A Resolution Alternative?

 What's Hot  No Responses »
Dec 302011
 

Smokin' Resolution

With the approach of 2012, water cooler chat has yet again sunk from Thanksgiving meal reviews and holiday gift ideas to New Year’s resolutions. NPR polling indicates that the majority of adults in the US are choosing health-oriented resolutions such as losing weight or reduce their smoking. There’s nothing wrong with pursuing health-centered resolution routes such as shedding a few pounds or put a stop the making your lungs a chimney, but I’m more interested in the positive effects of unconventional, potentially hazardous resolutions.

For example, a resolve to broaden one’s life experience could result in an experimental resolution flavor. Perhaps you condemn smoking and unhealthy eating practices but resolve to try a cigarette once a month and eat one chocolate per day. Yes, this may an apocalyptic spin on the traditional approach to resolutions, but this agent-of-chaos approach to the New Year could very well provide a transcendental value, even if such enlightenment is mildly hedonistic. Agree to disagree? Shoot us your thoughts.

Images:

http://blog.jokeroo.com/

http://www.epuffer.com/electronic-cigarette/electronic_cigarette.html

One flush at a time

 What's Hot  2 Responses »
Dec 292011
 

save water!

During a recent discussion with my GreenCupboards.com teammates, I learned that the average American wastes thousands of gallons of water every year simply by flushing the toilet.  The average toilet uses up to five gallons of water with each flush.  Although we all agree that we’re not prepared to give up the luxury of indoor plumbing, the GreenCupboards.com team began to wonder if there is a way to save some of that water.

This curiosity led me to the discovery of the water bottle method.  Think of it this way: Every time you flush the toilet you could be saving a bottle of water.

Here’s how it works:  The toilet tank (which is located behind and above the bowl) is designed to fill until the water level reaches a designated point.  Place a bottle filled with water into the tank of the toilet. This displaces water.  Each time your tank fills it will be filling around the object (the water bottle). Therefore, each time you fill up your toilet it will be using less water.  To keep the bottle from floating in your tank use some rocks or pebbles to weigh it down.

We all have to start somewhere. One bottle of water may seem small but it will add up.  Try it out!

Images:

http://j-large.hubpages.com/hub/how-to-save-more-water-at-home

http://www.underdogcentral.net/2010_12_01_archive.html

Ash Catchin’

 What's Hot  No Responses »
Dec 232011
 

Talk About Ash

With the recent Neti-Pot brain eating amoeba incidents, my curiosities have been dragged to other non-traditional cure-alls for a critical look at the effects of homeopathy. In this case, I’d like to call our fireplace ash to court! Let’s take a look at traditional use and current risks of soot in our food chain.

It’s no news that ash can act as a superlative fertilizer and garden additive. In fact, the stuff can be used to make paint pigment, hydroponic nutrient and antacid treatments (not recommended). My concern is the garden. Is the ash you’re laying-on thick helping or hurting you? At the end of the day, it’s all a question of what you burn. Let’s compare two hypothetical family fires: the Organics and the Everythings.

Walking into their yuppie décor splattered living room, you might find the Organics burning just that- organic matter (no need for USDA certification on this one). Burning biomass such as untreated wood, grass, bark and compost material makes for primo ash, the garden-worthy stuff. Compare this against the Everythings. This family fire generally consists of anything combustible, carpet scraps, coated papers, maybe a battery here and there … It’s all going turn to ash anyhow right?

Whether or not the Everything hearth burners out there get ash the looks like the Organics, there could be a case of mistaken identity. You may want to think twice before using Everything ash in your garden projects. Though it appears to go through a rigorous fire filtration, ash may contain residual toxins such as heavy metals even after a searing burn. So, even if preventing bodily mutation isn’t one of the Top 5 New Year’s resolutions on your list, you may want to think twice before using Everything ash in your planting projects come Spring.

Images:

http://blog.kinoma.com/2010/09/next-best-thing-to-being-there-burning-man-2010-in-kinoma-play/

http://www.geo.mtu.edu/volcanoes/hazards/primer/

Health Tips for the Holidays

 What's Hot  No Responses »
Dec 222011
 

don't be tempted to overindulge!

Hanukkah has begun, and Christmas and Kwanzaa are only days away.  Gifts, family, good food and sparkling lights are tokens of the holiday season, but so is the reality of unwanted weight gain.  During the holidays many people find themselves immersed in family activities and surrounded by rich homemade dishes and treats.  It’s hard to keep up a healthy lifestyle during a season when we celebrate all the good things that we have.  The year is coming to a close and soon we will be heading into 2012 with every intention to trim our waistlines.  To avoid the regret that can come with the holiday weight gain, here are some tips from GreenCupboards.com to help you keep up with a healthy lifestyle during the holidays.

Drink lots of water:  Hot chocolate, warm buttered rum, peppermint mochas, and apple cider are all traditional treats during the holiday season.  Keep in mind that they are just that: a treat.  There’s no shame in indulging your taste buds with a warm cup of cocoa, but limit splurging.  To stay hydrated, keep a BPA free water bottle handy.  Need something warm?  Add a tea bag to your water. Studies have shown that green tea can increase your body’s ability to metabolize fat.

Go for a walk: Whether you’re driving or flying to your holiday destination, your legs will appreciate a good stretch.  Hectic holiday situations that increase stress may be diffused by taking a quick break.  Go for a walk around the block, to a nearby park, or look at the holiday decorations in town.  Need some one on one time with a loved one?  Bring them along and check out the holiday lights in your neighborhood.

Small plates and portions:   Often holiday weight gain is caused not by what you eat, but by how much.  There’s no use refusing a slice of grandma’s pie, so instead insist on a small portion.  If you’re craving something it’s better to eat a little bit rather than try to satisfy your craving by filling up on “healthier” options.  At parties use the smallest plates and allow yourself small portions.

Active family bonding: Although it’s nice to stay warm and cozy inside, there are lots of fun activities waiting in the winter wonderland.  Instead of settling in for a board game, suggest a family snowball fight, build a snow fort or a snowman, go skiing, sledding, or snowboarding.  No snow this holiday season?  Try a family game of football, tag, or go for a bike ride.

Manage your time: Eat regularly!  The one for sure way to overindulge at the neighbor’s party is to go without a decent meal all day.  Although there doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day, the two major causes of weight gain during the holiday season are lack of sleep and skipping meals.  Eat a small meal or salad before heading to a holiday party, and try to get in some time to relax and catch some Z’s.

Wishing you happy holiday’s from the GreenCupboards.com team!

Images:

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20307175_5,00.html

http://justlikegrams.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-baking-anyone.html

Holiday Traditions

 What's Hot  No Responses »
Dec 202011
 

 

 

 

 

a traditional holiday movie:"It's a Wonderful Life"

The holiday season brings a sentimental mood to the minds of many.  The holiday lights and mall displays allow shoppers to recall memories from years past.  In the GreenCupboards.com office, our team is no different.  In anticipation of the approaching holidays the Greencupboards.com team takes a moment to gush about our favorite holiday traditions and memories.  I went around the office asking my team members their favorite part of the holiday season and compiled a list of the most popular answers.

For many of my team members the holiday season means celebrating Christmas.  What were their best memories of Christmas?

-          Enjoying hot homemade cinnamon rolls on the morning of December 25th

-          Going skiing that afternoon

-          Getting to open one present on Christmas Eve

-          Going to see the neighborhood lights with the family

-          Receiving new pajamas

-          Watching Jimmy Stewart figure out that “It’s a Wonderful Life”

-          Sitting in front of warm fires

-          Having snowball fights

-          Playing board games with the family

New Year’s Eve traditions range from root beer floats and sparkling cider to fireworks and sparklers. Most of the GreenCupboards.com team looks forward to the moment when the ball drops.  Noise makers and card games also made the list of fond memories.

All of these fantastic memories coming from the GreenCupboards.com team have peaked my interest.  GreenCupboards.com would like to hear from you! Click here to tell us your most cherished holiday traditions!

Images:

http://blog.patricksmithphotos.com/2007/12/miracle-on-34th-street.html

http://www.allstarpics.net/0631906/010559734/it-s-a-wonderful-life-1946-pic.html

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Using the three R’s during the Holiday Season

 Green Living  1 Response »
Dec 192011
 

 


During the GreenCupboards.com office decorating competition, our team put our heads together to think up new ways to decorate using the guidelines of the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  Here’s some of fun ways we stayed green.  Feel free to use this as a guide for your own holiday decorating!

 

Magazine pages and a cereal box transformes!

Magazine flower Wreath: Don’t throw away those old magazines!  Reuse each individual page to make a paper flower (or three)!  These flowers can be attached to a round cardboard back (cut from a cereal box) to create a colorful festive holiday wreath.

t-shirt bows!

T-shirt bows: Want to add a vintage flare to your Christmas gifts this year?  Instead of tossing your stained or worn out t-shirts, use them to make creative bows!  Cut old clothes into strips and make them into bows!  Tie them around packages; attach them to garlands and doors!  These vintage bows are a great personal touch to a gift.

recycled paper makes for fantastic snow flurries!

Paper Snowflakes: Forget the snow machine!  Cut snowflake shapes from used papers and hang them up to make your home a wonderland.

popcorn and cranberry garland

Popcorn and Cranberry Garland: Instead of spending holiday cash on fluffy lavish garlands, create your own.  Sit down with the kids or your loved one and spend the afternoon stringing popcorn and cranberries together.

newspaper for wrapping presents!

Newspaper Gift Wrap: Year after year we spend money on wrapping paper just to throw it away on Christmas morning.  This year, save some time and use your money on something more worthwhile!  Old newspaper serves as the perfect wrapping paper.

newspaper ads for a paper chain!

Paper Chain: In need of a fun holiday craft?  Fold old ads and attach loops to make a long chain to hang over your door frame or mantel.

string tree!

Wall-String-Tree: If a tree is what you’re missing, never fear!  You can create a forest of trees with a few tacks and some string.  Tack a line of string in a tree shape on your wall and decorate it however you like!

Happy Holidays!

Plastic in the Air

 What's Hot  No Responses »
Dec 162011
 

Jet Plastics!

If you find yourself flight bound and airport hopping like most people over the holiday, you may have picked up on an Earth-friendly faux pas or two. Now, we’re not talking about jet fuel and groundwater contamination; it’s much simpler. Complaints about in-flight inhospitality seem to be on the rise with the continued extinction of cookie and peanut distribution at 30,000 feet. At least we still get beverage service, right? For whatever aesthetic value it holds, in-flight sipping and drink distribution does its fair share of eco-trashing. Granted most cups given out during flights are clear plastic, the majority of in-flight drink cups are non-recyclable high number plastics. So the next time the drink cart comes by, you may consider passing up the complementary beverage, your compliments to Mother Earth. Stay safe, fly a fraction greener without a cup in hand.

Images:

http://business-ethics.com/2010/02/19/1205-airlines-get-poor-grades-on-recycling-programs/

http://www.graphicshunt.com/images/airplane-13368.htm

Green Energy

 What's Hot  No Responses »
Dec 152011
 

Trying to save money and stay warm this Holiday season? GreenCupboards.com employees are trying to keep warm in the office using space heaters and blankets wondering if we’re doing everything we can to optimize our energies potential. These three steps are helping us save some green while getting “greener” as well.  They may do the same for you.

  1. Cover cracks – The first step you can take in making your house more energy efficient this Holiday season is to seek out any crevasses where heat could be escaping. The cracks under doors are notorious for letting the hot air out. By making a door sweep this energy loss can be minimized. A door sweep is a piece of material that is laid at the base of a door, coving the space between the door and the floor. You can purchase a door sweep or make your own by simply folding a blanket or towel and placing it at the bottom of a door.

If you have an attic with pull down stairs, you can better insulate it by placing a blanket over the stairs when you fold it up. It should be a no-brainer, yet also make sure your windows are securely shut.

  1. Turn thermostat down, not off – Turning your thermostat off when you leave is surprisingly not the most energy efficient solution. Rather than turning your thermostat off, turn it down instead. All of the stress from turning the heat on and off can damage your energy system and cause it to break prematurely. When you leave, you should set your heat at 50-60 degrees F and when you come home you shouldn’t crank it all the way up but set it at around 70-80 degrees F.
  1. Help your radiator – Maximize your radiator’s potential by placing heat reflectors against the wall behind your radiator.  By using heat reflectors you can get much more bang for your buck from your radiator’s heat. This technique can also work for people trying to heat a room using a space heater.

A GreenCupboards.com Holiday Decorating Competition

 Inside GC  No Responses »
Dec 132011
 

The Grinch and Max have joined our Marketing team

The GreenCupboards.com team decided to participate in some healthy Holiday competition this year! Our four offices faced off to have the best (and greenest) holiday decorations. Winners we placed according to the categories of “Best Overall Design,” “Most Creative,” and “Most Eco-Friendly.” Here’s the Dr. Seuss inspired tale:

The Holiday Season comes but once a year.
With all the green in GreenCupboards the Who’s in the office thought the Grinch would come here!
Preparation began as we hustled and bustled to the shopping marts,
With hope and spirit we plotted to load up our carts.
With packaged candy and gift wrap, lights and Styrofoam stars,
Then a voice spoke out and an email was sent,
Dan the data team man sent out a cry of lament.
“I know the holidays will soon be here,
A mere 23 days (who’s counting?) but something is wrong I fear,
Instead of buying more holiday stuff,
And then tossing it in the trash as useless fluff,
It might be fun to thwart holiday gloom
By using recycled goods to decorate the room!”
The Who’s of the office looked at one another,
And then smiled at their hopeful Data Team brother.
They got work and soon found out,
That sparkly new products is not what the holiday season is about.
Mitchell from Listings brought in old Santa’s galore,
While Dan and Alex made snowflakes and more!
Lauren strung popcorn garland from wall to wall,
While Sarah and Ciera used old materials to make lollipops to cover the hall.
The GreenCupboards team got to work and soon found out,
That sparkly new products are not what the holidays are about.
And the Grinch?
He came in the door hoping to play,
But seeing our commitment to green he decided to stay.
We hope to spread our holiday cheer this season,
And if you want to recycle here’s a good reason:
GreenCupboards has transformed in the matter of a week,
And now its heart has grown three times its size and is not nearly so meek.

Happy Holidays!  For more photos of our competition click here!

Page 1 of 2 1 2