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Understanding Your Carbon Footprint

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Article about Understanding Your Carbon Footprint

Understanding Your Carbon Footprint

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When talking about living green or low impact living, you will often hear the term carbon footprint. But what is that and how do you know if you have lowered your carbon footprint by changing the way you live? Understanding your carbon footprint and how it’s figuring out is important when you’re trying to determine your low impact lifestyle. So here’s what you need to know about your carbon footprint.

What Is Carbon Footprint

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines carbon footprint as: “the amount of greenhouse gases and specifically carbon dioxide emitted by something (as a person’s activities or a product’s manufacture and transport) during a given period.”

A carbon footprint is broken down into two parts; a primary footprint and a secondary footprint. The primary footprint is the sum of the direct carbon dioxide emissions in burning fossil fuels by things like furnaces and transportation.

The secondary footprint is the sum of indirect carbon dioxide emissions. This includes those emissions associated with the manufacturing of a product and the breakdown of a product, as well as the services and food an individual or a business consumes.

Calculating Your Carbon Footprint

When you are trying to figure out your carbon footprint you are basically looking at the products you buy and determining how much energy was used to manufacture each product and get it to you. Buying local is going to reduce your carbon footprint considerably. Of course calculating how much fossil energy is used to produce an item is going to be difficult.

So something easier to calculate is your own use of fossil fuels. The amount of heating fuel and electricity we use in our home, how much gasoline and oil is used to get us from one place to another, and how many flights we take are more tangible for us to calculate.

Calculating the amount of carbon dioxide used when burning gas is quite straightforward. A standard amount of carbon dioxide is released when you burn this type of fossil fuel. Electricity is a little harder to calculate. It depends on your electric supplier and what they use to generate your energy. Wind energy produces no direct emissions, but coal uses the most.

Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Now that you know what the carbon footprint is and how to calculate it, here are ways to begin reducing your carbon footprint:

* Reduce your junk mail. There are services which will remove your name from lists that send you junk mail and this will reduce your carbon footprint.

* Change your driving habits. That’s right, by following the driving rules and accelerating smoothly, following speed limits, maintaining your speed, and not slamming on the breaks you’ll reduce your CO2 output.

* Maintain your cars tires and keep up to date with tune-ups and oil changes and filter replacements.

* Carpool when you can.

* Reduce your travel and combine trips whenever you can.

* Think about how you get there. Take a train if you can or fly nonstop.

* Turn things off when you’re not going to be home. Unplug what you can.

* Use a programmable thermostat in your home.

* Reduce drafts in the home by using weather stripping and caulking.

* Change your lights to incandescent.

* Get energy star appliances, electronics, shower heads, and toilets when it’s time to buy new.

* Reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Following all of these things will help you begin to reduce your carbon footprint.

Until next time!

The Beautiful Nerd 🙂

 

Tableware for a Green Party

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Tableware for a Green Party

Tableware for a Green Party

One of the best areas where you can go green at your next party is with the tableware. Using disposable will leave a huge mound of trash that will end up in a landfill and spend years, if not decades, decomposing. Here are some of the ways you can make your tableware eco-friendly.

Think Durable versus Disposable

While it is true that you don’t have to wash disposable items, over the course of several parties you will pay just as much, if not more, for the disposable tableware versus more enduring straws, cups, glassware, plates, bowls and cutlery.

Straws

Plastic straws are out due to their damage to the environment. Try paper instead. For more durable ones, try bamboo, stainless steel, or glass.

Cups

Young children can drop and spill things easily if the cup is too large. Small enameled tin cups might work well for parties.

Glassware

Arcoroc makes a line of durable glasses in all shapes and sizes. You can also use jam jars or Mason jars for sturdy glassware at parties. This is the perfect way to make the most of them if the airtight gaskets start to age and get stiff.

Plates and Bowls

This will depend on your budget. You can find pretty sets of lightweight, break-proof Corelleware in a range of designs. They are perfect for everyday use no matter what the ages in the family. If you want a party set, choose something festive looking in a color scheme that will work well for a range of occasions, not just a birthday.

You can also buy stoneware, but make sure it is from the US and is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Dishes made overseas can often be covered in a glaze that breaks down over time, especially when heated.

Melamine (Bakelite) is a common material for children’s cups and dishes, but it should not be microwave or used with very hot foods like soups or stews.

Cutlery

Stainless steel will hold up to the dishwasher. Cutlery sets come in many attractive and affordable designs. Avoid the ones with the colored plastic handles, as they tend to crack or snap.

Table Linen

Use for your tablecloths and napkins. Just throw them in the wash at the end of each party. Aim for useful colors. You can then dress up the look with table runners in cloth that can also be put in the wash, or use homemade placemats and table runners the children can create as part of the fun.

Serving Items

Shatter-proof bowls in a range of sizes are useful for almost any course at a party. Large serving spoons in stainless steel are durable and can also be used for most courses at the party.

What about Recycled?

If you still feel you want disposable tableware, look for recycled paper products created with post-consumer waste. Also choose products that have not been bleached; bleaching paper is very harmful to the environment also.

Rental

If you love the idea of greening your parties but really don’t have the space to store all sorts of spare tableware sets, consider renting what you need from a local party store or caterer.

All the above suggestions can assist with the reduction of landfill waste. Give some of these ideas a try!

Until next time!

 

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Do’s and Don’ts for Kids’ Green Parties

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do's and don'ts for kid's green parties

Do’s and Don’ts for Kids’ Green Parties

Do’s and Don’ts

Now that people are more conscious about the impact on the environment of plastic and other non-biodegradable items, they are becoming more alert as to what they can do to help the environment. Parties can be a time of over-consumption and great waste. Reusing, recycling and repurposing can all help cut down on the carbon footprint of each child’s party you host.

  • Think paper, not plastic straws – Tens of thousands of plastic straws are used every day and litter the environment. Use paper instead. Other options include bamboo or stainless steel.
  • Think biodegradable balloons – Most balloons are made of rubber, which does not break down even after years in a landfill. Make mock balloons out of construction paper, or use biodegradable ones.
  • Think children’s china sets, not disposable – Buy cheap but durable china and glasses instead of spending a fortune on disposable. You may have to wash between courses but that is a small price to pay for avoiding a mountain of waste. Corelleware is a good option for shatterproof, lightweight plates in pretty designs.
  • Use stainless steel cutlery, not plastic – Stainless steel is durable and will hold up to the dishwasher as well as handwashing.
  • Use shatter-proof glasses or mugs, not plastic cups or Styrofoam – Arcoroc makes an affordable line of break-resistant glasses. Corelleware usually comes with cups or mugs. You can also reuse jam jars or Mason jars.
  • Use cloth napkins, not paper – Just throw in the wash when you are done. Try a dark color so it will show fewer stains.
  • Use dishcloths, not paper towels – There is always plenty to mop up at a party. Use the cloths for your cleaning needs and throw in the wash.
  • Skip the soda bottles – Serve juice that has been reconstituted from frozen. If you can’t live without soda, invest in a SodaStream to cut down on bottles used.
  • Skip the plastic favor bags – Use brown paper sandwich bags, or waxed ones if you want a favor bag that is greaseproof.
  • Skip the useless favors, think useful – Buy items to place in a brown paper party favor bag your kids can decorate. Think of the kinds of things kids love, like stickers, pencils, puzzle or coloring books, and so on.
  • Buy large bags of snacks, not individual ones – Use clear, waxed paper sandwich bags so kids can enjoy a treat without you having to worry about dirty hands in a communal bowl. Also make your own popcorn at home in an air popper. Snack-pack wrappers are not biodegradable, whereas waxed paper is.

Eco-Friendly Party Tips

It all comes back to keeping it simple. These tips might turn the conventional birthday party upside down, but they’ll set you free along the way. Here’s how to host an eco-friendly birthday party everyone will enjoy.

  • Rent party items, don’t by disposable – Eco-friendly party supply stores will actually rent you all you need for your party, including cloth banners, tablecloths and more.
  • Plan green activities – This could be a trip to the local park or a nature walk. If the children are old enough, bring rubber gloves and recycling bags and get them to pick up plastic bottles and cans. Give them the money for the return and make a contest out of it, such as the top three who collected the most, those who found a green can, and so on. Prizes can be gently used items you found at a thrift store. You can also make it into an “Easter egg” type of hunt, with wrapped gifts amid the garbage that will get even the most hesitant child going for gold!
  • Skip the wrapping paper – Use brown paper the kids have colored, magazine pages, or reusable gift bags and gift boxes instead.

There are numerous ways we can all contribute to sustainability. Hope you will give the a few of the above listed suggestions a try.

Until next time!

 

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Kids’ Food Ideas for a Green Party

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Kids’ Food Ideas for a Green Party

Kids’ Food Ideas for a Green Party

One of the biggest impacts on the environment is what is termed greenhouse gases, produced in part from discarded food decomposing and releasing these gases. Studies have shown that in the United States alone, people throw away 60 million tons of food every year. This represents around 50% of the money they spend on food.

Why throw half your grocery bill in the garbage? Planning ahead can lead to big savings. Planning for a party in particular is a must. You need to cater to various food tastes and certainly don’t want a lot of waste.

Here are some eco-friendly food ideas that can save money, and the planet.

Snack Items

Instead of buying individual plastic-wrapped bags, make your own buttery or cheesy popcorn with an air popper. If you are worried about grubby little fingers getting into a common bowl, use brown paper sandwich bags to portion them up and take their leftovers home. Have your child decorate each bag and be sure to write the person’s name on each.

Homemade Granola Bars

Buy the ingredients in bulk online, such as oats and raisins. Cut up and lay out on a plate. Any leftovers can be frozen or sent home with the kids in their favor bag.

Eat a Rainbow

Create a rainbow centerpiece using thin slices of vegetables such as carrots and celery, and berries such as raspberries and blueberries. Use any leftovers for healthy smoothies. You can drink fresh, or place in a jam jar or travel mug for an ice-cold smoothie on the go.

Pizza

Pizza is always a popular favorite. Make your own from scratch and top with your favorite cheese and toppings. Make them thin crust without a lot of rolled edge so the children don’t have trouble chewing. Any leftovers will freeze well.

Sandwiches

Choose whole grain white bread if possible, otherwise a quality loaf of white bread. Cut off the crusts and save them for homemade bread pudding. Make just enough for the number of guests you have coming. You can always make more if you start to run out. Avoid peanut butter; so many people these days are allergic to nuts. Choose ham, turkey and cheeses. Use condiments like mayo lightly. Lay out the sandwiches with cards saying which is which.

Grilled Cheese

Cut off the crusts. Use American or Cheddar. Be sure the cheese is cool enough so no one burns their mouth.

Pasta

Try thin spaghetti and your own homemade sauce. Ravioli is another choice kids love. It is tasty hot or cold and you can freeze the leftovers.

Cake

Bake your own cake from scratch. Avoid whipped cream because it does not freeze well. Use jam between the layers and either buttercream or glaze on the outside. Use a reusable cake topper for the décor. Freeze any leftovers.

Cupcakes

Assemble cupcakes into a cake if you wish. Use recycled cupcake liners. Add some buttercream frosting and an attractive reuseable cupcake pick.

Sundaes

Use Mason jars or nice jam jars to serve. Layer ice cream with a few colorful candies, and some syrup and sprinkles on top. If there are any leftover sundaes, just put the lid on and save for a sweet treat any time.

Drinks

Make up your own Kool-Aid using the natural variety. Serve in Mason or jam jars. Keep soda to a minimum. If your family can’t live without it, consider investing in a SodaStream system so you can cut down on the number of plastic bottles used. Always recycle plastic whenever possible.

Waste not want not! Hope you will give a few of the mentioned suggestions a try. Let save this planet together – one idea at a time!

Until next time!

 

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Favors for a Green Party

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Favors for a Green Party

Favors for a Green Party

Party favors are the norm these days, rather than the exception. You don’t have to give them, but if you choose to, there are a number of ways to make them greener and cut down on expense and waste. The last thing you want is a lot of trash, or your hard-earned money ending up in the garbage.

Avoid the Plastic Bags

Most party favors are given in small plastic bags. Try a brown paper sandwich bag instead. There are also waxed food bags that are greaseproof. Both will hold up to any cake, candies or cookies you want to send home with the children.

Food

Send home cookies, homemade granola bars and so on, for a treat for the child and/or their family. Bake from scratch and even include a recipe card if you wish. Avoid nuts, as so many people are allergic these days.

Homemade Fudge

Fudge is a welcome gift and is easy to make at home. Put in a bag, or pack up in a reusable cute tin.

Useful Items Kids Love

Oriental Trading and similar companies offer useful party favors in a range of colors and styles, and holiday-themed ones as well. You can buy some items individually, and others in packs of 12. Any remaining items, the family can use. Good choices include fun pens, pencils, erasers, rulers and stickers.

Puzzle Books

Most kids love puzzle books. Choose them based on the right age group.

Coloring Books

These are also good for younger children. Give a little pack of crayons as well. You can usually find inexpensive options at Oriental Trading.

Adopt an Animal

Some parents host their party at an external venue, such as a zoo. Ask if they have an “adopt an animal” scheme and make a donation. Give all the children a little certificate and biography and handout about the animal. The kids may not be able to own a red panda, but adopting one can be the next best thing.

Charitable Donations

Charities like Heifer International (https://www.heifer.org/) give animals and trees to poor families around the world so they can be self-sufficient. You can print off cards at the site about the animal and give them to the children so they can learn more about the animal and about useful giving. Good choices are llamas and sheep because of the wool they produce, or a honeybee hive. If you are vegan, give a gift of trees.

Seed Packets

If you love to grow things, give the children seed packs and a little starter kit of soil and instructions on how to grow the flower. This is great for early spring birthdays.

Seed Bombs

Further to the above, seed bombs are a fool-proof way for children to grow things. They are available for flowers and herbs. They also come in a range of colors. Just be sure to include instructions and give them to older children so no one tries to eat them!

Plantable Cards and Flowers

This is a fun new trend. The items are embedded with seeds. The child plants the teddy and will soon get flowers or herbs. You can find these online at sites like http://www.ecopartytime.com/birthday-favors/.

Thrift Store Treasures Grab Bag

Head out to your local thrift store to see what gently used games and other useful items you can find. Number them and have the children pick a number out of a hat on the way home. Have more favors than children, and items that should be good for both boys and girls if you are hosting a mixed party. Only choose items your family would be happy to have once the party is over.

Try some of these eco-friendly fun ideas and save help save the planet when you do.

Until next time!

 

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DĂ©cor for a Green Party

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DĂ©cor for a Green Party

DĂ©cor for a Green Party

Every party needs decorations, but some are greener than others. Here are a few ideas to help make your child’s party special.

Biodegradable Latex Balloons

Rubber balloons can last in landfill for decades, but biodegradable balloons will break down.

Paper “Balloons”

Cut balloon shapes out of various colors of construction paper and create a wall display. Use ribbon as the string for the balloon. Reuse again as needed.

A Recycled Paper Piñata

A piñata makes a great decoration and a fun activity for the children as well. They come in a range of popular characters. If you are handy with arts and crafts, create your own with papier mache and glue an image of their favorite character on each site.

Paper Banners

You can buy a recycled paper happy birthday or similar banner, or you can make one yourself with your printer and either greeting card software or free templates online. Save any printed items that might not have come out correctly and use the back of the paper to create the banner. Use eco-friendly inks if possible.

Paper Pom Poms

You can find paper pom poms, stars and more in a range of colors at most party supply stores. Unfold and hang. When the party is over, refold and store until the next time.

Paper Lampshades

Use inexpensive paper lampshades to add a whole new look to your room. Use on the ceiling and swap them out for your usual lampshades. Choose colored ones if your party has a certain color and/or theme, such as pink for princesses or a deep blue for Spiderman or Superman. Cut out images and glue them on to continue the theme, or draw on them if you are talented in that way.

Paper Garlands

These can add a festive touch to any party. You can also make them yourself out of construction paper.

Place Mats

Use printables and plastic protectors to make custom table mats. Print image of their favorite character, or printables from, for example, popular fairy tales. Let the children color them in neatly. When they are finished, slip them in the sheet protectors and use as place mats. You should be able to wipe them down and reuse them again in the future.

Table Runners

Using the same place mat idea above, tape several together to make a table runner to dress up the tables.

Reusable Tablecloths

Buy solid colors that will be versatile for any occasion, and dress up as needed with place mats, table runners, or artwork you can tape to the cloth and then remove when the party is over.

Create a Gorgeous Centerpiece

  • There are many ways to create a centerpiece that will add to the dĂ©cor of the entire room. You could use dried flowers or a bowl of natural objects like acorns, pinecones or mini gourds. You can find reusable versions of these items in stores like Pier 1.
  • You can wrap a paper egg box in colored construction paper to use as the base for a display the guests can help themselves to. Ideas include colorful lollipops to take home as favors at the end, or an array of cake pops. Thrust the end of the stick into the cardboard to make each stand upright.
  • A fabulous themed cake can also make an ideal centerpiece. You can buy reusable cake toppers in a variety of themes. Use themed picks for a three-dimensional effect. Wash them off and reuse once the party is over.
  • If you are good at decorating, make the design yourself. If you love baking, invest in shaped baking pans, such as a teddy bear or a train mini-cake pan and decorate these 3D cakes with frosting, sprinkles and more.

What is your favorite way to decorate for a party? I love them all!

Until next time!

 

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