6/30/12

Save all your champagne and wine corks for the next time you want to start a roaring fire. Real corks are good for the environment since they’re made from the outside layer of the cork tree, which doesn’t harm the tree and protects forests from deforestation. Just soak the corks in a jar of rubbing alcohol and toss them into the fireplace, fire pit or barbecue to get the fire going. Add a little newspaper and some twigs or logs, and, in no time, you’ll be roasting marshmallows.

6/29/12

Takeout food from restaurants is a convenient way to bring home a freshly cooked meal, but it can also be wasteful -- just think of the extra disposable packaging and add-ons restaurants often supply inside the bag. When placing your order, make a specific request that no utensils, no napkins, no straws and no menu be added to your order. Not only does this cut down on waste, but the establishment saves money too. It's win-win!

6/28/12

Many of us will visit beaches this summer to bask in the sun and surf. While no one intentionally litters, many of us think it's OK to toss our food and packaging waste in the trash cans stationed around the beach. The reality is that a small gust of wind, a dog knocking over the receptacle or an overflowing bin can easily redistribute the trash all over the beach, which can eventually end up in the ocean or nearby dunes. Take home your trash to make sure our beaches stay as pristine as possible.