Just in Time for National Battery Day, 5 Tips for Safe & Easy Battery Recycling

My family and I are big proponents of following the three “R’s” - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We have dedicated bins in our garage for all our recycling, consciously avoid over-packaged items, use reusable bags, have a big compost bin, used cloth diapers when our kids were babies, have switched to energy efficient light bulbs, and the list goes on. We actually dispose of very little in the way of “garbage” that is destined for landfills...and thankfully, we’re not alone. The majority of us are … [Read more...]

19 Alternate Uses for Your Dryer Sheets

Did you know that dryer sheets aren't just for softening and reducing static in your clothes, bedding, and towels? I had used dryer sheets for a hundred years but had always tossed them out after one use. Not anymore! I've compiled a list of 19 alternate uses, tips and tricks for your laundry room's dryer sheets. Some are for unused dryer sheets, but many are for used dryer sheets. A great way to reduce, reuse and recycle! Freshen Old Books:  If some of your favourite old books … [Read more...]

Buy Local ~ It Saves

In our home, when possible, we always try to buy the goods and services we use, locally. Sometimes, this is relatively easy.  Buying fresh produce at a local Farmer's Market in the summer or the choice to use a local hair stylist or coffee shop. Sometimes, it’s more difficult. This is especially true with major purchases like automobiles or financial products like insurance, where you know that a large portion of the money you are spending will leave your region. It’s not that it’s … [Read more...]

Real or Artificial Tree ~ Which is the Greener Choice?

Real or Artificial Tree? Which is the Greener Choice? You may be surprised by the answer. For many years, I felt guilty buying a real tree. I felt I was, in essence, killing a living thing and depleting a much-needed natural resource.  Deep down I knew most if not all tree growers practiced a one out, one in system to make sure there is a constant supply of trees, but still, I was racked with guilt. Every Dec 26th as I drove by the abandoned tree lots and gazed upon the unwanted and … [Read more...]

Earth Hour 2015 is March 28th ~ See How You Can Participate!

Earth Hour 2015 is March 28th from 8:30 - 9:30PM Local Time, will you be participating? For the past several years our family has always participated in this event. We don't do anything drastic, but we do shut down all power for that one hour.  We then light some candles, maybe pour a glass of wine, have some munchies and spend the time talking or playing a game.   Earth Hour is a symbolic gesture to raise awareness of what we all need to do to make sure our planet will still be a viable … [Read more...]

A Dozen Awesome Uses for Your Old Egg Cartons

  Most everyone uses eggs.  We boil, scramble and poach them.  We make sandwiches, quiche and omelets.  We use them in cookies, squares, breads, pies and more. Depending on the size of your family, most of us could easily go through a carton or two of eggs a week. But what do we do with all of those left over egg cartons? Whatever you do, don't throw the carton away. It still has a long life and a variety of uses. {The exception being if an egg has cracked in the carton. If that … [Read more...]

What is Earth Hour? {Q & A and Kids Downloadables}

Millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest grassroots environmental event in history – Earth Hour. Earth Hour asks individuals, businesses and governments around the world to turn off their lights for one hour to support urgent action on climate change. Make this a family event, gather together and talk about the importance of uniting together to protect our planet for future generations. Check out these free downloadable … [Read more...]

What Can I Do With All That Gift Wrap Paper?? {LivingGreen}

Christmas will soon be here ..4 more sleeps!!  Are you wondering what you will do with all that wrapping paper? … [Read more...]

Real vs Artificial {Living Green}

Real vs Artificial ~ For many years I felt guilty buying a real tree. I felt I was, in essence, killing a living thing and depleting a much needed natural resource.  Deep down I knew most, if not all, tree growers practiced a one out, one in system to ensure a constant supply of trees, but, I was still racked with guilt. Every Dec 26th as I drove by the abandoned tree lots, as I gazed upon the unwanted and unloved carcasses left lying in the snow...I had to cover my ears in an attempt to … [Read more...]

Looking for an Eco-Friendly gift? Give a gift that means the world! {Living Green}

GIVE A GIFT THAT MEANS THE WORLD When you symbolically adopt a species at risk, you’re giving an extraordinary gift while supporting WWF’s conservation efforts. Help make a difference around the world. Give the gift that keeps on giving. In addition to feeling good about your gift, you will also receive an applicable tax receipt. … [Read more...]

Your poor water heater is cold, put a jacket on it! {Living Green}

Tip # 57  Put a jacket on your water heater … [Read more...]