I seem to recall reading somewhere that Styrofoam can be used to aerate compost. Because it doesn't decompose or absorb water, if you break it into small pieces and mix it in with your compost it will help to increase air access.
I did a quick google to try and learn more and found a good article at blogonsmog.com that covers this and some other suggestions as to what you can do with Styrofoam:
1) Find a local industrial composting company who will take the Styrofoam to aerate their compost (if you have too much to use in your own compost).
2) Offer large clean pieces to schools, community centres and craft stores for re-use in craft projects.
3) Break them up into small pieces and save them for home projects such as bean bag chairs or dog beds.
4) Find a recycling company that can take Styrofoam and ship it there.
I like the dog bed idea... lol... I might try that one myself :-)
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Green TP!
In my Saving Money blog I posted about a Shopper's Drug Mart sale on toilet paper ... what I didn't mention was that one of the brands on sale (the brand I bought) is Bio Life toilet tissue. It's made from 100% recycled material and it's septic safe.
Economic and green :-)
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Economic and green :-)
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Which Kind Of Oven Is The Greenest?
According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, microwave ovens are the cheapest to use. Second are gas ovens, and the most expensive to run are electric.
As an example, the institute compares a meal that can be cooked in a microwave in :15, or in a gas or electric oven in :60 (the same meal). The costs are as follows:
Microwave oven: 3 cents
Gas oven: 7 cents
Electric oven: 17 cents
Toaster oven: 8 cents
As an owner of a gas oven, I can tell you an added bonus: in order to operate properly they must vent heat (not sure why). So not only are gas stoves cheaper to operate than electric, they also warm up the kitchen :-)
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As an example, the institute compares a meal that can be cooked in a microwave in :15, or in a gas or electric oven in :60 (the same meal). The costs are as follows:
Microwave oven: 3 cents
Gas oven: 7 cents
Electric oven: 17 cents
Toaster oven: 8 cents
As an owner of a gas oven, I can tell you an added bonus: in order to operate properly they must vent heat (not sure why). So not only are gas stoves cheaper to operate than electric, they also warm up the kitchen :-)
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Just Say No To The Sleeve
I was at an Esquires coffee shop recently and ordered a small Americano. I usually bring a travel mug but I'd forgotten mine, so had to use the disposable cup provided by the coffee shop.
The Barista, no doubt trying to do a good job and follow the instructions she'd been given, gave me a paper sleeve to ensure that the hot drink didn't burn my hands. However because it was a small sized cup, she had to put it inside another small cup to make the sleeve fit better.
(??? !!)
Um, (oops) the extra cup provided enough insulation - I didn't need the sleeve. I pointed this fact out to her and gave the sleeve back. She chuckled in a friendly way and said "Oh my gosh, you're right... sorry."
Just a little thing, but the little things all add up. Because I mentioned this to her, maybe she won't double up on sleeves and extra cups anymore.
Hmmm. Hey maybe, do ya think, if they save enough money on sleeves, they'll lower the price of the coffee? Here's hoping!!
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The Barista, no doubt trying to do a good job and follow the instructions she'd been given, gave me a paper sleeve to ensure that the hot drink didn't burn my hands. However because it was a small sized cup, she had to put it inside another small cup to make the sleeve fit better.
(??? !!)
Um, (oops) the extra cup provided enough insulation - I didn't need the sleeve. I pointed this fact out to her and gave the sleeve back. She chuckled in a friendly way and said "Oh my gosh, you're right... sorry."
Just a little thing, but the little things all add up. Because I mentioned this to her, maybe she won't double up on sleeves and extra cups anymore.
Hmmm. Hey maybe, do ya think, if they save enough money on sleeves, they'll lower the price of the coffee? Here's hoping!!
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Did You Know That Only About Half of Aluminum Cans Are Recycled?
The percentage of aluminum recovered is currently 54% in the US - so just under half of the cans distributed end up in landfills.
That was a shock to me - I had no idea so many cans are still not being recycled. I'm guessing that the majority of this happens when consumers are out and don't have easy access to recycling bins - they must then simply throw out their cans rather than transport them somewhere else.
What is the answer, I wonder? We need to spread the word and continue educating those around us who don't bother to recycle, for one.
Any other ideas?
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That was a shock to me - I had no idea so many cans are still not being recycled. I'm guessing that the majority of this happens when consumers are out and don't have easy access to recycling bins - they must then simply throw out their cans rather than transport them somewhere else.
What is the answer, I wonder? We need to spread the word and continue educating those around us who don't bother to recycle, for one.
Any other ideas?
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The Results On My Gas Bill
Did I mention that green is my favourite colour?
(lol)
Here's a stat from my gas bill that sums up the results of being energy conscious:
"Average Daily Usage GJ"
Nov 07 - 0.28
Nov 08 - 0.18
That's a decrease of about 36%. I'll take it!!
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(lol)
Here's a stat from my gas bill that sums up the results of being energy conscious:
"Average Daily Usage GJ"
Nov 07 - 0.28
Nov 08 - 0.18
That's a decrease of about 36%. I'll take it!!
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Un-Green Preschool
I was volunteer Mom at J's preschool the other day and was a little shocked at the waste.
While I can understand using paper towels for the kids to dry their hands (it must be a germy place!) I don't get why they don't have dish towels to dry with after washing the art supplies. EVERYTHING was washed and dryed using paper towels.
Then there was the garbage - everything went in there. It would have been so simple (and educational for the kids) to put a couple of blue boxes in the classroom but nope, everything is headed for the landfill.
They ask parents for spare plastic containers for craft supplies, but I gotta tell ya I'm a little reluctant... at least if I keep them at home they'll get recycled. At preschool they'll turfed in the trash once they're used.
In case you're wondering, it's a city rec centre preschool, which in every other way is excellent (partly why it surprises me that they're so NOT green!).
Anyway... just my beef for today...
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More Indoor Carrot Woes
They're really healthy looking, at least! My poor sad little indoor carrot crop... nice and green and perky, but still the size of... well, the same size as they were when I wrote this post. The greens are still about 2 inches tall.
Meanwhile I've been buying carrots at the store...
Meanwhile I've been buying carrots at the store...
TV Off
I noticed it today - the absence of background noise from the television set.
Something was missing... an element of underlying chaos. It nagged at me ("why is everything so still today?") until I figured out what it was... ahhh!! The TV is off!!
Don't get me wrong - I'm not ready to cancel the cable and sell the set on Craigslist, but as I type this the kids are eating their dinner, and instead of watching the TV, A is teaching J some French words that she's learned in school.
Works for me!
Something was missing... an element of underlying chaos. It nagged at me ("why is everything so still today?") until I figured out what it was... ahhh!! The TV is off!!
Don't get me wrong - I'm not ready to cancel the cable and sell the set on Craigslist, but as I type this the kids are eating their dinner, and instead of watching the TV, A is teaching J some French words that she's learned in school.
Works for me!
Which Is Greener - Wood Burning Heat Or A Gas Furnace?
The other day walking home I could smell the aroma of wood burning: a fireplace lit to ward off the chill of our fall weather. It took me back to the cozy, lazy days of my childhood when we had a fireplace (ahhh!!). Memories of camping marshmallow roasts came flooding back. I miss wood burning fires!
In my Google (is that a verb? ;-) to learn more about the environmental pros and cons of such, I found an interesting article at The Christian Science Monitor. I enjoyed reading it and found it very informative. Here's the link:
http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2008/10/21/wood-heat-rises-again/
In my Google (is that a verb? ;-) to learn more about the environmental pros and cons of such, I found an interesting article at The Christian Science Monitor. I enjoyed reading it and found it very informative. Here's the link:
http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2008/10/21/wood-heat-rises-again/
Turn Off The TV
Ahhh... peace and quiet!!! For how long I have no idea - I'm home with a four year old!
He is playing with Play-Doh, and I've turned the TV off while he's doing it. So far he has not noticed, and hopefully will continue to enjoy the Play-Doh.
I've been more and more proactive about turning off the TV unless it's specifically being watched. We no longer have it as background noise, and personally I prefer the quiet...
He is playing with Play-Doh, and I've turned the TV off while he's doing it. So far he has not noticed, and hopefully will continue to enjoy the Play-Doh.
I've been more and more proactive about turning off the TV unless it's specifically being watched. We no longer have it as background noise, and personally I prefer the quiet...
I Like Walking! So There.
Help... I need to vent!!!
Why is it that when people see me walk everywhere, they react with either sympathy or amazement?
In the first place, walking (for those of us blessed with normal health) is NOT difficult.
When it rains, you dress for the rain. If you can't afford new waterproof boots, plastic bags (inside where no one can see ;-) work amazingly well. Small fold up umbrellas can be purchased for under ten dollars. Children love being active, and can be taught to walk with you.
My health is probably better than that of most women my age (except for the dedicated gym goers and health buffs maybe). I save money because we only insure, maintain and fuel one vehicle (and I never have to fight for parking ;-) I save money on groceries because I'm limited as to what I can carry home, so I tend to skip frivolous extras. I can go on and on about the benefits.
I do use a stroller when I shop - I drop off my four year old at preschool and then take the stroller with me to the supermarket. Ironically enough, my son walks most of the time to and from his school, so more often than not the stroller is used to carry stuff, and not him.
I bought one of those wheelie pull behind you "tote and go" things - it's basically a box on wheels with a retractable handle. It can hold up to 70 pounds, which is more that the stroller can hold, although the stroller has more room. Hmmm. I might just continue to use the stroller - the people at the supermarket don't have to know when my son has fully outgrown it ;-)
As for the "good for you!" comments from the non-walkers - although well meaning, let's put it in perspective here folks. It's not like I'm curing cancer (well... maybe in myself!!).
I know there are people out there with schedule and geographic issues that simply don't allow them to walk, but... I've also seen many a "fair weather walker" climb behind the wheel at the first sign of rain. That is completely fine by me - it's all personal choice. I would never dream of saying to those people "Wow, you sure got there faster - AND you stayed dry without a coat!"
(sigh)
Am I really that weird? I stay healthy, save money, help the environment, and set a good example for my kids. Why, then, to people react to me like I'm some kind of oddity?
Aaaaarrrghhhhh!!
LOL, ok I feel better. Thanks for listening :-)
Why is it that when people see me walk everywhere, they react with either sympathy or amazement?
In the first place, walking (for those of us blessed with normal health) is NOT difficult.
When it rains, you dress for the rain. If you can't afford new waterproof boots, plastic bags (inside where no one can see ;-) work amazingly well. Small fold up umbrellas can be purchased for under ten dollars. Children love being active, and can be taught to walk with you.
My health is probably better than that of most women my age (except for the dedicated gym goers and health buffs maybe). I save money because we only insure, maintain and fuel one vehicle (and I never have to fight for parking ;-) I save money on groceries because I'm limited as to what I can carry home, so I tend to skip frivolous extras. I can go on and on about the benefits.
I do use a stroller when I shop - I drop off my four year old at preschool and then take the stroller with me to the supermarket. Ironically enough, my son walks most of the time to and from his school, so more often than not the stroller is used to carry stuff, and not him.
I bought one of those wheelie pull behind you "tote and go" things - it's basically a box on wheels with a retractable handle. It can hold up to 70 pounds, which is more that the stroller can hold, although the stroller has more room. Hmmm. I might just continue to use the stroller - the people at the supermarket don't have to know when my son has fully outgrown it ;-)
As for the "good for you!" comments from the non-walkers - although well meaning, let's put it in perspective here folks. It's not like I'm curing cancer (well... maybe in myself!!).
I know there are people out there with schedule and geographic issues that simply don't allow them to walk, but... I've also seen many a "fair weather walker" climb behind the wheel at the first sign of rain. That is completely fine by me - it's all personal choice. I would never dream of saying to those people "Wow, you sure got there faster - AND you stayed dry without a coat!"
(sigh)
Am I really that weird? I stay healthy, save money, help the environment, and set a good example for my kids. Why, then, to people react to me like I'm some kind of oddity?
Aaaaarrrghhhhh!!
LOL, ok I feel better. Thanks for listening :-)
Planting Indoor Carrots
Since posting this post a couple of months ago, my indoor carrot crop has not changed. I'm not kidding you - it's as if they're frozen in time. They still look like the beginnings of carrots - the greens are starting to take shape even thought the roots have not developed into anything edible yet.
I wonder if I've watered them enough, or if I need another type of seed. I've read a few websites that suggest small varieties such as Baby Finger do well indoors.
I think I'm going to try watering them more often... meanwhile, has anyone out there had success growing carrots indoors that they can share? I'd love to hear any tips you may have.
I wonder if I've watered them enough, or if I need another type of seed. I've read a few websites that suggest small varieties such as Baby Finger do well indoors.
I think I'm going to try watering them more often... meanwhile, has anyone out there had success growing carrots indoors that they can share? I'd love to hear any tips you may have.
New Energy Star Windows Are Quiet Too!
Last night (Halloween), after our kids were in bed, my husband took our dog for his nightly walk while I curled up on the couch with a cozy blanket at the TV remote to enjoy the quiet after a busy night.
When he returned, he was amazed at the noise level difference between inside the house and out. He said there were fireworks going off everywhere, and that it was still noisy and bustling outside.
Last year, with the old windows, we heard the fireworks almost as if we were still outside. This year, however, with our new Energy Star windows, it was as if there was no noise outside.
Ahhhh... warmth and quiet!!
When he returned, he was amazed at the noise level difference between inside the house and out. He said there were fireworks going off everywhere, and that it was still noisy and bustling outside.
Last year, with the old windows, we heard the fireworks almost as if we were still outside. This year, however, with our new Energy Star windows, it was as if there was no noise outside.
Ahhhh... warmth and quiet!!
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