Beyond Bottles and Cans

Recently I updated one of my most popular Squidoo lenses to incorporate lots of info and ideas on ways anyone can do more to recycle, reuse and reduce at home. Here's an excerpt:

Ok, so you sort out your bottles, cans and newspapers for recycling... but are you aware of the hundreds of ways you can recycle common household products like coffee filters, silica gel packets, haircolor kits, cereal boxes and egg cartons? 

READ MORE:Recycling at Home - Beyond the Bottles and Cans

Heartache in the Gulf Coast - The Disaster that Never Ends

It seems the heartache created by BP in the Gulf Coast is never ending. The frustratingly slow process of cleanup that you or I may feel watching this disaster unfold on CNN and other news, has got to be magnified 100x for those that are living in or near the affected areas.  So much loss... so much devastation to wildlife, the wetlands, the local economy...the health issues... the list goes on and on.

I do believe there are solutions that aren't being utilized, and I hope the government will hold accountable those that are responsible! Help keep shining the light on the problem and possible solutions, including some innovative non-toxic methods such as the munching microbes in this YouTube video:



or the systems backed by actor Kevin Costner (whose brother is one of the innovative scientists who invented these units)


In the mean time... maybe you'll commit to avoiding BP-owned gas stations (here on the West Coast, that includes ARCO and AM/PM stations, and/or participate in a growing number of local and national efforts to help out.

Yo can keep up-to-date with the latest developments on this catastrophe at CNN.com.

And hey, if that doesn't light a fire under ya, check out Treehugger.com's compiled list of the Top 5 Federal Agencies Awarding Contracts to BP...
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A Chance to Help the Environment and a Freebie!

In case you don't have a Facebook account or haven't seen The Sierra's Club latest offering, check out this link. For more than 100 years, the Sierra Club is dedicated to preserving our National Parks and so much more.  Join now and receive four free eco-chic shopping bags! So handy to stash in your car or even your backpack...
More about the Sierra Club from Wikipedia:

The Sierra Club's mission is:

To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.

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Earth Day Around the World

How will you celebrate Earth Day this year?

Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment, and will be celebrated in the US on April 22, although there will be tons of Earth Day/Week celebrations around the world.

From Wikipedia: "In the United States, Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22. The United Nations celebrates Earth Day each year on the Spring Equinox, which is often March 20. This is a tradition which was founded by peace activist John McConnell in 1969. The first governmental recognition of Earth Day, authorized by the city of San Francisco, was on the Spring Equinox in 1970. The United Nations adopted this holiday the next year and celebrated Earth Day for the first time on the Spring Equinox in 1971."

Here's just a sampling of Earth Day celebrations around the globe:

• Climate Rally at National Mall, Washington, DC
• Earth Day Events in Southern California
• Convergence Festival: Earth Day Conference and Celebration in Ireland
• Earth Day Canada - search for events
• Earth Day Events - Australia

Can't make it to one of the above listed events? Why not celebrate Earth Day at home with friends and family... maybe you'll be inspired by these plastic bag artists: http://www.oddee.com/item_97040.aspx  or you'll be inspired to plant some wildflowers... you can get some FREE from Mount Sinai (LA). Whatever way you decide ... decide to make a difference.

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Eco-friendly Homes for Greensburg - Check out the Winners

As you may have heard, in May of 2007 a tornado leveled the town of Greensburg, KY. In the aftermath, the town, along with several architects and other green-minded businesses embarked on a quest to rebuild Greensburg as a model green town. Check out the winners of the eco-home challenge held by FreeGreen.com. There are some truly inspiring home designs in this group! Who knows, you may be inspired to build your own green home (or neighborhood). FreeGreen.com has plenty of free and affordable house plans to get you started.

Eco-friendly Driving - Lessening Our Carbon Footprints

For many of us, walking or using public transportation is not a viable option for getting around on a daily basis, however, there are still plenty of ways we can strive to lessen our carbon footprints.

• Combine errands that are usually spread out over a couple of days into one trip.

• Park and go inside to order food as opposed to using the drive-thru.
  
  
• Carpool with neighbors or co-workers at least once a week.
  
  
• Buy eco-friendly car parts (like oil filters)
  

• Keep your car maintained. Change the oil, check the tire pressure, and regularly replace the oil filter.

• Drive an eco-friendly car. Yes, there are some affordable options - The one pictured is the Alpin Hybrid Concept Car. More info here
  
  
• For more eco-friendly driving tips, check out the EPA's Drive Wise page.
  

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!