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Sunday, December 26, 2010

All I want for Christmas is a new AIO...

AIO (All in One) is a type of diaper that closely resembles a disposable diaper in shape and design. I happened to have come across a great deal on AIOs recently. Since my baby girl has all but outgrown the prefolds I have this is perfect timing. Not only do we have the money but the person selling them is pricing them way below cost because they have quit cloth diapering.

I'm so excited that tomorrow I will have in my hands new, to me, AIOs and I just can't wait!

I am a little hesitant about what condition the diapers are in. If this woman is selling them so cheap there must be something wrong with them right? I really hope they are fine and she actually is just looking to get rid of her stash.

Well whatever the outcome of tomorrow may be I am still very excited and hopeful! Soon I may have 12 new AIOs to add to my diaper stash. I'm relieved that I found a good deal on the size I need since I've waited so long to buy them. I've been hoping I wouldn't have to pay full price and that I would get them on sale. I guess my wish has come true.

Stay green,
Yasha

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Getting the most out of the resale shops.

I love to shop at the local resale shop. It's great to find clothes that look new and have a small price tag. Here are some tips to shopping smart second hand.

1. Scrutinize. Look at the item closely. The people at the front may or may not have seen a stain or missing button. Check to make sure the item is in good shape.
2. Be Selective. If you do find a stain, missing button, broken zipper, tear, etc consider how much it will take to fix the item. If it will take too much put it back. I bought a dress yesterday that was missing a button after a quick search I found a spare button sewn to the inside.
3. Haggle. If there is something wrong with the item and you still want to buy it ask the shop keeper to discount it. The dress I bought yesterday was marked at $3.50. After pointing out the missing button they took 20% off. I paid 2.80 for a dress I could easily fix.
4. Put it down. If you don't feel you can fix it or the shop keeper doesn't take enough off the price put it back. Don't take a second look at it. If you buy it and never fix it you've wasted your money.
5. Know your Shop. Only shop at reputable shops. If you go into a shop that has racks and racks of crap all marked the same price, chances are you aren't going to find anything worth buying. You can still search but it may be a waste of your time to return.
6. Look Up. Take a look at the walls. Many shops feature their best items on the walls or above the racks. If the items on the walls are dirty, stained, or torn chances are you won't find anything good on the racks and you should leave.
7. Is it Clean? Look at the floors and shelves. If the floors and shelves are dirty just leave. A good bargain is not worth bringing mites, nits, or fleas into your house. My mother once scored a great bargain on some clothes at a dirty little used clothes shop. The clothes were great but she had to spend over $40 to get the fleas out of the house. Not a great bargain anymore.
8. Remember your last trips. Although you may not find anything you like on your first or second visit you may score on the third. However, if you find that you keep walking away from the same shop with no clothes again and again, it may be safe to assume you never will. Find a new shop and begin a new search.
9. When Reselling go to the shop that will offer you the most for your clothes first! If the shop you like to frequent offers more money great! However, you may get more money from a different shop.
10. Distinguish between store credit and money. You should only think about store credit with stores you frequent. If you don't return a store at least once a month you may want to think about cash. Also check on how the store keeps track of credit and how long it is valid. If the store gives you a sheet to keep track of your own credit keep the sheet in the car. Also, if the store credit is not valid after 3 months go with the cash or pick a different store.

Stay green,
Yasha

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Mmm Leftovers!

I know I have my lunches for a week! Already the freezer and refrigerator is stocked full of ready made lunches for hubby and myself. Each lunch is stacked conveniently in a divided lunch container. I've only used leftovers from Thanksgiving for the first few, after that I use combinations of leftovers and frozen veggies to store in the freezer. I'm so happy I don't have to worry about any wasted leftovers since hubby never likes to make his own lunch and would rather grab one I've prepared for him.
I love the food that was cooked at Thanksgiving; the whole family chipped in. We had 2 types of cranberry sauce, 5 pies, 2 turkeys, a ham, dressing, sweet potatoes, scalloped corn, veggie trays, etc. No one left with what they made we all took home other people's left overs. Since we can replicate our own recipes we decided we'd give away what we made ourselves.

Once I got home All i had to do is replicate a couple of things I cooked that day. The rest of the packed lunches are pure leftover. Since I froze some of it we won't get tired of having turkey everyday.

Now what did I do with those veggie trays? All we had left was broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. What do you think I made? SOUP! Mmm, yummy, tasty soup. Hearty and filling. That will be our dinner for the next two nights, the rest of the soup will be dinner one night in January!

I just love Thanksgiving such a bountiful harvest of, love, family, and food!

Stay green,
Yasha

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Freezing your toes off yet?

We are! It's rather cold here already. The highs only hit 60 or 70 tops! Plus winds of 15 to 25 mph. Brrr! But with all that how do we keep our electric bill down?

To help conserve energy during the cold months we have an upstairs apartment. All of the heat from the neighbors eventually makes its way up to us helping to keep the place warmer. Plus, we turn our heater down when we wake up since the appliances help heat up our place. I like to bake at night as well, adding more heat to a cold situation.

We caulked around the windows outside last year and replaced the weather stripping on the outside door last spring. That helped seal the air in better. This place is not nearly so drafty.

When we leave we still turn off all the appliances (except the fridge) which does help conserve energy but also makes it colder inside. We also turn down or turn off the heater when we aren't here. As long as we don't leave the windows or doors open this place stays pretty warm.

We're also looking at winter weatherization kits, film or screens that can be placed on a window to keep cold air out. Some companies even make a roll on caulking that can be attached to the inside of a window to seal it completely.

We're hoping to save more than ever on our bills this winter!

Stay green,
Yasha

Monday, November 08, 2010

25+ Fantastic Fall Recipes

Mmmm. From Craberry Apple Crisp with Oatmeal Streusle to Eggplant and Chicken Puttanesca Snacks these recipes will make your mouth water. Sweet, savory, rich and creamy these recipes are great for crowds, small gatherings, or lunch!

I read through these and they are mostly easy to make with simple ingredients. Many of them have items that can be found at the Farmer's Market in the fall. I love buying fresh produce from the FM I get such a good deal on it!

I just can't wait to try the applebutter recipe!

Stay green,
Yasha




SERVINGS
Yields 3 1/2 cups

INGREDIENTS
5 pounds cooking apples, cored and quartered
1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar

PREPARATION
1. Combine the apples, cider, and orange juice in a large Dutch oven and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft -- 30 to 40 minutes.

2. Remove the pan from the heat. In small batches, puree the apples and any cooking liquid through a food mill.

3. Return the puree to the Dutch oven, add the sugars, and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook, still stirring, until the puree thickens slightly -- about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 1 hour.

4. Transfer the butter to a clean jar and cool completely. Store refrigerated for up to 1 month.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(based on individual servings)
Calories: 49
Total Fat: .1 g
Sodium: 1.2 mg
Carbohydrates: 12.6 g
Fiber: .8 g
Protein: .1 g

Originally published in Country Living.


http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/fall-recipes-50092209?click=pp

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Beware of eBay, You May Get What You See

While having coffee with a friend, she related to me a story about a recent eBay sell.

She was selling her old clothes on eBay to free up space in her closet for items that actually fit and decided to sell one of her silk shirts. It was a black silk shirt, in good condition, just a little out of date. She says that although there was some fading she didn't think to mention it in the eBay description because the shirt was black silk. (If any of you out there have ever owned a black silk item then you know that no matter how it's washed, dry clean or hand, it will fade a bit after purchase.)

Well the item sold for the incredibly low amount of $1.04 with buyer paid shipping. Effectively they paid $4 for a used silk shirt in good condition. I'd say that is a steal, $4 for a silk shirt! The buyer apparently wrote her back saying she was disappointed with the shirt because it was faded. She went on to say that she had that same shirt in beige and it never faded! Wow, imagine that a non fading beige shirt. Amazing... not.

We laughed and giggled, giggled and laughed, about this customer's declaration. The truly funny part? The customer claims that the shirt sent to her looks just like the one in the picture but she thought the fading was a trick of the camera!

Rolf.
Stay green,
Yasha

Thursday, November 04, 2010

March of Dimes Honors Infants During Prematurity Awareness Month

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Nov. 1 2010 – More than half a million babies are born too soon each year and thousands don’t live to celebrate their first birthday as a result.



November is Prematurity Awareness Month, and people can learn more about the seriousness of premature birth, donate, or create a virtual band to celebrate, honor or remember a baby in their life at the March of Dimes web site – marchofdimes.com/fight.

On November 17, the March of Dimes will mark the 8th annual Prematurity Awareness Day by issuing its 2010 Premature Birth Report Card, which grades the nation and the states on their preterm birth rates.


As part of Prematurity Awareness Month®, March of Dimes staff and volunteers nationwide will host vigils, and light buildings in purple to draw attention to the epidemic of preterm birth. The March of Dimes also has been working with organizations in Africa, Australia and Europe that are raising awareness about the consequences of preterm births.

[See More...]


http://www.marchofdimes.com/news/nov1_2010.html

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

An Eco-friendly Thanksgiving?

How do you have an eco-friendly Thanksgiving?

Start by trying to buy local. The closer the product originates to you the less gas is wasted getting it to you.

Wash that dish! Try to avoid using disposable dishes when friends and family come over. If you feel you just can't do that many dishes try to find biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils.

Don't buy too much food! Fight the urge to over cook. Not only will you save more on your energy bill you won't have to throw food out that doesn't get eaten.

Eat your left overs! It costs a lot less to reheat your left overs than it does to cook a new meal or go out and buy one. Tired of Turkey for the fifth day in a row? Make turkey pot pies and freeze them for a later date.

Turn out that light! You may have a house full of people but I'm sure there is no one in your bedrooms! Go turn off lights in rooms that are empty. While you're at it go open the front room curtains. Uncle Bob complaining about the glare on the screen? Try to position your TV so there is no glare before the big day.

Know thy neighbor! Don't plan on having many people at your house? Save money by buying a turkey with a neighbor. Cook it together and split the deliciousness and the bill! On that note you can share prepared dishes too!

Try your pot luck! Always liked Aunt Gertie's green bean casserole? Ask your family and friends to bring one dish each. You'll find your energy bill has gone way down. Don't like Cousin Bill's cooking? Ask a select few to provide their 5 star dishes!

Recycle your waste! Pile up your empty bottles, cans, and cardboard to take to the center. Get the kids involved. They'll love to have something to do the next day.

Carpool to the day after sales!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Green Party Pocket

Why do I always fall into the Green Party's pocket?

I graduated high school the year of a presidential election. During that year we were made to research political candidates by our Government Teacher. A wonderful man, he made us take an online quiz that was supposed to determine your political party preferences based on your answers. I showed up on the Green Party list. I laughed it off at the time. I finished my research on all the parties in the election and cast my ballot as I saw fit.

This year for my state's elections I have been following the candidates again. I check out their websites, read about their stand on issues, and watch their political commercials. As this campaign year has progressed I have been liking the Green candidate more and more. As with all politicians I don't agree with everything he says, I only agree with him the most.

I may not vote Green I just think it is funny that we agree on many things.

Well happy voting day! And please do your research!

Cast a vote,
Yasha

Find your Candidates!
US Canditates List by State

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Pumpkin Toss

With only a week left before Halloween what are your plans for that pumpkin afterwards? Toss it in the trash right? Nah, that is too wasteful. Make it into a flower pot? Now that sounds more like it!

How in the world do you create a pumpkin vase? First, Cut the top off your pumpkin. Second, Scoop out the insides saving them for the next project (see below). Make sure you scrape the inside of the pumpkin and get all the meat. There should be nothing but shell left. Third, Place a small coffee can or vase in the pumpkin. Now place your favorite fall flowers inside!

What to do with the seeds and pulp. Separate the seeds from the pulp. Set the pulp aside for now. Spread the seeds on a cookie sheet in an even layer and bake at 250°F until dry.

Now for the pulp! Puree the pulp of the pumpkin until smooth and store in the freezer for up to 1 month! That is just enough time for Thanksgiving!!!!!!

For more recipes to recycle your pumpkin:
Martha Stewart - Pumpkin Puree
Martha Stewart - Pumpkin Pie
Martha Stewart - Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Taste of Home - Cream Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
Taste of Home - Pumpkin Stew
Taste of Home - Spiderweb Pumpkin Cheesecake
Taste of Home - Candied Pumpkin Seeds

ATTENTION! PLEASE DO NOT USE PUMPKINS THAT ARE WRINKLED, MOLDED, OR THAT HAVE A BAD SMELL TO MAKE ANYTHING EDIBLE AS THESE MAY BE SIGNS OF A SPOILED PUMPKIN. By making these recipes you assume all responsibility to check the pumpkin for rot, mold, or anything else which may affect the recipes and your or anyone else's health.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Save money by going to bed early!

You heard correctly; save yourself a dollar to two on your electricity by retiring earlier. Not only will your wallet thank you your boss will too.

How is this possible? Well, think about it. If you're up at night you have to turn on a light to see. If you go to bed earlier you waste less energy by turning off those lights. Try it out and see how much you save!

Another tip! Try putting a night light in your bathroom for those midnight trips. No one likes to sear their eyes with the blinding bathroom light anyways! We have an LED nightlight in our bathroom; it is just bright enough to light up that space so we can see at night. It's wonderful!

You could also install a small window in your throne room for added ventilation and light. Use stained glass or wavy glass so no one can see in. By venting the extra moisture from baths and showers you will put less strain on your Heating/Cooling system and save a few bucks along the way. Plus with a window in there who needs a light bulb?

Hope this gives you some great ideas!

Stay green,
Yasha

PS Don't forget about putting a half gallon jug in your tank to use less water when you flush, turn off the faucet when you brush, and other small things you can do to help save.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Recycleween

How is that costume coming along? Already made it? Yes, I said made. I love this costume I saw at Gymboree but balked at the $50+ price tag for all the parts. Although the material looks like it could stand up to multiple kids using it I would have to have quite a few before I could justify that price.

So I've done what any cheapskate would do. Wait for it to go on sale. Well I've waited and waited and the lowest price I can get on it is still $30. Not good enough.

I went to Target yesterday for some groceries and looked through the dollar items. You know that stuff placed conveniently close to the front door. I found most of the parts to costume in 5 minutes and only spent $3! Now all that is left is a skirt and shoe covers.

Went to Hancocks today and found the perfect fabrics! only $3.36 +tax. One was 50% off the other 75% off!

I'm happy with how the costume has turned out and I'm just ecstatic about the price! I'll post a new picture of it when I get the skirt done.

Stay Green,
Yasha

$3.67 for 1yd green sheer and 1/2yd
orange shimmer. Total so far $7.01.
$3.34 for the hat, shirt,
and leg warmers.
















The Skirt

All together!












Want to make your own but don't know where to start?
Try these places:






Thursday, October 07, 2010

My "stash" Q&A

My daughter's fluffy butt diaper stash. It only cost me $170 USD. Since I started using cloth I would have spent at least $220 on disposables so since May I have saved $50.

Happy dance! Money in my pocket! I'm so glad I stuck with it!

Q. But what about all the extra laundry you have to do?
A. What extra laundry? I just put all the whites together and wash everything at once.

Q. Eww. You wash your laundry with cloth diapers?
A. Sure do. I don't know about you but my washer gets clothes clean so what is the difference?

Q. Doesn't it smell bad?
A. I really don't think cloth smells bad. You have to rinse it before it goes in the diaper pail so it doesn't smell.

Q. Rinse it?
A. Well once you change it you need to rinse off the poo or it'll stain the diaper. Plus, you wouldn't want to put poo in your washer.

Q. That sounds like a lot of work.
A. Each week I save about $10. That is 45 minutes of work per week that I'm not spending to pay for disposables. How much time do I spend cleaning diapers? Maybe 14 minutes a week. It doesn't take that long to clean a diaper.

Q. Ok so you save money. What about when you go on trips?
A. Oh, that one is easy! I still cloth diaper. Any where you travel (especially in the US) you can find laundromats.

Q. What about if you travel out of country?
A. Do some research about where you're going. You can find out if there is a local laundromat, diaper service, or if your hotel does laundry.

Q. Well, I've heard they aren't as absorbent.
A. That is true. More true with some brands or types than others. You just can't beat chemicals. BUT do you want to put chemicals on your baby's butt? Besides you still save money this way and there are ways to "add" absorbency to a dipe.

Q. Add absorbency?
A. Yes, you can add absorbency to a cloth diaper by using a diaper doubler. You can also wick the moisture away from baby's bottom by placing micofleece between the top layer of diaper and the butt.

Q. What about diaper rash can you use a cream?
A. Most bottoms do not need to be slathered in cream every time you change a diaper; only when they are actually rashy. If your baby does get a rash DO NOT use regular cream. Most creams ruin diapers. Use Lanolin (for breast feeding) instead.

Q. I checked with my daycare and they will not allow children with cloth diapers. What now?
A. First, consider who you asked. Was it the director, owner, or just one of the people that take care of the kids. Second, think about how much cloth diapering means to you? (ie Is it just a way to save money or do you like the environmental impact?) Third, talk to the director or owner about your concerns, ask why they do not allow cloth. Is it too much of a hassle? Are there special state regulations that they do not meet for cloth? Is the staff just not trained? See if you can resolve any issues or concerns they may have about cloth. Be prepared to answer questions.
If they still say no and it means a lot to you look for a different day care.

Q. I'm thinking of using cloth. Is there anything else I should know?
A. Oh lots. I'm not the expert on diapers.
These sites can help you:
Detergents safe to use on Cloth Diapers
Cloth diaper rash Creams
A forum dedicated Cloth Diapers

Places to Buy:
www.nickisdiapers.com/
www.greenmountaindiapers.com/
www.fuzzibunz.com/
www.bumgenius.com/ 
http://www.diapers.com/
Also check Bed Bath and Beyond online, Amazon.com, Target.com, and WalMart.com

Saturday, September 18, 2010

The ugly little pillows...

Okay, perhaps they aren't so ugly but they don't go with the decor in my child's room. I hate to throw them out and I don't want to go through the hassle of buying new ones. Oh what to do, what to do...

I know! New covers!

I'll just go out and find some fabric that matches the room and make new covers for the pillows. This way when my little one gets older she can either revert the pillows to thier former glory or keep them as is!

Now it only I could knit, these covers would be even better!

Stay green,
Yasha

COMING SOON! Look for pictures!

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Repurposing the Desk

I have this old cheap desk that I used for my computer before my hubby moved in with his awesome one. I've been getting around to repurposing it to fit my baby's needs. All I need to do is install some shelves and I think I'll be done.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Allergies have gotten the best of me.


I, like many others worldwide, have allergies. Hay fever or seasonal horrendous horrible nasty allergies that knock me out for a few weeks of the year. How do I deal with this yucky snotty time each year?

Bee pollen and Carmex.

No joke. I go through a jar of unfiltered local honey each spring and fall. I don't mind the massive amount of honey. I actually love the taste. During this time I put the honey in tea, on croissants, biscuits, or toast. So tasty; it makes allergies tolerable.

The Carmex you ask? I use that on my poor chapped red raw nose. Before bed I just apply a little to my schnoz and no more redness! I wake up with a plain ol' nose. No redness. Granted my skin tends to peel but that what loofahs are for. The plus side to Carmex? the menthol in the lip balm acts like Vicks and opens your sinuses while you sleep.

I guess I'm just too cheap to go buy antihistamines.

Stay green,
Yasha

PS No I'm not too cheap to go buy them. I just prefer this method after spending years on prescription meds. My symptoms seem less intense this way too. Hope this works for others!

Sunday, September 05, 2010

Ready for a new home?

I bet you've never thought of this.

Amazing Homes and Offices Built from Shipping Containers

That's right a new home made from a shipping container! Amazingly affordable. Surprizingly spacious. It's a wonder they haven't caught on more in the states.

A few place in Europe have started dedicating buildings made from these containers as student housing. What do the students think? They love it!

Shipping containers are well insulated, spacious, easy to modify, and abundant. It's the perfect green home. Since many of the houses are modular prefabs you can order as much or as little space as you need. Need more space? No problem just order a few more rooms, haul them into place, and voila! A larger home!

I know this sounds like an ad for shippin containers but I really do think they are a good idea. Since the materials are already there why not use them?

Stay green,
Yasha

Friday, August 20, 2010

Hypermiling

So I foung this article on Hypermiling. At first I had no idea what it was but as I read further it slowly dawned on me... This was a way to save more money!

The article discusses different ways to enhance the milage of your auto. Everything from slowing down to gear shifting. It's a good read even if you aren't planning on hypermiling. I found a few tips that I've started to practice which have raised my mileage from 21mp to 23mpg. Not much but it saved me an extra trip to the pump! I've noticed that the extra few mpg I'm gaining is allowing me to go 2 weeks between fillups instead of 1 1/2 weeks. Pretty nice if you ask me.

One of the tips is just plain smart. when you're in bumper to bumper traffic don't step on the gas everytime the car in front of you creeps forward. Leave it in neutral until there is a sizable gap then idle forward. They've been doing construction on the main road near my house and this one tip has saved me a few gallons (and a few gray hairs!)

Another tip on just slowing down saved me in the parking garage the other day. I was driving out on the down ramp and an SUV pulled out in front of me. Since I was going slower than usual I managed to swerve, avoid, stop, and honk before the other driver hit me. Scared the crap out of me but had I been travelling faster I would not have been able to avoid them.

All in all even if you don't hpermile for the mileage do it for safety!

Stay green,
Yasha
101+ Tips for Hypermiling

Friday, July 16, 2010

Not ready for the Cloth Diaper?

Want to recycle more but can't stand the thought of washing poopy diapers? Your knight in shining armor has arrived!


Knowaste


A British phenomenon that is quickly catching on in other places. This company specialises in processing and recycling old "regular" diapers. They use the recycled material to make plastic wood, plastic tiles, roofing material, absorbent material, and other things!

They also recycle adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene products. How sweet is that?

Stay green,
Yasha

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

I just caught myself being lazy!

So as I was catching up on a new green trend, Hypermiling, I noticed my desk lamp was on. It's the middle of a bright day and I have the windows open. Why is my desk lamp on? So I reached over and switched it off. No problem.

Then I noticed the kitchen light is on AND the living room fan is on! What is going on here? So while I was getting up to turn all those things off I went ahead and switched off the power strip leading to the TV. I'm not using it so why have it on?

Look around, are you being lazy too? No one will notice if you get up and go turn some things off but your power bill will be a little lighter this month.

Stay green,
Yasha

Green Quiz Quest

Like scavenger hunts? Well here is one tailored to those going green.

It's a great way to get free green swag to start or continue a cloth diaper stash!

It starts anuually in July, check it out!

Green Quiz Quest

Stay green,
Yasha

Monday, June 21, 2010

The ABCP's of Recycling

Say what? The ABCP's of recycling are important for everyone to know. Knowing and understanding what they are will help you improve the productivity of your local recycling center.

Want to know what they are?

Aluminum. Find out if your community has an aluminum recycling center and if it does or does not pay.
Bags. As in plastic bags. those little things you take your groceries home in. Or the nice big plastic bags you find at most clothing retailers. Just because it didn't carry your milk doesn't mean it can't be recycled too. Anything you take home from the mall can usually be recycled. Find a local drop that collects them.
Cardboard. Does your recycling center take cardboard?
Paper. Does your center take paper? If so what kind? Do they only take office paper or will they take newspaper?
Plastic. What number do they take? Our local recycling center only takes #1 and #2 to be recycled but I have known others to take #1, #2, #5, and #7.

Many places will also take Glass, Steel, and Batteries as well as those items listed above.

Find out what your local community can recycle and try to separate items before you haul it away. It can save you a lot of time when you arrive if everything is already separated.

Stay green,
Yasha

Friday, June 18, 2010

My New Bag

I was shopping the clearance section of my favorite store the other day and I came across a cute little bag. Since I need something to tote around extra toys for my little girl I decided to get one. I picked out my favorite flavor and headed on to the checkout.

The bag, which I have gotten many positive comments on, is made from empty Capri Suns. The company calls it upcycling and encourages students to start a campaign at their schools to collect Capri Suns and send them to be upcycled. Schools are compensated for collecting the pouches so there really is no downside to this.

If you want to start a campaign or for more information check out Terra Cycle.

Stay green,
Yasha

Friday, June 04, 2010

How I save money (or the environment) with laundry!

I've posted before that I live in an apartment. This usually means I would have 2 choices on laundry. Wash and dry in a laundromat/dry cleaners or Wash and dry at home.

If I lived in a house I could go into my backyard and use a clothesline. No backyard = no clothesline, right? Wrong! I just set one up in the living room or baby's room on days when I don't plan on having company; usually it's the day I scrub the house from top to bottom. I have my own little makeshift clothesline made of hard materials. I use a bamboo pole and 2 metal DVD racks but I will be switching to a bamboo rack once I get rid of the DVD racks. I'll post a picture of the new racks when they're built.

Line drying can be used for any type of clothing and I greatly encourage it!!! With whites it will help bleach out any stains and save cash on your electric bill. Double bonus!

Ok so who wants an eyesore clothesline in the backyard 24/7? I wouldn't. However, your clotheslines don't have to be an eyesore. Consider alternative clotheslines such as wooden drying racks which can be placed on a patio, porch, or in the home; many of these fold up for easy storage as well.

If you like to garden try turning your "eyesore" into a trellis. Two wooden posts placed about a foot and a half apart with wooden crossbeams make a wonderful base for any climbing plant. You can plant sweet peas, roses, gardenias, you name it. Just have 2 sets of these trellises spaced far enough apart to string up your laundry.

The last option is to have a clothesline that can be taken down when not in use. Similar to the makeshift type I use in my apartment, you would only need to place it outside and take it down when not in use. I hope this gives you some ideas.

May you have many sunny days of drying!

Stay green,
Yasha

For more tips on clotheslines check out these sites:
livingonadime.com: Air Drying Clothes Without A Clothesline

Friday, May 21, 2010

Getting the recycling done

I have it all piled up and ready to go! I'm just too busy to take it down to the car. Silly, right?

I have this problem every week; I just get busy and forget to take it to the car. The center is only 10 minutes away but it takes me another 10 minutes of multiple trips to take it all to the car.

My laziness is ridiculous as I would love to reclaim my floor space at the end of the week. See I pull all the recyclables out of their hidey hole so I can take them to the car. It just seems to take me an extra day to get it done. I love the part where I'm saving the earth I just don't like the part of doing the work. Sound familiar anyone?

Yes, I love to recycle and I recycle everything but even I get lazy about it. Well I'm off to save another tree.

Stay green,
Yasha

Friday, May 14, 2010

How do you buy your groceries?

When you shop do you only look at the prices? Do you look at what is in the product? Or what the product is in? Would you buy something in excess packaging? When buying groceries always consider the price but look also into what you are paying for. Is the excess cash really going to a better quality item or are you just paying for packaging?

When I got to buy pasta, meats, sauces and cheeses I try to look at what the container is. Is it recyclable in my area? If not is it biodegradable? The glass baby food jars and tomato sauce jars I get every month are always recyclable, the pasta I try to buy in cardboard, and meats and cheeses I try to get with as little extra packaging as possible. This means no individually wrapped items in my house.

And that's not all! When I go to buy toys I look for items that have little to no packaging. Items that sport just a tag are my favorites! These items are usually cheaper than other items and the quality is just as good.

It's easy to buy something based on price alone but consider the eco-impact it has when you need to dispose of the extra wrapping.

Keep reducing!

Stay green,
Yasha

Thursday, May 13, 2010

My fluffy mail

Fluffy mail? What is that?

Fluffy mail is anything received in the post that is, well, fluffy. Clothes, cloth, pillows, diapers, and wraps are some.

Ok and?

Well fluffy mail is good mail. At least to me it is. I just got a giant package in the mail filled with cloth diapers. My fluffy mail.

I ordered these diapers about a week ago and I've been waiting on them. I'm so excited. I finally get to start cloth diapering. I know I've waited for a long while before putting my baby in cloth but I didn't have the money together to start.

Yes cloth diapers will save money in the long run but to start you have to put down a bit of cash up front. It cost me $170 to get started but I know I'm not going to have to spend that in diapers each month. For 'sposies I was spending $8 a week (I buy the cheapest and use coupons.) In 10 weeks I will have made back half of my investment. Sounds like a good deal to me.

It's kind of expensive, I agree, but it does save the landfills and cash. Just not short term. It's like a HE washer. the washer is more expensive but well worth the savings.

So order some fluffy mail and try it out. It may be just what you need.

Stay Green,
Yasha

Monday, May 10, 2010

Recycling clothes... and saving money

So the easiest way to save money, at least that I've found, is to sell things you don't use. I guess that isn't really saving money but making money off of things you don't use. But money is money lets not quibble over how it gets into our pockets.

Every time my baby outgrows something I take it to a resale shop. Most of the shops offer store credit for items brought in and I use the credit to buy new clothes. I've seen a lot of outfits that still have tags on them. I've even located a few resale or consignment shops around town that take adult and teen clothes. Saving money and recycling how much better can it get?

For all of the clothes I can't sell at shops I sell in yard sales. This is a slightly trickier since I don't have a yard or driveway. I have found, however, if you ask a friend they will let you borrow theirs. If you don't know anyone that has a driveway sometimes you can locate community yard sales. For a small fee you get a spot to display your stuff. These are similar to a flea market but usually much cheaper.

Shopping at yard sales are a good way to recycle as well. When I was pregnant a coworker went to neighborhood yard sales and bought me a whole maternity wardrobe! Many of the items were brand names and quite stylish. It's not always a score but if you shop the nicer neighborhoods it's very easy to find great clothes usually in decent condition.

One last place I like to shop is Goodwill. Now I know they don't really have many nice clothes but when I go to donate items I can't get rid of at shops and sales I do peruse the racks. Do I buy a lot there? No. But time to time I find a cute shirt in great condition or a pair of pants from my favorite store.

So how is any of this recycling? If it doesn't go straight to a landfill and someone else is reusing it wouldn't that be recycled?

Stay green,
Yasha

Friday, May 07, 2010

What recycling really means

So I'm sitting here eating my cheddar bunnies and thinking of what recycling really means.

Recycling is not just the act of taking stuff to the recycling centers or putting it out in your curbside bin. It's more than that. Recycling is taking items to consignment shops, resale shops, goodwill, and yard sales. It's throwing that banana peel on a compost pile instead of in the trash. It's using cloth, hybrid, or green diapers.

You know that old t-shirt with all the holes in it? Well if you can't wear it anymore use it to wash or dry your car, dust your house, or wash windows, counters, etc! It's amazing what you can do with things when you put your mind to it.

The side of my cheddar bunnies box recommends using it for a bookmark, arts and crafts projects, and coloring paper. Go figure, my box of bunnies has a life outside of holding cute little edible rabbits.

I know that flylady would pull her hair out at my collection of boxes towards the end of the week and yes I know it's unsightly. However, as I find more ways to recycle I find myself getting rid of more clutter around my apartment. I guess recycling is a lot different from how my mom taught me it should be.

Stay green,
Yasha

Introduction to the masses

So this is my first post. I've never had a blog before so this is kinda new to me. I wanted to do something for earth day but I missed out on the tree planting they had at the park and I don't have a yard to plant my own. So I started this blog; maybe I can convince someone to recycle too.

As I finally get to write something for a blog I created last week, I'm at a loss for words. I figure I should, perhaps, introduce myself. I'm a simple wife and mom. I cook, I clean, I work 40 hours a week, and I recycle. I try to help the environment anyway I can. Now I don't go out of my way to do so but now days you really don't have to.

About my family I live with my husband and child. I cook most of my meals at home. This not only saves us money it saves gas, but more on that later. My husband and I work at the same place. Fortunately the company we work for tries to recycle almost all of the waste they produce. I'm very proud to work for them!

My baby is enjoying new found freedom right now as she discovers more and more ways to move. She like to help me find new ways to recycle, usually by playing with boxes or papers before they go to the center.

For now that's all I have. Keep recycling!

Stay green,
Yasha