Clean Water for Your Family

With all the different water options and filtration systems available, it can be confusing and difficult to decide what the safest, cleanest option is for your family.  Bottled waters range from “perfectly safe” to “no better than tap” to “unsafe for the environment”. In some cities tap water is deemed safe while in others it is said to be polluted with chemicals and possible bacteria. It is important to know where your water comes from and to take the necessary precautions to ensure it is as clean as possible. (You can visit http://water.epa.gov/ for all the latest water facts and information.) Luckily, this does not have to be an expensive task!

I was recently given the opportunity to check out the CamelBak Relay. This water filtration pitcher can deliver freshly filtered water 10x faster than the leading competitor.  It also does a more thorough job. It’s unique design allows it to filter as you fill the pitcher and then again as you pour yourself a glass of water.  Testing shows that 97% of chlorine, taste and odor is removed. The pitcher holds up to 10 cups of water and is designed to be space-saving, fitting inside most refrigerator doors. The lid is very secure with latches that lock on the sides, making it spill-proof.  I really like that the filter is made of plant-based activated carbon and that the pitcher is BPA free and dishwasher safe. Best of all, the Relay Fresh Filter lasts up to 4 months! That is twice as long as the leading competitor. It has a reminder dial on the top of the lid so you know what month you have to change it out.  For only $36.99, the CamelBak Relay is a great value for the price. Not to mention, you will save money and the planet by getting yourself a reusable water bottle…plus you’ll end up drinking more water. It’s a win-win! You can find the CamelBak Relay at Target, Amazon.com or CamelBak.com.

Going Green with Social Media

 

I ran across this infographic from Recyclebank the other day while doing a little research and felt compelled to share. With so many people on social media today, it really is amazing to see that with just one small gesture we can help protect the environment in major ways. Who would think that pinning “green” ideas on Pinterest or shutting down Twitter for just one hour would have such a huge impact on the Earth? You can make everyday Earth Day by just practicing a few, or even one, of the following social media tips.

Spread the Eco-Love

Being Valentine’s Day, I thought it only appropriate to share this interesting “Green Guide to Dating & Love” from Timberland. Apparently being eco-friendly is not only good for our planet, but it can also help you find or reignite that special love in your life. 😉

Green Electronics Guide

Like many, we debated on splurging on some new electronics for the home this holiday season. After some research and consideration, we finally found the right flat screen LED T.V. It was important that we find one that was energy efficient, as well as cost effective. By simply looking for the Energystar label and setting gadgets and appliances to their proper settings, we can save money and help protect the environment.

The following “Green Electronics Holiday Guide” is a useful tool in making sure we minimize the environmental impact of our gadgets, whether brand new or when replacing old ones. Now that a New Year has begun and the holidays are over, continue to consider the following Green Tips when purchasing electronics and make sure to properly discard and/or recycle the old ones.

Control Your Roll in 2014

Every year for the past 6 or 7 years, one of my resolutions has been to incorporate more ways of being “green.” This year is no exception. With environmental awareness becoming a priority to many and even somewhat of a trend, you can now find a large variety of ways to help reduce your carbon footprint.  Through my blog I have been introduced to some great companies and products that make it easy to go green.  My latest discovery…

Control-n-Roll.

When I was first contacted by the company, I couldn’t grasp how there could be a product that would help eliminate unnecessary paper waste, especially from toilet paper and paper towels. I just figured it is something we consciously had to do on our own. Well, as soon as I got my package of Control-n-Roll it all made sense.

Control-n-Roll acts as a brake to stop extra sheets of paper from unrolling. As pictured to the left, the package comes with two square-shaped tubes made out of a foamy sustainable material. You can easily slip them onto the toilet paper and paper towel bars, then slide the rolls of paper on top. They even come with 3 removable inner-cores to adjust the size and fitting as needed.  Such a simple but very effective concept.

I have been using Control-n-Roll in one bathroom and the kitchen for 2 weeks. I already notice a big difference. Every time I reach for a sheet, the automatic “brakes” keep me very conscious of how much paper I am using. My family and I have definitely noticed our rolls of paper lasting much longer than usual. This was extra appreciated during the holidays!  What’s best, before even using the product, I was able to see just how much I could expect to save. By inputting a couple of numbers into the Household Savings Calculator on the Control-n-Roll website, you will get a dollar amount of how much you will save in one year. Even better, you can see just how much you will help save the environment!  A Control-n-Roll set of two sells for just $3.96. Save money on your grocery bills and reduce your paper consumption by up to 50%…such a simple way for anyone to go green.

For more info on Control-n-Roll and how much you can save visit their WEBSITE

or

Follow them on FACEBOOK and TWITTER

Wrap it Up with Wrappily

It’s hard to believe the holidays are almost over and so is 2013.  This year has been a very busy, but successful one. I’m excited for all that 2014 has in store. For my final post of 2013, I thought it only appropriate to share about a wonderful green company based in Hawaii that I recently learned about.

Did you know that there is over 4 million tons of trash created each year by wrapping paper and shopping bags, just from the U.S.!?! Well, thanks to Wrappily, there is now a new approach to wrapping that can help minimize your carbon footprint.  Wrappily is a sustainable, eco-friendly, locally sourced, and 100% recyclable alternative to traditional wrapping paper. Not only are their modern designs chic and unique, but you can feel good about helping protect the environment when you use them. Your gifts will definitely stand out from the rest and make a statement! Just look at some of the great designs available…

This holiday season there will have been about 227,000 linear miles of wrapping paper thrown out. Though Christmas has passed, there are still so many opportunities to exchange gifts…Valentine’s Day, Birthdays, Anniversaries, and before you know it, Christmas all over again. If going green is something you’re thinking of incorporating or hope to do better this year, you will want to make sure to include Wrappily on that New Year’s resolution list.

Find out more about Wrappily on their Website and check out their Indiegogo Campaign.

You can also follow Wrappily on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+

#WrapHappy

Happy New Year!

Related articles

• 13 ways to reuse Christmas wrappings (examiner.com)
• What To Do With Leftover Wrapping Paper: 5 Genius Ideas (stylecaster.com)
• 9 New Ways to Repurpose Wrapping Paper (brit.co)

 

The Many Uses of the Coconut Tree

Most of us have probably heard a little something about the many uses and benefits of coconut. We can cook with it, put it on our skin, and even in our hair. Coconut water has recently gained mass popularity for its super hydrating qualities and high levels of potassium. Coconut seems to be a natural and healthier alternative to conventional products in many ways. I, personally, use raw coconut oil to cook with and to moisturize or heal my skin. Currently, I put unsweetened, shredded coconut into my smoothies and on my morning cereal, which I then drown in unsweetened coconut milk.  Recently, a good friend even made me a delicious coconut martini. It’s everywhere! Aside from its edible fruit, however, the entire coconut palm tree could very well be one of the most useful and sustainable plants around.  From its palm leaves to its roots, the coconut tree can provide food, fuel and shelter. The infographic below from mercola.com does a great job of breaking down all of the parts of the tree and its various uses from around the world.

For original infographic go to: "Plant of Life: An Infographic on Various Coconut Uses." Use the embed code to share it on your website.

To see my article on the GreenDeals Go Green Blog go to: The Many Uses of Coconuts

To sign up for some great Green Deals and receive $5 in your account just for signing up CLICK HERE and use promo code GREENFRIENDS5

Related articles

• How to Plant a Coconut Palm Tree (mastergarden.wordpress.com)
• Magic Coconuts Speed up weight loss while healing your body (fitnesschrysalis.com)
• 10 Great Benefits Of Coconut Oil (bellanyc.com)
• The coconut guy (lovingthewave.wordpress.com)

A Tees for Totes Family Event

If you’re in the New York area and looking for something to do with the kiddos this weekend, you will want to check out the Loomstate Tees for Totes event this Sunday, September 29th 2013.  

Loomstate and recycled crafting non-profit, Skraptacular will be hosting a crafting event where kids can turn old tees into tote bags and other accessories!  They can express their artistic side while learning how to be green.

From 6pm to 8pm there will also be a screening of Bag It, a documentary on the use of plastic bags in America.

This event is open to the public, but seats are limited so you must RSVP!

Please see details and invites below:

What: Loomstate and Skraptacular’s Tees to Totes
When: Sunday, September 29 from 3 PM to 5:30 PM
Where: 307 W 38th St, Ste 2003
RSVP: rsvp@loomstate.org

 

 

Green Schools, Green Deals

I recently shared the following Infographic on the GreenDeals.org Go Green Blog.

To read my original article: CLICK HERE

If you haven’t already heard, Green Deals is a great website, very similar to Amazon.com, offering a “Green” Marketplace. Just by signing up, you will receive $5 in your account to spend on any of their daily deals.  It really is the best site to get some amazing discounts on Green and Organic products for your home and the entire family, as well as tips on how to go green.

Just click on Green Deals and use the GREENFRIENDS5 code at checkout. 

Green Your Dinner Party

How To Throw A Green Dinner Party (Guest Post)

There is something rather magical about a dinner party in the summer. An evening spent lingering over food and conversing with friends can be deeply relaxing in the warm summer night. Too often though, they lead to an immense amount of waste. Yet, with a few simple tweaks to the traditional plans, it is quite easy to host a green dinner party.

Use Natural Resources

• Set the party outdoors, eliminating air conditioning
• Plan your party as close to a full moon as possible, allowing for maximum natural light
• Make your own solar lights out of mason jars (you can find a full tutorial here) and hang them overhead or scatter across your yard and patio
• Candles produce the most amazing, intimate setting for any dinner party, but if it’s particularly gusty you can also use LED votives
• Look around for interesting pieces of decoration: flowers from the garden are an easy option, but don’t forget that driftwood, twigs, and moss can make some pretty amazing centerpieces.

Keep Your Menu Local

• Plan a vegetarian menu to limit meat consumption and use locally sourced meat for the dishes that will contain it
• Shop your local farmer’s market for the freshest in-season choice’s available and buy as much organic as possible. Hint – ask the farmers how they grow their food as some may not use pesticides but don’t label organic
• Serve wine or beer made locally or at least as close as possible

Put Your Best Foot Forward

• Never get a chance to use your china or fancy serving pieces? Go ahead and use them now. Not only will it add elegance, but you can also eliminate the waste of paper or plastic. Don’t have a nice set? Borrow one from a friend or neighbor – they are probably dying to see the set get used.
• Use cloth napkins. Just like the china, these go a long way in appearance as well as use. Most people tend to overuse disposable napkins but are much more conscientious with cloth.
• Replace printed menus with a chalkboard menu. Use old pieces of wood painted with chalkboard paint as part of the tablescape, or make a large one to stand near the table.

Get the Guests Involved

• Set the tone early by eschewing printed invites and use email instead
• Ask guests to get into the spirit by suggesting carpools, public transit, or biking, if possible
• Send everyone home with some of the leftovers so that no food gets wasted
• Get guest to help wash dishes. Granted, this may not work for every party. Yet, close friends are often eager to roll up their sleeve and help out. Plus, it keeps the party going just a little longer.

By using even just a couple of these suggestions, you can really reduce your footprint from a party. And being eco-conscious doesn’t mean sacrificing style or enjoyment. In fact, when you throw a green dinner party you may just increase both.

 

About the Author
SelectAware.com offers money saving tips for families on the go, including “green” living suggestions and sustainability options for everyday life. Their site also provides website coupons, coupon codes, promotions, product specials, sales, and other types of information to help consumers find the best deals on the things they want most.

Related articles

• Tips for Planning an Eco-Friendly Dinner Party (greenliving4live.com)
• 5 Tips to Green Your Gilling (blog.greendeals.org)