The Holidays Are Upon Us!

Unbelievably, the holiday season has snuck up on me. My little "family" keeps me busy on my days off, so it's been quite the challenge to post regularly. But.......I'm back! So let's jump into dome holiday dilemmas.....

Christmas lights.....oh geeze.....the knots, and tangles, and dead bulbs.....what to do......well - let me tell you something! There are some great ways to properly dispose of your old icky lights in an Eco-friendly way. Then, you are free to purchase some of those super LEDs that I love so much :)

Here are some great sites to help you get into the green spirit:
With Michigan's struggling economy (I live here!) it is great to support some local companies trying to survive..... with HolidayLEDs.com, a huge Internet sensation, located in Jackson, MI, if you send in your old lights, they send you a coupon - win/win!

Also, check out local hardware stores also, such as ACE. Our local ACE has recycling programs in which they collect your lights at their stores. Doesn't get much easier does it?

Aren't convinced that LEDs are super? Well, according to thefuntimesguide.com, "Regular" incandescent Christmas light bulbs may lose their life after about 1,800 hours, whereas LED Christmas light bulbs will still be twinkling long after 4,000 hours. That's about 7 months of continuous testing! Want financial proof? Alrighty, according to LEDtronics.com,
35 LED Christmas lights only cost $0.31 in electricity a year based on the lights being on for 6 hours a night at $0.08 KWh rate.
35 incandescent Christmas lights cost $30.37 a year. 35 LED Christmas lights save $30.36 a year in electricity charges over incandescent lights.
70 LED Christmas lights only cost $0.61 in electricity a year based on the lights being on for 6 hours a night at $0.08 KWh rate.
70 incandescent Christmas lights cost $61.32 a year. 70 LED Christmas lights save $60.71 a year in electricity charges over incandescent lights.

There are so many colors and styles of LEDs, there are no excuses for you not to get some (and p.s., they look better!)

In other holiday news.....
The keen folks in the UK have created this wonderful little guide on how to lessen your own impact this holiday season.

As previously mentioned, I support the use of RECYCLED wrapping paper, newspaper, or even more fun.....re-usable shopping bags to wrap gifts this year! You can get really creative with these options, so don't fret, it can still get pretty elaborate ;) Also re-use the fancy gift bags you get and encourage their future re-use.
***And with the sad economy, maybe just make this year a season of appreciation and less physical gifts. I know that this has become a wonderful new tradition with my those close to me.

Although not for everyone, I like using artificial Christmas trees because of their obvious re-usability, their low damage on the tree population, and ability to choose the perfect color and size for your lifestyle. If you do, however, choose to have a real Christmas tree, please look into proper treecycling. Instead of simply trashing your outdated tree, look into more positive options for its future.

And finally, holiday cards. We all get 'em, we all love 'em, and then what? There are numerous organizations that can benefit from these once used holiday greetings. St. Jude's children's ranch offers a recycling service which allows ill children to make new cards from the once-given. Everyone that knows me knows how much I love kids, so please check out this organization. Not only for Christmas, but for every greeting card event, you can benefit the ranch. They are currently accepting cards until the end of February 2009. So, we all have plently of time to pack up our cards!

I hope you have enjoyed this edition of the Bean Blog. I love the holidays, so hopefully I will have some more coming really soon. To all of you and your loved ones, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!

To a spectacular 2009!

GB

Target Rocks!

I can't get enough of Target....I always find the cutest, most wonderful items, no matter how completely unnecessary for my life/home they may be! As if that were not enough, Target is now putting the emphasis on the eco-friendly products and services they offer. There is something for everyone, even the little tykes. So check out my favorite item and services, and stop by your local Target to find your favorites too!!!

NatureMill Composters are available at Target.com. I do not personally have one, but they are at the top of my wish list. They come in a variety of colors and specs, even one for people with furry friends! Now that is something that not many companies can brag about. As always, I always encourage google-ing coupons before every large purchase and this is no different. Target is generally pretty easy to find 10% off coupons for, so hopefully in these difficult economic times, this will ease the $ pain and help reduce our personal waste at the same time.

Target offers too many products to mention on my lil blog, but their eco-offerings are great! Target puts energy efficient practices into effect at their stores and also implement highly green options in newly-constructed stores. They also donate unsold grocery items to second harvest to helo those in need in local communities. Target has won multiple awards and is partnered with many eco organizations in order to reduce their impact. Go Target!

Gold Star For Target!,
GB

Oh Starbucks..... :(

As a huge fan of Starbucks, it pains me to post this. However, the present circumstances of struggling around the globe make practices such as this completely unacceptable. The UK publication The Sun has made accusations about Starbucks H2O practices:

"…As part of a company policy aimed at preventing germ buildup
in its taps, Starbucks stores are directed to keep water running
constantly into a sink, called a dipper well, to clean utensils and wash away
food residue"

As a result of running water all day, every day at each of the
company’s 10,000 worldwide coffee emporiums, Starbucks wastes water in an amount The Sun estimated to be “enough daily water for the entire 2 million strong population of drought-hit Namibia in Africa or fill an Olympic pool every 83
minutes.”

This statistic is extremely disturbing to me and should be to everyone! I love all the yummy drinks that Starbucks creates just as much as the next person but this is a completely lazy, inconsiderate, WASTEFUL practice that needs to be changed. Starbucks claims that the company is now working on alternative solutions to reduce water consumption "as a priority" but it says switching to a new system will take a while.

Until that time is reached, I will be one of many that boycotts Starbucks and all of their products. In such a desperate time for so many, the thought of such waste is so disgusting that I could not bring myself to enter a cafe. I hope those of you with similar beliefs will also show Starbucks that this IS NOT ACCEPTABLE practice and that IT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. From now on, I will be enjoying my shade-grown home brews and I hope you will find a sustainable source of delicious coffee as well.

Please post you own source of Eco-friendly coffee for others because it is a resource that many do not know can be destructive if not grown properly.

Bring on the Caffeine!

GB

Ipods!

Two very green thumbs up to one of my favorite companies, Apple, for introducing their new iPod line of mP3 players with the following improvements:

~Arsenic-free glass

~Brominated flame-retardent free

~Mercury-free

~PVC-free

The new line of iPod Nanos also comes in an assorted range of colors with great new features, so you can pick up a green one and rock out to your favorite tunes! Apple has been working hard over the past few years to improve the green-ness of their prodcuts.Take a look at Apple's environmental policies and what they plan to do in the future to reduce their impact on the planet.

Also, if you purchase a qualifying Apple computer, take advantage of their free recycling program for your current computer. It's a great way to reduce the amount of waste produced by the many electronics discarded each year.

With everyone carrying around an iPod these days, I thought it was important to mention Apple's efforts to be more conscious about their impact. Hope you find it as important and spread the word!

Until we meet again,

GB

A Fresh Coat of Paint

I'm getting ready to embark on some little home improvement projects and one that I think is great to do in the autumn season is interior painting. The cool breeze makes it bearable to leave the windows open and get all of the fresh air running through the house. This way Harley -------------> doesn't end up with heat stroke! Unfortunately, there are some pretty nasty volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints that aren't good for us or the environment. And these damaging components are leached out from painted surfaces for years after application. Here is an some info about green painting options for the interior of your home.

There have recently been many products released with little or no VOCs. They have a Green Seal on the can to help consumers identify these products. Eartheasy has a great directory of companies and products as well as the many benefits of using greener paints in your home. It also has tips for painters to ensure that no paint is unnecessarily wasted.

In comparison to traditional paint products, there are also completely natural alternatives that contain no VOCs or heavy metals commonly found in paints. These include clay paint, lime wash, and milk paint. Although these items are sometimes a bit more costly than other types of paint, they are completely natural and won't harm your family or the environment due to their use.

And when disposing of your paint-related items, here are some tips from Eartheasy:

~Avoid Cleaning Brushes and Rollers: Paint brushes and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won't dry because air can't get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job. (This works for water and oil-based paints and stains. It does not work for varnishes or lacquers.)

~ Clean Your Brushes Naturally: Turpentine, made from the resin of coniferous trees, is an environmentally-friendly solvent. It is excellent for cleaning brushes used with oil-based paints, and for cleaning up small drips. Use a short glass jar, filled no higher than the bristles. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. After cleaning the brush, rinse with water.

~ Store partially full cans upside down: Leftover paint can be saved for months if stored properly. Make sure the lids are well sealed, then store the cans upside down. This prevents air from getting insed the can and causing the paint to thicken and dry.

~ Remember the BUD rule: Buy no more product than you need. Ask your retailer for help in assessing the quantity you need. Use up all the product you buy. Give leftovers to a neighbor or community organization. Dispose of leftovers in a safe, responsible manner.

Hopefully you have some fun painting projects that you can complete with these great products. Let me know of any green painting experiences you have had and I will let you know how my projects turn out!

Let The Painting Begin!

GB

Hurricane Season Is In Full Effect

Well, it's been an interesting week. I spent part of it evacuating from Gustav while a trip to New Orleans! It was not the most pleasant vacation experience, but luckily I have family that took me in and made the rest of my trip great. Even with all the feverish stocking up of supplies I encountered while I was there, I managed to spread the green bug. Here are some green supply ideas for stocking up in an emergency situation (which you hopefully will never have to do).

A necessity for any emergency kit is lighting. Candles always come with a safety concern, so here is a wonderful alternative that is hand-crank charged and powered! This handy lantern also functions as an AM/FM radio, cell phone charger, and mp3 player. There is also an option to plug it into your car charger port for power as well. It has some nifty accessory functions like a siren, ultrasonic mosquito repeller, and even a compass. Check it out!

Another item that can be integrated into your kitchen supplies for use on a daily basis is a manual can opener. This handy item uses no energy and saves your counterspace at the same time. It's a necessity in the emergency kit because without power to open your non-perishables, they are pretty much useless. These can openers are cheap, green, and don't take up much space, so pick one up!

Also important, expecially in those stormy summer months is bug repellant. Non-aerosol, DEET free products are the only way to go. Buzz Away is a popular spray with a nice peppermint smell that leaves 'em coming back for more (everyone except the buggies, that is). This company also makes sunscreen with the same yummy scent, so you can get both and add them to your summer stash.

Remember your utensils, dishware, napkins, and trash bags - biodegradable of course! Can't leave your rubbish around after the storm passes.... :)

Hope this gives you some ideas to green up your emergency kit, or at least some items in your household. Take a look at what you may need in an emergent situation and make the effort to green it up a bit. It's easy, so hopefully this has given you the tools to get started and find your favorites. I would love to hear your suggestions/comments on these, or any other, important eco-friendly supplies in your survival kits as well - leave a comment!

Happy Trails!

GB

Take It From WALL-E....

Here is some more WALL-E for all of you. He is my favorite little greenie. Enjoy!

Spread The News!

It's so nice to hear about people becoming more conscious about their environmental impact. It is even nicer to meet people who have been doing it for years and have great tips to share! Here is some from my new friend Melanie I have been fortunate enough to meet through this very blog!

1. For wrapping gifts, i use fabric remnants with safety pins.

2. Instead of plastic sandwich bags i use either vegetable waxed parchment paper sandwich bags, or my fav is wrap-n-mats they are cloth w/ a plastic lining that you fold around a sandwich, veggies, etc and then secure w/ a velcro closure (very durable and easy to wash..i've tossed mine in the laundry)

3. "Flor" carpet squares for an eco conscious, versatile, and easy to clean area rug

4. Going veg saves approx 487 lbs of CO2 per person per year...buy organic and local, and this number is even greater

5. Garbage bags: this one has taken some time, but I found natural value makes an "eco safe" bag that is green in color but sturdier than the corn based biodegradable ones (i used those for a bit, but at the end of the week, when i went to take my garabage out, the bottom of the bag would fall out..kinda defeats the purpose, you know?) ....so these natural value eco safe ones are epi certified and are degradable..

6. In addition to buying local, look for non GMO products (especially rice, soy, and corn products), and/or buy organic or transitional...also, there are some great companies that have very strict practices (non GMO, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides) but do not have the paperwork to certify them organic ...it takes some diligence, but it's an easy thing to explore at your local farmers' market)

Hope this gets you greenies motivated! Thanks for the wonderful tips! Keep them coming :)

Keep It Clean!
GB

Two Green Thumbs Up!

This post is to recognize the many companies taking time to go green. It isn't always easy to be green in the business world because the majority of actions are taken on the basis of financial impact. So, kudos to the following companies for taking the first steps in making it a greener place for all of us!

Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Supplies is a catalog and Internet based company that offers products selected by their veterinarians. They have a wonderful variety of pet products for dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, small pets, & more! They have made the jump into the green by producing starch packing peanuts. They are completely biodegradable and dissolve in water. They also use cardboard shipping boxes made up of 75% recycled material. Not too shabby! Check out some of their environmentally friendly products, which they are always updating.

Hallmark, which is probably one of my favorite companies, is also greening things up. They print a number of their greeting card lines on recycled paper, as well as use recycled packaging. They use trees from sustainable forests and just started a new line of cards made with stock from 50% sugar cane pulp/50% recycled paper. Visit their Environmental Responsibility page to read about the many other ways they are keeping it green!

Tom's of Maine is an all-natural toiletry company. They make some great toothpastes, deodorants, and soaps while doing their part to save the planet. They utilize renewable energy sources, recycle and use recycled products, and offer their employees a $4000 benefit when they purchase a new hybrid vehicle. Take a look at the Rivers Awareness Partnership that they are involved in and see how you can help make a difference.

The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. takes a great deal of pride in producing a number of delicious beers while maintaining an Eco-friendly attitude. They have recently installed a fuel-cell generator, have developed a biodiesel from their own waste products that is used in delivery trucks, and in 2006 were designated a Climate Action Leader by the state of California. See how SNBC has set the standard for green-brewing that other breweries should take note of.

These companies are ones that I enjoy supporting because they have wonderful products as well as a green conscious. I encourage you to take a closer look at the businesses you support and help make it a priority for companies to become more green. Make your impact!

Thumbs Up!

GB

A Quick Tip!

In all of life's chaos, I have been unable to make as frequent of posts as I would like. So, here is a great alternative for those of you who, like me, need their green fix every day!

Ideal Bite is a newsletter of sorts. It's free and shows up in your email box with a green tip each day. It contains info for real people who are busy and in these times, usually strapped for cash. It allows users to submit their own tips as well as search through the archives.

I can't wait to get back to my regular posting schedule!

Stay Tuned!

GB

It's Raining Cats and Dogs!

Knowing my huge passion for animals, there is no way you thought I wouldn't include them in the blog did you?!?

I didn't think so :)

So, I'm gonna keep it simple. Dogs and Cats and lots of links, of course. Fortunately, there is a huge market out there for green critters.......but, not nearly enough space on this site, so I'll just throw some favorite items out for your consideration and links so that you can find your favorites as well!

Planet Dog produces a great line of dog items for your four-legged friends of all ages. Their most popular items are in the Orbee-Tuff line. In the Orbee family of toys is the RecyleBONE (and ball), which is made with the leftover products from production of the other toys. Check it out!

Looking for the perfect dog bowl? Here's a piece that's sure to spark conversation! Not for every decor, but definitely a great idea for the wine-lover in all of us.

With all the recent problems that have been related to China's contaminated pet items, you will be happy to find a site that is free of those items (with people stuff too!). And since you aren't using plastic bags anymore, you will definitely need to grab some of these biodegradable poopy bags to take when you and your pooch hit the streets. Always scoop the poop!

For the kitty cats in your life, consider some alternative cat litters. The problem with most litters is that to obtain the clay, companies perform a highly destructive process called strip mining. A Eco-litter that my critters have used and had great success with is Yesterday's News. It is a pellet-shaped litter made completely out of recycled newspaper. It's very nice because it doesn't get stuck in kitty's toes and end up on your carpet or create that nasty dust ball when you clean the box.

Another quality-tested item that gets two paws up is a cardboard scratching post. This one is made of nearly 100% recycled material, compared to many companies that only use 30%. It keeps your furniture safe and your kitties happy.

Well, I could go on forever with my favs, but I will just post some good links to green sites for pets. Hope you and your furry friends find some favorites too!

(Tiny Cat)

www.globaldognaturalpetproducts.com/

www.shop.robbinspetcare.com

www.urbanleashandtreat.com

www.earthdoggy.com

Time To Let The Dogs Out!

GB

Marlayna's Recipe!

Here is Marlayna's own personal recipe for laundry soap. It's economic, organic, and she swears by it. I'm definitely going to be trying this one out for myself!

Marlayna's tip: My mother-in-law fills an entire "tidy cat" container with this stuff. It makes a lot!

1 Bar Fels Naptha
1.5 c Washing Soda
1.5 c Borax

Grate soap & put in a large pot. Add 18 cups (1gal + 2c) water. Stir over medium-low heat until soap dissolves/melts. Add the dry ingredients and stir until they dissolve. Add 12c hot water to the bucket and pour in soap mixture. Stir & mix. Add 5 gallons more of hot water. Continue to stir occasionally until the soap turns into a gel, almost like egg whites. When washing, use the same amount you would if you were using your usual soap.

Scrubby Scrubby!
GB

I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends...

My great friend Marlayna gave me some green living tips from her personal collection. Funny, because we do some of the same things! Read on greenies...

"So i save all of my plastic baggies. the ziploc kind. they are not only expensive, but plastic (of course) and therefore not good. i know they are extremely handy to people and many wont think of finding another alternative so in order to cut back on the expense of buying and throwing away i just suggest people rinse and reuse! i put a drop of soap in them with a little water, seal the top, squish it around and all the gunk comes off! rinse, and dry with a towel, hang dry or air dry on the counter"
~This is something I do as well! Here is the cute, easy to store drying rack I use.

"I save my old glass jars from peanut butter or large apple sauce jars. rinse them, air dry and put grains and beans and sugar and the like in them to store in the pantry out of the plastic bags they come in... "
~Always a great idea! Olive oil or an eco-friendly surface cleaner is a great way to remove the label residue. And here are some sites with other great glass jar ideas: eHow.com & AssociatedContent.com

"I buy local fruits and freeze them in the summer or dehydrate them to preservve them through the winter to keep costs down and enjoy yummy organic local foods year round instead of purchasing from foreign countries out of season"
~I'm in! Here are some freezing and dehydrating methods for all of you newbies.

"When i have old papers that i've printed on one side but im through using (perhaps printed school notes, or emails, etc) i cut them into fours and then put into a drawer with a pen for extra scrap paper for quick reminder notes and such!"
~Another great and easy idea! Who doesn't have extra paper lying around that could be reused?

"I cut down completely on paper towel simply by using old shirts cut into squares and old towels cut up for cleaning rags and spill rags."
~My house is full of these little rags too! Old sweatshirt material makes great dusting rags!

Enjoy the tips!
GB

It's Party Time!

Today Joe celebrated his 37th birthday and part of his day-o-fun included seeing the wonderful new flick WALL-E. It is entertaining and sends a great message about the importance of keeping the planet in tip-top shape. Go see it!

For everyone else with an excuse to party, I will deliver some tips on how to have a green-friendly soiree. Not only is it better for the earth, it's usually cheaper too!

First, steer clear of disposable dishes, cutlery, and napkins if you can handle it (Bandannas make a great cloth napkin that won't break the bank). But epicurious.com also recommends the following:

Whole Foods' 365 store brand has durable plates and bowls that look like sturdy paper ones but are actually made from renewable and biodegradable sugar cane.
For a bit of color, look for Recycline's plates and bowls in bright, bold colors like purple and lime green; they are made entirely of recycled plastic (from old yogurt cups) and are sturdy enough to be used several times.
Stock up on Cereplast forks, spoons, and knives, which are made from a biodegradable bio-plastic consisting of 80 percent corn-based starch and 20 percent green fillers. If you compost, you can toss these utensils right into the bin and they'll break down in about three months.
Forget plastic straws. Greenhome sells some made from PLA, a corn-based bio-resin. They look and feel like plastic ones but are completely biodegradable.
Also look for plates, chopsticks, and other utensils made from bamboo, a fast-growing renewable and biodegradable resource.

Also remember that aluminum foil can be tossed into the recycling bin with your other items (as long as it isn't caked with old food!). Purchase glass and aluminum containers if possible, due to their ease of recycleability. Of course when picking out food and beverage items, shop local. Wines are another item that have become more popular in organic and biodynamic varieties. Your local farmers' market or health food store will most likely carry these items or can tell you where to find them.

And when cleaning up...
Make recycling baskets visible and clearly marked by type of material so that guests can toss their goods during the party. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products such as Method, or even make your own with these easy "recipes".

And for all of you attending a party:
~re-use gift bags from past gifts....or my personal favorite wine bag!
~wrap gifts in the sunday funnies, it's

interactive giftwrap (and kids love it!)

Let's Par-tay!
GB

Local Agriculture, Yum!

Many consumers go to the store, pick out their foods and head home without a second thought to where it came from or how it was produced. Many of the fresh items in supermarkets come from what is known as a "factory farm". Even the fruits and vegetables aren't safe - they can be genetically modified or treated with harmful chemicals during their growth.

A factory farm is a large-scale industrial site where many animals are confined in inhumane conditions and are treated with hormones and antibiotics to maximize growth and prevent disease. These farms destroy the ecosystems around them, the ability for local farmers to sustain their livelihood, and are 100% cruel to animals.

A healthier and more responsible way of obtaining fresh products is from your local farmers themselves. You can support your local economy and even find local specialty products at farmers' markets, health food stores, or by joining a CSA.

A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. CSAs usually offer opportunities for their customers to come to the farm for tours and also purchase meat and dairy products, in addition to other goods.

Local Harvest is a great website to find local events, CSAs, farmers markets, and even shop local farms themselves.

Here are some other great resources:

http://www.farmland.org/

http://www.slowfoodusa.org/

http://www.sare.org/

Let's get cookin!

GB

Something For Everyone - Reusable Bags

You can find them anywhere, so there's no excuse! Reusable totes for carrying goods are a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. Even designers like Anya Hindmarch have gotten in on the action by teaming up with Whole Foods to design a special bag for customers.

There are even compact folding bags so that you can keep them handy no matter where you are. Check out the following sites and video and start making a difference today!

http://www.reusablebags.com/

http://www.onebagatatime.com/

www.earthwisebags.com/

These sites are just a few suggestions to get you started on your green path. Simply type reusable bags into any search engine and unlimited possibilities are at your fingertips.

Keep on!

GB

Favorite Product - Klean Kanteen

The Klean Kanteen line of stainless steel beverage bottles is a wonderful addition to any one's collection. Not only do they come in a variety of sizes (from 12oz sippy bottles to 40oz bottles) but they also come in plain silver , and now a variety of colors.

Why Klean Kanteen?

When compared to the many types of beverage toting containers in use today, KK boasts many attractive characteristics. Similar aluminum bottles that have recently become popular have the potential to leach into beverages, which then are consumed by you! Klean Kanteen products are non-leaching, BPA-free (Research has linked toxins such as Bisphenol-A to cancers and reproductive mutations. Plastics leach carcinogens including BPA during use and exposure to heat - such as dishwashing.) reusable, virtually indestructible, leaves no after-taste, and most importantly, gentle on the environment!

See for yourself..... http://www.kleankanteen.com/

Cheers!

GB

Welcome!

Just wanted to say welcome to Green Bean's Guide to Living Green! This blog was created in an effort to spread the word about environmentally friendly products, habits, and ways to make your lifestyle more green. No time like the present, so let's get to it!