14 Quick tips and Interesting Facts ...

It's time for some quick tips and interesting facts:

1. Pour left-over wine into an ice cube tray and store in the freezer. When you next need wine to cook with, grab some "wine-cubes". That way, not a drop of wine is ever wasted.
   
   
2. Bumblebees often nest in compost piles. So, when one is spotted emerging, try not to disturb them ... they pollinate a wide variety of plants, they won't sting unless provoked, and they naturally die off in the fall.
   
   
3. In 1995 over 200 of the world landfills were full.
   
   
4. Even though approximately one-half of beverage containers are recycled annually, Americans trash more than 270 million beer and soft drink bottles every day.
   
   
5. Looking for an environmentally conscious spouse or friend? Try joining local "green" groups to meet people of like mind.
   
   
6. Rather than give cut flowers, give potted plants (organic, of course).
   
   
7. Cleaning your dryer's lint filter can slash its energy usage by as much as 30%.
   
   
8. Every week about 20 species of plants and animals become extinct.
   
   
9. Rain Forests are being cut down at the rate of 100 acres per minute.
   
   
10. Staying within the speed limit and smoothly accelerating can save up to 25% of a vehicle's typical gasoline use.
    
    
11. Bamboo, which now can be found in many products (even clothing), is a sustainable material which has natural antibacterial and odor prevention properties ... and, because of it's porous texture, can keep one cool on a hot day and warm in the winter.
    
    
12. Open a box/package of bar soap on one end and let it dry out for a few weeks before using it. This removes the excess moisture content from the soap and makes the bar last longer.
    
    
13. Going on vacation? Remember to turn off the water heater ... and save energy!
    
    
14. According to NOAA, an estimated 210,000 gallons of oil (5,000 barrels) a day is still leaking into the Gulf of Mexico (that after the initial "fix").

Do you have any tips and/or facts to share?

As always, I would love to hear from you!

A quick, green tip ...

Have a great weekend, everyone!

17 Quick Tips and Interesting Facts About Water ...

I've been thinking about water and thought I'd just share some of the things I've come across recently. Here you go:

1. One percent (1%) of the earth’s water is suitable for drinking.
   
   
2. Approximately one billion people do not have access to clean drinking water.
   
   
3. Nothing beats a nice, cold glass of water. Instead of letting the tap run until the cold water comes through ... keep a container in the refrigerator. You'll save approximately 2 gallons (per glass).
   
   
4. There are approximately one million miles of pipeline and aqueducts in the United States and Canada ... enough to circle the earth 40 times.
   
   
5. Headaches are often caused by dehydration so try drinking a glass of water, before taking an aspirin, for relief.
   
   
6. When taking a shower, put the plug in the tub ... it's a great way to see how much water you are using. By the way ... shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
   
   
7. Turn off the water while you wash your hair and soap up.
   
   
8. Water regulates the earth’s temperature. Here's a surprise ... it's a natural insulator.
   
   
9. All known forms of life depend on water.
   
   
10. Rather than defrost food under running water, plan ahead and defrost in the refrigerator (you'll get the added benefit of the frozen food keeping the temperature low in the refrigerator).
    
    
11. Choose native shrubs and plants for your yard ... they typically require less watering.
    
    
12. A person can live over a month without food but only about a week without water.
    
    
13. One person uses over 100 gallons of water a day.
    
    
14. It takes approximately 62,600 gallons of water to produce one ton of steel.
    
    
15. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
    
    
16. When you have ice left in your glass, give it to a plant rather than toss it down the drain.
    
    
17. 3.575 million people die each year from water-related diseases (from World Health Organization).

How do you conserve water?

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

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!