Getting Green

In honor of Earth day, I thought I'd update you all on my ongoing journey on becoming more green.
1. I use too many paper towels. To help, I bought dish towels for the kitchen:From Ikea. I have 8 of them now. I don't have a good place to put them. Right now they are stacked next to the paper towels. I have one on the counter and 2 on the stove handle. I wish I had more room for a cute basket. Hopefully these towels will cut down my consumption of paper towels but I don't think I cut out paper towels all together.
2. I stopped buying bottled water all together. Since I have my water bottle for work, I don't need to. Tai and I talked about options for home. He's terrible about drinking water, but we bought a huge pitcher for the fridge and he happily drinks from that all day.
3. Trying to buy more enviromental friendly cleaning products. I bought a few different kinds of liquid dish soap. Tai's not really happy with them as much as he was with the non-green option. Still more work to be done there. My friend, Michelle, introduced me to Melaluca. I've been using their cleaner and I'm very happy. I'm working on transitioning to more of their products.
4. Trying to have more meat free meals. Tai and I like tofu but we differ on how we like it. I'm still looking for a good recipe that we both like (ie not a stir fry). I have made a couple of soups with tofu and I think I'll continue to. At least try to do it once a week. Build from there.
So what about you? Are you getting greener or are you as green as it gets?

Currently....

reading
I put this book on my tbr after I decided to stop buying bottled water. It was eye opening. It made me feel better about switching to tap water. I did look into where my water comes from which was very interesting. I do recommend this book if you want to learn about the politics of bottled water. Reviews can be found at ReplayGround, EcoWomen, and This Ain't Livin'.

watching

We've been watching Reaper since day one. I'm so glad it came back for a second season. We both love Sock. He's got to be our favorite.

needing

Khakis by honeylin on Polyvore.com
It seems that I have no khaki pants. They aren't my favorite type of pant but they can be handy, goes well with a variety of clothing. Plus it's just a good staple item. I'm never attracted to them in the store. I'm going to put them at the top of my list of items I need.

Currently....

drinking
Jen introduced me to this tea. It's delicious in iced tea. Three bags of this and 3 bags of Lipton make a great blend. It's like a spiced orange drink. Yum.

reading
I read this for book club. Janet recommended this. I was able to pick it up cheap. I wasn't sure I was going to like but I really did. I wanted to read it before the movie came out. It was a very poignant love story.

using
My coworkers have been badgering me to stop buying bottled water. I've bought water bottles before but I never liked them or used them too long. But this one seems like a winner. I've been using it for a while now. No more bottled water!

watching
We caught the first episode of this show. So funny. I was laughing out! I have high hopes for this show.

Weekly Geek #5

Here is how to play:

1. Choose a political or social issue that matters to you.

2. Educate readers about your topic by telling us a little about it and any involvement you've had in this issue.

3. Find books addressing your issue; they do not necessarily have to be books you’ve read. They can be non fiction, fiction, poetry, etc...Give a little synopsis of the book or a link to the description.

4. Use images which you feel illustrate your topic.

Prior to my current job I was very involved in creating affordable housing options in the community. Sadly the funding for that job and a lot of initiatives that I worked dried up. I still feel that there should be more affordable housing options in communities. A lot of workers especially those making minmium wage need to commute long distances to their jobs adding more cars on the road. Businesses and local governments should make sure that those who work in their communities also can live in their communities.

Here are a list of books about affordable housing that I've never read:

The Architecture of Affordable Housing

Making Housing Happen

Developing Affordable Housing

When people cannot afford to live close to where they work they move farther away. This causes congestion and long commutes. It's a simplistic view I know. Hundreds of other factors go into traffic and congestion. But if people could live closer to their work they could reduce the amount of time spent in their cars and reduce their carbon footprint.

Gift Ideas Under $30

Every year we have a gift exchange with some of our friends. It's like a white elephant, but most of the gifts are gifts you'd want. We have to start looking for what we are going to give this year. I'd like to keep it with a ecological twist. I plan to use recyclable bags as the wrapping. I know these Sigg bottles are the rage. So this is a maybe. I like this design. Very cool.Or how about this statuette. She's hand carved by teens in Hanoi to keep them off the streets. I like her cool meditative pose.
Or how about an LED flashlight? At work we keep talking about emergency preparedness. It's always good to have a couple of flashlights around in case of a power outage.
Or a sushi kit? We have a couple of people who have multiple food allergies. It makes it difficult for them to get out to restaurants where they can eat safely.
Whatever we wind up getting we're going to make sure we get something we want too. Just in case ;)

Currently....

wearing
I wore really uncomfortable shoes to work one day. They hurt my feet so bad I knew I wouldn't last all day in them. At lunch I ran out to Macy's to buy flip flops. I had planned on buying some cheap ones but I found these. I had heard about FitFlops when they first came out. These are so comfy. i don't know if I'm really getting a workout but I love them!


using
I bought these huge recyclable bags from Costco months ago. I love them. They were really useful during the wedding. I used them to lug gifts home, carry supplies to the site, and of course buy more things at Costco.


watching

I have to say I've been excited about this show since I first heard about it. Hello? JJ Abrams and Joshua Jackson? There's something that I'll watch. The first episode didn't excite me but the shows have gotten better since. We a little disappointed that they are taking a 2 week break especially since the season just started.


reading
I haven't been a fan of Barbara Kingsolver's other books but this a fantastic book. I hate getting off the bus because I have to stop reading it. I'm learning so much and I can't wait to go shopping and start buying more local produce and less processed food. I don't know if I'll be able to eat seasonally all the time but I'll try.

Green Wedding Idea #5

I'm using paper plates and napkins for the food at our reception. I had planned to do this even before our caterer offered them for free (actually included in the cost). Someone mentioned to me recycling facilities. I don't think the site recycles, but I'll check with them. I know I can haul all the recyclables with us. And I might do that, but I also might just forget.
But if you are going to use paper plates, you might want to consider using biodegradable plates like these made from sugar cane.
These 15 plates cost $3.95. If you need 100, it would about $26. Pretty affordable considering a 100 paper plates are $14. Ok so double the price but at least it's under $50.
This cutlery set (found here) is made of recycled plastic. Each set has enough for 8 settings and only costs $5.75.
Or you could buy several sets of real flatware and either keep the ones you need, give the rest to friends, donate them to Goodwill (or similar organization) or sell them to other brides.These biodegradable plates (found here) are a more affordable option at $16 for 125 plates. This site also has bowls and other plates.
The most environmentally friendly way is to use real plates and flatware. They can be reused and don't usually wind up in landfill after each use.
Whatever you decided do what's best for you and your fiance. Let what your venue can provide and what will look right for you guide you. You know best.

How Green Is My Wedding?

In honor of Earth Day I thought I would examine how environmentally damaging my wedding will be.
I found this calculator on TerraPass.So my wedding will produce over 10,000 lbs of CO2. I'm undecided on the whole buying carbon offsets. I think I rather just try to make other details as "green" as I can. I'm totally guessing on the number of people flying. Most of our guests are local but they will have to drive a distance to get to the site. I'm encouraging carpooling and people staying at the site rather than hotels. I think it's better that we are having the ceremony and the reception at the same place. I think some people might not come since it is far from them. Gas prices being what they are.
But personally, I produce 9.62 metric tons of CO2 (I assume annually). I found this calculator on Carbon Calculator. That's a lot of CO2. I've been trying to think of ways to reduce our carbon output. Right now we have one car. No we're not that green; Just poor. I know Tai would rather have two cars so we don't have to carpool everywhere. During the week, it's pretty easy to conserve. I take the car to the bus, then take the bus the rest of the way to work. On the way home I try to make big trips rather than a ton of small trips. I try to stop at the library and the grocery store at one place rather than driving all over the place. Tai takes the bus to work, but I do pick him up at night.
I'm always recycling stuff. I found out Dad was throwing away his yogurt cups rather than recycling them. I've cut down my magazine consumption. I used to read 8-12 different magazines. I don't read that many anymore and I recycle all the ones I read. I utilize the library to it's fullest potential rather than buying books. I try to take my grocery bags with me to more than the grocery store. I reuse plastic bags for the trash and recyclable items.
The worst thing I do is use too much water and paper towels. I let the water run while I brush my teeth. Tai always tells me to turn it off. Or when I boil eggs, I cool them by running cold water over them. Tai always asks why is the water running? I wish I could break that habit. Any tips?
So on this Earth Day how are you improving the environment? Or confess your green sins.

Green Wedding Idea #4

Let's face it, you are going to need to buy stuff. And perhaps the idea of using someone's castoffs gives you the heebie jeebies. Ok, so how about using recycled items?
Like these tags from etsy seller ClaudiasCreations. These would work for favors, tags on OOT bags, or on gifts for the wedding party. She also has other recycled paper products.
Or how about these poppy pins made with vintage fabric from Etsy seller foundling. There are other colors to choose from in her shop as well as corsages. Perhaps something for the mother in law.
Etsy seller bottleupdesigns has jewelry made from antique glass and bottles. And if I'm reading her site right, I think they collect the glass from the woods where it was left behind. It makes me feel like there is so much more history in that glass. They have some beautiful pieces if you are looking for jewelry for yourself or your maids.Or how about this awesome dress made from recycled fabric? It's from etsy seller frabjousfrocks. For $22 this could your rehearsal dress or perhaps wear it on your honeymoon.
I think this is a lovely gift idea especially for a music lover. I found this in chicalookate's etsy shop. The LPs were damaged before they were shaped into bowls so don't worry vinyl lovers.
Ok, I'll probably do this again cause you know I love to explore etsy. Any excuse will do!

Green Wedding Idea #3

Speaking of presents, there's always a lot of discussion about what gifts to get the groomsmen, the bridesmaids, your folks, and even your hubby to be. Aside from the fact that I think personal gifts are better than a sack of impersonal items, how about not giving stuff?
Most people I know have too much stuff. Knickknacks they accumulate. Souvenirs of past relationships and vacations. Junk that gets collected on bookshelves and nightstands. I try to reduce the amount of clutter from our home. I have a bag of crap that Tai brought when he moved in. I keep moving the bag closer to the door in hopes of just taking it to the Goodwill.
So don't add to the clutter. Give experiences rather than things. A popular gift for bridesmaids are spa gift certificates. These are great gifts if you know your bridesmaid or maid of honor would enjoy a pedicure or a massage. But how about a cooking class if cooking relaxes her more? Or how about a flower arranging class or a gift certificate to a yoga class? You might inspire someone to try something new or support them in a current hobby.
For the gents, how about golf lessons, guitar lessons or even that cooking class? The lady in his life might appreciate that. Men's facials and massages are also offered at many salons.
Your folks might appreciate that cooking class especially if they could go together or how about tickets to a play or symphony? Or maybe a gift certificate to a nice restaurant, one you know they wouldn't go to.
As for your future husband, I do love it when a bride gives him something he can wear right then, like cuff links. But let's say he's got those. How about purchasing something you guys can do together on your honeymoon? Maybe a hot air balloon ride or a kayaking trip? You could give him a card telling him what his gift is and that you look forward to sharing that experience with him. Because in life, it should be about the experiences, not about the stuff.

Green Wedding Idea #2

When I was in high school the whole grunge scene took off and all my classmates were headed to the nearest Goodwill. But I was already there. When I was a kid my mom used to recycle my old clothes at a local consignment store. She would replace my old gently used clothes with new gently used clothes. I have fond memories of that little shop. Sigh.
So the Goodwill and thrift shop shopping has never been new to me. I remember when I hit junior high and my parents gave me an allowance. Sure, I wanted to spend every last cent at Esprit, but I knew that I could get more clothes at a thrift shop.
I swear that's the best thing you can teach your kids. You can put together an outfit with clothes from anywhere.
But Goodwill and other thrift stores have been a lifesaver in wedding planning and also a good way to recycle! No sense buying 15 new baskets when you can buy some gently used ones for less! What do you think people do with all those vases, baskets, pew buckets after a wedding? They either sell it or donate it.
Not only are you recycling but you could also be helping out a good cause.
To find a Goodwill near you, go here. Or to buy online from the Goodwill, go here.
To find other thrift stores near you, go here. Also check it out for a wide range of information on thrift store shopping.
For online thrift shopping goodness, check out eBay. Here you can find everything you need for the wedding and beyond! I bought my dress on eBay (both of them!), our engagement rings, 10 lanterns, and some of the tea light candles. There's probably more but I'm forgetting them.
Craigslist can also be a wealth of second hand goodies. There's even a special forum for brides selling goods here. But you can also search the for sale category for people selling dresses, rings, and assorted decorations. I bought ribbon and mints from a bride I found on Craigslist.
On The Nest, there is a board devoted to brides casting off items after their wedding. But occasionally, you'll find a bride who bought 15 table clothes in green but now decided she wants raspberry. Or you might find a bride who's off loading everything because of a canceled wedding or because of a complete overhaul. You'll also find knotties selling items on their local or national boards. I occasionally search the national boards (or other local boards besides my own) for items for sale, but it's time consuming. I've purchased buckets, ribbon, and jewelry from knotties.
The Brides List is something that I look at occasionally. It's not updated frequently so you may come across something you love that's been sold 7 months ago.
If you are still looking for a dress, consider going to a Brides Against Breast Cancer event. Many of these dresses are gently used. Also consider donating your dress after the fact. It's a wonderful way to support breast cancer research! To find out more or find an event near you, go here.
Do you have a favorite site or store that you would recommend?

Green Wedding Idea #1

Since Earth Day is approaching, I thought I would do a mini series on green (read:enviromentally friendly) wedding ideas. This idea came to me last night while I was hefting my groceries from the store to the car.
I recently bought 3 reusable grocery sacks from Whole Foods. They were $.99 each. Every time I used to go grocery shopping I would come home with 12 plastic grocery bags. I reuse the plastic sacks for garbage and recycling, but I hate having all those bags. The same amount of groceries fit into my 3 reusable sacks. That alone would have converted me years ago!
But I was thinking what a great favor idea. I'm much more of the usable favor person rather than even an edible person. But something people could really use. Most favors go for about $1 anyway, so how about a reusable grocery sack?
Mine aren't as cute. Mine are plain green with Whole Foods Stamped on the front. But perhaps your local grocery store has some with their name on it? Just in case you don't want to give ones that say Fred Meyer or Albertsons.
At Greensak.com you can order bulk orders, but 50 will run you $125. But these at Earthwisebags are customizable and you can order them in several different colors.
Or how about giving them as bridesmaid's or groomsmen's gifts?This set from Reusablebags.com. This would be a great starter kit for someone with a larger family or perfect for a small family or one person. This set is $39.95 but if you buy more than 2 the price dips to $34.95.
I use my grocery bags for groceries, shelpping stuff to dad's, taking books back to the library. I can't wait to use them for the farmer's market next month.