03/1/13

If you're planning a wedding, anniversary or birthday party where you anticipate a large group of friends and family to attend, instead of typical party favor gifts, why not gift living trees? The National Arbor Day Foundation has gift-able tree saplings like redwoods, pines and spruces that are specially packaged and can be customized with your own label with your own quotes, logos or special message. They are $3 each. Learn more at arborday.org.

02/28/13

A recent study figured out how many times you needed to reuse a reusable cup before it actually begins to save energy and resources in comparison to using a throwaway paper cup. When comparing a typical paper coffee cup, it found a reusable ceramic mug would need to be used 39 times before you begin to see environmental savings, a plastic thermos would need to be used 17 times and a heat-resistant glass mug just 15 times. What's taken into consideration is the amount of materials and resources needed to make a reusable cup, plus the amount of water and energy to wash it. So the lesson is simple: Buy one reusable cup and use it over and over.

02/27/13

Waxy cardboard containers that milk and juice products are packaged in can be rinsed out and reused. Crafty people love to use these containers when making homemade candles or soap. Just fill the containers with melted wax or glycerin soap, add a wick, dye or scent, and chill in the fridge. In an hour or so, you can peel off the paper and reveal and perfectly molded new candle or block of soap. And the best part? If your community recycles these containers, you can toss the peeled cardboard into your recycling bin.