DIY Gift Idea

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Paula

berries DIY Gift IdeaIt seems as though we’re always shopping and looking for ideas on what to buy.  Whether we’re looking for birthday gift ideas for her or him, anniversary presents that are sure to please or Valentine’s day presents that are from the heart, we always have out eyes peeled for gift ideas for the ones we love.  Why not try to DIY something instead of heading out to that big box store??  Making something at home shows that you put some thought into it to show you truly care about them and the planet.  Why not dip some locally and organically grown berries into some fair trade chocolate?  Make a romantic card out of the recycling pile?  These ideas don’t have to be something super complicated, expensive or time consuming to let the one you love know it:)

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Sneaking in Healthy

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Paula

Frosted Toast Crunch Sneaking in HealthySometimes with kids, you have to sneak in the healthy stuff.  That’s why when I saw this Frosted Toast Crunch made with whole grains, I smiled knowingly:)  Okay, okay it’s not THE most healthy cereal out there but every little bit does add up.  I love how more and more products are being made with whole grains.  Less processing is good for the environment and the people in it.  I’m all for sneaking in some healthy stuff now and again.  Especially when I can tell them that it’s a treat!!  Check out Mommies Angels to enter to win everything pictured here in a giveaway.  You can sneak in some healthy treats to your kids too!

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Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend!

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Paula

Ecoura Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend!Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so you might be in the market for a beautiful diamond necklace or maybe even an engagement ring!  When shopping for diamonds, make sure to keep a few important things in mind.  You want to make ABSOLUTELY sure that your diamond is conflict free.  There has been a lot of media surrounding the selling of blood diamonds but these diamonds are still being marketed here.  Look for companies that are more eco-friendly.  There are several out there such as Ecoura Fine Jewelry that use both recycled metals and conflict free diamonds.  This company is committed to using renewed resources where ever possible.  They are using eco-friendly marketing materials where possible and even plant a tree for every purchase of their bridal rings.  Don’t forget your love for the planet when you tell your sweetie you love her!

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Green Resolution: Reduce Consumption

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Paula

down arrow Green Resolution: Reduce ConsumptionThe best way to save the planet is to simply consume less.  Eat less.  Buy less.  Use less.  Imagine all the resources that could be saved if we simply didn’t overindulge ourselves so much.  Use what you have.  Make do.  Imagine how much money could be saved!

Simply eating what you already have in the fridge instead of going to the grouchy store in your gas guzzling SUV can save a lot.  It saves you money and it saves the planet’s natural resources.  Cuts down on pollution and means there is less in the landfill.

Consider how much food that people in the Western world buy and simply throw away because it spoils before it is eaten.  WTF? We’re doing that while huge parts of the rest of the world is starving??  There are homeless people literally at our doors and we’re throwing away food?  All this while complaining about being in debt?  It really makes no sense when you take a step back and look at the bigger, global picture.  Reduce your consumption of everything even just a little and see what difference it makes.

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Non Permanent Eco-Digs

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Paula

eco home Non Permanent Eco DigsLooking for an environmental friendly home but don’t want to purchase?  Luckily, sustainability has hit the big time and is here to stay.  This means that it is becoming much more easy to find homes for lease, homes for rent and even vacation home rentals that will meet up with your eco-friendly expectations.  Some agencies that help people looking for homes have searches that can be done for green digs while others leave the sustainability sourcing up to you.  Half the battle is knowing what to look for.  Are the appliances energy efficient?  Look for energy star ratings.  Ask about what the builder or owner did to make any green renovations or about the sustainability of products used in the build of the home.  Look for water conservation techniques such as rainwater collection, dual flush toilets, shower heads that use less water and even grey water systems.  Let your agent know exactly what you’re looking for!!

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Green Resolution: Donate Used Goods

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Paula

Donate Green Resolution: Donate Used GoodsDon’t have the time, patience, or energy to bother selling those goods that are kicking around?  Try donating them instead!  There are tons of donation bins for places like the Salvation Army that sell used products that people donate.  These funds are then used to support whatever charitable organization that you have chosen to support with your donation.  Many of these charities will even come and pick-up the goods for you making it even easier!  There are a couple where I live that allow you to schedule a pick-up day online in advance.  All you have to do is have the items bagged or boxed and marked on the pick-up day.  The rest of the work is done for you!!  Supporting charities, keeping usable goods out of landfills and cleaning up — sounds like 3 very worthwhile New year’s resolutions all rolled into one!  Happy 2012 everyone:)

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Recycling Detectives

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Paula

Metal detector Recycling DetectivesLooking for something to recycle?  Why not get find some metal detectors on sale to head out on your recycling adventures!  My kids and I often head out to the park with bags in tow to pick up the garbage we find along the way.  Not only do we make the park a little bit cleaner, we sort through what we find and recycle what we can.  It’s a great lesson to the teach kids.  A metal detector would be an even better lesson if you were living near a beach where things can easily be lost under the sand.  You might find old tin can tabs that could hurt the wildlife or maybe even some pirate treasure!!  Yarrr, there’s gold in them there hills.  I think I’m going to put a metal detector on my birthday wish list this year.

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Enzyme Washed Scrubs

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Paula

scrubs Enzyme Washed ScrubsEnzyme washing is an eco-friendly way to soften and clean material.  Even medical scrubs can be purchased with this earth friendly pre-wash done.  There are a huge variety of medical scrubs on the market now that would suit even the most tree hugging medical personnel.  There is everything from organic fabrics to sustainable choices such as bamboo materials that can be used to make medical uniforms out of.  Not green enough for you??  Why not purchase second hand uniforms to get the most bang for your buck!  You’ll be saving green in more ways than one.

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Green Resolution: Sell Your Junk

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Paula

For Sale Green Resolution: Sell Your JunkA great way to make the New Year a little green-er (and more organized) is to sell all of that stuff cluttering up your house that you’re not using.  Do NOT throw away things that someone else could use.  There are a ton of websites online that are free to use to turn that clutter into cash.  Check out your local Kijiji and Craigs List sites to find purchasers for all that stuff you need to purge.  Lately, facebook has local buy and swap groups popping up like crazy that make it even easier and more convenient to sell what you don’t need.  Remember to price your goods appropriately — no one is going to pay anywhere near full retail for something that has been used.  Popular items to sell used are clothes, toys, dishes, sporting equipment, fitness equipment, books, DVDs, CDs, electronic equipment, baby equipment and furniture.  Remember that if someone else can use it, do NOT throw it away!!

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Green Maintenance

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Paula

Bearings Green MaintenanceMaintaining household and workplace machinery is a great way to help make the world a little bit green-er.  When machines are properly maintained by having their industrial bearings replaced, having fluid levels checked regularly and keeping on top of all scheduled maintenance, they will last longer.  That means that all of these machines that are necessary to help run our world whether in or out of the home will last longer.  Longer lasting means less waste and less landfill use.  It’s also important to note that many industrial and residential machines can be recycled.  Some manufacturer’s have end of life programs that will allow them to re-use ore re-purpose various components while others can simply be taken to a metal scrap yard.  Remember to keep all of those expensive machines in your life properly maintained!

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