03/2/13

As the winter weather turns to warm spring weather, that means storing our thick, woolen sweaters until next winter. Here's a simple way to protect your sweaters and to reuse something you might have extra of around the house: Store your sweaters inside old pillowcases. The cases will allow the sweaters to breathe while protecting them from the elements and dust. And a bonus tip: Pillowcases can also protect hanging garments. Simply cut a hole in the middle of the closed side and drape it over the hanger.

03/1/13

If you're planning a wedding, anniversary or birthday party where you anticipate a large group of friends and family to attend, instead of typical party favor gifts, why not gift living trees? The National Arbor Day Foundation has gift-able tree saplings like redwoods, pines and spruces that are specially packaged and can be customized with your own label with your own quotes, logos or special message. They are $3 each. Learn more at arborday.org.

02/28/13

A recent study figured out how many times you needed to reuse a reusable cup before it actually begins to save energy and resources in comparison to using a throwaway paper cup. When comparing a typical paper coffee cup, it found a reusable ceramic mug would need to be used 39 times before you begin to see environmental savings, a plastic thermos would need to be used 17 times and a heat-resistant glass mug just 15 times. What's taken into consideration is the amount of materials and resources needed to make a reusable cup, plus the amount of water and energy to wash it. So the lesson is simple: Buy one reusable cup and use it over and over.