Recycled Canvas Bags and Hats by PAZ Apparel | Fashion Peace.

Taking Care

A thought struck me today while I was doing laundry. I've had the same bath towels for nearly 12 years.

That may sound a tad unsanitary to some of you but rest assured I take very good care of my things. In fact  I get enormous satisfaction out of prolonging the life my 'things' for as long as an object is useful.

Think about it. Products are purposefully designed to wear out and break down as quickly as is humanly acceptable. Acceptable? When did we accept this? I guess it can be said we accepted it when we bought into it.

But honestly there are no longer legitimate reasons for us to continue 'buying into' this proposition.

For me it is a matter of 'changing my thoughts, changing my mind and most important of all changing my actions'. 

The 5-Minute Shower (Update)

Well I did it. I survived one full week of water saving fun and the experience wasn't all bad. The only drawback was not being able to just soak in the hot water on a cold winter morning. I suppose this is one more sacrifice I can make in the name of conserving such a precious resource.

The 5-Minute Shower

How long do you spend in the shower? 10 minutes? 20 minutes or more?

We all talk about doing our part for the environment but I think sometimes we just go through the motions because that's what's expected of us.

Yes I recycle and yes I buy in bulk for the most part but other than that I haven't really made any new sacrifices lately....so I think it is about time.

This week I'm going to experiment with the 5 minute shower to see how much I can cut down on my water usage.

I'll rinse and then turn off the water to lather up. Then rinse again. I think that should do it....but we'll see. And I'll let you know at the end of the week how I do.

Recylcing Resolutions

I know we're already well into January but it's not too late to jump on the new year resolution bandwagon. Especially one that will do good for you and the planet. 

Thanks to the folks at 'Tree Hugging Family' who have put together a list of 5 'Great New Year's Resolution's

Gift Wrapping Tips

Oh the madness!! I personally haven't bought into holiday hype for several years running but once in a while you can't help but feel a little overwhelmed this time of year. There is just so much to do and only so much time.

So let's see if we can ease the pain just a bit with a gift wrapping tip that will put less stress on the environment and give your packages a little extra flare.

To begin with, instead of wrapping gifts with paper try simply tying on a beautiful fabric ribbon instead. Ribbons come in all textures and colors and can be used over and over again and they give any gift extra appeal.

For smaller gifts in ugly boxes simply wrap them with kitchen towels and tie it all up with ribbon.

I honestly don't know the last time I bought paper for gift wrapping. I'm no Martha but I do keep extra ribbon around just for quick gifting. 

And remember, don't stress.

Christmas Tree Recycling

Earth 911 is a terrific resource for locating a place in your area that offers live tree recycling.

Sustainable Wall Covering

Thinking of updating a room with a fresh coat of paint?

Think again.

I recently discovered an alternative that is non-toxic, resists mold and fading.

And it's all natural.

American Clay natural earth plaster. And it doesn't contain any nasty VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which are certainly not good for us or the environment.

When you start scratching the surface of sustainability you really discover a new world of opportunity out there.

With so many home renovations taking place I am thrilled to see innovations like this one. And the texture is so natural

Get Rid of Junk Mail For Good!

Thanks to another terrific post by Marguerite Manteau-Rao on La Marguerite here's a service that claims to rid you of junk mail saving countless trees and water in the process and all for a one time fee of just $15!

Sounds like a must have service and a great idea for a christmas gift!

'Recycling' and 'Giving' Can Counter Act 'Hoarding'

Many of you have probably heard of this relatively new phenomenon making its way into the vernacular. Hoarding. You probably even know someone who is a hoarder or maybe you yourself are a hoarder.

First of all I don't think anyone should be ashamed of this condition nor do I feel as though any one of us is in a position to judge others for experiencing this condition.

I mean honestly look around at our society. We celebrate consumption and even build holidays around consuming.

The good news is that we are becoming more aware and conscious of our over indulgent consuming behavior as a society and the negative effects it is having on our planet.

Even if you are a mild hoarder I challenge you to stop shopping and start donating some of your excess to charity groups. You'll feel better as you lighten your load and you'll be doing someone less fortunate a great service by giving them something they truly need this holiday season.

Are you living a sustainable life?

If you have 15 minutes to spare I strongly encourage you to play Consumer Consequences. It's a game that asks you a series of questions about your lifestyle, and as you play, it will show you how many "Earths" of natural resources it would take to sustain all 6.6 billion humans… if everyone lived like you.

It would take 3.1 earth's to sustain my particular lifestyle.....see if you can do better.