Ladies, Consider Downsizing

 

Ladies, I know that it can be nice to have a whole pocket book of luxuries at our fingertips, but consider downsizing. Many purses are made of leather and metals, and probably use a lot of resources to make (especially if you have several!). Most days I find that all I need are my license, money, phone, keys, and chapstick. When it comes down to it, that's really not that much. I recently bought this coin pouch that is no larger than a debit card, and it fits my needs perfectly. Better yet, it is made out of recycled plastic! So, how do I manage? It helps that it is winter and so I am always wearing a coat with pockets. My money and license fit perfectly in the pouch, and then I just use my pockets for my phone, keys, and chapstick. In the summer this might need some adjusting, but we'll see. It works for now and if I can make it a habit then it will also save some resources.

Reuse tea bags

 

It is common to use a tea bag once to make a cup of tea and then immediately throw it away. But what if once you finish that cup you realize that you want another? You can reuse the tea bag. Yes, reuse it! You're tea won't be any weaker or less delicious, I promise. Save yourself from having to open up a whole new package. Simply steep that same bag in hot water again, and voila! 

95% Savings

You are always told to recycle, and I am sure that you know to recycle aluminum cans, but have you ever been told why? Recycling aluminum cans actually uses 95% less energy than making a new can from bauxite ore requires. I knew that recycling saved energy, but I never realized how huge the energy saving was! 95%! And by recycling we are also avoiding needing to mine and strip the earth of natural resources. Mining is a hugely disruptive and polluting action of natural environments and ecosystems. So, hopefully recycling cans has a new meaning for you now.

Floor Heaters Need Space

 

It is important to remember not to crowd floor heaters. If you place your furniture right up against the heater then the heat will be blocked from spreading into the room. This will lead to inefficiency and will probably cause you to turn the heat up higher and longer than you would need to otherwise. If it is unavoidable that you put furniture in front of a heater, be sure to leave space (maybe 6 inches minimum) between the wall and the furniture. You need to allow it to actually do its job, and that job is increasingly important during these chilly months.

Cantle Piece (Can-Mantle)

If you have a mantle or shelf where you place all of your fancy knick knacks and decorations, here is a new idea: decorate with fancy cans and bottles. It is not the most elegant of decorations, but who cares. Some labels can be really flashy with bright colors or cool designs. And, if they don't really have anything special to them then you can decorate them yourself and turn them into a nice piece of art. Do whatever you have to do to keep your items from being waste. Maybe having a few cans around will remind you that waste can't really go "away". It is going to stay with us for the rest of our lives, so we might as well enjoy it if we can.

Wrapping with Newspaper

 

It may be a little late for a Christmas post, but for the future: wrap presents in newspaper. It achieves the same goal as wrapping paper but it is reusing something old rather than using something new. Also, newspaper is not glossy or anything so it is probably easier to recycle or biodegrade. You'd think that the paper would be boring or ugly but I actually got kind of excited about what was on the paper. If nothing else, your gifts will be unique.

Coffee & Plates

 

If you frequent Starbucks or any other coffee shop a lot I am sure that you've gotten something to eat there while you study or work. Usually it is given to you in a paper bag. But, if you're staying in the store then you really don't need the bag. I was in Starbucks the other day and ordered banana bread. I was working at a table that was just a few feet from the counter, so the bread was literally in the bag for no more than a minute before I took it out. The bag was really not used. Instead, ask for your order "for here" or "on a plate"... whatever it takes. They should give you a ceramic, reusable plate that will serve its purpose much better than the bag. Unfortunately, despite my request, I still received this bag. I assume there was just a miscommunication, because I have seen it done before. Keep trying!

Tape

 

Here is a product to keep an eye out for at the grocery store or office supply store: greener tape. I like the title, because it is "greenER" not "green". I am not sure that they meant it that way, but anyhow...the tape is made of 75% recycled OR plant-based materials. I am not really sure what the "or" means and this product might not be quite as exciting as it initially looks: but it is something! They are on the right track. Greenish tape is better than ordinary tape.

Homemade bottle

 

Now it might be a little late to make any Christmas presents like this, but here is an idea for the future!  My uncle made this decorative bottle out of an old wine bottle that he found at my grandmother's house and a string of battery operated lights.  He drilled a hole through the side with a drill bit so that the battery pack could rest outside of the bottle. I'm sure if you looked you might find some kind of lighted bottle, but none as special as this. Reused and homemade is just better! Better for the environment and better as a thoughtful gift. Old or new, pretty bottles can always be used for all sorts of crafty things.

Recycle Your Chapstick

 

Have you ever thought about recycling your chapstick once you were done with it? I never have, until I saw this picture on the side of a Burt's Bees chapstick. Now I couldn't tell you the last time that I actually finished a chapstick because it does take a while. But the next time that you do, recycle it! This chapstick says it is made with #5 plastic so make sure that your town takes #5 plastic first. If it does, great! If it doesn't, take it to a Gimme 5 box.