ADDITIONAL SHOPPING TIPS

1. Please buy individual drinks in aluminum cans instead of plastic bottles as aluminum is a lot easier to recycle.
2. re-use plastic utensils and plates or carry your own set to avoid asking for additional sets at restaurants and stores. This plastic is not bio-degradable and can lead to increased wastes and aides in the piling up of our landfills.
3. Avoid buying 6 packs of sodas with plastic ring holders as these are also plastic waste that cannot be recycled and if improperly disposed of pose a great threat to animal wildlife.
4 When purchasing electronics please make sure that they are labelled energystar and approved by the EPA. This labelling ensures that the product meets the energy efficient guidelines set by the EPA and the Department of energy.
5. Buy products in large quantities instead of individually packaged items. It avoids excess waste.
6. Buy re-chargeable batteries for your appliances, toys, electronics as batteries are not bio-degradable and an immense problem in our landfills.
7. We spend tons on paper plates, utensils and paper towel, purchase reusable plates and utensils and switch to cloth napkins.
8. AVOID SINGLE USE PRODUCTS AS A WHOLE: such as disposable razors and cameras.

GREEN SCHOOL SUPPLIES?

Most kids find some positives of back to school season not only the thrill of a new class or seeing their friends but also because they know they will be getting tons of new, crispy school supplies. Unfortunately for the planet, that means tons of waste and tons of trees that will be massacred and cut down to make all the new paper ( Green Notebooks and Paper - Nearly half the trees currently harvested are used to make paper!) and pencils we'll be using. I propose something different... from now on purchase school supplies the green way. Find 100% recycled paper and pencils as well as other eco-friendly supplies that will please you, your child and the environment. Many of these items can be bought in bulk, too, so consider teaming up with other parents or students in order to save money. many of these products are available at local stores such as office depot or staples.

PAPER/ CONSTRUCTION PAPER

1. Office Max 100 Percent Recycled Multipurpose Paper, ($8.49/500 sheets; http://www.officemax.com/, 800-283-7674)

2. Wausau Exact 30 percent post-consumer recycled multipurpose color paper, Green Seal certified ($5.69/500 sheets; http://www.greenlinepaper.com/, 800-641-1117

PENCILS AND PENS

1. Eco-Writer 90 percent PCW pencils ($0.34; http://www.greenlinepaper.com/, 800-641-1117) or Forest Choice graphite #2 cedar pencils, FSC certified ($1.99/12; http://www.forestchoice.com/)

2. Wheely's 50 percent post-consumer recycled tire ballpoint pens ($0.50 or $10.80/24) or biodegradable cornstarch pens ($1.35 or $13.20/12; http://www.greenearthofficesupply.com/, 800-327-8449)

GLUE

Least toxic, washable and acid-free OIC glue sticks ($1.09 to $1.79; http://www.staples.com/, 800-378-2753)

* Additional back to school tip: When packing school lunches avoid purchasing the individually wrapped snacks and instead buy product at large and send to school in individual environmentally friendly and reusable tupperware.

Information obtained on http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/121/backtoschool

NON-TOXIC AND ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS CLEANING SUPPLIES

Commercial, chemical-based products can be expensive and what are we paying for? We are paying for products that may cause us long term health concerns for the family, and environmental pollution due to their manufacture and when consumed and disposed of. In the US, 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US National Center for Health Statistics). In order to improve put health and reduce the harm we are causing to our environment by using these products there are smarter choices now available...

• BUY THE NECESSARY INGREDIENTS AND MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANERS AT HOME.

1. Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours.
2. Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates.
3. Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria.
Borax - (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors.
4. White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up.
5. Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
6. Isopropyl Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)
7. Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
8. Citrus Solvent - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.)
9. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) - a mixture of soda ash and phosphoric acid. TSP is toxic if swallowed, but it can be used on many jobs, such as cleaning drains or removing old paint, that would normally require much more caustic and poisonous chemicals, and it does not create any fumes.

HERE ARE SOME USEFUL FORMULAS...

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc. Another alternative is microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. There are a number of different brands. A good quality cloth can last for several years.

Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Mix 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work.

Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don't clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.

This information and more available on:www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

Now if you'd rather not go through the trouble of making your own cleaning supplies we now have cleaning products available for purchase at stores everywhere which were created with our environment in mind, these are GreenWorks products by CLOROX. These products are 99% natural made with ingredients such as lemon, corn-based ethanol and filtered water as well as biodegradable preservatives. there are all kinds of cleaners available such as...

Natural All purpose cleaner, Natural toilet bowl cleaner, natural bathroom cleaner, Natural glass cleaner, natural dish washing detergent, etc. These products are made with reusable sources, they are biodegradable, and are free of petro chemicals and involve no animal testing ( recognized by the EPA).

ORGAINC GROCERIES FOR ALL!!!

As we all know agriculture has changed immensely in the past few years. We are hearing about practices in farming and agriculture such as genetic engineering and/or altering as well as increased use of pesticides and herbicides to grow our foods. We also know of large amounts of different hormones being used on farm raised animals to ensure quick growth, productivity and profit. That is why we have come to realize that getting organic food for ourselves and our families will not only be healthier for us, but will help out our planet as a whole, small farmers who take part in healthy agricultural practices, and most importantly our future generations.

Here are some reasons to buy Organic
1. Organic farming meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.
2. Growing organically supports a biologically diverse, healthy environment.
3. Organic farming practices help protect our water resources.
4. Organic agriculture increases the land's productivity.
5. Organic production limits toxic and long-lasting chemicals in our environment.
6. Buying organic supports small, independent family farms.
7. Organic farmers are less reliant on non-renewable fossil fuels.
8. Organic products meet stringent USDA standards.
9. Buying organic is a direct investment in the long-term future of our planet.
10. Organic farmers preserve diversity of plant species.
11. Organic food tastes great.

Organic farming methods are helping to heal our earth by returning vitality and nutrients to the soil and keeping air and water safe from pollution caused by toxic pesticides and herbicides. Eating organic food is a great way to protect the environment.

Now the problem is that organic food can be expensive but here are some helpful tips...

1. Find some great organic quality products and go on the company's website (for example; Organic valley: http://www.organicvalley.coop/, New horizon: http://www.horizonorganic.com/

2. You can also join organic food co-ops which allow you to purchase organic foods for a much cheaper price. You can sign up for one of these online at the companies website such as on www.organic valley.coop or there's a co-op location in Miami:

Delicious Organics located at 5808 NW 163rd Street Miami, Florida 33014

This is a grocery delivery service from which you must order a minimum of $50.00 with a delivery fee of only $9.95 no matter how much you order. Products are as fresh as fresh can get and they are usually 20% less than at whole foods. CHECK IT OUT!!! NO FEE TO JOIN!!!

Telephone: 305-655-3344 WEBSITE: http://www.deliciousorganics.com/

THE REUSABLE SHOPPING BAG

1. No matter where we are or what we are shopping for the one thing we always need is a SHOPPING BAG. Some have argued that paper bags are much better than plastic but the truth is NEITHER ONE is good for our planet.
3. THE TRUTH ABOUT PLASTIC BAGS: Large quantities of oil and energy must be utilized in order to make the plastic bags we all use at the stores. A major issue with plastic bags is that they are not bio-degradable and therefore, are not really recyclable. One of the biggest concerns is the damage that these plastic bags can do to animals and wildlife if improperly disposed of.

THE TRUTH ABOUT PAPER BAGS: Though these are easier to recycle please do not forget about all of the millions of trees that are destroyed in old growth areas and rainforests in order to make paper bags. So what's the alternative you ask?...

THE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY REUSABLE SHOPPING BAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You may have seen these bags at all of tehlocal stores such as Wal-Mart, Publix, Walgreens, Target, etc. These bags can be obtained for the low cost of $0.99 but if all of usbegan to utilize these instead of paper or plastic we would be making such a big difference. Saving trees, wildlife, energy, oil, and even reducing waste. And if fashion is an issue they come in a variety of colors!

HOW AND WHY SHOULD WE ALL SHOP GREEN?

Believe it or not shopping with the planet in mind and making small changes in purchasing habits can make a big difference!. Through the simple act of buying from eco-conscious businesses, buying earth conscious products, and thinking about our world as a whole while at the store register we can discourage waste (much of which can harm our wildlife when improperly disposed), we can decrease much of our energy use, and help recover our healthy earth and environment; All while promoting the health and benefits for ourselves and our families!
Many of us find that shopping green can be a bit expensive and for some of us unattainable and that is why we have created this blog. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THESE HELPFUL AND AFFORDABLE TIPS WHICH MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR ALL OF US TO DO OUR PART AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE...