Excess Packaging

Truth be told I am not ready to give up make-up. I enjoy being a girl and looking the part. As I use up products, I am consciously trying to find more earth friendly products that have no animal testing. Peta's website has a helpful list for the animal testing part. I have been somewhat discouraged though as I try to use the rest of my current make up. There is so much extra product in tube products that I am sure many people throw away. I know that I am guilty of this in the past. I don't know how well this photo illustrates it, but this roll on foundation goes at least 3/4 of an inch beyond where it stops rolling. I am being diligent digging deeper to use all of the product, but I am disappointed in the company (which shall remain nameless at this point.) that markets this product.

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.

Yeah!

Well, the laptop has finally arrived so hopefully that will equal more regular postings. One thing I would like to suggest is to sign up for a subscription to Ideal bites. It is a weekly email that gives light green ideas. It is great. I have learned so much from them. They also have a mama bites for all those moms out there. Really it is worth your time!

New Computer

The new computer is in process and well be here soon. New post to follow!

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.