I carry a titanium backpacking spork around in my purse.  I know that sounds kind of weird, but it saves me from using disposable utensils when I eat out, and it’s so light, I never even notice that I’m carrying it.

Before the Industrail Revolution it was common for guests to be expected to bring their own utensils with them when invited to dine, because utensils were expensive, labor intensive items, and most people didn’t own extra sets.  Now, when it’s possible to buy a set of 1,000 plastic utensils for under $20, people don’t even think about bringing their own.

But think of the plastic waste that can be saved by slipping a fork from home in your purse on the way out the door.  You don’t need anything fancy.  Grab one from your kitchen drawer, or if you’re worried about loosing a piece of a set, pick up a few spare utensils the next time you hit a discount store, thrift shop, or yard sale.  It’s simple a simple way to cut down waste, and it’s always nicer to eat with real utensils anyway.

Howling Hill sent me a great link to instructions for making your own reusable cloth snack bags.  The instructions are thorough with pictures showing the steps.  They’re so cute and easy!  Make them out of scrap fabric and you’ll save money and cut down on your plastic waste.

Thanks, HH!

Gardening is full of surprises.  Sometimes you plant tomatoes hoping for a great harvest, only to get a a few mealy ones that never quite turn red.  Other times, you end up with so many tomatoes you just don’t know what to do with them all.

Inhabitat found a great resource for gardeners.  Veggie Trader lets you trade the overflow of your bumper crops for someone else’s.  Check it out!

It’s bike weather!  Everyone knows that biking instead of driving is a fabulous way to lessen your carbon footprint, save money, and stay fit.  But not everyone knows what to look for in a bicycle.  Read more…

Thinking about doing a little landscaping around your house this summer?  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, well placed trees, trellises and vines can add up to significant energy savings (up to 25%).

The DOE says that planting deciduous trees, (trees that lose their leaves in the fall) on the south and west sides of your house will provide shade to your house in the summer to help keep it cool.  As the weather gets colder, the trees will lose their leaves, allowing the sun to shine into your house and keep it warmer.

Planning to do some home remodeling this summer?  Don’t put your old fixtures out at the curb. Read more…

Do you have a big event coming up?  Floral arrangements can be a big part of the decorations for weddings, reunions, corporate events, and other celebrations.  But after the festivities end, what do you do with the arrangements? Read more…

Earth Day is a great way to remind all of us to make our footprint smaller, waste less, and make other efforts to protect our planet.  But it’s not about one day.

Read more…

Thinking of getting a rain barrel to collect water for gardening use?  You’ll want to be selective in how you use collected water. Read more…

The National Trust for Historic Preservation says “The greenest house is the house already built.”  Of course, most homes could use a little greening up.  Read more…