Green Tip of the Week

Read these tips --
you'll be surprised how remarkably simple
it is to care for our environment!

Sunday, September 5, 2010
Back-to-school green tip:
As cash-strapped school districts cut back on bus service, more students will walk, bicycle, or carpool to class this year. Not every parent is comfortable allowing a kid to hoof it alone, so the line of cars idling in front of the elementary school could grow. If you find yourself waiting in a car, turn off the engine. According to the California Energy Commission, 10 seconds of idling uses more fuel than turning off an engine and restarting it. If fuel savings and pollution reduction don't convince you to rest that engine, consider that idling actually causes more wear on internal engine parts than driving at normal speeds.

Sunday, August 29, 2010
According to Earth.911, Americans buy an estimated 28 billion plastic water bottles every year, and nearly eight out of every 10 of those bottles will end up in a landfill, translating to about a 23 percent recycling rate. Furthermore, it’s estimated that the production of plastic accounts for 4 percent of the energy consumption in the U.S. A small investment upfront can save over the long run. Use reusable bottles at the gym, the office, or around the house. Keep your reusable bottle in your car at all times for those unexpected trips and stops. You can fill it up at any gas station or fast food restaurant. Here's another point to ponder: Bottled water often contains more bacteria and impurities than tap water, because the EPA regulates municipal water systems more stringently than the FDA regulates bottled water.

Sunday, August 22, 2010
You’ve got one in your kitchen. But what about setting a recycling bin in your bathroom too? That way you won’t be tempted (it’s too easy to do) to toss recyclable shampoo bottles and emptied toilet paper rolls into a trashcan that empties into a landfill.

Sunday, August 15, 2010
Ever wonder what to do with those packets of silica gel that show up in your vitamin bottles and new shoe boxes? Delay your reflex to chuck them straight into the garbage. Here are a few tips: You can use them to dry out items like cell phones and iPods after they have gotten wet. Without turning the device back on, pull out the battery and memory card and leave overnight in a container filled with several gel packets. Make your own potpourri by cutting open the packets and saturating the beads with essential oils. Set in a bowl or baggie. Protect important personal documents by storing them with bagged silica beads. Put a few gel packets in your toolbox or a container holding your razor blades to prevent rusting. Also, slow the effects of tarnishing by using the gel in jewelry boxes and with silverware. After the silica gel absorbs water (up to 40 percent of its own weight), it loses its effectiveness. But there is a silver lining to this raincloud: the beads can be reactivated and reused repeatedly.

Sunday, August 8, 2010
Instead of trashing your unsold garage-sale items, hand them over to local charities such as Goodwill or consignment shops for recycling through reuse.

Sunday, August 1, 2010
Earth911.com reports that automatic carwashes use less than half the water used when washing your car at home. The average home wash uses 80-140 gallons of water while the commercial average is 45 gallons. Commercial car washes often reuse water, send the runoff to treatment centers instead of nearby lakes and streams, and also use high pressure nozzles that require less water use. If you do wash at home, make sure to wash over dirt or lawn to absorb the extra water. Use biodegradable, phosphate-free soap.

Sunday, July 25, 2010
Rethink the print button! From PDF to online file sharing, there are now more alternatives to printing. Do a double-take before you hit print because every sheet counts. Save trees. Reduce waste. Reduce carbon emissions associated with manufacture and delivery of paper.

Sunday, July 18, 2010
Dryer sheets, used to eliminate static cling, pack quite a punch when it comes to chemicals and waste.  Get the static out before it begins.  Remove your clothes from the dryer about five minutes before they are totally dry.  Keeping clothes in the dryer past their “done” time is the No. 1 cause of static.  Better yet, hang your laundry outside and harness the sun's natural energy, or inside on dryer racks. 

Sunday, July 11, 2010
Switch to cloth napkins.  Not only do they add pretty accents to your table, but cloth napkins significantly reduce paper waste. Take it one step further and switch to handkerchiefs instead of tissues and rags rather than paper towels for cleaning.

Sunday, July 4, 2010
If you donate clothes, electronics, and small appliances to Goodwill, the benefits go beyond tax write-offs.  Donated items are refurbished and sold in Goodwill stores, which creates jobs and saves resources.  If you've ever wondered just how much of an economical and real-world impact your donated items have, you can now calculate the value yourself. Goodwill has officially launched its Donation Impact Calculator (donate.goodwill.org) that shows consumers just how much weight their donations carry.  It's good will all around!

Sunday, June 27, 2010
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, here is a little green to mix with your red, white, and blue: Ditch the disposable party ware. They’re popular and easy. Disposable plates, cups, and utensils are convenient for parties with a lot of guests. The down side, they’re not so convenient for the environment. To avoid this, do your best to use normal tableware that can just be washed and reused. If you must go the disposable route, clean them up (they’re often washable) and use them at your next big gathering.

 Sunday, June 20, 2010

An increasing number of beauty product companies are starting recycling programs. Origins stores accept all used make-up containers, regardless of brand. Other companies, such as M-A-C will even give you a free lipstick of your choice when you return six M-A-C primary packaging containers.

 Sunday, June 13, 2010
Take the no paper towel challenge! Use one cloth towel for counters and another for clean dishes. Once either is spoiled by perishables, just toss it in the laundry and grab a clean one. Your wallet and our nation's forests will thank you.

 

 Sunday, June 6, 2010
White vinegar represents one of the best and least expensive all-purpose cleaning agents around. From deodorizing the garbage disposal to cleaning up pet accidents, there are countless ways where vinegar works as an amazing and natural cleaning agent. Try visiting VinegarTips.com for 1001 uses for non-toxic white distilled vinegar – you’ll be amazed by all the tips!

Sunday, May 30, 2010
Here are some great alternatives to traditional cleaning products that are less harmful to human and environmental health:
Glass Cleaner: Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water.
Furniture Polish: Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 pint vegetable oil.
Rug Deodorizer: Sprinkle liberally with baking soda and vacuum after 15 min.
Mothballs: Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint or white peppercorns in place of mothballs.

 

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Good intention: An Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. Plus, it uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.

What goes wrong: While a CFL may last longer, disposal is harder than an incandescent bulb. CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury (about 4 milligrams on average) sealed within glass tubing, so they can’t be tossed in the trash.

The right way to do it: The EPA recommends that burnt out CFLs be returned to local recycling centers or household hazardous waste events that accept CFLs.

Sunday, May 16, 2010
Use less water.  Whether it’s taking shorter showers or putting a bottle in your toilet tank, saving water is important because it is a limited resource. You can also reuse water around the house, such as using cooking water for plants (the nutrients from the food will benefit the plant).

Sunday, May 2, 2010
As summer is just on the horizon and the temperature begins to rise, here is a simple tip to keep you cool without using air conditioning: Invest in a fan. You may not realize just how big of a difference a small, inexpensive fan can make. Place one fan by the window where air is coming into your home. Use another fan at an opposite window positioned to blow warm air out. This can create a nice “wind tunnel” effect in pulling air through the house.

 

Sunday, April 18, 2010
Many people assume that pizza boxes are recyclable. In fact, most boxes have recycling symbols on them and are traditionally made from corrugated cardboard. They are, in and of themselves, recyclable. However, what makes parts of them non-recyclable is the hot, tasty treat that comes inside them, specifically, the grease and cheese from pizza that soil the cardboard.  The easiest remedy for this problem is to cut or tear out the soiled portions of your pizza boxes and trash them. For example, you can tear the top of the box off, recycle that and throw away the bottom part containing the grease. If the entire box is grease-free, the whole box can be recycled with a guilt-free conscience.   -- Earth911.com

 

 Sunday, March 21, 2010

Save leftovers! Dining out can become an expensive proposition. Meal portions come so large nowadays that there is an opportunity to really get your money’s worth from a restaurant meal.  Eat only half of what you’re served then take the leftovers home in a reusable container that you had the foresight to bring along. Voila! A “free” restaurant-made meal for another day!

 
Sunday, March 14, 2010

Paper gift bags with handles were introduced commercially in 1987 and, according to Hallmark, they have been the top-selling way consumers wrap gifts since 2002.   Reuse your gift bags as much as you can.  It's best to buy generic patterns and colors that can work for a number of occasions.  Also, try to buy sturdier bags made from recycled, organic, and/or sustainable materials to make your gifts as green as possible.

 

Sunday, March 7, 2010

The electronics industry is always striving to create the hottest new device, so electronics quickly become outdated. This creates an enormous disposal dilemma. Recycling is a good option, but also consider donating to a local school or non-profit organization. Not only will you extend the life of the product, but you will expand educational opportunities to those who might otherwise not have access. If you have computers to donate, minimum requirement is a Pentium processor, Windows 95.

 

Sunday, February 28, 2010
With tax season upon us, it's good to remember that you can help the environment and get a tax write-off at the same time. One way is to donate items such as clothing, toys, and household goods to organizations that specialize in offering products for reuse (e.g., Goodwill and Salvation Army). If you make a donation of items that are still usable, the IRS lets you determine the fair market value of the products donated, and this can be treated as a tax write-off.  So, collect your old goods and drop them off at a local second-hand store or donation center. Don’t forget to ask for the appropriate tax form when you donate.

 

Sunday, February 21, 2010
Libraries are great because you can get books without hurting your wallet or creating additional demand for trees. You can also choose from a wide selection of magazines, newspapers, videos, CDs, and audio-books. To further green your library trip, take public transportation there -- or stay home and download the library’s e-books or audio-books for free.

 Sunday, January 31, 2010
Americans buy about three billion household batteries (about 10 per person) annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency—and nearly all of them end up in landfills. The next time you need to power up your gadgets, choose rechargeable batteries instead. Unlike disposable alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries can be reused hundreds of times, which not only saves money and resources, but also reduces global warming pollution associated with battery manufacturing and transport.

Sunday, January 24, 2010
Now through January 31st, Sport Chalet stores are collecting men's, women's, and children's shoes for distribution to earthquake victims in Haiti.  This is a great way to recycle your gently worn pairs of shoes and at the same time offer help in this terrible tragedy.  The closest Sport Chalet stores are in Foothill Ranch and Mission Viejo.

Sunday, January 17, 2010
A New Year's resolution we should all adopt: Kick the plastic water bottle habit. Ever wonder where all of those plastic water bottles go? Into landfills, where they live on and on and on and on.  Not only do they fill up landfills, they are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a petroleum product, and their manufacturing process and transport uses oil, a nonrenewable energy source, and increases CO₂ emissions.So save resources by drinking from a glass or water fountain whenever you can, or use a refillable, stainless steel bottle when you are on the go.

Sunday, January 10, 2010
Assuming you are driving a gas-powered vehicle, reducing your driving distance by just 15 miles per week will save 900 pounds of carbon emissions annually. Doing multiple errands on one driving trip is one way to reduce those miles - and wear and tear on your car.

Sunday, January 3, 2010
REMINDER: Please save your holiday greeting cards and, when you're finished admiring them, drop them in the collection bin in the narthex to be recycled.  We'll send them in bulk to St. Jude's Ranch for Children.  St. Jude's chidren participate in making new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The cards are sold in boxes of 10 for $10 and can be purchased by visiting www.stjudesranch.org.  The benefits are two-fold: customers receive "green" holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of "going green".  St. Jude's will accept our donations through February 28, 2010.

 

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Instead of lugging your tree to the dumpster, consider joining a local Christmas tree recycling program or start your own. Many disposal companies will collect trees left on the sidewalk or dropped off at their locations. Recycled trees can be used for mulch, beachfront erosion prevention, and many other uses. The National Christmas Tree Association (www.christmastree.org/recycle.cfm) also lists unique ways people have reused Christmas trees.

Sunday, December 20, 2009
Cut the Gift Wrap: During the winter holidays, 4 million tons of wrapping paper and
shopping bags are thrown away, and almost none of it is made from recycled content. This year, skip the gift wrap and cut back on holiday waste. Try alternative wrapping such as newspaper, fabric scraps, scarves, reusable boxes, tins, and jars. If you do buy wrapping paper, choose recycled and save wrap and bows for re-use next year.

 Ditch the Plastic Bag: Another useful idea for your holiday shopping trips is to bring your own
reusable canvas bag, foregoing those one-time plastic shopping bags.

 Shop Online: Despite their size, e-commerce warehouses use 1/16th of the energy used to
operate retail stores. And even overnight air shipping uses 40% less fuel than the average car trip to the store.

 

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Save natural resources — and late fees — by enrolling in easy, online bill-paying options with credit card companies, utility providers, and almost any firm that sends you a monthly bill.  Paperless billing not only saves trees; it also eliminates the fossil fuel needed to get all those billing envelopes from them to you and back again.  Plus, you'll save money on stamps and help minimize use of stamp inks and adhesives.

 

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Please save your holiday greeting cards and, when you're finished admiring them, drop them in the collection bin in the narthex to be recycled. We'll send them in bulk to the St. Jude's Ranch for Children. St. Jude's children participate in making new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The cards are sold in boxes of 10 for $10 and can be purchased by visiting www.stjudesranch.org. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive "green" holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of "going green".  St. Jude's will accept our donations through February 28, 2010.

 

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Use bar soap instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles with pump dispensers.  It generates less packaging waste and is less expensive.

 

Sunday, November 22, 2009
This Thanksgiving, add a little extra flair to your table with homemade decorations.  Most materials can be found in your cupboard or backyard and don't require that you purchase anything.  Have the kids chip in with a pre-Thanksgiving craft day. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Acorn napkin ties, Dried leaf place cards,Corn or leaf print place mats Pinecone turkeys.
Painted gourds, Festive fall arrangements of pumpkins or corn cobs

 

If you do buy decorations, make sure you’ll be happy to save and reuse them in the
future.  Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Don’t leave your computer on when not in use. Even in “sleep” mode, your computer is wasting energy and costing you money. 

 

Sunday. November 8, 2009
Air drying your dishes uses 15 to 50 percent less energy in practically the same amount of time, so use your dishwasher's air-dry setting instead of the heat-dry option If it doesn't have an air-dry setting, simply open the door once the final rinse is complete.

 

Sunday, November 1, 2009
Heavier luggage burns more fuel. So if everyone leaves a little more at home, we'll save immense amounts of emissions from our planes, trains, and automobiles.

 

Sunday, October 11, 2009
Hand towels are common in the bathroom, but when it comes to the kitchen many of us are paper towel-using junkies. Whether you're drying your hands or cleaning up around the house, cloth towels and dish rags are the way to go. They're efficient at mopping up small spills, and come in handy for just about everything you'd need a paper towel for. There’s a lot less waste and, obviously, no trees have to give up their lives.  They're even fine for cleaning windows.  Keep a few dish cloths readily available in the kitchen. When they get dirty throw 'em in the hamper and wash them with your other household towels. No separate load needed.  Break that paper towel habit!  Next time you use up the last one, recycle the cardboard roll and give the cloth thing a try. 

 

Sunday, October 4, 2009
Use cold water when only using small amounts of water. Even if the hot water never reaches the faucet, your water heater will kick on and you will pay to heat it.

 

Sunday, September 27, 2009
Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) is a great way to save energy and money. However, CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, a neurotoxin, so it's important to dispose of them properly.  Don't throw CFLs in the trash; recycle them instead.  The Home Depot has a take-back program and the City of Irvine has a hazardous waste disposal center that is very convenient.

 Reminder: St. John's participates in Terracyle's cork recycling.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Although no water is involved in the dry-cleaning process, liquid solvents are. They contaminate our soil and water, and are likely carcinogenic. The simplest (and probably cheapest) solution is to avoid buying clothes that require dry cleaning. Machine-washable suits exist, and many cotton, linen, and silk clothes can be safely hand-washed in cold water -even if they say "dry clean only."

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Although no water is involved in the dry-cleaning process, liquid solvents are. They contaminate our soil and water, and are likely carcinogenic. The simplest (and probably cheapest) solution is to avoid buying clothes that require dry cleaning. Machine-washable suits exist, and many cotton, linen, and silk clothes can be safely hand-washed in cold water - even if they say "dry clean only."

 

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Dining out can become an expensive proposition. To get your money’s worth, and since portions come so large nowadays, eat only half of what you’re served, then take the leftovers home in a reusable container that you had the foresight to bring along. Voila! A “free” restaurant-made meal for later.

 

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Here's a green tip for back-to-school shopping: Before you're dazzled by a super-sized pack of highlighters (on sale!) or a fancy eraser set, take stock of the school supplies you already have. Sturdy items like folders and backpacks can be reused for several years. And chances are you already have an ample supply of pens and pencils in your family's catch-all drawer. Come to the store armed with a list so you won't be tempted to buy things you don't need.

 Sunday, August 23, 2009
A free, easy way to reduce fuel use and cost is to make sure your car’s not carrying any extra weight. Haven’t cleared out that trunk or back seat in a while? It’s time: Carting around an extra 100 pounds can reduce MPG by 2 percent. If you’ve got a roof rack, consider removing it or storing gear in the car instead to reduce drag.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Use fans to cool off instead of air conditioning during these hot August days and nights. Electric fans use 90% less energy than centralized air conditioning, and Energy Star-rated ceiling fans are 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units.  Fans provide a great opportunity to save energy and money too!

 

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Put that sunny patch of backyard to work by putting in a few easy-to-grow veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, or cucumbers to supplement your shopping trips. Even if you’re an apartment dweller, a window box can still provide enough space for a small garden.  Try cherry tomatoes, strawberries, or an herb garden to keep your seasonings fresh and fragrant.

 

Sunday, August 2, 2009
One of the first and easiest steps in green shopping is bringing reusable bags with you when you shop for groceries or anywhere.  It’s easy, inexpensive, and makes a real difference.  Reusables often hold more and are sturdier than either plastic or paper bags, both of which can be bad for the environment. With the trend now spreading, reusable bags are becoming a fashion as well as an eco-friendly statement.  To help you remember your bags, keep them in the car rather than in the house. Get the kids involved. The assignment to remember the reusable bags will help make them feel important and teach lasting environmental principles.

 

Sunday, July 26, 2009
Recycling tip: Sometimes we forget about the recycling that’s outside of our kitchen wastebasket, but don’t forget that personal hygiene product packaging (e.g., shampoo bottles, soap containers) can be recycled.  Try keeping small, separate waste baskets just for paper or cardboard and plastic in the bathroom to make the task of sorting easier. Also, the next time you go shopping for personal hygiene products, keep an eye out for items packaged in recycled or recyclable materials.

 

Sunday, July 19, 2009
Please keep in mind these important water-saving tips, especially in the dry summer season: Keep your drinking water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for cold water. When using the hot water, keep a bucket or other container handy to catch the cold water that comes out of the faucet first. Take a shower instead of a bath. Showers use less water than baths. Install low-flow showerheads and save half the amount of water you use. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, shave, lather your hair, or scrub the dishes.

 

Sunday, June 28, 2009
Before you head out to get a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, grab your commuter mug or cup and use that instead of Styrofoam or paper cups from coffee shops. Earth911.com reports that during fiscal year 2008, U.S. and Canadian Starbucks customers saved roughly one million pounds of paper by bringing in their own beverage containers.  And, many stores offer a discount when you use your own cup.  If fountain drinks are more your style, don’t pick up a new plastic cup every time. Extend the life of the cup by bringing it back for countless refills. When you’ve exhausted the life of the cup, don’t toss it in the trash. Chances are the plastic is recyclable.

 

Sunday, June 21, 2009
Here are some green barbeque tips for Father's Day and beyond: Grilling with the hood of the barbeque down not only helps maintain energy efficiency, but also ensures the heat will be distributed more evenly throughout the grill. You can reheat baked goods like pies on the barbeque rack after the barbeque is turned off.  Close the lid and by the time you are ready for dessert they will be warm.  Clean your grill with a barbeque brush and a paste made with baking soda and water.  Avoid petroleum-based cleaners.  

Sunday, June 14, 2009
California's drought condition is severe.  One area in the house where water gets wasted is in the kitchen.  Here are some tips to save precious water.  Don’t leave the tap running while you wash or rinse dishes. If washing by hand, fill one side of the sink with soapy water for washing and use the other for rinsing.  Only run the dishwasher when full.  Use a sponge to clean food off your plates, not a stream of water from the tap.  Capture water used to wash fruits and vegetables (e.g., by placing a strainer over a big pot) and use the captured water to water your plants.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Reduce or eliminate the use of chemical weed-killers (herbicides).  Instead, spray straight vinegar on the weeds or pour boiling water on them.  Tough weeds may require multiple applications, but no matter how many applications you make, you won't be introducing noxious chemicals into the environment. Don't forget to place your used wine corks (natural and synthetic) in the recycling receptacle in the narthex.

 
Sunday, May 31 2009

 If you have fruit trees, set up a swap program with the neighbors (e.g. five lemons in exchange for 20 strawberries) to share your homegrown produce.

 

Sunday, May 24, 2009
Consider going meatless for just one meal a week.  It’s estimated that 18% of all global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with meat consumption, including raising the livestock and processing, packaging, and shipping the products.  It's also estimated that if every American substituted a vegetarian dish for a meat dish for just one meal per week, the carbon dioxide reduction would be roughly equivalent to taking more than half a million cars off the roads.  Now that's worth doing!

  

Sunday, May 17, 2009
One way of helping to lessen impacts on the environment is to "repurpose" your trash.  For example, wash aluminum foil instead of trashing it, or wad it up and use it as a pot scrubber or to clean your BBQ grates. 

 

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Pay bills online to save paper (and postage to!).

 

Sunday, May 3, 2009
Use bar soap instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles with pump dispensers.  It generates less packaging waste and is less expensive.  Look for the biodegradable brands.

 

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Resist the urge to splurge.  A lack of excess cash in these tough times can serve as a great excuse to take a "consumption vacation" and help the environment.  Consider taking a day or week off from making any new purchases, with the exception of necessities.  You'll not only save money, you'll reduce the waste created throughout the life cycle of each new product, including the packaging used and the transportation and emissions necessary to get products from original resource to manufacturer to consumer.

Sunday, April 5, 2009
Much of the energy consumed by a washer is used to heat water, so wash clothes on the "cold" or "warm" settings rather than "hot" whenever possible.

Sunday, March 27, 2009
One disposable coffee cup per day creates 23 pounds of waste per year. To prevent this, try reusable mugs for coffee or tea that eliminate the need for disposable cups. Don’t stop at just the hot drinks: reusable bottles for water or juice are equally important.

Sunday, March 22, 2009
The U.S. EPA designated March 16-20 as the first “Fix a Leak Week” to remind Americans that minor water leaks in the home account for 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year. So grab a wrench or contact your favorite handy person to address leaking toilets, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures around your home.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

The following tips can decrease your vehicle’s emissions while increasing its fuel economy:
--Keep our tires properly inflated and aligned.
--Unless you’re stuck in traffic, turn off the car’s engine rather than allowing it to idle for more than a minute.
--Obey posted speed limits and apply modest, even acceleration and braking.
--Avoid transporting unnecessary weight: empty your trunk!

Sunday, March 1, 2009
According to Earth911.com, a recent survey found that nearly a trillion sheets of paper are tossed within a day of being printed. That translates into nearly 90 million trees cut and processed each year.  Before you print, ask yourself:  Is it something that requires a paper copy?  Will you be keeping it for more than a few hours or days?  Has someone else already printed it?  You can also encourage your company to add a footnote to emails that asks the recipients to make the same considerations before printing.

Sunday, February 22, 2009
According to the U.S. EPA, every American throws away an average of 1.3 pounds of food scraps daily. In addition to this, yard trimmings and food waste combined make up 24% of our nation’s municipal solid waste stream. If even half of this can be diverted and recycled through composting, our daily trash levels could start to decrease.  Composting can produce a rich product you can use to help maintain your yard.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

According to the EPA, the average single-family household spends $2,000 a year for electricity and heating. Replacing one or more of your appliances that consume the most energy — air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, and refrigerators — with more-efficient, Energy Star certified models will reduce your costs over time, and many utilities and state governments offer rebates when you purchase such appliances.

 

Sunday, February 1, 2009