Friday April 22nd is Earth Day and the best way to celebrate our planet is to implement a few easy tips into daily life to make the world a greener place. Just making a few small changes can have a great impact on the planet and personal health!  AND, it feels good to care...

First, check out this cool video: The Story of Stuff.  If you've never seen this animated film about where stuff come from and where it goes, it's an eye opener. With over 12 million on-line views, The Story of Stuff is one of the most widely viewed environmental-themed short films of all time.

Plastic: If we start to look around, plastic seems unavoidable. Most everything we purchase or use is packaged or made of plastic. The great news is that if we start to notice it more, plenty of plastics can be avoided and easily replaced.
For instance, plastic bottles can be replaced with stainless steel ones (I love Earthlust). Read more about why bottles are unsafe. If you're in the plane and must use a plastic cup, only use 1 for the entire trip then take it home to recycle it, as airlines will not.
 
Plastic trash bags: this is a hard one since they are really practical and free (for now!). But they are also damaging to our oceans and saturating our landfills where they never really disappear. Read more So here are some ideas to stray away or diminish their use. If you generally recycle and compost, the amount of trash generated is already highly limited. You can dispose of your trash directly in the bin, and wash it out regularly (I know this uses water but there are ways to use recycled water: see below). My friend Virginia (& J15 designer!) shared that she retrieves plastic bags from the recycling bin at local stores with recycling programs.
Compostable bags are ok if they are not made from a food-based source (which has caused greater issues). I like Natur'bag because it's made with wood scraps and algae...  

Plastic shopping bags: it's possible to just say no to these disposable bags. Use reusable bags from June Fifteen or other reusable bags, put them near your door so you dont forget them, in your car, in your purse and if you are in the store, retrieve them from the car. If you dont have any, many stores have empty cardboard boxes available (Trader Joe's & others). Don't forget you usually get a rebate for using them in so it's well worth it!

Plastic snack or sandwich Ziplocks: they can be replaced by reusing empty bread or cereal bags. You can also invest in some wonderful handmade sandwich bags made of vintage fabrics, each one an original design designed by my friend Helga. They are washable and fashionable Revival Vintage Design

Straws: while fun and practical, they are all over our beaches. When we ask for a glass of water or coke at a restaurant make sure it's served in a washable glass with no straw. "No straw" can come as naturally as asking for ice or lemon in your glass

Disposable coffee cups: According to the paper industry, Americans consumed an estimated 23 billion paper coffee cups in 2010 that go straight to landfills...
Our option: ask for a ceramic mug at the coffee shop if you're hanging out, bring your own mug for take-out or wait to drink your coffee at home. If your office only provides disposable cups, use your own ceramic mug and spread the word...

Water use: here are 100 ways to reduce water use. Personally, when I run the shower to get warm water, I have a pail to recoup the water for outside plants. When water is left in a glass at the table, we water our inside plants. Even my boys stop the water when they brush their teeth...

Recycling: Recycle paper, electronics & more: Wondering where you can recycle an object in your area? Consult earth911.com. It's a great resource to help you with all your recycling questions.The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only 15-20% of e-waste is recycled, the rest of these electronics go directly into landfills and incinerators, causing dangerous heavy metals and toxins to build up with serious environmental risks. 

If you want to recycle your June Fifteen bag, send us an email here for details

Laundry: Whenever doing laundry, make sure it is a full load and wash clothes in cold water using a safe non-toxic laundry soap and hang clothes to dry for a clean, fresh and environmental way to do your laundry in 2011. Even if you only put out your sheets, socks and underwear to dry, you'll still be making a difference.

Unplug appliances and electronics: Consider purchasing new energy efficient models with an Energy Star label that guarantees that the product is energy efficient when it is time for an upgrade. This label is sponsored by the Department of Energy and the EPA and can offer substantial savings. If you are not in the position to purchase a new appliance, unplug the one you have if and when it is not needed or in use.  Read more about unplugging chargers here

Consider purchasing low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and energy efficient CFL or LED light bulbs. Download my friend Andrea's free light bulb finder to save money, energy and the environment! 

Use eco-friendly cleaning products: With just a few common household items, you can make your own cleaning products when you need them. Making your own cleaning products with ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon and tea tree oil, can save you money, time and the packaging required for the store-bought brands. Homemade cleaners are also safer and healthier when using non-toxic ingredients! Read more

Purchase less paper towels or napkins: Instead, use old washcloths cut into smaller squares, old socks for dusting, old t-shirts cut up for cleaning and reusable cloth napkins and hand-towels while out and about.

Shared with love and appreciation, Sandrine - owner