Friday, March 30, 2012

Living Paper-Free


After moving to Vermont, Kyle and I decided not to buy napkins and paper towels. We have never missed them. We also do not own a printer.

Many people will argue that purchasing paper products does not effect their budget enough to warrant seeking reusable alternatives. However, I believe that you can save at least $40 a month by going paper-free.

Tips for creating a paperless home:

1.       Don’t buy it. If you don’t buy the paper products you won’t use them.

2.       Get out of your old habits. Make using cloth and other reusable products as convenient as using paper products.

3.       Getting rid of toilet paper: You have to get over the ick factor. I recommend using a bidet system instead of reusing cloth.

4.       Paper towels: Use old t-shirts, socks, cloth wipes, used bath towels, etc.

5.       Napkins: Use cloth napkins.

6.       Tissue Paper: Use a handkerchief.

7.       Reduce junk mail. Pay bills online. Recycle paper or find another use for them.

a.       Stop receiving catalogs from companies you would never buy anything from. www.catalogchoice.org

b.      Stop the junk mail and advertisements. http://www.directmail.com/directory/mail_preference/Default.aspx

c.       Stop credit card offers.


8.       Feminine hygiene: Use menstrual cups, sea sponges, and cloth pads.

9.       Stop buying paper plates.

10.   Get rid of your printer. If you must print, print on both sides and purchase 100% post recycled content paper to use in your printer.

11.   Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers.

12.   Go to a library instead of buying books.

13.   For birthday cards and notifications, try sending an e-card.

14.   Empty file cabinets. Scan and store electronically.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Eco-friendly Shoes

1.       www.groundhogshoes.com

Groundhog is in the business of eco friendly shoes. Their overall goal as a company is reducing their global footprint and they do this not only through producing great looking eco friendly shoes from sustainable materials using responsible construction but also with all of their business practices. They source local materials whenever possible, incorporating materials like cork, natural latex, and coconut shell buttons.



2.       www.toms.com

This company matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need.



3.       www.vivobarefoot.com

This shoe company is all about ecological survival and supporting ideas of sustainability. The shoes are minimalist. They make shoes for trail running, off-road, work and kids. Vivobarefoot footwear is produced sustainably using recycled, locally sourced materials, with efficient and eco-friendly production techniques, in independently monitored ethical factories.



4.       www.oatshoes.com

OAT’s is a fully biodegradable sneaker collection. Their mission is to connect people with their environment in an imaginative way. The shoes actually sprout flowers! The seeds are embedded in the “seedsheet” which is a sheet of paper in a little pocket in the tongue of the shoe.



5.       www.worldofgood.com

This site by ebay lets you pick out shoes that are as earth friendly as they are fashionable.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Natural cleaners

1.       Homemade Substitutions: Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for many household purposes.

Baking Soda: cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours

●Lemon: one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria

●Borax: cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls, and floors

●White Vinegar: cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains, and wax build-up

●Cornstarch: can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs

2.     Formulas:

All-purpose cleaner: Mix 1/2 c. vinegar and 1/2 c. baking soda into 1/2 gallon of water.

Air Freshener: Baking soda or vinegar with lemon juice in small dishes absorbs odors around the house.

Bathroom mold: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water in a spray bottle and spray on areas with mold. Wait at least one hour before rinsing.

Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain, let sit for several minutes, and clean with a brush.

Dishwasher soap: Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard.

Laundry detergent: Mix 1 c. Ivory soap, 1/2 c. washing soap, and 1/2 c. borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads and 2 tbsp for heavy loads.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Mix 1/4 c. baking soda and 1 c. vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.

Window cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean.

3.       Green cleaning products:



Seventh Generation



Nellie’s All-Natural Products



Green Works