1. Recycle Your Wine Corks

    Posted on February 29, 2008 by Allie

    Kir asked about ways to reuse wine corks and wine bottles yesterday, so today we’ll revisit this tip about corks, and tomorrow we’ll talk about bottles.

    I save corks. We don’t drink a lot of wine, but when we do, I feel bad throwing out the cork, so I toss it in the junk drawer. Read more…

  2. What’s Going On

    Posted on by Allie

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    Ever wondered why organic bananas are smaller?

    A Goods 4 Girls announcement.

    When it comes to fish, only the wimpiest survive.

    Emeril’s going green.

    The earth has more than one north pole.

    My kitty litter recipe was picked up by MSN’s Smart Spending MoneyBlog.

  3. “License to Kill” Plan Takes Wolves Off Endangered Species List

    Posted on February 28, 2008 by Allie

     

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    Last week, the U.S. Government announced that the Gray Wolves of the Northern Rockies will be taken off of the endangered species list.  In response, eleven conservation groups plan to follow this case through to federal court in a law suit against this violation of the Endangered Species Act. Read more…

  4. Tip of the Day - Replace #7 Plastics

    Posted on by Allie

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    Seventh Generation’s Non-Toxic Times newsletter (soon to be 7Gen Newsletter) advises weeding out the #7 plastics and other household items that contain Bisphenol-A.  Let’s talk about why it’s a problem and what you should do about it. Read more…

  5. What’s Going On

    Posted on by Allie

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    Petite Planet gets a jump on eco-friendly Easter crafts.

    Velo Orange chats about bamboo bikes and vegan biker fuel (and speaking of bikes, I’m so jealous of Erikka’s upcoming trips!)

    Put a turbine in your toilet, and other high-tech ways to go green.

    Something smelly happened at The New York Times.

    Crunchy Chicken’s hempuccino.

    How recycling = energy.

    I really like David’s new hat.

  6. People Powered Heating System in Sweden

    Posted on by Allie

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    How wild is this?  In Stockholm, body heat will be harnessed to heat buildings. Read more…

  7. Tip of the Day - How Cold Can You Go?

    Posted on February 27, 2008 by Allie

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    We’ve been keeping our house at 68 degrees (Fahrenheit) during the day and 64 degrees at night.  It’s a little chilly, but I’ve been wondering how low we can go.  Read more…

  8. What’s Going On

    Posted on by Allie

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    Only you can prevent forest fires, sort of.

    I wish I could go to climate camp.

    Prince Charles just says no to foie gras.

    Don’t talk trash, teach with it.

    Going green doesn’t have to be expensive.

  9. Tip of the Day - Take a Dr. Bronner’s Bath

    Posted on February 26, 2008 by Allie

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    I’m obsessed with Dr. Bronner’s Organic 18-in-1 Hemp Lavender Pure-Castile Soap. Over the past two weeks I’ve used Dr. Bronner’s to wash almost every surface of my house, and I still have half of my tiny 4 fluid ounce bottle left over. Just a few squirts in some warm water cuts dirt on kitchen floors, but it’s gentle enough for your skin too.

    Read more…

  10. What’s Going On

    Posted on by Allie

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    Do you know which American city is the greenest?

    How green is your presidential candidate?

    Enter Green & Black’s Chocolate Challenge.

    South Africa to allow elephant killing.

    The water you drink leaves a “fingerprint” in your hair.

    My make your own kitty litter post is included in today’s Festival of Frugality at  No Credit Needed, and Make it From Scratch over at Stop the Ride.

Tip of the Day

Bring Your Own Utensils

I carry a titanium backpacking spork around in my purse.  I know that sounds kind of weird, but it saves me from using disposable utensils when I eat out, and it’s so light, I never even notice that I’m carrying it.

Before the Industrail Revolution it was common for guests to be expected to bring their own utensils with them when invited to dine, because utensils were expensive, labor intensive items, and most people didn’t own extra sets.  Now, when it’s possible to buy a set of 1,000 plastic utensils for under $20, people don’t even think about bringing their own.

But think of the plastic waste that can be saved by slipping a fork from home in your purse on the way out the door.  You don’t need anything fancy.  Grab one from your kitchen drawer, or if you’re worried about loosing a piece of a set, pick up a few spare utensils the next time you hit a discount store, thrift shop, or yard sale.  It’s simple a simple way to cut down waste, and it’s always nicer to eat with real utensils anyway.

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