Comments on: 10 Things We Just Can’t Give Up for Green

By: Lynn

Lynn — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 02:31:09 +0000

Buying used works with #3 and our love of leather goods. Remember buying vintage is always an option. Otherwise, there’s plenty of “trendy boots” using man made materials.

By: Caitilin

Caitilin — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:10:04 +0000

Good comments in general (have to agree with the hankie!)

We have a basic ground rule for consuming goods:
1) eschew the disposable (razors, pens, tissues)
2) try to borrow it
3) buy used, unless it’s personal (think underwear, toothbrushes)

For reading material, that translates into
1) limiting magazine and newspaper subscriptions to electronic delivery
2) becoming heavy library users & borrowing from friends
3) patronizing used bookstores.

It’s interesting to note that the vast majority of used bookstores are also local–the major chains only sell new. This also has the added benefit of saving us money, both for the original outlay, but also for the storage and disposal of the stuff.

By: Luanne

Luanne — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:11:15 +0000

Erin, thanks for the tip on buying books. Some do frown upon paper usage (namely ereader marketing geniuses), but what can we? We can’t live without those books.

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:59:54 +0000

I have to take issues with number 6 as you make it sound like tangible books are in some way degrading to the environment. Please consider the following:
1 – buying books from local independent booksellers revitalizes local economies. Yes, authors and publishers still get paid with ereaders, but what about booksellers? And we all know how important it is to support local businesses, but if you need a refresher, ready what I wrote about it in my blog that focuses on local businesses: http://www.wnylocals.com/2010/08/three-reasons-to-buy-local.html

2. Eco-libris is a program offered by MANY local booksellers that plants trees to off-set the paper used in books. Eco-libris is affordable, sensible, and extremely popular. http://www.ecolibris.net/

3. There is a huge movement in the publishing industry to use post-consumer paper in books. With more consumer advocacy, this initiative would gain even more leverage.

Just some food for thought. I appreciate your comment that you can’t live without tangible books (I can’t either), but please consider reframing your statement that books aren’t necessarily eco-unfriendly to begin with!

By: M'lou Arnett

M'lou Arnett — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:53:13 +0000

This post is so spot on. Thanks. I really make changes (small ones often) every day to reduce my impact on the planet and the impact of toxins on me. But, there are certain things, as you listed, that are really tough to live without (my 4 teenagers have neither the time nor the inclination to bike to their assorted activities and groceries for 7 fit best in my trunk not in my bike’s saddlebags). I have quit eating beef in restaurants unless it’s labeled grass fed (better yet if it’s grass-finished as well), but I take your point. I have also changed my skin care and fem protection products to a line I’ve developed that’s free from potentially harmful chemicals and still works great (Puristics, available in early 2011). I think we can make good, important changes and let ourselves be at peace with the items that aren’t 100% in sync with a green ethos.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:13:11 +0000

Writing to suggest easy, lazy solutions for three of these problems:

2. Consider ditching non-recycled tissues for handkerchiefs. They’re classier, considerably gentler on sore noses, hold up longer to bouts of tears (weddings, funerals, etc), are handy for a zillion things other than nose-blowing (insta-napkin, bandage, wipe-down for a wet bike seat, defogger for glasses, bandana, etc), and at the end of the day you just throw them in the wash with the rest of your laundry. They’ll save you significant coin, and they’re more environmentally friendly than Kleenex.

6. Books – buy second-hand! Sites like Better World Books and Thrift Books were set up to save library discards from landfill. And on the plus side for us book addicts, second hand copies are cheap as well as being environmentally friendly. Bonus tip: pass them on after you’re done.

9. Nike will take back your worn running shoes, and upcycle them into playground equipment. Details are available on their website. If you aren’t near a drop-off depot, you can mail your old shoes in.

By: Ashley Bass

Ashley Bass — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:56:07 +0000

We all do what we can, and I think the most important part, is DOING all that you can at every opportunity you get. The makeup and nails really speaks to me though and Ive finally found an amazing nail polish – SPA Ritual is amazing. Testing lots of other makeups now and yes, mascara still has a long way to go, but the foundations from Jane Irridale and the lip glosses from Juice Beauty have me smitten! Try them and feel pretty, and healthy.