Like many of you, I have a hodgepodge of reusable grocery sacks that I keep on hand to carry my groceries. Though eco-minded shoppers rave about the benefits of these bags, some recent reports have indicated that they may not be as “green” as they appear. The not-so-green side of reusable grocery bags The resources required to … [Read more...] about Are Reusable Grocery Bags Really Green?
green living
Rampant Reusing: Greeting Cards
Do you love getting cards in the mail from loved ones? I certainly do. Though I loathe throwing the cards away, I don’t see any sense in stashing them away in a drawer where they contribute to clutter. Fortunately, I’ve discovered a number of awesome ways to reuse them. Ways to Reuse Greeting Cards A greeting card can be … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Greeting Cards
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
I absolutely love wrapping gifts! There’s something about lovely wrapping paper and shiny bows that sparks creativity in me. I’ve become increasingly aware that wrapping gifts in traditional gift wrap and using disposable bows isn’t particularly beneficial to the environment. Fortunately, I’ve discovered several creative, eco-friendly … [Read more...] about Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Frugal TIPbits: Make Clothes Last Longer
Taking care of clothes in a manner that extends their life expectancy is one of the easiest ways to keep clothing expenses from getting out of hand. I combed the internet for suggestions because I want to be sure I’m making every reasonable effort to make my household’s clothes last longer. I found a number of common sense approaches … [Read more...] about Frugal TIPbits: Make Clothes Last Longer
Common Housekeeping Conundrums: Lint in Clothes Dryers
Lint can be very pesky as it accumulates in and around clothing dryers. Removing lint is a critical part of dryer maintenance. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers are responsible for approximately 2,900 fires in residential buildings in the U.S. each year. This risk is minimized when dryers are maintained properly. … [Read more...] about Common Housekeeping Conundrums: Lint in Clothes Dryers
Jazzing Up Leftovers
Dinner leftovers comprise the majority of the lunches in my household. By eating them, we save money and avoid wasting food. Sometimes we really enjoy leftovers, but other times we merely tolerate them. Let’s be honest: Some foods just aren’t as good the second time around! In an attempt to avoid mushy, monochromatic remnants, we’re … [Read more...] about Jazzing Up Leftovers
Rampant Reusing: Plastic Milk Jugs
When I was a child my family had milk delivered to our home from a local dairy. Every week a driver would bring milk in glass bottles and place them in the wooden box on our front step. The first cup of milk out of the bottle always tasted heavenly! Unfortunately, those days are long gone. I now live in a somewhat urban area. I don’t … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Plastic Milk Jugs
Modern Lessons from Wartime Rationing
From 1941 to 1945, while the U.S. was involved in World War II, Americans experienced shortages of raw materials and consumer goods. To avert a potential economic crisis, the U.S. government instituted a rationing system. The government distributed impressive propaganda materials to garner compliance with the rationing and to bolster … [Read more...] about Modern Lessons from Wartime Rationing
