A bit of this and that ...

Here are a few quick tips and interesting facts:

• Rather than buy a new vase for your beautiful summer flowers, try using an old glass or bottle.
  
  
• Farmer's markets not only offer local, seasonal and often organic food ... there isn't any packaging involved.
  
  
• On average, we use a plastic bag for 12 minutes ... that same plastic bag persists in a landfill for approximately 1,000 years ~ Body+Soul magazine, September 2009 issue.
  
  
• A push mower emits 0% pollution ... and it's great exercise.
  
  
• Thinking of purchasing a new oven? Opt for an energy efficient convection oven. It uses 20% less energy than conventional ovens.
  
  
• Did you know that wooden chopsticks cost China about 25 million trees a year to make?
  
  
• Use tap water instead of bottled water.
  
  
• Did you know that you could reduce your chemical exposure by approximately 80% by choosing organic produce?
  
  
• The perimeter of a store typically has the healthiest items (for both us and the environment).
  
  
• For grass stains on clothing, use hydrogen peroxide ... the key to this working is speed ... don't let the stain set.
  
  
• Use the appropriate burner on your stove. A 6 inch pot over an 8 inch burner will waste over 40 percent of the heat generated.
  
  
• Send e-greeting cards ... save money, a stamp, paper and the earth.
  
  
• Save trees ... read the daily newspaper online rather than having it delivered.
  
  
• A vacation is a state of mind, not a reservation ... so try a "staycation".
  
  
• And finally, if you're still looking for a natural cleaner for this week's challenge, try this:

Have a great weekend, everyone!

As always ... I would love to hear from you!