October, 2009

October is a great month to get out into nature. Visit a pumpkin farm. There is one in Lobeco, SC. Get outside and enjoy a nice walk or bike. There's no humidity! Support your local farmers by purchasing seasonal foods from the local farmers market.  And it's time for the spookiest holiday of the year, Halloween. If you've got trick-or-treaters, make or buy a second hand costume. When collecting treats with your little goblin this year, use a recyclable bag to carry all those goodies. Not only will the bag not rip, but you’ll still be able to go green.

September, 2009

Back to school, back to school…. Parents are rejoicing and children are dreading it! Let’s make the transition to school more green this year. If you live near the school, try having your child walk or ride a bike. Invest in canvas or cardboard binders. This avoids having to use plastic. Did your child bring home a list of things they absolutely have to have for school? Buy online to avoid driving to the store. Be sure to buy recycled paper. While you are shopping online, buy a lunchbox instead of using paper bags. And remember to fill those lunchboxes with organic food! Have a clothes swap with your friends who have kids around the same age. Be sure to take all the clothes that no one wants to the local Salvation Army.  Have a safe, happy and “green” school year!

August, 2009

It's August! Summer is almost over so here are a few ways to finish your summer being "green". A great way to beat the heat is to head to your local ice cream shop. How is this green? Well get your ice cream in a cone. This creates less trash and its an even better way to enjoy your ice cream. Having a barbecue? Use propane gas. It burns cleaner than the alternatives. Be sure to buy local for your barbecue to help the local farmers. On Squire Pope road there is a little stand with great vegetables. And just a reminder to everyone enjoying our beaches and rivers, please clean up after yourself. Too much trash is polluting our oceans and rivers. We live in an area with wonderful beaches, please keep it clean.

July, 2009
Cleaning your home… its something we all dread at the end of the day. But by using “green” products you can feel better about cleaning your home while protecting our Earth.  Look for products that are made from renewable resources, non-toxic and are biodegradable.  But a way to save a little money is to use what you have at home to clean. Mix either vinegar or baking soda with some warm water and this concoction will clean just about anything. Does your carpet smell a little bit funky after taking the kids and the dogs to the beach? Sprinkle your carpet with simple baking soda for a fresh clean smell.  Want a natural air freshener? Boil some rosemary, sage, lavender or any other herb you like and this will send a welcoming aroma through your home.

June, 2009
Now that it's Daylight Savings time, this is the best time to use natural light throughout the day instead of light bulbs that use energy. After all, your lighting is about 11% of your home's total energy bill. Also, the National Fire Protection Assoc. and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend that consumers change the battery in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when we change the clocks for Daylight Savings Time. While you've got the ladder out, why not change a light bulb as well? Switching to energy efficient bulbs in your ceiling fixtures could save you $30 per bulb on your electricity bill. the latest generation of energy-saving lighting includes compact fluorescent bulbs that fit in standard light sockets and provide pleasant, uniform light. Low-energy halogen or LED lighting is also becoming widely available.

May, 2009
May is National Bike Month. Now that our weather is getting warmer, it is a great time to get out your bike and take advantage of the many bike paths and trails on the Island and in Bluffton. Not only is bike riding an effective workout, but it will also help save gas when you run errands or even commute to work. Don't have a bike? Many places on the Island offer used bikes that you can get at a reasonable price. You'll be Reusing, another way to be a little more green!

April, 2009
In honor of Earth Month, remember the four R's of being green...Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Restore. Reduce what you can. Turn off the lights and running water when not in use. Reduce your energy bills by using energy efficient light bulbs. Reuse everything possible...a water bottle, a shopping bag, every little bit makes a difference. Recycle! Bluffton and Hilton Head Island both have recycle centers for plastics, cardboard, glass, etc. Many grocery stores have bins to recycle your plastic bags. Recycling will also help "reduce" your trash. Restore things around your home that need repairing. You will save money instead of having to buy new items. And when you do need to buy, buy used. You can get great deals at garage sales and thrift stores. St. Francis Thrift Store, the Litter Box, Bargain box and Goodwill are all places that have great deals and also help benefit the community.

See the amazing images from last month's Earth Hour 2009: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/03/earth_hour_2009.html

March, 2009
On March 28 you can VOTE EARTH by switching off your lights for one hour.
Or you can vote global warming by leaving your lights on. The results of the election are being presented at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009. One billion votes for Earth, will tell world leaders that we have to take action against global warming.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.
Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm. Get more information HERE

February, 2009
Here are some ideas to make this Valentine's Day a little greener:
•  Make your own Valentine's Day card with magazines you have lying around the house. You won't need to spend money on an expensive card and homemade, thoughtful gifts are always the best.
•  Have dinner by candlelight. Not only is it romantic, but you'll save energy.
•  Shower together to save water. Need we say more?

January, 2009
Make a New Year's resolution to be "green" in some way this next year. Whether it's recycling, carpooling, or even using reusable bags and your grocery store...make a change to make a difference!

December, 2008
Banking Tip: Instead of using the drive up window, go into the store or bank. This will cut your gasoline costs and also reduce the carbon emissions. Also, when at the ATM drive-up, say "no" to a receipt if you really don't need it. This will help with reducing waste.

November, 2008
Water conservation is the most cost effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water.
And, saving water also saves energy. Here some effective ways to save water in and around your home everyday.

• Limit the length of your showers and shut off the water while soaping up and shampooing.

• Don’t run the water when brushing your teeth.

• Wash towels after several uses instead of just one.  

• Don't use your toilet as a wastebasket.

• When you wash dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing them.

• Don't defrost frozen foods with running water.

• Clean vegetables by soaking them.