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!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
November Tip: "Greener" Plates
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!!!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
October Tip: Being Green & Fighting Against Breast Cancer!
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. "
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/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
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"!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
September Tip: Green Your Workout!
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
August Tip: Two Grocery Stores!
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
July Tip: Green Car washing
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!
Have fun this summer and remember to keep it simple and keep you car washing simply green!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June Tip: Helping with the Gulf Oil Spill
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:
Help and buy a shirt to contribute! A GREAT, LOCAL, GROUP!
Another local charity, helping fishermen:
This link shares some QUICK ways you can help with the oil spill, VERY USEFUL!
To Volunteer:
~Same groups from above, just their volunteer section~
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":
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.
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