Going Green Tip of the Week: Instead of Driving Through, Walk In

There are many ways to join the Go Green Pennsylvania movement, but did you know that not running your engine idly can help?

E Square Capital, did you know that letting your engine run for more than 30 seconds without moving burns more gas than restarting your car?

Instead of going through a drive through restaurant and waiting to receive your food, walk in and order your food. Not only will you save energy and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide you emit by walking in, but the exercise your body gets from taking the time will make you feel great.

Try this the next time you get the urge for something hot from your favorite drive-through restaurant. Tell a friend if you noticed any difference.

Go Green New York!

Are You Saving on the Hot and Cold?

Did you know that heating and cooling costs the average homeowner nearly half of the home’s total energy bill?

Consider ENERGY STAR – though these models can be a bit more expensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills.

This ENERGY STAR quiz can help you determine if you are doing all that you can to maintain your home’s heating and cooling system.

Are you maintaining?

Eco-Friendly Cutting Boards

I never really gave much thought to my cutting board. But I guess that’s because I rarely use it. Anyway, for the eco-conscious apartment dwellers out there, here is a list of the Top 5 Eco-Friendly Cutting Boards. Made from recycled wood, cork, plastic and even paper, these cutting boards are sustainable and cute.

What is your cutting board made out of?

Bath and Body Who?

Tap into your creative side and go green by making your own shampoo and conditioner. You just need a handful of ingredients like soap flake, glycerin, chamomile flowers, and hot water to make your shampoo, and you’ll need avocado and coconut milk to make the conditioner. Treat your hair well with these all-natural ingredients, and if you like your end result you can make shampoo and conditioner as a hobby.

Have you made your own bath products?

Cool, Green Craft

Transition your plastic soda bottle into a vase. You have to see it to believe it, and it doesn’t look like a big mess. With a little creativity and time, you’ll have the perfect home for your recent bouquet in no time. I believe the only materials you will need are the bottle and some scissors. Check out the how-to.

What to do With Plastic Bags

So, if you’re like me you have an insane amount of plastic bags somewhere in your house. They are probably next to the insane amount of $1 reusable shopping bags you bough at all of your favorite stores and you forget to use. So, what do you do with them? Well you can just let them pile up, or you can get creative and make cool bags, or use them as bathroom trash liners, or just recycle them. Before you decide, check out these cool crafts, you might be able to turn your new skill into a money maker.

Your Favorite Retailers Going Green

This is very good news for those of you that are “green” and want to know which big retailers are with you.

On the list are retailers such as, Gap, Kohl’s, Lowes, and Staples.  You have got see which huge retailers hit the top of the list.  I will give you a hint, It’s my favorite product in the world.  Since you don’t know me, you wouldn’t know the answer to that.

Find out my favorite and the biggest green retailer here

The Plastic Bag Issue: New York’s Solution

In the last two years, New York and three other states has enacted mandatory plastic bag recycling programs.

The major debate is about how many plastic bags are thrown away daily.  Over the past 30 years the amount of plastic bags that have gone to waste could cover the state of Texas, twice.

Please read New York’s mandatory plastic bag recycling program here
http://earth911.com/blog/2009/11/09/the-big-issue-plastic-bags/

What do you do to make sure that Buffalo and the state of New York go green?