2/19/13

When shipping items from home or at a pack-and-ship store, what's the greenest thing to keep in mind? It's not the materials used to pack the goods, but how much they weigh. Choosing everything from the proper size box to the lightest bubble wrap can make a big difference in keeping costs down and fuel usage as low as possible. Oversized boxes and heavy paper filler can dramatically increase shipping costs and add to the amount of fuel used by planes and trucks to transport your goods. And remember to reuse boxes and packing material as an added way to go green.

2/18/13

Last time you forgot your smartphone charger when packing for a trip, did you run out and buy a brand new one? The next time that happens, try your hotel's lost and found to score one for free. Ask the front desk if any chargers have been left behind that you can borrow. They are the most commonly forgotten item at hotels, and they are also the least often reclaimed by guests. In most cases, hotels will let you keep the charger, since the window of 30 days has passed on many of them.

2/17/13

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen countertops, there are a ton of options for you to consider. While marble and granite look nice, they have sky-high prices. Plus, these materials are mined from deep in the earth. It's time to reconsider laminate countertops. Laminate countertops, like those by Wilsonart, have come a long way from the Brady Bunch kitchens of the past. Not only do they come in high-definition finishes that look just like real stone, they are ecofriendly. Most incorporate recycled materials and have finishes that are long lasting and durable. Plus, these green countertops are a fraction of the cost of granite and marble.