Big Green Planet

Go Paperless for Coupons with your iPHONE

Nana — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:05:31 +0000

Coupon Sherpa allows folks with iphones to access coupons without having to print or cut out of a newspaper. You can check it out at http://www.couponsherpa.com/

The cost is only $1.99 after Earth Day. If you can get into the site on Earth Day it is free. Even at only a $1.99 it will more than pay for itself in savings.

Free Reynolds Aluminum Wrap

Nana — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:21:31 +0000

Reynolds is offering a free roll of RECYCLED Aluminum Wrap. Go to http://www.reynolds100.com

What to Recycle

Nana — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:09:26 +0000

Here is a short a sweet list of things that are good to recycle and what not to. The World’s Shortest Comprehensive Recycling Guide

With a little time and effort, most of your garbage can be recycled. Don’t throw away your old eyeglasses, donate them to a charity. Never put your old computer in the trash. In the LA area, E Waste Disposal will accept old computers, monitors, televisions, fax machines, copiers, telephones, and cabling. They donate 10 percent of their net recycling profits to either the American Cancer Society, Boys and Girls Clubs or the Salvation Army. There is a free drop off for individuals (industry needs to check out their website for more information)

Some Interesting Facts about ALUMINUM

Nana — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:49:37 +0000

Did you know that Aluminum is the most abundant metal on Earth? Or that it takes more energy to create a “virgin” aluminum can than to make more cans out of recycled cans? Learn more facts about Aluminum recycling on Earth 911 Facts about Aluminum Recycling. You can read about the BENEFITS of recycling aluminum on Earth 911 as well.

Here’s a kicker – recycling one (1) aluminum can saves enough energy to run a 100-watt light bulb for four hours or your TV for three hours. RECYCLE FOLKS!!!

Big Green Planet Joins Twitter

Nana — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:22:45 +0000

Follow the Big Green Planet on twitter – http://www.twitter.com/biggreenplanet

CFL vs LED

Nana — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:29:27 +0000

Here is a GREEN FACE – OFF from Greenzer.com – Which is better CLF or LED light bulbs. The Edison lightbulb (incandescents) is on the way out. Uses too much energy. The problem with CFL Compact Florescent Lamps, they contain mercury. The new kid on the block are LED lightbulbs. Until recently to get one that would fit in your light fixture would cost close to one hundred dollars… but folks, the cost is coming down and the good news is that they last 10 times longer than a CFL. They run cooler too. While the cost is still prohibitive for many, it is getting much better.

Read about GREEN LIGHT BULBS 101

Did you ever just wonder…

Nana — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:09:50 +0000

While building out this blog I did a “google search” on “saving the plant one idea at a time.” First I was just curious if anyone else was using my tag line… low and behold – you’d be amazed at what you can do to Save the planet one (Your word here) at a time. Try it. You can save it One bag at a time, one action group at a time, one light switch at a time, one drop at a time, one magazine at a time. You get the idea. One of my favorites was Saving the Planet ONE SOCK at a time. Believe it or not, this was really just a blog entry on changing your laundry habits. Fill the washer to capacity, wash and dry heavy things together so that you don’t waste drying time on lighter weight items. Line dry clothes when possible.

Think about this – everything starts one something at a time – with one step or one thought – one gesture – everything. So if you are going to start a green movement the important thing to remember is just START. Do something. Pick up the trash, don’t make so much trash. Use reusable items instead of one time items. I bring my own dishes to work so I don’t have to use the plastic or Styrofoam utensils and plates.

It doesn’t have to be a grand plan – one of those life changing – I’m only going to wear organic cotton – I’ll never use electricity or drive a car again movements. What is important is that we do something. It doesn’t take that much effort to sort your trash – organics on one trash can, recyclables in the other. Use old rags to wash your car instead of paper towels. Turn the water off when you are soaping up the car. Change your lightbulbs to CFLs (remember don’t throw these out they contain mercury and must be disposed of properly. IKEA recycles them for FREE)

The biggest thing I have done is to NOT use store bags. I carry my own bags in my purse (CHICO BAGS) or I have canvas bags that I keep in the car to take with me into the store. Sometimes we just ask the sales clerk to put the items back in the basket and take it out to the car that way. (Try to leave WalMart or Costco any place they check your basket before you leave the store with the items not in bags – that is an adventure) Some stores are now charging for plastic bags. I think that it marvelous.

Did you know that many stores allow you to bring back your paper and plastic grocery bags? The website A Recycling Revolution has many ideas that you can use to recycle your trash.

So think about what you can do “one whatever at a time” to save the planet. My husband is saving the world, one garage sale at a time. It all works.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Nana — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:50:14 +0000

Without a doubt, my favorite reusable shopping bags are those made by CHICO Bags These little workhorses are small and light weight. They fit into your purse or glove compartment in your car or on your bike so you always have a handy reusable bag.

Other kinds of reusable bags are found on REUSABLE BAGS .COM This site includes chico bags, canvas bags, other recycled bags as well as water bottles. If you are looking for a water bottle take a look at KLEAN KANTEEN. This water bottles are Eco-Friendly, BPA-FREE and reusable. Locally Costco also has BPA Free Water bottles. Their LIfeline Green bottles come in 27 oz and 40 oz sizes.

Earth Day Worksheets

Nana — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:04:04 +0000

School Family has posted up “Print and Use Tools: Earth Day Worksheets.” They include coloring pages, word searches, crossword puzzles, writing prompts and more.

Earth Day Crafts

Nana — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:00:18 +0000

Kaboose offers EARTH DAY Crafts out of recycled materials for kids and crafters. On their EARTH DAY page the have great information regarding Earth Day such as recipies, quizes, activities and games.