Wednesday, March 31, 2010

40th Anniversary of Earth Day - What are your plans?


Earth Day Network’s Campaign for Earth Day 2010

Global Days of Service – April 17-18 - Join millions around the globe to make your community and the world cleaner and more sustainable.
Help Generate a Billion Acts of Green™ - Register individual, community or business service acts and take action for Earth Day.
Events on The National Mall in Washington, DC
  • Earth Day 40th Anniversary Events – April 22
  • Change the Climate Rally – April 25
  • Exhibitions and Performances on The National Mall – April 17-25
Arts for the Earth™ - Get involved in art that promotes environmental themes.
Song for the Earth Contest - Youths 18 or under who are passionate about music and the environment are invited to compose and submit a song. Winners will perform on The National Mall.
Athletes for the Earth™ - Athletes are signing up to change the climate!
40th Anniversary Global Advisory Committee - See who is part of the team!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Green Dishwashers and Washing Machines

Face it, we live in a modern world and we love our modern technology. However, we also live in a world that is becoming more conscientious of the energy it uses each day. Many states offer rebates, discounts and tax credits if you replace your appliances with energy star approved appliances. This give you more of the green bucks in your wallet while helping to keep your home running smoothly and efficiently.
This year we bought a new dishwasher. I was amazed at the quietness of the machine. Not only did it do a better job of cleaning our dishes, but it came with all those fancy water saving features our old machine did not have. For quick jobs we are able to wash the top rack only. The sensors in the machine are able to detect particles and keep washing, or on the opposite side, quit washing when the dishes are clean. It uses less water and energy while doing a better job. We give it a thumbs up!
When you are shopping around remember Washing machines with the energy star logo get a $75 credit in most states, while a dishwasher with the logo gets around $25.00. Many times these same machines come with rebates and credits from your gas or electric provider too.
Do a little research at www.energytrust.org and save green all around.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Ten Ways to Use Newspaper

How many of us get the daily newspaper, read it and throw it in the garbage? At the very least you should throw your newspaper into the recycle bend, but did you know there is so much more you can do with your paper.

Newspaper is perfect for cleaning windows inside and outside your house and car. Forget paper towels or rags that get to wet, newsprint leaves no lint or streaks.

Cover the table when working on an art projects with the kids.

Spread a single layer in your garden before putting down the fresh dirt. It will help to keep weeds at bay and retain moisture.

Roll several layers of newspaper together to make logs for the fire. These are great fire starters and the tighter you roll it the longer it will take to burn.

Line garbage cans with newspaper to catch any unintended spills.

Shred and use for packing or shipping. Saves the cost of those forever in the landfill peanuts.

Place on your windshield to prevent snow and rain from freezing.

When packing away your winter wool, place a sheet of newspaper between each item. This will  help keep moisture under control and the moths away.

If you break a glass on your wood or glass floor it is sometimes hard to get those fine shreds. Wet some newspaper and place over the area. Apply a small amount of pressure to the newsprint and the glass shreds will stick to it. Carefully roll up and throw away.

Do your gym shoes give you a run for your money? Get rid of that smell by rolling up a newspaper into a ball and placing in your shoes. The newsprint will help to absorb all that wet smelly sweat and leave your shoes smelling a little better.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Local Home Shows Go Green

According to WBNG.NEWS people who attend the home shows are interested in making their home greener. This is a good sign for those of us who are concerned with the planet. Where there is an interest corporations usually step up to the plate. We are hoping to see more builders and stores offering greener solutions for the home. As more do the prices will begin to come down so that every American can have the choice to choose a greener option.
Are you interested in making your home a greener place to live? Check out your local home and garden show. You may be surprised at what you find.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Online Bill Paying

Did you know that you can save time, money and paper by paying your bills online? Most credit card companies and many other bill companies allow you to pay your bills online. Cell phones, garbage, electricity and water call all be paid online. Now even the hospitals and doctor offices are getting online to accept payments. If you are organized you can even receive statements online. This saves you not just financially but takes your identity protection one step further by not allowing your mail to be snatched.
If you have a bill that does not accept online payments, check with your banks bill-pay system. Many banks offer their customers free bill pay. This is an online system to pay your bill with direct deposits or live checks from  your bank. It saves you time and stamps.
My only caution if you do switch to this way of paying your bills is to keep very good records. There have been computer glitches and you will need to have the ability to reference your payments. If you received online bills, store them in online email account instead of your hard drive. Change your passwords frequently to protect your identity even more.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Were our Grandparents Greener Then Us?

While researching green ideas for this blog it hit me; my grandparents were quite good at being "green". Plastic food containers were used more than once. Sure they were not all interlocking, matching or pretty, but they did the job as well as an expensive set. If it was above freezing, clothes were hung outside to dry. Clothes that were worn for a short time were worn a second time before washing. Rinse water from the dishes was used to water the garden. Bathwater was used to flush the toilet. Okay, that last one might be just a little out there, but what if every American reused bath water to flush toilets. How many gallons would we save in a year, in a month?

Living though the depression did raise a truly green generation. It seems the children of those who lived through the depression did not understand the concept of frugality and saving. They made fun of their parents, and raised a generation of consumers verses recyclers.

Look back to your grandparents parents. What did they do that would be considered a green idea today?

Thursday, March 4, 2010

CSA Program


Did you know that many communities now offer a local agriculture share program? This program provides it's local community with pesticide free produce. It is also a great way to support local farmers and help to reduce emissions at the same time. It takes time and machinery to harvest and haul produce to the local supermarket. Help support your community and make an impact on your world by participating in your farmers market or CSA program. Basically you buy a share of produce from a local farmer or community garden in exchange for healthy, pesticide free food. If you can start your own garden at home you will save any more by giving your abundance to neighbors and friends.
Check your local community section of the newspaper for more information. If your town does not offer a farmers share program consider researching and heading up a share organization. Not only will you benefit but your community will become a greener place.