Check out this link for some great holiday gift wrapping ideas.
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Monday, December 8, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
ZooLights Celebration
Take a trip out to the National Zoo for their display of thousands of LED lights. Pepco is a major sponsor of the event and representatives of Pepco will be educating visitors about simple things they can do to save energy.
Some of the animal exhibits will be open too.
Take a look at their web site here for more info on days, times and ticket prices.
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Some of the animal exhibits will be open too.
Take a look at their web site here for more info on days, times and ticket prices.
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Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Bracelet Pattern
Yesterday, our club members did a fantastic job creating lots of fun gifts using all sorts of items found around their homes. They made pompon snow balls from plastic bags, bracelets from soda pop tops, magnets from screws and other hardware items, and beads from straws and bits of gift wrap and newspaper.
There was a request for the bracelet pattern and I promised to post a link to it here.
The magnet idea came from a book called Funky Junk. It's at the Pohick Library too, if you'd like to check it out.
Have fun thinking of other useful gifts you can make with items you already have!
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There was a request for the bracelet pattern and I promised to post a link to it here.
The magnet idea came from a book called Funky Junk. It's at the Pohick Library too, if you'd like to check it out.
Have fun thinking of other useful gifts you can make with items you already have!
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Keeping the Love Alive
Adopt a family and keep the meaning of the holidays alive.
As of November 25, Our Daily Bread's referral list of families needing assistance for the holidays had already exceeded the total number of referrals served last year.
Our Daily Bread’s Holiday Program matches families in need throughout Fairfax County with local community groups, businesses and individual families willing to provide Thanksgiving and December meals and gifts. Families are referred to Our Daily Bread by Fairfax County social workers and Fairfax County Public School guidance counselors. We are proud to partner this year with the Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships to serve the entire Fairfax County area.
Just go to Our Daily Bread and see how easy it is to make a difference in someone's life.
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As of November 25, Our Daily Bread's referral list of families needing assistance for the holidays had already exceeded the total number of referrals served last year.
Our Daily Bread’s Holiday Program matches families in need throughout Fairfax County with local community groups, businesses and individual families willing to provide Thanksgiving and December meals and gifts. Families are referred to Our Daily Bread by Fairfax County social workers and Fairfax County Public School guidance counselors. We are proud to partner this year with the Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships to serve the entire Fairfax County area.
Just go to Our Daily Bread and see how easy it is to make a difference in someone's life.
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Fair Trade for the Holidays
Here's a link to some fair trade products you may be interested in giving as gifts.
You'd actually be giving in 2 ways - to the person receiving the gift and to the people who produced the item.
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You'd actually be giving in 2 ways - to the person receiving the gift and to the people who produced the item.
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
Decorating Green
LED lights save lots of energy and illuminate your house just as brightly. Home Depot has many types of LED holiday lights to choose from. Michaels Arts & Crafts has some too.
I read an article the other day about Christmas trees. The argument was that live trees are more environmentally friendly than the pre-lit plastic and metal ones you buy in the stores. The live Christmas trees at farms are grown for this purpose. After use, they can be ground into mulch or used as a hiding place for fish in lakes. Some trees with root balls can be planted after the holidays are over. Here's a good article at National Geographic's Green Guide web site about this.
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I read an article the other day about Christmas trees. The argument was that live trees are more environmentally friendly than the pre-lit plastic and metal ones you buy in the stores. The live Christmas trees at farms are grown for this purpose. After use, they can be ground into mulch or used as a hiding place for fish in lakes. Some trees with root balls can be planted after the holidays are over. Here's a good article at National Geographic's Green Guide web site about this.
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Green Gifts
It's easier than you might think to find green gifts. Check out Co-op America's web site to find lots of companies who conduct business in an environmentally responsible way. And they have lots of cool stuff too!
Another great place to find eco-friendly gifts is www.uncommgoods.com.
Check out Green Living for more ideas.
And anything produced locally is fantastic because it cuts down on transportation costs and helps the local economy. So craft fairs and making your own gifts are options you may want to consider.
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Another great place to find eco-friendly gifts is www.uncommgoods.com.
Check out Green Living for more ideas.
And anything produced locally is fantastic because it cuts down on transportation costs and helps the local economy. So craft fairs and making your own gifts are options you may want to consider.
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Wrapping Ideas for the Holidays
I've been thinking about all of the waste associated with wrapping presents and have come up with a few ideas that you may want to adopt or expand upon.
Brown paper shopping bags make great wrapping paper -- so do newspapers -- and leftover fabric.
We're saving cereal boxes and other types of boxes to place gifts inside.
Packing peanuts and bubble wrap are saved and reused.
I was in Target today and found that most of their wrapping paper is Made in the U.S.A.
I haven't found a place that has recycled wrapping paper, but Hallmark stores have 3 styles of 'green' holiday cards. They are made from post-consumer recycled paper and sugar cane fibers. I was so excited when I found them!
What earth-friendly ideas can you come up with? We'd love to hear about them.
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Brown paper shopping bags make great wrapping paper -- so do newspapers -- and leftover fabric.
We're saving cereal boxes and other types of boxes to place gifts inside.
Packing peanuts and bubble wrap are saved and reused.
I was in Target today and found that most of their wrapping paper is Made in the U.S.A.
I haven't found a place that has recycled wrapping paper, but Hallmark stores have 3 styles of 'green' holiday cards. They are made from post-consumer recycled paper and sugar cane fibers. I was so excited when I found them!
What earth-friendly ideas can you come up with? We'd love to hear about them.
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Monday, October 6, 2008
Vermicomposting - Composting with Worms!
At our October 6th meeting, we'll be making mini worm composting bins and learning all about how worms can turn our food scraps into fertile soil. This is also a great way to keep our biodegradable items out of the landfill.
Here are some resources to learn more:
Savvy Gardener
Worm Digest
Worms Eat My Garbage: How to Setup and Maintain a Vermicomposting System by Mary Appelhof - ISBN 0-942256-10-7
Here are some resources to learn more:
Savvy Gardener
Worm Digest
Worms Eat My Garbage: How to Setup and Maintain a Vermicomposting System by Mary Appelhof - ISBN 0-942256-10-7
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Important Notice About Candy
With Halloween coming up, many of us will be purchasing candy. Here's an article about some candies where Melamine has been found. This is the ingredient that's most recently been found in milk powder and milk products in China.
I called Hershey's and investigated their web site. They assured me that their Twizzlers, Mr. Goodbar, and Hershey's Miniatures are made in the U.S.A. and that they have not done business with any Chinese vendor of milk powder or milk products. Here's their press release.
I also checked out the info at Nestle's web site and gave them a call. The Butterfinger, Wonka Mix Ups, Crunch bars, Twix Minis Mix, and Halloween Peanut M&Ms are all made in the U.S. I found out that sometimes they have to ramp up their Canadian plant to help with the demand for the 3 Musketeers and Milky Way bars. But the customer service rep assured me that the candy is safe and they do not use the vendor that has been found to use the tainted milk powder.
In both instances, my packaging didn't say where the candy was manufactured. I was told that if it says, "Distibuted by x," with no mention of another country after it, then the product was manufactured in the U.S. If the candy is made in another country, that country would be listed after the distribution info.
Stay safe and check those packages.
I called Hershey's and investigated their web site. They assured me that their Twizzlers, Mr. Goodbar, and Hershey's Miniatures are made in the U.S.A. and that they have not done business with any Chinese vendor of milk powder or milk products. Here's their press release.
I also checked out the info at Nestle's web site and gave them a call. The Butterfinger, Wonka Mix Ups, Crunch bars, Twix Minis Mix, and Halloween Peanut M&Ms are all made in the U.S. I found out that sometimes they have to ramp up their Canadian plant to help with the demand for the 3 Musketeers and Milky Way bars. But the customer service rep assured me that the candy is safe and they do not use the vendor that has been found to use the tainted milk powder.
In both instances, my packaging didn't say where the candy was manufactured. I was told that if it says, "Distibuted by x," with no mention of another country after it, then the product was manufactured in the U.S. If the candy is made in another country, that country would be listed after the distribution info.
Stay safe and check those packages.
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008
It's a Sunny Day!
It's that time again! The National Solar Tour will be October 4th and 5th. There are over 50 homes and businesses in our area participating in the tour. You can visit them and find out how people are using solar and wind power in their everyday lives. Many of the homeowners have implemented other eco products too like solar ovens, electric lawn mowers, and recycled denim insulation.
Visit http://www.solartour.org/for more information and to download the tour brochure for free. You can also purchase it for $5 at REI and at other locations listed on the site.
Visit http://www.solartour.org/for more information and to download the tour brochure for free. You can also purchase it for $5 at REI and at other locations listed on the site.
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Monday, September 22, 2008
Living Green Tour
Coming to the Dulles Expo Center this weekend (Sept. 26-28) is the Capital Home Show. They will have a Living Green Tour where experts will talk about eco-friendly design and products. It will also feature a 2500 square foot Living Green Home furnished with products that conserve energy while at the same time beautify your home.
Information on tickets, attractions and celebrity guests is available at:
http://www.capitalhomeshow.com
Information on tickets, attractions and celebrity guests is available at:
http://www.capitalhomeshow.com
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Saving Water
Here's a great blog entry about saving water - it's so easy!
http://www.blueridgeecoshop.blogspot.com/
The Blue Ridge Eco Shop is located in Charlottesville, VA and makes a great day trip.
Visit their web site at http://www.blueridgeecoshop.com/.
http://www.blueridgeecoshop.blogspot.com/
The Blue Ridge Eco Shop is located in Charlottesville, VA and makes a great day trip.
Visit their web site at http://www.blueridgeecoshop.com/.
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Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Report a Litterer
The Clean Fairfax Council has launched a program to allow citizens to report a litterer. For more information on the program, go to http://www.cleanfairfaxcouncil.org/times.htm.
Just a reminder: The gloves and litter grabbers we purchased last school year are available for you to use for picking up litter around our school. They are stored in the custodians' closet.
Just a reminder: The gloves and litter grabbers we purchased last school year are available for you to use for picking up litter around our school. They are stored in the custodians' closet.
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008
TV Reusing and Recycling
On February 17, 2009, TV stations will only broadcast in digital. Reception will only affect those who watch free over-the-air TV using a rooftop antenna or "rabbit ears." If you are in this situation, you don't have to get rid of your TV. Converter boxes are available that will convert the digital signal into analog. Since this is another piece of electronics, it will help to purchase an Energy Star rated one. Energy Star rated products use less energy than other products of the same type. See www.energystar.gov/products.
More info about the switch to digital is at www.dtv.gov.
Many people are using this switch to digital as an opportunity to purchase a new TV. But, what to do with the old one? If you can't use it somewhere else in your home (ie. hook up a DVD player to it for the exercise room or use it for your game system), recycle it. TVs have many toxic substances in them that will hurt our air, soil and water. But when you recycle them, the toxic substances are harnessed and the components are put to good use.
Check out these recycling sites recommended by the FCC:
Earth 911 - www.earth911.com/electronics
National Recycling Coalition - www.nrc-recycle.org/localresources.aspx
My Green Electronics - www.mygreenelectronics.org
Closer to home, Fairfax County has Household Hazardous Waste collection events throughout the year. They'll not only take TVs, but also computers (which have toxic substances in them too). See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/recycling/calendar.htm for dates and locations.
More info about the switch to digital is at www.dtv.gov.
Many people are using this switch to digital as an opportunity to purchase a new TV. But, what to do with the old one? If you can't use it somewhere else in your home (ie. hook up a DVD player to it for the exercise room or use it for your game system), recycle it. TVs have many toxic substances in them that will hurt our air, soil and water. But when you recycle them, the toxic substances are harnessed and the components are put to good use.
Check out these recycling sites recommended by the FCC:
Earth 911 - www.earth911.com/electronics
National Recycling Coalition - www.nrc-recycle.org/localresources.aspx
My Green Electronics - www.mygreenelectronics.org
Closer to home, Fairfax County has Household Hazardous Waste collection events throughout the year. They'll not only take TVs, but also computers (which have toxic substances in them too). See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/recycling/calendar.htm for dates and locations.
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E-Waste Nightmare
Our country is making the digital TV transition. This means that there will be millions of TVs thrown away and all of their toxic materials released into our air and ground. But this doesn't have to happen. All of us can recycle our TVs and you can urge the government to do more to inform everyone about it.
Here's a link for you to take action:www.coopamerica.org/takeaction/fcc/
Fairfax County also has a web site with info on recycling your electronics: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/recycling/mat-comp.htm
Here's a link for you to take action:www.coopamerica.org/takeaction/fcc/
Fairfax County also has a web site with info on recycling your electronics: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/recycling/mat-comp.htm
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Friday, May 16, 2008
I CAN Drive 55
Check out this link that has info about how much gas you can save when you slow down a bit on the highway and drive 55 mph.
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/SPageNavigator/Drive55_pledge
Take the pledge and save on your gasoline bill this Memorial Day weekend.
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/SPageNavigator/Drive55_pledge
Take the pledge and save on your gasoline bill this Memorial Day weekend.
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
What's Happening to the Bees?
Here's a piece on cnn.com today about more bees being lost.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/05/06/disappearing.bees.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
This is of great concern because the bees pollinate the fruits, vegetables and nuts that we eat.
While we're talking about bees... We have local sources of honey. Colvin Run Mill has an apiary and sells their honey in the country store. Sometimes, they have programs showing how the bees make honey and how it is harvested. There are also beekeepers in our area and more are joining the list every day. I have a friend in Nokesville who is expecting her bees any day now for her new apiary. Check out our local farmer's markets for local honey.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/05/06/disappearing.bees.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
This is of great concern because the bees pollinate the fruits, vegetables and nuts that we eat.
While we're talking about bees... We have local sources of honey. Colvin Run Mill has an apiary and sells their honey in the country store. Sometimes, they have programs showing how the bees make honey and how it is harvested. There are also beekeepers in our area and more are joining the list every day. I have a friend in Nokesville who is expecting her bees any day now for her new apiary. Check out our local farmer's markets for local honey.
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Sunday, May 4, 2008
Smart Markets
There are 2 new farmer's markets in our area that are up and running now!
Check out their web site for more information.
www.smartmarkets.org
I read that chef, Emeril Legasse, will be at the Fair Lakes location every other Wednesday taping his new show "Emeril Green" for Discovery's newest channel, Planet Green. The shows will begin airing in July.
You can read more about Planet Green at www.planetgreen.com.
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Check out their web site for more information.
www.smartmarkets.org
I read that chef, Emeril Legasse, will be at the Fair Lakes location every other Wednesday taping his new show "Emeril Green" for Discovery's newest channel, Planet Green. The shows will begin airing in July.
You can read more about Planet Green at www.planetgreen.com.
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Thursday, May 1, 2008
Bright Futures!
The students of Newington Forest are taking part in the Bright Futures Project. They are selling compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) to make a positive impact on energy conservation and the environment. CFLs last longer and save more energy than traditional incandescent lightbulbs.
We could prevent 150 million lbs. of greenhouse gasses from our region's atmosphere -- the equivalent of planting over 50,000 trees - and help local consumers save more than $13 million in energy costs!
It's a different kind of fundraiser. This is a great way for each student to make a difference and at the same time earn money for the school's PTA.
There is an awards program too. The student selling the most packs of CFLs (between Arlington and Fairfax Counties) will win an iPod Nano. Four runner up students will receive iPod Shuffles. The school with the highest sales will be awarded $1000 grant.
Find out more at:
http://www.brightfuturesproject.org/
Students are taking orders now. Order forms and money should be turned in to the teachers by Tuesday, May 6th. The CFLs will be distributed on Wednesday, May 28th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Pamphlets about recycling the CFLs will be given to each parent when they pick up the bulbs.
We could prevent 150 million lbs. of greenhouse gasses from our region's atmosphere -- the equivalent of planting over 50,000 trees - and help local consumers save more than $13 million in energy costs!
It's a different kind of fundraiser. This is a great way for each student to make a difference and at the same time earn money for the school's PTA.
There is an awards program too. The student selling the most packs of CFLs (between Arlington and Fairfax Counties) will win an iPod Nano. Four runner up students will receive iPod Shuffles. The school with the highest sales will be awarded $1000 grant.
Find out more at:
http://www.brightfuturesproject.org/
Students are taking orders now. Order forms and money should be turned in to the teachers by Tuesday, May 6th. The CFLs will be distributed on Wednesday, May 28th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Pamphlets about recycling the CFLs will be given to each parent when they pick up the bulbs.
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Thursday, April 24, 2008
Sustainability at Wegmans
Learn what Wegmans is doing to help the environment and conserve energy.
They list great ideas on how we can all reduce, reuse, and recycle.
https://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&krypto=QJrbAudPd0uK9R2haUUOtzCITjl3%2B60BXaMUnJnp2CctSBpZJoPlM20wsaq3RmfQDMLil9U7C4w%3D&ddkey=http:ProductDisplay
They list great ideas on how we can all reduce, reuse, and recycle.
https://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&krypto=QJrbAudPd0uK9R2haUUOtzCITjl3%2B60BXaMUnJnp2CctSBpZJoPlM20wsaq3RmfQDMLil9U7C4w%3D&ddkey=http:ProductDisplay
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Local Food Challenge
Farmers' Markets in our area open in May! Visit www.farmfoody.org to find the closest one to you. Local farms who sell directly to consumers are listed there too.
Eating locally means buying and eating foods within 100 miles of where you live. This saves a lot of fuel and time normally used on packing and transporting produce to grocery stores. There are producers of beef, milk, cheese, eggs, honey, fruit and vegetables all within 100 miles of us.
You can even grow a few veggies yourself. It's exciting to see the plants grow and change. And the vegetables are delicious.
Last year, we took the Sierra Club's Local Food Challenge and pledged to buy 25% of our food from local sources. It wasn't difficult at all. This year, we're stepping up our efforts and will freeze more foods from the summer which will cut our costs during the winter.
Keep an eye our for the blackberries along Hooes Road near the golf course. They should bloom soon and ripen in June. We picked enough last year to make a blackberry cobbler and freeze some too.
Eating locally means buying and eating foods within 100 miles of where you live. This saves a lot of fuel and time normally used on packing and transporting produce to grocery stores. There are producers of beef, milk, cheese, eggs, honey, fruit and vegetables all within 100 miles of us.
You can even grow a few veggies yourself. It's exciting to see the plants grow and change. And the vegetables are delicious.
Last year, we took the Sierra Club's Local Food Challenge and pledged to buy 25% of our food from local sources. It wasn't difficult at all. This year, we're stepping up our efforts and will freeze more foods from the summer which will cut our costs during the winter.
Keep an eye our for the blackberries along Hooes Road near the golf course. They should bloom soon and ripen in June. We picked enough last year to make a blackberry cobbler and freeze some too.
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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
No More Plastic at Whole Foods
If you've been shopping at Whole Foods lately, you've noticed that they phased out their plastic grocery bags. They'll bag your items in recycled paper ones and they encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. Whole Foods will even give you 5 cents toward your grocery bill for every shopping bag you bring!
There are several events for the rest of April at Whole Foods in Springfield too. (I'm sure that the other stores in the area are having events. The Springfield one just happens to be where I was today.)
Free Spring Makevovers with Mineral Fusion Cosmetics on April 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Half Pint Club: Earth Day! on April 22nd at 11:00 a.m.
Cooking Class: Earth-Friendly Foods! on April 24th at 7:00 p.m.
Call 703-644-2500 to sign up.
There are several events for the rest of April at Whole Foods in Springfield too. (I'm sure that the other stores in the area are having events. The Springfield one just happens to be where I was today.)
Free Spring Makevovers with Mineral Fusion Cosmetics on April 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Half Pint Club: Earth Day! on April 22nd at 11:00 a.m.
Cooking Class: Earth-Friendly Foods! on April 24th at 7:00 p.m.
Call 703-644-2500 to sign up.
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Friday, March 28, 2008
Green Guide
There's a new quarterly magazine that's devoted to informing consumers about green products - and it's from National Geographic. It's called the Green Guide: The Resource for Consuming Wisely. Here's a link: http://www.thegreenguide.com/lp/srb/?c1=GreenGuide&source=goo-TGGLearn
The inaugural issue gives you 10 best ways to reduce your CO2, how to go green and save $60 a week, free your house of toxic chemicals, get better gas mileage out of your car, find safe cosmetics, and more. There's also product reviews and other useful info.
The inaugural issue gives you 10 best ways to reduce your CO2, how to go green and save $60 a week, free your house of toxic chemicals, get better gas mileage out of your car, find safe cosmetics, and more. There's also product reviews and other useful info.
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Monday, March 10, 2008
Green Knights Awarded Johnie Forte, Jr. Memorial Grant
We are so excited and proud of our group! We are one of the 2008 Johnie Forte, Jr. Memorial Grant Award winners. See the complete list of winners at http://www.cleanfairfaxcouncil.org/forte.htm.
Many thanks to the Clean Fairfax Council, the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program, Fairfax County Wastewater Management and Vantria Federal Credit Union for contributing to this year's grant program and making it possible.
Our project is to beautify our neighborhood by picking up litter around the school and near our homes and create signs that encourage students to put trash and recyclables in their place and not on the ground.
We ordered some litter grabbers in bright red and yellow. The manufacturer even put labels on them with sayings like, "Keeping Our Forest Clean" and "You Can Make A Difference." Off we went to the field at the back of the school with a bag designated for trash and one for recyclables. The kids had a blast finding all sorts of things on the ground and then deciding whether to drop them in the trash bag or the recyclable bag. When we made our way to the playground, the kids playing asked if they could help too. They improvised, using sticks to pick up litter. It's great to see the excitement of taking care of our Earth spread to others.
One of the requirements of the grant program is that we give a presentation on our winning project. We invite you to come to the Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration at the Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus on April 19th. The award ceremony is at 1:00 p.m.
Here's more info about the Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/recycling/event-earth.pdf
Many thanks to the Clean Fairfax Council, the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program, Fairfax County Wastewater Management and Vantria Federal Credit Union for contributing to this year's grant program and making it possible.
Our project is to beautify our neighborhood by picking up litter around the school and near our homes and create signs that encourage students to put trash and recyclables in their place and not on the ground.
We ordered some litter grabbers in bright red and yellow. The manufacturer even put labels on them with sayings like, "Keeping Our Forest Clean" and "You Can Make A Difference." Off we went to the field at the back of the school with a bag designated for trash and one for recyclables. The kids had a blast finding all sorts of things on the ground and then deciding whether to drop them in the trash bag or the recyclable bag. When we made our way to the playground, the kids playing asked if they could help too. They improvised, using sticks to pick up litter. It's great to see the excitement of taking care of our Earth spread to others.
One of the requirements of the grant program is that we give a presentation on our winning project. We invite you to come to the Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration at the Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus on April 19th. The award ceremony is at 1:00 p.m.
Here's more info about the Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/recycling/event-earth.pdf
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Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
Close the Loop
What does that mean? It means purchasing products that are created from and packaged using recycled materials.
When you buy these items, you are saving water and energy. It takes a lot of water, oil and energy to create a new plastic bottle. But it takes a lot less water and energy to melt down that bottle and create another one. It's the same thing with toilet paper. Lots of trees are cut down, lots of water and energy are used to make virgin-fiber toilet paper. But if you buy the 100% recycled toilet paper (Seventh Generation's is soft), you are saving all of those trees and lots of water and energy.
It just takes a moment to look at the label on the packaging to see if it was made with recycled materials and if the packaging was recycled. The higher the post-consumer content, the greater the environmental savings. Post-consumer content tells us how much of the items you and I recycle are used in the making of that product or packaging.
When you buy these items, you are saving water and energy. It takes a lot of water, oil and energy to create a new plastic bottle. But it takes a lot less water and energy to melt down that bottle and create another one. It's the same thing with toilet paper. Lots of trees are cut down, lots of water and energy are used to make virgin-fiber toilet paper. But if you buy the 100% recycled toilet paper (Seventh Generation's is soft), you are saving all of those trees and lots of water and energy.
It just takes a moment to look at the label on the packaging to see if it was made with recycled materials and if the packaging was recycled. The higher the post-consumer content, the greater the environmental savings. Post-consumer content tells us how much of the items you and I recycle are used in the making of that product or packaging.
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Green TV
I've been hoping for a TV channel that would air all sorts of programs about green living.
Well, I've found a great source of 'green' info on the Discovery Home Channel. They have several shows that give useful information about reducing waste, organic gardening and cooking with fresh fruits and veggies.
One show in particular, called "Wasted", deals with our wastefulness. The host visits a family and shows them what they are wasting (ie. food, energy) and gives them practical ways of reducing that waste. One family was heating their home with their oven. Another family was trying to keep their home warm by having fires in their fireplace. In these cases, the host showed the family an energy-efficient space heater and an energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly wood pellet stove, respectively. One mom was wrapping her children's sandwiches every day with plastic wrap. The host encouraged her to put the sandwiches in an airtight container (like Gladware or Tupperware) instead of wasting all of that plastic.
Another show that I like to watch is the "Manic Organic." As Spring gets closer, I will no doubt be watching this show every week. I'd love to have a little garden this year . . . maybe our blueberry bushes will have fruit.
Well, I've found a great source of 'green' info on the Discovery Home Channel. They have several shows that give useful information about reducing waste, organic gardening and cooking with fresh fruits and veggies.
One show in particular, called "Wasted", deals with our wastefulness. The host visits a family and shows them what they are wasting (ie. food, energy) and gives them practical ways of reducing that waste. One family was heating their home with their oven. Another family was trying to keep their home warm by having fires in their fireplace. In these cases, the host showed the family an energy-efficient space heater and an energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly wood pellet stove, respectively. One mom was wrapping her children's sandwiches every day with plastic wrap. The host encouraged her to put the sandwiches in an airtight container (like Gladware or Tupperware) instead of wasting all of that plastic.
Another show that I like to watch is the "Manic Organic." As Spring gets closer, I will no doubt be watching this show every week. I'd love to have a little garden this year . . . maybe our blueberry bushes will have fruit.
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For Parents - Tax Info - Some Good News?
It's that task that we put off and put off. Taxes.
But there can be something you can look forward to - tax credits. That is, if you made energy improvements to your home before December 31, 2007, or if you purchased a hybrid vehicle.
Unfortunately, Congress has let most of the consumer tax credits expire (as of December 31st). Hopefully, they will reinstate them as incentives for us to improve the energy efficiency of our homes.
So far, Virginia doesn't have any state income tax credits (none that I've found). But we do have 4 days in October when we can buy Energy Star products and be exempt from the sales tax. It's just like the tax-free days we have for school supplies, but for Energy Star items.
This Monday, February 4th, the Virginia Clean Energy Future Act (SB446) http://www.chesapeakeclimate.org/pages/page.cfm?page_id=243
will be voted on by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. This bill will mandate that our state get 20% of our energy from clean sources like wind and solar, and that we reduce our electricity usage by 10%. Check out the link above for the latest news on this bill.
If you'd like to find out more about federal or state incentives to become more energy efficient, check out these web sites:
www.dsireusa.org
www.SEEA.us
www.energytaxincentives.org
www.ase.org/taxcredits
www.deq.virginia.gov
But there can be something you can look forward to - tax credits. That is, if you made energy improvements to your home before December 31, 2007, or if you purchased a hybrid vehicle.
Unfortunately, Congress has let most of the consumer tax credits expire (as of December 31st). Hopefully, they will reinstate them as incentives for us to improve the energy efficiency of our homes.
So far, Virginia doesn't have any state income tax credits (none that I've found). But we do have 4 days in October when we can buy Energy Star products and be exempt from the sales tax. It's just like the tax-free days we have for school supplies, but for Energy Star items.
This Monday, February 4th, the Virginia Clean Energy Future Act (SB446) http://www.chesapeakeclimate.org/pages/page.cfm?page_id=243
will be voted on by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. This bill will mandate that our state get 20% of our energy from clean sources like wind and solar, and that we reduce our electricity usage by 10%. Check out the link above for the latest news on this bill.
If you'd like to find out more about federal or state incentives to become more energy efficient, check out these web sites:
www.dsireusa.org
www.SEEA.us
www.energytaxincentives.org
www.ase.org/taxcredits
www.deq.virginia.gov
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Our January Meeting
At our only meeting in January, we created a mural and hung it in the cafeteria. The students brought in small items to embellish their artwork.
They decided to divide the paper into two equal sections. In the left section, the plants and animals are very happy:
There is no air or water pollution. Not a single piece of litter can be found.
But in the other section of the paper, plants and animals are in peril.
Smoke spews from a factory.
Litter covers the ground. The pond is dried up and animals have died.
Everyone did such a great job! It's a powerful piece of artwork.
They decided to divide the paper into two equal sections. In the left section, the plants and animals are very happy:
There is no air or water pollution. Not a single piece of litter can be found.
But in the other section of the paper, plants and animals are in peril.
Smoke spews from a factory.
Litter covers the ground. The pond is dried up and animals have died.
Everyone did such a great job! It's a powerful piece of artwork.
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