It’s hard to imagine in our highly-scheduled age, but there once was a time without ticking clocks and calendars. Rather, we counted the passing of days via simple observation – watching the Sun and the Moon.

Instead, our wacky Gregorian calendar marks time such that we rely on mnemonic devices (30 days hath September…). On the other hand, marking time by the moon is undeniable. Either it’s new or full, waxing or waning. We only have to look up at night to see it.

And each …

Is it possible to create a zero-waste society?

The Scottish government certainly think so. But with only  34.3% of  rubbish collected around Scotland currently being recycled or composted, they have their work cut out for them.

The just -released Zero Waste Plan by Scottish government offers numerous proposals as to how to reach this goal, ranging from maintaining an already implemented ban on sending hazardous waste to landfill to improvements in recycling facilities and an increased focus on product re-use.

In …

It wasn’t the answer I had hoped for, in fact it threw me. And when I finally landed it was clear I had my next topic for EcoSalon. Is ceramic an eco-friendly material?

Not really.

Ceramic is certainly not 100% eco-friendly, although it does boast an honest list of good intentions.

But first the aforementioned answer, which comes from Whitney Smith, a ceramic artist on Etsy. I asked her about the eco-friendliness of her work. Here’s what she said:
Hi Kim, I wouldn’t consider my process eco-friendly. Pottery production …

Your principal incentive to recycle? That one’s a no-brainer: the environment, of course. But, it doesn’t just have to be a green act of good will; it can add a little extra cash to your wallet as well. Recycling for money sure won’t make you a millionaire, but these days every penny counts. So, cash in on your good conscience with these items.

Aluminum Cans
I’m a soda addict, and I can go through a 12-pack faster than a roll of toilet paper. Even if you only drink a …

“It’s funny how new furniture has a way of restoring people,” says the sweet, pastel-coated spread (above) appearing in online and print magazines.

Why the reminder to hug a couch today?

It’s all part of a $20 million ad campaign launched by Ogilvy & Mather to spur Americans to focus on the bird in the hand, namely homes they now own and can play with even if the economy ain’t recovering and we can’t bid on new real estate.

Decor spending is in the toilet with showrooms hurting and closing in …

Can a hip bag ever be a hip bag? I can’t help but raise the question since they keep showing up. Years peacefully pass and then, oh! There’s another fanny pack, I mean hip bag.

My first hip bag was a navy nylon number I wore while trudging through Europe with a backpack and Eurail pass. It was a safe spot for my passport, but try making a quick, sanitary stop in a public restroom with one of those clamped around your waist….

Reduce, reuse, recycle”¦ and re-invent! Going green is often a creative process, and we green gals are always brainstorming new functions for an assortment of old items, from wine bottles to sarongs and everything in between. Well, how would you like to win a $500 gift certificate for your eco-friendly ingenuity? Just e-mail your ideas and accompanying photos to ideas@vivaterra.com by this coming Tuesday, September 1 to enter in the drawing for sponsor VivaTerra’s fabulous fall re-invention contest. Can’t choose just one? No problem! Though only one …

The short answer is, no one.

Every day, pills and potions are being dispensed all over the world, controlled for the most part by laws and regulations. But once they are dispensed, that’s it. No one, it appears, is responsible for ensuring proper and safe disposal of medications when longer wanted or needed.

As a result, many people just don’t know what to do with medications and end up sending three-fourths of all unwanted drugs into the trash, sink or toilet. But these disposal methods can potentially deadly effects, both to other people …