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)

I have continued to try and use my purchasing power to support more Eco friendly items. Seventh generation has a full range of products that are responsible. I have been using the toilet paper and trash bags for almost a full year now. The cost a little more at this point, but I have made cuts elsewhere to compensate for this. I actually don't use paper towels anymore. I just use cloth towels. The paper towels in this photo where purchased for my dad. I can't break him of the paper product cycle. I also, don't use paper napkins, I have all cloth napkins, which are more absorbent anyways. So there you go.

Tony Campolo

I just finished reading the book How to Rescue the Earth Without Worshipping Nature by Tony Campolo. (A Christian's Call to Save Creation.) Wow, good book. It was written in 1992 before the whole Eco movement was "in." It is a very timely read, I felt like it was written yesterday. It talks about how Christians should definitely be on the forefront of the movement as it is our God's charge to us. I definitely recommend it. Another book a read a while ago that was good. I forget the Author's name but it was written by an MD and called Serve God, Save the Earth or something like that. I will double check it and edit this later.

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/

Consignment Store

Today I took some of the rummage sale leftovers to a few consignment stores. These particular stores give you cash up front, which is nice. I was able to net another $28.40 for my club fund. I need to remember to frequent these stores more often. Another good way of recycling. The one store is Clothes Mentor. They are very picky with their intake, which means you can find some nice deals. I will have to post a photo sometime of the cute yellow trench I picked up in the spring from there.

Rummage Sale

Today I had a rummage sale as a fundraiser for school. What a great way of recycling and earning money for my department. However, I was greatly surprised by the items some people bought. One lamp was so incredibly ugly and yet someone paid two dollars for it. Amazing. I was able to unload some things. Of course, I also gained some, but at least it is 'recycling' and goes to a good cause.

No Photo, No Computer

So my niece pulled my laptop off its shelf and broke it. I need to take some new photos and buy a new laptop. I will get into this blogging thing when I have the funds to purchase to a new laptop. I know laptops are more environmentally friendly than a desktop, however, I need to research which is the best eco-wise. Until then I will just post when I can on borrowed computers here and there.