RE-lapse in time.

So folks, sorry about the lack of updates on our blog. But no worries, we are still kicking. 

Lesson of the past couple weeks: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. RETHINK everything you do.

Tips for Reducing:

Avoid packaging! Why do you need a new grocery bag every time you go to the store? Why does your toothpaste need two packages? Why have we tricked ourselves into thinking that NEW = BETTER? 

Listen to this: you can reduce trash, pollution, and the money we spend on plastic bags by bringing your own tote bag to the store (any store, not just groceries!).  Avoid buying things with excess packaging! Use your consumer power for something good!  Buy used stuff.  It's more eco-friendly, and its cheaper too! Not to mention the hipster status you get from thrifting...And borrow things from your friends.  You probably have plenty of friends with similar needs, tastes, and interests, so if you really need or want something, you can find a friend to help you out!

Tips for Reusing:

IF possible, reuse. It's awesome. Keep cans/containers/bottles to store things. Buy whatever food you can in bulk, and reuse containers for that (Integral Yoga and Wholefoods are great places to buy in bulk). Give clothes to Goodwill or our local favorite SPCA Rummage. Use creativity and reduce trash impact. If we make a conscious effort to watch what we throw away, we will find that we are throwing away things that could be reused, or recycled for that matter. 

UVA recycling has some super good tips and events: 

http://utilities.fm.virginia.edu/recycling/guide.aspx

and for Charlottesville:

http://www.charlottesville.org/Index.aspx?page=566

Tips for Recycling:

Just do it. Please. Our house has gone from two large trash-cans a week to one small one by using the reducing/recycling/ composting magic formula!!! How cool is that?

Since Sarah is 21 now...21 things you didn't know you could recycle found here: http://www.greenamericatoday.org/pubs/greenamerican/articles/21Things.cfm

We'd like to add aluminum foil to the list. Just clean it off if food is on it. Just think about how much aluminum foil we through away? It's the same as the cans we so love to recycle! And aluminum is one of the easiest materials to recycle (less downcycling, more recycling!) So next time, think about recycling your aluminum foil.

Tips for Composting:

"Composting is the decomposition of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy, dark, crumbly substance that is excellent for adding to houseplants or enriching garden soil. It is the way to recycle your yard and kitchen wastes, and is a critical step in reducing the volume of garbage needlessly sent to landfills for disposal. It's easy to learn how to compost." http://www.howtocompost.org/

In short: Keep a bin under the sink or somewhere in the kitchen where you can keep all natural trash from fresh foods. All fruits and vegetables/seeds/greens/eggshells/paper-towels/anything biodegradable. Do NOT put meat or cheese...or you will have some problems. Every couple of days, throw it in a pile where you put the old on top and the new compost on the bottom to let it break down into good nutrient dense soil.

We hope you found these helpful and challenging!

Peace love and everything local.