We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands! - Simple Environmental Solutions #4

Composting intrigues me! I know it sounds funny that this mish-mosh of Earthly goodies runs through my mind all of the time but it does. Now that I have the means and space to make it happen, I'm starting up a composting project with my nephew, Kyle!

(Once again thanks to the Practical Environmentalist for these green goodies!)

Remember, don't take this too seriously! It's simple AND fun!!! Now, go get dirty and help Mama Earth!
xxoo,
Jess

Compost!

Return your organic waste where it belongs: the soil! Rather than sending banana peels, grass clipping, etc. to the municipal dump, start a compost pile instead. The Environmental Defense Fund says that around 18 percent of the waste an average family in the U.S. produces comes from the yard and garden. If you recycle your yard and garden waste, you’ll reduce the amount of energy used to send this waste to the dump. Add your organic kitchen scraps to your yard waste and you’re significantly decreasing your waste.

Compost also makes your plants stronger and healthier, reducing the need for fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Don’t forget that many cities have municipal composting programs for your yard waste. Need more info about the benefits of compost, how to compost, and what to compost? Check out this quick read and easy guide to get composting!!!

Reusable is what they are....

"Next time you go to toss a reusable sandwich bag, think to yourself: Can I rinse out and resuse? They don't call them reusable for nothin', honey"
~Healthy Bitch Daily

Recycle your Electronics

We wanted to share with you a great opportunity to help the planet as well as animals!

Have you ever wondered what to do with all your old electronics? Now you can recycle your old cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, and many other electronics through a company called My Bone Yard. It's simple, safe, and My Bone Yard will even pay for shipping.

How does this help our animals? ..... By recycling through this company, the value of your items will be donated to The Humane Society. Get started now and visit My Bone Yard for more information.

Peace and blessings!
Lovebug

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Revitalize

Let's love our Mother Earth! Below are ways that we can make a change...one day at a time:

1. Reuse your plastic bags or use cloth bags instead when you go to the grocery store (the cloth bags can hold a lot of stuff and they're only $1.00 at Publix & Dollar Tree). You can even use them when you go to your favorite record store or go shopping at the mall. You could start a trend! Just make sure to keep a few in your car so that when you go to the store, you already have them. :)


2. Instead of tossing your cigarette butt on the ground, put it out in an ashtray. It'll only take a few extra seconds.

3. Check out this list of how long it takes certain material to biodegrate:

1. Paper: 2-4 Weeks
2. Banana Peel: 3-5 Weeks
3. Wool Cap: 1 Year
4. Cigarette Butt: 2-5 Years
5. Disposable Diaper: 10-20 Years
6. Hard Plastic Container: 20-30 Years
7. Rubber Boot Sole: 50-80 Years
8. Tin Can: 80-100 Years
9. Aluminum Can: 200-400 Years
10. Plastic 6-pack Holder: 450 Years
11. Glass Bottles: A Very, Very Long Time (Forever)

*Pick up that piece of trash on the ground instead of walking over it.

4. Don't litter!

5. Reuse the scraps of your fruits and eggs...toss them in your garden instead of the garbage. Your plants will eat them up!

6. Go paperless with your bills and call them if they do not honor your request. It's worth a try and maybe one day they'll really start to listen.

7. When you're brushing your teeth, turn the water off in between brushes. It'll lower your water bill and consumption. :)

8. Recycle! In fact, many counties and states have expanded their recyclable item list. Check out your local county's website to see if you can throw away things such as paper towel rolls and cereal boxes.

**Here's a website where you can order recycling bins and get some more information on recyclable items - http://www.ci.orlando.fl.us/public_works/solidwaste/swmrec.htm

**Publix has recycle bins outside their locations where you can throw out recyclables such as paper and plastic bags...they even have recycle bins for foam trays and egg crates. :)


Just remember to continue to love our dear Mother. She's our lifeline....

Much love,
Ami & Jess

*Feel free to send us any additional tips to add - we'll be updating this list periodically and would love your input!