Friday, March 27, 2009

Comments of Note

Before we get started with this month's comments, I'd like to offer you one final reminder about Earth Hour. Tomorrow, March 28th, is the big day. I hope that each of you will vote for the earth and turn off your lights for one hour between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm. It's an easy way to be a part of a global demonstration ... and tell world leaders that you care about the earth. Here's a short, two minute video:




OK ... on to this month's Comments of Note:


From Buyer Beware!

ginovieto said...

I really think more people need to be aware of this situation. My sister is the one who got me to purchase reusable recycled bags to go to the grocery store! To not buy water bottles but to purchase a aluminum reusable bottle! All these little things can be a great for the planet if MORE people knew about it! Great blog!

Sinclair said...

Thanks for the info! I prefer cotton/canvas or other natural fiber bags, but I do have a couple made from recycled plastics. I gave up plastic bottles because of the harm to the environment AND the harm to me and my family from the chemicals leeching out into my drinks. Keep up the good research.


From Shining a light on recycling CFLs

Ron said...

Incandescent bulbs are banned here in Canada and because of that most (even small) hardware stores have a take back program. Sinclair, if you're not getting on the band wagon by not using CFL's, would you at least consider using LED's at some point? I'm a huge fan of LED lighting.

In fact, I'm so gung-ho on LED technology that I've even switched all my camera lights to LED standards and they've been a blessing! They last longer during shoots and they never heat up! Anyways, sorry I got a bit off topic, but for those who don't support using CFL's, maybe LED could be an alternative. Studies show that they use less than 1% of energy used by a regular incandescent...which goes a long, long way to reducing our footprint.

Thanks, Footprints for raising this topic!

Ron


From Don't toss it ... yet!

Rebecca Woodhead said...

What great ideas! I'd heard the cork key fob one before and forgotten it. It's so simple. You could turn cereal boxes into an in-tray too - ooh, you could use the paper roll holders to stack them. Cover them in something pretty. Job's a good-un!

Rebecca
http://frombrain2bookshelf.blogspot.com


s engelmohr said...

Another great post. I use my old shoe boxes for everything from storing old papers/pics/mag. to storing electronic cords, etc. I reuse glass jars for dried foods, pens & pencils, change and batteries to be recycled. I do like your idea on tooth paste tubes, wish I had known that when my kids were little and making cup cakes. LOL


eemilla said...

We use our old newspaper to clean mirrors and windows. When I had old panty hose that were exhausted, I would wash them once more then cut the legs into one inch bands which I would use in lieu of rubber bands for my pony tails.


Nina E J said...

These are great ideas! I use empty toilet paper rolls to store my oil paints - I put tape at the end and stuff them with a bit of cloth from broken tshirts or something at they can be used for storage! I have some empty cereal boxes that I don't know what to do with however I think I can use the advice here!
Thanks!

Nana Net said...

Love the ones about the toothpast tubes! Who would of thought to use them for cake decorating! Perect idea!
Now I use the giant size containers of coffee and creamer for my hubby to store his odds and ends from his workshop in. You know screw, bolts and things like that. Plus I use them to keep scraps of paper and pens in too. But of course after I wash them out good!
Keep up those great tips coming to us all! And Happy St. Patricks Day!


From A garden by any other name ...

Marcy said...

In my opinion this is one of the best things Obama has done since becoming president. It sends a great message to the citizens of the US. Plus, Michelle Obama said that her kids are more likely to eat fruits and veggies if they grow and pick them themselves. This is so true! My kids could care less about the veggies I bring home from the market, but they are always intrigued by the ones growing on the porch and more likely to try it. Not to mention, having a garden teaches kids valuable lessons about nature and food.

Cesia said...

I recently learned something new! Apparently most seeds that you purchase from big companies are non-seeding varieties, which means our plants can't reproduce in a natural way. This is, obviously, a greedy (for them) and non-sustainable (for all of us) way to live.

Heirloom seeds are not genetically modified and produce seeds. They also are from traditional (old) varieties.

Here's an article about why Heirloom seeds are important.

I bought some for my square foot garden this year! Now I just need to get my lazy butt around to planting them. :)

- Cesia.


Thank you to these commenters and everyone who left a comment this month ... you add so much to Reduce Footprints.

"See" you on Monday!