Rechargeable Batteries

Okay, so this post is a bit on the lame side, because rechargeable batteries are a no brainer in the eco friendly path, but as I have mentioned before baby steps are the best path for most into a greener life. So if you have not made the plunge yet consider it. I started just with my AA and AAA batteries. I purchased the small travel charger and a couple packs of each size and as batteries died I replaced them with the rechargeable ones. Soon I felt compelled to buy the mondo recharger that services a wide range of rechargeable. I have been extremely happy with both. Some battery operated items need recharging more than others. (Digital cameras for instance.) However, they are battery hogs regardless of the type of battery used. One point I need to make in earnest whatever battery you choice. Dispose of them properly!! Please do not throw them in you regular trash. The components in the batteries are nasty and we definately do not want them leaching into our soil. Call around for drop off sites, I know my school collects them so that is where I take mine.

Draft Dodger

The spring thaw is definitely happening and warmth is showing up every now and again, so I need to post this one quickly before it is completely irrelevant for many months. (Okay, so it is already past that point, but it is so darn cute.) I picked up this adorable draft dodger at my favorite fair trade store, but was in the Serrv international catalog (http://www.serrv.org/). Even if they are not carrying it this season, this is a great fair trade website. Peruse at you own risk. The jewelry is addictive. (the Divine white chocolate bars are amazing.) Be forewarned, it might be best to freeze your credit card in a block of ice first. Anyways, back to the draft dodger, I live in a very drafty apartment. There is little I can do because, well, I rent, so no structural changes. The draft dodger is a cute and handy way to prevent heat loss. Also, many websites give instructions how to make one yourself, but I have yet to become that crafty. If you are interested though, as always Google is a great way to find some. Well, this post became a bit more sporadic than I meant, oh well, spring tends to addle my mind a bit.

Cat Hair Dilemma

So I dearly love my feline friends, however, I don't like wearing their fur with me whereever I go - I was going through the lint rollar strips like a madwomen. While at Target (okay, I admit I am a bit of a Target addict, I am working on it) I saw this package on an endcap. They had the 'as seen on tv' label on the package. It came with this large model and a little travel one. I bought them on a whim (yes, something else I am working on) and have been thrilled ever since, I still have my disposible lint roller from before simply because I haven't finished using it because I use the reusable one more. It is wonderful, just keep an eye out for one. (I have no idea what the real name is, I bought this about a year ago.)

Pencil Extender

So this Kohl-I-Noor pencil extender is a great product that I use in my art world all the time. It really helps extend an art budget by allowing more use from your colored pencils, pastel pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing pencils, you get the idea. Well, one day I was applying my eyeliner, being frustrated by the small size of the left over pencil (throw back to early post about trying to use as much of the product as possible to not be wasteful) and I had a 'doit' moment - it's a pencil - use the extender! Birds sang for a moment, a light shown down, okay, maybe not that dramatic, but it was easier. Yet another handy tool and this is great because it can be used for make-up and office/art/etc. Okay, this one is a bit rambling, I'll stop.

Plastic bag dryer

This is a handy little invention that can be found at Lehman's Hardware. (http://www.lehmans.com/) Search plastic bag and bottle dryer. Let's face it most of the baggies we throw away can be used a few more times, but drying them properly is a pain. Prior to receiving this as a Christmas present, I would dry mine one at at time on my banana hook stand thingamabob...what is the proper name for that contraption anyways! Give it a try, I love mine.

Making Yogurt.

My new hobby. So I decided I really wanted to limit the amount of non recyclable plastics I use. Also, a good friend of mine who lives out of state had me try her homemade yogurt while I was visiting her and it was yummy. I read up on ways to make yogurt and while there are non electric ways to do it, I had to be honest with myself and realize they were more labor intensive than my natural laziness could handle. So I decide to purchase and electric one. I love it! It is super easy and healthy. I boil my non homogenized silk milk (180 F) then let it cool to 110. Stir in the yogurt culture, pour into the containers, and plug in for twelve hours. After that throw it in the fridge for three more hours and your done. So easy. I am experimenting with flavors now. (which is why the one jar is brownish - chocolate)

Perserve Toothbrush

So Sarah, this one is for you. Now that I know I have at least one reader, perhaps I will be more motivated. So I found an eco friendly toothbrush. It is the perserve toothbrush from the Recycline company. They are made from recycled number 5 plastics, like Stoneybrook Farms yogurt cups. The best part is that they provide you with a no postage required envelope to return the toothbrush for further recycling. Awesome, eh! I order a year subscription of toothbrushes and tongue cleaners (also made from recycled plastics). Every three months my new toothbrush will arrive in the mail, this is helpful as I am often wondering when I need to switch. The total cost for the subscription was a little over 28 dollars, not bad. This includes shipping and everything. I think it is a very economical and environmental thing to do. Check out their website, http://www.recycline.com/

French Press and Fair Trade Coffee

So, I lost interest during the summer of posting. (Not in being more environmental, just posting) but tonight while putting off washing dishes, I am suddenly motivated.

This post is about a nifty little coffee pot my aunt gave me. It saves on filters. (I do have a traditional coffee pot for when I have more guest than this little guy can handle, but it stays unplugged and I only use unbleached filters on the rare occasion that the big guy is used.) The French Press coffee pot is great for two to three cups of coffee. It is quick and easy for me in the morning as well. I have also taken to buying only fair trade coffee. This toffee caramel version is yummy. It is sustainably grown and helps out small farmers. I purchased it at a ten thousand villages partner store. Go to http://www.equalexchange.com/ to learn more about their products.