Daily Eco Tips - Easy tips for being a little greener and more eco-friendly

Daily Eco Tips - Easy tips for being a little greener and more eco-friendly

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What's Up with Plastic Water Bottles?

"Conventional petroleum-based plastics never really go away even when the breakdown into parts too small to be seen with the naked eye. Then these nurdles are small enough to work their way into the food chain, eventually into humans." ~Mother Jones. May/June 2009

Even though we live in a country where virtually everyone has access to clean drinking water, 80 MILLION plastic water bottles get trashed EVERY DAY! (Most end up in landfills). Some ideas to reduce your impact:

1. Get a reusable water bottle and commit to using it. I prefer double-walled stainless. Keeps your water cold all day with no plastic taste or risk of chemicals leaching into your water. We are a family of 5 and all of us have our own bottle that we use, refill, reuse, and enjoy every single day! I got the kids their own bottles this summer here: http://www.flylady.com/pages/FlyShop_swb.asp

2. Get a water filter for your home if you are concerned about taste or safety. You can find ones in all price ranges - whole house filters, filters for your kitchen faucet, or the pitcher-type you keep in your fridge.

3. If you must use plastic bottles, reuse them as many times as possible. Just wash and refill! They are good for freezing - it will gradually thaw while you are out and about!

Ten Things You Should Never Buy Again

1. Styrofoam cups - Also go to the coffee shops, restaurants, etc. you frequent and ask the manager to consider alternatives to styrofoam use.

2. Paper Towels - Invest in some dishtowels you love & re-use over and over.

3. Bleached coffee filters (or anything bleached, with bleach or BLEACH!)

4. Overpackaged foods & other products - make single servings yourself.

5. Teak and mahogany - look for FSC certified wood.

6. Chemical pesticides and herbicides.

7. Conventional household cleaners - safer alternatives available CHEAPER at http://budurl.com/egtq

8. Higher octane gas than you need.

9. Toys made with PVC plastic.

10. Plastic forks, spoons, etc.

Celebrate a "green" Valentine's Day!

Here are some great ideas I found at www.greenlivingtips.com to help you "green" your Valentine's Day!

- Purchase cards made from recycled or tree-free paper.

- Consider sending an e-card instead using one of the many quality services around.

- Look for fair trade and/or organic chocolate.

- Choose organic and/or locally grown flowers.

- Make a donation to an environmental organization on behalf of your loved one.

- If you wish to give jewelry, consider pre-owned or purchasing from jewelers who are certified to be sourcing precious metals and gemstones in an ecologically responsible way.

- For clutter-free gifts, buy the person a gift certificate for a massage, naturopath, or spa.

- Arrange dinner at a local restaurant specializing in organic or locally grown food. Eating locally cuts down on food miles.

- Go for a hike, visit a park or book a weekend retreat in a wildlife reserve, park or natural area. Your business will help support the running of such establishments.

- Give natural perfumes and fragrances, or essential oils. Popular mainstream fragrances are chemical cocktails. By buying natural fragrances, you'll be showing you not only care for the environment, but the person's health.

Here's a good one for the guys - instead of buying a card, make one using recycled or natural materials :). It's pretty unique when you think about it; after all, how many guys would go to that trouble? I reckon you'll score incredible points with that one as long as your wife/girlfriend has a green streak ;).