make new friends, or grow in relationships you already have at work, school, church, etc..
Keep the mileage, and the cost of maintenance, low on your car.
Lower the population of traffic during rush hour.
Less exhaust in the air=less pollution that you and your little ones have to inhale.

The Facts on Carpooling:

A small car with a 1.6 liter engine creates almost 1/2 pound of carbon dioxide for every 1/2 mile it travels.
Cutting a 20 mile trip out of your schedule each week can reduce your global warming pollution by more than 1,200 pounds a year and save you over $100 in gas expenses.
A regular rush-hour driver wastes an average of 99 gallons of gasoline a year due to traffic. The average cost of the time lost in rush hour traffic is $1,160 per person.
100 carpooling people can prevent 1,320 pounds of carbon monoxide and 2,376,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere in a single year.

How to get connected with your local Carpool group:
a. Ask around at work, church, neighbors, and see if there is a group already set-up.
b. Create a group if there is not one.
c. See the links below!
This article gives numerous links to different Carpooling groups in Los Angeles, CA
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/business/25__Resources_for_Carpooling_LA.html

A link specifically for Atlanta, Ga natives:
https://www.myridesmart.com/html/index.htm

For many other cities, states, and counties:
http://www.roadsharing.com/

We hope this has encouraged you to revisit the world of Car-pooling! We promise it want disappoint! Have a happy GREEN month!

December Tip: Reusable Wrapping!

2009-12-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

We had the delightful experience of participating, first-hand, with our church's "Alternative Christmas Market" this past Sunday. The Green Team hosted a free, reusable material wrapping table. We had a blast! People really gravitated to the reusable and cute options we provided.
I was inspired (and motivated) to put away any other tip this month and encourage you to do this simple, and very economically sound wrapping choice!

Here are some tips on how YOU can be more Eco-friendly with your wrapping choice this season!

-Looking around your home, do you have extra fabric laying around? Use it for a more unique ribbon choice. Just cut, rip, and wrap.

-Do you have brown bags or extra gift bags laying around? Cut them out until they are flat and use them as your wrapping paper. Make sure to use strong tape; those bags can be pretty tough.

-This is my favorite part, decorating! Do you have stamps, markers, crayons, stickers? Really anything you want to decorate the wrapping paper with use it. It's fun and personable.
Here's a fun idea: http://www.adelle.com.au/potato-stamp-christmas-cards/

-Make sure to use your extra tissue paper for those delicate gifts (i.e. jewelry). Simply wrap the tissue around and use the fabric you cut and, poof, you have a unique wrapping design!

There really are TONS of options to use for your gifting wrapping adventures. The key is to use what you already have! Having fun with, and remember, you don't have to use traditional Christmas colors. Keep it simple! Being "green" is often times just conserving and using what you have, what better time to do this then the holidays?

We really hope this has inspired you to be more innovative with your gift wrapping!

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa!!!!!
and....have a Happy "GREEN" New Year!

November Tip: Composting!

2009-11-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's a notion at GOING GREEN! we haven't really touched on much. But composting your organic waste can be just as important as recycling other products. We go through so much food in ONE DAY. It is quite bizarre how much food we, as Americans, use. So why not make good use of what's left? We feel this topic is even more crucial with all the excess food our holiday dinners consist of, and a simple step with some benefits to try out as we enter this chaotic season.

Below is a link to an article that shares how San Fransisco has made Food Recycling a law and how the community has embraced it with open arms. A very encouraging read.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113969321

*So how about all of us who don't live in San Fransisco? (Well, kind-of bummed since it's such a beautiful city!). Here are some tips, also from the article, that can shed some light on this mysterious "Composting Tip". Much simpler then it may seem!*

Bin: Keep food waste in a bin with a ventilated lid in your kitchen; then mix it with yard waste and soil in a compost bin outside. After several months, the broken-down concoction can be returned to the garden or the ground.

Foods: First-time composters should stick to innocuous items such as coffee grounds, tea bags, vegetable and fruit scraps and corn husks. Greasy foods, dairy products, meat scraps and bones will make the pile stink and could attract critters.

Non-foods: Incorporate yard waste into the pile; grass clippings, leaves, shrub waste and wood chips work well. A mixture of wet and dry items will help the pile break down faster.

Maintenance: To thrive and decompose, a compost pile requires oxygen and a good carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Periodically mixing up the compost with a shovel, adding shredded cardboard to the pile and making sure the bin gets adequate ventilation can help in these two areas.

Temperature: Compost decomposes best when it's between 90 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Retain heat by keeping your pile in the sun. Purchase a black compost bin or buy an insulation jacket for your bin.

Some communities, maybe yours, have systems like San Francisco's. Visit http://www.findacomposter.com/ to find service providers in your area.

Enjoy and have a Happy "green" Thanksgiving! We're very thankful for YOU!

October Tip: Wide Open Spaces

2009-10-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

As Ken Burns reminded us with his latest documentary (watch it here until October 9th!), America is unique. We invented the idea that we should set aside large tracts of beautiful wilderness, entrust this land into the public trust for, as the gate at Yellowstone National Park says, "The Benefit and Enjoyment of the People." It's something we take for granted now, but the efforts of our forefathers to set aside millions of acres of land for the enjoyment of the people and the protection of the natural resources and wildlife in the park can't be honored enough. And part of going green is contributing to the preservation of our wild spaces. It's time to get involved in protecting the undeveloped places in your area.

There are two pain-free ways you can help:

Visit the parks. Pay the entrance fees. Buy the season passes for state and city parks. These funds keep the parks running, give the park managers budget flexibility to make improvements to the parks. And the investment is a small one that will revive and enrich your life.

Donate your time and energy to the parks. Groups like the Sierra Club, the Yosemite Fund (which fights to preserve what could be America's most majestic park) and others work to protect the green places. Consider Sponsoring a Wild Place with the Sierra Club. Or visit your local or state park and volunteer some time for a trail clean-up or some other preservation activity.

As you take the steps to lend greater support to the wild places in your area, allow the words of John Muir to encourage your effort: "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike."

September Tip - 3 Random Items to Recycle

2009-09-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well HELLO and welcome to September! September ... where the fall air teases us, the seasonal drinks are showing up on coffee shop menus, and the thoughts of camping fills the air! Yes fall is slowly approaching. This is your favorite (not to boast) blogger's, favorite time of the year! It is also a season of change. The color, the weather, switching from shorts to pants. Well, why not make another change in your fall list. Let's continue in our endeavor to recycle MORE.

We have 3, yes 3 simple items you CAN recycle. Let's pin the category of "Oh, I totally forgot about those", scenario.

1. Did you know: Your card board rolls from your toilet paper can be recycled? But of course! They are cardboard! So instead of tossing the roll into your bathroom trash. Put them aside and toss them into your recycling bin.

2. Did you know: Your cereal boxes, breakfast bar boxes, and pretty much ANY thing that comes in a nice packaged box, can, but of course be recycled. The dye from the color on the boxes does not matter. Instead of seeing your lovely Cheerios come to an end, and sadly tossing them into your trash. Simply break the box down, and toss them in your recycling bin.

3. Did you know: Your empty egg cartons can be recycled. This may not be new information to most of you. But it is one of those items we toss in the trash often with out remembering, "Oh yeah, I should recycle this?!".

3 simple items helping you get the ball rolling on recycling more, we think that's manageable. Once you start recycling, you'll never want to go back. It really is simple to start recycling!
Here are some links to guide you to the closest recycling center:
http://earth911.com/
http://www.nrc-recycle.org/
http://myecoville.com/us/ga/home (For our Georgia readers!)

Have a refreshingly GREEN month!

"Why so sad VHS tapes?"

2009-07-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

We are sure many of you, may be faced with the same dilemma: What am I going to do with my VHS tapes?!!!! We are in the same boat. We actually have one storage container filled to the rim with sad VHS tapes, that will probably never be watched again. But we are not going to throw them away! So they just sit there, starring at us.

Well, we have a few new and probably older tips they may help you separate yourself from your beloved tapes once and for all.

These ideas are simple, easy, fun, and of course recyclable!

- There are few new companies that will be happy to take your VHS and either convert it to a DVD, recycle the tape/plastic/etc., or use the actual tape for another resource. This is the best way of knowing your tapes will be recycled! Here's their links:
http://www.greendisk.com/gdsite/Default.aspx
http://www.actrecycling.org/donations/tapes.asp

- Remember the Library?! Yep, your local free, book, book on tape, VHS, and DVD source that unfortunately many of us don't use as often. They gladly take donated tapes to use and check-out to people...for FREE.

- Have a good educational film, documentary, and/or historical film (i.e. JFK, Schindler's List, The Story of Anne Frank, Saving Private Ryan, The Last of the Mohicans (I watched that film a ton in 11th grade!) etc.? Many pubic High Schools are more then happy to take a look at your films for donation. History teachers love this stuff!

- Don't forget your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, or any other thrift store. They are always there for your donation.

* Remember not everyone has a DVD player, some folks can't afford it and go to the public library and/or thrift stores for a good deal. So help them out with your awesome collection of let's say maybe Rocky.*

Remember, less is more! Giving back will also help your sad but unwanted cluttered area of VHS tapes go to a good home. It's a simple step!

Have a great, simple, GREEN month!

JULY TIP: Green Up Your Trash!

2009-07-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

So, you've taken the step to eliminate plastic shopping bags (YAY you!) and have a new found love for reusable bags. Now it's time to take an important next step in reducing your plastic bag usage: your trash can liners.

Reducing the number of plastic bags we use within the average American household is between 300 to 700 plastic bags a year. And these bags are essentially new plastic pouring into our waste management system.

Why not make the switch to bags made of plastic already in the waste cycle? Most recycled trash bags are also bio-degradable and will decompose in a landfill within 2 years. For comparison, a trash bag can often take decades to break down if it's not constructed with bio-degradable materials.

It's a simple switch that will pay big dividends in the landfill.

Here are some brands to look out for:
http://www.perfgogreen.com/products.html - You can currently find these in any CVS Store, Walgreens, amazon.com, drugstore.com, Sprouts Farmer's Market (see site for other locations) This brand also carries mini-doggie bags too!

http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/search/search_results.jsp?oss=1&removeAllFacets=true&addFacet=SRCH:Earth%20Essential s - A big "shout out" to CVS for creating a new line called Earth Essentials. Many new, earth-friendly, recycled material, products. Including TRASH BAGS!, as well as plates, paper towels, etc..

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Recycled-Garbage-Bags - You find this brand in some Targets, Whole foods, etc.. See site for other locations.

-Please search your local grocery stores, pharmacy's, etc. for these products or others that are similar that they may carry.

*Most importantly, please think before you actually throw-away. Ask yourself..."Can this be recycled?" The answer is probably yes! Recycling your trash is always the first priority.
BUT if it needs to be thrown away, have a good recycled, bio-degradable bag to make-up for the waste!*

We hope this tip helps you stay a little more GREEN SIMPLY!

JUNE TIP: A Myth Buster - Recycled Toilet Paper

2009-05-31T18:34:00.002-07:00

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

2009-05-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

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!

APRIL TIP: A "Green" Lunch

2009-04-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

When you're at work, school, or even meeting a friend for lunch, have you ever thought: "How can I make this meal more 'green'?" Not literally, well unless your'e enjoying a nice salad. But there are very easy, practical ways you can be more green with your daily lunch - simply.

Below are simple tips on how you can make a change in your daily routine that can be a positive effect on the environment around you.

Use a reusable lunch carrier (cloth bag, lunchbox), not disposable bags
Plan ahead and use reusable containers, not plastic wrap, foil or Styrofoam
Buy a reusable mug or glass for drinks NO single-use cartons or cans
CLOTH NAPKIN to wash and re-use. Skip the paper napkins
Bring a set of silverware to work to wash and re-use and pass on the plastic forks and spoons.

*A Few Extra Tips*

If your meeting a friend for lunch try bringing your lunch from home and doing a picnic using the tips above.

Consider buying a Bento Box, a Japanese-style lunch box that has great compartments in which you can make a healthy meal every day and build some dietary consistency into your life. Plus, it's a fun, relaxing, economically sound alternative to the cafe and fast food lunches and a lot more friendly to the environment.

Lunch Waste Facts:

ALUMINUM FOIL: More than 20 million Hershey's kisses are wrapped with 133 square miles of foil every day.
ALUMINUM AND TIN CANS: In the time it takes you to read this sentence, more than 50,000 12-oz. aluminum cans were made.
BANANA AND ORANGE PEELS: Food debris in a landfill decompose only 25% in the first 15 years (try composting or vermi-culture!)
JUICE BOXES: Most inorganic trash retains its weight, volume, and form for at least four decades.
PAPER BAGS AND NAPKINS: It is estimated that 17 trees are cut down for every ton of non-recycled paper.
PLASTIC BOTTLES, FORKS, WRAP: U.S. citizens discard 2-1/2 million plastic bottles every hour.
STYROFOAM: U.S. citizens throw away 25 billion Styrofoam cups every year.

*Also, see our September 2008 tip: Say No to Styrofoam*

Hope this encourages you to think about what your packing for lunch and making it a little more GREEN, simply!

MARCH TIP: Plant a Tree!

2009-03-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

It is March and the first sitings of planting in your yard, garden, or flower bed are on the horizon.
With that said we are going to encourage you to plant a TREE!
A very simple step to helping our planet.

Here are some reasons why planting a tree is a GREAT idea:

-Trees can increase your property value, aka they look pretty.
-They create a sound barrier
-It's a free way to cool your home. Thus reducing your need for air-conditioning and more so your demand on pollution-causing power plants.
-Trees eat carbon dioxide, a huge greenhouse gas. The American Forestry Association states if every American family planted a single new tree, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by as much as a billion pounds a year.
-If you live in L.A. you can even get a FREE tree to plant from the city of Los Angeles. Just email with your name, address, and phone number with the subject line "Request for a tree" to:
milliontrees@hbteam.com also for you L.A. folks see www.lawp.com.

So give it a shot, and if you rent look into your local community, public, state, or even National parks for planting opportunities. You often can have it dedicated in your name or a loved one. They would love your help!

A TREE, what a simple step to help the environment!

FEBRUARY TIP: Green Candlelight

2009-02-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

We love candles, the warm light, the fragrance, and the fact that they don't require flipping a switch. Candles are the ultimate green light source. But there are some features in the candles many of us own that you should be aware of.

First, many candles are made with paraffin, a petroleum by-product that creates the black soot in the smoke when you blow a candle out. Second, many candle wicks contain metals in the wicks such as lead and aluminum, though the EPA outlawed most lead content in candles a few years ago, many candles still carry the lead in the wick.

So what should you look for when you're candle shopping?
Soy Candles are a great option, first because they're made with a renewable resource and burn more cleanly, but also because soybeans are a major crop in the US and any time you buy Soy, you're most likely supporting an American farmer, and reducing yet another source of income for petrol companies. You should also look for candles that have metal-free wicks to protect your family and the air in your home from toxins.

Some stores that carry Eco-friendly candles: Target, http://newportcandles.com/, Yankee Candle's New brand "Beanswax" 100% soy wax, and many others are starting to produce soy candles.

So during Valentines Day, make sure your romancing with an more Eco-friendly candle. It's a small, simple, smelling-good green choice.

Have a Happy Green Valentine's Day!!!!

JANUARY TIP: "For Here Please"

2009-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's 2009, the beginning of a brand spanking new year. It's always a little exciting to know you can renew a vision, start a new goal, or refocus on a current one all over again with out restrictions. We are going to be doing the same. As our blog states "A quick monthly read that helps you take small steps to lessen your environmental impact-...SIMPLY," with "simply" being the operative word, we are going to strive to stay in the spirit of our theme. Some may sound like "recycled" tips, but sometimes being given so many tips at once can get overwhelming and/or brushed to the side. We are hoping to bring that romance of each tip back into your lives.

TIP:
This tip is for the almost 90% of our readers whom are current coffee house patrons, us included. While visiting your local coffee establishment is just dandy, it CAN be wasteful. Remember this saying: "for here please". For example, are you bringing along your laptop, book, a pen/pencil and pad ready for amazing artistic inspiration to come into play? Or are you visiting a friend for a long overdue conversation, or some other reason?.... Please remember to ask for your drink to be "for here please". They will use there in-house mugs, AND plates for your beloved pastry. You usually save about 10% off your bill because more and more places are encouraging this and give discounts. Just think of it as a sales-tax discount. Not too shabby. So whether your in a coffee house or tea house, don't be afraid to say "for here please". You are saving waste, and a little bit of cash!

Side note: We obviously encourage you to recycle your paper cup or use your own mug while visiting the drive-thru or making a quick "pit stop" at any of these fine establishments.

Here is a link to read the facts on why not only Styrofoam cups, but paper cups as well are negatively effecting the environment. http://www.sustainabilityissexy.com/facts.html

Happy New Year and let's try to be GREEN simply!

December 2008 Tip - LESS IS MORE

2008-12-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

Tis’ the Season to consume. More than any time of year, we use and consume massive amounts of disposable items, from party supplies to wrapping paper, to buying the take-out meal for the family on the way home from the mall. This is the time to party and celebrate, but it’s also a time for making resolutions for the future. And with tough economic times, it’s a great time to look at ways we can consume less and save the environment at the same time.

This December, think ahead and pick a green resolution to go after in the New Year. Here is a quick list of a some small changes that might get you thinking.

1. Change your trip to the coffee bar by bringing your own mug or using an in-house mug. If you make 3-4 trips to the coffee shop a week, you’re saving 200 cups and lids a year. It’s a small change that makes a difference (and Starbucks gives a nice little discount for bringing your own mug!).

2. Refuse to use the disposable cups, bowls and utensils at your place of business. Buy a cheap set of dishes at the grocery store and use them again and again instead of the paper plates, cups and utensils provided for you. You’ll save your company money in the process.

3. Cut down on drives around town. Buy a bike if you live in a bike-friendly community and refuse to drive anywhere that is closer than 2 or 3 miles. It’s a fact that a bike ride within such distances is nearly as fast as driving your car. And check out www.walkscore.com to see how walk-friendly your community is.

4. Turn off your lights when you’re not in the room and unplug appliances and electronics that aren’t in use. Nearly half the nation’s CO2 emissions come from the energy we consume at home and work (via our power plant system), so wasting less unnecessary electricity at home is a tiny change that can have a massive effect.

Thanks again for reading and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope you’ve enjoyed the 2008 collection of green tips and that 2009 is your greenest year ever.

NOVEMBER TIP: GREEN HOLIDAY GIFTS

2008-11-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Happy November! Wow can you believe we are already entering the biggest shopping season of the year. With our economy as it is we thought it would be even more appropriate to write some very simple tips on how to save money, be more green, and have more fun while trying to gather your gifts for all your loved ones. Many of you buy early - I know we do! - so we thought posting this would give you a good head start.

These tips are not only Eco-friendly but HUGE money savers. Also, people seem to enjoy the gifts from the heart and we hope these tips spark just that.

TIPS:

Homemade gifts! These are the most popular. Whether it's baking, Christmas trail mix (a personal favorite), a simple painting (it doesn't have to be inspired by Monet), a hand-crafted album, one of their favorite pictures in a home made frame, or even just some of their favorite baked cookies. These all scream FROM THE HEART and you barely spent a dime. You also didn't waste gas, money, or time in those long lines.

Give to a GREEN compassion charity on there behalf, simply. For example www.heifer.org, a charity for sustainable farming in undeveloped countries provides animals and farming supplies to those in need all over the world. They will be so touched by the effort. I promise it will mean the world to them, especially if it is something they care very deeply about.

Buy local! Buying items produced locally means there's less environmental impact because there is no need for cross country OR international shipping. You're also helping a local small business who is struggling with the current economy just like you. Also, you might find you get the same deal you would at that "big one day sale" in a department store. Even if you have to pay a few dollars more, it's a worthy investment.

Give a "homemade"gift card that says your spending the day with them doing their favorite activity. I know it sounds a little cheesy, but having it written down and planned out shows them you not only will follow through but WANT to spend time with them, doing what THEY love to do. Quality time is a simple, loving gift.

Lastly, remember giving a gift is optional. No one should expect a present, that's not really the meaning of the holidays anyway. Again, with the economy as it is, they should be more than understanding. The act of just being there, giving an helping hand (especially if your Mother needs help setting up for Christmas dinner!), a sweet note and a hug, or a night out for coffee is not only less impact on your wallet but just as genuine an expression of gratitude.

~Side Note~
Don't forget if and when you go shopping to use REUSABLE bags, wrap your gifts in recycled paper or gift bags you've saved, and to hold off on the tissue paper! Also, you can try to make the simple effort of shopping in stores who encourage Green living. Have fun, and remember it can be very simple to be green this season!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
We are sincerely "thankful" for all of you and your support in reading GOING GREEN! Newsletter.

OCTOBER TIP: GREEN PARTY SUPPLIES

2008-10-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Happy fall everyone! Yes it is that time of year again, can you believe it?!

This month's tip is focused on what a lot of the holiday season is about...parties! So why not go green, simply, with your festivities? You can do this and not put too much of a crunch on your party planning fun. Whether it be for a spooky Halloween gathering, a fall hoopla, a traditional Thanksgiving meal or a Christmas gathering.

As noted in September's tip, Styrofoam is a convenient but environmentally unfriendly option for lots of folks for parties. So here are some SIMPLE tips on how to replace them, change your single-use paper plates, and venture into the GREEN oblivion for new fun ideas.

TIPS:
-First, do you like matching plateware for any specific holiday? You can purchase ceramic plates for all different seasons at Target. They are reusable and inexpensive. They have genuine clean and cute designs and you can use them every year. Also, if you have the money go ahead and buy the nicer seasonal plateware and have your very own set ready for parties all year long. You can find them at any department store. Just don't be afraid to USE them. That's what they're there for.

-Second, if you don't have the time, storage, or funds you can buy all-purpose colored recycled paper plates, napkins, biodegradable utensils, and even recycled cups at your local Publix, Vons, Pavilions, Whole Foods, and some Trader Joe's. If you know of other stores not listed above, please feel free to leave comments.

-Third, there are many green companies now that provide reusable, biodegradable, all purpose party supplies. You can buy individually or by the bulk. These are good, reasonable priced designs that can be easily stored. Click on the plates below to check them out!

-Lastly, and this is kind of a branch from the first tip. Support your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any other local Thrift Store by purchasing some orphan plateware. You can clean it, and put it aside to be used just for those occasions. They have GREAT deals and do GREAT things for communities.

We really hope you take any of the above tips and make them your own. It will make a difference and just doing one of the above is quite simple. Your guest will be simply impressed.

On an other note, we wanted to wish ourselves an HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
It's been an whole year since we started the GOING GREEN! Newsletter. We are so thankful for all the support we have received. We hope we have helped you the readers to take green action in your daily lives, simply. It has truly been a joy to do this!

Sooooo, Happy Fall, Happy Halloween, and Happy Anniversary!

SEPTEMBER TIP: SAY NO TO STYROFOAM

2008-09-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

This month's tip is simple but a step that's hard for us to put into action. Styrofoam (Polystyrene) has some benefits. It keeps things hot or cold and it's cheap for businesses to use as disposable coffee cups and trays. But it's a nightmare for the environment. It's very difficult to break down into the raw materials so it's not recycled by most municipalities and it doesn't decompose, so styrofoam is dangerous for ocean and land environments. It's also made from petroleum so it fuels our need for oil.

So how can we rid our lives of it?

First, just say "no" to Styrofoam cups if there are ANY other options. If you use one for your morning coffee at work, grab a coffee mug from your cabinet and take it to work.

Secondly, when you go out for a meal, when doggie bag time comes, ask your server if there any paper containers or just aluminum foil available (with paper being the best option since it's biodegradable and is a renewable resource). The other option is that, if you're going out for a meal where you know that you're going to eat a meal you can't finish, bring along a reusable container to put your leftovers in. It's a small inconvenience but the best option.

Finally, search for local recycling facilities and programs (more information here) that will take styrofoam packing materials and recycle it for further use.

A Few Facts about Polystyrene and Plastics:

710 thousand tons of styrofoam is used each year.
Only 10-12% of those 710 thousand tons are recycled for further use every year.
There are six pounds of plastic (including polystyrene) floating in the North Pacific subtropical gyre for every pound of the plankton that feed a vast number of marine animals.

We hope these tips are useful! Remember, keep it simple and keep it green! Have a great month!

AUG. TIP: WATER SAVER PHASE IV

2008-08-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy August!
Yep folks it's our 4th and final water saver installment. Well for now....

It's been a fun summer learning all the ways to save water. We have had great feedback from many of our readers about there tips and would like to open this month to YOU.

Please feel free to post your OWN WAYS you save water daily and simply.
I know we have posted many tips but there are always more to be heard and we REALLY want to hear YOURS. Please post them on the blog, do not email them to us. You don't need to have a blogger account to post comments.

Here are 3 more of our own tips and a few more facts on why it is so important to save water for your community, home, environment, as well as your well being...simply.

TIPS:

As a friend shared on his blog, using hand sanitizer when you're out and about can save you from using water in public bathrooms. Folks may think you're a little gross, leaving and not washing your hands, but you can walk away in pride knowing your saving water and have your own way of keeping clean, simply.

This may be a double Eco-friendly tip. But if your employer supplies a large water dispenser, use it! Do not use the plastic water bottles. The dispenser is there for you. Simply bring your own reusable mug, bottle, etc. and just reload throughout the day. You not only save on water usage, but you skip using a disposable plastic water bottle simply.

Don't be afraid to speak up. For example, if you see water sprinklers broken and spraying everywhere but the grass, especially at retail stores and restaurants, or a dripping faucet in a public bathroom, let someone know. Even if it's a neighbor's sprinklers being used during no-watering peak hours, people are sincerely grateful when you say something, because believe it our not most folks care about saving water too! It's really simple to just say something and not be over-bearing about it.:)

Here are a few additional facts on plastic water bottles:

Each day in the US more than 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away. Only about one in six plastic water bottles sold in the US are recycled.

Globally, factories are using more than 18 million barrels of oil and up to 130 billion gallons of fresh water a year to meet consumer demand for plastic water bottles.

source: www.salem-news.com

JULY TIP: WATER SAVER PHASE III

2008-07-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the third installment of our water saving tips for the summer. We hope the past two have been helpful and that you are trying to conserve more water for our lovely planet.

This month we are going to focus on the outside. It is quite simple, less is more folks! So here are a few simple tips to help guide you this summer:

THE LAWN
-Did you know you can alter your automatic sprinklers to where their pressure is more then 1/2 of what it usually puts out? Make sure to look into how to change your water pressure system, and make sure that you're not watering your driveway or the sidewalk!

-Timing your automatic sprinklers for early mornings or late evenings to give your lawn it’s best soaking because less heat allows the water and the morning/evening dew to settle in.

-Water your summer lawn every third day and your winter lawn every fifth day.

-Filling up a watering can will allow you to use a lot less water than a hose but still keep your roses pretty.

-Follow your county's guidelines on water usage. They mean it! If you don't follow them I can promise someone will call the local law enforcement and report you. They most definitely will "guide" you to be more conservative with water. (Believe me, I have met some folks who have taken action, and rightfully so).

~Facts & More Tips~

On average, 50-70% of household water is used outdoors
Walk across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
Use a screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If it goes in easily, don't water.
Once established, ryegrass needs water every three to five days, whereas dormant Bermuda grass needs water only once a month.
Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
Maintaining a 3-inch layer of mulch will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, etc.

Lastly, look into alternative options instead of having a lawn at all. Like growing your own herb and/or vegetable garden, using sustainable, long living, and little maintenance plants (i.e. bamboo, cactus). Being resourceful and conservative at the same time is not only good for the planet but for the pocket book too!

Please leave comments on how YOU save water during these hot summer months!

Happy 4th of July and have a great simple green summer month!

JUNE TIP: WATER SAVER PHASE II

2008-06-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

The kitchen! As I’m sure you know we waste a lot of water when cleaning our lovely dishes. Whether you have a dishwasher or wash with your own dish pan hands there are some simple tips that you can remember to help you reduce your water usage, simply!

Her are Some Facts and Tips:

For those with dishwashers:

Buy an energy efficient dishwasher. They will moderate the cycle to do it’s primary objective resourcefully. You can also write off this purchase on your taxes the following year!
Only run the dishwasher when it's completely full.
Use the water-level settings for the most efficient washing.

For those without dishwashers:

When washing your dishes manually put the water on low and use COLD water. Hot water is just more energy and your electrical bill higher. I promise your hands can handle it.
Fill your sink with water for rinsing.
Don't run the water without plugging the sink.
Turn faucets off when not in use.

Other Tips:

Reducing hot water use saves energy because your hot water heater has less work to do. Recent research has shown that on average about 73% of the water used through residential faucets is hot water.
Don’t let the faucet run continuously while washing dishes. If your faucet uses 2.2 gpm, then you can save about 1.6 gallons of hot water for every minute you reduce your faucet use.

Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste instead of using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals also can add 50 percent to the volume of solids in a septic tank, which can lead to malfunctions and maintenance problems.

Sources:

http://www.abc.net.au
http://www.watersavingtips.org
http://www.h2ouse.org

MAY TIP: Water Saver Phase I

2008-05-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hello readers! For the next 4 months we will be providing Water saving tips. An issue we feel is very important to everyone, especially our Georgia friends. During the summer people seem to use more water then usual and we want to help you avoid that - simply.

Here's what were going to do. Each Month we will focus on an area in the inside or outside of the home. From there give you simple tips to apply in your daily routine. We are so excited about doing this and hope it will help you save water for our Eco-system, water supply, and water management (we're trying too!).

For May we will be focusing on the lovely Bathroom. Yep, the place where the most water is used each day.

Here are the TIPS and FACTS about water savings in the bathroom:

TIPS:

When brushing your teeth turn off the water. There is no reason you need to have the water running while brushing your teeth. When you do need to turn it on, have it on low just enough to finish your daily dental hygiene!
This may sound kind of gross, BUT regarding using the potty "If it's yellow keep it mellow, if it's brown flush it down!" Let it stay mellow for about two to three visits. The ladies of the home may be able to apply this more then the men folk, since many of us seem to go more often.
Fill a plastic, quart-sized milk container with water and put it in your pre-1994 toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanism. The jug can displace 10 gallons or more of water a day. We do not recommend you use a brick to displace the water. Bricks eventually disintegrate in water and can jam plumbing lines.
Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only 1/3 full.
Limit the length of your shower to 5 minutes or less. Turn off the water while soaping up or shampooing.
Ladies, when shaving either turn off the water until your ready to rinse OR put it on a simple drip using only cold water, to save energy.
When warming your shower water place a bucket or plastic basin in the shower to collect excess water. This water can then be used to water plants outdoors.

FACTS:

A family of four uses 400 gallons of water every day
A faucet drip or invisible toilet leak that totals only two tablespoons a minute comes to 15 gallons a day. That’s 105 gallons a week or 5,460 wasted gallons of water a year.
The most effective and inexpensive way to reduce your faucet use is by installing a low-flow faucet aerator on all your household faucets. Some aerators can restrict flow to less than 1.0 gpm.
A typical bath takes about 40 gallons of water.
Reducing showering time by 1 minute can save 1,000 gallons of water a year.

Please leave BATHROOM tips you have applied in your own daily routine.
Other's read and benefit!

Thank you for reading, enjoy the rest of spring, and we hope you enjoyed our simple May Water saver TIP!

source: www.h2ouse.org

APRIL TIP: GREEN SPRING CLEANING

2008-04-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh SPRING!...or shall we say ahhhh SPRING CLEANING! Yes it’s that time of year again, to get out your cleaning supplies and wipe down those fans, baseboards, and all the nooks and crannies we missed throughout the winter. Well, before you get your gloves on, pull out your cleaning supplies and ask yourself: Are they eco-friendly? Are they toxic, hypo-allergenic, do they contain phosphates, dyes or fragrances, and are they biodegradable? These are questions that I’m sure most of you don’t ask or ever even wondered. But they are crucial. Why? Well as you’ll read from the facts below, non-eco-friendly supplies are extremely damaging to our environment, water supply and over all well-being.

As a personal testament, I can say that switching over has done wonders for my allergies, budget, and the cleanliness of our house hasn’t suffered.
I have compared prices and, believe it or not they are either the same price as other name-brand cleaning products OR cheaper. I couldn’t believe it, but it’s true.

Think about it: no toxic odors, so I don’t feel as if I'm suffocating myself every time I clean. The NATURAL freshness is better for the indoor air, and since we live in a somewhat small home, our air quality (as everyone else’s) is important. One last note of personal testament, they do clean and clean well! I’m quite the clean freak, so I can vouch for them being totally legit.

I promise once you clean and smell the natural, fresh difference, you’ll never want to go back. But as reading Rainbow says “But don’t take my word for it, let’s hear from some other viewers!

Many cleaners can cause severe respiratory and skin irritation (just read any warning label on your cleaning supplies).
In a study of contaminants in stream water samples across the country, the U.S. Geological Survey found persistent detergent metabolites in 69% of streams tested. Sixty-six percent contained disinfectants.
Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEs). APEs, in some laundry detergents, disinfectants, laundry stain removers, and citrus cleaner/degreasers do not readily biodegrade in soil and water. APEs have been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen and harm salmon and other fish.
Automatic dishwasher detergents can contain phosphates, help the explosion of algae growth in waterways and kill off fish and other marine life.
The chemicals that make up fragrances in cleaning supplies don’t have to be disclosed on the packaging and they often contain strong elements that may cause acute effects such as respiratory irritation, headache, sneezing, and watery eyes in sensitive individuals or allergy and asthma sufferers.

Some product lines to look for when making the switch to CLEAN GREEN!

Seventh Generation
Method
Earth Friendly Products
Bi-O-Kleen Products
Publix “Green Wise” Products (such as Market Chlorine-Free Bleach)

Some Department and Grocery stores who stock Eco-friendly cleaning supplies: Target, Home Depot, Publix, Pavilions/Vons, Whole Foods, Trader Joes etc..

(Side note, most Wal-mart Department stores do NOT carry eco-friendly cleaning supplies.)

Please leave comments of stores and Eco-Friendly products you know of too!

We hope this has encouraged you to go out and make the change.
Enjoy the spring, enjoy the cleaning, and we hope you enjoyed this
SIMPLE GREEN TIP!

Source: www.thegreenguide.com

MARCH TIP: REDUCING HIDDEN ENERGY USAGE

2008-03-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

This might sound kind of silly, but it’s true: If you’re not in the habit of unplugging, you’re using a substantial amount of energy that you might not even know you’re using. Appliances, computers and home entertainment electronics consume a significant amount of energy even when they’re not on. Taking the simple step of unplugging them (or using a power strip that you can switch off when you’re not using them) can reduce your energy expenses and help you live a greener life.

Here are some addtional facts and tips for reducing hidden energy usage from the National Resources Defense Council

Unplug seldom-used appliances, like an extra refrigerator in the basement or garage that contains just a few items. You may save around $10 every month on your utility bill.
Unplug your chargers when you're not charging. Every house is full of little plastic power supplies to charge cell phones, PDA's, digital cameras, cordless tools and other personal gadgets. Keep them unplugged until you need them.
Use power strips to switch off televisions, home theater equipment, and stereos when you're not using them. Even when you think these products are off, together, their "standby" consumption can be equivalent to that of a 75 or 100 watt light bulb running continuously.
Enable the "sleep mode" feature on your computer, allowing it to use less power during periods of inactivity.

Source: www.nrdc.org

We hope you have enjoyed this SIMPLE energy saver, have a great GREEN month!

FEBRUARY TIP: STOP JUNK MAIL

2008-02-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

If you're like us, when you check the mail you often roll your eyes at the sight of all the junk mail you receive any given day. Especially, when you probably only use one or two coupons from that mass of envelopes and flyers. So, why allow this process to continue when a simple step can stop the vast majority of that unnecessary mail? Oh what perfect harmony that would be! Well guess what: you can. The best thing about is that it’s simple. But first, here are some facts:

More than 62 billion pieces of junk mail are produced yearly.
The majority of household waste consists of unsolicited mail.
Approximately 44% of junk mail goes to a landfill unopened.
$320M of local taxes are used to dispose of unsolicited mail each year.
Each year, 100 million trees are used to produce junk mail.
250,000 homes could be heated with one day's supply of junk mail.
Americans receive almost 4 million tons of junk mail every year.

Take Action:

Call 888-5OPTOUT or log into https://www.optoutprescreen.com to remove your name from credit issuers' mailing lists. It's fast and free.

You can also take the extra step and get rid of junk mail and plant some trees at the same time. Go to www.greendimes.com for more information.

sources: money.cnn.com; epa.gov

A REMINDER:
Don't forget this Valentine's Day to use recycled cards or to create your own creative, romantic card from recycled materials. Have a great Valentine's Day and we hope you enjoyed February's tip.

JANUARY TIP: RECYCLE YOUR TRASH

2008-01-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

An obtainable New Year’s Resolution for 2008 is to begin recycling. This suggestion may seem “old school” or like a song you’ve already heard, but the fact is that many folks are still not recycling their daily garbage and many cities, counties and states haven’t created a recycling infrastructure for their citizens. This makes it difficult to figure out how and where to take your recyclable goods. But with just a little practical initiative, you can get started.

Get three boxes, containers, or whatever you have handy and use them to separate your paper, plastic, and glass. If you have the room, place them close to your regular trash can. If not, put them in your garage. You can set up a stand-by trash can in the kitchen to toss all your recyclable goods in this container and then when it fills up, carry the container down and simply separate them while on your way out. Then, once a month make a simple trip to your local recycling center and drop off all your recyclables. Just once a month folks, while you’re out running your errands (and shopping with your reusable bags of course, wink, wink), and you can make a big impact.

If you live in an area that provides recycling pick-up, then you have it easy. Simply buy another trash can (or whatever container you have on hand), and while throwing things away put the paper, plastic, glass into this trash can. When your recycle trash can fills up, simply empty it into your large trash can provided by the city or county and put it out on the curb.

If you need some inspiration to begin the recycling habit, consider these benefits:

· Recycling in the U.S. is a $236 billion a year industry. More than 56,000 recycling and reuse enterprises employ 1.1 million workers nationwide.

· Every ton of paper that is recycled saves 17 trees.

· The energy we save when we recycle one glass bottle is enough to light a light bulb for four hours.

· Recycling benefits the air and water by creating a net reduction in ten major categories of air pollutants and eight major categories of water pollutants.

· It takes 95% less energy to recycle aluminum than it does to make it from raw materials. Making recycled steel saves 60%, recycled newspaper 40%, recycled plastics 70%, and recycled glass 40%. These savings far outweigh the energy created as by-products of incineration and landfilling.

· A national recycling rate of 30% reduces greenhouse gas emissions as much as removing nearly 25 million cars from the road.

· When one ton of steel is recycled, 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone are conserved.

This may sound like a more complex tip then past ones. However, recycling is our number one tip and priority. So, let this be your New Years resolution and make this simple and practical tip part of your daily routine. Happy New Year and Happy Recycling!

Some links to help you find out more:

- National Reycling Coalition

- Earth 911 (provides a recycling center locator that’s based on the type of material you’re recycling)

Source:
National Recycling Coalition
http://www.recycling-revolution.com

DECEMBER TIP: Green Christmas Cards

2007-12-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

Before you send out your Christmas cards this year, here are a few things to think about. Americans send 2.5 billion Christmas Cards every year because we love to wish our friends and family season’s greetings. It’s a cultural institution. Unfortunately, most of these cards will end up in a box stored away or in the trash by the New Year. That’s a lot of trees wasted (about 300,000), and you can make a difference this holiday season by taking a few simple steps to cut down on the waste that you create:

Design and send electronic Christmas cards to friends who have email access - much more eco-friendly and great fun too! American Greetings, 123Greetings, Care2 and Hallmark offer e-card services. Some people think e-cards are impersonal, but with a little extra time you can send a heart-felt message to your loved ones that is an investment in environmental conservation.

You’ll save between $30-$50 on postage and the cost of the cards by sending e-cards. Consider donating that money to a tree planting charity. See your options at http://www.americanforests.org/planttrees/.

If you're going to send cards, buy cards and envelopes made of recycled paper. There are many of us whom prefer to make our own cards and it's very easy to replace your paper crafts with recycled paper or at least the 50% recycled paper. This is a conservation effort that can still be fun.

Save all the holiday cards you receive to use in future years. A simple cutout of the outside of an old card, using the rest with recycled paper can give it new life. Using your arts and crafts sensibility can make an old card beautiful again.

Cut up old holiday cards to use as gift tags or as part of the decoration on a gift bag. Another, great resourceful way to reduce your spending and waste with paper. People might even notice there cards from years past and be pleased and honored by your artistic and Eco-friendly expression.

Finally, here’s a good article on other holiday eco-friendly tips:
http://www.lime.com/features/green-holiday/5-Holiday-Eco-Decorating-Tip

We hope you enjoy the holidays and strive to make your season a little more Eco-friendly!

NOVEMBER TIP: Reusable Shopping Bags

2007-11-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, plastic bags are terrible for the environment. Just take a look at some of the statistics:

Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide. That comes out to over one million per minute. Billions end up as litter each year.
According to the EPA, over 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps are consumed in the U.S. each year.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. (Estimated cost to retailers is $4 billion)
Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals die every year from eating discarded plastic bags mistaken for food.
Plastic bags don’t biodegrade, they photodegrade—breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways and entering the food web when animals accidentally ingest.
Plastic bags are among the 12 items of debris most often found in coastal cleanups, according to the nonprofit Center for Marine Conservation.

Source: www.reusablebags.com

Using paper bags might be a better choice, but the destruction of forests makes it a losing option for the environment too. Especially, when you have a bag to be used at home that could probably do a better job of holding your purchases anyways.

Now, you don’t have to go out and buy beautiful new and improved canvas bags that can be reused for years and years to come. Obviously, a good choice if you do. However, just look around your home. We all have random bags, whether there from teaching, school, other work related, or a tote bag someone handed to you (that you thought to yourself, I am never going to use this ugly thing). Well, here’s the time to pull them out.

Yes, pull them out, place them in your vehicle, preferably behind your passenger seat (for close proximity) to have them on hand for your next outing. Use them at Target, Wal-Mart, ANY grocery store, or just when you’re stopping in at your favorite pharmacy for a couple of things. It’s low effort/high reward step that you can take to reduce a major source of pollution.

Some retail stores are now taking the initiative and providing there own reusable bags, like:

Ikea, Publix, Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joe's, Cost Plus World Market, and many others….

(The Anya Hindmarch-designer bag and new Target reusable bag)

We hope this encourages you to do the same, thanks for reading our November Tip!

OCTOBER TIP: Energy Efficient Lightbulbs

2007-10-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Before your next trip to Wal-mart or Target count how many light bulbs you use in your home. Decide you're going to replace all, or maybe just a room per visit, of your traditional bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs. This will save you money in the long run because these bulbs last up to 5 years, and are just as bright as your old ones.

This is just a simple, economical step you can take that isn't too hard and helps our God-given, beautiful planet. If every American home replaced their 5 most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with CFLBs, we would save close to $8 billion each year in energy costs, and would prevent the greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.

Here is a quick Q&A about CFLBs:

How much will this bulb save me in energy costs?
Each bulb will save $38 in energy costs over the life of the bulb, based on $0.10 per kWh.
What is the cost per bulb?
Approximately $1.65 per bulb.
How long will one bulb last?
One 13 watt Energy Smart^TM light bulb is rated for 8,000 hours -- as long as eight 60 watt conventional Soft White incandescent bulbs.
Each bulb is guaranteed to last 8,000 hours or 5 years based on average consumer use of 4 hours per day at 120V.
How much energy does each bulb use?
Each bulb uses 13 watts and produces as much light as a conventional 60 watt bulb. This will reduce energy use by more than 75%.
How big is one bulb; will it fit in my existing fixtures?
Each bulb is approximately 5.1 inches tall and 1.75 inches wide. It can be used with most household light coverings. Please refer to the image above to view the size comparison to an incandescent bulb.

Key benefits, compared to standard incandescent light bulbs:

Lasts up to 8 times longer
Uses 75% less energy, saving money on energy bills
Same quality of light as Soft White bulbs
Stays cooler
Goes on instantly, flicker-free