Trying To Be Greener

Safer eco-living, one day at a time

Wishing you the very best December 31, 2008

Filed under: Uncategorized — Kirstin @ 8:01 am
Tags:

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been working on “Trying To Be Greener” for nearly 6 months now. In that time, I’ve met new friends and learned so much more. It’s amazing to me how writing this blog has introduced me to many people who I probably would have never met without this blog. For those of you who visit each day, but don’t leave comments – please do. I’d love to get to know you as well! I want to thank you, Readers, for visiting each day and really making this venture even more rewarding.

I want to wish you a very happy, healthy, and fun-filled 2009!

(and if I can inspire you to be a little “greener”, well, that’s good too.)

new-years

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.
 

Update to homemade toy sales being banned in the US and Canada December 29, 2008

Recently, I wrote about how homemade toys may soon be banned from being sold in the United States and Canada. The LA Times reported on December 25, 2007 that the Consumer Product Safety Commission staff recommended certain natural materials be excluded from the ban, due to the fact that they are lead-free. The materials listed in their report are:

  • wood
  • cotton
  • silk
  • wool
  • hemp
  • flax
  • linen

The commission must still vote on the recommendations but it’s a big step that can help small businesses who make safe, natural toys for our children.

Add to FacebookAdd to NewsvineAdd to DiggAdd to Del.icio.usAdd to StumbleuponAdd to RedditAdd to BlinklistAdd to Ma.gnoliaAdd to TechnoratiAdd to Furl

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.
 

Quick Eco-tip December 26, 2008

Filed under: Uncategorized — Kirstin @ 10:44 am

This week, I’ll be posting some quick eco-tips (that’s just a nice way of saying I’m really busy and need to keep them short!). Here’s today’s on something to consider for your New Year’s celebrating.

Photo from Flickr by Batega

Photo from Flickr by Batega

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.
 

Happy Holidays December 25, 2008

Filed under: Uncategorized — Kirstin @ 12:29 pm

Happy Holidays Readers!

Photo from Flickr by Ms. Tea

Photo from Flickr by Ms. Tea

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.
 

Quick Eco-tip December 24, 2008

Filed under: Uncategorized — Kirstin @ 1:08 pm

This week, I’ll be posting some quick eco-tips (that’s just a nice way of saying I’m really busy and need to keep them short!). Here’s today’s on the several benefits of keeping a container of water in your refrigerator.

Photo from Flickr by Bennylin0724

Photo from Flickr by Bennylin0724

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.
 

Quick Eco-tip December 23, 2008

Filed under: Uncategorized — Kirstin @ 8:17 am

This week, I’ll be posting some quick eco-tips (that’s just a nice way of saying I’m really busy and need to keep them short!). Here’s today’s on what’s probably the simplest way to save 10 gallons of water a day without barely trying.

Photo from Flickr by DDFic

Photo from Flickr by DDFic

Add to FacebookAdd to NewsvineAdd to DiggAdd to Del.icio.usAdd to StumbleuponAdd to RedditAdd to BlinklistAdd to Ma.gnoliaAdd to TechnoratiAdd to Furl

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.
 

Quick eco-tip December 22, 2008

Filed under: health — Kirstin @ 9:10 am
Tags: , ,

This week, I’ll be posting some quick eco-tips (that’s just a nice way of saying I’m really busy and need to keep them short!). Here’s today’s on how to help control the growth of antibiotic resistance.

Photo from Flickr by JelleS

Photo from Flickr by JelleS


add to del.icio.us :: Add to Blinkslist :: add to furl :: Digg it :: add to ma.gnolia :: Stumble It! :: add to simpy :: seed the vine :: :: :: TailRank :: post to facebook

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.
 

“Healthy Child, Healthy World” December 19, 2008

A few months ago, I read the book “Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a cleaner, greener, safer home” by Christopher Gavigan. It’s a very helpful resource for information on making your home non-toxic and healthy by looking at plastics, toys, personal care products, cleaning supplies, and home furnishings. Many specific websites to help you with safer examples in these categories are listed throughout the book.

In addition to the book, take a look at the Healthy Child, Healthy World website where you can find similar information, along with checklists, pocket guides, articles, and videos.

healthy-child

Add to FacebookAdd to NewsvineAdd to DiggAdd to Del.icio.usAdd to StumbleuponAdd to RedditAdd to BlinklistAdd to Ma.gnoliaAdd to TechnoratiAdd to Furl

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.
 

Eliminate static and reduce your dryer time – Naturally! December 18, 2008

Filed under: household solutions — Kirstin @ 9:01 am
Tags: , ,

A few months ago, I wrote about my woes of finding a hidden dryer sheet in my nice, clean laundry from my apartment building’s machine. Just thinking about it now gets me heated up all over again! In that post, I mentioned a few tips on some inexpensive, safe alternatives to those toxic sheets.

Well, since then, I’ve discovered two more options (the second is even more exciting that the first!).

Consider these:

Nellie's All Natural Dryer Balls

Nellie's All Natural Dryer Balls

These dryer balls lift and separate fabrics while relaxing fibers. This means less lint and wrinkles, softer clothes, more absorbent towels and a reduced drying time of up to 25%, which saves you money! They’re toxic-free, environmentally friendly, and guaranteed to last up to 2 years.

But wait! These, I think, are even better! While having some fun the other day, searching around Etsy, I came across this:

Eco Wolly - Wool Dryer Balls

Eco Wolly - Wool Dryer Balls

These dryer balls:

  • are hand spun of minimally processed, all natural dyed wool and felted for superb usability.
  • also reduce your drying time by as much as 25%, saving you money.
  • cut static and laundry cling.
  • are safe for cloth diaper users because there are no chemical ingredients.
  • includes a set of 2 Eco Wooly Balls, each with an 8in circumference before felting and cost $12.00

But best of all, by using these dryer balls, you’re supporting a individual crafter who’s helping you be just a little more “greener”.

Be sure to check out Peaches and Cream’s other dryer balls in a different color and her eco-friendly goods on Etsy.

add to del.icio.us :: Add to Blinkslist :: add to furl :: Digg it :: add to ma.gnolia :: Stumble It! :: add to simpy :: seed the vine :: :: :: TailRank :: post to facebook

Copyright © 2008. Trying To Be Greener. All rights reserved.
 

I’m speechless December 17, 2008

MSNBC had a article yesterday that truly shocked me. To crack down on China’s appalling food safety record, 17 chemicals are now being banned as food additives in the country including the following:

  • boric acid, commonly used as an insecticide, which is mixed with noodles and meatballs to increase elasticity.
  • formaldehyde and lye, used in making soap and drain cleaner and added to water used to soak some types of dried seafood to make the products appear fresher and bigger.
  • industrial dyes that are added to improve the appearance of food products, ranging from chili powder to tea to cooked meats.
  • an addictive substance made from the poppy plant and related to opium, which can be used as a painkiller. It is often used in hot pot, a Chinese dish where meat, vegetables and tofu are cooked at the table.

Is your jaw hanging open like mine is?

 

 
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.