A Green Tip...

Tired of cleaning your home with petrochemicals and toxic products? Make a simple wood furniture dusting mixture with lemon juice and olive oil. Annie B. Bond, author of Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living recommends using a wool dusting cloth "because static electricity draws dust to wool, and lanolin in the wool causes the dust to stick to the wool." The next best thing? A cotton rag made from an old t-shirt. When it's time for a shine, check out Bond's recipe for a polishing cream wax made with 2 ½ oz. olive or jojoba oil, 1 ½ oz. coconut oil, 1 oz. beeswax, 1 oz. carnauba wax, and 4 oz. distilled water. If you do want to try real lemon oil, be wary of anything labeled "flammable," because that probably means that it is made from petroleum-based products--try pure lemon oil from a health-food store instead.

Thanks for this tip go to the Sierra Club and Care2. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team, or email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.

Drive Less
Gas prices are one of America's most publicly bemoaned expenses. By driving less, not only would you lower demand for oil, and thereby the average price for it, you would also save money. To find out how much you could save by reducing your motoring miles, give this nifty driving-cost calculator a whirl:http://www.drivelesssavemore.com/driving/cost_calculator.php. To give one example, if you normally drive 250 miles per week and your car uses about 20 miles per gallon and you pay $3.00 per gallon, each mile costs you about $.15. If you could eliminate 15% of your driving each week (about 37 miles), you could save about $300.00 per year; a 40% reduction (100 miles) would save about $750.00 per year.

We thank the Sierra Club for the idea for this tip. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team or email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.

Green Your Window Washing
Amazingly enough, it is possible to clean your windows effectively without using petrochemicals and toxic products! Fill a spray bottle with a vinegar and water mixture to make a do-it-yourself wash. If you've used conventional glass cleaners in the past, Care2 recommends adding a tiny amount of soap or detergent to the mixture to cut the wax buildup left by commercial products. Scrub with newspapers to avoid streaking.

Thanks for this tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team or email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.


Dining Out--2 for 1
Next time you dine out, consider bringing along your own reusable container. Portions are generally large enough to allow you to eat half of what you're served and take home the other half to eat later! Wasted food comprises 12 percent of the U.S. waste stream (30 million tons per year!). Going green doesn't just save the outside world; it also can save the hard-earned money in your bank account!

Thanks for this tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team, or send it to: maryabbott@ca.rr.com.


Kick the Disposable Battery Habit
Americans buy about three billion household batteries (about 10 per person) annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency--and nearly all of them end up in landfills. The next time you need to power up your gadgets, consider using rechargeable batteries. Unlike disposable alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries can be reused hundreds of times, which not only saves money and resources, but also reduces global warming pollution associated with battery manufacturing and transport. An independent study conducted for battery manufacturer UNIROSS estimates that using a disposable battery to create 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity has a global warming impact equivalent to driving a car 283 miles; using a rechargeable battery is equivalent to driving 10 miles. St. James' is a member of Interfaith Power and Light, which has an online shopping site for energy efficient products including rechargeable batteries and battery rechargers. Because of our membership, parishioners are entitled to 10% off on all purchases. To take advantage of this, go to www.shopIPL.org and enter the promotional code "shopIPL".

Thanks for this tip go to Emily Maverick and the Union of Concerned Scientists. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team or send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.


Green Beer
The next time you're ready for a beer, ask what's on tap. Beer from a keg has a lighter global impact than beer in bottles or cans. When choosing a brand, look for local and organic varieties whenever possible. Sierra Nevada and New Belgium breweries have good reputations for sustainable practices, and it's always fun to check out other choices for tasty, ecofriendly ales.

Thanks for this tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team of send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.


Screen Savers
Although computers help us work faster, find information, and connect with friends and family, they also use energy and create waste. One way to save energy is by avoiding the hypnotic graphics of screen savers, which consume as much power as regular processing. They were originally designed to protect monitors, but new technology makes screen savers unnecessary. Change your computer's screen saver setting to "blank" or simply turn off the monitor when you walk away from your desk.

Thanks for this tip go to Cathy Robbins and the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team or send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.


Give Old Things New Life
Americans generate around 250 million tons of trash annually and a lot of perfectly usable stuff gets thrown away. Let's try to think of ways to fix or reuse our belongings in order to postpone sending things to that final resting place. A simple fix-up job can be a fun way to bring new life to an item: a fresh coat of low-VOC paint can make tired furniture look new; creative stitching can give clothes a fashion fix. But when your possessions truly wear out their welcome, consider donating or trading them. Find new homes for castoffs on Freecycle, organize a clothing swap with friends, or give to your local Goodwill and Salvation Army stores.

Thanks to the Sierra Club for the idea for this tip. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team or send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.


Green Your Clothes Shopping Habits
Shopping is an activity that we often do thoughtlessly, automatically, or hurriedly. By paying more attention to how we shop and what we buy, however, we can make a difference for the planet. When it comes to buying clothes, think vintage for the greenest and often hippest purchases! For great finds, shop at used-clothes boutiques, online stores, or even prominent antique shows. If you do buy new, look for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled anything. Buy classic styles (not trends) so that your purchase doesn't, in a year, end up in the landfill. And make sure your choices are well-made and durable so they don't fall apart after only a few months of wear.

Thanks for this tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team or send it to: maryabbott@ca.rr.com.


Beware of Triclosan
Triclosan is a dangerous pesticide that is present in many commonly-used antibacterial soaps and personal care products. Scientists have become concerned that its accumulation in waterways and soil has contributed to the hazardous residues in the fish and food crops that we eat. They have come to the conclusion that triclosan creates more potent strains of bacteria, increasing antibacterial and antibiotic resistance. Triclosan has become so common that it has shown up in the blood, urine and breastmilk of people across the globe.

Do you spy triclosan? ?
In order to detect and avoid it, we need to be aware that it is marketed by different various names: in plastics or fabrics, triclosan is sometimes marketed as Microban or Biofresh, and in other products it can be called Irgasan® (DP 300 or PG 60), Lexol-300, Ster-Zac or Cloxifenolum. We hope that you are ready to take the anti-triclosan pledge and that you'll invite others to do the same!

Thanks for this tip go to Emily Maverick and the Union of Concerned Scientists. Please share your tips with any member of the Green Team or email them to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.




Go Paperless
Dealing with money and financial issues can create a mountain of paperwork--but it doesn't have to: You can make a conscious decision to make your financial life paper-free. It'll take a bit of effort on the front end but over the long term, the paper savings can be substantial. There's so much you can safely do online, including banking, paying bills, giving to charity, and filing taxes. By doing so, you'll save not only paper, but also the cost of postage stamps, checks, and gas for driving to the post office and bank. Find out whether your employer or clients offer Direct Deposit and say "no" to receipts whenever you don't need them. And of course, recycle any paper waste that remains.

Thanks for this tip go to Cathy Robbins and the Sierra Club. Please feel free to share your ideas by talking to any member of the Green Team, or send it via email to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.



Used Electronics--bring to RadioShack
RadioShack has started a recycling program for used electronics. They will appraise your used electronic product (such as MP3 players, mobile phones, gaming systems and games, digital cameras, camcorders, and GPS receivers) and give you a RadioShack gift card for the value. Products must be in working order.

Thanks for this tip go to Cathy Robbins. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please share it with any member of the Green Team or send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.




Use Natural Air Fresheners
A clean house is often associated with a "fresh" smell, so it's ironic that synthetic air fresheners could be contaminating homes with phthalates or formaldehyde. To really freshen up a room, try opening the windows first. Next, invest in houseplants. NASA has been studying the pollution-reducing abilities of plants for years. Some of the plants tested by NASA and shown to remove benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air include the peace lily, spider plant, golden pothos, mother-in-law's tongue, bamboo palm, ficus, pot mum, and gerbera daisy.

Thanks for this tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team or email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.



Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning doesn't have to result in a trash can full of used paper towels. Instead, try reusable scrub brushes or homemade cloth cleaning rags. Synthetic sponges are petroleum-derived and can contain unknown quantities of chemicals and even insecticides. Be sure to use gloves and a mask if using a cleaning product that contains harmful fumes. Greener options for natural sponges include those made of wood-pulp cellulose or natural vegetable cellulose like those found at Trader Joe's.

Thanks for the idea for this tip go to Alice Strickland and the Sierra Club. If you have an idea you'd like to share, please give it to any member of the Green Team or email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.



Clothes Swapping & Reimagining
Many of us have brand new or almost new clothes that are either too large or too small. Consider hosting or attending a clothes swapping party where everyone brings fashions and accessories that are still in good shape--and leave with pieces that are new to each attendee! Any leftovers can be donated to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store. You can also think in terms of reimagining clothes you don't wear anymore. Cut tees into tanks, make jeans into shorts (or capris or a skirt), sew patterned clothes into purses, unravel an old sweater and knit it into a new style, cover stains creatively, or turn any item a different color (with planet-friendly dye, of course). It's nice to feel a sense of renewal--and it can be accomplished without paying those high prices all the time!

The idea for this tip came from the Sierra Club and talking with friends. Please feel free to share your idea with any member of the Green Team or send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com.



Garden Design--Be Water Wise
Water is a precious resource, so when you're designing a garden, consider options for collecting or reusing water that would normally end up in the storm drain. Consider setting up a rainwater collection system--or reuse bathwater with a "graywater" recycling system. Once you've collected the water, remember that the best time to water your plants is in the morning when less water will be lost to evaporation.

Thanks for this tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Local Harvests--Go Organic
Although we all may not have access to home grown, organic produce at all times like Holy Nativity Church in Westchester, try to think in terms of supporting community farms and farmers markets close to your home. Look up the website www.localharvest.org to find farms, markets and co-ops in your area. One suggestion for home delivery of organic produce is Los Angeles Organic--Vegetable--Express reachable at www.lovedelivery.com or 310.821.LOVE. Or you might check out the South Central Farmers Cooperative or Rainbow Ranch Farms.

Thanks for the idea for this tip go to the Union of Concerned Scientists. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Set a Green Example
Even if you are the only one, you are one less person who is hurting the environment. Also, even if you adopt just one green routine, you are helping to make a difference. Be open to sharing and encouraging your friends and neighbors, and to answering questions about your habits. Be prepared to let people know exactly why you think it's important to recycle, line-dry your clothes, or carry a reusable shopping bag. Newcomers to the green movement may feel discouraged by the big picture (global warming), so let them know that it's OK to start small. Suggest some easy first steps such as switching to CFL light bulbs or opting for organic produce.

Thanks for this tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Meet and Eat
Consider hosting a potluck dinner in your neighborhood. Green neighborhoods aren't just good for the planet: When times are tough, strong communities can ease financial burdens and provide emotional support. Sharing a meal is a great way to connect with people, and making it a potluck is a great way to keep costs low and still be able to enjoy the benefits of fellowship and personal connections.

The idea for this tip came from the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Heating Dollars--Up in Smoke

The thought of a crackling fire in the fireplace may make you feel warm and cozy, but traditional wood-burning fireplaces are major energy wasters. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a blazing fire sends as much as 24,000 cubic feet of air per hour up the chimney, along with about 90 percent of the heat produced by the fire and some of the heat produced by a home's furnace. There are several ways to improve the operation of your existing fireplace and prevent heat loss:

• Install tempered glass doors and keep them (and the flue) shut when the fireplace is not in use.
• Install a heat-air exchange system that will blow warm air back into the room (minus the smoke).
• Check for air leaks around the fireplace doors, flue, and chimney and add caulking as needed.
• Lower the thermostat to between 50 and 55 degrees when the fireplace is in use, and shut doors leading into the room.
• Crack a window near the fireplace to increase fresh air flow and minimize smoke.

Thanks for this tip go to the Union of Concerned Scientists. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Pay Bills Online
Streamline your finances by requesting electronic bills and bank statements. Attending to your bills online reduces clutter, saves trees, and cuts carbon emissions. Ask your employer to deposit your paycheck directly into your account to avoid those time-consuming, carbon-emitting trips to the bank. Expending less effort in this area can be a great way to simplify and de-stress your life!

Thanks to the Sierra Club for this tip. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Homemade Preserves
For Californians, maintaining a local diet all year long is probably much easier than for people in some other regions. One way to ensure that you have available some of your favorite foods all year long is to freeze, dry, can, pickle or preserve those foods that are abundant (and perhaps at lower prices) at certain times of the year but not at other times. Try to think in terms of supporting regional farmers and businesses by purchasing locally-produced canned vegetables, pickles and preserves. Freezing is a great idea, and keeping your freezer full makes it run more efficiently--frozen berries and fruits can be blended into fruit smoothies and are good for baking and desserts all year. If you like the idea of canning your own produce, start preparing now by gathering the supplies you'll need this summer!

The idea for this Green Tip came from the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please email maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.




Consider Buying Used Products More Often
While it may not be feasible or useful all the time, we might benefit by thinking in terms of using existing resources as much as possible, whether it be shopping for a house, furniture, a vehicle, electronics, clothes, jewelry, books, or most anything else. Buying "pre-owned" can save the resources that would have gone into and the pollution that would have come out of producing a brand-new item.

If you have a tip you'd like to share, please feel free to send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Give Old Sneakers New Life
Whether you're training for a marathon or just trying to shed a few pounds, your old kicks needn't end up in a landfill. Organizations like Shoe4Africa and One World Running donate used sneakers to overseas athletes. By taking your used sneakers into any Nike store, Nike will transform worn-out shoes (of any brand) into Nike Grind, which is used as a surface material for basketball courts and running tracks. Please share with us any other local shoe donation sites you may have found, or check out Casa Libre on Lake Street in Los Angeles.

Thanks for this tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Eat Less Meat
Statistics indicate that we could have an impact just by reducing our weekly consumption of meals that include meat. Livestock production generates almost 20 percent of the world's greenhouse gases--more than the entire transportation sector. The New York Times has estimated that if Americans reduced meat consumption by just 20 percent, it would be as though we all switched from a sedan to a hybrid. Animal factory farms pollute U.S. waterways more than all other industrial sources combined--and you'd save more water by refraining from eating a pound of beef than you would by not showering for an entire year. Also, producing 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of beef emits more carbon dioxide than going for a three-hour drive while leaving all the lights on at home! Those of us who can't cut out meat entirely could opt to be carnivorous only one or two days per week.

If you have a tip you'd like to share, please email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.


Used Coffee Grounds in Your Garden
Used coffee grounds can be used in your garden as both a fertilizer and as a pest repellent. Apply as a fertilizer around plants such as roses, rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and evergreens that prefer acidic soils. As a repellent, they can be effective in repelling snails and slugs--and you can also sprinkle old grounds in areas where you don't want ants, or on the ant piles themselves, and the ants will likely move on or stay away!

If you have a tip you'd like to share, please send it via email to maryabbott@ca.rr.com, or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Recycle Your Christmas Tree
Good news! Christmas trees collected by the City of Los Angeles will be recycled into compost and mulch. In order to recycle your Christmas tree, you can either: (1) put it in your green bin (you may need to cut it into pieces to fit); (2) if you don't have a green bin, take it to a City park or fire station on Saturday, Jan. 3rd or Sunday, Jan. 4th between 9 AM - 4 PM (look up sites at www.ci.la.ca.us/san/tree-recycle); or (3) place at the curb on your collection day if it's too big or you don't have the tools to cut it up. For more information, dial 311 in the city of Los Angeles, or call (800) 773-2489.



Winter Activities
Give the kids in your life (and yourself) a healthy, stress-reducing gift by planning a day outdoors over the winter months. Familiar places can be rediscovered in the winter and will probably be very different from when you've enjoyed them in the spring or summer. Also perhaps think about volunteering with a local charity to teach young people about the outdoors, and/or donating a coat to a winter clothing drive.



It's a Wrap!
For holiday gifts, be sure to use wrapping paper with high recycled content. Better yet, ditch the paper altogether. Present gifts in baskets, tins and other reusable containers. Or wrap them in scarves, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, cloth napkins or tablecloths.

Thanks for this tip go to Emily Maverick. If you have a tip you'd like to suggest, please send it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



High-Definition Power Hogs
If you're in the market for a new high-definition television (HDTV), try to consider the energy use of your new acquisition, in addition to the other considerations of screen size, resolution, etc. Energy consumption varies widely between HDTVs, even between models of similar size. There are three HDTV technologies on the market today: plasma, LCD, and rear-projection microdisplay (commonly known as DLP, or digital light processing). A study by technology reviewer CNET found that, on average, plasma TVs are the least efficient, consuming 0.33 watt of electricity per square inch of screen, while LCD TVs are slightly better at 0.28 watt per inch. Your best choice to save energy is DLP, which consumes only 0.13 watt per inch.

We thank Emily Maverick for bringing this tip to our attention from the Union of Concerned Scientists. If you have a tip you'd like to share, please email maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Heat Only the Rooms You Use
Your heating system uses lots of energy trying to keep every room in your house cozy during winter. Make sure the room with your thermostat is getting heat, but instead of sending warmth to the four corners, keep vents and doors closed in rarely used rooms. This reduces the amount of work your heating system needs to do to reach your thermostat's temperature setting. You might even find that your house has fewer drafts and warms up faster!

Thanks for this Green Tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have an idea for a tip you'd like to suggest, please email maryabbott@ca.rr.com or talk to any member of the Green Team.


Before Cranking Up the Thermostat
Energy costs drop by about one percent for every degree you lower your thermostat temperature (at night, for example, when you're under a layer of blankets), according to the Department of Energy. So, instead of turning up your thermostat immediately when you feel chilly, try adding a layer of clothing. It could be that you'll find it unnecessary to crank up the heat!

The idea for this Green Tip came from the Sierra Club. If you have a suggestion for a tip you'd like to see included in the future, please email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.


Furnace Filters
Now that cooler weather has arrived, it's time to check--and maybe replace--your furnace filter. Dirty filters block air flow and can make your heating system work too hard. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, this can cause faster burnout and higher heating costs. Old-style furnace filters (inch-thick fiberglass panels) typically need to be replaced monthly, while the newer pleated, electrostatically-charged filters usually last about three months. For both types, experts recommend checking for buildup every month, and being especially diligent during months of heavy use.

Thanks for this Green Tip go to the Sierra Club and to Cathy Robbins. If you have a tip you'd like to suggest, please email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.


Cut Back on Disposables
Single-use products weigh heavily on the budget as well as the environment. If a four-person household relies on paper napkins at every meal, it can cost more than $130 annually. Add throwaway sandwich bags for weekday lunches, and you could have another $85 a year heading straight for the trash. With green cleaning habits, reusable cloth napkins and durable food containers offer affordable ways to save energy and resources. Not ready to pay $40 for a lunchbox system? Think of assembling your own kit from fabric scraps and/or thrift store finds!

Thanks for this Green Tip go to the Sierra Club. If you have a tip you'd like to suggest, please email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.


Solar Energy Tax Credit
A portion of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (the "rescue" bill), passed on October 3, included extensions for the solar energy tax credits. This means you can get a 30 percent tax credit on a new solar energy system for your home or business, with no upper limit to the amount of the credit. The previous credit was set to expire this year, but it's now been extended for eight years and, in addition, the previous cap of $2,000 has been lifted, meaning that a whole-house system could earn you as much as $10,000 or more in tax credits. By installing a solar system, in addition to the tax credit, you'll be helping yourself become immune to energy price increases since you'll be generating your own clean, green power for yourself. For more information, log onto www.coopamerica.org.

Thanks for this Green Tip go to Emily Maverick. If you have a tip you'd like to suggest, please email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Water Footprint
A water footprint is a measure of the total volume of fresh water used to produce a certain good. Here is a chart of the water footprint of some common consumer goods, according to waterfootprint.org:

	Liters
1 cup of coffee	140
1 apple	70
1 sheet of paper	10
1 cotton shirt	2,700
1 slice of bread	40
1 kg of beef (approx. 2 lbs.)	15,500
1 microchip	32
1 pair leather shoes	8,000

The minimum amount of fresh water a person needs daily for drinking, cooking and cleaning is between 20 and 50 liters, according to the United Nations. More than one in six people worldwide, or 1.1 billion, do not have access to even that amount of fresh water.



Refill Your Printer Cartridges
When your printer cartridges are out of ink, investigate refill options before you buy a new one. You might be able to refill the same cartridge up to 10 times before replacing! We understand that Walgreens is able to refill many printer cartridges, and there are probably other sources as well.

Thanks for this Green Tip go to Steve McLean. If you have a tip you'd like to suggest, please email it to maryabbott@ca.rr.com or give it to any member of the Green Team.



Electronics--Take-Back Programs
Some manufacturers have established programs to collect their own products and--with smart design--turn them into new gadgets instead of trash, rather than sticking consumers or municipalities with the dilemma of what to do with complicated unwanted devices! When companies establish take-back programs for used or broken electronics, the high cost of hazardous waste disposal gives them an incentive to eliminate toxic components and design products for easy recycling and reuse. To ensure a green ending to your gizmo's life, opt for products from companies (like Nokia, the high-scorer in Greenpeace's latest report) ready to take back what they have sold. For other products, be sure to properly recycle your unwanted devices.


Save Water--and Money!
As you've heard, California is in a drought. As conditions get more serious, it's important to do what we can to conserve.

Indoor
Run the dishwasher only when full	2-5 gallons per load
Turn off water when brushing teeth	2-5 gallons per minute
Shorten showers	2-5 gallons per minute
Outdoor
Don't overwater your lawn!	20-25 gallons per day
Reduce outdoor irrigation by 1-3 minutes	15-25 gallons per minute
Adjust sprinklers to prevent overspray or runoff	15-25 gallons per day

Smart Lunches
With school back in session, many families are considering their child's lunch choices. If the school has a cafeteria, this may be a good option - ingredients for school lunches are usually bought in bulk (less packaging) and school chefs are notorious for recycling Monday's green beans into Tuesday's green been casserole (less food waste). In recent years, many K-12 and college cafeterias have improved their cuisine, offering more healthy, organic, and locally grown foods. But if your school doesn't have a cafeteria or if dietary restrictions, food allergies, or personal tastes compel you to bring your own lunch, do opt for reusable containers and minimal packaging. Consider packing smart foods like walnuts, berries, greens, and fish, which researchers claim are good for the brain.


Green Your Glassware
Drinks made with organic, local, and seasonal ingredients can get even greener if served in recycled glassware. Nixing styrofoam and single-use plastic cups is certainly a first step in the "enviro" direction, but why stop there? There are some wonderful eco-minded designers who have given us some great alternatives. The Wisconsin-based Green Glass company offers simple, colorful wineglasses, goblets, and tumblers made of reclaimed and recycled wine and beer bottles, and Uncommon Goods sells beer glasses handmade in Colombia from recycled car windshields! Of course, you needn't get fancy to go green--mix-and-match glassware from second-hand stores can do the job beautifully as well as frugally!


Ban Hot Appliances
It sounds simple, but it's easy to forget that many household appliances create heat. Make sure you've unplugged all of your vampire appliances and avoid using heat producers such as the oven and the dryer.

• Let the sun work for you--try hanging your clothes outside to dry.
  
  
• Ditch the blow dryer--find a hairstyle that will look great without the hot air blast.
  
  
• Give the oven a vacation--opt for raw foods or downsize to a toaster oven.

If you simply can't avoid using a hot appliance, try closing the door to that room and switch the window fan to reverse mode to draw the hot air outside.


Biodegradable Doggie Bags
When it comes time to pick up after your beloved pooch, choose a biodegradable bag instead of regular plastic. Otherwise, you are wrapping one of nature's quickest degrading substances in something that takes decades to break down; if you put Lassie's waste in a plastic bag, it takes up to 100 years to decompose! Flushing it down the toilet is inconvenient, and can potentially cause problems in sewer systems because of its high amount of grit. Instead, use sturdy paper, or the biodegradable offerings from several companies. The corn-based BioBags, for example, are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute to break down in a matter of days.


Green Your Meal
Not that you should aspire to be like Popeye and eat a meal that's only green in color, but think of trying recipes based on local, seasonal ingredients to keep the environmental impact of your meal to a minimum. This doesn't mean you have to give up on favorite dishes that call for ingredients from far away places. Rather, try to prepare them with a little creativity and substitutes from local harvests as much as possible. Of course it would be optimal for each of us to have access to home-grown items, but not all of us are that fortunate. Start with foods available at a nearby farmers market or raid the produce aisle for basil, bell peppers, green beans, summer squash, and tomatoes which are all in season locally during July and August. Notice the origin of the product and select items that are grown in areas close to home.


Get an Energy Monitor
If you can measure it, you can manage it. Get a close handle on your home energy use with an advanced energy monitoring device. One good example is The Energy Detective (TED), which starts at $139. TED is a small display that indicates household electrical usage in real time and projects your monthly bill--all without using batteries. Research has found that real-time energy feedback leads consumers to reduce their electricity consumption. You can make small adjustments through the day and see how the savings add up. You might be able to save about 15-20% on each bill, which could amount to hundreds of dollars a year. Also, you might check out the Interfaith Power & Light website www.shopipl.org, of which organization St. James' is a member. They carry several models of electricity monitors, and members of St. James' get a 10% discount on items purchased!


Beware of Melamine
Melamine is made with formaldehyde, which has been linked to allergies, asthma and cancer. There's no evidence that formaldehyde leaches out of melamine every single time it's used, but some studies, including one by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, have shown that the chemical can migrate out of melamine and into food under certain circumstances, such as heat and when serving highly acidic foods.

Plastics labeled #2, #4 or #5 seem to be the safest. Unfortunately, they're not always labeled. However, one way to cut down on research time is to look up The Soft Landing (www.thesoftlanding.com), a website run by a mom/former RN who spends a tremendous amount of time emailing manufacturers to find out the makeup of their plastics. Regardless of type, it's a good idea to hand-wash all plastics, since abrasive, powdered detergents can cause them to deteriorate.


Ridesharing
As gas prices rise, the great American road trip may become the great American rideshare. That could mean more serendipitous unions and more efficient long-distance trips than the old standby--driving alone. Sites such as RideshareOnline.com allow users to find car-mates based on detailed profiles. But when it comes to ridesharing networks, bigger is better: The more people involved, the more likely you are to find someone who (a) is going your way and (b) isn't a whacko. It's a pretty easy way to cut down on miles driven per car!


Grow Your Own Sprouts
Are you trying to focus on eating more local foods? Well, it doesn't get much more local than your very own kitchen. All you need is a mason jar, a rubber band, cheesecloth, and some alfalfa seeds, which you should be able to pick up at your local health food store! You'll be enjoying fresh sprouts in no time!

STEP 1:
Soak the seeds overnight. Fill the jar at least a quarter full with room-temperature water and just let the jar sit.

STEP 2:
Pour out the water and let the seeds sit. You want to seeds to be wet and to have access to air. Therefore, don't let the seeds gather in clumps at the jar's bottom. In fact, take advantage of the fact that the wet seeds want to cling to the jar's inside surface. Roll the jar around, causing as many seeds to stick to the surface as possible, then lay the jar on its side. If the surrounding air is cooler than 70° - 80°, the seeds will grow too slowly. Warmer temperatures encourage disease organisms. If you prefer growing them under warmer conditions, then rinse at least twice a day or more. If you are not rinsing enough, you'll smell a funky odor in the jar. At this stage it doesn't matter whether your sprouts have light or not.

STEP 3:
Rinse the seeds at least each 24 hours with cool water. Just run the water into the jar, swirl the seeds around, then pour out the water and repeat Step 2. The idea is to rid the seeds of disease organisims and toxins that accumulate in the warm, moist conditions inside the jar. The picture at the right shows sprouting alfalfa seeds stuck to the side of a jar. The picture below shows the same jar at the top of the page. You can see that the small amount of seeds we began with now fill the jar with half-grown sprouts. At this point I poured half of the sprouts into another jar and continued rinsing them. Eventually both jars were full!

STEP 4:
When the sprouts are big enough -- usually on the fifth or sixth day and looking like those at the right -- spread them out and let the sun shine on them a few minutes -- maybe 15 minutes, more if you want. This important step activates enzymes and makes the sprouts prettier by making their leaves greener. The brown seed-coats will have come off most beans. If you want, you can remove most of the coats by submerging the sprouts in water, then filtering out the coats, which tend to float to the top. Removing the coats won't change the taste or nutrition.

STEP 5:
Enjoy!
(You can refrigerate your sprouts once they've drained several hours.)


Green Your Shower Curtain
Choose a natural fabric, such as cotton (organic if you can find it) or bamboo, for your next shower curtain and liner. Know that familiar smell when you open the package and unfold a new vinyl shower curtain? That's the off-gassing of chemicals from polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC). One of the chemical additives, DEHP, a phthalate, is a suspected carcinogen and has been linked to hormonal disruption in humans. An EPA study found that vinyl shower curtains can elevate air toxins in your home for more than a month. The environment doesn't need more plastics and neither do you--so choose a natural fabric next time!


Give the Stove a Rest
Save energy and keep indoor temperatures down by avoiding the oven on hot days. Instead, opt for salads, fruits, cold soups, or cold sandwiches. Think of experimenting with new raw food recipes so that you still get a balanced diet as well as variety during warm weather!


Summer Vacation Plans
As transportation costs rise, many Americans may consider the staycation this summer. Keep your vacation plans green by punctuating the summer with low-impact, local vacations. Bike or walk a regional trail to cut carbon emissions and save gas money. Switch homes with a friend for an easy change of scenery. Visit a farm in your area to see where that organic produce is grown, then pack up your locally-grown goodies and enjoy a picnic at your nearest local park. You may find such an experience to be even more restful and fulfilling than going far away. Also, wherever you go, remember to try to shade yourself from the sun's rays!


Green Grilling
Have you broken out the grill yet? Wondering whether you should invest in a shiny new propane grill or stick to your Weber? Which is greener? Probably charcoal, according to Tris West, an environmental scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, who last year calculated emissions from the two methods. He says that since charcoal is derived from wood--and thus trees that took in atmospheric carbon as they grew--burning it on the grill is pretty close to a "net zero" in terms of carbon emissions. Propane, by comparison, is a fossil fuel that adds to greenhouse-gas accumulations. West cautions, though, that it gets a little more complicated than that. Even if burning charcoal is technically greener, it may release particulates into the atmosphere. (Food scientists also warn that it can be less healthful.) It's good to know that your choice won't effect any significant change in mass carbon emissions. By West's estimation, the total amount of carbon dioxide released from barbecue grills on July 4 is on the order of .003 percent of the annual U.S. total.


Summer Temperatures
With the rapid approach of summer weather, it's good to be reminded of ways we can save on cooling costs. If you have an air conditioner, one easy idea is to set the thermostat to a temperature about 2 degrees warmer than you might feel is ideal. Also, remember to either turn off your air conditioning system when you're not home, or perhaps invest in a programmable thermostat so that the temperature will adjust automatically according to a preset schedule. Of course, if you can stand it, by far the best approach is to avoid air conditioners at all. Ceiling fans, instead of AC, can reduce your cooling costs by more than half.



Stop your Answering Machine
There must be a few of us who still have those old-fashioned answering machines-the ones with the tape? Answering machines use energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And when they break, they're just one more thing that goes into the landfill. If all answering machines in U.S. homes were eventually replaced by voice mail services, the annual energy savings would total nearly two billion kilowatt-hours! There are a myriad of voice-mail services available, including your local telephone or cable provider, as well as many other services you can research online, even ones that will deliver your messages to you in an email.


Refill Your Own Water Bottle!
The average person consumes 2.5 beverages each day at work alone. It could come from a vending machine, a coffee shop or the local fast food joint. But if you go through 10+ drink containers a week, are they ending up in the trash can or the recycling bin?

We should consider reusing water or other beverage bottles as much as possible, instead of grabbing or buying a brand new one each time. If you use either filtered water, tap water or larger-capacity bottled water at home or at work, refill a smaller water bottle for on-the-go refreshment!


Matches
Getting ready to light some birthday candles, or having a romantic candle-lit dinner for two? Instead of reaching for a lighter, think about using cardboard matches instead. Lighters tend to be made with plastic and butane fuel, both of which are derived from petroleum, but those cardboard matches are made from recycled paper!


Slow Down!
Driving at a slower speed can save dollars at the gas tank. With gas topping $4 a gallon, it turns out that a driver with a long commute (approx. 400 miles a week) could save almost $20 a week by decreasing their speed from 75 to 55 mph. Even a more moderate deceleration--from 70 to 60 mph--would save that driver almost $12 a week. So, try to be a slow-moving fuel saver by staying within the speed limit--you may be surprised to notice how many of us go faster than necessary!


Think Minimalist
An easy way to conserve energy is to simply use and buy less. This may be the single biggest way to make a dent in the global warming problem. Every time you buy something, energy has gone into getting that product to you, so the less you buy, the more you save energy-wise. Here are some specific ideas:

• Buy items that use less packaging, which may mean buying in bulk those products you know you'll use.
  
  
• Buy just one of something. If one or two pairs of shoes are sufficient, don't buy 21.
  
  
• Donate or recycle unnecessary items--and pledge to not replace the item you just donated.
  
  
• Buy quality products that will last longer. Over time, you'll buy fewer products.
  
  
• Be creative in what you use for work, play and leisure--new products are not always necessary. Think of re-using in creative ways.
  
  
• Buy local--less petroleum per pound of product.

In general, if everyone used and bought less, the impact would be large indeed.


Save with Properly Inflated Tires
Want to save hundreds at the gasoline pump? Try checking the air pressure in your tires. In a study at Carnegie Mellon conducted last spring, students found that properly inflated tires used an average of 144 fewer gallons of gas per year than tires that were 20% underinflated. At $4 per gallon, that's about $576!! And if money isn't a big enough incentive, how about helping to preserve the environment? Less fuel consumption results in less carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. 20.8 pounds of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere for every one gallon of fuel consumed. Do the math again, and you'll find that 80 cars would emit an extra 1½ tons of carbon dioxide annually. Considering that three trees are needed to absorb 1½ tons of carbon dioxide, more than 900 additional trees would be needed to offset the extra greenhouse gases emitted by only 300 vehicles. Without those additional trees, the extra CO² would be released into the atmosphere. So, save gas, money and the environment by making sure your tires are properly inflated!


Green Spring Cleaning
In an effort to strive for a simpler life, let's rediscover the natural cleaners of our grandparents. Even the biggest messes and toughest stains can be attacked effectively with baking soda, borax, lemon juice and more. You'll also spend less money and reduce packaging! For instance, to make your own scouring cleanser, combine 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to make it thick but creamy.

Unfortunately, many home cleaning products may be loaded with strong, artificial colors and fragrances and harsh cleansing agents which are a major threat to indoor air quality, off-gassing toxic fumes that can irritate eyes and respiratory systems. Children and pets are most at risk, being smaller and closer to the floor. Many cleaners also contain unnecessary antibacterial compounds, which may lead to antibiotic resistance.

A round or two of spring cleaning is a great way to bring a sense of renewal to your household. Natural household cleaners can make the job easy, nontoxic and inexpensive! Click here to view the many uses of vinegar!


Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
Checking your home's insulation is one of the fastest and most cost-efficient ways to reduce energy waste and make the most of your energy dollars. A good insulating system protects a home from outside temperature, both hot and cold. You can increase the comfort of your home while reducing your heating and cooling needs by sealing air leaks and investing in proper insulation. Your home probably needs to be insulated if you:

• Have an older home and haven't added insulation. Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated.
  
  
• Are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer--adding insulation creates a more uniform temperature and increases comfort.
  
  
• Build a new home, addition, or install new siding or roofing.
  
  
• Pay high energy bills.
  
  
• Are bothered by noise from outside--insulation muffles sound.

Text Message Better Than E-Mail
Instead of turning on your computer to send an email, try texting your message instead! It's much more eco-friendly than turning on your computer or laptop, since those machines require 30 times more electricity than your cell phone!


Carpooling
It's been estimated that 27% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. is caused by transportation. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, driving a car is the most polluting thing that most of us do. We might think about trying to pool our resources and carpool. If it seems unrealistic or inconvenient to commit to carpooling every day, try once or twice a week! A group in Florida discovered that not only could they drive in the carpool lane and save time, they could go 2-3 weeks between fill-ups when they started their carpool. In addition, they were able to reduce their car insurance costs by about $200 a year when they reported that they were carpooling and therefore driving less. If you have children with extra-curricular activities, consider joining forces with other parents for pick-ups and drop-offs. Besides saving time and gas, it could turn out to be a fun experience for your child. There are various websites to look at for adult carpool opportunities, among them www.metro.net or commutesmart.info. For kids' carpooling, check out the website www.dividetheride.com. A good start might be to share a ride to St. James' on Sunday mornings--share gas, fellowship and parking as well!


Purchase Recycled Paper Products
Besides being diligent about our own paper recycling habits, we need to also pay attention to choosing recycled paper products for our kitchen, bathroom or home office in order to help save forests and conserve energy. Nearly half of the trees cut in North America are made into paper. Every year, from Washington state to Georgia, over 3.8 million acres of forest are clearcut, leaving wide swaths of stumps that mark our insatiable demand. It doesn't stop at our borders; our wood pulp and virgin paper products are increasingly sourced from other countries as well. But we should also appreciate the energy saved by making recycled rather than virgin paper products. A ton of recycled paper saves 3,000 to 4,000 kilowatt hours of electricity compared with producing a ton of virgin-fiber paper. So, look for a label that says, "Made from recycled paper products" when purchasing napkins, paper towels and paper for your printer!


Magnum Force
Consider buying wine made closer to home as often as possible. However, if you prefer something from a region further away and you're serving a large group of people, instead of buying a few bottles of the same wine, think of purchasing a larger bottle in order to cut down on the environmental impact. The bulk of the world's wine is cultivated in 3 countries--France, Italy and Spain--where it's loaded into fossil-fuel-guzzling trucks and airplanes to make its way to dinner. In the U.S., the fourth largest wine producer, 90 percent of the yield comes from California. The American Association of Wine Economists estimates global greenhouse gas emissions from wine production and distribution to be 5,336,600 tons--roughly the same amount that one million passenger vehicles would emit in a year. The good news is that the bigger the bottle, the smaller the carbon impact per ounce. Larger bottles also cut back on glass packaging, which is costly to recycle and frequently ends up in landfills.


Fireplace Fires
A fire in your fireplace is both warming and comforting, and since wood is a renewable resource when harvested from well-managed forests, it is therefore more eco-friendly than other heat sources such as oil and natural gas. There are a few things you can do to lessen some of the adverse environmental consequences of a fireplace fire. Stick to using seasoned wood, which means that the wood has been split and given 6 months to dry. Hardwoods burn slower and more evenly and produce less smoke. Never burn painted or otherwise treated woods. Build a smaller fire that produces less smoke. Try a Java Log made from used coffee grounds, Java Log smoke contains 87% less carbon monoxide and 83% less particulate matter than smoke from wood. Or, if available in your area, try Forest Stewardship Council certified firewood from well-managed forests.


Green Baby
When starting a family, consider the importance of instilling planet-friendly habits from the very beginning of your child's life. Although disposable diapers have now been formulated to biodegrade pretty quickly, if you do decide to use cloth diapers, try to use a cold wash cycle as often as possible rather than using hot water for every wash. You might also rethink the baby wipes. They're definitely not eco-friendly since most baby wipes take centuries to biodegrade. Try simply using a washcloth instead. Another idea is having a swap party where you swap toys and clothes with other parents. Not only will the kids get a new toy or piece of clothing, by making it into a party, they'll also get to have some fun with friends!


Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Consider PB&J for lunch! Livestock create a beefy portion of all greenhouse-gas emissions--18 percent, according to the United Nations. Could the answer be as simple as two slices of bread and a slathering of peanut butter and jelly? Perhaps. Compared with a burger, this classic sandwich saves as much as 2.5 pounds of carbon dioxide, 280 gallons of water, and 50 square feet of land--even more if you wash it down with a glass of soy milk. "You don't have to change your whole diet to change the world," says the PB&J Campaign, "Just start with lunch."


Have A Green Valentine's Day
It's easy being green on Valentine's Day. Eco-friendly gifts are generally more creative and distinctive than traditional ones, and that extra touch can be the most romantic gesture of all. Depending on the gift you have in mind, there is always a "green" option available. You might think of a shared experience such as a rustic getaway, cooking or dancing classes, or tickets to a concert or play. In terms of dining out, choose a restaurant that specializes in seasonal, regional cuisine, or visit your local farmers' market and prepare a home-cooked meal or picnic. Instead of cut roses or other flowers, try a living plant. For that sweet tooth, select organic, fair-trade chocolates. With all the environmental and human rights problems surrounding the diamond and gold industries, consider choosing a piece of vintage jewelry or a distinctive piece made from recycled metal, or paper, or another repurposed material. This year, let green be the new red in your Valentine's Day!


Good Wood
When buying solid wood furniture, look for the Forest Stewardship Council seal, which certifies that the wood came from forests or tree farms that are being managed in a sustainable way. More than 200 million acres of forestland worldwide have been FSC-certified to date. Another alternative is the Rainforest Alliance's "SmartWood Rediscovered" label, which certifies that the wood was recovered from landfills, manufacturing facilities, or other sources in an environmentally sound manner. Bamboo is a good option for furniture because it is both sustainable (it grows quickly and requires little water, fertilizer, or pesticide) and versatile (it can be molded into a variety of shapes). Also, some manufacturers are starting to make medium-density fiberboard (MDF) from 100 percent recycled wood fiber.


Recycle Incandescent Christmas Lights
This year, you finally swapped out your incandescent Christmas lights for energy-efficient LED ones. Now, what to do with those old, wasteful, tangled strands? Retailer HolidayLEDs.com is accepting incandescent holiday lights for recycling through the end of the month. Send them to:

HolidayLEDs.com
Attn: Recycling Program
120 W. Michigan Avenue
Suite 1403
Jackson, MI 49201


Co-op America
Check out the website for Co-op America: Economic Action for a Just Planet. (http://www.coopamerica.org) Their mission statement is "to harness economic power--the strength of consumers, investors, and businesses--to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society." They have articles on subjects such as Getting to Zero Waste, the difference between "downcycling" and recycling; Green Toys that benefit people and the planet; Eat Less Meat and cool the planet; 21 Things You Didn't Know You Can Recycle such as your toothbrush, your iPod, your tennis shoes, etc.


E-Mail Signature
Include an automatic "green reminder" underneath your signature in e-mails to remind people to think of the environment before printing the email. Here are some suggestions: "Every drop is green" or "Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail"--or even both phrases! For even more impact, change the font color to green!


Daily Ray of Hope
Give yourself a green gift this holiday. For a daily dose of spiritual renewal, click here to sign up for the Sierra Club's "Daily Ray of Hope." With an inspirational quote and beautiful nature photograph, the Daily Ray aims to "give you a good reason to get out of bed in the morning!"


Recycle Your Christmas Tree and Get Green Rewards!
You can recycle your Christmas tree in your green bin at home or bring it to a City of Los Angeles Christmas tree drop-off site the weekend of January 5 and 6 between 9 AM to 4 PM. Go to: http://www.lacitysan.org/tree-recycle.htm or call 3-1-1 for a list of locations. As an extra reward for recycling your tree, select drop-off sites will also have free 1-gallon trees and compact fluorescent lights to give away while supplies last. You may also drop off your excess gift-wrapping and holiday packaging, too!


Energy Conservation Tip--Switch to CFLs or LEDs!
In addition to turning off lights when not in use, we could really make a significant impact if each of us made a concerted effort to switch our light bulbs (one bulb at a time) to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to save energy and money! Lighting is the biggest energy user in most homes and businesses. Although CFLs are generally more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they last ten times longer, meaning you don't have to change them as often. And, each CFL that replaces an equivalent incandescent bulb can save more than $50 over its lifetime in reduced energy costs. Also, most electric utility companies (including LADWP, So. Cal. Edison, Burbank, Pasadena, etc.) offer rebates or even free bulbs to customers from time to time, sometimes passing them out at energy fairs or at various neighborhood events. Also, for your Christmas light purchases, consider using LEDs, which not only burn cooler but also use much less electricity. Have a green Christmas!!!


Free Shade Trees!
Los Angeles City residents can receive FREE shade trees through the LADWP Trees for a Green LA program! You must be an electric customer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

To find out more about the program, visit www.LADWP.com/trees, or call 1-800-GreenLA (1-800-473-3652). You also can send an email request for additional information to tree.program@ladwp.com. In your email, be sure to include your name, address including city and zip code, daytime and evening phone numbers, and your email address, along with your specific request or question.

LADWP wants to make it simple for Los Angeles residents to participate in Trees for a Green LA!



Recycle! Recycle! Recycle!
It's something we hear all the time, but it's amazing how often we notice items that haven't made it to the proper receptacle! Make a personal commitment to be vigilant and diligent with your own habits and, in addition, encourage your family, friends to do the same! Encourage recycling at your school and work. Among items that can be recycled are: plastic containers (water, milk, juice, soap, etc.), plastic shopping and produce bags, styrofoam, glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, newspapers, all kinds of paper products including junk mail, phone books, magazines and corrugated cardboard (boxes). In the City of Los Angeles, these items don't need to be separated and can all go into the yellow or blue bin the City provides. Make sure that the items are clean (items with food residue cannot be recycled). If you don't know whether or not a plastic item can be recycled, look for the arrow triangle on the bottom. You could also do two good deeds at once by bringing your recyclable plastic bottles (if they say "CA Redemption") and aluminum cans to Church and leave them in the bins by the parking lot where they can be recycled for cash by our youth group! Here are a few recycling facts: Recycling a glass jar saves enough energy to light a 100-watt light bulb for four hours. Recycling an aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television set for three hours. If all morning newspapers read in the United States were recycled, 41,000 trees would be saved daily and 6 million tons of waste would never end up in landfills. So, be a leader among your peers and make a personal commitment to do your part; it's really a great opportunity for each of us to be a steward of God's creation!


Clearing the Air
Here are some suggestions for alternatives to artificial air fresheners:

• Burn beeswax candlesticks or candles that are lightly scented without the use of chemical additives
  
  
• Make a potpourri out of dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, and essential oils
  
  
• Bundle sage or lavender and dry it, then hang it in any room
  
  
• Collect fallen pine bows and pine cones and use as a tabletop "scenterpiece"

It turns out that artificial sprays, gels and plug-in air fresheners can aggravate asthma and present other health risks, including developmental problems in babies (not to mention that the packaging is wasteful). Most fragrance products, including ones labeled "all natural," contain dangerous chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde and phthalates. So try some of these other suggestions instead!