BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag)

Like my co-blogger Enviro-Beth, I too have a pet peeve. Mine is plastic.

I’ll admit it – When the canvas bag started making an appearance, I didn’t really ‘get’ it. (I wasn’t always green – before, I could only recycle the newspapers. As a kid, I tried sneaking in my old homework into the newspaper bin until my Dad broke the news that the township wouldn’t take them. It hurt my feelings to put those in the trash.)

So why are reusable bags important?

Quick Tip – Shop smart

Check your local recycling program for what number plastics it recycles. (Plastic products are numbered 1-7.  Philly accepts #1 or #2.) 

When out to buy your next shampoo bottle or dish-soap, choose products you can toss in the recycle bin instead of the trash can. More & more cosmetic companies, like Aveeno and Aveda, are moving towards enviro-friendly products.

Posted by Julie

Paper: Such a necessary evil…

Paper… yep it’s inescapable … we use it constantly to communicate and to maintain records. It’s used in packaging materials, cleaning products, even occasionally as a food ingredient. It’s certainly a necessary resource.

But do we have to use so darn much?

Some people save practically everything in paper form. Now, I’m not talking about the sentimental stuff like old concert ticket stubs or birthday cards. I’m referring to those of us who keep piles of memo’s from ’05 that they still haven’t gotten around to reading , their dry cleaning bills for the past decade, Us Weekly’s from the Jen Aniston and Brad era… some people may call these folks hoarders, I call ‘em paper junkies.

Let's Hug it Out…

Another reason to love Entourage!

Some of you (I know I am!) are highly anticipating Entourage’s return to HBO September 7.  Here’s another reason to love Adrian Grenier a.ka. Vinnie Chase … he’s green!

Vinnie Chase has installed solar panels in his Brooklyn home and speaks publically on various green causes.  I was psyched to find out he’s hosting  “Alter Eco,” on the Planet Green Network – where his team shows you eco-lifestyle and makeover tips.

Adrian, if you want to teach us some more green habits, we’ll listen! (Or if you need some time away from your ‘entourage’, help us with a green Philly project!)

Posted by Julie

Let’s Hug it Out…

Another reason to love Entourage!

Some of you (I know I am!) are highly anticipating Entourage’s return to HBO September 7.  Here’s another reason to love Adrian Grenier a.ka. Vinnie Chase … he’s green!

Vinnie Chase has installed solar panels in his Brooklyn home and speaks publically on various green causes.  I was psyched to find out he’s hosting  “Alter Eco,” on the Planet Green Network – where his team shows you eco-lifestyle and makeover tips.

Adrian, if you want to teach us some more green habits, we’ll listen! (Or if you need some time away from your ‘entourage’, help us with a green Philly project!)

Posted by Julie

Quick Tip – Think of meat as a treat

Red meat production causes more environmental harm than any other food. Why? One reason is animals are often fed unnatural food … then create large quantities of waste which run into bodies of water, leading to contamination of fish & other aquatic life.

Mix up your intake with fish,  beans and nuts as other great sources of protein.

Posted by Beth

Save the date Philly!

Sunday September 7th marks Philadelphia’s annual Green Fest.

Check out more details here:

http://www.greenfestphilly.org/

Posted by Beth

Quick Tip – Bigger is Better

Reduce the amount of waste you create.  When purchasing products, try buying the biggest size you’ll be able to use. Typically you save $ on the larger sizes, reduce your runs to the grocery store and bulk sizes use less packaging.

If you enjoy juice/sodas, choose bigger bottles and pour into into your reusable cups instead of buying individual, 4 or 6 packs.

Posted by Julie

Quick Tip- Dump your desktop

Laptop’s use on average 90% less energy than the standard desktop.

If you work in an office consider hitting up your IT department for a laptop (hint: push the ’I'll be more productive cause I can work anywhere now!’ angle.)

If you still have a desktop at home think about how convenient it would be to cart your laptop to your backyard on a nice day or the local coffee shop when you have cabin fever.

Posted by Beth

It’s Not Easy Being Green

I never thought I’d be able to compare myself to Kermit the Frog – a muppet?

But I there is one unmistakable similarity. I’m green. While I’m not physically green, I am trying to make environmentally conscience decisions. Going through this lifestyle change, it’s interesting how often I find myself explaining green-friendly decisions to others. Many friends and family are adjusting their habits to go green, while others challenge some behaviors. Which is why I’d like to give some guidance to others facing this same dilemma – how to explain your enviro-ways…