Do you leave your cell phone charger plugged in all the time? What about your laptop charger? iPod? Digital Camera?

The charger continues to pull a charge form the outlet even after you’ve unhooked your phone or other device.

MatteR says:

Let’s just look at cell phones, of which there are an estimated 190 million in the United States. A quick back of the envelope calculation says that the combined stand-by usage of all those cell phone chargers, each drawing a measly watt, could add up to 190 megawatts per day. That’s enough to power approximately 100,000 homes.

There’s no need to charge an empty cord, so unplug it!

Another Eco-Friendly Tip from Allie.

According to the EPA, 96 billion pounds of food per year is wasted.

Food waste is not only unfortunate in terms of the lost opportunity to feed hungry Americans but also in terms of the negative effects on our environment. The nation spends an estimated $1 billion a year to dispose of excess food.

How many times have you gone grocery shopping only to throw out browning produce and expired yogurt a week later?

The best way to limit wasted groceries is to limit your purchases. Plan your meals for the week, and make a list before you shop. You’ll save money too, by buying only what you need.

Another Eco-Friendly Tip from Allie.

Planning a big barbecue to celebrate the 4th? Forget paper plates! Not only do they create waste, but most aren’t made from recycled paper, so fresh trees were cut down to make them.

Use an old set of dishes (or a great yard sale find), or reusable plastic dishes. If you use plastic utensils, ask your guests not to throw them away. You can run them through the dishwasher and use them again.

If you must use disposable plates, look for plates that are made from recycled paper, or even sugar cane fiber.

Have a happy 4th!

Another Eco-Friendly Tip from Allie

A great way to buy local, organic food is through a CSA program or farm share.

From Local Harvest:

A CSA, (for Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become “members” (or “shareholders,” or “subscribers”) of the CSA. Most CSA farmers prefer that members pay for the season up-front, but some farmers will accept weekly or monthly payments. Some CSAs also require that members work a small number of hours on the farm during the growing season.

We signed up with a local organic farm this year and got our first bag of veggies this past weekend. It was full of fresh beets, lettuce, zucchini, and yellow squash, all picked the day before. While every CSA program works differently, through our farm’s CSA, produce works out to about $1.20 a pound. It’s a great way to support local organic farmers, limit your food miles, and save money.

Click here to find a CSA in your area.

Another Eco-Friendly Tip from Allie.

I’ve always splurged a little when it comes to pet food. Over the years, my kitty has tried out several high quality cat foods, but Newman’s Own Organics Adult Cat Formula dry food is in a league of own.

In less than a week of switching her over to Newman’s, my cat’s coat was noticeably shinier, softer, and smoother. More remarkably, her energy level has improved drastically. She’s nine years old, and a cancer survivor. Before I switched her food, she spent most of her day lying on the bed in the guest room soaking up the sun. Now, she’s so social and active that it’s hard to believe she’s the same cat!

Newman’s Own Organics Adult Cat Formula dry food is certified organic and has ingredients like Chicken, Oats, Carrots, Brown Rice, and Flax Seed, as well as probiotics like Lactobacillus Acidophilus (the same active culture found in high quality yogurt). It’s packed with antioxidants to maintain your cat’s immune system, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and chelated minerals to help your cat best absorb nutrients.

None of Newman’s Own pet foods were involved in the recent pet food recalls. They do not use wheat gluten or rice protein concentrate in any of their pet foods, and all of their pet foods are made in the USA.

All of Newman’s Own after-tax profits go to charity. The first $100,000 made from Newman’s Own Organics Pet Foods was distributed to ten animal charities chosen by their distributors.

Click here to find a store that carries Newman’s Own Organics Pet Foods, or buy online.

Another Eco-Friendly Food from Allie.

Not all recyclables are created equal. The energy that goes into recycling, the actual amount of a product that can be recycled, and the amount of times a product can be recycled varies greatly. Read more…