A Styrofoam Plate Alternative

Styrofoam and petroleum-based plastic containers have long been used for disposable plates, cups and other ware for everything from picnics to takeout. But the price to our environment, especially landfills, outweighs the convenience.

Retailers and restaurant supply wholesalers are now offering biodegradable alternatives for the standard Styrofoam plates and plastic deli containers. Items such as plates, bowls, cups, straws and deli containers are made from compostable materials like sugar cane and corn.

Here are a few suggestions for finding alternative disposable products.

1. Check with your local healthy foods stores like Whole Foods, or even Wal-Mart and Target. Many stores are beginning to offer a larger selection of eco-friendly tableware alternatives.

2. Check out Branchhome.com to find assorted products that are eco-friendly. Their biodegradable party kit is less than $50 and serves 50 people. Hot and cold cups as well as disposable flatware are also offered.

3. Use Pristineplanet.com to do a disposable product search for you (and compare prices). The site has been connecting consumers and green retailers since 2004. Several of the retailers offer green products in large quantities, making them a viable option for catering events or eco-friendly weddings.

Two of the online retailers I found offer these organic products by the case, such as the 9"Sugar Cane Bagasse Dinner plates - $57.69/cs (500 count) at Organicsbythecase.com or the 8x8x2 Corn Clamshell Containers - $64.93 (160 count) at the BiodegradableStore.com. Consider using eco-friendly disposable ware for your next BBQ, corporate event or even a green wedding. After the event, add the trash to your compost - your garden will love it!

Biodegradable Pet Poop Bags

Check out the eco-friendly pet poop bags at FlushDoggy.com.

• 100% biodegradable & flushable
• Dog waste bag measures 10.75" X 8.5"
• 10% of sales donated to the ASPCA to fight puppy mills
• ON SALE now - get an annual supply (420 biodegradable flushable poop bags) + Free Shipping for less than $55!
• Great gift idea for your favorite dog walker or dog lover.
  

Here's some statistics from FlushDoggy.com -
71,000,000 dogs create 29,000 pounds of waste each day.
While dog poop is biodegradable, the traditional plastic bags we often use to dispose of it are not, which means it creates problems for our landfill and sea-bound water systems.

FlushDoggy even offers a poop calculator, just in case you're really that curious...

Recycle Caps with Aveda

In case you haven't heard, Aveda has a recycling program for plastic jug & bottle caps that is a simple way to help the environment. Did you know many of the city curb side recycling programs don't want you to throw in the caps when you throw away your plastic water and soda bottles, or milk and juice containers? Huntington Beach's recycling is one of those who don't, and at times it's felt like those little caps were multiplying everywhere! I found them in baskets, the junk drawer, shoved at the back of the counter... you get the picture. So I was very happy to hear about Aveda's program - and it couldn't be easier! Simply take all your collected caps into the Aveda Salon/store nearest you, and they'll do the rest. Aveda has pledged to keep these rigid caps out of our water and away from birds and other marine creatures by repurposing them into product packaging. Now that's what I call a beautiful thing! For more information, click here.

Speaking of beautiful things -- Check out these great recycled shopping bags!

Saying No To Whaling

Greenpeace remains a leader in the campaign to stop commercial Japanese whaling. The Caribbean island of Dominica is the latest to join in their efforts to saying "No" to commercial whaling. Dominica was once an ally of Japan's endeavors, but has now committed to being a whale-friendly country. Dominica is sometimes called the “whale watching capitol of the Caribbean” and is the only country in the world where the sperm whale resides all year long, although sightings are most common between November and March. Studies show that whale watching is a much more lucrative business venture than hunting them. Hopefully, more countries will come on board. For more information, visit Greenpeace.org.

From Washing Machine To Ottoman

What you're looking at is a recycled drum from an old washing machine. Add a seat, casters (although I think those could be optional) and you've got cool extra seating available for indoors or even out on the patio, depending on the type of fabric you use for the cushion. I came across this eco-friendly DIY project on the Eco-street.com blog. I'd love to see how other readers became inspired to do something similar.

Budget-friendly, eco-friendly... it's definitely a good green thing.

Recycled Jewelry Artisan

Check out the fun & funky jewelry made by crafter Michele Rappoport (BlingALing on Etsy.com). She's got lots of creative pieces that she's created from recycling a variety of objects. These earrings caught my eye because they're made from recycled Starbucks Gift Cards. How clever! (Click the Title to go to her Etsy store). I'll be checking back with her from time to time to find more fun & funky recycled crafts.

Natural Resources Defense Council

If you're not familiar with this organization, be sure to check out their website for tons of great info and projects you can become involved with like: Reviving our oceans, building a clean green economy, saving America's wildlands, ...the list goes on and on. Click on the Take Action tab and maybe you'll feel inclined to sign a petition or send a letter to your Congressmen.

Bay area band Green Day has also partnered up with NRDC in an effort to get the word out through their fans. For more info: http://www.greendaynrdc.com/ Free wallpapers and icons are available to support the cause by clicking on their Free Stuff links. You can also sign up for their email updates and alerts, make a $10 donation and get a Dream and Differ dogtag, and more.

Handmade Shopping Bags

I wanted to showcase these great market bags, 1) because they are so much better for the environment, and 2) because Rachel Conry is a talented crafter, who will even do custom orders. She also makes iPod cases so your accessories can be completely coordinated. I'm happy to showcase other eco-friendly crafters' wares - especially solo entrepreneurs or small businesses, so if you are one or know one, be sure to drop me a note. In the mean time, check out Rachel's Etsy Store.

Yet Another Free & Green Houseplan

This time the folks at FreeGreen.com have come up with a nicely designed cabin for their latest in eco-friendly FREE houseplans that can be downloaded from their site.  It's a simple 1-bedroom floorplan that is perfect for a summer retreat with 704 sq. ft., cedar siding and a metal roof that supports several solar panels.  Of course, if you need additional bedrooms or other customization done, FreeGreen is happy to work with you on the additional specs.