Last week when I was in Alabama visiting a friend of mine, I asked to go to a grocery store near her house called Earth Fare. I knew that they would have a specialty item that I had been on the lookout for and that would save me a trip to Atlanta. So, Christy and I took off in search of my items. When we pull up to the store and outside they have all these rain barrels lining the sidewalk. I don’t think either of us paid much attention to what they actually were at the time but when we exited the store we seriously looked at the rain water barrels because that is an item that Christy has been looking for.
Rain harvesting is an old tradition, lots of people used to collect the rain water to wash their clothes, water their gardens, etc and it is a tradition that is quickly gaining popularity once again making us all with it would rain. The rain barrels for sale at Earth Fare weren’t just barrels. They have a spigot on the side at the bottom so you could hook a hose up to the barrel to use the water or you could dip it out of the top. The top was covered with mesh so that no leaves or other garbage could get into the barrel, just the water. They were super nice.
We never could find a price on them and I knew there was no way I could fit one in the car for the ride home so I just made myself one. It isn’t near as nice and it doesn’t have a spigot but it does the job. Now, I just wish it would rain.
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As Earth Day approaches we should all be looking a little closer at some of the ways that we can each make a difference to this lovely planet that we call home. This year I have spent many different ways looking into how my own family can make a difference. We have started using organic and natural cleaning products, pest control and paper products. We use all energy saving light bulbs. We have made a conscience effort to use less power and water. We have started recycling, granted, it is on a small scale at the moment but it is a start. Remember, we live in the middle of nowhere…we do not have a recycling program here, much less curb side pick-up. Hmm, we don’t even have a curb.
Our biggest obstacle has been paper products. We use a lot of paper products. That means I am responsible for the loss of a lot of trees. Toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, facial tissues. Yep, we use them all. Then I found:
Their Mission and Vision:
Marcal is an “Earth-Friendly Paper Goods Company” that provides consumers like you with products that you can feel good about purchasing. For over 50 years, Marcal has been making its paper from recycled paper, not from trees. By purchasing Small StepsTM by Marcal® brand, you are taking a small, easy step to a greener earth.TM
At Marcal, We believe that products should:
* Give you the performance you can count on
* Be good for the home and gentle on the environment
* Not cost a lot
Ahhh, I feel better. Now I can use a paper towel knowing that it came from recycled paper and not from cutting down yet another tree. And I love the Marcal products. My favorite thing? The toilet paper! Why? Because it is easy on my septic tank and I don’t have to change the roll near as often! HALLELUJAH! Seriously. And that of course brings up the age old question of why is it that only the Mom knows how to change the roll.
On the Marcal Small Steps website you can find the complete story and how they strive to recycle and make changes in big and small steps to benefit the environment. You can also find hints and tips by Beth to help you make changes as well. Another great thing about Marcal…you can usually find a $1 off coupon in the Sunday paper making it an even better deal. Saving the environment. Saving money. And providing your family with quality paper products. That is what I think of when I think of Marcal. So, what will you do between now and April 22, 2010 for Earth Day? I will be using Marcal toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues and napkins. I will be saving trees with Marcal.
I was provided with a sampling of Marcal paper products to help facilitate this review. All opinions are those of my own and I was in no other way compensated for this post.
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It never fails…EVERY year I forget the batteries. You would think that I would remember after forgetting them so often. But no, I ultimately forget EVERY Christmas. So, the kids get up, they open their gifts and lo and behold we need batteries to make at least one (or fifty) of them to work. So this year, I stocked up! I am ahead of the game and it feels great! I chose FUJI EnviroMax batteries. I had received a pack from Fuji to test out and fell in love. They are not only environmentally friendly but they have great power and they last. I always test new batteries in my Camera because it sucks the life out of batteries quicker than anything I have ever seen. But, the Fuji EnviroMax batteries have lasted.
Here is what their site has to say:
The proof is all about us. Our planet is “going green.” And to help that cause, Fuji EnviroMAXTM batteries bring a long-overdue dimension of eco-responsibility to the replacement battery market – along with unsurpassed power and longevity! You truly get the best of both worlds with Fuji EnviroMAX – at no added cost. Independent tests show Fuji EnviroMAX batteries equal, and most often exceed the performance and longevity of equivalent major brands. But that’s only part of the Fuji EnviroMAX story.
A Whole NEW “Green” Kind of Alkaline Battery.
The materials that make up a Fuji EnviroMAX battery are derived from the basic elements of the Earth. There is nothing inside a Fuji EnviroMAX battery that will harm the environment if it is disposed of through normal waste systems. A few reasons why are that Fuji EnviroMAX batteries contain no harmful mercury, cadmium – nor are they packaged with dangerous (and non-recyclable) PVC plastic. Instead, Fuji EnviroMAX batteries are made in some of the world’s most eco-respectful battery plants, operating under some of the most strict standards of environmental responsibility. In fact, most of all resources used in the Fuji EnviroMAX manufacturing process are reused and recycled! What’s more, Fuji EnviroMAX batteries are labeled and packaged with recycled paper and P.E.T. plastic. The result is batteries that meet a world standard for environmental responsibility and recyclable materials. And no other batteries are so respectful of our environment as Fuji EnviroMAX.
SO for your battery needs this Christmas check out the new FUJI EnviroMax batteries. Help out the environment a little while getting batteries that will last in all your electronic toys this season.
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I was recently given the opportunity to try out some items from Calypso Studios by Mom Fuse. They have some of the cutest decorative, reusable tote bags and jewelry.
The Cabana Totes were my favorite…bet you just can’t guess why.
And the Tousan Green w/cross Bracelet which I absolutely LOVE. I have worn it everyday!
This was another favorite around here :
They have so many great designs to suit anyones taste. In Totes and Jewelry.
S.H.O.P. (Start Helping Our Planet) Totes designs are beautifully created by various American artists and provide a fashionable, yet affordable way to Start Helping Our Planet. Americans throw away about 100 billion bags every year, polluting our waterways and landfills. And it is Calypso’s mission to start reducing that number.
I carried my tote on our Road Trip yesterday to tote all of my treasures around in. They are so handy because they fold up into about a 2X3 size and are convenient to carry with you wherever you go…and they hold LOTS of stuff.
Check out Calypso Studios and their full line of beautiful jewelry and totes!
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