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Tips to reduce, reuse, and recycle:
Extend the lifecycle of many items by learning where to recycle them: Earth911 |
All online store orders placed through December 31st totaling over $20.00 will get 10% off! See online store for details!
Green Gift Ideas:
1) The number #1 gift of the season! Smart Strip power strips stop phantom electricity drain from your computer peripherals or entertainment center and save some serious cash. An instant $10 rebate for most Massachusetts residents will save you money, too!
2) Help your loved ones give up the plastic water bottle and be safe with a Klean Kanteen non-toxic stainless steel bottle, in several sizes and nifty colors. Sippy top version available for the toddler on your list!
3) SnackTAXIs are great to replace plastics baggies in lunchboxes - but did you know they also make great reusable gift wrapping? Check out the styles and colors!
6) Everyone loves candles, they're a great gift, we know. But did you know that scented and paraffin candles actually pollute the air with toxins? Our 100% beeswax candles are lovely and purify the air, so give the gift of health as well as beauty! |
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Interesting Customer Suggestions:
Dana from Medfield:
Green Birthday Favors - "Instead of giving plastic bags for favors, try the small Snack Taxis instead! They make great gift wrapping for small gifts too."
Jill from Fitchburg:
Bantam Chickens Perch-
"Your large clothes rack makes a great perch for our Bantam Chickens."
E-mail us your unusual ideas and we may share them with our readers. |
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Happy Seasonal Greetings!
We'd like to thank YOU for supporting our new adventure this year.
In thanks we're sharing green tips that'll bring you holiday cheer!
To improve the air, add plants to your home, or give them as a gift;
Peace plants and ivy reduce toxins and give your breathing a lift.
Switch to LED holiday lights and spend but a dollar for the season
Older lights cost $75 to run... not upgrading, we can't see the reason.
Recycled holiday cards make great tags and postcards down the road
Wrap with comics, kids' art, reused giftwrap to lighten the trash load.
If buying more "stuff" this holiday season has you feeling blue
Don't worry, my friend, you can have fun and to your values stay true.
Give the gift of consuming less to the special folks on your list.
Help them save money, and help the planet, now that's a special gift!
We hope these tips have made you smile and helped bring you cheer.
We wish you all a very green and very happy New Year!
Thank you all for your support!
Happy holidays from your friends,
Laura and Dianne
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Want to save cash, coal, and help the planet?
5 Electricity Reducing Tips:
1) Eliminate Energy Vampires in your home. 10- 20% of your electric bill is comprised of electricity used when you think the items are off. The average US family spends more money a year on TVs when they are OFF than when they are ON! Unplug cell phone chargers, electric razors and toothbrushes as soon as charging is complete.
2) Shut outside lights off as soon as everyone is in for the night, and add motion detector lights outside instead of leaving lights on.
3) Let the light follow you. During the long dark days of winter, allow the room you are in to be lit up but shut off lights when you leave a room.
4) Trade traditional power strips for Smart Strips which will eliminate energy vampires for your entertainment and computer areas. These devices will save over 200Kwh/year, saving you money and eliminating wasted electricity.
5) Start tracking your electricity usage and compare to the previous year to ensure you and your family are reducing electricity instead of increasing. The per person average electricity usage is increasing by 2% to 3% every year; try to reverse this trend in your home. |
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Humidifying your Home in the Winter
Instead of using an electric humidifier (which can cost as much as $40 per month to run), try humidifying for free by setting glass or metal bowls of water around your home. Drying your laundry on a clothes rack is another great way to add moisture back into the air. If you're concerned that air-dried clothes will be stiff, then switch to a natural laundry detergent that does not contain SLS (sodium laureth sulfate, a sudsing agent which leaves clothes stiff). Also add white vinegar to your wash (1/4 cup for regular washers, or 1/8 cup for High Efficiency washing machines), to soften your clothes naturally. |
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If your new year resolutions include getting an energy audit, weatherizing your home, doing a green home renovation or flooring upgrade from reclaimed wood, installing solar hot water, solar photovoltaics, wind, or upgrading your heating system to a greener alternative, then check out our new directory!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Here are some additional books and websites with terrific information to help you learn more.
Carbon Footprint:
- Low Carbon Diet, by David Gershon, a 30-day program to lose 5000 (carbon) pounds.
- Poison Profits: The Toxic Assault on our Children, by Alice and Phillip Shabecoff
General: - 350.org: To learn more about the reasons reducing carbon emissions is important!
- Tracking Trash, Loree Griffin Burns (For understanding the impact of plastics on the earth) |
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Get in on the Multiplier Effect... first reduce your own energy consumption and save money month after month, and then host a Go Green Event and share with friends and family how they can consume less and save more, too! Please e-mail us for more information or call 978-707-2347. |
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Sincerely,
Laura Kischitz and Dianne Martz
Co-Founders Sustainable Life Solutions |
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