Meatless Mondays
Here on Pays to Live Green, we have asked whether or not we eat too much meat, and we have suggested that a way to cut back on meat consumption is to not eat meat one day a week. Well, if cutting back on your meat consumption by over 10% (the equivalent of one day per week) sounds appealing to you, then you are a great candidate for embracing the Meatless Monday movement.
According to the Meatless Monday website, “[t]he tradition of Meatless Mondays began in WWI, when the FDA encouraged the rationing of meat, wheat, and other staples to help the war effort. The campaign was relaunched in 2003 as a public health campaign to help individuals reduce their saturated fat intake.”
As a movement promoted by Sir Paul McCartney, Michael Pollan, Gwyneth Paltrow and even famous carnivore Mario Batali, Meatless Monday claims to enable adopters to live longer, cut weekly budgets and healthcare spending, reduce heart disease, limit cancer risk, fight diabetes, curb obesity, and reduce carbon footprints and fuel dependence.
The best part about Meatless Monday is that “meatless” no longer means “flavorless” or “boring.” With vegetarianism and health-conscious cooking on the rise, vegetarian fare and recipes are becoming more and more accessible and tasty. For recipe ideas, check out the online recipe bank of the magazine Vegetarian Times or search vegetarian recipes at Epicurious.com.
Where do I recycle my….
Have you ever found yourself ready to toss an old household appliance or other random item into the trash but then found yourself wondering if doing so could be harmful to the environment? Well, I have….many times! But often this was because I just did not know where to bring these items so they could be recycled. For example, who knew it would be so hard to find a new home for a retired mini-fridge? Goodwill would not take it, as it is against their policy, and my town recycling center didn’t want it either. Finally, I found a recycling station that would take it off my hands…for a fee. While this did not make much sense to me at first, the woman on the other end of the phone explained to me that any remaining freon would have to be removed from the fridge and then the metal is crushed into scrap. What about some of the other stuff we all want to get rid of in an eco-responsible way? Here is a list of some of the more obscure items that we use up but do not want to throw away…
Batteries
Batteries should not be thrown into the trash because they contain chemicals that can leak out into the ground. There are usually one or more battery collection stations in every town. In my town, batteries can be disposed of at the local hardware store. There are also a number of major retailers that have battery collection boxes set up through the Call2Recycle program, a free battery collection service. Call2Recycle boxes can be found at most Best Buy, Home Depot and Radio Shack stores. There is even a location finder on the Call2Recycle website that allows one to search for a battery recycling station by zip code (www.call2recycle.com).
Cell Phones
Like batteries, cell phones also contain harmful chemicals that can be released into the environment when thrown in the trash. Fortunately, there are many programs available that collect used cell phones for charitable causes or for recycling. Cell Phones for Soldiers (www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com) is one such program. Also, there are bins set up at Whole Foods stores. Another option is to return your old phone to your service provider, as most have a recycling program of their own.
Ink Cartridges
Empty ink cartridges can actually be refilled at many computer stores, for a fraction of what a new cartridge would cost. If you are looking for a project, you can even purchase an ink refilling kit and do-it-yourself at home. Staples also has a program where you can receive credits for dropping off used ink cartridges at their retail stores. These credits can then be applied toward your future purchases. According to the Staples website, this program has allowed them to recycle 22 million cartridges in 2008 alone.
Fabric/Clothes
When my daughter ripped the knee out on a pair of her black leggings, I placed the garment in my recycling bin and placed it out on the curb, thinking that surely, cotton cloth could be recycled, right? At the end of the day when I was pulling my bin back into the garage, I saw that the leggings were still inside. Thinking that they must have been overlooked, I placed them in the bin again the following week. When I pulled my car out onto the street later that day, however, I realized that my recycling person (if that is the correct term) had sent me a clearer message this time – the leggings were now strewn upon my lawn. Frustrated, I started doing a little research.
This recycling dilemma turned out to be a lot trickier than the others. Apparently many cities and towns have developed their own textile recycling programs, but my community has not. Textile banks, as they are called in the United Kingdom, are quite popular abroad and are often designed to provide recycled cloth to underdeveloped nations. While certainly not as convenient as curbside recycling, many town recycling and transfer stations will accept fabric scraps.
Light Bulbs
Used light bulbs (regular or CFL) can be packed into a cardboard box so they will not shatter and dropped off at your nearest Home Depot store. You can also visit www.earth911.com and type in whatever it is you want to recycle, in this case “CFL lightbulbs,” along with your zip code, for a list of appropriate recycling centers. Easy peasy. I wonder what would happen if I typed in “black leggings?”
<em><span style=”font-size: xx-small;”>Photo by <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/iampeas/4516175267/”>iampeas</a>.</span></em></div>
Greenpeace Says to Dell ‘Design Out Toxics!’
In a effort to make Dell aware of it’s low marks in it’s Guide to Greener Electronics, Greenpeace placed a banner outside of Dell’s headquarters saying:
This banner stems from Dell’s promise to increase it’s score from last year’s guide by reducing the amount of toxins in it’s products. Dell’s response to the banner made by Michelle Mosmeyer, who is a worker in the sustainability communications department for dell:
Dell remains committed to integrating the most environmentally preferable materials into our products, and we’re working closely with our suppliers to accomplish this. We have always been committed to eliminating BFR/PVC from our products, and we plan to achieve that goal by the end of 2011 for newly introduced personal computing products.
It’s great to see that Greenpeace is holding companies like Dell to their word to become a greener company, not just continue to make empty promises. Hopefully Dell will take the actions to improve on the changes they said they would make last year.
Get to Know Your Tailor
It is (finally!) that time of year again. Time to pack up the winter clothes and bring out the shorts, summer skirts, and sandals. And, if you are like me, then it is one of two times each year that you really take a moment and evaluate your wardrobe, putting together boxes of old items to donate and identifying what new items need to purchased.
This year, however, I find that I am taking a slightly different approach to my closet cleanup. Instead of being so quick to discard, I am saving money by fixing up the clothes that I have instead of buying new things. In other words, I am getting to know my tailor.
The jeans and chinos that I got for a steal at a sidewalk sale last summer and that I never wear because they drag on the floor? My tailor has hemmed them to an appropriate length.
Last summer’s floor-length, drop-waist bridesmaid dress with the high neckline that was taking up space a ridiculous amount of space in my closet? It has been completely redone as a knee-length halter-style dress with a sash at the waist that I plan to wear to another wedding this July.
The jackets and cardigans that I do not wear for fear of losing the loose buttons? I have had the buttons reinforced and replaced if missing.
And that is not all that a good tailor – or some creativity and a sewing machine – can do. Old t-shirts can become a quilt, old ties can become a purse . . . The money- and environment-saving possibilities (after all, repurposing is greener than buying) are endless!
Eat, Work (out), Drink, and Be Merry!
Americans have some of the most unhealthy lifestyles in the World. From our sugar-laden foods to our car-centric transportation, we could use an upgrade, or shall we say a “life-grade” change. The best news is that we each have the power to change our daily habits to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives. Let’s check out some of the key areas to staying healthy, happy, and living a long life.
Get your Groove on! There are forms of exercise that speak to each of us. Whether it is becoming a top triathlete or showing the World your crazy dance moves, we all have a work out groove. The good news comes a plenty when it comes to exercising. First, when we exert physical energy we get endorphins in return, which makes us happier people. Second, exercising can be a social event, meaning making more friends, meeting more people, and gaining a larger sense of community. And what better news is there than to know that some health care providers will reward you for your physical activity prowess? From discounted rates to free gym membership, health care providers are jumping on board with healthy and active lifestyles.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry. Our food choices dictate a great deal about how we feel, how we interact with others, and just how long and healthy our lives will truly be. Now you don’t have to become a local, seasonal, organic fanatic like myself to make a very positive change in your eating habits. First, stay away from processed food as much as possible. Why? Because the additives can be quite harmful. From carcinogens to things that are just plain hard to digest. Processed food comes from machines, not nature, meaning that our bodies may or may not be adapted to digest and utilize the food’s nutrients. Next, try to cut out as much Fast Food as possible. You can go so far as to join the Slow Food Movement or you can simply plan ahead and pack a lunch. This easy step will save you money first of all. It may not seem like it at first, but spending money on a meal versus money on versatile ingredients for several different meals can make a difference. It also spares you from the global supply chain of food. Food that is transported from long-distances or stored for long periods of time lose their nutrients quickly, so by the time they reach your plate you are getting half or less of the original plant nutrients. This partnered with a good glass of local or fair trade wine will make you quite merry and healthy indeed, just ask the French.
Live a Long and Happy Life. You may think that the span of your life is beyond your control. Which of course to an extent is true. Yet studies, like the one recently completed in Italy, found that the more strenuous exercise an individual participates in, the longer their body is able to survive. Essentially, cells in our body die at a very rapid and common rate. Getting a good work out that makes you sweat actually keeps some cells from dyeing, meaning that your body and its health are preserved longer. This partnered with good eating habits that make nutrients readily available for your system to take in and utilize will make you one healthy machine. And if that doesn’t make you happy, then consider this:
Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.
~Abraham Lincoln
So get your exercise groove on, especially with the advent of beautiful weather. Partner that with some delicious, healthy, and fresh food along with a glass of wine and enjoy life!
5 Green Debt Reduction Tips
The concept of ‘going green while reducing debt’ is very simple. The concept states that it is possible to save money and environment at the same time. You can do this by making simple efforts and eco-friendly decisions. This article highlights five simple green debt reduction tips that will help to save money and environment.
Green debt reduction tips
The five green debt reduction tips are given below:
- Change household lighting: Most of the people use chandeliers and other multi-bulb lighting fixtures in their home. However, these energy-efficient light bulbs are very costly. Therefore, those people who are serious about debt reduction and going green, should use single-light fixtures. Thereby, they can save both energy and money.
- Waterless or composting toilets: You should use waterless or composting toilets. These type of toilet fixtures are cheap, easy to install, and require low maintenance. These type of toilet fixtures don’t need water and are quite sanitary to use. Thereby you can save on the home water bills.
- Unplug unused appliances: It is a proven fact that electrical gadgets such as microwave ovens, DVD players, water coolers, computers consume energy even when they are not turned on. Therefore, you should unplug unused electrical equipments, which can help save on your utility bill.
- Downsize: Many people have spare bathrooms, bedrooms, and other spaces that they don’t even use. In that case, they can move to a smaller residence. This will lower lower monthly rent payments. Also, it will help to lower heating and cooling costs as small space needs less temperature control. This means less energy will be consumed.
- Redo insulation: The insulation in most homes have been installed years ago and was not created with a focus on saving the environment. These insulations allow harmful emissions into the atmosphere at a very high rate. However, nowadays new insulation systems are available in the market which reduces home energy costs and allow fewer carbon emissions into the earth’s atmosphere.
The last green debt reduction tip will be to use reusable stainless steel bottles instead of plastic bottles and bags. It’s the simplest way to save money and environment.
The concept of ‘going green while reducing debt’ is very simple. The concept states that it is possible to save money and environment at the same time. You can do this by making simple efforts and eco-friendly decisions. This article highlights five simple green <a href”http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/debt-reduction.html”>debt reduction</a> tips that will help to save money and environment.http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/“><img src=”http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/styles/dtcc/img/logo.gif” alt=”Debt Consolidation Care” title=”Internet’s first get-out-of-debt community”></a>
Green debt reduction tips
The five green debt reduction tips are given below:
1. Change household lighting: Most of the people use chandeliers and other multi-bulb lighting fixtures in their home. However, these energy-efficient light bulbs are very costly. Therefore, those people who are serious about debt reduction and going green, should use single-light fixtures. Thereby, they can save both energy and money.
2. Waterless or composting toilets: You should use waterless or composting toilets. These type of toilet fixtures are cheap, easy to install, and require low maintenance. These type of toilet fixtures don’t need water and are quite sanitary to use. Thereby you can save on the home water bills.
3. Unplug unused appliances: It is a proven fact that electrical gadgets such as microwave ovens, DVD players, water coolers, computers consume energy even when they are not turned on. Therefore, you should unplug unused electrical equipments. Thereby you can save on your utility debt as well as can save the environment.
4. Downsize: Many people have spare bathrooms, bedrooms, and other spaces that they don’t even use. In that case, they can move to a smaller residence. This will lower lower monthly rent payments. Also, it will help to lower heating and cooling costs as small space needs less temperature control. This means less energy will be consumed.
5. Redo insulation: The insulation in most homes have been installed years ago and was not created with a focus on saving the environment. These insulations allow harmful emissions into the atmosphere at a very high rate. However, nowadays new insulation systems are available in the market which reduces home energy costs and allow fewer carbon emissions into the earth’s atmosphere.
The last green debt reduction tip will be to use reusable stainless steel bottles instead of plastic bottles and bags. It’s the simplest way to save money and environment.
Why You Should Take Cold Showers
As the summer approaches quickly, taking a nice cold or cool shower really helps cool my body down. It turns out that so many feel quite differently and prefer to take a nice hot, steamy shower. Well did you know that cold showers have many health benefits and can help save you money on both your energy and water bills? Let’s find out how.
Energy Savings
The true cost of a shower is not just the cost of the water, but the cost to heat that water. Imagine a scenario with a family of 4 and each of the members in the families take approximately 10 minute showers per day at a hot temperature like many Americans do. This family decides to switch to taking cool showers (approximately 75°) during the warmer 6 months of the year. With the help of my handy shower water and energy calculator, this family will save approximately $67.73 per person for a total of $270.90 per year. Not to bad for simply switching to taking cooler showers. The tough part is going to get your family to buy into taking cooler showers 
Health Benefits
So many of us hear about the health benefits of taking a cold shower, but don’t really know why it’s good for out health. Well, here are those reasons:
- Increase blood circulation.
- Reduce blood pressure on organs.
- Clean circulatory system.
- Strengthens nervous system.
- Strengthens mucous membranes.
- Doesn’t dry out skin.
I take cold showers, especially during the summer and I feel more refreshed, have much more energy and my skin doesn’t feel as dry. One thing to note is that women should not take cold showers during their time of menstruation as it is too harsh on the reproductive system. Instead, take a luke-warm shower and not a hot one.
Water Savings
Though water is not really expensive for us, it is such a scarce resource throughout the world and we must do our part to conserve it. Taking cooler showers can help move along the process of showering, no matter how hot it is outside. It is really shocking for out bodies and those 20+ minute showers will be a lot harder to take.
Try taking a cold shower and you won’t be disappointed.
