Quick Tips

Did you know that Americans use an estimated 500 million straws every DAY? That would fill 46,400 large school buses (just of straws, sans kids) each year. Crazy, right? Plastic straws are used for 5 minutes (or an hour max) and although some are recyclable (as typically #5 plastic), most people don't. Plus, people typically use straws in restaurants and you don't know what happens to those straws behind closed doors. (Hint: trash?) You know what they say, a second on the lips, forever on the landfill. (Or, something like that. right?!?) Next time you're dining out, (Find out more info & ideas, after the jump!)

At this risk of sounding like an annoying daytime television commercial, "Yes I suffer from terrible seasonal allergies." For me and other allergy sufferers fall can mean tissues, eye drops and lots of cursing your bad fortune. I've learned a few tricks over the years to help clean household air and reduce allergy symptoms:

Back to school... Back to school... (Those were the days...) Make your students'  journey back to school a sustainable one. This year, practice the 3 R's:

You're enjoying your fresh produce & CSA veggies now, but what are you going to do once the temps drop and fresh, local veggies aren't available? Hint: Preserve them! You can (Find out more, after the jump!)

40% of the food in the US is never eaten and thrown away, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council in a report released this week. This breaks down to 20+ lbs per person per month, 25% of the groceries purchased & wasting an estimated $1300-$2300 for a family of 4 annually. How can you waste less food?

Shark week continues... OK, what the heck is squalene? Shark squalene is an organic compound found in a sharks liver. So, what's the problem? Shark squalene is heavily used in cosmetics, contributing to unsustainable fishing and damage to marine life. One reason the population of sharks is declining is due to overfishing for the purpose of obtaining the squalene. Click through to read on!

Get snacks from Whole Foods or takeout containers from last weekend's dinner delivery? Those plastic food containers are handy to store food & other household goods. As tempting as it is for a quick reheat, put the plastic down! Don't subject plastic food containers to (find out more, after the jump!)

Happy Friday! We've gotten a lot of great responses based on our Plastic Bag Ban Petition, but make sure to practice what you preach. The next time you run out to the grocery store, mall or afternoon stroll, BYOB. Worried about the size or variety? There's lot of washable and fold-able options.

Looking for a way to eat super-locally? Even if you have a more black-than-green thumb, many herbs are easy to grow. You can guarantee an organic & local food, from your yard to your plate! These plants grow quickly and are way cheaper coming from your own house. No outdoor space? No sweat! Herbs can prosper indoors, as long as you water them and give them a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight. Ready to get started? (Here's where to go for more info, after the jump!)