Fue diferente, como pasó con la anterior, ya que esta vez expuse en una sala donde se realizaron muchas actividades, en paralelo, de la universidad: clases, charlas, reuniones, teniendo todas mis piezas en las paredes.

AUSPICIADORES: SMF Servicios Generales, Clean Support, 911 Security, Market Place.

Discurso de inauguración
[no se utilizó porque no fue posible inaugurar... sólo se abrió la exposición]

BUENAS NOCHES...
Lo primero que debo hacer es agradecer a la universidad, por esta grata oportunidad para exponer lo que nació como un hobbie, convirtiéndose finalmente, en una necesidad de comunicación que encontró estas exposiciones como un excelente medio para darse a conocer.

Gracias al rector, el Prof. FELIPE ORTIZ DE ZEVALLOS a quien se le conoce una gran preocupación por difundir el arte en nuestro país y a la SRA. CLEMENCIA FERREYROS, directora de la OFU.
Debo, además, agradecer al SR. RICHARD DEL ROSARIO quien, a través de sus empresas, ha apoyado la realización de varias exposiciones individuales mías, habiendo sido la más importante, la que realicé en la GALERIA JINNAI, de la APJ.

Pero, la más importante del ciclo "2da. Vida", en la que también estará presente MARKET PLACE, se dará en el Museo de la Nación, el 12 de diciembre a las 7.30 de la noche. Allí verán todo lo correspondiente al ciclo "2da. Vida" (piezas colgadas y apoyadas) junto con el inicio de un nuevo ciclo de exposiciones llamado "Luz y Fuego".

Finalmente, les doy las gracias por estar presentes y compartir conmigo este mensaje de conservación, que busca reutilizar desechos a través del arte.

Esto significa que todo tiene una oportunidad más... de existir, de convertirse en otra cosa... de evolucionar. Por ejemplo, reutilizar envases laminados de leche, para construir casas prefabricadas y muebles.

Al pensar así, estaremos dándonos una oportunidad de vivir en un entorno más limpio, pero, lo más importante, es que dejaremos a las generaciones que vienen, un ambiente vivible y disfrutable... siempre que hagamos algo por lograr aquello.

Toda iniciativa es buena, por lo que haciendo un poquito cada uno, se lograrán cambios inmensos en nuestro medio.

Gracias a todos.

Otras fotos en
http://www.cajoncreativo.com/esp/art/default.html
y colecciones, según series, en http://www.discovernikkei.org/nikkeialbum/en/search?keywords=victor+nishio+yasuoka

First woman walked in space, Jordon and Israel ended the war, first flight from France to England was completed, Monarchy in Tunisia was abolished, Carousel patent was filed for merry-go-around.

Let it be the first day for many of us to come forward and bring about a positive change wherever we want.

Think about what positive change you would like to bring about. Are you willing to take the first step toward it?

Today I am inviting seven people to come forward (Where ever you are) who want to start thinking about this and are willing to take the first small toward it - no matter how small it is.  Let the first step be towards changing yourself for the positive, your family, your community, your workplace, your school, your city, state, or country.  May be you would like to do something about the environment - may be join the green initiative - recycling, conserving natural resources, etc.  May be for now you just want to share some valuable information or offer your expertise to us.

Join the "GoForSuccess7" initiative to bring positive changes where ever you are or any where you choose. Please do make a choice.

Thanks for choosing !

I've also had this dilemma. So I recently went and did a little research. Here is what I learned....

Here is an easy primer on a few of the things you can recycle on a weekly basis.

At a minimum, you should divide your recycling into two bins. Paper products and newspapers should go into one bin, and glass, tin cans, aluminum cans and plastic bottles in another.

Let's consider what to do when cooking for a big dinner party. You've just finished serving the lasagna, green beans, romaine lettuce salad with tangerines and almond slivers, finished off with a moist death-by chocolate cake.

On cleaning up you could put the cake mix box and the lasagna noodle box in the paper bin (that is without the plastic package that was inside). Then you could remove the label from the tangerine can, give the inside a quick rinse and toss it in the glass/cans bin.

Plastics — Plastics are derived from crude petroleum oil, the same stuff that is used to make gasoline for your vehicle. Generally # 1 and #2 plastic items can be recycled, i.e. water bottles, higher density plastics such as milk jugs. 

This might be a hard pill to swallow but…not all plastics are recyclable. Just because it has that recycling logo and a number on it does not mean it is recyclable.

Plastics do not decompose and plastics that are sent to the county incinerator with the rest of your trash can release toxins into the atmosphere when burned. Note that Montgomery County, Maryland, uses an incinerator for a lot of trash.

If you do nothing else, you can make a huge difference recycling and re-using your plastic drink bottles. Making bottles to meet Americans’ demand for bottled water in 2004 required more than 1.5 million barrels of oil, enough to fuel some 100,000 cars for a year, according to data from the Beverage Marketing Corporation and the Earth Policy Institute. More recent data show that this figure may be overly conservative and is estimated to now have grown to exceed 10 million barrels of oil each year.

There are 7 basic recycling codes. Plastics manufactures have created a coding system to identify the seven basic types of plastic. The number is usually marked on the bottom of an item and located inside of three arrows chasing each other.

The most commonly used plastic for making water bottles is polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), commonly known as polyester, or recycle code #1 on the bottom of the bottles. Of those, may recycling programs will only accept #1 (PET) in the form of soda/water bottles and #2 high density polyethylene (HDPE) in the form of milk jugs.

What not to toss in the bin: Plastic utensils, drinking straws, baby wipe plastic containers, detergent bottles, any bottle that the inside residue can't be rinsed out of, styrofoam cups and yogurt cups. Yes, yogurt cups. 

Cans, aluminum, tins — Recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy used to make a can from scratch and cuts air pollution at about the same rate.

Tin cans are usually made of steel with a layer of tin added to prevent rusting. It has been estimated that Americans use 100 million tin and steel cans every year.

Recycling tin will save manufacturers 74% of the energy used to make them from scratch.
Before throwing things in the bins, take off the labels. Labels can be recycled with the paper items.

Throw away lids and caps and rinse the containers. If you cannot get a substance rinsed out, such as grease or oil, throw it out. Dirty containers can contaminate an entire lot. Cut off can tops (things that can be opened with a can opener) are recyclable.

What not to toss in the bin: Metal bottle tops, jar lids, paint cans, car parts and building supplies shouldn't go in the standard bins. Again check your local county website.

Glass — Most glass is 100% recyclable. In other words, for every ton of glass that is recycled, one ton of glass does not have to be created. And since glass never wears out in its quality it can be recycled forever.

What not to toss in the bin: Do not put broken glass in the recycling bins. Light bulbs, drinking glasses, window panes, mirrors, Pyrex ware, crystal, china and pottery are made from different materials and melt at different temperatures so they should not be included in your standard recycling bin.

Corrugated cardboard — Cardboard that has a wavy middle layer between two flat layers can be recycled. Boxes should be flattened and stacked neatly next to the recycling bins on pick-up day. Dirty cardboard, pizza boxes or stuff with food residue cannot be recycled.

Mixed paper products — Just about everything that came from a tree can be accepted here including junk mail, cereal boxes (with the insides removed), wrapping paper, magazines and catalogs. Phone books are usually collected once a year.

What not to toss in the bin: Waxy or plastic coated paper, or food soiled paper products such as cardboard milk cartons and drinking boxes cannot be recycled.

Plastic bags — Plastic bags (including the ones your newspapers come in) are typically not accepted for recycling. But that should not stop you from doing a little re-using/recycling of your own. You can get a small discount for re-using your own bags at most local grocery stores.

For items that cannot be recycled, consider finding ways to re-use them. If you don't want something anymore and it's in decent condition, donate it to a local charity or organize a swap meet with a bunch of your friends.

Some churches hold annual "swap and shop" meets. Usually it means you bring at least one bag of clothing items, peruse what everyone else has brought, take home as much as you want. I've been to one. Granted I ended up coming home with more stuff than I took there.

How to reduce the amount of garbage you produce: To avoid having a lot of non-degradable and non-recyclable trash, pay attention to the amount of disposable packaging that comes with the stuff you buy. Buy glass instead of plastic when you can.  And you might want to opt for a bulk item or a refillable bottle when you have a choice.

In all, recycling is a great way to make a big difference with only a few seconds of effort.

Good luck and please don't get discouraged. It might take a bit of thought at first but as time goes it will become an automatic part of your daily routine.

Now go outside for a minute or more and breath the air, look up to the sky and be thankful that you still have a beautiful earth to enjoy, that you don't have to live on top of a landfill.

Disclaimer: I am not a scientist (although I took three semester as a chemistry major). And because I am human, and each county has it's own rules, you also might want to check your own county's website to know exactly what it will accept.

July 25, 2008

Plans to convert a former trash-recycling plant near San Elijo Hills into a production studio for movies and TV shows are uncertain once again. In 2004, the San Marcos City Council approved the land-use change to allow the project to go forward. Despite rave reviews, two New York producers scrapped plans to develop a studio with a six-story office building in 2005. Last year, it appeared that a studio development was on track again under a new owner, San Diego-based Loma San Marcos LLC. John Bailey, who was leasing the property, had grand plans for the 190,000-square-foot building and the 14 acres it sits on.But Bailey is no longer working on the site, and his proposal also may be in trouble. CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE UT ARTICLE

Armand Van Helden feat. Common - Full Moon

Här är ännu ett exempel på där herr Van Helden lyckats snickra ihop en ny hit av recyclad gammal disco. Den här gången är det Sylvia Striplin som får donera i form av låten Give Me Your Love.

Sylvia Striplin - Give Me Your Love

Som höres så är donatorlåten aningen slöare i tempot så det är lite svårt att ta sig till den efter att ha lyssnat på Full Moon. Det känns lite som att spela en kassett i en bandspelare där batterierna håller på att ta slut. Ja, det är ju oxå ett klassiskt ämne som nästan förtjänar ett eget blogginlägg. Får se om jag återkommer till det ämnet framöver.

Tjillevippen

notbugs

These sandals were found new at my local thrift store, along with two other pairs that I have since taken back as they absolutely killed me to wear them. These are comfortable and awfully cute although I have since given them to a friend who at sixty does not need new knees! They were new and I saw they were $130 in a shop in Westfield Bondi Junction, I bought them for $7. The fabric on the inside of the shoe is satin and absolutely stunning! The handbag is another that I had seen in Tree Of Life in Westfield Bondi Junction and was ecstatic to find in my local thrift shop for $3. So a stunning set for $10...that is spectacular.

Oh and in the middle photo is my son Christopher...isn't he gorgeous? oh and I found that photo frame at my local shop too and if you look closely you may see a few of my coloured glass vases.

If you have any great tips for sellers to feature, please drop me an e-mail at kerry@penny-dog.co.uk

Happy shopping!

Armand Van Helden - You Don't Know Me

Här är ett exempel på lyckad recycling. Det är ofta jag stöter på människor som blir förvånade när de inser hur mycket recycling det är i mordern dansmusik. Fenomenet fanns iofs redan när jag var ung, men idag är samling och ren recycling närmast legio när det gäller att smida ihop en dansgolvshit. Tyvärr så är det ofta med blandade resultat och ibland vill man nästan gråta när man hör rena skräckexempel på låtar där man slaktat ett original fullständigt. Nu är ni säkert nyfikna på hur originalet låter som man använt i You Don't Know Me. Ja, det är bara att lyssna på här helt enkelt.

Carrie Lucas - Dance With You

Som ni hör så är det de gottigaste bitarna herr Van Helden har plockat och egentligen är ju hans låt bara en loop av själva sticket i Dance With You och det är nog därför jag tycker det är ett så bra exempel på lyckad recycling. Det är oftast det enkla som blir bra, man behöver inte hålla på och krångla utan less is more som man brukar säga.

Sitter annars och väntar på att sovrummet ska svalna. Munstycket som ska blåsa ut varmluften från luftkonditioneringen hade släppt från slangen nu på morgonen så den stod och blåste varmluft in i sovrummet förut när jag gick in för att ta min middagslur. Så jag får skjuta upp den tuppluren en liten stund i avvaktan på att det ska bli lite mer svalt och behagligt i sovrummet.

Är annars rätt nöjd med den luftkonditioneringen som jag köpte för 6-7 år sen, den har snurrat på varje sommar utan knot men jag börjar ana lite ålderstecken på den nu. T.ex så låter fläkten lite illa först när man slår på den efter att den var avstängd. Men har den snurrat en stund så går det missljudet bort. Annars så är väl enda nackdelen med den att kompressorn brummar rätt så rejält så det är inget man har på på nätterna. Så jag får kyla ner rummet ordentligt på kvällen och hålla dörren stängd så brukar det bli bra. Fast nästa luftkonditionering får nog bli en riktig apparat med separat aggregat som man hänger ute och som orkar med hela lägenheten. Kan nog få ok att sätta ett sånt aggregat in mot gården då det inte är nåt som stör folks utsikt där ändå. Får se hur vi gör den dagen när det blir dags.

Tjillevippen

notbugs

Old headstones made into a fence for the walk along a graveyard in Moravia.

We are not sure where these headstones came from. Many of the names carved into this line of stones are written in Hebrew.

Presumably, these markers were re-purposed during World War II.

Many graveyards in central European towns are several layers thick with bodies of the dead.  For example at the Jewish Cemetery in the ancient Prague ghetto people were buried up to thirteen layers deep. There was very little room given to them so they did what they had to do.

We would like someone to make rubbings of the stones. We can then translate them into English to furthur our hopes of tracing the families of the dead.

According to Waste Management, more than 3 billion dry-cell batteries are purchased in the U.S. annually, about three dozen per household.  These batteries contain many potentially hazardous compounds such as mercury, cadmium, nickel, lead, zinc, silver, manganese and alkalines.  The compounds, and the plastics used to make the batteries, can all be recycled.  If they're not recycled, these hazardous compounds could end up polluting our soil and groundwater. 

At our house, we have a box in our basement where all the dead batteries go to live temporarily.  They remain in the box until our community's twice-yearly recycling day.  On that day, they (and their old cell phones, broken electronics and CFL friends) get to go to the recycling center free of charge to connect with others just like them. 

The Earth 911 website includes an easy-to-use locator for battery recycling sites. 

So, remember the My Green Side moto:  reduce, reuse and recycle.  I know it's not original, but it's catchy!

It is an institution for stylists de Hollywood and avant-garde denizens of Pasadena to regularly peruse the inventory of used and slightly used vintage clothing, remakes from vintage fabrics, feather boas, gawdy sunglasses, funky jeans, satin smoking jackets, Mexican wedding shirts, petticoats, fishnet stockings, old wedding gowns (Miss H), rave wigs and parade hats.

I went there today looking for a BBQ dress ala Scarlet O'Hara. I panicked when I saw the store in the big black building on the corner of Chester and Colorado Blvd. empty! Be still my heart it's an IndyMac disease. Then, I saw the sign directing me eastward (three doors down) on Colorado. Aw, I'm in heaven again.

It's part of my idea of the Pasadena way to shop there. I've been a regular customer since my late teens twenties (when Miss H was only eighty-four fifty). There is nothing like the place if you're going to a crazy hoedown or if you are in need of a sexy Kim Novak cocktail dress tres decolatage for tea at the country club (or bohemian hellhole of candlesticks).

Across the street is the a bike store that I like, too. And, Zankou Chicken is delectable for lunch. I love this little town of mine but it was hot today. Not too many people were walking around-but I saw this familiar guy in the area:

I see him all the time. I must talk to him sometime. He's quite interesting looking. He reminds me of this drawing by William Steig (1942):

Then I came home and picked purple fruit all afternoon. I'm beat. I've got bushels of merlot grapes and Santa Rosa plums coming out of my ears.

*Aaardvark's history

Needle: US size 6/4mm
Yarn: Peaches & Creme (Shrimp, Peacock, Teal, celery, etc.)

First of all, we have lots of wood and pergo floors in our new house. Secondly, I, like many people these days, am trying to cut down on the amount of garbage I add to the environment. These situations led me to discover this pattern. I approached it with a little apprehension. The swiffer covers that I buy in the store are "elecrostatically charged," so I envisioned just pushing the dirt around while using my handknit swiffer covers. Nope; these things are great. I am so happy with them. The dirt and cat fur stick to the cover as well as it would stick to the electostatically charged disposable covers. Yay!!

As an added bonus, one has to be careful when cleaning wood floors not to get them overly wet. I wet one of my knitted covers and squeeze it out well. Voila, it is the perfect dampness to clean a wood floor. Love, love love.

It has helped me really eliminate clutter from my home. Now, my home is not one that would have been considered cluttered anyway. However, there were items that we did not use, nor need that took up space. I like the feel of more space! I guess it is more like stuff is taking up less space.

The quote “The things you own end up owning you.” – Flight Club is at the front of the book. This is so true! The Introduction goes on to say that as a nation, we are overwhelmed with too much stuff! However, more stuff does not mean happiness. Recently, I polled my students and found out that what they want most is our time... Interesting, since most adults want to just give them another trinket and a pat on the head – these kids want our time and attention and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. We have found that the students behave better when we tell them what we expect and have high standards. We are also building relationships with the children.

The book goes on to say that, it is just stuff. We think our home is too small – when in reality we just have too much stuff in the space we are in.

What’s really important? was a heading

Imagine the Life you want – does the stuff you own contribute to the life you are hoping to achieve? Or is it getting in the way?

William Morris writes that you should not have anything in your home that is not beautiful or functional.

Does this item enhance the life we want to live?

Everything we own has a memory and an emotion attached to it. We often attach it. We often associate a person, a specific event, or memorable moment with the things we own.

Stop buying on impulse – items that have no lasting value.

Money that is spent on stuff you never really use – could have been saved for something life changing – a vacation, college tuition, etc.

Is the stuff that costs money and fills up your house what makes you happiest, or would you be happier with less stuff and access to that long-gone money?

Imagine the life you want to live...

What is the life you want?

How do you spend your time?

How do you feel at home?

How do you interact with your family?

What do you accomplish in your home?

Do you see yourself as high-powered, successful, and on top of things?

Do you imagine a rich family life where everyone hangs our together?

Do you hope to one day find a perfect balance of work and home, of stimulation and clam?

Practice a new way of looking at your stuff and your space.

Change is Hard (pg. 52)

Does this item enhance and advance the vision I have for the life I want or does it impede that vision?

This is the only question you should ask yourself when looking at the clutter that fills your home.

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, DON’T GO OUT AND BUY ANYTHING.

I love that... I really need to hear that too. I am the worst at impulse buying.

No more great deals or sales – You can reward yourself preferably with something experiential and less material

Anything not used for twelve months has to go:

Do I use this?

How long has it been since I’ve used it?

Will I use it again?

Is it worth the space it takes up in my house?

Less truly is more.

Clothing (pg. 102)

lose the losers, keep the winners – if it does not look fabulous on you, don’t keep it

get rid of clothing that does not fit you

if you have not worn it (undies, p.j.’s, slips, etc.) in twelve months – toss it

I am a little over half way through with this book – it is a winner! I have gotten rid of more clutter with this tool...

The other shovel I bought only came with a plastic handle.

The dangers of plastic bags.  Thanks to my sister for sending this to me.  It makes you think.

I have a ton of those reusable totes you can buy at the grocery store.  I am generally very good about remembering them when I am going on a big shop.  Like for example when I am doing the grocery shopping for the week.

I am not so good at remembering to grab a bag when I am just running into the store for one or two things.  I really need to get a little tote that will fold up small and fit in my purse.  I know such things exits.  I have seen them online, and recently I have seen them in the You’re in Luck, It’s a Buck section at Target. 

I think I will have to pick one up the next time I’m there because I really must remember to use them all the time.  It’s a small thing but it’s something.  If everybody did one or two small things, maybe it would add up to something big.

If a company could figure out how to recycle boogers for some type of production, they could have an endless supply, and it would be very affordable.  They're all organic, so they're good for the environment.   And they're naturally remade every day, all over the world.  And if people got paid at all for their contributions, they'd be compensated more when they have a runny nose, like from allergies or a cold or just a general abundance of snot.  So it would make those times a little easier to bear.

I wonder why no one has thought of this before?

So, years ago, I used to recycle. I haven't done it in a long time. I guess I just got busy and it was easier to throw everything away then to take a trip to the recycling center. For some reason lately though, I have had this desire to recycle again. I drink a lot of bottled water, so there are lots of empty water bottles around. Of course, as I shared in one of my previous blogs, our minds have been so conformed to this world that we think recycling bottles is just about saving the earth. Well, isn't it? Well, how about recycling bottles being about saving souls?!
Okay, I can see your eyes rolling now LOL! How in the world can recycling plastic save souls?? I'll tell ya how! You knew I would, didn't you?!
Well, the recycling center is in the parking lot at the grocery store in town. Great big dumpster type bins for all of your paper, glass, tin and plastic. Well, I've noticed lately, since I've actually been opening my eyes and noticing things around me....that there is always one of four or so different guys down there digging through the recyclables. That's how they make their living. Searching through all the dumpsters in town for returnable pop cans or bottles that they can take back to the store for a refund. Think that's gross? How's that any different than Ruth gleaning the stuff that was dropped behind in Boaz's field?? It's not. And Boaz commanded his men to drop her LOTS of stuff on purpose!
So today, God tells me, "every time you bring back your recyclables, take your pop cans and bottles with you, and give them to whichever guy is down there digging through the dumpsters" !!!!!
YES!!!!
They usually bring one or two little grocery bags to collect their treasures. But when I bring my cans back to the store, I've usually got about 6 or 7 bags worth! So, I'll have to bring them extra bags too! Cause I'm not just gonna leave them one or two there on accident. I'm gonna pour it out ON PURPOSE!! All of my pop cans BELONG to them!!! What they go searching for what takes them all day long to collect, God's gonna dump on them in 2 minutes flat!! Because HE LOVES THEM!!! Just as much as He loves me!!
I'm not doing this because I need to sow a seed. I'm not doing this because we should give to the poor. I'm doing this because HE LOVES THEM!!
Sow seeds. Give to the poor. But above all.....BE LOVE!!!

THIS is so FUN!! I am absolutely loving this journey God has me on:) I haven't had this much fun since...EVER!!
C'mon....let's go have some fun with God!!
recycle bottles....save a soul :)

They better get bigger shopping carts....cause I'm coming down the road!!!

This is interesting, I had long had questions about People Tree, I couldnt believe they were making the amount of profit their profile suggested, and I suspected the deep pockets of Ms Minney and her banker husband were being explored with regularity.

Talking to people in Eco fashion over the last few years, I have heard many complaints about People Tree, and their percieved success, despite the fact that the quality wasnt considered particularly good by those who spoke to me.  Having never properly examined any people tree produce myself, I cant comment on that.

I have however seen other firms go out of business over the last few years, shops and clothing producers.  These were the people who had gone for it, stuck their necks out and taken the risks, but without any seriously big money or marketing nowse behind them.

I have watched with interest as Howies have apparently turned an economic corner, on their way to being a stable brand along side the likes of Fat Face, with high street shops in fashionable places.  But Howies of course owe that in part to their relatively new owners Timberland.  When I first came across Howies, I think they would have run a mile from Timberland, (maybe I'm wrong) but now they seem happy to be part of the American giant's family.

All this is interesting and sobering for me, as I continue to explore establishing my own clothing business.  It makes me glad I didnt rush into it,  and even more so now as I seem to have found a business partner who has the same heart as me, and all the logistical arrangements already in place to make a great business.  But if People Tree cant make the books balance yet in the UK (it took them eight years in Japan, still counting here) how long will it take us to do so?

And yet there is something right about it all, until we get to the point where cheap exploitative clothing is no longer the standard we measure everything else by, and we no longer think that good quality clothing made in proper conditions by fairly treated, well supported producers is 'unaffordable' then there is a lot of very worthwhile, even necessary work to do.

Hats off to Saffia Minney, hats off too to the people who tried to breakthrough, but didnt have the cash behind them to fall back on.  You guys are heroes, and one day you will be shown to be right.  You can be proud of what you have tried to do, and you will have something good to tell your grandchildren one day.

I do believe still that we should all consume less clothing by the way, and where possible make our own, buy second hand and so on, but I do recognise that new clothes do need to be made, and if we're going to make them, it needs to be done properly, no more undercover slavery.

Previous posts on this sort of subject...

Ethical fashion - oh the difficulties; The terrible truth about ethical business

Got any old "Tees" hanging around?

Why not convert them into cool, new totes?

Just cut the arm holes and neck a bit bigger and stitch up the bottom (by hand or machine).  Tank tops work especially well!  Voila!  You've got one of most chic bags around!  They're stretchy and strong!                      If you're not ready to cut up your old shirts just yet, why not visit a thrift shop where you can find clever Tees and tanks for just pennies?

My "Life is good" bag is one of my favorites!

Intro:

Just because you're concerned about climate change doesn't mean you have to live in a yurt in outer Mongolia. You can be passionate about the environment, without strapping yourself to a whaling ship or using yourself as a human shield against bulldozers that mow down old-growth trees. All it takes are a few smart, fuss-free choices to make the change you wish to see in the world, while rejuvenating your body, home, and planet at the same time. Choosing green might even save you some green in the process. Our list is by no means exhaustive, but it's a righteous start. -

Paper nor Plastic:

Eschew plastic bags by bringing your own reusable canvas totes the next time you're at the supermarket or store. Because petroleum-based plastic isn't biodegradable, it's certain to outlive you-by about a millennium or so. Each year, thousands of marine animals, including the endangered leatherback turtle, choke to death on plastic trash they mistake for snackable morsels. Our unholy love for plastic disposables has also bred a swirling vortex of plastic trash the size of Texas in the North Pacific Ocean-not surprising when you consider that Americans run through about 100 billion plastic bags annually, using up an estimated 12 million barrels of oil.

The 3 R's:

Start rolling those Rs: Reduce, reuse, and recycle-and in that order. Let's face it, we're mired deep in ecological debt because we're consuming more resources than nature can replenish. By gorging on more than our fair share of the world's resources, we're also diverting essentials such as food, clothing, and water from communities in greater need. So let's recap: It's better to reduce your personal consumption than it is to reuse something, and it's less environmentally taxing to reuse a product than to have it recycled. Separating recyclables from your regular trash, which barely takes any effort, is a no-brainer, of course; recycling aluminum, for instance, takes as little as 5 percent of the energy we'd need to manufacture virgin aluminum.

One Bright Idea:

If you're going to do just one thing for the planet, make it the switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Although they cost several times more upfront than regular incandescent light bulbs, they also last about 10 times longer, which means that for every CFL you screw in, you'll be saving eight incandescent light bulbs from landfill purgatory. Plus, you'll save some serious cash in the long run. Because CFLs use 75 percent less energy, swapping one incandescent bulb for a CFL reduces carbon dioxide by 500 pounds a year; replacing 17 has the equivalent effect of taking one car off the road for a year. Just remember to recycle spent bulbs responsibly - CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, which although isn't enough to be hazardous to you, could pose a problem in landfills when mercury from multiple bulbs leaches into the ground.

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