Eco-Shopping

More on a "Green" Note:

When we think of reducing our "carbon footprint," we think about driving less and improving the efficiency of our home. Just as important, however, is being intentional about what we buy.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that nearly 50% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are tied to our consumption of goods, materials, and food.

Luckily, there are many ways to reduce the impact of our stuff. In many cases, you will also save money and support the local economy!

It's easy to go eco-shopping. Just ask yourself these questions before making a purchase:

• Does the gift recipient need or want this?
• Can I buy this used?
• Can I get this with recycled content?
• Can this be recycled?
• Can I give a coupon to borrow or rent this instead?
• If I spend a little more money today on a high-quality or energy-efficient option, could I (or my gift-recipient) save money in the long run?

If there are alternatives, these questions will help you consider them. Just start with small steps -- a 10% reduction in new purchases in the average 2-person Minnesota household will save 1,102 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents.


Living Green 365 Newsletter

Ballerinas

Last week we had a Halloween Party with Emme and Izze. The kids painted egg carton bats, Shannon and I made pumpkin seeds...more for me than anything...the kids didn't like them and Shannon had never tried them before. Riley also discovered a tutu that she twirled and twirled...It was a pretty impressive little skirt! Emme and Izze were also ballerinas for Halloween:) And for those asking "When is Riley going to start dance classes..." One thing at a time please. We start ice skating lessons in a few weeks! Hockey skates and tutus don't mix:)

TIGF

I'm thankful that our clinic called last Friday and said they had the H1N1 vaccine available for both Riley and me. Riley got the flu-mist stuff (no mercury) and I got hte shot (no mercury) and I did it all by myself (no parental supervision). If you know me, you know I don't do doctors by myself so that's a big deal! I normally make my poor parents join me on trips to the doc. I'm just not comfortable by myself...I know that's weird for a 32-year-old, but I'm ok with being a chicken:)

Catch of the Day

Last week we went to lunch with my friend Cheri before she heads back to Hawaii with her new hubby - he is stationed there for now, wish I could go visit, but my timing is bad! Pregnant and an 8 hour flight don't mix! We went to Red Lobster and Riley got to watch the lobsters in the tank while we waited for our seat. She loves to watch them...she was kinda bummed they weren't moving much though. The last time I think they were walking around the tank more. We'll miss you Cheri! See you in December...Should have taken pics of the grown-ups too, but I'm a dork and I didn't!

Winterize Your Windows

Haven't posted anything "Green" in a while...got this info in my e-mail today, thought it would be helpful to some:

There are lots of ways to improve the efficiency of your windows during the winter. Here are tips from the U.S. Department of Energy:

• If you have older windows (single pane), use storm windows and remember to shut them! Storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%.
• Use the shrink-wrap type plastic film kits on the interior to stop air infiltration around leaky windows. They are inexpensive, effective, easy to install, and easy to remove in the spring.
• Close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day.
• Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to let in the winter sun.
• Weatherstrip or caulk older windows to seal air leaks.

Living Green 365 Newsletter

Random Fall

I have been really lucky this Fall because the neighbor kids are into jumping in the leaves. They had to cut down some of their trees this year, so they don't have enough leaves to make a good jumping pile in their yard. Thankfully our one maple tree in the front provides plenty of ground cover for that! The "lucky" part is the kids have done most of my raking so I haven't had to do too much. Now, if we can get them to move on to the back yard!

Grown Up Halloween

We were invited to a Halloween party Friday night at some friends...let's just say it was an "interesting" evening:) I felt old...guess it doesn't help when you're pregnant and everyone else is drinking. Oh well...it was great to see our friends in the grown-up world!