Students are coming back to campus.
Classes will be starting soon.
All this means that I've been busy again. And that traffic has increased something like tenfold. The population in our sleepy little summer town just boomed.
I'm sure I have some tidbits of advice in me somewhere, however, they are probably more closely related to credit hours, degree plans, and language proficiency than being green and frugal.
I'll try anyway:
We signed up for trash service. They delivered a big, green plastic herbie, and we are "allowed" 6 bags a week. (all refuse has to be in a bag...) The price is reasonable, and service is somewhat necessary, since they are only open during regular business hours, so we are unable to drop bags off for a fee of a dollar a bag. But, after getting rid of the last bits of moving/floor redoing/wallpaper stripping trash, we are not accumulating 6 bags a week (thank goodness - our actual accumulation is a bit embarrassing still, though).
So, we've offered the service of our green monster to my uncle, too. He generates very little trash, and recycles a lot. (I'm working on it!) Still, if we can save him a dollar a bag every two weeks or whatnot, that'd be something, right?
All of that to say: you may be able to save a little here and there by combining something like trash service with a neighbor. If you are a superstar recycler and reuser, you may be able to save even more by dispensing with trash service, and simply dropping your one bag every month off at the trash center, yourself.
Honestly, pre-house, this isn't something about which I thought. There is a steep learning curve to owning your first home. Still climbing... you?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Blog Hop!
Welcome to the GREEN BLOG HOP - For Green Blogs Only Please
* And Yes - You can just be starting to blog green - as long as your site is trying :)
The purpose of creating this blog hop was not to create yet another general hop, but to help network bloggers who have taken the initiative to go green for the purpose of education and continuing efforts of saving our planet - one home at a time.
We will be monitoring the blogs and will delete those that are not deemed somewhat green.
We do not mean this to be harsh - only to stay in line with the initial purpose and mantra of this hop.
We would like if everyone, when linking, could link to a specific green article that they have posted on their blog.
* PLEASE make sure to put the button on your site and make a quick blog entry - otherwise we will not be reaching the most number of people that would be interested in networking!!
* And Yes - You can just be starting to blog green - as long as your site is trying :)
The purpose of creating this blog hop was not to create yet another general hop, but to help network bloggers who have taken the initiative to go green for the purpose of education and continuing efforts of saving our planet - one home at a time.
We will be monitoring the blogs and will delete those that are not deemed somewhat green.
We do not mean this to be harsh - only to stay in line with the initial purpose and mantra of this hop.
We would like if everyone, when linking, could link to a specific green article that they have posted on their blog.
* PLEASE make sure to put the button on your site and make a quick blog entry - otherwise we will not be reaching the most number of people that would be interested in networking!!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Blog Hop!
It's time for the weekly Green Blog Hop! Please read below before linking up:
Thank you for taking the time to check us out!
Here's How to Hop Along:
This blog hop was created as a resource for green bloggers and to allow networking of those blogs with similar interests. In an effort to preserve this hop for those with eco-friendly interests we are asking that you only link your blog if you have green content. If your blog has mixed content that includes green topics please link a specific green post from your blog in the linky.
Thank you for taking the time to check us out!
* Create a new Green Blog Hop blog post on your blog and include the Green Blog Hop button by copying and pasting the code above.
* Follow Going Green with Noah, Tales of the Wife and And Then There were 4, the hostesses of the blog listed in the first three slots. Grab our buttons if you get a chance.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Eating my own tomatoes
Have been eating tomatoes from my own plants as they slowly trickle in. Holy Cow - I did it!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Blog Hop!
Welcome to our Green Blog Hop!
New to the neighborhood?
This blog hop is for anyone interested in going green, is a new greenie or has been a greenie for a long time!
The purpose of this blog hop is to network and connect with other people who share in the joy and commitment of trying to go green in their lives....even in the baby steps.
To take part in this hop, please read on:
* PLEASE make sure to put the button on your site and make a quick blog entry - otherwise we will not be reaching the most number of people that would be interested in networking
* Follow the blogs of the ladies in the top three spots :
See Going Green with Noah for the full entry on participating!
Please remember to create a blog posting including the button after linking up - Please - It's the best way to get the word out about Going Green!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Back to School!
I'm sure that there'll be more on this subject.
Anyway, I've been hearing about the horror that is the back-to-school supply list. In blogs and in person, mainly. A lot of "back when I was/my kids were in school" being said in reaction to the lists.
Some lists have included excruciatingly specific items, down to the brand, size, shape, and label with or without students name. Some have specified supplies "for the classroom." (a result of the sad shape of our public school budgets) Some have included things like "X# cans of Lysol."
Now, I see the good and bad in the supply lists. Especially in elementary school, students may not have an organizational strategy, and probably need the help. Plus, in most formats at this level (with which I am familiar), the students have one teacher for the majority of the subjects, and thus, these lists help the teacher know that his/her class will be stocked and function.
(Although, we routinely ended up with glue, pencils and notebooks leftover. These were relegated to the "office supply" section of a closet, to be unearthed for the next school year.)
Honestly, the requisite Lysol and antibacterial stuff is where I start to balk.
I understand the use of antibacterial soap, wipes and the like. Places like hospitals need to be sterile. Research labs need to ensure that whatever result they are tracking is because of whatever they are testing, not random-lab-worker's-lunch-on-Tuesday. But, personally, my home, work, and school do not need to be sanitized, and de-bacterialized within an inch of life. Because those products kill the good and the bad. Without the good in my system and world, the bad will go un-regulated. Plus, the heavy use of anti-bacterial products, in my mind, has resulted in the development of super-bugs. (apologies for the lack of links, citations, and sources in this post. I know research is a good thing, however, I'm just not up to it right now. Besides, this is more of an opinion paper, not a research one. hehe)
If/when I have children, I plan (yes, I realize this could all change) on doing things as naturally as possible. This means actively NOT using anti-bacterial products. I want to build up my immune system, and that of my family. Not actively decimate it. But what about when they are in school. Does a profusion of disinfectant at school kill enough bacteria/expose them to enough chemicals to nullify the home environment?
Who knows. I don't. Do you?
Any thoughts? Aside from home-schooling? (sounds wonderful and ideal, but not sure I could do it.)
Anyway, I've been hearing about the horror that is the back-to-school supply list. In blogs and in person, mainly. A lot of "back when I was/my kids were in school" being said in reaction to the lists.
Some lists have included excruciatingly specific items, down to the brand, size, shape, and label with or without students name. Some have specified supplies "for the classroom." (a result of the sad shape of our public school budgets) Some have included things like "X# cans of Lysol."
Now, I see the good and bad in the supply lists. Especially in elementary school, students may not have an organizational strategy, and probably need the help. Plus, in most formats at this level (with which I am familiar), the students have one teacher for the majority of the subjects, and thus, these lists help the teacher know that his/her class will be stocked and function.
(Although, we routinely ended up with glue, pencils and notebooks leftover. These were relegated to the "office supply" section of a closet, to be unearthed for the next school year.)
Honestly, the requisite Lysol and antibacterial stuff is where I start to balk.
I understand the use of antibacterial soap, wipes and the like. Places like hospitals need to be sterile. Research labs need to ensure that whatever result they are tracking is because of whatever they are testing, not random-lab-worker's-lunch-on-Tuesday. But, personally, my home, work, and school do not need to be sanitized, and de-bacterialized within an inch of life. Because those products kill the good and the bad. Without the good in my system and world, the bad will go un-regulated. Plus, the heavy use of anti-bacterial products, in my mind, has resulted in the development of super-bugs. (apologies for the lack of links, citations, and sources in this post. I know research is a good thing, however, I'm just not up to it right now. Besides, this is more of an opinion paper, not a research one. hehe)
If/when I have children, I plan (yes, I realize this could all change) on doing things as naturally as possible. This means actively NOT using anti-bacterial products. I want to build up my immune system, and that of my family. Not actively decimate it. But what about when they are in school. Does a profusion of disinfectant at school kill enough bacteria/expose them to enough chemicals to nullify the home environment?
Who knows. I don't. Do you?
Any thoughts? Aside from home-schooling? (sounds wonderful and ideal, but not sure I could do it.)
Friday, August 6, 2010
An article about Generics. Rinse. Repeat...
"Go generic and save thousands." An actual quote from the article here.
Cause this is news.
And no other article or blog or morning show or advice-giving-good Samaritan hasn't already said this.
Pros: ...helps us steer clear of... unsafe? generics...
Grr.
My best advice about generics isn't all that new or exciting: try them. If you like the generic version, buy it. If you find it unsatisfactory, stick with the brand you like.
(since I didn't have a tag about generics, maybe this is the first time I've posted about a generics-themed article)
Cause this is news.
And no other article or blog or morning show or advice-giving-good Samaritan hasn't already said this.
Pros: ...helps us steer clear of... unsafe? generics...
Grr.
My best advice about generics isn't all that new or exciting: try them. If you like the generic version, buy it. If you find it unsatisfactory, stick with the brand you like.
(since I didn't have a tag about generics, maybe this is the first time I've posted about a generics-themed article)
Weekend updates?
So, what will you be doing with your weekend?
I'll probably watch too much TV, some household chores, and obsess about the tomato plants. And... fret about the conventional cleaning products that are still lingering around the house. (I am of the "may as well use them until they are gone" philosophy.)
Where I am, summer is winding down, and students are returning. Even though we've stayed busy starting and/or completing projects over the summer, with the academic year starting soon, things are about to get even busier for bit.
Not a very focused post, but I felt guilty about my lack of posts. Hope all is well for you out in blog-reader-land!
I'll probably watch too much TV, some household chores, and obsess about the tomato plants. And... fret about the conventional cleaning products that are still lingering around the house. (I am of the "may as well use them until they are gone" philosophy.)
Where I am, summer is winding down, and students are returning. Even though we've stayed busy starting and/or completing projects over the summer, with the academic year starting soon, things are about to get even busier for bit.
Not a very focused post, but I felt guilty about my lack of posts. Hope all is well for you out in blog-reader-land!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Blog Hop!
The Rules:
* MANDATORY: Create a new Green Blog Hop blog post on your blog and include the Green Blog Hop button by copying and pasting the code above.
* Follow Going Green with Noah, Tales of the Wife and And Then There were 4, the hostesses of the blog listed in the first three slots. We’d LOVE if you put our blog button on your blog!
* Add your blog name to the MckLinky below.
* Try to follow at least three additional blogs. This is not mandatory, but it will help ensure that everyone who signs up gets a few new followers!
* Follow as many other blogs as you want. The more you follow, the more that will follow you back! Which means that if someone follows you, it is common courtesy to follow back!
* The weekly Green Blog Hop MckLinky opens every Tuesday night and will be open to add your blog link until 9:00 p.m. CST Wednesday night. You then have all week long to visit blogs and return follows!
* There is a new list every week. The link you enter one week will not carry over to the next week's MckLinky. Please link up again each week to join in the fun!
Remember to create a blog posting including the button after linking up - Please - It's the best way to get the word out!
Monday, August 2, 2010
:) and grilling and HFCS
I am feeling much better. Amazing what a few days of sleep and fluids can do for a person.
Over the weekend, my husband bought a little charcoal grill. Being able to grill is something that we've both been excited to do, now that we own our house. All the apartment complexes we've lived in have had restrictions on grills, and grill-like-apparati, making the act of grilling very difficult to impossible.
He also splurged on some meat and marinade to christen said grill. After he returned home, he proudly showed me the marinade he'd selected. He was excited about it because it is made where some of his family lives, and his cousin usually has to stock up when visiting home. And, it was the only option that didn't have HFCS in it. Just one more argument to make the marinade yourself.
I get that HFCS is as much a preservative as a sweetener, but there are products out there that are successfully made, marketed, shipped, stored, sold, and consumed without it. There is a portion of the consumer base that actively avoids HFCS. Many of these people are even willing to pay a bit more for products without HFCS. So, why have companies not filled said demand with more supply?
In this spirit, do you have a favorite grilling marinade for veggies, fish or meat?
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