How did all your 2009 eco-resolutions go?
Are there any you need to renew and try again for next year?
Are there any about which you'd like to share your successes and tips for others to try?
31 December 2009
15 December 2009
Watering Plants in Absentia
Have some plants in your home? Wonderful! But what to do when you go out of town for a bit around the holidays?
First of all, most plants are happiest getting periodic infusions of lots of water, rather than daily spritzings. So, for most plants, if you're only going to be gone a week or less, watering them right before you leave should be all they need! (Of course, Google your own plants to find out about their specific needs.)
To set up a slow release watering method, consider leaving some ice cubes around in the dirt (but not touching the plant itself). As the ice melts, it will slowly water your plant. This is especially useful in the winter when the ice will melt less quickly.
What about plants that do, in fact, need more water? Green is Sexy recommends this time-tested trick: "To keep plants moist without drowning them, fill your tub, sink or large pot with 2 inches of water and add a towel. Place your well-watered plant in the tub/sink/pot and trust that it will suck up the moisture it needs while you’re away."
First of all, most plants are happiest getting periodic infusions of lots of water, rather than daily spritzings. So, for most plants, if you're only going to be gone a week or less, watering them right before you leave should be all they need! (Of course, Google your own plants to find out about their specific needs.)
To set up a slow release watering method, consider leaving some ice cubes around in the dirt (but not touching the plant itself). As the ice melts, it will slowly water your plant. This is especially useful in the winter when the ice will melt less quickly.
What about plants that do, in fact, need more water? Green is Sexy recommends this time-tested trick: "To keep plants moist without drowning them, fill your tub, sink or large pot with 2 inches of water and add a towel. Place your well-watered plant in the tub/sink/pot and trust that it will suck up the moisture it needs while you’re away."
08 December 2009
To-Go Ware Sale
A great holiday gift idea -- or simply a green addition to your own routine: To-Go Ware. They sell tiffins (stainless steel carry-out containers, also great as lunchboxes, etc.) and reusable, bamboo flatware. We've been a huge fan of the tiffins we bought from them about a year ago, and we'd certainly recommend them. We've gotten a huge amount of use out of them!
This week (through Dec. 14) you can get 25% off on all purchases over $10 by using the coupon code HOLIDAY25. Check them out!
http://www.to-goware.com/
UPDATE: The sale is now good through Dec. 25! Same code as above.
This week (through Dec. 14) you can get 25% off on all purchases over $10 by using the coupon code HOLIDAY25. Check them out!
http://www.to-goware.com/
UPDATE: The sale is now good through Dec. 25! Same code as above.
29 November 2009
Jean Crafts
For many of us, it's time to start thinking about holiday gift-giving. In these harsh economic times, you might be considering choosing gifts that require contributions from your heart, hands, and creativity more than your wallet.
A great option to look into: jean crafts!
Earth 911's 8 Ways to Reuse Your Jeans has lots of neat ideas, from bags and shoes to pet toys and more.
Happy crafting!
A great option to look into: jean crafts!
Earth 911's 8 Ways to Reuse Your Jeans has lots of neat ideas, from bags and shoes to pet toys and more.
Happy crafting!
22 November 2009
Thankgiving Travel Reminders
Going out of town for Thanksgiving? Remember to be on your best packing and driving behavior!
1. Only bring what you need! Transporting excess stuff in your vehicle or on an airplane can greatly reduce the fuel efficiency of your mode of transit. Review my previous post "Luggage" to learn more.
2. Drive wisely. Review "Straight and Level Wins the Race" and especially "8 Easy Steps to Greener Driving."
1. Only bring what you need! Transporting excess stuff in your vehicle or on an airplane can greatly reduce the fuel efficiency of your mode of transit. Review my previous post "Luggage" to learn more.
2. Drive wisely. Review "Straight and Level Wins the Race" and especially "8 Easy Steps to Greener Driving."
17 November 2009
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is coming up very soon. Many of you will probably be enjoying large meals with family and friends. This year, try to make your celebration just a little more sustainable.
1. Organics, organics, organics. Try to substitute organic versions of the ingredients needed for your Thanksgiving favorites. Organic turkeys, organic baking potatoes, organic chicken broth for your gravy, organic butter for your corn, organic flour for your biscuits. Even making the effort to seek out just one or two organic ingredients DOES make a difference.
2. Portion control. This is especially important when dealing with meat ingredients. Have a taste of turkey if you like, but save most of your appetite for the fruits and vegetables bountifully harvested this time of year. In general, try not to cook more than people will eat. If you do have excess leftovers, compost them -- don't throw them away!
3. Plates and glasses and silverware, oh my! No matter how large your crowd, it's always a good idea to use real, non-disposable plates, glasses, and silverware. Don't have enough plates to go around? Ask your sister or cousin or uncle to bring extras. I'm sure they'll be glad to pitch in!
1. Organics, organics, organics. Try to substitute organic versions of the ingredients needed for your Thanksgiving favorites. Organic turkeys, organic baking potatoes, organic chicken broth for your gravy, organic butter for your corn, organic flour for your biscuits. Even making the effort to seek out just one or two organic ingredients DOES make a difference.
2. Portion control. This is especially important when dealing with meat ingredients. Have a taste of turkey if you like, but save most of your appetite for the fruits and vegetables bountifully harvested this time of year. In general, try not to cook more than people will eat. If you do have excess leftovers, compost them -- don't throw them away!
3. Plates and glasses and silverware, oh my! No matter how large your crowd, it's always a good idea to use real, non-disposable plates, glasses, and silverware. Don't have enough plates to go around? Ask your sister or cousin or uncle to bring extras. I'm sure they'll be glad to pitch in!
08 November 2009
Organic vs. Local
The local vs. organic debate is a tricky one. The best answer, of course, would be "both"! (Even better if "local" means "grown in your back yard.") But often "neither" is the only option we have.
Assuming you have to make the choice, however, go with organic over local. Why? The environmental impacts are much larger.
A recent Chicago Tribune article reports, "Christopher Weber and H. Scott Matthews, professors at Carnegie Mellon University, say transportation accounts for only 11 percent of total greenhouse-gas emissions associated with food, while 83 percent is related to production." Yikes. In other words, try to go with food that is organic and in-season wherever it's being grown.
Another striking tidbit from that article: "If you want to reduce the carbon footprint of your diet, cut back on consumption of red meat, which Weber and Matthews say is responsible for producing 150 percent more greenhouse gases than chicken or fish."
Assuming you have to make the choice, however, go with organic over local. Why? The environmental impacts are much larger.
A recent Chicago Tribune article reports, "Christopher Weber and H. Scott Matthews, professors at Carnegie Mellon University, say transportation accounts for only 11 percent of total greenhouse-gas emissions associated with food, while 83 percent is related to production." Yikes. In other words, try to go with food that is organic and in-season wherever it's being grown.
Another striking tidbit from that article: "If you want to reduce the carbon footprint of your diet, cut back on consumption of red meat, which Weber and Matthews say is responsible for producing 150 percent more greenhouse gases than chicken or fish."
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