7/1/12

The next time you’re shopping for taper candles, look for a material called stearin wax. In the past, stearin wax was derived from beef, and was not vegetarian-friendly, but today it comes from all-natural, plant-based renewable sources. The stearin wax looks like traditional white paraffin candles, but it burns cleanly, slowly and is an affordable eco-friendly choice. Megastores like IKEA are a good place to score these green candles.

6/30/12

Save all your champagne and wine corks for the next time you want to start a roaring fire. Real corks are good for the environment since they’re made from the outside layer of the cork tree, which doesn’t harm the tree and protects forests from deforestation. Just soak the corks in a jar of rubbing alcohol and toss them into the fireplace, fire pit or barbecue to get the fire going. Add a little newspaper and some twigs or logs, and, in no time, you’ll be roasting marshmallows.

6/29/12

Takeout food from restaurants is a convenient way to bring home a freshly cooked meal, but it can also be wasteful -- just think of the extra disposable packaging and add-ons restaurants often supply inside the bag. When placing your order, make a specific request that no utensils, no napkins, no straws and no menu be added to your order. Not only does this cut down on waste, but the establishment saves money too. It's win-win!