NRDC: Green Holiday Entertaining

NRDC: Green Holiday Entertaining

NRDC: Green Holiday Entertaining

I found this information insightful! Taking one step toward making a difference......

NRDC: Green Holiday Entertaining

Nowadays we need to get the most out of what we buy....

Nothing lasts forever.  What you buy today will eventually become waste in some form or other.  When you shop ask yourself the following:

• Is it reliable?
• Am I buying something that I will rarely use?  Consider renting or borrowing;
• What is this really costing me?  The purchase price is not the same as the cost to use and maintain this item.
• Will I be able to repair or upgrade it?
• Could I purchase something a second time around instead of purchasing new? 
• Buying local  when possible reduces environmental impacts. 

Here's a great article on saving tips: The author, Allysse Dalessandro gives some great advice on trends...TAKE ANOTHER LOOK WITHIN --YOUR CLOSET: "The best way to spice up your summer wardrobe is to start right in your own closet," Alysse advises. "Go to the items you haven't worn in months, ask yourself why you haven't worn them, and think about how you can give them a new life. Sometimes this can be as simple as taking that boho skirt from two summers ago and pulling it above the chest. Add a belt to cinch the waist and you have a flow-y strapless summer dress."

There is a lot we can do to make changes, just by taking one step!

Visit www.reduce.org for more ideas on green shopping.

Different Shades of Green!

Not everyone has to be bright green to show you care!  You can do the right thing for the environment by taking small steps!  Admit it, you really want to do the right things for the environment but wonder if taking a step beyond recycling would make that much of a difference? 

There are no rules that say everyone has to live green in all ways, at all times.  The way to make it work for you is to do as much green living as works for you and your family and your lifestyle.  Research shows that people really care about the environment and are concerned about what we are leaving behind for our children. 

Can one small act make the difference?  Yes, one person choosing to recycle or reuse may not change the world, but imagine 10 people, 100 workers or 1,000 commuters making that same choice---it can make the difference.  Choices we make everyday influence what manufacturers make and retailers sell.  Choices we make in what we purchase, where we live and what kind of transportation we use have a ripple effect throughout our cities and states. 

Whether the steps you take today are small or many, they will add up to make a better tomorrow. 

What step can you make today that can make a difference?

http://www.panda.org/how_you_can_help/greenliving/

Our message is simple! We can progress toward a healthier and more sustainable environment by taking small steps individually. Every small step can collectively produce some big results. It all starts with the way we live at home, act in our workplace, drive our cars, shop for necessities. Here are some ideas to promote taking steps:

*Change five light bulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescent;
*When you buy a new appliance, look for Energy Star products that use less electricity.
(www.energystar.gov/);
*Buy an energy-efficient vehicle when you are ready for a new car.
(www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/).
* Combine trips and keep your car tuned to save gas and cut emissions.


Remember every thoughtful action that we make toward helping our environment takes us a step closer to a more sustainable environment! Think Green!

Just when we thought we were making progress and living a "green lifestyle" we started to hear the word "carbon footprint". Hey, we thought we had it down with recycle, buy local, eat organic and now we are challenged to reduce our "carbon footprint".

What is a "carbon footprint" and what can we do?

It's the amount(in tons) of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere as a result of how each of us lives. It is our day-to-day activities-from driving the kids to school to what we eat for dinner. The name is taken from the word carbon dioxide and it accounts for about 84 percent of human-made greenhouse gas emissions.

The word footprint is used to describe your contributions to climate change. So next time you get in your car, to drive to the store, to buy your milk, think about your actions.

How to calculate your footprint: www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html.
Remember the lower the number the better your score!

When we reuse and recycle things from our household we help reduce! Let's change the way we think about it! Till next time

Deb at Green Girls Garage