We all know that recycling allows materials to live a second life (paper, glass, aluminum) but did you know that it also saves the energy that would have been used to mine and manufacture the original materials? Check out the breakdown, part of a recent article published through Co-Op America’s Quarterly news magazine:

Recycled Material                     Energy Saved

Aluminum                                            95%

Steel                                                     80%

Plastic                                                  80%

Paper                                                   64%

Glass                                                    50%

So, if you don’t already have a recycle bin in your home you may want to create one and not only save natural resources but energy to!

According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA) 2007 Manufacturers Survey, sales of organic products grew overall by 21.8% in 2006. Organic food and beverage sales were up 20.9% while nonfood organic sales (personal care, home cleaning, fiber items, pet food, etc.) were up 26%.

The survey is anticipating growth to continue for organic food and beverages to be approximately 18% and nonfood organic sales to be anywhere between 16% and 40% each year for 2007 through 2010. 

Looks like this crazy organic thing is catching on!

So, the bagger at the grocery store says “paper or plastic” and even though you have heard this each week for many years you still get a blank stare. “Neither” is what you should be saying. If you were carrying your own grocery bags then you wouldn’t have to worry about contributing to the outrageous consumption of plastic (and paper) bags - neither an appropriate green option.

Did you know that each year an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed - 380 billion in the United States alone?

Did you know that it takes up to 1,000 years for one of these bags to degrade in a landfill?

Did you know that many marine mammals and even livestock often mistake bags for food?

These bags do not biodegrade but instead photo-degrade - while some argue this is more beneficial in the long run, the bags still break down into smaller toxic pieces which contaminate soil and water - harmfully effecting all life forms in the food chain.

Each reusable shopping bag that you take with you has the potential to help reduce the production and consumption of hundreds, if not thousands, of bags over its lifetime.

So, get a dozen or so cloth bags (better yet get organic cotton/hemp bags from ReusableBags.com) and keep them in your trunk, use them when you go to the grocery or convenient store, and smile at yourself in the window as you pass by knowing you are doing your part to reduce the impact of the ever prevalent plastic bag! 

Winter is just around the corner and taking a peak at your heating bills last year the chills you get will be from more than just the drop in temperature. Save yourself some money and reduce your energy consumption too!

This year, why not try to be green about heating with these energy saving tips

• The easiest way to save energy is to lower your thermostat - you can save as much as 10% a year on heating/cooling bills by turning it down between 10 and 15% for just 8 hours a day (perhaps while you’re away at work). To make it even easier (especially for those of us who would forget) install a programmable thermostat.

• Be sure your heating units, fans, and vents are all clean and functioning normally - replace your furnace or heat pump air filter regularly.

• Close the damper to your fireplace.

• Check the insulation in your home - many manufactures advise at least 15.5″ of insulation in the attic.

• Be sure all windows and doors are a snug fit - if not then look for eco-friendly weather stripping for windows and additional caulking for doors.

• If you have unoccupied rooms in your home, close the vents in them and close the doors.

• Install an insulation blanket around your water heater.

• Double check your wall outlets - outside air can seep into these often unnoticed.

• Throw on an extra sweater, comfy socks, and snuggle with a loved one under a blanket!

Stay warm this winter by taking simple steps to reduce your energy consumption and save money at the same time!

Effective January 1, 2008 all businesses in North Carolina licensed to sell alcohol will be required to recycle the bottle, cans or other containers used to serve it. While some businesses are not to happy about this program citing the limited amount of storage space available for recycling, others are ecstatic and are eager to be part of the solution. If a municipality has the capacity to not only pick up but store and transport these recycled items then it is a great first step for businesses to take - and I am sure their customers will be singing (and drinking) their praises. Bartender, can I get another?