Quick Tips

This Friday, we're asking you to go for the Bar! (of soap.) Over the past year, I’ve swapped liquid body wash for the bar variety.  It’s less expensive and saves packaging waste. Plus, all of that water IN the liquid wash uses… you guessed it, more water.  (More water = more weight & energy = increased fuel costs for transportation) Supposedly the average bar of soap lasts for 20 showers (vs. a 16 ounce of body wash is 80) – Although body wash costs more than 4 x’s the bar. (However, my bars of soap seem to last literally for 30-40 showers.)

Have a family member or friend that refuses to kick an ugly not-so-green habit? For their next birthday or holiday, casually give them a greener option. Have a friend that goes through Starbucks coffee cups like cigarettes? Maybe your sister uses bottled water at the gym? Purchase aluminum water bottles, coffee mugs, or grocery totes to give to the perpetrator.  With so many varieties available, you'll definitely find something that fits his or her personality. Try browsing Philly's Big Green Earth Store or Olde city/Midtown boutiques for earth-friendly finds. Plus, the gift of green... keeps on giving! :-)

Ever wonder what you can recycle next? As we've mentioned before, "going green" is rarely an overnight process.  Feel stuck in your progress?  (Find out more, after the jump!)

Don't feel guilty using your microwave for simple, on-the-go meals. Cooking & reheating using the microwave is not only fast, but more energy efficient than using your stove-top or oven. You'll reduce energy by up to 70% when you prepare small meals this way. In the winter months using the microwave can help contribute to warmth in the kitchen - making it easier to avoid turning up the thermostat. Speaking of energy... did you know

1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally each year... Or more than 200 LBS per PERSON! (yes, you!). How many times do you overestimate how much food you can eat and end up throwing it in the compost (or jawdrop: trash!) Although it’s something we hear again and again, taking less portions is better for your waistline… AND less food for the landfill. Eating out? Split a meal with your dining partner or set aside half the meal to take home for later. Assessing your pantry & fridge inventory BEFORE a trip to the grocery store will also save you from buying too much food and help you stick to the bare minimums. Readers, any other tricks to eat & waste less?

Most people are unsure how much energy their household actually uses. Whether it’s good or bad news – you’ll learn something! Schedule an energy audit to learn more about your energy habits.  Chances are you’ll be motivated to make changes...

There's nothing I dread more than receiving those damn credit card offers in the mail. Such lies and false promises - Free airline tickets, magazines, chateaus, daschunds...  They'll give me ANYTHING to sign up for another express ticket on the gateway to debt. Good news for you - You can opt out of Credit Card offers with OptOutPrescreen.com.  Because of a "Fair Credit Reporting Act", companies are allowed to give your name to credit agencies.  Which results in a  LOT of paper in your mailbox. Just take a minute, visit the site, and opt out of junk mail.

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, local consumers swarm businesses looking for the best deals. This holiday season, take a step back from the masses and try putting money back in

When I walked outside my door this morning, I couldn’t help but notice all the beautiful orange & yellow leaves on the sidewalk. Which reminded me… I can gather them for the Philly Bagged Leaf Drive! Rather than using a...