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.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
As a child we spent every summer in a small town nestled in the North Georgia Mountains that goes by the name of Hiawassee. We would camp out and spend our days playing in the creek with cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. The evenings were spent at the music hall. My uncle played music there and we would all be there to support him and listen to some of the great singers and musicians that came through there. It was sort of a big deal. Once he was in Arkansas playing and a little 12-14 year old gal needed someone to play for her. My uncle Clinton stepped up along with a couple of other fellows to help her out. He was playing for Allison Krauss. Fast forward through the years and we found Uncle Clinton being inducted to the Georgia Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002.
I didn’t get to go to the induction ceremony but I saw the pictures and heard the stories. It had been in the back of my mind that I would go to the museum one day. So, when I was selected as one of the Tropicana Juicy Insiders I was thrilled to see that the Georgia Music Hall of Fame was on the list as one of the places that you could receive discounts to visit. Inside you will find the likes of:
Tune Town
Main exhibit hall features winding streets and themed venues housing instruments, career and personal items, performance costumes, videos and music. Venues include: Gospel Chapel, Rhythm & Blues Revue, Skillet Licker Cafe, Gretsch Theater, Vintage Vinyl Record Store, Coca Cola Soda Fountain, Backstage Alley, and Memory Lane.
The Music Factory
Interactive learning space for kids includes hands-on exhibits that explore music composition, styles, instrument families and more. Fun for adults too!
Zell Miller Center for Georgia Music Studies
The museum’s library and archives support research and educational activities. Open to the public by appointment, the library includes books, periodicals, sound recordings, videos, printed music, photographs and manuscripts.
Rentals
Several spaces are available for meetings, parties, receptions, workshops and more.
Music Store
The Georgia Music Hall of Fame’s Music Store carries CD and cassette recordings of Georgia artists in all genres, including many rare and autographed selections. Specialty items include T-shirts and other apparel, jewelry, books, posters, souvenirs, toys and music-themed items. No admission charge is required to visit the store.
Now, here is the kicker…It was the WRONG museum. Not only is there a Georgia Music Hall of Fame, there is a Georgia COUNTRY Music Hall of Fame. Yep, who knew. But, it was a great family outing and it just means that we will get to take another trip to the Country Music one at a later date. By using the Tropicana Juicy Rewards Program we were able to save a great deal of money making the trip not only affordable but tons of fun.
“I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!!
As lazy environmentalists we like to go green in ways that are easy, stylish, and affordable. That is because the more green choices fit our lifestyles, the more likely we are to actually make them.
The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget helps to open your eyes so that you can easily and affordably have your designer jeans and contribute to a green planet too. From raising eco-conscious kids to greening your daily commute, the Lazy Environmentalist Josh Dorfman provides insights into the next wave of green innovation and the products and services that will lighten your planetary impact and lower your expenses.
Find bargain basement deals on stylish organic bedding and bamboo furnishings at the largest retailers in the world. Score instant rebates on everything from compact fluorescent light bulbs to energy-efficient air conditioners. And earn reward points for carpooling with friends.
In a time when many people are feeling financially restricted, The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget is your guide to effortlessly saving the planet while keeping some extra cash in your pocket.
About the author: Josh Dorfman is the author of The Lazy Environmentalist: Your Guide to Easy, Stylish, Green Living (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) and host of The Lazy Environmentalist television series on the Sundance Channel. Dorfman is also the founder and CEO of Lazyenvironmentalist.com, a resource for consumers seeking the best green products and services, and of Vivavi, a retailer of modern, green furnishings. He lives in New York City. Visit http://www.lazyenvironmentalist.com/.
I was amazed at how some of the smallest changes I could make could impact the environment and my budget, both for the good. Josh has some really great tips that anyone can implement into their lives on a daily or occasional basis that are both ingenious and practical. This is such a GREAT book!!
Enter To Win It:
One lucky reader will win a prize pack consisting of a Brita water pitcher and Nalgene water bottle and the book, The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget.
Visit The Lazy Environmentalist and leave me a comment stating how you try to live green. Entries must be received by May 30th at 5PM EST. Entrants must have a valid US mailing address. Winner will be selected at random. Winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 3 days to respond before another winner will be selected. Please remember to look on the left sidebar to see if there are other contests you would like to enter.
Want extra entries?
Blog it, with a link back to here (leave link where it can be found). Subscribe (either by a reader or request in your comment to be added to the e-mail list only for contests and giveaways). Place my button on your blog (leave link it can be found at). Stumble it (leave your ID in comment).Twitter it (leave ID in a comment, mine is jillybean01 if you would like to follow me). Technorati it (leave your ID in comment). That is 6 extra entries that you can earn for a total of 7. All extra entries must be left in a separate comment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
