Instead of finding cardboard boxes for your items you should look into zippgo.com. Why, you ask?

Zippgo offers a service that is environmentally friendly and cuts down on waste in a big way. The folks at Zippgo quoted a waste management company when they said that 40 percent of the composition of landfills is made up of recycled cardboard. The 100 percent plastic bins that Zippgo provides are stronger and cheaper than plastic and they will be delivered to your house a week before you move. Another cool feature is that Zippgo will also come back two weeks after you move to pick up the bins to recycle them.

Using Zippgo’s plastic bins and services are one way to make your move more eco-friendly but there are others that you can do on your own.

Everything can’t go

Remember the items I wrote about earlier? The ones you have packed away in your basement and garage that you never use and probably forgot that you owned? Those things don’t need to make the move with you to your new home. View moving as your chance at a fresh start all across the board. Here are some way to get rid of these items without throwing them away and causing more trash to build up.

• Gifts are good: Growing up I had an aunt that had things she bought but never even opened in her basement. Products in perfect condition just sitting around. These types of things can be given away to a friend as a gift. Surprise somebody and make his or her day with an unexpected present.
• Garage sale: Having a garage sale is a great idea to earn a few extra dollars and to free yourself of some clutter. With the economy being the way it is people are always looking for a deal. Some people look for collectible items and memorabilia at garage sales so you will get a few people to stop by and check out what you are selling. Any profit you make is a bonus since you are clearing out items you don’t use.
• Give to the needy: Donating clothes to the Salvation Army or a local shelter is always a good idea too. We are approaching the holiday season and helping people giving to people who are less fortunate would be a great move.

Also, when you come across items that are broken or completely useless don’t be afraid to throw them away. Pack tightly to limit the amount of boxes you need and to also cut down the harmful emissions by taking less trips back and forth.

How many dead laptops are laying around the closet, under the desk, the bottom drawer of the filing cabinet…. You know you need some of those files….

What does it cost to repair a laptop in todays market? How many, styles, sizes, prices…. To replace – seems more economical. So what do you do with the old?  Having the hard drive ‘extracted’ is a job you could do yourself. Then it’s still up to you to dispose of the rest of it!  A simple trip to a ‘computer shop’ – a small charge for the ‘external harddrive’ and they will ‘reuse’ or ‘recycle’ the remaining parts of the old laptop, rather than have it ‘just get dumped’ in the local ‘landfill’..  A plan that is Space saving, and eco friendly!

Related articles

• Get new laptop, then recycle the old one? (ask.metafilter.com)
• Laptop computer or PC (earthyessences.wordpress.com)

Are you a coffee drinker?

Don’t throw them grounds away!

If your a gardener ~ You may have a need for them after all.

1. Repel ants, snails and slugs by sprinkling coffee grounds near the point of entry, or around the planter base.
2. Deter cats from your garden, by sprinkling around garden and planter base.
3. of course you can use them in compost!
4. and as a fertilizer for acid loving plants like tomatoes.

Related articles

• Coffee Plus…Gardening (findingcoffee.wordpress.com)
• Coffee Grounds: Natural Rodent Repellent? (groundtoground.org)
• Coffee Grounds Fertilize Tomatoes!! (groundtoground.org)
• Casa Quickie: Slug Safe (casasugar.com)

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Assemble or Dis assemble?

Moving?

Make the most of the space in the truck or trailer and dis assemble items that come apart…..  Table legs, some book shelves, awkward stands? Many items take up about a third as much space being dis assembled. The more you get into each load, the less trips you make – saving more gas and the environment.

Boxes vs plastic bags…..

It really isn’t a safe method of packing most things… Plastic bags are only good for clothes, linens, and as a protective wrap for large pictures and wall hangings. Boxes are a much better choice for solid items. Too often people grab a bag for the odds and ends at the end…. and end up tossing the bag in the trash after the move, cause most of what’s in it – ended up broken or twisted together….. Grab a box for those last minute items!

News papers always leave your hands a mess both at packing and unpacking… Try tissue paper. It’s inexpensive and available at most dollar stores. If you take a minute while unpacking you can save most of the tissue, to be reused in gifts or to pack again – later…

Pack tight… Think ‘inside the box’ – the more you use the space, the more you accomplish for less…..

Don’t forget to fill up your reusable shopping bags! They work great at helping you move!

Related articles

• 5 Things in Your Home to Use as Packing Material (apartmenttherapy.com)

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Absolutely love my Starbucks girls!!

Papa has me hooked on his ‘drink’ of the day, for hot days… Rasberry Passion tea lemonade…. I think I got that right! in any case, I had my first with ‘whip cream’ as I’m slowly detoxin’…..

The passion tea is ‘organic’ and made from real fruit juice and natural teas that boost your metabolism…..

while my ‘mocha’s’ …. {My daughters will HATE hearing this }

My girl tells me – COFFEE – SUGAR – DAIRY PRODUCTS are the worst things for your complextion!!! FORGET THE PRO ACTIVE ! She tells me that actually made her skin worse!

She’s given up the coffee {Imagine that working at Starbucks!} …..  The look of her ‘skin’ in just 2 weeks!  Seriously WOW

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In any case, recently my wonderful hubby came home from a friends with a little glass jar of ‘stuff’ and a business card….. our friends daughter has a company – previous experience in ‘chemical cleaners’ with her employ sparked her to create ‘green cleaning solutions’ without the chemicals…. I love First Nation peoples, they are Environmentalists bestest friends anyhow, back to the point – the little jar was ‘carpet powder’! ‘organic’ – of course I tried it right away!

No stiffles, no hives… I used it again….. the dogs were un affected! … It’s been over a week now and I have to say SUCCESS! We have found a ‘carpet powder’ ‘safe’ for pets!

ISLAND GREEN CLEAN…… Jill Paull, @ www.islandgreenclean.com

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I have to wonder sometimes – why – we use the clothes dryer for ‘everything’ when so much of our clothes, actually do better not being placed in a hot dryer……..

They’ve come up with some wonderful racks for indoor drying. We have beautiful hot days in the summer, with the windows open, a nice breeze……. and in the winter, we heat up our house to be comfortably warm anyway…… Why don’t we take more advantage of these sources when it comes to doing laundry?

Talk about using our natural resources and waste management…. There’s nothing like a fresh set of sheets after a day in the breeze outdoors. …. and no need for dryer sheets full of perfume!

Related articles

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I love the CARE2 newsletter ~ So much cool information!

Cleaning drip coffee makers

If  the carafe becomes stained, place a cup of ice, a tsp. of lemon juice,   3-4 tsp. of salt, and a tiny amount of warm (not hot) water in the   carafe. Allow carafe to sit until the ice has melted, swish the solution  around  then wash with hot soapy water. To clean the outside of the  coffee maker, use a  dilute solution of vinegar and water, then rinse  well with warm water.

To clean the inside of your drip coffee maker you can do one of two things. Run a solution of  1/2 cup vinegar to 4 cups  of warm water through the brewing cycle, then rinse  three or four times  by running plain tap water through the brewing cycle. Or,  mix 1/4 cup of  baking soda with one cup of water to run through the brewing  cycle then  rinse as you would with the vinegar solution.

Toasters

Keeping your toaster clean will help you avoid burned crumbs that tend to  set off your smoke  detector, as well as prevent fires. Take the unplugged and  cooled  toaster and remove or unlock the tray on the bottom. Shake the toaster   briskly over a waste can to knock out most of the crumbs. You can use a  bottle  or pastry brush to clean out any remaining crumbs. Wipe off or  wash the tray  with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.

Wipe off the outside of the toaster with a mild vinegar solution and dry  well.

Blenders

Spray  a diluted vinegar solution to the outside of the base. Scrub with an   old toothbrush and wipe clean with a paper towel or clean cloth.

Aside  from taking the pitcher portion of the blender apart and washing in  hot  soapy water, you can also put the hot, soapy water in the blender  and run it on high for 15 or 20 seconds, then rinse.

Electric can openers

The  best way to keep electric can openers clean is to consistently clean up after every use so that food residue doesn’t get  caked onto the cutting  wheel. Every few months, remove the cutting wheel and  clean in hot,  soapy water. All other parts can be cleaned with a baking soda  paste and  an old toothbrush, then wipe off with a clean, warm, wet cloth and  dry.

Humidifiers

To  clean the inside of the tank and the base, use 1/4 cup of vinegar to two  cups of water. You can let the solution sit  for a few minutes then  rinse. If there is heavy mineral build-up you can use a  stronger  solution of vinegar and allow the humidifier to sit for eight to ten   hours. Afterwards, rinse well. You can use the vinegar solution to clean  all  parts of the humidifier. The use of vinegar eliminates the need to  use bleach  or corrosive cleaners.

Microwaves

Place  a microwave-safe cup of water in the microwave and turn on high for a  few minutes. Leave the  door closed for another few minutes, then wipe  down with a clean, dry cloth.  The steam does a great job of loosening  particles of food and sanitizing the  inside. Use warm, soapy water and a  clean cloth to clean the outside of the  microwave. If any of the knobs  are removable, make sure to clean under them

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/non-toxic-tips-for-cleaning-small-appliances.html#ixzz1RTtdsMkj

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• 37 Uses For Vinegar – And Counting! (livingrichwithcoupons.com)

How do we start – shoppin’ “greener” and being more environmentally friendly in the way we live….. as you walk through the isles in the grocery store, you’ll notice most ‘eco’ products are slightly if not significantly priced ‘higher’ than other products, not boasting the ‘green’….. As time has passed, I’ve noticed my ‘eco’ products coming down in price. {If it’s discounted, significantly – chances are it didn’t work too well }

You really have to take some time, when you start the conversion — and read the labels. Use the product and really ‘compare’ it to what you used before and how the over all results came out. Not all ‘eco’ products really do the job, and not all are as ‘eco friendly‘ as they claim. They may only contain partly environmentally friendly ingredients. Keep in mind – all products start out a handful of ingredients, mixed together… not all mixes work right the first time. Using coupons and surfing the internet, allows you the added opportunity to read a bit more about the products, the company and give yourself a bit more ‘insider’ information – before you head for the grocery store. Don’t forget to print up the coupon and take advantage of the savings. That way the ‘slightly’ higher price won’t overwhelm you as much either. . .

Image by Moosicorn via Flickr

It takes time to ‘change’ and the ‘converting’ process is the most challenging part. . Buying some good glass storage containers/jars makes it more convenient to shop in the bulk section or buy a larger quantity. Stop and look at the way products are sold. The ”packaging” is great place to start the ‘green’ works.

Ever went shopping and as your putting things away, you find yourself taking them out of the plastic, then out of the cardboard, to put the individual plastic containers on the shelf….. hmm, a large tub of yogurt would have eliminated all that ‘packaging’materials and processing …

Or instead of that little box of oats – you can get twice as much in the bulk section for the same price. By using a glass jar – it will stay fresh and you won’t need to buy it as often… Saving you money and repeated purchasing….

Ever wonder how much is wasted just on what I call ‘repeated purchasing’… One of my favorite examples of this would be the guy that is always – Going to the store everyday for a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of pop..  A carton and a 6 pack would last all week and save 5 days worth of gas and time on trips back and forth to the store…… Hence – probably saving enough money for the next weeks purchase, with the cost of a gallon of gas these days… And my dad would say – Don’t forget to add the wear and tear that it uses off of the car – as well….. Seems like nothing, but even pennies add up. { How much waste and other pollutions could be prevented?}

Do you go out and start the car – just to drive down the block to the convienence store? when you probably could get there walking in about the same amount of time? Especially on a main traffic path during traffic hours….

There has only been one product I haven’t been able to say “I’m green” about…. I do use ‘unscented’ and avoid perfumes and chemical additives. But my toilet paper has to be 2 ply and has to be soft. The ‘eco’ and ‘recycled’ brands have all proven to be too thin, too weak and NOT soft…. So if anyone finds a good eco T.P. that’s worth recommending – let me know – I’m willing to give it a try.

Think green and keep it clean ~ Happy Shoppin to all

Related articles

• Environmentally-Friendly Shopping: Know Where to Go (everydayhealth.com)
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• First U.S. No-Packaging Grocery to Open in 2011 (blogher.com)
• No more shrink wrap: Would you support a ‘zero waste’ grocery store? (theglobeandmail.com)
• Paper or Plastic: Making an Environmentally-Friendly Choice (everydayhealth.com)
• First Packaging-Free, Zero-Waste Grocery Store In US (treehugger.com)
• Preparing Environmentally-Friendly Meals (everydayhealth.com)

Recent Canada Day events in the city of North Vancouver – took me to Waterfront park for afternoon festivities. ~ There is where I found this!

GreenChairEvents.com ~ Waste management solutions – Events with a conscience! They had a booth, staff and plenty of recycling cans around! What a great way to minimize the events impact on the environment! Be sure to check them out!

{Even the garbage truck made it’s way into the Canada Day parade}

The bags they put your groceries in…. The little bag from the drug store for your prescriptions….. Another bag from the department store….. It all adds up!

Many local merchants are selling reusable bags for $1.00 to $5.00, in a grand attempt to encourage consumers to recycle – reuse – and reduce, the need for the “plastic bags”. In the long run. These recycled bags will save money and resources, for both us the consumers and the merchants.

Kudos to Canada! Many merchants actually charge a few pennies for each plastic bag, which really encourages people to use recycled bags or bring their own.

I personally ‘collect’ recycled, reusable bags and then use them for friends and family, when I have a few things to deliver. Or if they’ve left a few things here, we just bag em up. They also work great for the Granddaughters when they visit to collect their ‘tourist’ treasures and other goodies..

Here’s the latest bag from ‘Sears’ ~ Nice!~ and It’s waterproofy. I’ve been looking for good rainy day bags with nice length handles. {Yep, I had to buy 2!}

Related articles

• Sad Sacks: Can Reusable Shopping Bags Leach Lead into Food? (scientificamerican.com)
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You’ve got to love the local ‘Farmer’s Markets“! This weeks “Special Buy” was the ‘herbs‘! There is nothing like growing fresh fruits and vegetables to eat. But to have fresh herbs to add a bit of zest and flavor! Oh ya!

5 plants for $10! Pretty good deal!

I was quite pleased when I went out to start transplanting the new additions, as I noticed ~ We have Peas! Our hanging pea pots are starting to produce! I’m sure it’s not the craziest gardening idea out there… But for me, when we moved this spring, I reduced my deck size by 2/3′s so I’ve had to do some improvising.

When you start to think about – HOW YOUR FOOD GETS TO THE STORE – you have to start wondering – what will you do in a ‘gas’ shortage, for ‘when the supply’s stop coming’…….

Related articles

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• Herbs, eggplant, swiss chard, tomatoes and ever bearing kale… (osceolacsa.com)
• My Herb Garden (thepottedbloom.wordpress.com)
• A stroll through Sunday Farmers Market in Union Square (nycsummertimeblues.wordpress.com)
• New Summer Garden (downvalleytavern.wordpress.com)
• Recipe: Herb Garden Potatoes with Fresh Spinach & Lemon (thekitchn.com)
• Herb Garden (freestylefashion.info)
• My First Vegetable Garden (localgypsiespot.wordpress.com)
• Sunday Farmers’ Market (kokolikes.com)
• Online Listing of Farmers’ Markets (paulasgardenpatch.com)

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Don’t let those old computers, laptops and broken video game players go to the local land fills, by just throwing them in the trash. Send them off to the recycling center. A quick search on the internet and you’ll find a local electronics store or center that takes old electronics. These are the types of items that never decompose and last a lifetime in our earth. Research and studies have implimented some great ideas on how to recycle items that don’t decompose. We just have to do our part and take a couple extra steps to ensure these items get to the right place.

In some cases local repair stores will actually give you a couple bucks for the old pieces, if they contain parts that are still usable. Refurbishing is another great way to prevent our landfills from over filling.

I know, some are saying we don’t have land fills - our garbage is burned in big incinerators! Great! all the more reason to recycle or refurbish those old electronics. The thought of that burning, is almost scarier than the land fill.

Give your local “google” a try, before you toss it in the trash, we’ll both be glad you did.

Before you think all is lost and you throw it out! Stop – What is wrong with it? I recently took an old laptop to the “Computer Gnomes Consulting Inc” computergnomes.net  {{totally awesome group of peoples}} and they were able to remove the harddrive {saving everything that mattered to me} and use the remainin parts {some of} All for the price of the external hard drive case and a few bucks – less than $50 walking out the door! I didn’t have to worry about getting rid of the old laptop at all, and I know it isn’t going in the landfill

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• Happening now: Free electronics recycling, paper shredding (westseattleblog.com)

by @gentsao, Environmental Research and Innovation Center.

I don’t particularly like the word sustainability — I’m uncomfortable with it and I find it to be clumsy, general, and unspecific. It’s become a total buzzword, and has even lost a degree of authenticity due to its use by some especially non-sustainable companies. Some people I’ve talked to agree with me, and I would like to uncover why these mixed sentiments surround the word.

The problem I have with it is that the idea of sustainability, and our need for it, is predicated on the destructive tendencies associated with the unstoppable force of Western civilization. Merriam-Webster defines sustainability as “…a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.” I like this definition, and I think if every industry followed these instructions, we would be in much better shape.

Unfortunately, this very simple definition of sustainability is somehow lost in translation, at least when I converse with people. When I talk to like-minded individuals about environmental issues, they almost always say, “We need to be more sustainable,” not realizing our society is premised upon the exact destructive tendencies the Merriam-Webster definition seeks to undermine.  John Bellamy Foster has written extensively on the link between capitalism and ecological destruction. Foster argues that capitalism, as a core Western ideal, depends upon scarcity in order to create private wealth. In what is known as the Lauderdale Paradox, wealth is dependent on private actors’ abilities to monopolize natural resources. This is a principle technique of capitalism, and when we refer to sustainability today, the question is — how do we mediate this capitalist tendency without preventing private enterprise.

In this context, it becomes obvious why the word sustainability creates confusion.  At some level, people realize that the ideological status quo, the principle of capitalism, is unsustainable and must be changed.  Which explains why there is such a large movement for sustainability, yet such broad, general criteria for being sustainable — it results from the clash between our biological connection to the land, and the swift, individualistic ideology that we value in capitalism.  It stems from the infinite growth promised by neoliberal economic rationality and our struggles to replace it with a new sustainable environmental rationality.

We nervously realize that our properties of growth are causing our species’ obsolescence, and while aware of this truth, we are still leery of it. Deep down, we recognize we are the culprits and will take every measure except for the ones that threaten to change some of the fundamental things we take for granted. We should look at some of the solutions proposed by social scientists, which vary between radical and conservative approaches. Foster believes capitalism must be changed and the environmental crisis can be traced back to capitalist roots. Others, like Charles Derber and Paul Hawken, believe that the environmental crisis can be made manageable, at least in the short term, through business and entrepreneurship. Some have called this type of mediation ‘conscious capitalism,’ and I believe it to be one of the only realistic options at this point in time. Juliet Schor writes about plenitude and the shift to local, small-scale activity that can reduce corporate and market dependence while also creating a sense of gratification from collaborating with neighbors. All of these represent ideals from movements that are happening today, and indicate some level of commitment to this existential threat.

Sustainability is not a concrete word. Its definition depends on each person you ask. Part of this is because of the scientific uncertainty and ambiguity involved in determining the level of effectiveness sustainable measures and solutions would have, but I believe part of sustainability’s elusive character is also due to the uncomfortable relationship we have with ourselves. Short of a mass Emersonian exodus, we will always be dependent on unsustainable consumption in some way, and every measure of sustainability we take will try to chip away at these unsustainable habits and tastes. To become sustainable, we must, in effect, be self-critical in examining how our lifestyles contribute to the environmental crisis.

Perhaps, then, my personal discomfort and distaste for the word sustainability is because it represents everything about my lifestyle that is destructive, yet I am unable to change. Sustainability is at once a realm of possibility as it is a critique of the status quo. Sustainability, as we define it, implies breaking down traditional ways of life in order to build up sustainable ones. The reason it has grown to be such a buzzword is because everyone, at some level, has this realization, yet articulating the exact change required of ourselves is daunting and outside our comfort zone. It’s much easier to say we need to be sustainable than it is to say we need to cut consumption, or we need to change our lifestyles. Sustainability, therefore, will always be a fallback word, a word that represents some of our introspective fear.

We need to be more critical of ourselves. Pierre Bourdieu believed that a key part of social analysis is to be reflexive in examining how we, even as supposed environmental stewards, are part of the problem. He writes, “the harshest and most brutally objectifying analyses are written with an acute awareness of the fact that they apply to he who is writing them.” I would like for all of us, including green advocates, to engage in a discussion that explores the meaning of sustainability and leaves no door unopened. It is not enough to say we need to be more sustainable, rather, we must ask ourselves why we have the need for this word in the first place, and how we can envision a future in which there is no need for such a word.

Bourdieu, Pierre, and Loïc J. D. Wacquant. An Invitation to Reflexive Sociology. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1992. Print.

Derber, Charles. Greed to Green: Solving Climate Change and Remaking the Economy. Boulder, CO: Paradigm, 2010. Print.

Foster, John Bellamy., Brett Clark, and Richard York. The Ecological Rift: Capitalism’s War on the Earth. New York: Monthly Review, 2010. Print.

Hawken, Paul. The Ecology of Commerce: a Declaration of Sustainability. New York: Harper Business, 1993. Print.

Schor, Juliet. Plenitude: the New Economics of True Wealth. New York, NY: Penguin, 2010. Print.

Sustainability. In Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary (11th ed.). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainability

@gentsao, Environmental Research and Innovation Center

It’s refreshing to see young humans taking charge in leading the world towards more sustainable practices. Sadly, the majority of American humans are skeptical of climate change caused by man.

As citizens on Earth, we have a duty to protect our home from toxic chemicals and unsustainable practices.

Small eco ideas, big changes – we love it! Let’s look further into how to:

Green your computer

Your computer already contributes a great deal towards you being eco, for example: You shop online (+ save fuel) and browse online trough catalogues and newspapers (bye bye paper).

So here are my 6 simple steps to turn your PC / Printer green:

1. Set up your computer to hibernate.
2. Open the power settings of your computer and set them to optimal energy use.
3. Utilize refilled ink cartridges and as added bonus safe some money as well
4. Use recycled paper (or even better go paperless).
5. Give your computer breathing space – Make sure air can flow freely around; this keeps the fan cooler and uses less energy.
6. Evidently when not in use turn it off (and I mean really turn it off – not on stand-by): computer, printer scanner etc

Now let’s make the effort in fine tuning your computer to the green side.

Jessica W.

Eco tips archive:

1. Reduce Reuse Recycle
2. Go Green – Go Paperless
3. Waste-free lunch

There is a new challenge.

Many of the people I’ve heard talking about the whole “Go Green” concept, complain about the costs of Greener, organic products. Yes, I too agree, it is a bit more expensive to ‘go green’.

~ But ~

~ Eating steak is more expensive than a hamburger. and when we run low on Beef no one will be able to afford either!.

~ And The good ole fashioned car that does 120+mph, with the price of gas and the side effects, can cost much more than the less popular electric or hybrid car in the long run….

After all, isn’t it the ‘long run’ we should be focused on – rather than ‘I want it now and it’s all mine’ ‘use it til it’s gone then move onto something else’

Why worry about depleting oil until there is no more – then everyone will have to drive electric cars…. That is if we find a means of providing electricity… Another of our resources that we take for granted to always be there in abundance?

So when can we afford to start paying the price and making the change?

We the consumers drive the market. If you want organic more affordable more people need to want it. Drive the chemical markets out of business and take over with a new Greener approach.

Not even Rome was built in a day, but someone had to start building one day for the rest of history to follow.

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• Car buyers seek greener option (autonetinsurance.co.uk)
• A Greener You, a Greener Earth (socyberty.com)

~ Strengthen the environmental movement!

Earth hour {March 26} ~

Earthday Network {April 22} ~

 Arbor Day

~ LINKS to ECO FRIENDLY WEBSITES

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Green eco friendly ideas to help save our environment

EarthShare -

EarthShare was founded by its member charities in 1988 to connect people to environmental nonprofits through workplace giving, volunteer opportunities, and environmental education.

Ecology.com -

links to global environmental issues

Ecologyfund.com

lesson plans for teachers, job listings, student organizations

Envirolink.org -

promoting a sustainable society

Eco Firm Eco Friendly Companies -

Our mission is to connect environmentally friendly companies and organizations worldwide. We hope that our online database will help eco friendly companies establish new partnerships that are based on the determination and desire to work towards a sustainable future.

Eco Friendly Foods -

EcoFriendly Foods provides pasture-raised, “beyond organic” meats to consumers at farmers markets and to restaurants.

Olive Green Dog -

olivegreendog.com….. Green goods for modern dogs

Earth Imprints -

Eco friendly promo products……We provide your business with eco-friendly promotional items and products including clothing, travel ideas, tote-bags, promotional pens, and other advertising specialties.

The REBUILDING NATURE grant program

The Home Depot Canada Foundation and Evergreen are pleased to offer the Rebuilding Nature Grant Program to support environmental stewardship projects in communities across Canada.

Ever thought about a ‘green funeral’? find out more at Care 2

Where did your Diamond come from?

We have Oil, Gold, Diamonds and other precious minerals being mined out of our earth at alarming rates…. ** Ask for diamonds mined in Canada – Where the humane rights of miners are protected and the diamonds are mined under stricter environmental laws than those in Africa ** Choose Diamonds that have the Kimberly Process Certification. Guaranteed that the stones are NOT conflict or Blood Diamonds.

…..While we use the oil. Much of the Gold, Diamonds and other precious gems, sit in pawn shops and at thrift stores – A little polish and maybe a repair = Its a brand new looking piece again. Don’t like the style. A few old pieces can be melted down and reshaped into something new and unique! Possibly becoming worth even more than originally paid.

Eco Friendly Jewelry links:

Brilliant Earth

The Eco Market

Green Karat

Pueblito

Search for more Eco Friendly vendors HERE

Take this list with you next time you go shopping and FREE your house of chemicals, for most all of your cleaning needs! The money you’ll save will amaze you too!

1. Baking Soda {Large box}
2. White Vinegar {Gal}
3. Lemon Juice {Small yellow squirt bottle}
4. Club Soda {One bottle at a time should do}
5. lint free cloths {packages come in assorted amounts of 2 -10}
6. 2 spray bottles {empty, Dollar stores carry a variety of sizes}
7. med size bucket
8. * make sure you have a kettle or large pot to boil water.

Eco Friendly Home Care Recipes :

{Here is just a few – you can find more in the book Big Green Purse! and at some of the link site}

Spot Remover -

Blood = Club Soda

Ink = use lemon juice

Glass Cleaner -

1 tbsp of Vinegar or Lemon Juice to 1 quart Water, use lint free cloth.

All Purpose Cleaner – for Kitchens and Bath

Sprinkle Baking Soda on a damp cloth and scrub.

Drain Cleaner -

Pour a kettle of boiling water down the drains about once a week.

Drain Clog -

1/2 cup Baking Soda then a 1/2 cup of Vinegar – cover quickly. Let stand a few minutes then pour a kettle of boiling water into drain, slowly.

Polish Chrome & Stainless Steel –

Dab vinegar onto a soft cloth and polish.

Polish Brass -

Mix Lemon Juice & Baking Soda to the consistency of toothpaste. Rub onto brass, rinse and dry. Polishing to satisfaction.

Rug Deoderizer –

Sprinkle Baking Soda, let stand for 15 minutes and vacuum.

Moth Balls? – Replace with a sache o cedar chips, lavender or Rosemary, mint or even white peppercorns. You’ll love the smell

Dusting - A clean soft cloth ‘lint free’ and no sprays

More cleaning with Herbs and Spices….

Have a Green Cleaning tip of your own?

I’d love to hear from you. mindyohara@hotmail.com