You always knew going green was the right thing to do but hemp dresses and recycled t.p. were just so........hippy. Well, Green Chic, the new book by Christie Matheson, shows that there's no reason to go live in a treehouse - it's the little things that make a big difference. For example, did you know that:
- Unplugging your cell phone charger when not in use saves the earth from 100lbs. of carbon emitted each year?
- Using cold water to wash your clothes is much more eco-friendly than hot water and actually prolongs the life of your clothes?
- Eating and buying local products is healthier for you while saving the earth from the exhaust and gas associated with shipping.
Some things I knew, some things I didn't, but the great thing about this book is that it's not preachy. I highly recommend picking up a copy and finding the tips that work for you. Really, it's so easy!!
"So how can I WIN THIS BOOK?"
I'm glad you asked! Just leave me a comment and tell me what you're doing that's green. Anything from sewing your own grocery bag to buying recycled paper towels. It all has an impact and hopefully I can get some great new ideas!
All comments received by Friday will receive one entry which I will then randomly draw out of a hat. I'll be announcing the winner on Monday. GOOD LUCK!!!
I read your blog everyday. That's got to score some extra points, right?
Posted by: Sara | March 28, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I buy seventh generation toliet paper, paper towels and try to use washable towels for everything I can.
Posted by: Adam | March 28, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I take public transportation!
Posted by: Mary | March 28, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Everyday I work I take my lunch and coffee in reusable containers. It saves me so much money and I'm not constantly throwing away paper!
Posted by: Ursula | March 28, 2008 at 01:18 PM
These are so great guys! Keep 'em coming!
Posted by: design^sprout | March 28, 2008 at 01:25 PM
I NEVER EVER use plastic shopping bags.
Posted by: Ronny | March 28, 2008 at 03:51 PM
DON¨T BUY BOTTLED WATER! Try and take a reusable plastic bottle wherever you go!
Posted by: Alberz | March 28, 2008 at 06:58 PM
I recycle, unplug all unused electronics (coffee maker, toaster, stereo), turn off my computer at night, unplug my cell phone charger, turn off lights in unused rooms, don't run the water while brushing my teeth, recycle old cell phones (Cell for Cash), donate unneeded items and shop at my local farmers market.
Posted by: Susan | March 29, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I love doing and teaching others green crafting. At my blog, I offer free patterns and tutorials on how to crochet and craft items using recycled plastic grocery bags, vcr tape, cassette tape, old bed sheets, denim and other "trash." It's really fun and frugal to repurpose materials. It allows you to create something eco-friendly and usable which otherwise was just junk.
Posted by: RecycleCindy | March 30, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I'm starting my own resale clothing business (I'm 19) this summer. The nature of my business is green but I want to go above and beyond from the paint I decorate my store with to the ink I use to print receipts and tags, everything will be environmentally friendly. I care a lot about the environment and want to do my part to make the Earth a better place.
Having this book would help me in advancing my 'green', if you know what I mean.
Posted by: Dana | March 30, 2008 at 07:34 PM
I recycle everything I can and walk everywhere. I also try and only buy local and don't buy new stuff until I absolutely need it - not when the styles change.
Posted by: Avid book reader | March 31, 2008 at 05:52 AM
Great blog...and contest! Over the last few years on my blog I have documented the many ways I've gone green.
For example, I:
- use canvas bags at the grocery store
- eat local as much as possible (Madison has the best farmer's market)
- eat organic
- recycle as much as possible, of course that is after reusing and reducing :)
- using natural cleaning products
- teaching my two little girls to be green every chance I get.
Posted by: Chris | April 01, 2008 at 02:34 AM
I'm doing what I can for the earth and my body by buying organic, buying recycled products for paper (I'm a writer), papertowels, toilet paper. I recycle everything I can. I work for environmentally friendly companies. The ones I have worked for that weren't we at least started recycling bottles and office paper. I hike instead of use motorized vehicles for recreational fun. I try to run errands in one go instead of going out three or four times a day. And I buy organic clothing as much as possible. The prices are coming down a little bit now. Hopefully they will do so more in the future.
Dagny McKinley
www.onnotextiles.com
organic apparel
Posted by: Dagny McKinley | April 01, 2008 at 02:39 PM
I've always been pretty green but this year I made my resolution to be even more green. Here are some things I have done and have added to my normally green regimen
- I work from home
- When I do drive, I drive an energy efficient car
- I eat organic whenever possible
- I don't consider myself vegetarian although I eat mostly vegan at home. (I rarely eat out)
- All my lights are CFL
- Turn off the thermostat
- Open the curtains for light if possible.
- Unplug all unused appliances
- I'm redecorating and I'm trying really hard to buy only recycled or organic products.
- Donate all unused items to charity
Posted by: tmariej | April 03, 2008 at 09:02 AM