eco-friendly cajun

earth day festival

2010-04-22T00:05:00.004-05:00

I missed it last year due to a freak eye infection, but this year I made sure I attended the Earth Day Festival at Vermilionville. It was this past Sunday and it was a nice little afternoon. I hadn't been to Vermilionville since, oh, the last time my class took a field trip there. Probably 4th or 5th grade.

Anyway, there were tables set up for different aspects of the green lifestyle throughout the village. I got a cloth bag, plenty of brochures, and talked to some great people. Finally, not talking to myself about being eco-friendly!

I've got some ideas about where I want to go next in my environmental quest and I'm ready to put them into action!

Until then, enjoy the 40th Earth Day and some photos from the festival this past weekend.

The lovely and brown Vermilion River.

Green Living section of the festival.

The sweet little ferry ride across the bayou. Completely eco-friendly, as it involves pulling yourself by rope to the other side.

Solar display. I'm fascinated.

Green living tables.

Where the sidewalk ends.

Vermilionville.

coffeecoffeecoffee

2010-04-15T11:11:00.001-05:00

Today, April 15, Starbucks is giving away a free brewed cup of coffee to anyone who brings in their reusable mug.

Visit their site and make the pledge to help make a difference.

And I learned that you can bring your reusable mug in anytime and get 10 cents off any coffee order.

unnecessary

2010-04-14T22:38:00.000-05:00

As I occasionally shop for cold medicines, one thing always comes to mind. Why, exactly, does every single liquid medicine come with a dosage cup? In the first place, there should at least be a universal dosage measuring system so you could use one cup for any medicine. And for the argument that you either lose the cups or you need more than one, I feel like you should just be able to buy replacement dosage cups as necessary. If people just throw them away when the medicine is over, then medicines need to carry “Please recycle this dosage cup” labeled on it.

I live on my own and I’m on bottle 2 of my nighttime cold medicine and bottle 3 or 4 of my sore throat medicine. And in my bathroom cabinet is 5 dosage cups. I am but one person. What am I going to do with 5 dosage cups? Line up shots and call it a party? As much fun as that sounds, I do have to go to work in the morning.

Why can’t medicines not come with a dosage cup by default and replacements be sold separately? That way, they would be used more on an as-needed basis and lots of plastic could be used for something else. Is there an actual, concrete reason every bottle of cold medicine comes with its own dosage cup, or is it just a standard practice?

what i've learned

2010-04-04T21:42:00.001-05:00

I feel like I'm writing a final thesis on my six weeks of vegetarian research. Easter was today and my official stint as a vegetarian has come to an end. I will, however, be continuing my meatless diet, because I enjoyed the time and the new recipes and missed eating meat less than I thought I would.

I've thought about it many times over the past six weeks, why I wanted to go vegetarian. I'm not discounting animal cruelty and welfare, but it wasn't the main reason. It was a lot of thinking how I rarely cooked with meat in the first place and I always strive to eat healthy, so eliminating meat was a logical idea. What I found was that I cut out trips to fast food places and ate healthier at restaurants. But I also found I ate at restaurants less and opted to eat at home. My grocery trips were much more fun when looking for organic, vegetarian options. I made (almost) vegan lasagna last week and it came out delicious. Tofu, organic spinach, organic lasagna noodles, organic tomato sauce. The only thing I cheated on was using regular mozzarella cheese instead of a vegan substitute, because I just couldn't find an acceptable substitute.

I learned more about alternative ways to get protein, and have eaten even more hummus than usual. I also ate chickpeas with more of my meals, and have shelled edamame in my freezer. I limited the amount of fish and seafood I ate, but didn't give it up completely. (I can quit burgers much more easily than I can quit sushi - even though I have conducted a mini survey of the veggie rolls in town. It was very tasty research.)

Through my research, I found two great magazines, VegNews and Vegetarian Times. I also came across a book of veggie burger recipes, even though I've yet to go through it. I suppose the piece de resistance is my viewing of Food, Inc. tonight. I know that'll throw a lot of new thoughts into the mix.

The biggest thing right now that sticks in my mind about the animal industry is the sheer amount of grain and energy it takes to raise these animals (cruelly) for the sole purpose of making meat to sell. All this food going to the animals, all the water it requires to make that food and give to the animals, plus the energy it takes to run the factories - it uses more resources than we even have. If more Americans switched to a plant-based diet, world hunger would decrease dramatically. Basically, we are taking all this grain and giving it to the animals we're going to kill and eat ourselves. Instead of giving the grain to humans who have nothing. Plant-based diets are simply more sustainable for the planet and its inhabitants.

Now, if I may get back to my Sunday night cinematic feature...

earth hour 2010

2010-03-14T19:48:00.006-05:00

Mark your calendars: two weeks from now, Saturday, March 27, is Earth Hour 2010. From 8:30 to 9:30 your time, turn your lights out in support of Earth Hour. 23 states have signed up so far (not including Louisiana, shockingly) and a bunch of celebrities are showing their support.

You don't have to turn everything off, just non-essential lighting. You could take a nap, lay out in your backyard and stare at the stars, sit inside and watch the rain (hey I'm not a meteorologist, I don't know what the weather will be like next weekend), read by candlelight, drink a bottle of (organic) wine, pay bills by candelight...

brushing the dust off

2010-03-08T21:27:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I fell off the wagon again. Please accept my sincere, biodegradeable apologies.

I haven't been doing much outside of my standard green routine - recycling, Klean Kanteen, saving paper, but even so, I'm not doing enough to make myself happy. I still haven't gotten in the habit of taking a reusable container with me to restaurants for leftovers. I haven't figured out a way to gently convince other people to do a little more, and I end up just watching people toss paper and water bottles in the trash. Because my city took away most of the fire station recycling drop-offs, I don't empty my home recycling often, and it just piles up (even though the place I drop it off now is half a mile away and next door to my boyfriend's house.)

The main thing I've been doing is my six-week period as a vegetarian. It is going very well and I find I even eat healthier snacks (except for Cadbury mini eggs.)

So, I need to get back into doing more and learning about more ways to be environmentally friendly. Soon I'll post a list of great books and websites that I use in my journey.

I have noticed that since I became committed to the environment, my brain is hard-wired differently. I cannot bring myself to throw something away unless it's absolutely not recyclable. I'm looking at you styrofoam. I save plastic bags for recycling and small trashcan liners. I hoard boxes. (Boy, do I hoard boxes.) I have tissue paper to last until my brother's 30th birthday (he's 18.) All this leads up to the urge I got to clean out my closet. The top shelves, where I store all of my extra junk and holiday decorations. This weekend and tonight, I pulled everything down, went through it, grouped it, put it in boxes and labeled it. I magically have a large hole on my shelf now from all the streamlining I did. Amazingly, I barely threw away anything. But it was difficult because there is always a pile of "Now what to do with this!?" And I just cannot throw anything away. I think it ended up going in a box labeled "miscellaneous", but at least it's somewhere and labeled. I flattened my extra boxes for future possible use. I found the super glue my boyfriend gave me a few weeks ago. I've got an "art station" with all of my paint, can tabs, wine corks and bottle caps for future recycled material projects. My next art project, however, will involve film canisters.

This has somehow become a stream-of-consciousness post and for that I'm sorry. I just don't have any tips coming to mind at the moment. I'll get back to that too, I promise.

hooray veggies

2010-02-11T22:28:00.002-06:00

I've been toying with the idea of going vegetarian for awhile now. The thing that always holds me back is that reoccurring craving of a cheeseburger. I love a good cheeseburger. However, when I cook at home, more often than not, I end up making meatless dishes, because it's quicker, cheaper and more difficult to screw up/give myself food poisoning.

When I was a child, my father became vegetarian, so in a sense, I've already done it for a period in my life. All I really remember was the lack of a tasty tofu dog in 1993. Of course I'm not sure any tofu dogs are made for eight-year-olds.

Anyway, I was at a Greek restaurant last week, enjoying some spinach pies and a vegetable pita sandwich, when the idea came back to me. Lent is coming up next week, why not give up meat? It's already not an option for some of those days, why not just go all out?

Once I made up my mind I took to the kitchen to do a rundown of all the meat products I need to keep frozen or eat before next Wednesday. Thanks to that I've been eating sausage jambalaya for four straight days and finally finished today. I separated all of my bookmarked recipes so the vegetarian ones are in a special folder.

And now I'm on my last hurrah - getting in my last cravings before it's veggies and seafood for six weeks. I have to admit, my last hurrah isn't that hardcore - a turkey sandwich tonight and chicken nuggets for lunch tomorrow.

Treehugger had a great article today about being a weekday vegetarian, where as the name implies, you only eat meat on weekends. It cuts down on meat consumption enough to make an impact, but you won't have to swear it off forever. Paul McCartney has also started a Meat-free Monday campaign, though it's not as much of an impact as cutting out meat five days of the week.

Reducing meat consumption helps to slow global warming, reduce carbon emissions, fight global hunger and improve animal welfare. Plus, it'll save you money and possibly keep you from getting sick. In these times, it's not complete culinary torture to give up meat - there are so many delicious vegetarian dishes. It's not just tofu or bust!

So, February 17 - April 4. Let's do this!

gifts with heart

2010-02-10T21:32:00.003-06:00

I discovered World of Good during my Christmas shopping this past season and fell in love with the entire site. Every item they carry is eco-friendly, fair trade or sustainably produced. And they have so many great things.

Since this is the Wednesday before Valentine's Day, my eco-friendly tip is to check out the site if you need gift ideas. Though with shipping times, I probably should've done this LAST Wednesday!

Anyway, they have a huge variety of items that are great for any sort of gift you need to buy. And you'll feel good knowing your gift is doing good in the world, whether supporting workers in India, or using recycled materials. It's always a bonus when you can help multiple people with one gift!

collected stuff

2010-02-05T16:21:00.000-06:00

Cleaning out my Google tasks list and I came across a ton of links I saved for the purpose of blogging.

I just realized I never wrote about Discovery Green in Houston, Texas. I was there for Halloween weekend, Taking the Walk, and we passed this beautiful area with some sculptures that I took a picture of. When I got home, I did a little research and found the area is called Discovery Green and is an official Houston Green Space. It's LEED Gold certified and is a 12-acre park that is neighbors to the Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the convention center. There are a bunch of different features of the park, and if I wrote about them all, we'd be here for days. Check out their site to see just how awesome it is.

Amazon has a fantastic compilation that supports 1% for the Planet. I previewed the tracks earlier and cannot wait to purchase the whole album. There are 41 tracks and it's only $7.99. Please check it out; all proceeds go to 1%. And one of the bands is from Louisiana - glad to see Sons of William representing Louisiana on a compilation like this.

Ecosia is a search engine that donates their revenue to saving the rainforest. You can install the search engine to have it become your default and do good each time you have a search urge, which face it - WE ALL DO.

I wrote a post on my personal blog last Mardi Gras about just how much trash the holiday and its parades generated.

The rest of it? I don't know if it's possible to truly make Mardi Gras a
green holiday, unless every parade-goer intends to change their own habit. It is
impossible to convince every person along the route to pick up their own trash
once they leave. It seems like common sense, but sometimes I feel I'm
overestimating a large group of people. It's an idea I do not like, but people
have to want to change themselves, and I'm not sure the Mardi Gras crowd is the
group to turn green. If they intend to set up camp on the sidewalk with a card
table full of food, they are going to use disposable plates/forks/napkins/cups,
and chances are, everything not in a trash bag will end up on the ground.

Well, there's a group I found recently, known as the Green Monkeys, and I was visiting their website when I noticed one of the events on their calendar is for February 16. They will be picking up the trash left behind by Mardi Gras parades, accompanied by wagons and a marching band. They'll recycle the cans and donate the money to EarthShare Gardens. When I read it, I wished I would actually be in town for Mardi Gras this year (instead, hola, Tejas!) but I'll just have to be there in spirit.

restaurant "gifts"

2010-02-04T21:08:00.002-06:00

Alright, I know it's Thursday. And I only have a decent excuse for not posting last night. I took the afternoon off work because I wasn't feeling well and promptly slept most of it away. And then I was just lazy.

Anyway, here we go on this week's eco suggestion.

Take what you can from restaurants! Now before you go putting plates and spoons in your purse as you leave, continue reading. Restaurants are pretty notorious for bringing a stack of "extra" napkins the height of the Sears Tower. But if you don't use them all, they all still get thrown away. So take the ones you don't use! What's the point of letting unused napkins go in the trash? Bring them home, keep them in the car or in your purse, or put them in your desk drawer. Napkins will always find a way to get used. Extra straws? Extra plastic utensils (which are really a beast unto themselves)? Bring them with you!

Sugar/Splenda packets are also fair game, if you request some and they bring you more than enough. But I can't advise dumping the whole sugar caddy in your bag. Sorry!

And if you're in a fast food restaurant, don't throw those extra seven ketchup packets away! If they give you a handful, use the whole handful, even if that means six months later you're using that last packet that's been sitting in your fridge.

The whole point is to use what the restaurants gave you and would throw away if left behind. They can't use your leftovers for public health reasons, but you can use them! And napkins and ketchup packets add up quickly and come in handy. Right there, you've saved a ton of waste from landfills, without costing you anything more than the price of dinner.

it's wednesday!

2010-01-27T21:26:00.003-06:00

First off, a little bit of housekeeping is necessary.

Thanks to reader Joshua's comment on last Wednesday's post, I checked out Red Plum's website and removed myself from their mailing list. It takes "5-6 weeks" to take effect, and I'm watching you and my mail slot, Red Plum. There was only one grocery store circular I read, and it's available to read on their company website, so there's that. Anyway, on the Red Plum website, you click on Contact and follow the link to be removed from the mailing list. My next hurdle is the phone book.

I didn't watch all of President Obama's address tonight, but I did see the segment on clean energy and green jobs. I particularly enjoyed the jab at those who don't believe in climate change despite the overwhelming scientific evidence and the comment that even if you don't believe in climate change, it's not an excuse to continue wasteful practices. (Sorry to my napping boyfriend whose ear I cheered in.)

This week's issue of The Independent is dedicated to green subjects, interviews, and news. I'll let some of the features serve as this week's tips. Edward Cazayoux, a former UL architecture professor has some green building suggestions that save energy and money in the long run. I'm not here to mess with copyrights, so click that little link above and check it out. There are some interviews as well with four environmental guys in the area that I find pretty interesting. This city is really not known for its progressive environmental stance, but I think The Independent has done a pretty good job of showing that there is some action being taken.

This kind of brings me to add to what they've written about this week. If you're starting a new project, like renovating your home or buying a car or renting a hotel room, do some research. It doesn't have to be thesis-quality, but just get online and check out the greener options. Even if you don't end up choosing the greener route, at least you'd have a reason for it, besides just not knowing there are other options.

hold the mail

2010-01-20T21:57:00.003-06:00

Tons of everyday mail is unsolicited. Advertising people (like me) call it direct mail. Consumers (like me) call it junk. Direct mail really can be effective, but it has to be done right. And most of the time, it's just not.

Since I moved I started getting my own set of weekly salepapers, known as the Tuesday Junk. Three times now, I have received four exact same letters from an insurance company, return-addressed from four different representatives near my house. After the second instance, I wrote a letter and mailed all of the junk mail back to that company. I also tweeted it and the company replied to me, telling me where on their website I could look for help.

But help it did not, as this week, I received another set of four duplicate letters. Hilariously, I already use this company and met with a representative today about some things I needed to take care of. I brought the four letters with me, and gave them to her during our meeting. She got on the phone immediately to have them stop sending the letters. It's a waste of money and a waste of paper. And since I already pay this company money, I didn't want them spending it to send me junk mail four times over.

So. Weekly tip.

Find out how you can reduce the amount of junk mail you receive. If you don't get a terribly huge amount, or you know which company it comes from, you can contact the company directly. While you are requesting to be removed from the list, you can also suggest a way for them to make their marketing more effective. I've also received multiple postcards for a home security system. The postcards were mailed to my...apartment complex. I'd suggest that they limit their direct mail to strictly homeowners. I suggested to the insurance company that they make sure their mailing radiuses don't overlap with each other, because I'm sure other renters here got the same amount as me and would just trash everything.

If you receive mail for a previous homeowner or renter, call that company to let them know that person is no longer at your address. I've stopped a couple magazines coming in because they were for previous renters. I simply told the circulation person that so and so wasn't there anymore, and I had no need for a Southern Poverty Law Center magazine, but thanks!

I looked on the USPS website to see if there was a way to stop junk mail. I found their Go Green page, and one of their tips is to update your address when moving. However, I find that doesn't streamline any mail, that just puts your actual name instead of "Our Neighbor" on the junk mail. Anyway, tangent.

If you want to cut down on the amount of junk mail you receive at your office for employees who are no longer there, check out the Ecological Mail Coalition. It's a free service that allows you to enter the names of former employees and your business address and they work to stop the mail coming to those people. I've done it for a few employees in my office and the last time I checked, the office manager had noticed a decrease in duplicate junk mail. I'll have to check again to see if there's still a decrease.

There are also ways to stop delivery of the Yellow Pages, but I have not tried any to be able to recommend any. And it's too late for this year as I received two copies of two phone books. A small and a large. Still haven't figured out the difference, or why they delivered two sets within a week. If anyone has successfully stopped phone book delivery, please share!

shop green new orleans

2010-01-16T14:11:00.003-06:00

One thing I love about visiting New Orleans is walking down Magazine Street and checking out the little shops. As we were heading to Winky's, a retro shop, I saw a sign for UP/Unique Products. They have a shop in the top floor of Winky's and they have a ton of really interesting recycled products. I loved their vintage purse clocks, but most of all, I loved their melted Mardi Gras bead pendant lamps and lampshades. Nothing says Green New Orleans more than repurposed Mardi Gras beads.

I intended to buy one of their t-shirts, which are made from organic cotton and recycled soft drink bottle polyester and printed with vegetable-based inks, but they unfortunately did not have my size. I just may need to order one from the website. They are the softest t-shirts I think I've ever felt.

walk in, walk out, light off

2010-01-13T16:17:00.000-06:00

This week's tip was inspired by my boyfriend and his geeky fascination with little projects around the house.

If you have the best intentions of turning off a light when you leave the room, but just can't remember to do so, you can purchase inexpensive occupancy motion sensors, which replace standard light switches. Simply set how long you want the light to stay on once it detects motion, then set the switch on auto. Now you don't have to remember to hit the switch, because the light will go off automatically. The boyfriend's bathrooms and kitchen are motion automated, making it convenient and conserving, since he rarely turns lights off himself.

Though I don't have kids or a foyer, I would imagine these would work well such a room, so when your kids come home at night, the light will see them safely in (before or after curfew!) My parents also always leave a lamp on in the house so when they return after dark, they don't stumble into a dark house. These motion detectors would help with saving energy while no one's home, yet still allowing light when it's needed again.

I've thought about getting one of these switches for my closet light, since that's the one I have the most trouble remembering to turn off, but since the switch is facing my bedroom, I'd be inadvertently turning the light on much more often than necessary.

new weekly feature

2010-01-06T15:35:00.000-06:00

Happy new year, everyone! I apologize for sort of neglecting this place, but I resolve to be attentive this year.

I'm starting a new weekly feature, so each Wednesday I'll post a suggestion that is an easy way to make a green change in your life.

eco-cajun tip for January 6:

It would be nice if printers always worked as they were supposed to and we could always remember to check that we print double-sided or check to see if only two lines of an email signature will print on their own page.

But there will always be pages that print with one line of text, or one line of error code. Or the best, the pages that get slightly crinkled in a paper jam. And we can always toss the papers into the recycling bin, but following the Reduce Reuse Recycle motto, recycling should be the last option. Even if you try hard to reduce your waste, there will be times when you accidentally use extra paper. But a few months ago, I began collecting all the waste paper, found a slightly trashed binder in the supply cabinet that was probably on its way to the dump, and created a notebook.

I told a few coworkers that I would collect any almost-blank sheets of paper, and I have yet to come close to running out of paper for my notebook. It's such an easy way to see how much paper I've saved even from the recycling bin (or at least used before sending to the recycling bin.) I use it for notes to myself, notes during phone calls, to-do lists and notes during meetings.

Thanks to a printer freak-out a couple weeks ago, I scored enough paper to last my little binder into 2012.

So for no cost, I have a binder full of fully usable paper that keeps me from needing to use brand new tablets or notepads! Less paper in the recycling bin overall.

let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

2009-12-15T23:31:00.003-06:00

I got a spark of creativity tonight (after creating a wonderful home-cooked meal for my family) and created some paper snowflakes to hang on my walls.

Out of brown shipping paper and the weekly junk mail pile. I think I love them. Now I'm actually excited to check the mail tomorrow and get a new junk pile so I can make stacks more of these snowflakes.

So, if you're looking for a very inexpensive craft idea for your family, give these a spin! Just make sure the kids don't make a snowflake out of the utility bill...

donatin' and all that jazz

2009-12-09T13:20:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the gift exchange - finding something to give someone else and, of course, getting things you want as well. But as I get older, I've become more interested in donating during the Christmas season. It makes you feel good inside, to help someone you don't know receive necessities they otherwise don't have access to. For the past couple years I've donated to my local United Way, and this year I have a list of three charities to which I plan to donate for the holidays.

The first is to UNICEF to give children clean water, nutrition or the proper immunization.

The second is to Reverb, which I read about earlier today, which works to green tours and events by famous musicians. I have been to six or seven concerts this year, so I am all about helping tours become greener. As much as I'd love to believe those tour buses run on music notes and audience screams (much like Monstropolis was powered on children screams and laughs), I know they don't. And I certainly don't want the tours to stop.

The third is Charity: Water. They have holiday gifts and the Little Black Box, $24, provides clean water to one person for 20 years. (And you get a snazzy little bracelet.) Safe drinking water is something so easy to take for granted, but so many people just don't have it. I'm sitting here, drinking my filtered water from my Klean Kanteen, and realizing just how lucky I am to be doing so.

Last year I also donated to Take the Walk, Hanson's charity to help children in Africa in different areas. You can choose to put your money toward shoes, clean water, SMS credits for children to be in contact with a doctor, build schools and fight AIDS. Of course I'm biased since I pretty much live for all things Hanson, but I love that they have dedicated themselves to this cause and started this charity in order to make a difference. Before the start of every concert on their last three tours, Hanson have put on one-mile walks near each venue. I finally got to participate on this past tour and it felt great to be "walking for change", as Taylor kept declaring to oncoming cars. They also donate one dollar for every person who walks and have raised over $25,000 so far.

So with these donations, I will certainly have a merrier Christmas, knowing I've helped make a difference to people who don't have anything and to the earth, who needs a little lovin'. I may not make a ton of money, but to the children who don't have shoes or drinking water, I'm Richard Branson. My tiny little heart can't ignore that, and since I like to go crazy on Christmas spending, I might as well put it to something beyond XBox points. (If my brother is reading, you didn't read that!!) And I won't turn this into a plea for you to donate as well, but if you feel that twinge, look around online and find something to which you'll be excited to donate. I started my browsing through Treehugge r, who has compiled a list of different green organizations, but of course, there are hundreds of great organizations.

12 eco-friendly days of christmas

2009-12-02T21:58:00.004-06:00

I saw a table at the bookstore labeled "eco-friendly gifts" while out shopping on Black Friday. I really didn't have a need for more Christmas cards, but if I did, these would have been them.
This is not the best photograph, but the table was out in the open and I try not to be taking pictures of merchandise when employees pass by.

So, now presenting, the 12 eco-friendly days of Christmas!

A Partridge in an Organically-Grown Pear Tree
Two Ecotours
Three Free-Range Hens
Four Recycling Bins
Five ~~Gold~~ Green Dwellings
Six Sustainable Forests Growing
Seven Fluorescent Bulbs a-Dimming
Eight Maids Goat-Milking
Nine Earth Mamas Dancing
Ten Compost Piles Steeping
Eleven Cyclists Cycling
Twelve Hybrids Humming

Now go have fun wrapping your gifts in newspaper and scrap cloth!

all in the wrapping

2009-11-19T12:04:00.004-06:00

Wrapping paper and gift bags are a big part of Christmas. I always love to peruse the different designs, especially after the holiday, when everything is 50% off. However, we spend so much money on paper that is used once, then thrown away. Last year, I checked with our local recycling company and they confirmed that wrapping paper is not recyclable, because of the wax coating put on it.

So how can we be less wasteful and more environmentally friendly when wrapping gifts? For other occasions, I've taken to buying a nice cloth bag and putting the gifts in there, making the bag a gift unto itself. I've toyed with the idea of ordering cloth bags in bulk from a promotional products company, creating a little graphic to be printed on each bag, and using them for all gifts. And in my family, we reuse gift bags each year. I believe there's still a Christmas Barbie gift bag floating around my parents' house. There's a Ready, Aim, File program box dating from the mid-90s that is the hot box to use every Christmas. There's always a mad dash to see who can be the first to get to it.

But my child voice is still in the back of my head. "But opening presents is so much fun! Hearing the paper rip is fulfilling!" Well, for all you child voices, there is recycled wrapping paper. Smith and Hawken (whose site seems to be down), Paporganics (whose site also seems to be down right now), Of the Earth and Fish Lips all make recycled or organic wrapping paper and ribbon. Botanical Paperworks creates gift tags (and other products) that are biodegradable and contain flower seeds. And Lucky Crow makes (the most gorgeous!) reusable gift bags.

But - if you want to save money, newspaper and magazines always work well. Last year, my brother wrapped my gift in newspaper, and my boyfriend, who doesn't own a scrap of wrapping paper or ribbon, found materials he had to lovingly wrap my gift - a red tie and the junk mail sale papers.

No sacrifice necessary in this department!

update and editorial

2009-11-18T11:27:00.003-06:00

About two months ago I wrote about the city of Houston and NRG Energy being close to a deal that would provide solar energy for city buildings and linked to the New York Times article. Today the NYT has a follow-up article saying the deal is pretty much dead, due to the city wanting to renew the contract annually and NRG wanting an upfront 25-year contract.

NYT also has an editorial from Thomas Friedman about legislative opponents to cap-and-trade taxes and their seeming disagreement that some kind of change needs to happen. I think it's very well-written and I agree with the points he makes. And I still think there's a twofold challenge to environmentalism - getting people to understand the need and the danger, and getting people to ACT to work against the destruction. Friedman mostly talks about getting people to understand the need and know that the world can't keep functioning on its current system.

the holiday debate

2009-11-12T15:38:00.001-06:00

Artificial trees have grown exponentially over the past years, bringing the question "Which is better for the environment?" An artificial tree that can be used more than once or a real tree that isn't made of toxins and can be recycled?

The Daily Green has a well-timed feature this week on what exactly the greenest Christmas tree is. From most green to least green, here's their list:

Decorating an existing outdoor tree (In my apartment, this might have to mean putting lights on the pumpkin on my patio!)

Making a tree from tree scraps

Live, plantable bulb trees

Local, sustainable or organic trees

Artificial OR conventional live trees (a few extra points if either tree is made in America)

The negative points on conventional live trees are that they must be shipped long distances, which requires lots of fuel for the trucks and pesticides for the trees, and can take up space in landfills if people don't turn them into compost or recycle them somehow. Though, since many live trees are grown on farms, they do not contribute to deforestation.

Artificial trees are primarily made in China of oil-derived PVC. (A merry Christmas indeed!) Many of these have been found to contain lead, and according to another source, the USDA quarantined some Chinese artificial trees for containing a potentially harmful beetle in the center pole. (Though, this makes me think of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and the squirrel that was hiding in the Griswolds' second Christmas tree, that came from the front yard!) Another source I found says that the average family keeps their artificial tree six to nine years before throwing them away to live forever in a landfill. This leads me to think part of the reason people do not keep artificial trees longer is due to the changes in tree features - such as how pre-lit trees are commonplace now. And trees that come with lights built in are assuredly not recyclable.

This year is my first Christmas on my own, and while I should probably consult my roommate, I have already made plans to be a smaller live Christmas tree to put in our living room. I am personally on the side of real trees - they just smell so good and are so classic looking. The people who run the tree farm my family goes to every year are from North Carolina, so I know we buy American frasier fir trees, plus we support a family over a large corporation. Artificial trees rarely come shorter than seven feet, and I would like something on a smaller scale than that. So the weekend after Thanksgiving, it'll be on to find MY very first tree. (The fact that I've already bought a star, lights and ornaments for it is neither here nor there!)

Plus, living in south Louisiana means it's a common practice every January for the yard waste company to pick up all real Christmas trees and deliver them to the eroding wetlands, so really, the trees get to have a use all year long in saving our coastline. I would rather that than having to throw out a non-recyclable artificial tree if it wasn't able to be used any more. I successfully convinced my father last year to buy a real tree when he wanted to go artificial. However, I do have a small artificial tree, that looks like the Charlie Brown tree's older brother, that I've put up in my bedroom for about 13 years now. I quite enjoy it, though I'm not looking forward to when it finally gives out on me, and I'll have to dispose of it.

Now, my next step is to find an environmentally friendly tree skirt... but that's another post for another day.

What are your ideas to make Christmas trees as green as possible?

update to lafayette recycling

2009-11-09T13:31:00.004-06:00

Following up on my previous pos t, I received a call back from the Department of Environmental Quality today. I explained again my situation, that I would just like to know where I can drop off my recyclables and I was told there are two fire stations in Lafayette that continue to have a drop-off. One is the fire station on Johnston and St. Julien, near UL, and the other is a fire station on Ambassador Caffery, somewhere near the Bertrand split. Neither take glass, which is nothing new. My other option would be the Recycling Foundation office on Cameron, somewhere near Eraste Landry, and they accept glass, but are only open during normal working hours. (My knowledge of west Lafayette is not the greatest since I am never there.)

Thus, I have two completely out-of-the-way choices to drop off my recycling, meaning I will continue to mooch off my boyfriend's neighbor's bin and invite myself into the city's contract with the Recycling Foundation.

So for those of you who don't have a residential bin or those of you who don't live in the city limits – those are your options. One fire station in the middle of Lafayette or one in west Lafayette.

(And coupled with the frustrations I'm having regarding my company's recycling bin and ITS lack of pickup, I'm not a content treehugger at the moment.)

can't stop won't stop

2009-11-07T15:37:00.002-06:00

It had been about three weeks, and my recycling bin was overflowing, so while out on errands today, I stopped by the fire station near my apartment to empty the bin.

I found zero recycling bins and a sign saying "Drop off closed, please call for information." So bet your ass I left a voicemail for the Department of Environmental Quality asking them where us lowly non-homeowners should be dropping off recycling." I don't expect a call back, but I will get my answer somehow.

For the time being, I decided to use my boyfriend's next-door neighbor's bin, since I am actually closer to that than the fire station, and I can mix in my glass.

I had heard of another fire station's drop-off being closed recently, and sometime in the last month, mine was as well. Maybe because I don't read the newspaper, but I surely hadn't heard rumblings of this happening. And I haven't heard of alternative options, which I do not appreciate. Of course business is all about money and the bottom line, but I fully believe being environmentally responsible goes BEYOND that. I don't know what I would do without being able to recycle, as that is what I do with close to 70% of my waste, and I cannot physically throw a piece of paper or a can in the trash anymore. But I don't think I'll face my worst expectation, as all city residents pay for residential pickup through a contract with the city. So from now on, it's about mooching off of that city contract. And if the city doesn't like it, they can talk to me.

By no means is Lafayette the most progressive, environmentally responsible city, but I can't sit back and watch us move backwards. Especially since I, personally, will not move backwards.

Ironic this comes on the heels of LUS receiving Smart Grid grant money to install smart meters on homes. But I guess that still would have no effect on apartment dwellers and residents outside the city limits. We don't count, I suppose.

errands

2009-10-26T21:07:00.004-05:00

I had some shopping to do this past weekend, and since I vow never to step foot in Wal-Mart again, I made my way to Target. I mostly needed medicine and food, but I can never keep myself from walking around the entire store.

Halfway through my trip, I looked down in my cart and realized I had Method plant-based laundry detergent, LED Christmas lights (already planning for the tree!), solar-powered LED lights (for the patio) and organic cotton pillowcases (which I thought were bamboo until just now. Sorry cotton, but bamboo is way softer.)

So if I didn't know I was dedicated before, my shopping cart proved it. I also went on to buy organic green beans for the casserole I am making tomorrow night.

It's not easy finding all green products at a big box store, but Target is getting there slowly. I would've felt more successful if they'd had the casserole dish and medicine I needed, but I was still happy to get all my green items. I think the casserole dish situation worked out for the best since I got one for free from my parents. Keeping the circle of kitchenware life going and saving myself money (that I'll cough, spend in Houston this weekend.)

I've been using the Method detergent for about six months now and I think it's great. I can't vouch for how well the solar LED lights work, but I can't wait to try them out. The instructions said to point the panel south to get the maximum sunlight, which poses a problem here in my northwest-facing apartment. I don't think the sun hits my patio until around 3, leaving just a few hours of sunlight come winter.

link roundup

2009-10-16T11:04:00.003-05:00

I suppose I should really pick an actual day of the week to have a link roundup. So I'll decide now. Every Friday I'll compile a list of links I've found throughout the week that I have an interest in.

The New York Times has a piece on ToughStuff, a company determined to bring low-cost solar panels to the impoverished in Africa. I'm a fan of companies dedicated to helping developing countries (see: TOMS Shoes) and this is something so many people need.

ToughStuff introduced its panels in Madagascar earlier this year, and villagers are using the devices to light small rooms, power radios and charge mobile phones. Previously, Mr. Sowden said, “most people would either steal power, or walk 10 miles each way to the nearest town for power.”

This is an older link, but it's a list of 10 simple ways to reduce household waste. I'm a practicer of most of these (still haven't begun composting though), but it's something you can always stand to read. I wish more mainstream stores had a bulk option though. It's just not something common in my area. However, I have very little waste that actually goes in the trash can. I end up emptying my recycling bin more often.

How Green is My Town is a project that's focused on studying the problems cities have and finding solutions to create greener places.

Dow Chemical has created and released a lightweight solar shingle that works with asphalt shingles. Dow claims their solar shingles can offset between 40% and 80% of a home's electricity consumption. They also claim that regular roofers can install them, instead of a dedicated solar installation crew. However, an electrician is still needed to hook all of the shingles into the inverter and home electrical system. I'm very interested in seeing if these shingles take off. They keep the conventional look of a roof while being very innovative.

Planet Green posted a f ive-minute guide to the Senate Climate Bill that was passed two weeks ago. It explains the positive and negative aspects and compares it to the House's Bill.

The New Republic has a piece looking at why many companies are resigning from the US Chamber of Commerce board over their stance on global warming.

Need to order office supplies for yourself or your company? Check out The Green Office!

This is something I want to dedicate a post to. I've heard about this sustainable home near Opelousas, Louisiana, before, and I'd love to check it out to see all the green elements that work together to make this home absolutely sustainable.

Organic food has become more popular as of late, but the same principles should be applied when looking for makeup. The Daily Green has a list of toxic ingredients that many cosmetics contain. Make sure to find makeup that doesn't contain them and you can feel gorgeous, natural and safe!

wonder cork

2009-10-06T12:54:00.002-05:00

The New York Times Green blog has a post today on the new partnership between ReCork and SOLE, an American wine cork recycling company and Canadian footwear company, respectively. ReCork will supply SOLE with corks and in turn receive national marketing exposure.

Shoes consisting partly of cork is a great reuse and goes beyond the standard "make a bulletin board from cork" idea.

team beausoleil coverage

2009-10-01T13:15:00.003-05:00

Treehugger has an entry on Team BeauSoleil in Washington DC praising the house for being green while exemplifying Louisiana culture and being tough enough to survive hurricane-force winds. Some good press from a major force in the green world is definitely a good thing for our team!

friday morning links

2009-09-25T08:32:00.002-05:00

I found two interesting articles yesterday that I'll share this morning.

The US Department of Energy is holding a contest to create an LED alternative to a 60 watt lightbulb. Philips is the first company to be submitting an idea. The contest states that the lamp cannot use more than 10 watts, the light color must be like traditional bulbs today and the bulbs must last 25,000 hours. The N ew York Times has a longer write-up about it.

Houston is the oil capital of America, but with some new developments they may be heading toward being the renewable energy capital as well. A proposal is very close to being approved to allow NRG Energy to build a plant in the area and the city would purchase its solar power from it, providing about 1.5 percent of the city government's power needs. Houston is not terribly far from here, so it will be interesting to follow their rise to becoming a renewable energy hub, if everything works out. It could also be a part of Caitlin's future life!

party pictures

2009-09-24T22:45:00.001-05:00

So last Thursday evening UL's BeauSoleil team held a bon voyage party to celebrate the completion of their Solar Decathlon entry and imminent departure for DC. I made it out to get a few pictures and see the house for myself.

Probably my favorite part of the house are those slats to the left of the window. The inside area with the window is the kitchen and those slats house an herb garden. Need basil? It's right outside the door in your cute little vertical garden.

The house is designed to embrace the outdoors and create essentially an indoor/outdoor living space.

This side of the roof is covered with solar panels, along with that retractable door cover. The shutters are also a great feature. They are beautiful but functional. They slide to cover the windows in case of bad weather while still adding an accent to the exterior.

And a large solar water heater.

Other features I didn't get great pictures of are the large deck spaces on the front and back of the house. The house itself is 800 square feet, in accordance with Solar Decathlon rules. The interior featured a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom and laundry protrusion (for lack of better word - see right side of second picture.) The inside was very contemporary, yet still warm. Many well-known local artists donated pieces to the house, which along with many touches of UL red, make the house unique and cultural.

All in all, I think the house is great, and I would definitely live in a version of it, larger than 800 square feet, of course.

The team embarks for Washington DC on September 28, so good luck to everyone making the trip!

park(ing) day 2009

2009-09-18T12:44:00.000-05:00

Today is the fifth National PARK(ing) Day, where parking spots across the country are turned into mini green spaces.

Check out the website, which features a comprehensive Flickr slideshow of this year's parks.

I should start brainstorming for next year!

where does it end up?

2009-09-17T15:51:00.003-05:00

The New York Times has an interesting article today about a woman in Seattle who invited researchers from MIT to tag her trash with electronic devices in order to study exactly where her trash and recyclables end up.

One purpose of the project, said Carlo Ratti, director of the lab, is to give people a concrete sense of their impact on the environment in a way that might lead them to change their habits.

“If you see where a plastic bottle ends up, a few miles down the road in a dump, you may want to get tap water or some other container for the water,” Mr. Ratti said.

This type of project is being done in other places around the country as well. For the next three months, MIT is tracking 3,000 pieces of garbage from the Seattle area to see where it ends up and if recyclables are actually being recycled.

“If I found out that it wasn’t going where I think it does, if it is less recycled than I hoped,” Landsberg said she “might think about buying less of it or doing without.”

Great read.

bon voyage

2009-09-17T11:20:00.005-05:00

Tonight is the big night for UL's Solar Decathlon team. They're holding a bon voyage party for the BeauSolei l house before it heads off to competition in Washington DC. I've written about the house before and I'm interested to see how the team has brought together all sorts of eco-friendly and sustainable elements to create a beautiful home.

The party has been gathering lots of local press and I

plan to make it out tonight to take a few pictures of the house for myself. If you are in the area, the festivities begin at 6:30 and the christening is at 7. The lovely Cajun band BeauSoleil will also be performing.

The Independent coverage

The Advocate coverage

The Times of Acadiana event calendar

green roofs

2009-09-02T13:02:00.003-05:00

The Huffington Post has a piece and photo slideshow today on some of the best green roofs around the world. I particularly love how the roofs become a part of the architecture and design of these buildings to create a real statement.

My boss had mentioned one time she was interested in a green roof for our building, but that would take more than laying down grass as it leaks any time it rains. I'm not sure how complicated or costly it is to implement a green roof, nor how much it saves on electricity, but it would be interesting to get some numbers.

today's link roundup

2009-08-31T11:37:00.002-05:00

This entry to a design competition solves the problem of milk going bad before it's all used. The shrinking jug keeps air out of milk and keeps it fresh for up to a week longer than a regular carton. If these go into production, I'll take one!

This article came out last month, but it's still an interesting dichotomy. The US Department of Energy failed its own energy audit. What does it say that the ones in charge don't follow their own standards?

I watched this piece on American E-waste in China last night on 60 Minutes. It's a very stark look at what happens to our old computer monitors once we seemingly send them off for recycling. They're ending up in China and basically poisoning the residents of Guiyu, even though exporting monitors there is illegal. It raises the question of which electronics recycling companies are actually doing the right thing and which are just passing off our trash to other countries, where they're left to poison drinking water and harm the workers who dismantle the equipment. I would love to do more research on this issue, as I've been taking old electronics to Best Buy for recycling.

Newsweek wonders where the new green jobs are, and what is actually constituted as a "green job". They interview President Obama's green czar, Van Jones, with a skeptical attitude about if we can implement such large-scale change by creating these green jobs.

A teenager in Canada did his science fair project on decomposing a plastic bag in three months, leaving behind simply water and carbon dioxide. I officially feel dumber than a 16-year-old.

Planet Green has a great resource page for all sorts of composting information. I have not begun my own composting system, but this page has given me lots of good information that will help me once I do start.

solar mifflin

2009-08-24T21:21:00.002-05:00

At work a few weeks ago, I was given the task of finding solar panel options. Louisiana has some great tax incentives for people who install solar panel systems, so if we end up going the solar route, now is the time.

I have also begun researching alternative lighting options. Since it has been so hot this summer, we have kept the about 10 of the 13 400-watt light bulbs off to keep the heat down, much to the chagrin of my aesthetic-focused boss. I emailed a coworker's architect father about my plans, and he advised that skylights may not be the best option for us since they also let heat in. Solar tubes are used for places that actually have a ceiling - we just have the underside of the roof. Therefore, the best, least-expensive option would be alternative light bulbs.

So today I started the search for CFL or LED 400-watt-equivalent light bulbs. If we had bulbs that didn't give off so much heat or didn't create almost-blinding intense light, I would be less opposed to turning the lights on in the first place. Of course the bulbs will cost more than conventional bulbs, but they will need replacing less often, so they pay for themselves in the end.

I'm still a bit skeptical that my office will be a solar panel leader, but even just researching these options will teach me a lot of valuable information and put me in contact with people who could really help me in the future.

still here

2009-08-19T21:20:00.003-05:00

I've been preoccupied lately, but I've been spending a little time to figure out what my next green adventure will be.

I've talked before about my idea to influence restaurants to ditch the styrofoam. Last week I was at a restaurant for lunch and the person I was with needed a to-go box. The waitress brought over a small and large styrofoam box and he took the small one. I didn't see, but I heard that unmistakable sound. The waitress tossed the never-used large styrofoam container. And my coworker asked, "Is that killing you?" "Yes. Yes it is."

And it's just more of a motivator for me to get started on my campaign. I want to begin by getting all kinds of facts and research and essentially writing a paper on why styrofoam is such a bad idea, then getting research on the best, most cost-effective alternatives. Then I'll need to figure out how to distribute it. I think I shall start researching during my lunch hours.

I have also been ruminating on the idea of getting a bicycle. I love the idea of biking to my boyfriend's house, the nearest fast food restaurant and the big box store across the street, along with the produce stand not far away. The reality is that I do not live on a bicycle -friendly street, and I'm kind of terrified of biking in the street. I live too far from work to bike, but I'd love to bring my bike so I could go for rides during lunch hour. I would require a kitschy, hot pink crate on my bicycle, no matter what.

helping the earth and getting drunk while doing it

2009-08-06T13:37:00.002-05:00

I was at the grocery store last night getting ingredients for dinner and decided to grab a bottle of Cabernet, since it's been a hell of a week. My system for choosing a good bottle of wine goes something like this: look for anything less than $11, then look for the one with the prettiest label or most ironic name. Yesterday, I couldn't make up my mind, but then came across the Fetzer cabernet, which looked very fancy for its $7.50 pricetag, so in my cart it went.

While I was making dinner, I popped the cork, and that's when I really noticed the label. Fetzer is "The Earth Friendly Wine." Hey HEY hey! Go me for inadvertently picking the green wine. I perused the website and found that not only do they produce organic wines, but their winery is very eco-friendly, with them cutting down on emissions, having solar panels, using recycled bottles and putting biodiesel in their trucks.

It's great that there's an environmentally responsible wine company, and even greater that Wal-Mart carries it, and EVEN greater that it's not astronomically expensive. But the important part – does it taste good?

Hell yeah!

This one's a winner.

eat local louisiana challenge

2009-08-03T12:10:00.003-05:00

The Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner, Mike Strain, has issued a challenge to all Louisiana residents: Eat locally for the week. Buy food grown in the state only.

The Independent's blog has a post about this, and they will be updating it with a list of where to find great local products.

“Think of the possibilities: peaches from Ruston, watermelons from Franklinton, blueberries from the Felicianas, crawfish from the Atchafalaya and pork and beef from your local meat markets and rice and gravy. Seasonings would be no problem because Louisiana hot sauces are among the best in the world and the state is a leader in salt production."

Mike Strain

Just this weekend, I hit one of the farmer's markets in town and got some cucumbers, eggplant, zucchini and wheat bread. Since I was looking for some okra, I ended up later at Fresh Pickins, where I went crazy buying different things, including okra. I ended up at the honey shelf, with different kinds made by a lady in Colfax. FYI, the wildflower honey in green tea is excelente. I've had two cups in order to get through the day. Yesterday I made a delicious vegetarian lunch of spaghetti with olive oil and garlic with a side of grilled squash, zucchini and eggplant. I think this is the beginning of becoming a locavore. I enjoyed my time at Fresh Pickins, because I was able to get just enough for what I could eat, instead of having to get a large quantity of something. It was also a lot less expensive than if I'd gone to a grocery store.

Also on Saturday morning, I went to a friend's garage sale and came away with a few things. So between the garage sale and the farmer's market, I'm pleased with myself. Giving new life to a couple shirts and pairs of earrings, supporting local farmers and eating vegetarian.

And now the rest of the state has a challenge for the week. Louisiana produces some amazing food - take advantage of it! (When you're not dining at a local restaurant for EatLafayette, of course.)

banning the bags

2009-07-30T12:40:00.002-05:00

Members of the Portland Chapter of Surfrider Foundation and Leave No Plastic Behind have requested that the Portland City Council pass a ban on plastic bags. They presented a petition signed by 43 businesses, collecting over 2,700 signatures.

I love that Portland is one of the most environmentally progressive cities in the country and I think if they make serious progress with this ban, it could lead lots of other cities to following suit.

Part of the article mentions the plastic bag as something that will last thousands of years but only be used once. I think, even if some cities don't want to impose actual bans or fees on bags, there should be a serious incentive to REuse the bags – at least the ones that didn't rip. How many people take all their plastic bags, wad them up and shove them in a cabinet? They'll survive another trip to the store (unless they were forced to hold cans the first time around.)

I can just imagine, in my so-behind-we're-going-backwards city, the people in slippers and glorified pajamas at Wal-Mart complaining about having to bring their own plastic or cloth bags. I can hear the "unfair" cries already. But with the fact that there are probably 5 plastic bags for every 1 person on the planet, I would gladly set up some sort of donation system.

Anyway, I hope Portland can set a precedent and influence more cities to follow suit in some sort of plastic bag ban.

sustainable product index

2009-07-27T22:34:00.003-05:00

So Wal-Mart has announced that it plans to implement a sustainable product index for every product it carries. I am by no means a fan of Wal-Mart, even if I practically live in the parking lot of one. And fine, their groceries are less expensive. But if they are serious about this product index and see it through, it might bring me around. Unless, of course, it proves that the products they carry are harmful to the environment.

I will be interested in following this plan, because if it works, it will be an influence to other major national retailers. And it would be nice for retailers to be honest with its customers on what impact their products have on the environment. It's certainly not easy now, 1. to find items that are earth-friendly, and 2. to discern them from the items jumping on the earth-friendly bandwagon.

wanting to make a change

2009-07-24T13:09:00.003-05:00

This week one of my coworkers proposed an idea to me and asked my advice on how to start it. He wants to eliminate the sometimes unnecessary waste of receipts. I told him it was great idea that could make a huge effect on the amount of paper thrown away and that I would support him in his quest. My suggestion to him is to start with our state representatives and to compose a letter stating why stores should ask customers if they would like a receipt before printing them. In this day and age, records are kept online, in my opinion, eliminating the need for printed receipts on the store's end. And many times, especially when paying cash, customers immediately throw them away or worse, litter the parking lot.

This coworker spent some time in the Midwest this year and said it was standard for store clerks to ask before handing over a receipt. Just today, I was at a store and I didn't need a receipt for my two soft drinks and bag of candy, so after the clerk asked and I said no, she just balled up the receipt and threw it away.

It's not that he's looking to ban receipts, he's just looking for clerks to ask before printing, in order to save the paper if you don't need it. I think it's a very realistic goal and offered my support in storming the capital steps if necessary. I would love to see him follow through with this and see if he makes any sort of effect on this practice.

At the very least, it will get him involved in our state government to make a change, which is incredibly respectable.

It's also gotten me thinking about one specific area I want to make a change in - restaurant to-go containers. Around here, the standard is leftover portions in a styrofoam container that is put into a plastic bag. Non-biodegradable packaging in more non-biodegradable packaging. When I first set out to make a personal change, I asked for at least some recyclable plastic packaging, which one restaurant had. Then I went out and bought a couple reusable containers and was doing well at remembering to bring them with me. I have fallen off the wagon a little with this (although I eat out way less now that I'm on my own), but my next goal is to get restaurants to look into better options. I want to start with figuring out why restaurants will put one styrofoam container into a plastic bag. Is it because of the handles, for easy(-ier) transporting? If so, why not create a to-go box that HAS handles?

I think, now inspired by my coworker, I would like to pursue this to-go box issue more and see if I can't at least get restaurants thinking about making a switch (but really, getting restaurants to actually make a switch.)

going solar

2009-07-20T18:29:00.002-05:00

Is it ironically appropriate that today's post is about solar energy when it's the anniversary of the moon landing? I think it is, so humor me.

While I am still a bit skeptical about the chance of actual implementation, I have been given the task of finding solar panel options for my company. This, of course, is more enticing than my day-to-day work. Now is an excellent time for Louisiana residents and businesses to look into and invest in solar panels because of the availability of both state and federal tax credits. The state reimburses 50% of your purchase up to $25,000 and the federal government reimburses 30% with no cap. Businesses also receive a 30% no cap credit. (And how to actually go about getting those credits is beyond me, but I guess it would make me a better person to learn.)

I found a crop of solar panel companies in southern Louisiana that I will begin contacting to see about quotes. Louisiana Solar Solutions is based in Lafayette, South Coast Solar is located in New Orleans, and Gulf South Solar and Louisiana Solar Works are located in Baton Rouge. I also learned through my excellent Googling skills that there is a Louisiana Solar Energy Society. They should be a great resource for anything I would need while I go about finding a solar panel system for my office.

Another thing I'm looking forward to researching is solar tubes. These tubes simply take in light through a diffuser and spread it around whichever room it's placed in. That way, we would be able to use the abundant sunlight Louisiana has instead of using energy to light the warehouse lamps that are currently just off. I think a combination of solar tubes and solar panels would be a great solution to our energy conservation needs.

I was told today about a woman in Lafayette who outfitted her home with $26,000 worth of solar panels. After all the tax credits, the total was $6,000. And her electricity bill was $4.12. Simply amazing and what I dream for my own home one day. I may take a ride soon to check out the panels with my own eyes (I am a geek like that.) I think the most inspiring part of this story is that the woman is in her 80s. Even at her age, she understands the need to be environmental, especially in the importance for future generations. It's a point I wish I could drive home stronger to people in my own life.

"I believe ... we should make choices that benefit our descendants, our country and our planet," she said.

"And if these choices require sacrifices, then we should be willing to make them."

making an impact?

2009-07-16T20:07:00.002-05:00

Environmentalism is obviously my passion. What I want to feel like is that I'm inspiring others to make small changes to better the environment. One of the places I would love to see change is my office. This week I thought I had actually made progress with some people, only to basically find I had not. Energy conservation was being compromised for aesthetics.

It frustrates me, but it mostly makes me wonder what I'm doing wrong. How can I actually influence people to realize the greater need for being greener? I feel like all of the tactics I use just fall on deaf ears. I have had problems recently with people scoffing at me anytime I make a remotely "environmental" statement (up to and including directions to use paper towels in the bathroom instead of a cloth towel. I said absolutely not.) I end up feeling like I'm just dismissed as the crazy treehugger, and I'm not actually listened to.

And even if people hear what I'm saying, I feel like it doesn't help because I haven't actually inspired change in actions. Does it mean all is lost and I'm alone in my crazy bid to recycle and turn off lights when I'm not using them?

What's the best tactic to take with people who don't realize the need for change? I've tried city-wide conservation mandates, I've tried the future generation angle, I've tried the non-sacrificial angle, and I've tried the money-saving angle. Maybe it's where I live. Louisiana is not exactly the most environmentally progressive state.

I think it's time to sit back, collect my thoughts and figure out a new way to approach this with others. Even with all the changes I've made in my life, I won't feel like I've made an impact until I can inspire others to change.

today's link roundup

2009-07-13T22:20:00.003-05:00

I recently read about the Carteret islanders, whose lives are all disrupted due to global warming. They are being relocated to another group of islands, but they are essentially losing a lot of their culture due to the effects of the climate change. There is a documentary being made about them called Sun Come Up, but the filmmakers are having a tough time finishing, due to funding.

Some pizza boxes have been tweaked just slightly to become a lot more green. They are being made of recycled material and are scored in order to create plates and a storage container, making them completely multi-purposed.

A McDonald's in Cary, North Carolina, will be the first of the chain to have an electric vehicle charging station. The restaurant is also LEED-certified. It's great to see elements like solartubes and renewable materials being used for such a cookie-cutter store, especially one that creates so much waste.

A Danish music festival has gone green. It happened the first weekend of July, six months before the UN climate conference in Copenhagen. Elements included bikes that charge iPods and cell phones, LED lighting at campsites, a wind turbine and carbon offsets.

organic milk

2009-07-06T20:34:00.003-05:00

Horizon Milk is probably the most popular organic brand on the market and will now be selling "natural" milk, which really means nothing, except that it's not organic. The company producing the natural milk will sell it cheaper than organic milk, essentially undercutting its original product.

Horizon has been the only brand of milk I've gotten in the past few months, because of its availability and it being organic. I am not sure if they will stop producing organic milk, but either way I will be more attentive when I'm at the store. I know there are other, not as popular, organic brands, but it won't take much to switch if Horizon does get out of the organic business.

one of my favorite places

2009-07-03T21:34:00.007-05:00

Part of the success of my transition to organic beauty products is due to a store in town, Drug Emporium. It's been around for ages and has one of the best selections of organic products that I know of. I believe it's also locally owned, which benefits our economy.

While it's only the back corner of the store, there are about six aisle that contain organic/vegan food (fresh and frozen), drinks, beauty products, cleaning products and (maybe not all organic) vitamins.

I always think of Drug Emporium first when I'm looking for something organic, knowing they are my best shot at finding what I need. It was there when I made the switch to organic shampoo and conditioner about nine months ago (which I am very happy with and can't go back to conventional.)

I think the sad thing is I never actually noticed the fruit stand before I was sneaking around taking pictures the last time I was there.

Stop by this Lafayette staple whenever you need, or just want to browse, organic products.

conservation needs

2009-06-25T08:38:00.002-05:00

Down here in Louisiana, it's been extremely and uncomfortably hot. Yesterday was the hottest day since the 1930s, I believe, with an actual high of 102. And it hasn't rained for the entire month of June.

These circumstances have led to the utility companies issuing a moratorium on energy and water usages. The high temperatures are causing a major strain on the area grid and the utility company issued a statement telling everyone to curb energy and listed tips on conservation.

Customers who need air conditioning should set the thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature.
If possible, customers should use fans instead of air conditioners.
Don't use major appliances, such as electric dryers, ranges, washing machines and dehumidifiers -- if necessary, shift their use to night-time hours.
Close blinds, drapes and curtains during the heat of the day.
Turn off unnecessary lights and refrain from using computers.

I already have most of these in practice at home, but the real problem is in the office. The windows are not insulated or covered. There are plenty of unnecessary lights and electronics on. I turned a few off, but it isn't enough. If I had my way, everyone would be working solely by the sunlight, but I don't have the clout to flip the breakers. There are some people who don't believe these things are issues and there are others who see the ridiculousness but aren't bothered to do anything about it.

There's only so much I can change alone, and with the office mentality, I'm just seen as the eco-freak and my statements go in one ear and out the other. At least today I've got a press release from LUS as my shield.

i try to walk away, but i stumble

2009-06-24T21:58:00.005-05:00

I got a page-a-day eco-calendar from a very dear friend, and I enjoy reading each day's tip or quote and applying them to my life. They have some very poignant quotes that I like to stick on my bulletin board.

But Monday's tip came at just the wrong time. I want to follow the tips, I really do. And I'm always up for an excuse to treat myself to a lunchtime cookie.

But just last Friday, something happened. I was going down the stairs and I tripped. Fell about five stairs before my butt and my hands broke the fall.

Besides being less eco friendly, there are many reasons I will not ride the office elevator. It's old, it's hot, it makes weird noises, it's slow, I feel safer on the Tower of Terror... Anyway, I always take the stairs, but now I have a small vendetta against them too. I don't want Friday's fall to be the precursor to a complete wipeout!

And you can rest assured I rewarded myself with a lunchtime treat anyway.

summertime heat

2009-06-23T14:56:00.003-05:00

June has certainly been a hot one for Louisiana. It also serves as a reminder to get your air conditioner checked out to ensure they are running properly for these hot months.

Living on my own is teaching me these things and I finally called maintenance to have them look at our air conditioner. I could tell it was not working to its full potential, leaving it to run nonstop but only cooling off to my set temperature in the middle of the night.

So hopefully as of today, my air conditioner will be back to normal, lowering my electricity bill back down. While I still don't have to pay much, my second month's bill was almost twice as much as my first month's. I'm looking forward to being appropriately energy efficient.

Another step I took to cool my apartment off, especially in the evenings, was inexpensive and stylish. I had a pair of khaki curtains I brought from home that serve as our living room curtains. However, khaki does nothing to block sunlight, so I bought an identical pair in chocolate brown and draped them on the rod together. It has done wonders for blocking light and heat.

So with a thermostat setting I'm sure is still higher than most people like, use of our ceiling fans and curtains that have a function, I'm taking steps to make sure my apartment is as energy efficient during these summer months as possible, and effectively save money on my utility bill.

linking kind of monday

2009-06-15T21:53:00.003-05:00

Sometimes while at work, I'll come across an interesting environment-related site, and I stick it in my Google task bar so I can write about it later.

Yeah, about 10 links later, I've yet to write about any of them, so today you get a whole roundup. Cleaning out the task list!

A section of an old Manhattan rail line has been turned into a green space, complete with park benches. They also left parts of the old railway, in an interesting juxtaposition of the old and the green.
Tired of receiving multiple phone books, especially when Google is way easier? Put an end to those useless deliveries.
Possibly the cutest reusable shopping bags I've seen so far. (Just hard to justify ordering some when I already have a small army of cloth bags.)
Can styrofoam really make biodiesel engines run more efficiently? It's about time it did something good. Very interesting, I must say.
SunChips is working on creating a completely compostable bag. And they are helping the town of Greensburg, Kansas, one of the premier 'green' towns as a result of a devastating 2007 tornado.
You can pretty much clean your house without harmful chemicals.
A big contributor to trash are fast food containers, bags, wrappers and the like. A student at the University of the Arts created biodegradable fast food packaging for McDonald's. With them being part of my work life, I would very much love for McDonald's to follow this idea and take a step toward becoming McGreen.

And that's it until next time!

birthday presents

2009-06-10T21:17:00.004-05:00

So far, this summer has been fairly eventful. My family went to Disney World for a week and I turned one year older. Since I couldn't go with my family, I made sure to send them off with a list of things to give me as birthday gifts.

I know that Disney has jumped onto the green bandwagon, so I asked them to keep an eye out for anything interesting of the green variety. They did not disappoint.

T-shirts made of organic cotton, note pads and sticky notes made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper and a gorgeous mug with "How to Save the Planet" illustrations. There was also a gift shop in Animal Kingdom that sells purses made of recycled candy wrappers, but one did not make its way home to me (which is okay, since those bags are stupidly expensive for something made of what litters the trash at work.)

One thing I was curious about was if Disney had made any effort to curb the effect of the millions of plastic bags they go through each year. Their bags are now 100% recycled, conveniently stated on the bag in English and Spanish. The bags also point you to Environmentality, dedicated to Disney's environmental mission. I know every other time my family has gone, we've come home with a small mountain of plastic bags with Mickey on them. This year, my parents also chose to get larger bags and use them as shopping bags instead of getting one bag at each store and creating another collection.

Sounds like I just need to become a Green Supervisor in Disney World! I could be all about the organic/recycled merchandising and recycling programs in the happiest place on Earth.

what i plan to do this summer

2009-06-03T13:12:00.002-05:00

In this first week of June, I am setting some green goals for myself, in some areas I can improve on.

First, I am going to get back to being styrofoam-free. I had been doing fairly well at bringing my own reusable container to restaurants, but after moving and subsequently visiting restaurants less, it fell by the wayside. While there are many reasons it's better to eat at home anyway, when I do go out to eat, I will make the conscious effort to arm myself with a reusable container. I've gotten in the habit of not ordering a drink where they are served in styrofoam cups (except for the damn daiquiri places...Looks like the end of daiquiris for me.)

Second, since I do eat at home more, I cook more. For myself. It's difficult to make just enough for one or two servings, leaving me with tons of leftovers. I do what I can to not waste food, but sometimes, there's simply too much for one person and I can't eat the same thing for lunch and dinner three days in a row. So my second goal is to do some research on composting. Since food is mostly what I throw out these days, I would love to be able to compost it, but I'm not sure just how feasible it is in an apartment complex. I also don't know what I would do with it once I have compost. I don't have a yard and my parents don't garden. Their next-door neighbors, however, do. I believe there is also a city compost. These are all things I can tackle in my summer compost research.

Third, I'd like to make the effort to conserve more. Energy-wise, I'm doing well at that. The lights in my bedroom and bathroom are CFLs and I need to switch out the dining room soon. I keep the lights off most of the time, especially during the day, and we run the air conditioner on the warmer side, using fans instead. But I'd like to try to consume less waste material, such as packaging or paper. I need to cut out the junk mail since it goes straight to my recycling bin. I need to find products that don't use as much packaging, and simply buy less in the first place, especially if it's not necessary. It's great to reuse and recycle, but I need to start reducing more. It's also a goal I want to try to implement in the office. We throw away too many newspapers immediately after receiving them. There has to be a way we can either not receive them or not receive so many copies. Another of my thoughts is if we have to receive so many, use them for box stuffing instead of buying bubble wrap and brown paper.

At the end of the summer, I'll recap how much I've done.

eco chick

2009-06-02T12:48:00.004-05:00

I found the book The Eco Chick Guide to Life last night and decided it would be a great resource. As part of my plan to save money, I bring my lunch to work four days a week, but don't get to enjoy getting out of the office enough. I have decided to spend my lunch hours this week reading parts of this book.

Today I read about beauty products and green tips for all things body-related. I've already made the switch to recycled toilet paper (which also brought me to where I didn't buy any TP at Target over the weekend because I didn't see any recycled options. Note to self, need toilet paper.) I think my next switch may be to organic toothpaste once I finish the tube I have. I don't think this would be a huge change as long as I find a mint flavor organic toothpaste, which I know exists. I have tried organic deodorant, and while I still use it, I can't fully switch over. Right now I alternate between it and my regular deodorant. I already use natural soap from Pure & Natural, and it has an absolutely lovely scent. It's much better than the regular soaps that are full of waxes and other things that no longer make me feel clean. I have been a convert to organic shampoos for about seven months now and I don't miss conventional shampoos at all. My hair is clean, soft and shiny without being exposed to parabens and all the other harmful ingredients in conventional shampoo.

I've written about making the switch in beauty products and this is something I need to adopt in my actual makeup purchases. Physician's Formula is a great eco-conscious brand that isn't terribly expensive, which is great for all of us. But it all needs to happen in due time, as in, when I'm out of my existing makeup.

Also, I found that Starre, the author of the book, runs a blog of the same name. Another blog to add to my Google reader!

storm preparations

2009-05-29T10:11:00.004-05:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Hurricane season starts Monday, which for all residents of southern Louisiana means it's time to let out a collective groan and start stocking up on emergency supplies.

This weekend is a Louisiana state tax-free weekend for all hurricane supplies, so of course I'll be out stocking up, so I'm not buying flashlights one day before a hurricane hits. But as with any scenario, I asked myself, how can I do this greener?

When buying flashlights, make sure to get ones with LED bulbs, which are brighter, more efficient and last forever. Lots of emergency flashlights and radios have hand cranks, which I will be keeping an eye out for. This way they either use less or no battery power, saving tons of chemicals from landfills. There's also the option of using candles for light, though I'm not sure scented soy candles officially count as hurricane supplies.

When buying canned food to store, go for the organic options. There's no need to be unhealthy in the event of a power outage - go for the organics! There's pretty much an organic alternative for any food you would need in the event of an emergency.

And the water. Cases of bottled water for $4. When storing water for an emergency, it's easy to just buy a ton of plastic bottles, even though it's terrible for the environment. If you really want bottled water, look for the companies that use less plastic in their packaging. Or you can buy larger containers, such as gallons of water and using your regular glasses to drink from. Or do like my family does and refill containers you already own with water and seal them to make sure nothing gets in (though we always end up with a case of bottles as well). It's also customary to fill the bathtub with water in case you need it for anything else. If you end up not needing that water, don't just pull the plug and let it drain - use that water in your garden! The plants won't mind (if they're still there after a storm!)

So if you live in Louisiana, make sure to get out this weekend and get your hurricane supplies, while still keeping the environment in mind. View FEMA's full supply checklist before you head out.

(And should you need to evacuate, look for a green hotel! And my posts come full-circle!)

green lodging

2009-05-25T13:20:00.004-05:00

Since Memorial Day marks the official beginning to summer and since my family is en route to their summer vacation, I figure a hotel-centric post is appropriate.

More and more hotels are becoming eco-friendly, partly through a motivation to become a designated green lodging facility. My father told me the hotel they are staying in on the way to Disney World is one such certified green hotel. Through a search of green Florida hotels, I found a list from the Department of Environmental Protection of all the certified hotels in the state.

What's great about this list is that it shows you don't have to spend a ton of money to be green on vacation. My family is staying in a Holiday Inn Express - an economical choice.

So while you plan your summer vacation, take into account where you can easily be more eco-friendly. Check out green hotels in your destination area and see if it's possible to make the better choice.

make it green

2009-05-22T11:34:00.006-05:00

Yahoo is having a contest right now where DIY green ideas are submitted and the best ideas could be featured on an episode of Everyday Edisons. Even if you don't have wear the inventor cap too well, the site features all of the submissions and ideas.

all you ladies

2009-05-14T18:06:00.000-05:00

Warning: No boyz allowed! Squee! Go away so we can paint our nailz and prank call Timmy!

Some of the most annoying things women must buy are tampons (and other feminine items). They're a necessary evil for many reasons, but one large evil to take into consideration is how bad they are for the environment.

The components aren't safe for the environment, they use plastic and they aren't safe for us women. But what better options are there?

Seventh Generation has a great article about the damaging effects of tampons on the environment and also sells organic tampons. Their site has a store finder, but a search pulled up nothing within a ten mile radius of my zip code. Nevertheless, I will be on the lookout while I'm at health food stores. CVS' website also carries organic tampons, but they are listed as online only.

This is honestly one green path I have yet to go down, so I can't say if organic tampons comparably do their job (or say if they're ridiculously more expensive than generic tampons), but after reading Seventh Generation's article, they are worth a shot. There has to be something that can do the job without putting toxic materials in girly places. It also makes me want to throw out the toxin-encased-in-plastic ones I have now. But that's still wasteful.

the plastic island

2009-05-05T20:02:00.000-05:00

I wrote last week about what happens to plastic bags after we throw them away. Today I found another sobering article, about the plastic island floating in the Pacific Ocean that is now twice the size of Texas.

This is what happens when people are simply careless with trash. I’m sure the majority of this trash is even recyclable and could’ve saved us from using more resources. This is probably the most extreme form of littering, but it still comes down to not dumping that old fast food bag in the parking lot or leaving beer bottles all over the sidewalk after a night out.

It doesn’t a master’s degree to properly dispose of simple items, yet people still don’t care what happens with things when they are through with them. But what I feel is forgotten is that these items don’t just disappear once a person is through with them – they have to go somewhere. And the Pacific Ocean is the one suffering for it.

This has major implications for wildlife, besides just the environment. To the millions of marine animals in the ocean, their home is being taken over by our leftovers. And the trash is making its way into the food chain, killing animals and harming even us. The longer this goes on, the more we’ll end up eating plastic toxins.

When I was younger, I remember being taught to cut the six-pack rings because they can easily strangle animals like turtles and birds. I always threw them away, but made sure to cut them first. You just never know where they’ll end up.

It’s a long but incredibly riveting article. Please take the time to read it. It’s just further evidence in the argument of reducing the materials you use and throw away. The less we use, the less there’s a chance of it being discarded and polluting the earth.

feliz cinco de mayo!

2009-05-05T14:37:00.001-05:00

How about an organic margarita tonight?

I will now be on the hunt for 4 Copas organic tequila. You know, for all those times I drink tequila.

Olé!

greener festivals

2009-04-30T20:35:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was Lafayette's biggest festival, Festival International.

Now, Lafayette is not the most eco-forward city around, so I wasn't expecting anything from the Festival. But next to every trash can in the area was a cardboard box dedicated to recycling.

And people did actually use the bins. Lots of people in a small area for one weekend - that's the potential for a lot of waste. And these bins went a long way to reducing that waste.

Turning to another festival (one that I long to go to one day), Austin City Limits has an entire eco-program in the works, the Rock & Recycle. Basically, you participate by doing something on the green list (such as riding the free shuttle, riding your bike or purchasing carbon offsets) and you receive stamps, then get entered to win a hybrid car. It's a great idea to bring some environmental awareness to a huge music festival. Plus, I'm in love with the guitar recycling symbol.

plastic bags

2009-04-29T12:29:00.003-05:00

I came across a slideshow about the dangers and negative effects of plastic bags that I think is extremely worthwhile. It is from the Pocono Record and makes you realize what happens to plastic bags after they carry your milk and frozen pizza home once.

Reviewing the slide show makes me feel renewed in my fight against plastic bags and store cashiers who make sure I notice I'm interrupting their pattern. It can annoy me but it won't stop me.

Cloth bags, unite!

10 ways to save the planet

2009-04-28T23:00:00.000-05:00

I was sent this link last week on Earth Day and thought it was a change of pace from the standard group of "How to go green" tips.

1. ELIMINATE NUCLEAR WEAPONS
2. STABILIZE THE BOTTOM BILLION
3. CREATE A GLOBALLY TRANSPARENT SOCIETY
4. BE PREPARED, GLOBALLY
5. EMPOWER WOMEN
6. ENABLE A FUTURE FORWARD DIET
7. DOCUMENT ALL LIFE
8. NEGOTIATE AN EFFECTIVE CLIMATE TREATY
9. BUILD BRIGHT GREEN CITIES
10. BUILD NO NEW HIGHWAYS

The link goes into detail on each point. So, there aren't easy solutions to these points, but they do present something to think about.

I was a bit curious on why empowering women was a way to save the world, and it says that "by giving women equal rights we also help create a more sustainable world. Research shows that women who have access to education and rights over their own bodies choose to have fewer children, who they can give more to. Overpopulation is a serious issue, with huge implications for problems like climate change."

While there are many reasons I choose to stay away from motherhood, this is one that kind of surprises me. I think I harp enough on it without bringing "I'm saving the planet" into the mix. But it's a good point - overpopulation does exhaust the planet of its resources.

The tip about a future-forward diet is also timely. "We can greatly decrease our environmental and social footprints by eating locally, organically and mostly meat and dairy free (according to the U.N. report Livestock’s Long Shadow, livestock produce more greenhouse gases than all of the world's transport combined)." My post on vegetarianism is as yet unwritten, but one of these days it'll come around. But anyway, with all of this swine flu business going around, it again brings to the surface how animals are treated in order to get meat meant for consumption.

The list is definitely a thought-provoking one, so please check it out.

beyond the product

2009-04-27T21:19:00.005-05:00

When I find great green products while out shopping, I like to mention them here as a way of showing there are green options to just about anything.

Over the weekend I had to buy some baking sheets so I can actually bake cookies in my apartment. I was at Wal-Mart (sigh) looking at their selection. I took notice of the sheets by NordicWare and made the decision to buy them over the Wal-Mart brand, even though they were more expensive.

What really sold me on the baking sheets was not just the natural aluminum, but that the company practices sustainable methods. They focus not just on green products, but green production also. They have won green awards, use Energy Star appliances in their facility, recycle scrap metal, require distribution trucks to not idle at the dock and reuse whatever material they can. They've been doing so for years, which shows they have been committed and don't just flaunt green products because it's now popular.

And I'm happy that companies like these are able to sell their products in mainstream stores. It's becoming easier now to support both green products and green companies. I need to do some research and find other companies that have green practices. And since it doesn't look like I'll stop shopping anytime soon, at least I can be green while doing so.

still working

2009-04-22T17:03:00.000-05:00

I recently wrote on my personal blog about how in the past week I bought physical CDs for the first time in awhile. I normally download music these days, but just wanted something tangible lately.

After relentless harassment from a coworker that included points about downloading music being greener than buying CDs, I watched the G Word on Planet Green (woohoo, digital channels!) tonight. The subject? Downloading music being better for the environment than CDs, because CDs don't biodegrade. But the story that followed was about a company that actually turns old CDs into CD cases. Here's where I would link to the company, but I cannot find anything on Planet Green's website and I don't remember the name. I'm terrible. A search of the site did turn up Greendisk, which does take all sorts of technological waste and recycles it.

At least years from now my Silversun Pickups and Tinted Windows CDs can find new life. And I'll be back to downloading music and enjoying the bonus tracks.

earth day 2009

2009-04-21T22:26:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is Earth Day 2009. Planet Green has a great compilation of Earth Day information to help you make the most of it.

I am still sad about missing Vermilionville's Earth Day Festival Sunday, but I am determined to still pitch in tomorrow.

For Wednesday, April 22, 2009, I pledge to:
Use only my Klean Kanteen to drink out of.
Drink my organic milk.
Not eat meat.
Not use any plastic or styrofoam.
Turn on only the lights I need at that moment.
Wear my Go Green Boston t-shirt.
Check out the Disney Earth movie.
Take nature-y photographs and participate in Earth Mosaic 2009.

And of course, some of those have become standard practice, but I still want to focus on them tomorrow.

Oh, and I joined the Earth Day Network.

What do you all plan to do?

alright, alright

2009-04-20T21:05:00.002-05:00

I confess. I did not make it to this weekend's Earth Day festivities. Chalk it up to a Friday evening of stupidity. Sleep + contacts = Eye Infection Caitlin. I was somewhat like a vampire, not able to see in the sunlight, hence no driving or public outings.

But, I did receive my free T-shirt in the mail. Does this make up for anything?

My wicked awesome Go Green Boston (maybe I can tape a piece of paper with Lafayette over Boston) T-shirt and my "Allergic to Trash" postcard from the Logan airport can be friends. Massachusetts wants to be green, even if Louisiana doesn't.

mais it's almost earth day, yeah

2009-04-17T19:53:00.000-05:00

Earth Day 2009 is almost upon us, and community events are springing up all over the place. Don't have to celebrate alone!

For those of you in Lafayette, Vermilionville is hosting an Earth Day Family Festival on Sunday, April 19, from 10am-3pm. There will be all sorts of activities – fishing, fabric dyeing, guides on growing your own food and a recycle challenge. Since this is south Louisiana, there will of course be a couple bands playing.

I am excited for this, partly because I haven't been to Vermilionville since the last elementary school field trip. And it's Earth Day with a Cajun flair...what could be better? I plan to be there, camera ready.

Also on Sunday, there will be a joint Earth Day benefit concert at Artmosphere and Blue Moon Saloon.

Four Bands/Four Bucks Earth Day benefit. $4 for both venues:
• Artmosphere. 4 p.m. Drew Landry, followed by VoSteen at 6 p.m., Emily Guidry and the Picardy Birds at 8 p.m., and Langolier at 10 p.m. 902 Johnston St. 233-3331.
• Blue Moon Saloon. 4 p.m. The Cell, followed by The Moss Pickers at 5 p.m. and Mike Dean at 7 p.m. 215 E. Convent St. 234-2422.

Go to some, go to all, but do something to show your support for OUR Earth.

one day without shoes

2009-04-16T15:04:00.003-05:00

see the light

2009-04-12T12:37:00.002-05:00

I spent this weekend moving into my new apartment, being green whenever possible.

I was always planning to put CFL bulbs in my new bathroom, but was figuring I'd have to live with looking at five spiral bulbs every day. This weekend I found that GE makes CFL bulbs in the 'classic' light bulb shape. Still energy efficient, but more pleasing to look at. I made the investment and bought the bulbs. I don't regret it for a second, one because I'll be using less energy, and now that I'm the one paying the electric bill, I'm all about saving money. And two, the light is just better - softer and less yellow. I am all about flattering light in the bathroom.

After the bathroom lights were changed, I found some teardrop-shaped lightbulbs at Wal-Mart that are also covered CFLs. They fit perfectly into my overhead light/ceiling fan. I'm so happy that CFLs now come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They no longer have to be used only in standard light sockets. The teardrop lights also give off a softer glow to my bedroom.

Commence saving energy.

get out those old cell phones

2009-04-07T11:52:00.004-05:00

I have recently learned that this week is National Cell Phone Recycling Week and the goal is to raise awareness of cell phone recycling. Right now only 1 in 10 are recycled, even though recycling them reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves natural resources.

You can either take your phone to a retailer (including Best Buy), or go a charitable route. One of the most popular options is Cell Phones for Soldiers, where your old phone becomes a prepaid calling card for a soldier overseas. Check out the Daily Green's list of other charitable donation options.

In this day and age, we've all got an old phone lying around somewhere. I still have a Motorola from 2003 sitting in a junk drawer. I already recycled my other Samsung by passing it along to my brother. Maybe he will be willing to recycle his old phone...

freecycling

2009-04-05T20:31:00.000-05:00

I have spent much of this weekend packing up my bedroom and getting rid of things I just don't need anymore. It's fitting, then, that today's tip on my green-tip-a-day calendar is about freecycling.

Freecycling is simply taking the items you don't need trading with others to get items you do want or need. And this reminds me of one way I've been acting green since childhood.

My mother and I used to go garage-saling all the time. We would get the classifieds on Thursday, pick the sales that sounded the best, then map our Saturday morning route. Somehow this involved a child willing to get up at 5:30 on a Saturday morning. Anyway, we found so many things over the years - furniture, clothing, toys, books, etc. It's such a great way to recycle - clean out your junk and even make money off it.

My family is actually planning a garage sale in the next month or two so lots of the things I choose to get rid of now are going toward that. So, you know, if you want that Backstreet Boys VHS, call me and I'll save it for you.

Back to Freecycle, check out their network website and find the group nearest to you. I know my region has a Yahoo group that I actually have yet to join. Hey, I'm not perfect!

But in this economy, you look for any way you can save some money. Freecycling is perfect for that, especially if you are in need of something others are giving away.

the electronics chain

2009-04-02T18:21:00.002-05:00

If you have plenty of old, outdated electronics, but don't know how to dispose of them (without involving a dumpster, of course), Wired has a great summary of electronics recycling options and processes.

The first one they list is Best Buy's fairly new recycling program for all sorts of electronics. A few weeks ago, my boss bought a used computer online. Fine and dandy, but the massive, ancient monitor was busted. I mentioned the recycling program at Best Buy, but the monitor was in the dumpster before I could say much else.

That's where my recycling renegade moment came in. With the help of a coworker, we unlocked and almost fell in the dumpster to retrieve the monitor. We were successful and I brought the monitor to Best Buy. For certain items, they charge a $10 recycling fee, but offset it with a $10 gift card (which I later used to buy an eco-friendly iPod case.)

The whole process was very easy though, so kudos to Best Buy for embracing the responsibility. Hopefully more stores will soon follow and electronics recycling won't seem so elusive anymore.

a day without shoes

2009-04-02T13:40:00.004-05:00

This is slightly off the green path, but it's another cause I like to support.

TOMS Shoes is coordinating A Day Without Shoes on April 16. Go barefoot on the way to the water cooler, to the mailbox, in an afternoon meeting or on your lunch break; go barefoot for the entire day or long enough to raise awareness.

It's not too much to ask and it raises awareness for children who don't have their own pair of shoes. TOMS' mission is to give a child a pair of shoes for every pair they sell.

Fact #1: In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to food, clean water and to seek medical help.
Fact #2: Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
Fact #3: Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
Fact #4: In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
Fact #5: Podoconiosis is 100% preventable by wearing shoes.

Check out the information in the link above and show your support by kicking off your shoes for a little while. And if you often wear heels like I do, it's a nice little break (you'll just be a few inches shorter for awhile.)

the workplace

2009-03-30T19:29:00.000-05:00

The office in which I work is pretty eco-unfriendly. I am doing my part, but with the dynamics of the space, there's so much more I want to do but can't.

The one plus I see is that we moved offices fairly recently, into a 100-year-old building. At least we are using an existing, semi-historic building, even though it's not energy efficient.

Recycling

Last summer I implemented a recycling system. We go through enormous amounts of paper, cans and plastic. For a few months, I kept all of my waste paper and would bring it home once a week or so. But I was already changing my habits and conserving more. A few phone calls later and a lovely blue 96-gallon container was in our back area. I became the one in charge of bringing the container down for pickup each week. We also have a can designated for recycling by the printers that fills up fairly quickly. It's great that we recycle as much as we do, but it's not even as much as we could be recycling. Sometimes people just aren't willing to get up to recycle paper when there's a trash can within arm's reach.

In the nature of our business, we receive a lot of newspapers from around the area. And we receive multiple copies of some magazines with different employee names on each. The majority of these go straight in the recycling bin. We take what we need from the newspapers, but they all get tossed not long after arriving. But, we buy bubble wrap and rolls of brown paper for when we need to ship things. I believe my next scheme for this office will be to convince them to stop buying stuffing paper when we have tons of newspaper available to do the same thing.

Energy

As I've mentioned previously, we have lots of computers, mostly Apples, which are fairly energy efficient, but which are never turned off. I understand there are nightly backups to be done, but they don't take all night, and the majority of the computers sit each night with screen savers going. But, since I've got one ally in the office who happens to be "IT", we've managed to solve most of the problem. Now each computer is set to sleep after the backup is complete, saving a great amount of energy each night. (And causing said coworker to call it the computer slumber party.)

There are four flat screen televisions throughout the office, all of which are on every day and one of which is on all the time. (That one is in the boss' office and is specifically requested to stay on, even if he's not here.) The only thing is, no one actually watches the TVs. I can see one TV from my desk, but can't actually read any news headlines. But, they are supposed to be on every day; my eternal question "Why?" goes unanswered.

There are at least 30 windows in the space. On top of that, there are 12 warehouse-strength lights hanging from the ceiling. On top of those, there is one wall lined with eleven desk lamps - and no one works at those desks. There are two rooms that have lights that stay on (unless I sneak and turn them off) even though no one stays in them. When people do go in the rooms, they don't turn the light off when they leave. The one day over the summer we left the warehouse lights off, everyone else complained it was too dark. Plus, the windows are around 100 years old - they are not energy efficient. They leak air worse than a punctured tire.

Also, this is Louisiana. It's hot in the summer. We have four massive air ducts that blow air throughout the open space. But, one duct doesn't work, and the three that do aren't managed properly. Some areas are constantly hot while some (mine) are constantly cold. In the winter, when we use the heaters, it's still cold. We have 15-foot ceilings and heat rises. Needless to say, I am always cold in here and bought a sweater that stays here.

Conservation

We print. A lot. While many people are in the habit of printing double sided, there are still times where pages of just email signatures come through. Or there's a printer error that causes things to go haywire. (I have actually created a binder full of still-usable printer error sheets that I use to make notes and task lists.) Many people print emails that don't need to be printed, or if they lose something, they just print it again. Conservation really isn't a word used around here.

And of course, I am seen as the crazy one because I make an effort to not leave a giant carbon footprint in my workspace. I have had to fight to keep the recycling bin around - which by the way, I won.

how i spent my earth hour

2009-03-29T22:42:00.001-05:00

It's amazing how peaceful a Saturday evening can be when you just turn off the lights for an hour. My hour consisted of makeup by candlelight, a little bit of Twittering, getting dressed and just sitting in my candlelit room enjoying the quiet. My bedroom was quite fragrant at the end of the hour. It put me in a better frame of mind, just in time for sitting in a smoky college bar listening to my boyfriend's band.

Even at the bar, the college-age bartenders were talking about Earth Hour and I just had to join in the conversation. They said they didn't know how to turn off lights in the bar for an hour and I helpfully suggested they turn off the Budweiser light over the beer pong table (I am too old for this.) I also suggested turning off the lights and just having a row of Flaming Dr. Peppers along the bar for light. It's appropriate, is it not?

Flickr has some great shots of Earth Hour around the world, so feel free to pretend to work as you peruse all the pictures.

powering down

2009-03-29T17:27:00.003-05:00

The 2009 PC Energy report is out and the findings are quite interesting.

About half of the 108 million office computers in the United States are not properly shut down each night. U.S. companies are spending about $2.8 billion each year simply by leaving computers on overnight. And, if the world’s 1 billion PCs were powered down for just one night, it would save enough energy to light the Empire State Building – inside and out – for more than 30 years.

I do have to say, I work in an office where the computers are left on overnight. We run nightly backups of all our data, and I'm not in a position to go against that. But I have set my work computer's energy settings to be as efficient as possible. I believe the CPU powers down around midnight, well after the backups are complete. And I'm pretty sure I'm one of the only ones to even give it a second thought. As the USA Today article says, many employees don't care about the energy expenditures because they don't feel responsible. (Which is true for more than just energy saving, but that's for another rant.)

Saving energy and money is as simple as powering down when you don't need it on. Your email doesn't need to be automatically checked every three minutes in the middle of the night if you're not going to check it until morning anyway.

coasting

2009-03-28T18:15:00.004-05:00

Today at Target I saw a display containing picture frames and coasters made out of albums and circuit boards. After looking at them closer, to see if they were actually recycled albums and circuit boards, I noticed they were from TerraCycle. I've come across TerraCycle's website before and found it interesting. They will take certain used items and pay you a small amount for each of them, which they then use to create new items. What I really enjoy is how Target now carries their recycled products.

And my new apartment will now feature six coasters made of albums, one of which is All Saints and one of which is Debelah Morgan's single "Dance With Me."

bad styrofoam

2009-03-27T18:03:00.001-05:00

I have always heard about how styrofoam is absolutely terrible for the environment. On top of that, I simply hate the screeching sound it makes when you rub it against itself.

A few months ago, I decided to take a proactive stance against every restaurant in town putting leftovers in styrofoam to-go boxes. First, I asked if there were any other options; a few told me they had plastic boxes, which are at least recyclable.

But since not everyone had alternative options, I went a step further and bought a small but still big enough Rubbermaid container (still plastic but reusable) to bring to restaurants. It took a while to get in the habit of remembering it each week, but I was determined to hold my ground. I haven't had much fuss from waiters, mostly because I don't wait for them to offer to box my leftovers. I have had thoughts about drafting a letter to send to local restaurants asking them to at least consider more environmentally friendly options, such as biodegradable containers, even offering websites for them to look at. It hasn't happened yet, but that's not to say I still may do it.

This morning in the office, biscuits were ordered for employees who wanted one. And when they arrived, each biscuit was in a separate small styrofoam container - as opposed to previous times when they came in one larger box. It confused me as to the change in container, especially a change much more wasteful and harmful to the environment. That's just six more containers to sit in a landfill for the next few thousand years.

I guess this means, though, that I'm the treehugger armed with my Klean Kanteen and Rubbermaid takeout box. Don't mess with the reusable power!

world water week

2009-03-25T15:26:00.003-05:00

March 22-28 is World Water Week and UNICEF has a project where they supply water to children in places where water is scarce. The Tap Project supports UNICEF water, sanitation and hygiene programs. For every dollar raised, a child will have 40 days of clean drinking water.

If you want to help out, you have two options. You can click the link above and donate through the website, or you can search for a restaurants in your area that are participating. Should you choose restaurant, for the rest of this week, you simply donate a dollar for each glass of water you order. Extremely simple and extremely needed by children who don't have ready access to clean water.

this saturday

2009-03-25T12:12:00.004-05:00

Sign up, show your support, read in the dark, take a nap, watch the stars, whatever you want to do for an hour - this Saturday evening is Earth Hour.

You don't even have to turn everything electrical off, just flip off your light switches and vote for the earth!

Throw away your television, salivate to repetition, alleviate this ill condition now. It's a repeat. - Red Hot Chili Peppers

recycling recession

2009-03-24T18:28:00.001-05:00

It seems like every day there is more news about falling price values, and the recycling industry is not immune to that. I read an article in the New Orleans CityBusiness back in November about their residential service cutting cardboard and glass from the list of accepted items. About two months ago, our city's recycling program had to begin charging for monthly commercial service because they just couldn't stay profitable. As the director told me, and I had read elsewhere, recycling was going for about $200 a ton just last summer and is now going for about $25 a ton.

And it's frustrating that recycling is being compromised because of the economy. I know there's always more to it than what I see, but I hate that it's almost like giving up because it's not profitable. It seems like when times are hard, it would be the easier option to go for reused/recycled things.

I could not imagine, after all I've learned, to have no choice but to go back to throwing everything away. If I think about it, probably 95% of what I dispose is recyclable. I can't physically put a piece of paper in the trash anymore, knowing it can easily go to making something else.

So the more I think about the hardships of these recycling programs, it becomes apparent that the need to conserve is becoming more important. It's great that so many people are recycling, but it's to the point where conserving is an even better option. I can think offhand how much paper is wasted by having a useless last page of a printout, usually containing two lines of an email signature, or by not printing double-sided. Or how many water bottles could simply be refilled and reused instead of getting a new one every time. I can't imagine how many water bottles I've avoided since I began using my Klean Kanteen. And I need to become more observant over how to save sheets of paper here and there.

And beside creating new conservation habits, the other solution is to actually buy items with recycled materials. What's the point of recycling if we don't actually use the recycled product? Recycled items are becoming more common, even if it's just a shampoo bottle made of recycled plastic. Plastic and paper can be made into so many new things. I even have an umbrella made from recycled plastic.

I hope the economy can get straightened out soon, for many different reasons, but also for the added bonus of having profitable recycling programs. They are important to the future of the planet and if they can't survive, we're all just taking one giant step back.

beau soleil

2009-03-23T21:32:00.003-05:00

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's architecture department, among others, has been working on building a solar house. I'm not terribly educated on the entire process, but I know it's been in the works for awhile now. Over the weekend I saw a billboard for the website and remembered to check it out.

Their mission is to build a house that is environmentally sustainable, a uniquely regional work of architecture and a marketable prototype for housing. According to the website, it should be completed in September, and I am excited to see how it turns out.

I'm also happy to see the university embracing a project like this, especially for entry in the Solar Decathlon. I'll be sure to follow the progress of this house and hopefully be able to visit myself (and get more ideas for my own house, which is light years away.)

natural beauty

2009-03-23T18:54:00.002-05:00

I visited one of the top women's amusement parks this weekend, the place known as Sephora. With a gift card from Christmas still burning a hole in my wallet, I headed in on a mission to find all natural or organic beauty items.

Makeup has been one area where I haven't yet completely transitioned to the green side. I wasn't going to throw all the makeup I currently have out, as that would be wasteful and none of it is terribly old. But I knew Sephora had great natural brands, and they did not disappoint.

One brand I am kind of falling in love with is Korres, a natural brand straight from Greece. Half the packaging is even written in Greek, further making me want to up and take a holiday in Santorini. They have a lot of cleansing and toning products, as well as actual makeup. The cleanser I got is silicone-free. And I got pomegranate makeup remover wipes, because I am nothing if not a sucker for ANYTHING pomegranate (Hi Burt's Bees pom chapstick! Love you!)

Another brand I found is Juice Beauty. All of their products are certified USDA Organic. Hello, isn't that awesome? I've heard it millions of times, but I'll repeat it here: your skin is very important and the products you use on it daily should make it as healthy as possible. Juice Beauty's stuff is wax-free, which really helps with complexion because it's light and airy and your skin can breathe.

So my first foray into quality natural/organic beauty products was a success. I'm already making plans for the next trip, which may well include a Lavanila fragrance.

Now it's time for me to try everything out and see how much better natural products are, without all kinds of synthetic products that just don't have my skin's and the earth's best interests at heart.

iGreen

2009-03-22T19:37:00.005-05:00

I am somewhat of a shopaholic. Since I've started my green journey, I've realized that I can still be a consumer but I just need to be more informed and logical about the things I buy.

I've been doing well looking for organic or eco-friendly items for when I move out. It takes a little longer to find things because the first or easiest options I find aren't the best for the planet. But, with a little searching and the help of my friend Mr. Google, I manage to find good products that are good for the earth.

Anyway, I'm a slave to my iPod, which in itself is fairly eco-friendly. And I've been downloading music more from iTunes instead of buying physical CDs, saving resources. But back to the iPod (call him Sebastien, thankyou)... the case I had for it was falling apart and needed to be replaced. I'd held off on buying a new one because I was looking for a greener option. I didn't want acrylic or silicone and that's about all the stores in town have. Finally today I found a great option.

This green leather case is really pretty and very soft. Imoeba, the company, makes cases for different size iPods and Best Buy carries a few of them. The one I bought was actually the last on the shelf. I debated that one or a different brand's eco option in black. I chose well on accident, as the Imoeba case was half the price of the other one. And proceeds from Imoeba products are contributed to Earth 911. So, $16 dollars for a pretty new case so I can stop dropping Sebastien on the floor at work. In the end it cost me $6, as I had a Best Buy gift card.

I think the best part is that my gift card was from when I brought an old computer monitor in for recycling. Best Buy has to charge $10 for certain items to be recycled, but they'll give you a gift card for the same amount. So I recycled a computer monitor and used the discount toward a recycled leather iPod case. I suppose it couldn't have worked out better. (Just means that Tinted Windows CD won't cost me $2 anymore, but that's for another blog.)

Now just imagine how treehuggery I felt at the gym today with my green iPod case in one hand and my Klean Kanteen in the other.

to market to market

2009-03-20T12:06:00.005-05:00

Now that it's officially spring, I think it's time to set a seasonal goal. I know my city has two farmer's markets on Saturday morning, but I have yet to actually attend one.

So this season, I will go to each market and see what they offer. I would love to buy more local fruits and vegetables. There's nothing like fresh fruit and veggies for a snack during the work day.

Besides, I really just like the idea of getting up on a Saturday morning, grabbing my cloth bags and heading out to the market to get fresh food, even if in reality, my Saturday morning is spent under the covers.

one of my favorites

2009-03-19T17:12:00.003-05:00

One of the biggest problems these days is the abundance of plastic water bottles that end up in landfills, where they will pretty much stay forever.

And this is probably one of the easiest eco problems to solve, in my opinion. Even just reusing that plastic water bottle a few times helps tremendously. And I did so for a few months, but last September, I went a step further.

I discovered the website b uygreen.com and all of the eco-friendly items they sell. It was there I found the Klean Kanteen. The Kanteens come in all sizes, all colors and a variety of tops. I chose the 18oz orange one. I'll buy just about anything orange. And then I chose the flat top for office use and sport top for gym use. One week later, my package arrived - a used Verizon Blackberry box and sale papers. It was then I was officially in love with Buy Green.

It took a little time to get used to bringing my Kanteen to the gym, but even if I forgot, I refused to use the styrofoam cup and plastic straw and lid. It wasn't hard to adjust to filling it every morning and carrying it to work (in my cloth lunch bag). And so every day, I have my Kanteen with me. Sometimes I'll even bring it to lunch instead of ordering a drink.

So for an upfront cost of about $30, including the Kanteen, an extra cap and shipping, I have ceased using plastic water bottles. Even if I used just one water bottle a day, that's approximately 210 water bottles I have kept out of a landfill and even out of the recycling bin.

And that makes my green heart happy.

growing up greener

2009-03-16T21:15:00.005-05:00

For the past few weeks I have been on the hunt for apartment furnishings. (Yay!) I figure there's no better time for environmentally friendly home things than when you're moving.

I'm very happy to have found green bath options on Bed Bath and Beyond's website, namely, a shower curtain, shower liner and bath mat. The problem appears when the items aren't carried at the stores as well. I had to resort to ordering online, using boxes and packaging, plus energy for UPS to bring them to myself. And of course, my three items came in two boxes. I now can mummify myself in brown paper.

But, I was set on finding environmentally friendly items and that's what I bought. I am in love with my shower curtain and rug. I was pleasantly surprised to see the curtain came in a reusable zippered bag and is much softer than the picture lets on. The shower curtain liner is free of chlorine and odors. There may be a slight problem affixing it to the shower curtain as the buttons on the curtain and the grommeted holes on the liner are the same size. I may end up buying ribbon to tie the curtain to the shower rod.

And you bet I'll be using the brown paper to wrap breakables when I start packing. There's absolutely no sense to get rid of it.

So in addition to those three items, I have amazingly soft organic towels from Target and a nifty conservation illustration to hang on the wall. The next things on my list are a recycled glass toothbrush holder, soap dish and whatever else goes around the sink. And I will clean my green bathroom with safe cleaning products.

Now to see if the apartments use low-flow showerheads, and if not, how I could convince them to let me install one...

alright, samsung

2009-03-16T21:11:00.003-05:00

You get a pass this time. While looking for a PDF of my new phone's manual, I noticed on the website my new phone's charger is Energy Star-rated. I suppose I can live with that.

And by the way, thanks for the PDF manuals. Now I actually know where you buried the All Calls menu. I understand the media mall and Yellow Pages app are important enough for the main screen, but anything relating to a phone call should be three menus deep.

industry problems

2009-03-13T17:18:00.000-05:00

I got a new cell phone last night (yay full keyboard!) and part of my reasoning for purchasing another Samsung was because I expected to be able to use the same car charger.

When I mentioned that to the customer service rep, she told me that it was not the same type of charger. When going from one Samsung slider to a new Samsung slider, the size of the charge port changed and I have a completely different wall charger.

Why must this be the norm? Why can't chargers at least be universal across all of a brand's phones? It is ridiculous to me that I have to buy a new car charger to accommodate my new phone. It does make sense that it is a good portion of business for cell phone companies to have to buy a new suite of accessories for each new phone, but it is extremely wasteful. I turned down the new car charger, because at least for awhile this battery will hold a charge for a long time.

One good thing that comes from this is that I may pass down my previous phone to my younger brother. It's still in great shape (I got a few comments on how nice my phone looked after two years) and can easily be switched to his number. In that case, I can also pass down my car charger to him instead of figuring out how to dispose of it.

But honestly, it's not necessary to change charger types with each phone made, especially within one brand. I love Samsung phones and all, but I'm not pleased with this. I think that could increase brand loyalty, as it was a reason I didn't look harder at other phones. I'm sure there are others who would like to be able to use their accessories with more than one phone. And I'm still annoyed they moved the menu button from the left side to the right. Help a girl out here!

steps toward conservation

2009-03-12T21:13:00.003-05:00

I have been to the state of Massachusetts exactly once in my life, but having two close friends there means I get lots of state news.

Today, the state signed an agreement to cut down on the use of plastic bags at grocery stores. Part of the plan is to offer incentives to shoppers who use reusable bags. According to the article, one incentive is to offer shoppers five cents for each bag they bring on their own.

The interesting thing about this is how my area grocery stores have been doing this for years. I remember being about seven years old and going with my parents to Albertson's and Delchamp's (which, man that place has been closed a long time) with our cloth bags and getting five cents off for each bag. We fell out of practice for a few years, but when the stores started offering their new cloth bags, we started using them again. And Albertson's still gives me five cents for each bag, even if I don't use them all.

The only thing is that, most of the time, I'm the only person walking around with a wad of cloth bags at the store. Some stores are more open to the bags than others. The girl at Bed Bath and Beyond thanked me for using a cloth bag (for my water pitcher filter, no less). The people at Wal-Mart only half listen and act pained to be broken of the routine.

It will take a long time for the majority of consumers to embrace the practice of either using cloth bags or using plastic bags more than once, but I think more incentives like these could help. Some people just have to be the ones to get the ball rolling. I think even just promotion of these incentives could help.

Consumers just need to learn that plastic bags can have more than one life. I finally convinced my boyfriend last year to not throw them away after one trip home, and he now uses them instead of whole kitchen trashbags for cat litter. I use them for small trashcans, which could pose a problem when I'm living on my own, as I refuse to even bring them home from the store. But that can be a post for another day.

history

2009-03-11T22:45:00.003-05:00

One of my earliest memories of being an environmentalist comes from sixth grade. Once a week or so, my teacher would read a portion of the book 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. I remember being so enthralled with the book and its tips that I bought my own copy from a used bookstore. I wish I still had that book, but I haven't seen it in years.

I remember a lot of the tips were things like turning off lights when you leave a room, using the three Rs and not wasting paper. I may have hated carrying the three recycling bins to the curb each week, but I knew that it was all helping the planet. And while those things seem like common practice to me now, I think that book had a lot to do with the shaping of who I would become many years later. Now, I can't imagine leaving every light on even if I am not around, but things like that will be the subject of many future posts.

So now, while not armed with that book, I am armed with The Green Book. And I'm ready to continue my mission of caring for and saving the environment. I made an active decision for 2008 to focus on being environmentally friendly. I'm very happy with the things I accomplished that year, even if just on a personal level, and I've continued that goal into 2009.

The environment is my passion. This space is all about my thoughts, my practices and things I learn in an effort to restore this planet to its natural beauty.