One woman's search to find greening in the world today …

Monthly Archives: December 2011

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

You’ve been meaning to do it all year, and now here we are, in the final countdown to 2012. Which makes this the perfect time to check out ways you can make an eco-difference right now. While it is always the right time to contribute to an organization that is involved in the preservation of the environment in one way or another, doing so in the next couple of days allows you to use your tax-deductible donation in 2011. Do more than just talk about sustainability and the planet, get involved on a financial level and make your commitment  even stronger.

There are many good organizations that are doing wonderful work, and I am sure every one would welcome a donation. The one I just picked was the Nature Conservancy.  Not only do I love their vision, and the work that they are doing, I had an inspiring chat with one of their knowledgeable representatives, Anna, outside my local Whole Foods Market, and she made all the difference for me. It was wonderful to talk positively about the environment and what is going right, thanks to the efforts of people who care. So, I am a new “Friend” of the Nature Conservancy, which means I make a monthly contribution. I am happy to do this, and it helps me be involved. Their vision is one that aligns with my values:

“Our vision is to leave a sustainable world for future generations. Today’s society faces unprecedented challenges. Dwindling natural resources, declining economies, a rapidly changing climate and other threats require that all of us begin working together to reach common solutions.  More than ever before, we must find innovative ways to ensure that nature can continue to provide the food, clean water, energy and other services our growing population depends upon for survival.  Now is a time of opportunity. A time to move conservation from the sidelines of global priorities to the center of the world stage—because human well-being depends on a healthy, diverse environment.” ~ The Nature Conservancy

To find out more, visit www.nature.org

There are many other ways to get involved. Here are a few more places to donate;

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Eco-Libris

National Audubon Society

And many, many more…

The point is this: Get involved! You can make a big green difference if you put your money where your mouth is.

The Gift of Peace

” If everyone demanded peace instead of a new television set then there’d be peace.” ~ John Lennon

This holiday season, why not give the ultimate green gift? It starts with each of us. The gift of peace. For ourselves, our friends and families, our work colleagues, corporations, cities, states, countries, continents. For the planet.

We are making strides toward a peaceful, greener planet. For example, in California, many cities have voted on a plastic bag ban, awareness is coming in many areas, and people are making greener  choices and solutions that are creative and inventive. But those are other posts still to be written.

But, this year alone, we have heard  the stories of pepper spray being used for getting ahead of the crowd for a game, or a waffle maker, just to save a few dollars. What if we sent peace instead of pepper spray? But, pepper spray is a post for another day.

There are many people protesting in the world today. When did the peaceful statements turn angry? What if we could communicate through peace?

We can even see disharmony occasionally at the various holiday gatherings happening all around the world, the ones that are supposed to be joyous, and yet can sometimes turn ugly, especially in otherwise loving families? What if we could bask in peace instead of discord?

Think of the traffic, long lines and delays at the airports, tired and cranky people, struggling and fighting their way to their destinations. Perfect time to be peaceful, and embrace the spontaneity that is offered by adjusting plans and schedules.

And, most significantly, what if we could create peace for the planet? Stop fighting between nations, beliefs, ideas? What if we could peacefully inspire others, and ourselves as well, to make choices that are in align with the preservation, sustainability and positive growth of the planet?

That is my holiday wish for us all. I don’t have the answers – I just hope that together we can create that peaceful path. Why not end this with one more John Lennon quote?

“All we are saying…give peace a chance.”

Stop Clinging to Me!

Here I was, earlier this week, all dressed up and feeling festive at the holiday party I had just arrived at. What happened? I took off my coat and ZAP! I had a static cling attack. I don’t know about you, but the feeling of an acrylic sweater clinging and bunching  around my body is not my idea of a good time. Gives me the heebie-jeebies, as a matter of fact. Welcome to winter – when clothes (especially ones that contain synthetic fibers) somehow mysteriously develop an annoying case of extreme  static cling! So, I got curious: what is it really and how can I get rid of it in an environmentally friendly way?

Basically, static is a phenomenon, or event, like the weather. It occurs when there are dry conditions, such as dry, warm indoor winter air. An electrical charge builds up and holds objects together. So, back in 1978, the folks at Alberto-Culver  got annoyed enough to create a product to eliminate static cling called Static Guard. It worked pretty well, too. Problem was, it was quite toxic, as anyone who has ever been nearby when it was sprayed, was well aware. The horrible smell, coughing, and gagging (I exaggerate, but only slightly) were enough to have me stop using it.

So, what to use?  Hairspray works OK, if you don’t mind your clothes getting all hair sprayish. And, depending on the kind you use, it might not be good for the environment, or your lungs (see above description.) Spraying water on the garment works, at least until it dries. And it always dries, especially in a warm, dry environment. So, here is my absolutely unofficial, completely natural, and mostly untested by me, list of ways to remove, reduce or eliminate static cling:

  1. Spray water on the inside of the garment.
  2. Avoid over-drying clothes in the dryer, and shake them as you take them out to fold.
  3. Or line-dry them.
  4. Use 1/4 cup white vinegar in the rinse water.
  5. Or 1/4 cup Borax.
  6. Spray white vinegar on the garment.
  7. Run a wire hanger inside the garment while you are wearing it.
  8. Wear more natural fibers.
  9. Pin a safety pin or two to the inside of the garment at the side seams.
  10. Use lotion on whatever body part is in contact with clothing.

Personally, I can hardly wait to try the safety pin trick! What do you use to cure this pesky problem?

Presents, Perfected

It’s been said that the perfect present is a gift that comes from the heart. Something that is considered carefully with the recipient in mind. ‘Tis is the time of year we like to give gifts – to family, friends, work colleagues, our hairstylist, kid’s teacher, and the list keeps growing. These gifts do not necessarily  need to break the bank. Wouldn’t it be great if they didn’t? Major bonus points if they are environmentally friendly.  Leo Babauta of Zen Habits (one of my favorite blogs)  and his family have issued a challenge: The No New Gifts Holiday Challenge. It is simple – no new gifts. There are many creative alternatives, honest. Another challenge, if that one seems to be too daunting for you is the No Gifts from the Mall or Big Box Stores Challenge (my challenge to you) which is self-explanatory.

What to do if you want to give green gifts from the heart and not spend too much – well – green? Here are a few ideas from my post last year, Green Gifting Ideas Galore, to get you started:

  1. E-Giftcards – I-tunes, e-books or just about any other place you can imagine – google the store and see what they offer
  2. Shop Locally – This one is a no-brainer. Make a difference in your own local community and reduce your carbon footprint. It’s fun to shop in a non-chain store and savor the unique things they offer. A few miles from me is the original Fleet Feet Running Store and next door to that is their Lifestyle Boutique. I found great bags made from yoga mat scraps and other green gifts.
  3. Peace Bomb Bracelets - These are fast becoming a favorite of mine. I have already gifted a couple and they were both big hits. Now I’m placing an order for a half-dozen more.
  4. Eco-Encouraging gifts – Klean Kanteen mugs and water bottles, or ones of your choice, bags, solar anything – whatever helps people on the path to being greener.
  5. Handmade Gifts – Anything from the kitchen,or perhaps a knitted scarf, hat or gloves. or supplies for them to DIY. Anything your imagination can dream up, and bonus points if it is recycled or repurposed. (My daughter recently gave me a wonderful pair of earrings made with old mailbox keys. Every time I wear them people ask where I got them.) Not crafty? Check out Etsy for an amazingly large and clever assortment of handmade and vintage goods, many of which are green. Or, visit a local holiday boutique.
  6. Donate to their favorite charity in their name – Not sure which one? There are many great green ones, including the World Wildlife Fund (see side of page)
  7. Give an Experience – Tickets to the movies. theater, basketball games, etc. or an IOU for a wonderful custom-made experience you create with imagination and thoughtfulness (babysitting a friends kid, delivering coffee for a week, free car wash, or anything that the recipient will enjoy.) You can also give them a class, online teleclass, workshop or even coaching sessions!

And, a couple more:

  1. Antiques, or things passed from generation to generation. That funky old avocado green fondue pot might just make a perfect retro, green gift.
  2. Memories. Spend time creating some.
  3. Gratitude

I am grateful for the gift of each of you…

Happy Birthday WWF!

This week, the WWF celebrates its 50th birthday! Known as both the World Wildlife Fund and the Wide Fund for Nature, the world’s largest independent conservation effort is an international and non-governmental organization, working on issues regarding the research, conservation and restoration of the environment.

“For 50 years, the WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The world’s leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. Here is  their organization’s statement: “WWF’s unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.

Their vision? WWF’s vision is to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature.

Their Mission? WWF’s mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.”

Wonderful goals and a true vision to live into, right? Unfortunately, the WWF  is not without a few detractors. You may have heard  that the WWF has been accused by a number of environmental groups and campaigners for  being too close to businesses. WWF believes that partnering with companies such as Coca-Cola, Lafarge and IKEA will reduce their impact on the environment. In fact,  WWF collected$80 million dollars from corporations in 2010 (an 8% increase in support from corporations compared to 2009), accounting for 11% of total revenue for the year.

On the other hand, since everyone is getting involved, visibility is increased. Just the other day, as I was sitting at my computer, a polar bear magically appeared on my screen and began meandering around. Turns out, he was part of the Coca-Cola Arctic Home campaign, designed to protect the Arctic environment and help the species that call it home. The WWF website explains further: “Arctic Home” builds upon an existing partnership between WWF and The Coca-Cola Company focused on freshwater conservation. Together, Coca-Cola and WWF are working to conserve freshwater resources around the world, use water more efficiently, and hold down carbon emissions in Coca-Cola’s manufacturing operations. Additionally, we’re working to promote sustainable agriculture in the Company’s supply chain. By combining strengths and resources, Coca-Cola and WWF are able to go beyond what each organization could achieve on its own.”

Even Leonardo DiCaprio is in the act. He supports WWF’s Save Tigers Now, which aims to save tigers in the wild. And last March, I posted about participating in Earth Hour 2011, which was a profound and important hour whose benefits are far-reaching. You will be hearing more about Earth Hour 2012 here in March. Save the date to participate: Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 8:30 PM local time.

More good news? Each of us can help. In March, we can get involded in their We can adopt an endangered animal symbolically, give one of many great WWF gifts, donate money or any number of other options. This holiday, why not give a win-win-win gift?