How about green instead of red, white, and blue?

Just kidding! Of course you should celebrate tomorrow and go all out too. It's the perfect time to reconnect with your friends and family. As with any holiday, there will be barbeques, get-togethers, and all sorts of parties, and we all know what that means, lots of trash! Let me give you some hints on how to make it a green (environmentally) and a festive occasion for all to enjoy. Set up receptacles for all those cans (soda, alcohol, etc.) and bottles to be recycled Use real utensils instead of plastic like those all too well-known red cups Buy items in bulk with the least amount of packaging Encourage carpooling to the location of the festive occasion Use charcoal instead of propane, since it comes from wood and not fossil fuels Even if you don't celebrate this holiday, these are great tips for any party. Have lots of fun and be safe!

It's all about Public Transportation these Days

With all the talk going on about gas prices, instead of listening to and being swallowed by the constant complaints, why not do something about it? Only good can come from forming a creative solution for yourself and your peers... like maybe public transportation? The great benefits to our environment by using public transportation are basically easing congestion and reducing emissions. Remember that there are buses, trains, planes and ferries/boats that can be used for the daily commute or just to get around. Here are a few tips to get you started: If you've never done the public transportation thing, start small by making short trips to common places like the post office or the grocery store, if they're close enough. This will help you get used to the system. Reduce the number of plane trips you take. The environmental effect is more destructive than automobile trips, so the shorter the trip, take a car instead. Use the bus. If you're more enthusiastic, then you can write to your city representative to request that your community upgrade their diesel buses to fleets of LNG or biodiesel buses. Overall, this reduces CO2 emissions. Full-time student? Walk to school. Most people generally live in the vicinity of their school no more than 2 miles away. You can do it! Telecommute when possible. If you can arrange to complete your work electronically, you'll reduce energy used in driving, or by however you get to work. I know that some people would rather drive in the comfort of their own car, which is ok. Coordinate carpooling with your coworkers and you'll reduce the number of cars on the road, therefore reducing emissions. On a side note, there are lots of couples who have only one car. If you can do it, then do it!

Staying cool in the summer months

Today is the day when the sun reaches its most northerly point in the sky for the northern hemisphere and that's what we call the summer solstice. At exactly 4:59pm you'll be able to experience this magnificent event welcoming the summer season, at least in good ol' Southern California. With that in mind, it's also time to prepare for the heat to come. Actually, it's already here. Today is one of the hottest days of the year so I'm sure that many have turned on their air conditioners to keep cool. Remember that doing this affects our environment by releasing harmful chloro-fluoro-carbons (CFC's) which damage our ozone layer. There are several ways that you can keep your home cool in an environmentally friendly way, so make sure that you make use of these great tips! Keep the heat out by closing drapes and window. You'll reduce the amount of heat in your home, therefore requiring less energy to cool it. If you have window or ceiling fans, use them instead of the AC. When you do use your AC it's recommended to keep the temperature at about 25 degrees C or 77 degrees F. Also turn off the AC once your home has reached a comfortable temperature and of course when nobody's home. When cooking, use your range fan to vent the hot air out of your house. Have some cold water or lemonade. It's amazing how this can keep you cool if you didn't know! If you have a pool, take advantage of it and have some fun! Wear clothes that breathe, like cotton or linen. You can also minimize what you wear at home too!

It's Father's Day on Sunday!

Is it the usual wallet, t-shirt, cologne, or tool that you're thinking to gift the father-figure in your life this weekend? Why not really take the time to think about what he might love while being creative to stay in tune with the environment as well. Some ideas include a folding bike, a radio made from sustainable wood, an electric lawn mower, a recyclable wine rack, or a suit made from recycled bottles. Did you even know that this kind of stuff existed? Well, it does and you can find out more about this stuff at www.treehugger.com. Remember to buy a recycled father's day card!

NEW and NOW on TV

Finally, a television network dedicated entirely to programs with useful content. I invite you to take a look at the latest and greatest when it comes to eco shows on TV. Planet Green™ is the first and only 24-hour television network offering you the best about how to make your earth more beautiful and sustainable. There's lots of information on lots of different shows at http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/ and I encourage you to take a peek to find the shows that interest you the most. You'll learn a lot that you can apply to your life and lifestyle, and learn some interesting facts as well. Here's a quick preview of one of the shows. It's hot, intelligent, and comical all at the same time.

What an experience!

Imagine yourself walking into a grocery store today as you catch the sweet aroma of the latest fruit that's in season. You then turn the corner down the first aisle to commence your shopping, using your keen hunter-gatherer skills to ensure you get everything on your list. All of a sudden, out of the corner of your eye you catch a glimpse of a curious little mountain of green that you've never seen before. You think to yourself, "What in the world is that?" As you step closer you realize that this little mountain is a beautiful display of the latest and greatest shopping tool you wish you’d seen before... a reusable grocery bag! If you haven't noticed yet, countless grocery stores are now taking an active role in protecting our sweet environment by providing you with a great alternative to the usual "plastic or paper" routine. The benefits are that you won't use more resources that go into manufacturing these bags, you'll decrease the amount of pollution, and your reusable bag will last you a lifetime. Perhaps you're hesitant because you don't want to be seen toting around a bag with a specific grocery store logo and it's really important that you're fashionable when you shop. Hey, why not shop consciously and look good doing it too? It's all good as long as the end result is accomplished, which is protecting the environment. Take a step towards that mountain and make your one-time purchase of a bag that will last you a lifetime, or visit one of the sites below that specialize in making environmentally friendly totes. After browsing through these sites you'll really see that there is a grand and diverse selection readily available to you when it comes to reusable grocery bags! www.bagsontherun.com shopshagbags.com bhappybags.com www.bagsofchange.com www.earthbags.com www.imorganic.com www.rawganique.com

Bike, Bike, Bike!!!

Did you know that May is National Bike Month? The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) celebrates each year by biking as much as possible to promote the benefits of cycling, show us how much fun it can be, and show us how useful it can be to get around. Of course I mention this because it is such an environmentally sound means of transportation. You don't use any fuel except yourself and I know that you have plenty of energy to jump on a bike today. Lots of events take place around the week of May 12-16th and Friday the 16th, today, is Bike to Work day. I know that most of you are already wrapping up your day, but it's still May, so you can still celebrate. For a listing of events going on around the country please visit Bike Month Special Events. And for a little bit of history and 50 quick tips on how to celebrate this month please visit 50 Things for Bike Month.

It's Children's Day too!

We all know its Mother's Day this weekend and I can only reiterate to you some basic information when you buy those special gifts: shop local, organic, recycled and sustainable whether its flowers, makeup, cards or fancy lotions. We must also remember that this special day wouldn't exist if it weren't for our children and it's probably a good idea to start instilling some earth-friendly habits while they're young. If your child's school is nearby, have them walk or ride their bike to and from school. Not comfortable with that? The next easy solution is carpooling with other kids or taking the school bus if provided. Buy your children recycled school materials. Pack their lunches in reusable containers. Make gardening a family activity. Celebrate Mother Earth with your children this weekend!!!

This box is green!

As you stroll down the aisle in any store, grocery, toy, furniture or whatever it is, you'll notice that everything is packaged with endless amounts of plastic, cardboard, bubble wrap and twisty ties. There's no need for this extraneous waste when it's going to be immediately thrown out to a landfill! Sure, you can reuse the bubble wrap and such, but who does that besides those who ship things every day? When it comes to being creative on how to eliminate packaging in products, take a cue from the designers Marcel Krings and Sebastian Mϋhlhäuser. They've collaboratively created a set of room furniture that fits inside a box which they call Casulo. How? Check out the video below. Even better news is the fact that no tools are required for assembly, and you end up using every single part of the box when you're done! If you're interested in more details, check out their website at www.mein-casulo.de.

The green vehicle that's best for you.

Biodiesel, ethanol, and natural gas; these are all alternative fuels used in environmentally friendly vehicles today to reduce the impact on the environment. It can be a bit overwhelming to research and consider which vehicle may be the best choice for you and maybe you're not in the market for one at this time. That's ok because there are still ways to reduce your impact with your current automobile. It may remind you a bit of a back-to-basics car maintenance guide, but these instructions are common knowledge that have been tried and true for many years. It never hurts to have a refresher course! Keep your tires inflated. This will increase your mileage, meaning you don’t fill up your tank so much in the long run. Take out the junk from your trunk. It just adds weight causing the vehicle to use more energy to move the increased weight. If you have cargo on the roof, this causes aerodynamic drag. Tune up your car. When your air filter is clean and your engine is tuned you increase your fuel economy. Drive slow and steady to maximize efficiency. When you drive aggressively and brake quickly you reduce your highway mileage by a significant amount.

Shedding some light on GreenSwitch™

Green what? As in "light switch?" Yep that's right. Today is a big day... it's EARTH DAY! 38 years ago marked the first officially celebrated Earth Day in the U.S. and as we look back in time we can see the huge strides that have been made since: increased environmental awareness, boosted recycling efforts, promotion of clean energy, and many other fascinating developments. As we continue to integrate earth-friendly practices into our lives we undoubtedly preserve that which is necessary to live in a harmonically wealthy environment for future generations. Whether this is achieved by simply using that one cup of water to brush your teeth or going full on by installing solar panels in your home, there is always something more that you can do. This brings me back to GreenSwitch™, a simple, effective, and modern technology used to conserve energy in your home. Essentially, it is an energy management system connected to your wall plugs, light switches, and thermostat which you can program to turn off in any designated combination with one simple switch. You can retrofit the system into your current home or add it during construction and you'll ultimately save time, energy, and money. For more exciting and detailed information visit www.greenswitch.tv and stay tuned for more exciting developments!

In preparation for Earth Day...

The official date is only 4 days away, but there are still plenty of activities you'll be able to participate in before then. I recommend that you take a look at your local informative resources such as newspapers to find out what kind of events are going on in your area. In order to help you prepare for a weekend of informative and fun activities, I've compiled a list of the most commonly used green terms and their definitions so that you'll know exactly what everyone is talking about at these events. ORGANIC: used to describe the growth of vegetables, fruits, etc without the use of artificial pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, hormones, etc. Products come from a natural source in the most natural way. RENEWABLE: refers to a natural resource that can be replenished so that they aren't permanently depleted such as solar energy, hydro power, wind power, and also fast-growing bamboo. RECLAIMED or RECYCLED: materials that are used for the production of something new instead of being thrown away and eventually ending up at a landfill. SUSTAINABLE: refers to practices that are able to fulfill the needs of the current generation without compromising those of future generations, essentially doing no lasting harm to the environment. FAIR TRADE: this refers to the socially responsible movement that promotes sustainable practices by companies in the production of goods that incorporate healthy working conditions and support local economies. BIODEGRADABLE: material that can be broken down and decomposed by microorganisms into simple substances. These substances are reabsorbed into the ecosystem and not harmful to the environment. These are just a few of the many terms used in greenspeak. Have fun celebrating Earth Day this weekend!

Earth Day is April 22nd

I dare you to get even more involved after the highly successful global Earth Hour event held a couple of weeks ago. Earth Day is just around the corner and there is so much going on around the world that I've compiled a simple list of the biggest events so that you can participate. Green Apple Festival: produced in partnership with Earth Day Network, this is one of the largest U.S. widespread events that will include music entertainment by top artists and interactive exhibits in order to increase environmental awareness. These events are completely free and will be hosted in the biggest cities including Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas. Visit http://www.greenapplemusicfestival.com/ for further details. Shift Green: This two-day event will be held in Tokyo on April 19-20th which will focus on environmentally friendly energy sources, will provide organic & locally produced food from a variety of restaurants & cafes on site, and will host an organic farmer's market. There will also be many more types of booths available with an assortment of products. This event will run entirely on 100% green energy. Visit http://ww2.earthday.net/~earthday/Tokyo for more information. Catalunya Earth Fair: This event will also be held on the 19-20th and will be hosted in Barcelona. Their theme for this year is to fight against genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Visit http://ww2.earthday.net/~earthday/Barcelona for more information. Make sure that you walk, bike, or take public transportation to get to one of these events. And if you don't make it, I encourage you to look into your local publication or participate in a simple activity like planting a tree. Have some fun in the sun!

Spring Cleaning Part II

So now that you've scrubbed, mopped, and swept, what do you do about the junk you don't want anymore? I’m going to share with you some cool information here that you probably didn't know existed. Did you know that you can recycle your cell phone? Not to mention the fact that technology advances so quickly to make you look so cool with the latest feature, just think about how many phones are thrown away because you want the savvier-looking one, the one with the cooler name, or just because it broke. That's a lot of cell phones. Even more important, the mercury, lead, and cadmium used in phones add to the toxic waste stream that affects the environment. Here's a super-easy way to recycle your cell phone. Visit recyclemycellphone.org. This project, created by Earthworks, will walk you through the process. Donate, Donate, And Donate! You probably have some old books, clothes, appliances, and other miscellaneous stuff you don't want anymore. These are easier to get rid of than you think, just don't get rid of them in a landfill. Books: super easy... give them to your local library, school, or any organization that uses books. Clothes/sheets/textiles: remember how you used that old t-shirt to wipe your counter? Now you have a great source for more cleaning rags, and of course you can give them to those in need. Shoes... this one is my favorite! The Nike Company started a program in 1993 called the Nike Reuse-a-Shoe Program. Essentially, they collect old shoes, grind them up, and integrate the recycled material into sport surfaces like basketball courts as a part of their Let Me Play community investment program. To learn more, visit http://www.nikebiz.com, http://www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe/program, http://www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe/grind If you haven't started your cleaning projects yet, to help you get started, here are some links where you can buy safe products: Countrysave.com, Mountaingreen.biz, and Seventhgeneration.com.

Spring Cleaning Part I

Yesterday was the first day of spring and as we are all accustomed to, this is the time for new beginnings. It's always exciting to see what we can clean out, get rid of, and start anew. Because "Spring Cleaning" is such a popular ritual these days, I've compiled some earth-friendly tips when participating in this renewing activity. Air fresheners, bleach, and other chemical cleaners; believe it or not, these contribute to a large amount of indoor air pollution because the chemicals in these products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through evaporation. Even though you may believe that you are disinfecting your home, you're actually creating a toxic breathing environment, especially if your windows are closed. Vinegar, specifically white vinegar, is nature's magic liquid. This wonderful item can be used to clean just about anything: windows, kitchen floors, sinks, and carpet. If you add some baking soda to the vinegar, you'll create a paste for an effective "scrubbing" effect. A couple quick recipes provided: Spray bottle: mix in 1 cup white vinegar with 1 cup water. Use this to dissolve dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits. Stronger effect: use undiluted vinegar for things like the inside of a toilet. Use 1 cup for your laundry rinse cycle to replace commercial fabric softener. Natural fiber sponges and rags (you know that collection of t-shirts that never get worn?); these are great reusable resources instead of using paper towels or any other one-time use materials. Air fresheners. Big no-no because it can cause respiratory irritation. Instead use fresh flowers... you can't get more natural than that! Buying cleaning products-choose those that are biodegradable, non-toxic, phosphate-free, and chlorine-free.

St. Patrick's Day

What a perfect day to go all out with green (festively and environmentally!). There are only three days until this really fun celebration and I know you will be scouting for green activities, shopping for green and maybe even drink green beer. Whatever you do to celebrate, and even if you don't, I've provided some tips on how you can be green on such a green day! Just like any other holiday, there is an increase in "stuff" used for trinkets, cards, toys, activities, etc. Remember to keep it green (environmentally) by using recycled materials and reuse materials. I don't mean to kill the buzz... no pun intended, but even though green beer is simply made by adding food coloring, this is a food additive that is on the whole not natural or good for your body. It's also important to be green on the inside, so maybe you can make this a day when you start an awesome habit-> eating and drinking green. That means consuming vegetables, fruits, and anything that comes in its most natural state. Buy plants for your home or office. This will liven up your spirit and give you a sense that you are still connected to the earth. If you don't have the time to maintain your plants, buy bamboo. They are so easy to take care of and they last forever, not really, but they last a really long time. All you do is add water and... add water. If you have children, what a great weekend to bond with them by participating in green activities, such as planting a tree or doing some gardening together. It is just about spring time, so there's no better time than now to get involved. I hope you all take this information to heart and do some good for yourself and for your global home.

Fashion Sense

Wabi-sabi. Most often seen in Japanese tradition, this phrase embodies that which is simple, rustic, and perfect because of imperfections. Not surprisingly, these qualities are conspicuous in organic fashion, especially in bamboo and hemp clothing. If you have any hang-ups about contributing to a healthy environment through these avenues, another viable option is organic cotton. As you know, cotton is one of the most common fibers used in textile production to date. As a consumer you can help grow the demand for the organic cotton industry by purchasing clothes, sheets, etc. made from organic cotton. I know I know, you're probably thinking, "But that stuff probably doesn't look cool." Not so! There are so many "fashionable" AND organically made clothes that you can choose from. To get started, go to www.thegreenloop.com. In addition to clothing, this site provides other items from different companies who rely on organic resources. They're not just "granola," they're fashionable too. When you make these purchases, you support friendly farming practices; no use of insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. You save the earth some pain and the farmers from potential chemical poisoning; there are actual cases of death via pesticide poisoning. Educate yourself a little on the benefits of organic cotton by going here www.sustainablecotton.org. It's always cool to be granola... or you could go wabi-sabi too!

New Beginnings!

Spring is almost here and the winter months will shortly come to an end. There’s no better time to create a flourishing garden of your own, whether in your backyard or your balcony. Don’t know how? That’s ok; you can learn right here on this page how to start growing your very own garden. These resources will provide a plethora of information on green, organic gardening, and whether you’ve got a green thumb or not doesn’t matter. You don’t need a spacious yard either. The great thing about your very own garden is that you’ll have fresh, organic vegetables, herbs, or fruit, and you won’t have to drive anywhere to get them! How green is that?! Basic Info to get you started: How to Green your Garden For Urban Dwellers: Growing in the City For all Cooks: make some dishes that reflect your garden. Asparagus Salad Easy Beef Antipesto Sandwich Platter Spring Green Potato Soup If you own a juicer, strawberries and watermelon will soon be coming into season and will be at its peak flavor. Make yourself a healthy juice!

Valentine’s Special

Being green on Valentine’s Day? That sounds kind of silly at first....but wait a minute, there are so many ways to make your loved one feel special and be green at the same time. They won’t even know it! All the traditional and special chocolate, meals, flowers, wines, and cards are available in organic and/or recycled form. You just have to know where to look. Here’s a list of many available resources: FLOWERS http://www.organicbouquet.com/ https://californiaorganicflowers.com/default http://www.diamondorganics.com/ http://www.manicorganicsflowers.com/ For more information about finding local organic flowers, click here. MEALS: some recipe ideas also included if you like to cook and remember to buy local organic food Organic Restaurants Double-Dipped Strawberries Shrimp with Romesco Sauce Chicken with Red Bell Peppers CHOCOLATE & WINE: You’ll find lots of resources by typing in “organic chocolate” and “organic wine” in your web browser, and many local health food stores have them available as well. Make sure they come from a company with commitments to the environment and fair trade labor. CARDS Make your own: Recycled Cards For your kids: http://stubbypencilstudio.com/colornkids/six_hy.htm You can also search for these easily online! *Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic relationships. You can have a special day with anyone you love, be it your best friend, sibling, parent, or child. Get your organic shopping done today!

Always on the fly? Here's some easy things you can do to be green

Switch off lights when they are not in use Unplug appliances when not in use Conserve water by turning it off when you don’t need it and turning it low when you do Use a dishwasher instead of washing by hand Buy organic cleaning products Lower your thermostat Go paperless for items like newspaper and magazine subscriptions Turn your car off if you’re going to be idle for more than one minute Do full loads of laundry and set the rinse cycle to cold *You can easily integrate these into your busy schedule or replace old products with new ones by being a conscious shopper!

Now That Winter Break is Over...

At this time of year, if you’re in school, you’re probably just getting back into the swing of things after a nice relaxing winter break. Believe it or not, whether a student, teacher, or parent of a student, there are ways to green your schooling, and it doesn’t take a rocket science genius to figure this one out either. A super easy place to start is by putting together a stock of recycled school supplies that include: Paper Products: look for process chlorine-free labels (PCF) and the highest post-consumer waste (PCW) available, with 100% being the best choice. Pens and Pencils (with the highest PCW) White Tape instead of White Out: it’s highly toxic, flammable, and can be fatal if inhaled. Folders and Binders: keep your eye out for the “No PVC” symbol which lets you know that the product is free of harmful vinyl. Backpacks (PVC free) Lunch Tote(PVC free) These products are pretty simple to find at your local school/office supply store, and if you’re not sure, make sure to ask someone who works there. Study hard!

Household Tips

Water and Air, I would say that these two resources are vital for living, wouldn’t you? Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of your H²O and O² inside your very own home. Check your home for any leaks and fix them if you have any. An easy way to do this is by taking inventory of your water usage by looking at your water meter. Shut off the water in your home or make sure that water will not be used for a few hours. Look at the water meter reading when you shut it off and then again at the end of the time period. If there is change in your meter reading, then you likely have a leak. Take shorter showers. You’ll save water. Install a water-saving showerhead. You’ll save water. Use a cup of water when brushing your teeth, instead of running the water while you brush them. You’ll save water. Use water-based paint. A couple advantages include reducing volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions and hazardous waste generation, due to the easy cleanup, which requires only soap and water. If you have ceiling fans, make use of them because it saves money on cooling and heating, and reduces energy waste. Make sure you check your air conditioner filters for replacement. You will not only improve the efficiency of your air conditioner, prolong its life, but also reduce indoor pollution in the form of allergens.

New Year’s Greenolution

It’s a brand new year with brand new commitments. Very exciting! As awareness increases on protecting our environment I’ve listed here some basic tidbits of information to help get you started on your personal commitment to preserving our environment...it’s a real simple sort of back to basics type of thing here: 1. Recycle your aluminum cans. Did you know that aluminum is the most abundant metal on the earth’s crust? It would serve us to keep it that way, especially since it can take as little as 60 days to recycle one can and get it back onto the grocery shelf. That’s amazing! And it takes much less energy to recycle a can than to make a new one from virgin resources. 2. In most parts of the country it’s the chilly season right now, so I anticipate that many of you are burning candles to keep that cozy feeling going. Make sure that you buy soy candles, instead of paraffin candles. There are many great benefits in doing this: they’re cheap, all natural, they last longer, produce less soot, and they do not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere. 3. Did you happen to make a commitment to yourself to practice a healthier lifestyle? Maybe start exercising more or develop better eating habits? Well you can hit two birds with one stone on this one. As you shop for your oh-so-yummy healthy stuff, make sure that you shop at your local farmer’s market. You’ll support the local economy, decrease transportation-related pollution for food delivery, and even get some fresh air. Make sure you share this information with your friends to help them commit too!

Last Minute Shopping Tips...

Are you anticipating all that new stuff you’re about to get next week in celebration of the holidays? Or maybe for you it’s more about the time you get to spend with your family. Either way, remember to stay green during this special time of year. Here are a few tips you can easily integrate into your holiday schedule: As you make your final plans for festive meals, instead of buying products that are packaged for single use, buy in bulk to save yourself a few trips to the grocery store, reduce the amount of packaging used, and donate any unwanted items to homeless shelters, food banks, or soup kitchens. Make room for your new gifts by donating your old/unused items such as clothes, books, appliances, and electronics to charity. You’ll be helping someone in need, reduce your clutter, and lessen the amount of junk headed to landfills. Lots and lots of toys equal lots and lots of energy usage. Go ahead and make a smart purchase with rechargeable batteries to go along with the toy. You’ll minimize the amount of garbage by not buying more batteries. And if you’re real committed, solar powered battery rechargers are available online.

Green Holidays!

It’s that time of year when we’re all running around making our last minute purchases for our special loved ones. You may think to yourself, “What can I get my mother, my brother, or my best friend this year?” But what you may not think about is that during the holiday season we generate an excess amount of energy, trash, and pollutants directly into our environment. Think about all that wrapping paper you bought and those gifts with exaggerated packaging, only to be thrown away immediately. What about the new Christmas lights and the gas you use every time you go to the store to purchase a gift, only to use more precious energy? Now I know that during this festive time you probably don’t want to add to your list of things to do, but I assure you that there are fun and easy ways to give a gift to mother earth this holiday season. Here are some great ways you can contribute to the preservation of our environment: There is obviously a lot of shopping going on, so the next time you hit the grocery store for your festively planned meals (and also in the future) make sure that you use a canvas shopping bag. Lots of stores have these available for purchase at the store itself and you can reuse and reuse every time it’s time to replenish your fridge. It’s great to know that you are using one less plastic or paper bag for every canvas bag you use and for every trip you make to the store! Leftovers? No, I’m not talking about food. I’m talking about reusing wrapping paper, gift bags, boxes, bows, and ribbon from the year before. No one will ever know the difference ;) Not only do you consume less paper, but now you have some extra dollars in your pocket! Remember to save what you can for next year’s holiday season and if you do decide to purchase, make sure you purchase recycled products. If you bought a real Christmas tree, you can contribute to keeping it green this holiday season by making sure you recycle your tree immediately after the 25th. Check your area for local recycling programs that are specific to recycling Christmas trees. An easy way to find out is by going to this website http://earth911.org/. Simply type in what you want to recycle and your zip code. It’s that easy! What about all those decorative lights? If you haven’t yet, make sure that you purchase LED lights instead of incandescent or tungsten bulbs. You’ll use much less electricity, save on your utility bill (for all those decorating fanatics ;)), and they last much longer than traditional lights. Make it a fun, festive, and green holiday season! Happy Holidays!

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Offset your carbon footprint...

What's your carbon footprint? It's basically what total effect you have on the climate in terms of greenhouse gases you produce. You may say, "But James, I've already taken steps towards becoming green... My footprint's gotta be small." Well, you may be surprised. Every time you use non-green energy, your carbon footprint grows. Every time you start your car or travel by plane or fertilize your lawn or use air conditioning or turn on the heater or... I think you get the picture. Unfortunately, there aren't yet green alternatives to a lot of activities that are a part of everyday life, so you can never really get rid of that stinky footprint. And that's why there are carbon offsets: Carbon offsets are a valuable, short-term tool to help us transform to a low or no-carbon economy in which carbon offsets are no longer needed. Carbon offsets are a mechanism to accommodate the fact that for now, there are practical limits to how much each of us can reduce our own energy use. To make up for the carbon emissions we can't avoid, we can instead help someone or something else reduce other carbon emissions. Basically, carbon offsetting involves helping someone to do something that they wouldn't otherwise have done, that results in less carbon emissions than would have happened had you not helped them to do it. A carbon offset is what you get when you say "I'll help, but in exchange, I want the right to claim the carbon reductions as my own." Source: NativeEnergy.com So if you haven't done so in your personal life or in your business, it's time to offset your carbon footprint! A great tool that I used in my home and at James Ray International is NativeEnergy's Lifestyle Calculator... It'll help you calculate your total footprint and then provide options for offsetting it. And guess what? The cost is minimal compared to the impact!