Plastic-Free with PackSack

A few weeks ago I shared an infographic and my thoughts on the use of plastic bags. (To read: Click Here.) So when I learned about PackSack, I knew I had to check out and share. The PackSack is a reusable, eco-friendly bag that is great for anything from grocery shopping to day outings. The company just started up in San Diego, CA and is making big moves to encourage the ban of plastic bags that too often end up in our oceans.

 

I love my PackSack. It is made of durable material and holds a lot…up to 45 lbs! The best part is that it rolls up and scrunches into a convenient little pouch that you can fit into your pocket. You can easily store a few in your glove compartment, which sure beats remembering to bring along big totes or paper bags. They even have their own draw string, making it so easy to carry around and store….

The PackSack line comes in a variety of colors and is very inexpensive.  You can order them online or find a retailer near you by visiting their website: www.thePackSack.com. They make being green so easy and fun….I highly recommend them!

You can also get more info by checking out the PackSack YouTube channel, following them on Twitter, their Facebook page, Instagram and Pinterest.

 

5 Tips to Green Your Summer Celebrations

Grilling season is here! With the excitement of picnics, parks and parties, it can be easy to overlook that your Summer celebration may be creating more waste. The sales of paper plates and napkins, plastic cups and utensils, bottles and cans of beverages go up in the summer and so does the amount of waste in our landfills. Understandably, dragging your finest china and cloth napkins to the beach or park is not as convenient. However there are some other easy and effective ways you can green up your BBQ festivities. In no particular order, here are the Top 5 reasons and ways to green up your grilling:

Gas Grill or Charcoal: Natural gas or propane is the more eco-conscious of the two.  While eco-friendly charcoal exists, grilling with gas is still considered to be better for the environment and your health, particularly if you are the chef! You will want to prevent you and your guests from inhaling carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals released by charcoal briquettes and lighter fluids. Don’t forget to cook with the lid down as much as possible to preserve energy.

Shop Local and Sustainable: When shopping for meats, veggies and fruits for your celebration, hit up a local farmer’s market, if possible.  At the store, look for meats and produce that are organic, sustainable and have not traveled too much of a distance. By supporting local farmers and green businesses you are helping support the local economy, reducing negative environmental impacts, and adopting healthier habits through eating more naturally.

Make your own beverages: Instead of juice boxes, bottled waters and other beverages, why not bring a couple of pitchers? You can fit a nice sized pitcher or two in a cooler, or make sure you have enough ice, and serve up some refreshing homemade lemonade, sangria or even just water! If you plan to serve beer, look into a keg instead. You can bring enough recyclable cups for your guests and provide them with name labels so they won’t lose their drink.

Avoid plastics and other disposables: If you don’t mind reusables, which really are most cost effective and eco-friendly, bamboo utensils and plates are great. Another, more unique option is to use reusable, cloth place mats instead of paper or plastic plates. Once guests are done with their meal, they can even wipe up with them instead of paper napkins…two in one! If you really feel you must purchase paper or plastic products, find those that are biodegradable, recyclable, made without bleach or dyes, etc. Whatever you do to lessen the carbon footprint you make will help in some way.

Lastly, bring a separate container or bags: preferably in a different color, and encourage all your guests to help take care of the Earth by recycling!

~This article was originally featured on Green Deals.org

 

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.

Green Your Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. While this special day is meant to celebrate the greatest gift of all, LOVE, it can be very easy to neglect our love for the planet. Greeting cards and plastic heart-shaped decorations end up in our landfills all too easily. Whether you are decorating, thinking of gift ideas or planning a romantic dinner, there are several ways you can help avoid unnecessary waste. After all, green is the new red. By following any or all of the following green tips, you will make it a healthy and happy Valentine’s Day for your sweetheart and the environment.

• Look for Eco-friendly and Green decorations and gifts. Avoid plastics and other materials that contain toxic chemicals. Instead of stuffed animals why not make or bake a special gift. Homemade DIY crafts and baked goods make the the best, most meaningful decorations and gifts! If you’re looking for special jewelry, beautiful pieces made from organic, eco-friendly materials, such as tagua nuts, are the latest trend.  If shopping for clothing, look for natural and or organic materials, preferably made in the U.S.A.
• Send some Fair Trade, Organic flowers and/or Chocolate. By supporting sustainable farming practices you are helping to protect workers’ rights, the planet, and avoiding chemicals that are toxic to your health. A house plant is a great alternative to flowers and will help keep the air in your home clean.
• Skip the greeting card. You can send an E-card for free or write a special message on a photograph or gift. Save money and a tree!
• Plan a romantic and healthy dinner. Serving up an organic, candlelight dinner should impress your honey, but if you’re not much of a cook, you can always do a little research for a restaurant or catering company that uses organic or local, fresh ingredients. Don’t forget the organic wine too!
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. As always, save money by shopping at second hand stores or yard sales; keep things simple, but tasteful; donate or recycle items you can no longer use; properly store items you can use the following year.

To read my article “10 Tips for a Green Valentine’s Day” on the GreenDeals Go Green Blog: Click Here 

Happy Green Valentine’s Day!

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)

 

Go Green with TreeSmart

At the end of August, as Summer vacation came to an end, I wrote the article “Top 10 Green Tips for Back-to-School“.  I wrote a similar article for the GreenDeals Go Green Blog, “Ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Back to School“.  Last month I even hosted a couple of giveaways and wrote an article on ways to green your child’s school lunch. (To read: Click Here.)  Since then I was introduced to a great line of products that I had to share with my readers.

TreeSmart makes recycled school and office supplies for the entire family. I received the supplies pictured above to sample and, have to say, my daughter and I just love them. Her favorite is the colored pencil kit that is easy to carry in her back pack and store in her desk. The pencils are made from 100% recycled rolled up newspapers!  I love the regular pencils which are also made out of recycled newspapers. Sharpening them is so much smoother and easier than than conventional brand pencils. I use them often in my own office. I really like the neat and simple newspaper print much better than the typical loud and distracting designs. The ruler we received is small enough to fit in my daughter’s pencil case and I really appreciate that it is made from recycled newspaper and plastic. The best part is knowing that I am protecting my daughter from any further exposure to toxic plastics and chemicals.

TreeSmart offers a variety of supplies, including: mechanical pencils, artist pencils, pencil cases, school supply boxes, deluxe sets, and more. Their prices are very reasonable. Best of all, TreeSmart offers custom imprinting and fundraiser programs. Remember, it is never too late to protect our planet by greening up your school and office.

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• How green is your pencil case? (energylivenews.com)
• Simple Green Printing Tips (simple-green-living.com)
• Green School article – ‘Green Lifestyle’ Magazine (schoolbitz.wordpress.com)
• Why Not Learn How To Be Green! (simple-green-living.com)
• Can You Recycle That? Recycling Tips For Newbies (apartmentguide.com)
• Green Your Halloween (thelittlegreenplaypen.wordpress.com)

Green Your Halloween

The following are five easy ways to green up your Halloween. You will save money while protecting the environment!

1. Green Decorations. Instead of spending money on decorations made of plastic and other toxic materials that end up in our landfills, get crafty! Pinterest has some creative and simple ideas. If you must shop, look for eco-friendly alternatives.

2. Do-it-yourself Costumes. You don’t have to be a fashion designer to put together a great costume.  You can find some great things in your own closet to create a fun ensemble. If not, look in a friend or family member’s closet! You can also shop at a second hand store or swap last year’s costume with a friend.

3. Green Candy Bags. Instead of spending on a plastic bag or bucket your child will probably only use once, have them decorate their own eco-friendly tote or pillowcase to use every year.

4. Healthier Treats. If you opt to stick to traditional candy look for organic lollipops and Fair Trade chocolates. If you don’t mind starting a new tradition, hand out pencils, pens, erasers or stickers made of recycled materials.

5. Save! Make sure you pack up all your decorations and costumes and store them away for next year. Whatever you’re certain you won’t use make sure to donate or recycle.

Happy Halloween!

To read my original article on the GreenDeals Go Green Blog: CLICK HERE

To instantly receive $5 in your account just for signing up for Green Deals: CLICK HERE and enter GREENFRIENDS5 at checkout.

Related articles

• 5 Non-Toxic Tips for a Green and Healthy Halloween (non-toxickids.net)
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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

 

 

Back-to-School Green Giveaways!

For most of us, back-to-school season is in full swing. However, it is never too late, nor too early, to pack a healthy and eco-friendly lunch for our kids.  I have three great ways and products for you that will help make that an easy task. Even better, I am hosting TWO giveaways so you can get started on packing your child healthier, green lunches…for free!

Up first…let’s discuss those darn lunchboxes!

If your lunch box from last year is still in good condition…use it! It’s all about reducing, reusing and recycling…upcycling too! However, if you need to shop for a brand new lunch box…I have a great alternative to those plastic boxes or brown paper bags. Introducing the New Wave Enviro Litter-Free Lunch Bag Kit!

The unique, colorful designs will definitely set your child’s lunch apart from the rest.  My daughter loves hers. I love it because it makes packing lunch such an easy task. The litter-free lunch kit comes complete with a BPA free water bottle (avoid waste from juice boxes and plastic water bottles) and four “green” reusable containers (made to fit sandwiches and other snacks perfectly). No need for wasteful plastic baggies or tinfoil or other unnecessary trash!  The lunch bag itself is insulated and lead-free. The whole set is so easy to clean and maintain. You can find them online and at Whole Foods Market for an average price of $25. Considering you’ll be using it for years to come, you will be saving lots of money…and the Earth!

Now how about what goes into that lunch box?

Well, a few months back I posted about a healthy, organic snack bar for children by CLIF Kid.  (To read the original post: Click Here)  CLIF Kid Zbars are nutritious, perfectly proportioned, vegan (except honey variety) bars containing about 8-10 grams of whole grains, 12 vitamins and minerals, 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, 11 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber per bar. They are also made with 95% Certified USDA Organic ingredients and do not contain any high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, trans fats, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. They are the perfect snack alternative to traditional granola bars and even special treats for young active kids. You can find them for as little as $1.69 per bar at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market. Zbars are soft and chewy and come in a variety of flavors like Iced Oatmeal Cookie, Honey Graham, Chocolate Brownie, Smore’s, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip.

Right now I am offering one lucky reader the opportunity to win a 6 count variety pack of CLIF Kid Zbars! Winner must live in the USA, provide a valid email (that you check often), and be at least 18 years of age. Raffle ends on Friday September 27, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

To enter Raffle click link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Final “Green” Touch…

To complete your healthy and eco-friendly lunch, a reusable napkin is the perfect final touch. A few months back I wrote a review and hosted a giveaway for Funkins. (To read original post: Click Here). Funkins come in a variety of colorful designs for all ages. Put one in your child’s lunch and it can be used as a place mat and then a napkin too!  You can avoid creating unnecessary waste from paper towel and napkins. Just wash your Funkins and reuse over and over again.  Place it in your Litter-free Lunch bag and you have a truly waste-free lunch, saving money and the planet.

Right now I am offering one lucky reader the opportunity to receive a set of THREE colorful reusable napkins/place mats from Funkins!  Winner must live in the USA, provide a valid email (that you check often), and be at least 18 years of age. Raffle ends on Friday September 27, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

To enter raffle click the link below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Related articles

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Top 10 Green Tips for Back-to-School

Another school year! Seems like every year flies by a little faster than the previous one.  It is never too late to incorporate ways of being green when it comes to school. In fact, teaching our young children to lead greener, healthier lives is the best way to ensure a safer, more promising future for them and our planet.  I recently wrote an article on ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle when planning for Back-to-School. To read the original article: Click here.

The following is a general list I created of the Top 10 Ways to Go Green that can be incorporated into your family’s routine beginning with Back-to-School and all the way through to the end of the year. 

1. Reduce and Reuse. Make sure you buy just what you need. Avoid unnecessary waste. Look around your home to check some items off of the back-to-school list. Go through last year’s supplies for reusable ones too.

2.  Upcycle! Use last year’s backpack or lunch box. You can always decorate them with patches, stickers and markers to give them a new look.

3.  Shop at second-hand stores. You would be surprised at the unique styles and finds you’ll encounter. If your school requires uniforms, consider buying used ones. If not, buy one a couple sizes larger so you can alter and use it for another year or two.

4. Use a Kindle or used book.  If you need to buy your own books, rely on the library whenever possible. If not, perhaps you can use a Kindle or shop for used ones. Don’t hesitate to ask anyone and everyone you know that may have a book you need sitting on their home library shelf. Make sure to protect your books so you can sell them or donate them to someone who needs them the following year.

5. Avoid plastic. Choose recycled and sustainable materials….recycled paper, refillable pencils, wooden rulers, non-toxic and eco-friendly crayons and paints, etc.

6. Pack a waste–free lunch…reusable lunch boxes and bags, water container, napkins, silverware, etc. Today you can find some really cute sets and designs.

7. Pack a healthy lunch! Locally sourced fruits and veggies, organic and gmo-free meals and snacks, etc. Many of these items even come in eco-friendly packaging.

 8.  If possible, walk your child to school. Older kids can ride their bikes. If distance is a factor, organize a carpool.  Carpools are also great for sporting events and other extracurricular activities.

9. Recycle and Green Club. Put together a student committee who is in charge of recycling and organizing “Green” events. Plant a school garden! Encourage the administration to adopt email communication and to become involved with an official green and recycling program.

10. Host a swap party at the end of the year for uniforms, clothing and other school supplies. Set aside all items you will be able to use the following year.

While you might pay a little extra for certain school items, you will be reducing your family’s carbon footprint, as well as increasing the chances you can reuse most items for years to come.  In the end, you will save money and help save the planet. 

Related articles

• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Back-to-School (greendeals.org)
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• Back To School: 4 Ways To Be Extra Green (bitofmomsense.com)
• 6 Smart Back-to-School Shopping Tips (bluehazel77.wordpress.com)
• Swap School Supplies for Green, Eco-Friendly Back-to-School “Shopping” That Doesn’t Break the Bank (biggreenpurse.com)
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