Fantastic new resources!  If you like to save money but stay healthy by couponing then this is your site!
Ebrandaid

For Baby tips check out this site!

Healthy Eating for Babies

We can all use all the help we can get these days!

How to get rid of Fruit Flies and Other neat tricks!

Support Your Farmers by Eating Locally
Topics - Farmers' Markets
Did you know that you can help curtail global warming just by changing up the fruits and vegetables you buy everyday?Most of the food you eat travels hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles to get to your kitchen table. Food shipped and trucked from all corners of the world uses untold millions of gallons of gasoline for transport and threatens the existence of local farms. Not to mention all of the carbon dioxide it releases into the environment, just to get to your kitchen.

Green Living Ideas

Green Living Ideas

Give Your Home an Energy Efficiency Makeover
Topics - Home Energy Usage
Have you given your home an energy efficiency makeover recently?Given rising electricity, oil and natural gas prices, a home energy efficiency makeover is highly recommended to help manage your pocketbook while keeping your home at the right temperature in all seasons.

Green Living Ideas

Use Natural Products to Clean Your Home
Topics - Housecleaning
Most people believe that keeping the home clean maximizes health. While this might be true in theory, research shows that clean houses are increasingly co-related with lowered immunity in families. The reason is that most conventional household cleaning detergents release chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can be extremely toxic..

Go Green Mondays!

Green Living Tips.com

Thanks Michael for all your hard work on going green!

Articles with tips for going green to help protect the environment we all affect!
building
business
cleaning
clothing
energy
family
food
gadgets
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health
home
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coupon discounts

Green Living Tips NewsletterIssue 31 - February 23 2009

10% off castile soap! Through a special arrangement with Mabel's Miracle Castile Soap, GLT readers can get a 10% discount on any purchase. Mabel's soap uses 80% pure olive oil so it's gentle on your skin, hair, clothes - great for all sorts of applications around the home! Get a great deal on castile today! By the way, you can check out other coupons and discounts here.

GLT reader tips and questions Jeanne added this idea to my article on ant deterrent tips.
"This has worked for 5 or 6 invasion attempts over a year or more: use masking tape to individually squash any that have come in and leave the tape in the path. The ants seem to get the message that this is not a safe place for them to be! After your initial effort, you'll have to "mop up" for a day or two (the ones already inside that escaped), but new ones don't seem to come in that particular place. (Watch other cracks etc. for a while as they'll likely try another spot.)
Thanks Jeanne!

Have a green living related question or tip? I love receiving them as I often get to learn new stuff too! Send yours in here! Attention green merchants! If you're having trouble getting noticed amongst the greenwash and if you'd like to be showcased on Green Living Tips - at no cost to you (aside from offering GLT readers a discount), you can learn more here! New and updated articles

Sleep and green living
By sleeping 18 hours a day, I guess you'll reduce your impact on the environment, but that's not what I'm referring to.
Kitchen sponges
Most of the concern about kitchen sponges is around the amount of bacteria they can harbor. Sure, it's a very good point, but what about the environmental damage wreaked by these mostly synthetic throwaway items? Are there greener alternatives?
Buying firewood
Where does your firewood come from? You might be unknowingly contributing to the further degradation of an already stressed environment. This article also contains a handy tip for cutting wood smoke carbon emissions and saving up to 25% on firewood costs!
Impulse buying reduction tips
The economy's in a mess and our governments are encouraging us to spend. Spending is fine, but so much of what we buy these days on a whim is rubbish, and all the additional waste is bad for the environment. Pick up some tips to reduce impulse buying.
Population control - ultimate greening
This article is not directed to people who already have children, but those considering having children and what a decision to not have kids can have on the environment. The choice not to have children can be the ultimate contribution to preserving the planet, or at the very least, so it remains somewhat hospitable for other humans.
Go Green With AlysAmari
AlysAmari is a manufacturer of natural skin care, hair care and home care products and is currently offering Green Living Tips readers a 10% on all their retail items. View the article for the coupon code.
Article archives There's now over 250 articles containing tips to help you live a more eco-friendly life on Green Living Tips! - you can browse by category, use the advanced search or click here for a full listing.
Controlled atmosphere killing
It's important for us to understand where our food comes from and how it arrives on our plate. The slaughtering of animals is a touchy topic, but one I feel any meat eater should be familiar with sinc... Bleak future for Australian animals The smell of smoke was strong today, not from fires close by, but from the ones that have ripped through Victoria; some of which are still burning, hundreds of kilometres away. It is now nearly 2 month...
Saving electricity by saving water Electricity generation, particularly sourced from coal-fired or other fossil fuel s, contributes greatly to humanity's carbon footprint. Another major environmental issue is the scarcity of fresh wate... Reclaiming the nightAround 20% of the world's population and more than 66% in the U.S. cannot see the Milky Way from their homes? It's incredibly sad that so many people cannot see the awesome free light show that nature... Of droughts and flooding rainsAustralia is certainly a land of extremes and this past month has brought tragedy to families in the north and south of the country. Over 200 people have died in fires that are raging in the state of Victoria and 60% of Queensland has been declared a disaster zone due to flooding.... KTM electric dirt bikeHappy dance! KTM expects to start making a zero emissions electric dirt bike available from next year.According to Hell For Leather, weighing just 90kg (198lbs), the bike weighs less than KTM's own 12... Better, brighter, cheaper LEDsAlthough the CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) seems to have only been with us for a short time when you compare it to incandescent bulbs, LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) seem set to capture increasing lig... Gore's Climate Crisis Senate Testimony"We're borrowing money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf to burn it in ways that destroy the planet"Thus spaketh Al Gore when he testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on W... Square foot vegetable gardeningI've been itching to get started on a vegetable garden planted with heritage and heirloom seeds for some time now. We've got the seeds, we have the space and now we just need some time... oh, and rain... view these blog posts and more Did you know.. You can be notified of all the latest news and article summaries on Green Living Tips via our RSS web feed as soon as they are posted!: Article Feed ::Blog Feed That's it for this issue! (psst.. forward this newsletter onto family, friends and colleagues whom you think might like the info. We sponsor a tree for each new subscriber! Thanks!) Here's to a greener, kinder world!

Green Living Tips.com

Energy Improving Solutions for Your Home
Looking for energy improving solutions for your home? It's a good idea. You'll realize the perks of long term cost savings for your pocketbook and the added benefit of promoting a green environment. Here are some energy improving solutions to get you started.
• Tame those high electricity bills by sealing air leaks and installing additional wall and roof insulation.
• Keep the temperature of your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It'll be hot enough for every day usage, but will keep your bills down.
• Use light bulbs that are Energy Star CFL wherever you have a tendency to flick on the light switch.
• Check with your local utility company to see if they offer any discount programs for meeting certain energy requirements.

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Wanna zzz on safer pillows?

The BiteSay night-night on eco-versions. Sleep on pillows made from nonpetrol, humane materials such as natural rubber latex - and come tomorrow AM you'll be psyched you did.
The Benefits
Fewer pesticide nightmares. Farmers grow alternative materials like kapok, rubber trees, and buckwheat without pesticides, helping keep soil plantable.
A less oily slumber. The polyester in conventional pillows is a byproduct of oil (plus, it's not biodegradable - unlike the options below).
Cruelty-free sheep counting. Geese that provide goose down aren't exactly sippin' mai tais down at the factory farm.
Personally SpeakingEasily amused, the day Toshio checked out the Essentia Memory Pillow, he became entranced with putting his hand into the foam and watching it slowly regain its shape.
Wanna Try?
Essentia Memory Pillow - kinda like polyurethane space foam, but made with natural latex from rubber trees ($199). Biter exclusive: Get 20% off when you enter the code biteonthis during checkout.
Sachi Organics Buckwheat Pillow - naturally ergonomic, dust-mite resistant, organic buckwheat option with an organic cotton cover; you can adjust the amount of filling, and zap it in the microwave for an electric heating pad alternative ($45).
White Lotus Standard Sleeping Pillow - filled with a soft, downlike fiber from the kapok tree ($43).
You can often donate used pillows to animal shelters (just call ahead), or use the stuffing instead of packing peanuts when you're shipping stuff.

Pillows for the Hard-of-Smelling
Until a few months ago, my bed was covered with mostly synthetic poly-fill pillows. Not anymore. It's kapok all the way. The stuff really does feel like down. Just beware: It has a faint vinegary scent, so it's probably a good thing I have a horrible sense of smell.
According to the editor-in-chief of Prevention magazine, you should only keep your pillows for one year, because each night your body oils seep into the pillow and that buildup isn't healthy. Sorry, but I don't buy it. As long as you wash them and don't have crazy allergies, most should last for years. Here's how to wash them (buckwheat users, you're outta luck):

Polyester fill - put the in the washing machine (directions here - I did this and it worked fine, plus the pillows turned from flat and thin to fluffy, albeit slightly uneven)

Foam - wash them by hand in a sink or bathtub (directions here again)

Down - dry clean them (recommended)
-Toshio...off to bed...

What's lurking in your house after you turn off all the lights?

The BiteA "phantom load" is the energy that's sapped by appliances when they're plugged in, but not on. Use power strips or manually unplug DVD players, computers and cell phone chargers to save electricity from disappearing without a trace.
The Benefits
Save big on your energy bills. In the average home, 40% of all electricity is used to power home appliances while they're turned off.
Lower emissions. If all phantom loads in US homes were stopped, we could shut down 17 power plants.
Power strips with surge protectors make it easy to "unplug" many appliances at once.
Personally SpeakingNY Biter Cecily Channell uses a power strip that's hooked up to her entertainment system to turn the cable and TV on and off. At first, her roommates complained because it takes a little longer for the cable box to warm up ("They want their HGTV right now!"), but the electric bill savings they saw after a few months convinced 'em.
Wanna Try?
Isole Plug Load Control - the crème de la crème of powerstrips, it has 8 outlets and an insurance policy ($90).
Belkin 9-Outlet SurgeMaster - with 9 outlets ($30).
Intermatic Appliance Timer- use a timer when you're outta town ($21).
Craftsman Auto Switch - baby-sized surge protector option ($20).
Kill-A-Watt - find out how much energy various appliances are using ($29).
Just a word of advice: don't do this with your fridge...

Greener Mondays with Gail

Buying All Natural -- Is It Worth It?
When you shop in a specialty store, a health food store, or even the organic or “natural” section of your grocery store, you'll be barraged with products that are labeled as “all natural.” What, exactly, does that mean? And are all natural products worth the extra money?
One thing to remember when buying “all natural” is that an all natural label does not automatically mean less calories, fat, or carbs. In fact, often all natural products are laden with sugar (sweeteners like cane sugar and honey are, indeed, all natural) or carbohydrates (whole grain bread, brown rice, and the like may be all natural but still high in carbohydrates). So if you're looking for a reduced-something diet, don't assume that all-natural is automatically the way to go. Even though all natural does not mean reduced fat, calories, or carbs, in general all-natural is a healthier way to go.
All-natural foods are made without traditional preservatives (all those ingredients you can't pronounce on the label) and use “alternative” sweeteners and preservatives that are made from fruit, vegetables, and other natural sources. Some not-so-great things you'll avoid if you stick with all-natural food are trans fats and corn syrup.
Trans fats (anything labeled “partially hydrogenated”) came into being in the 1950s and for a long time were widely used in food as a preservative. Recently, some doctors and nutritionists are reporting alarming side effects of trans fats (among them, a link between trans fats and heart problems), and many people are trying to stay away from them. Corn syrup is another ingredient often found in prepackaged food, and it is usually used as a sweetener. Like with trans fats, many doctors are now warning against excessive consumption of corn syrup, citing a link between corn syrup and a higher risk for diabetes.
One other thing to consider when buying all-natural food is that since they use less preservatives, the shelf life of all-natural foods is often shorter than their non-natural counterparts.

Greener Mondays with Gail

Buying Organic Produce
Many people believe that buying organic produce is essential to their health and well-being – not to mention that organic produce is often tastier than non-organic. Buying organic produce means purchasing fruits and vegetables that are grown with less pesticides and with natural fertilizer (as opposed to synthetic). In America, if produce has a USDA Certified Organic label, consumers can be sure that they are buying fruits or vegetables that are at least 95% organic.
Although buying organic is an excellent idea, much organic produce is more expensive than its non-organic counterpart. If you're interested in saving money at the grocery store, but still want to be as green as possible, it's important to know which fruits and vegetables are most likely to be contaminated by pesticides -- and therefore are more important to buy organic.
The fruits that are most likely to be contaminated are:
• Apples
• Apricots
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Red raspberries
• Strawberries
The vegetables that are most likely to be contaminated are:
• Celery
• Green beans
• Peppers
• Spinach
Note that most of these are fruits and vegetables whose skin is consumed, and therefore it's important to think about what kinds of pesticides and fertilizer they have been treated with. Remember, always wash your produce before eating it – even if you've bought organic – because even organic fruits and vegetables can have some residual pesticides or fertilizer on their skins.

Three Ways To Make Sustainable Living A Part Of Your Life
Sustainable living means that you’re making a conscientious decision to minimize the impact of your daily life on the environment. And it might be easier than you think. Here are three ways to do just that:
Make small goals toward living more sustainably every few weeks. For example, you can start by resolving to make small changes like turning off the lights in the rooms you’re not using. Then move on to installing energy efficient light bulbs in your home.
Purchase products that are environmentally friendly whenever possible. You don’t need to spend unnecessary funds to create a green home. However, if you need to repaint the walls in your spare bedroom, consider using a non-toxic paint.
Learn more about sustainability so that you can make informed decisions. Part of living a greener life means that you have to keep informed about which products have a negative impact on the environment and what products are eco friendly.






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Green Gift Ideas That Are Good For The EnvironmentGreen weddings are those that consider the impact of the celebration on the environment as well as society. Whether you’re attending a green wedding or would just like to find some green gift ideas for an environmentally conscious couple, there are plenty of appropriate choices.Here are our picks for three green gift ideas:
Rather than giving a physical gift, try giving the gift of a healthier environment. You can purchase carbon offsets from non-profits such as CarbonFund and LiveNeutral. The funds you spend on carbon offsets will be put to use on projects that reduce the level of carbon emissions in our environment.
Make an environmental donation to charity in the name of the wedding couple. For instance, you can have trees planted as part of a reforestation program through the Green Guide Nursery Forest.
Give green wedding gifts that help to create a greener lifestyle. For instance, set the newlyweds up with a green home consultant who can draw up a plan for a green household, including ideas for stocking their kitchen with organic foods and choosing personal care products.

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No surprise: Goodwill stores were seeing seven percent more shoppers in the first eight months of 2008, compared with the same period last year. And that's not counting this bleak October. The fashion industry is certainly feeling the effects of the economic times, according to the New York Times. Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom all reported losses in the last month as even the wealthiest fashionistas tighten their patent leather belts and hunker down for the recession.
So what’s the savvy green shopper to do? With our questions about sustainable fabrics and sweat shop labor, we weren’t really welcome in Saks to begin with, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to look our best while we save the planet and save our pennies. Fortunately, there’s no need to go dumpster diving outside of the Vanderbilt mansion (or rather, its contemporary counterparts) if you want a good look for less. Here's how to get it:
Tip 1: Before you shop, make do with what you've got. It’s hard to believe that many women at the turn of the century had just two dresses, one for Sunday and one for the rest of the week. How did they make those dresses last? They probably didn’t wash them much. Machine washing and drying clothes wears them out, and we’ve reported before on the environmental benefits of line drying (does over 2000 pounds of carbon emitted per year by machine dryers ring any bells?). Outwear like jackets and coats really only need a thorough cleaning two or three times a year at a wet cleaners (much greener than dry cleaning), and jeans only need to be washed once a month. Even skirts, trousers, and shirts will be fine with three or four wearings. Concerned about smell? An old bartender trick is to moisten a towel, place it on top of the stinky garment, and then iron the towel. The steam will loosen the stink from the fabric and draw it into the towel. Works especially well with cigarette smoke.
Tip 2: Shop secondhand. You can get better quality for way cheaper, and buying lightly used, whether in thrift stores, flea markets, or swap meets, fits right in with the three R's of environmentalism you learned in second grade: You’re reusing recycled clothes and reducing the amount of carbon it would have taken to produce, manufacture, and ship a new product.
Don’t be ashamed to dig in at Goodwill, Salvation Army, or a flea market in your area, but find out what days they put out the new-old stuff and get there early! You'll be rubbing elbows with a lot of competition.
But cast a discerning eye upon “vintage” stores, which are to secondhand stores what an antique Chippendale credenza is to a Craigslist Ikea table. Yeah, they were both owned by someone else first, but one costs a lot more because it has a pedigree. Not all vintage shops are outrageously expensive, but they’re generally trendier and more exclusive than the 5 for $20 t-shirts you find at the swap meet.
Tip 3. When buying new, buy green to leave a lighter footprint and bamboozle 'em with your eco chic. For instance...
Tip 4: Clothes swap! Also called the Giveaway Box Party. Get a bunch of friends together and have them all bring a sack full of old clothes to trade in for new old clothes. No money spent at all! This is a great way to build community, and you get the added bonus of seeing your favorite dress on someone else at the next party. Trust us, it’ll give you the warm-n-fuzzies.
by Rachel Brown

Greener Mondays with Gail

Sharing these tips I found is a blessing!

Recycling & Reducing Waste
Easy Ways to Go Green
Energy Savings
Composting 101
Conserving Water
Recycled Goods
Michelle

Put the Breaks on Wasting Gas
[ This article is from: Easy Ways to Go Green ]


With the high cost of gas these days, it's a great time to make sure you're getting the most out of every tank. By following a few simple maintenance steps and changing your driving habits, you can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Here are some supplies you can utilize to improve the gas mileage of your vehicle:
Air filterFuel cleanerTire-pressure gaugeNew gas cap
Start by changing your air filter. Simply take off the cover to the air-cleaner housing, remove the dirty filter and drop in a new one. Changing your filter every 12,000 miles is an easy way to keep your engine running smoothly.
Note: If you do most of your driving in dusty or sandy areas, you should change the air filter every 5,000 miles.
To ensure your fuel system is running at its peak, add a fuel cleaner to your tank every 3,000 miles. The cleaner removes deposits that can cause rough idle, engine hesitation and poor fuel economy.
Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended fuel octane level. Don't buy a premium grade if it's not required. It not only costs more but may actually reduce your fuel efficiency.
Note: Using gasoline with a lower than recommended octane level can cause misfiring and even over heating.
Even something as simple as properly inflating your tires, lightening your load or replacing a worn out gas cap can save your money.
Note: A gas cap with a faulty seal can cause fuel to evaporate from your tank, and under inflated tires consume about one mile per gallon of extra gasoline.
In addition to performing simple maintenance, changing your driving habits will also improve your vehicle's gas mileage. Avoid quick starts and sudden stops for starters.
Combine errands whenever possible to reduce the number of short trips taken on a cold engine.
SLOW DOWN! Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
By keeping your vehicle performing at its best and making a few changes in the way you drive, you can spend a little less time and money at the pump.

Solar Herb Dryer
[ This article is from: Solar Energy Solutions , Michelle Kaufmann's Eco Ideas , Eco Eats , Easy Ways to Go Green , Crafty Recycling ]

Fill your herb dryer with leaves and place it in a window.

Use eyes hooks to fasten the screen into the frame.
By Michelle Kaufmann
The average American meal is often made with ingredients that have traveled at least 1,500 miles to get to our kitchens. Why not grow a few things at home to cut down on your food’s travel time?
Herbs are easy to grow at home and add so much fantastic flavor to a meal. Many are also natural pest deterrents that help maintain and even improve the health of your garden without the use of artificial pesticides. But sometimes you end up with a bounty of herbs that are more than you could possibly need at one time. Drying your herbs is the perfect solution for keeping surplus from going to waste and provides you with home-grown herbs year-round.
Start drying your herbs in a stylish, compact solar herb drier, made from materials you might already have at home or can be picked up at art or hardware store: an old picture frame, a few corks and some screen. Plus, this drier lets you take advantage of one of our planet’s best sources of renewable energy, our bright, shining sun, to either hang or flat-dry your herbs. It works just as well indoors as out, so you won’t have to worry about the rain getting in the way.
VIDEO: See how to make your own solar herb dryer >>
What you need:Old picture frame4 wine corksScreen materialSuction-cup hooksEye screwsGlueScissors
Steps:1. Take an old picture frame that you won’t mind putting permanently out of commission and remove everything from it (glass, backing, etc.) until you’re left with just the frame. An old wooden frame will give your herb dryer a hint of vintage style.
2. Carefully measure the inside of your frame and then cut out two pieces of screen to fit into the opening (if you’re using screen mesh from an old window or door screen, wash it well before you do anything else with it).You will need two pieces of screen so that your herbs can be sandwiched between them and held in place if you choose to hang your dryer in a window.
3. Attach the lower screen to the back of the frame by simply gluing the edges down. The second screen, however, must be removable. If your frame already has built-in metal clips, you can use these for fastening the screen into the frame. If not, then twist in some eye screws parallel to and just above the lower screen. The number of screws will vary based on the size of your frame. The screws can be turned eye up in order to slip the upper screen in and out and then sideways to secure the second screen once you have your herbs in place.
4. On the back of your herb dryer, attach a cork to each corner so when it’s horizontal it forms a little table. This will allow air to circulate freely above and below flat-dried herbs, which is necessary for drying them properly. The corks will also help protect your window if you want to hang-dry your herbs.
5. To equip the frame for hang-drying in a window, you will need two more eye screws and two safety suction cups with hooks attached. Fasten the eye screws into one side of your frame, just inside of the corks. Attach your suction cups onto a sunny window so they’re spaced at the same interval as the two eye screws and then just hang your dryer.
6. Place your dryer on a sunny table or hang in the window and let your fresh herbs dry. Download a pdf of these directions from Michelle Kaufmann's blog >>

Purifying with Plants
[ This article is from: Easy Ways to Go Green , Green Cleaning ]

Learn more about how plants can clear the air >>
By Marie Hofer
Looking to freshen up your indoor air with some good old natural plants? Here are some points to keep in mind:

1. Plants aren't a panacea. You can't offset the effect of polyurethane with even two dozen areca palms. Plants, no matter how many you have or what kind, are no substitute for good ventilation and, more important, eliminating or reducing the source of the pollution in your home whenever possible.
2. Plants aren't powerful vacuum cleaners that suck contaminants from across a large room. Put them near where you spend a lot of time — by your computer, in the kitchen, beside a comfortable chair.
3. Over-watering or a continuously damp soil surface leads to the production of mold spores. Place an inert material such as pea gravel on the surface of your potted plants or use a hydroponic (growing in water, not soil) system.
4. Keep your houseplants as vigorous as possible. The healthier they are, the better job they'll do at reducing air pollutants.
5. Add extra eco-style by potting plants in recycled materials. Pick up an old crock pot liner, baskets or hammered tins from the local thrift store or see what's lurking in your shed or basement. Just be sure to add a hole to the bottom of the container to allow excess water to drain.
Top purifying plants:Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)Lady palm (Rhapis excelsa)Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)Dracaena 'Janet Craig' (Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig')Pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii)Fig 'Alii' (Ficus macleilandii 'Alii')Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)Peace lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)Florist mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Note: Some plants — such as golden pothos, dieffenbachia, some philodendrons and dracaenas, and peace lily — can be toxic to dogs; depending on the variety of plant and the size and weight of the dog, effects can range from mild oral irritation to poisoning. If you have a dog that likes to nibble, place these plants out of reach.
Learn more about how plants can clear the air >>